Chapter 3

(THERLYN'S POV)

While Namjoon was driving on the way to the wedding venue, I keep repeating in my mind of what I'm going to say when I see him again. Hopefully, I won't break down in front of him. To be honest I'm proud of him, and I'm very happy that he's going to get married. I use to even tease him. When we were in high school, I would tease him a lot that he's not going to get married since he never dated anyone. In fact, he's really shy with girls except me since we're really good friends. But then I guess, some people change throughout their age, especially with their feelings towards a person. I still remember what he told me when we were on a retreat camp. It still feels like yesterday.

* FLASHBACK (8 Years Ago) *

I was in the balcony of the cabin, with my hair tied up and drinking tea. I just woke up, but some of my schoolmates are still asleep. I really like the cold breeze in the morning. Not to mention here in a peaceful campsite. No loud city noises, no hustles and bustles. Just solitude and a peaceful view. Just perfect, to make me say to myself that one day, I want to live and settle in a place like this.

After drinking my tea, I decided to go for a stroll. As I was walking, I saw someone standing near the docks, bareback. Wait, what? As I walk closer, I look to see Jin. Wait, what's he doing shirtless in the morning? It's cold and he's gonna get sick. I walk towards him and greeted him. "Morning." "Theylyn?" He said, startled and ask, "What are you doing out in the cold morning?"

"Should I be asking you that?" I said, my arms crossed. "I wanted to swim in the river. I heard some of the cool guys say that you'd be more manly when you do that."

"And you believe them? Jin, you're gonna get sick when you do that. That's a stupid idea." I said while holding his arm, gesturing him not to do it. "I'm sick of being called a wimp, Therlyn. I wanna show them that I can be manly and in the future, I can protect the girl that I love. Why can't you understand that!" He spat, making me let go of his arm. I got scared, and he knew that and suddenly softened his expression. Before he could go to the river, he looked at me and started to run. "JIN, NO!!!!"

* TIME SKIP *

I was outside the clinic, hands still shivering. I can't believe he did that. Yes, Jin jumped. But he couldn't take the coldness of the water and almost drown. Good thing that one of our teachers were awake already and quickly got help. I'm still stiff and traumatized of what happened to Jin. He doesn't have to do that to prove himself that he's strong and manly. For me, he's a knight in shining armor, the perfect Prince Charming. Is he liking someone else that he had to do it? Don't get me wrong, I've always been wanting him to date. And since we're bestfriends, we're supposed to be open with each other. Does he not want to hang out with me anymore? Is he embarrassed with me now with his "new friends"? Does he like someone that is far from his standards, to the point where he has to get rid of his relationship with me? With these overwhelming thoughts made me not want to see him right now, so I decided to leave without seeing him. I'm too mad and sad to encounter him.

* A WEEK LATER *

I've been eating alone in the cafeteria. I haven't been talking to Jin ever since the retreat incident. I don't even know what he's been doing ever since I've been ignoring him. But to be honest, I don't even care anymore. I'm sure that he's now happy with his new friends and probably new girlfriend. It hurts me to say that I miss him so much. I miss how he gives me ice cream when I'm sad and we would watch movies at his backyard with the projector on. I miss those moments

I went out of my thoughts when one of my classmates, Anna, called me. "Therlyn! Therlyn! Quick, you need to see this." she said, while showing her phone and open a video to see Jin, talking to one of the popular guys, Holden Jacobs. He told him to do a dare, that he needs to jump in the cold river, but Jin said no. Then my eyes widen after what Holden said next. "If not, I would do something to that "ice cream girl" you always hang out with. Gotta admit, she's cute. But I think she's hot too." Then Jin grab his collar, and slam him on the wall. "Don't you ever hurt Therlyn! She's nothing to do with your hatred and jealousy on me. If you ever lay a finger even to the strand of her hair. I will-" then Holden cut him off and said,

"Then do it... for the sake of your little girlfriend." He said smirking, making Jin mad, but at the same time, worry.

My tears stared to flow from my eyes, knowing that he did this. Jin did the dare just for me, and I've been ignoring him. I should've let myself getting overwhelmed by my illusions of him hating me. I feel guilty now.

Then Anna held my shoulder and said, "Holden got suspended after the principal saw this. But Jin got detention yesterday since he broke the retreat camp rules. He said he feels sorry for yelling at you. But he had to do it... for you."

"Where is he then?" I asked. "He's on the rooftop, you should go. He's waiting for you."

I ran out of the cafeteria and headed straight for the rooftop. As I open the door, I saw him, with his back facing me. I ran to him and gave him a backhug. He got startled, but sigh in relief when he heard my voice. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry! I don't deserve this, but please, don't do that again? I don't wanna lose you please!" I was crying so much that I didn't notice that he turn to face me, and hug me back. "Did you watch it?" he asked, and I nodded while burying my head on his chest, and he just chuckled. "Do you wanna know why I haven't been dating anyone?" "Why?" I asked, looking at him. He tugged the stray hair behind my ear and said...

"Because I've been saving my love for you."

* END OF FLASHBACK *

*****

(JIN'S POV)

I've been caressing the black box with my thumb. I was supposed to give this to Therlyn, but I guess, it's too late now. They were right. as much as I made it through military, I can't even fight for the ones that I love. Especially, to the woman I really wanted to be with. I'm still a wimp.

I'm sorry, Therlyn.

Your Prince Charming turns out to be nothing but A Wimpy Fool.

*****