Aaron Yan Ella Chen Fan Fiction Hebe Tian love On Going Stories teen fiction Wu Chun

LEARN: That when you plan to get even with someone, you're only letting that person continue to hurt you.

CHUN

The night breeze was damp and cool against my cheeks. The darkness of the night seemed to consume my existence so that no one could see me in my current state. It's something I can personally thank the darkness about. The breeze blew harder and small, cottony flakes of snow entered the open window to the premise of my domain - the den where I, the notorious He-lion, had been hibernating for the past four weeks. The wind whistled in my ears and the white, flimsy curtain danced in its melody.

I turned to stare at the view and listlessly reached out a hand to cushion the fall of a snowflake. I watched in fascination as it melts in the warmth of my hands. Somehow, it made me wonder what's still keeping my body warm. Since the incident a month ago, I've always thought that my heart had already turned into a smoking frost of ice. Grunting, I tried to stand up to close the window. The strayed beam of light seemed like an abomination to my sensitive eyes. Wearily pulling myself up from how I was sprawled on the cold floor, I stepped into something cylindrical that caused me to lose my balance and stumble on the dusty cushion.

Carelessly, my eyes searched for the culprit and picked it up with my right hand. Scrutinizing the scrunched can of beer, I remembered that it was me who threw it in the tiled floor a few minutes ago. It just annoyed me that it appeared tasteless in my tongue. I trailed my weary gaze to the mess in front of me - from the scrunched cans of beer, to the empty bottles of whiskey, to the pile of unwashed shirts, to the abandoned remote control, to the crumpled sheets of paper, to the ruined lampshade, to the tangle of duvet, bed sheet and pillows, and finally to my broken phone.

A vaguely familiar tone snapped me out of my conscious thoughts. However, it still took me a few minutes to realize that the tone was emanating from the forlorn phone I was staring at. The tone seemed so distant and dull compared to the loud and uneven beating of my heart. I stared at it for a few heady minutes before reaching out to turn it off. I didn't even take a look on who the caller was. Why? What's the use of knowing who they were and answering their calls? Surely, they would be asking about how I had been doing for the past month that I hadn't showed up in the office. They would be asking why Aaron suddenly took the position in my behalf until the time when I'm already strong enough to get up from the hell hole I've fallen myself into. In fact, I hadn't considered it possible to pull myself up. This pit had been so dark, so cold and so deep.

And I knew that only one person has the ability to save me from my downfall.

I'm a lost cause now. I didn't think I'm still capable of living my miserable life for another week. How can one live, anyway?

I'm even surprised that I was able to live this long. Imagine? I made it until the fourth week...

...with a broken and bleeding heart!

ELLA

I had been stirring the warm tea absentmindedly for the past thirty minutes while staring outside the window - blurred slightly by the translucent mist brought by the visit of winter. Watching the passers-by wearily, my gaze suddenly focused on the thin reflection of the vapor evaporating from the tea I'd been stirring. It looked like delicate gossamer drawing an unfamiliar shape in the cold air.

I could feel the coldness of the winter seeping through the thick layers of clothes I was wearing. It even surprised me that that was not as far as they could get. Slowly, the coldness percolated through my thin skin, breaking past the barriers I placed in my heart. There it laid and rested, along with my rime-covered heart.

I never accepted the obvious fact that I was vulnerable. I had always been trying to portray a strong personality in front of everybody. However, without anyone in sight, I knew I was permeable and brittle. But I never admitted it, nor do I plan to do so in the future. I didn't want anyone to take advantage of me. I gained this position in my life through my conscious effort of building a strong resolve around me that no one could get through. I armed my heart with strong and thick battle gears to counter cupid's careless attempt to penetrate it with his arrow.

And no; not a chance that love could get past my defenses. I could not allow it.

It had been my belief, until last month's incidence rattled the resolve I thought was impossible to break. To my disappointment, it shattered in just a snap.

Inhaling deeply, I allowed the cool oxygen to travel through my nostrils and fill my lungs. I needed to breathe. The confusion in my heart for the past weeks had been intimidating. I didn't know how to handle it.

I exhaled slowly, and dropped my eyes to the cup of tea in my hands.

"He is still not picking up my call," someone with sweet, endearing voice said. I turned to look at the source of the voice and found myself staring at the brown, doe-like eyes of my friend. He came over to sit at the chair opposite mine.

"Who?" I asked in return, albeit indifferently.

He looked at me as though something was wrong with what I said. Nevertheless, he answered, "Chun."

I shrugged my shoulders and continued to stir my tea. Silence fell before us but I was not uncomfortable. I was not in the mood to talk about how my business partner had been doing or what his issues had been since he disappeared from the company. As long as he left someone to take care of his left businesses, it was fine.

"Aren't you even worried about him?" asked the person in front of me. I looked up and caught sight of his intuitive gaze.

I raised my brows and answered, "Is there a reason for me to be worried?"

He pursed his lips, as if hesitating to say what he was thinking, "Ella, his heart had been broken since you didn't show up that night and you know it."

"It's not a problem Aaron. He can just move on and forget about me. I offered to be his friend, okay?" I defended in behalf of my action.

It was true that Chun did ask me to come over to his house for dinner a month ago. I didn't know what the sudden rush of emotions inside of me at that time meant. All I knew was that I was happy. I didn't know where the growing flame of excitement was coming from but I didn't question it all the same. I welcomed it. I let my guard down and allowed it to consume me.

And that was, so far, my worst regret.

"Ella, I'm a guy and I know how it feels like. I'm not saying this because he is my brother. I'm saying this because you're my friend. And don't deny the fact that you do love him too. Why not give him a chance and let both of you be happy?" he asked, looking intently in my eyes.

I wanted to be defiant and meet his eyes with mine in a challenge but I found truth in his words. It stung and caused me to bite my lips anxiously.

"Aaron, you don't know enough," I said in a low voice, trying to find a way to escape the conversation.

'In fact, no one knows' I wanted to add. Whether they knew something or not, they could not understand me. So what difference could it make if I decided to tell him something? People are innately selfish and desire-seeking. I had been trying to fight that horrifying natural tendency.

"Try me," Aaron said, surprising me when he placed his warm hands over mine in the table. I didn't pull away. I stared at our joined hands, wondering how he can make me feel like I could trust him just by a gesture like that.

I closed my eyes and recited a poem. My heart started to palpitate inside my rib cage.

"The loud bass of my heartbeat is all I can hear
As you look at me and flash a smile that's so sincere
Your eyes are soft as the gentle zephyrs cheer
The blossoming emotions are so achingly dear..."

Through my closed eyes, I could feel my heart beating wildly in its cage as I tried to imagine Chun's face. His lips broke in a charming smile that had always made an eruption of butterflies in my stomach. His eyes, his soft and beautiful eyes, were just so enchanting and yielding I felt like I could remain under his gaze forever and not feel insecure.

"My fingers itch to trace the silkiness of your skin
Whenever your lips break in an adorable grin
I take a deep breath to calm my heart's fast beating
But shortly, I decide to give up and let my feelings win..."

Chun's skin had been undeniably silky and smooth that I wanted nothing more than to caress every inch of it. He held my heart captive whenever he smiles. I'd always tried to evade it. These feelings that he aroused inside of me were already melting my resolve. I never wanted to feel like I needed anyone to make me feel secured. I'd always tried to convince myself that I didn't need anyone to protect me and that I could independently take care of myself. I tried to shove off the feelings I had for him but it had felt utterly torturous to the point that I became fed-up and miserable. I let the feelings burst out of my heart, making me feel weak and lost.

"Your image always haunts me every cold night
When the moon's silver shreds sparkle with might
Countless times there was when I tried to fight
But I cannot turn back from something that feels so right..."

He had been in my dreams and I lost count of the times I get up from bed with a smiling face because I dreamed about him. Somehow, a small part of me wanted to be held in his arms and shielded from the coldness of the night. I was only so afraid to admit it to myself because I hated the fact that I was starting to be dependent on someone.

"The raven hair that frames your handsome face
It goes with the wind in a dance so full of grace
You tilt your face to welcome the sun's golden rays
And let the playful wind continue with its chase...

Your eyes look at me in a tender gaze
This sent my heart in a pit of complicated maze
The doe-like orbs that complement the angle of your face
Always touch the side of my heart where emotion lays..."

He had always been the gentlest of men I've ever known. He knew when to speak and when to keep silent. He knew what should be left unsaid. It was not because he is not true to himself. It was because he cared. It was not for the purpose of lying, but rather, it was for the purpose of letting the person discover his own faults for himself. It was something I had always adored about him. He had always been so caring... but I never entertained the idea of being the one that he should take care of. It was not because I didn't like him. It was because I didn't like the idea of being taken care of.

"Your shoulders are broad and your body is lean
The warmth of protection they promise is readily seen
But I can never let myself fall for this grave sin
I have to turn back even if the pain is crippling...

I clutch my heart to save it from its downfall
Trying to ignore its insistent plea and lamenting call
Tampered pieces of my heart scattered across the hall
Yet I ignored it to keep my sanity...

For could only ever be my 'Ge' after all..."

Yes. The idea of being with Chun had been so tempting I have to slap myself a few times just to shrug it off my head. I didn't want to accept or even just entertain the idea of having feelings for him. I knew that it's positive but admitting it to myself could lead to a serious disaster. I was well aware that once a person admits her feelings for someone, the feelings intensify exponentially. I didn't want that to happen. Intensified feelings could only mean one thing. Dependence.

I opened my eyes when Arron's hand squeezed mine thoughtfully. I searched his eyes, wondering what's going on in his head after I said those words. His gaze softened and his lips broke in an empathetic smile.

My heart sank. I knew in that instant that he misinterpreted. Yes. Those words were the also the inscription of what I feel about Chun, though it missed a significant part about unwanted protection, but...

"Arron..."

He squeezed my hand once more, "Ella, it's okay. You don't need to avoid him. You just have to tell him. Or just let him read the poem you write especially for him."

I gulped. Hard. That's just the reason why I couldn't tell him anything and most especially about the poem. Because...

"Arron. It's not mine," I said. It was my turn to hold his hand and gave it a squeeze before saying, "It's Hebe's."

I could never miss the painful disbelief that eclipsed his eyes at the mention of my sister's name.

HEBE

The winter was undeniably cold but the frost in my heart was colder. My feet were heavy as I try to walk my way home in the middle of a snow-coated street. Every step I took was a torture. It was as if someone had put a chain around my heart and in every step I took, the chain got tighter - choking me. My hair was wet as the soft cotton of snows melted against it. I didn't bother to brush them away, nor to look for a place to take cover. I didn't bother to hail a cab to take me home. In fact, I didn't know which way was home.

What will you do if you fell in love with a guy who never cared enough to look back at you?

What will you do if you just couldn't stop your feelings from growing deeper, even if you knew that he could not reciprocate what you feel for him?

What will you do if you tried to get the hang of things and tried to live by the bitter fact of unrequited love, only to find that he had already fallen for someone else?

What will you do if you were not allowed to do anything other than to look at them secretly with a bleeding heart?

And what will you do if that 'someone else' was your own dear sister?

I clutched my heart in an attempt to calm its furious beating. It hurt. Deeply. I didn't even know where to extract the exact word to match the pain I was feelings. The frost of the falling snow seemed to create a spell, making my fingers numb. How I wish it could cast a spell in my heart too and make me numb from emotions. At least I could be able to act normally even only until then.

I looked up at the dark sky and let the thin flakes of snow fall in my face. Beads of tears collected in my eyes as I watched the snow-coated branches of trees. I didn't know if I was strong enough. I didn't know if it was already time to let go. After all, four year of holding on to these feelings wasn't a short time at all. Confusion had never been something that I could tolerate well.

My feet brought me to a familiar place. It was a park filled with trees and swings. It had been the witness of my ups and downs in life. I smiled tearfully and I roamed my eyes around me, silently begging for signs. Suddenly, my eyes caught a sight of a tree with snow-coated branches. It didn't look as much different from the other trees but something was amiss, for it still has one leaf resting in its branch, refusing to let go despite the strong whiff of the cold winter wind.

My lips curved up in a sorrowful smile. Tears gathered in my eyes once more when I realized that the sign I was looking for showed up before me. Hold on, was it?

But my hopes died down when a gust of wind brushed against my back. The strong current tore the last leaf from the branch. Feeling the chain in my heart tighten once more, I instinctively turned around and walked away. I didn't want to see the leaf falling helplessly on the ground, with nothing to cushion its fall. It was then that I realized... no matter how strong a person is, she is just human, delimited by human strengths and limitations.

After the interpretation of the sign, I rushed back home.

It was time to let go.

ARRON

Ella left already. I offered to drive her home but she refused my offer, saying that she wanted to be alone. I could never thank her more for that. It wasn't the real reason why she refused my offer. Though it might be true, but Ella knew that I needed time to recompose myself after what she'd just told me.

Hebe wrote the poem. Wholeheartedly. I could literally feel the swirl of emotions in every word.

I could feel my heart shatter into million pieces. Hebe? Hebe loved Chun. She was in love with my brother. Of all the men in world, why him? Why did she have to choose him?

But no. That was not fair. My hand clenched inside the pocket of my coat, not because of the coldness brought by the winter breeze but because of the unbearable pain that came with unfathomable remorse.

It was all my fault.

If only I was man enough to confess my real feelings for her, if only I wasn't a shame of a man who chose to keep his pride than to face the possibility of being rejected, if only I gave it a try...

Nothing could beat the pain of losing a battle you failed to foresee. I should have tried, at least, to let her know my feelings. I shouldn't have chosen to keep my pride in her stead.

I had been in love with her for years. I had been holding on to these feelings while trying to look indifferent and casual when she's around. It was torturous. It was a constant ache in my heart.

I walked wearily as if all the life in me had been chased away. I didn't know where my feet were leading me. I didn't care anymore. In every breath I took, the pain intensified.

I couldn't believe the irony of life. Or maybe, I shouldn't bother life about my imperfections. It was all me. Come to think of it: I was so busy trying to patch up the path towards Ella and Chun's happily ever after that I failed to see that the way towards mine was already distorted.

A gust of wind flew by and I found myself standing in the middle of a familiar place. It was the place where I first saw her. It was the place where I held memories of her. There were countless times when I followed her to this place, watching her silently in her ups and downs. I never really had enough courage to show up and comfort her.

I looked up at the unforgiving sky and sought comfort under the leafless branches of snow-coated trees. Something caught my eye. Instinctively, I reached out.

A familiar silhouette flashed before my eyes.

Trailing my gaze back to my hand, I opened it to reveal what it was that I caught in my palm.

I found myself staring at a lone miracle leaf.

Without a second thought, I raced up in chase of my angel.

I enfolded my happiness in hands, never wanting to let go...

Aaron Yan Ella Chen Fan Fiction Hebe Tian love On Going Stories teen fiction Wu Chun

The loud bass of my heartbeat is all I can hear

As you look at me and flash a smile that's so sincere 

Your eyes are soft as the gentle zephyrs cheer 

The blossoming emotions are so achingly dear. 

My fingers reach out to trace the silkiness of your skin 

I watch in fascination as your lips broke in a charming grin 

I take a deep breath to calm my heart's fast beating 

But shortly, I decide to give up and let my feelings win. 

Your image always haunts me every cold night 

When the moon's silver shreds sparkle with might 

Countless times there was when I tried to fight 

But I cannot turn back from something that feels so right. 

The raven hair that frames your handsome face 

It goes with the wind in a dance so full of grace 

You tilt your face to welcome the sun's golden rays 

And let the playful wind continue with its chase. 

Your eyes look at me in a tender gaze 

This sent my heart in a pit of complicated maze 

The doe-like orbs that complement the angle of your face 

Always touch the side of my heart where emotion lays. 

Your shoulders are broad and your body is lean 

The warmth of protection they promise is readily seen 

But I can never let myself fall for this grave sin 

I have to turn back even if the pain is crippling. 

I clutch my heart to save it from its downfall 

Trying to ignore its insistent plea and lamenting call 

Tampered pieces of my heart scattered across the hall 

Yet I ignored it to keep my sanity…

For you could only ever be my Ge after all…

I clutched my chest protectively in an attempt to still its harsh pounding. The truth that unveiled before my very eyes had been enough to draw shock. I could literally feel the pain radiate to my lungs, making breathing a hard labor. I stumbled on a cushion, feeling my strength dissipating from my body.

My phone played a familiar melody and I instinctively pressed the 'read' button. Like what I expected, it was a message from someone who had always been so painfully dear to my heart. I smiled tearfully. He had invited me to have dinner with him at his yacht. My heart fluttered blissfully in its cage at the thought of it and I didn't know what I feel anymore. It was like a tug of war between two opposing forces that are too strong; neither wanting to let go.

A solitary bead of tear escaped the rim of my eye before I could stop it. With shaking hands, I texted my little sister; telling her to get her most beautiful cocktail dress ready tonight.


Chun Wu
"It's hard to pretend you love someone when you don't but it's harder to pretend that you don't love someone when you deeply do."

Ella Chen
"It hurts when you find out that the person you love feels the same about you but you just have to step back to avoid conflicts."

Aaron Yan
"Sometimes, persons who are afraid of engaging in a relationship are the ones who know what it's actually like."

Hebe Tian
"It hurts when you know you both love each other but you can't be together just because it has to be like that."

▌ H A L F L I F E ▐
"Should I be happy because we know each other or should I cry because that's as far as we can get?"

Ella Chen Fan Fiction love On Going Stories Wu Chun

… because sometimes, persons who are good in taking care of others, are also those persons who are in need of someone who will take care of them.

Ella sat comfortably on the soft cushion in the middle of the Hebe’s living room. She browsed the magazines, flipping each pages one by one and settled on the sports corner. She was reading the columns when Hebe came down from the kitchen with a tray of snacks on her hands. When she saw her, Ella immediately stood up from the sofa and strode her way to Hebe, trying to offer her assistance. Hebe then, refused her offer and asked her to sit back on the couch because she’s the visitor.

Hebe settled the tray in the centre table and sat on the couch opposite Ella’s. She grabbed a piece of cookie and started eating.

“So, how have you been?” Ella asked as she reached out for the glass of orange juice Hebe prepared. Hebe raised a brow at her, as if asking her to elaborate further. “I mean, about you and… the guy,” she said, unable to name the person she’s pertaining to.

Hebe licked her lips thoughtfully and said, “I’m fine Ella. After all, I know that in time, he will learn to love me too.” She smiled at her and grabbed another piece of cookie.

Ella drew a deep breath and tried to shove away the tinge of pain she felt in her heart when she heard Hebe’s statement. She’s always been there for her. Why is it that she never noticed her importance in her life? She’s willing to give her everything she could ever want. Why can’t she just give her a chance to prove herself?

“Hebe, I’m always here for you,” she assured her, reaching out to place a hand over Hebe’s. She tried to stop herself from opening the topic about the two of them; about her real feelings for her. She wanted and needed them to be more than friends. She’d always felt something beyond sisterly love for Hebe since they were in puberty stage. But Hebe doesn't feel the same. For her, Ella’s just another friend.

Though the state of things isn’t easy for Ella, she refuses to let go just yet. She’d been holding on to this love for her best friend for more than a decade and she will not let those years of waiting for her love to be requited go to waste. She will stay in Hebe’s side until she realized that she’s the one for her, that she’ll be happy with her; that she can give her everything other men cannot.

Hebe merely smiled at the thoughtful act of her friend and gently removed her hand from Ella’s hold. She reached for a glass of juice and took a quick sip. She had been Ella’s friend since they were in preschool. She knows everything about Ella and she’s not dumb enough to deny the fact that her friend is always trying to make steps and advances on her. And yet, Hebe refused to ditch away their years of being friends only because of Ella’s insistent feelings for her.

“Don’t worry about me, Ella. I can take care of myself. And besides, I just met a man last month. He approached me when I was crying because I saw Aaron with another girl. That was after I told you that I need some time alone,” Hebe narrated, happiness is reflecting from her eyes as she recalled the scene. The man was undeniably handsome. His gestures portray protection and strength.

Ella took a glance at Hebe as she told her the story about how the man she just met wiped her tears with a tissue and comforted her like he had known her for years already. He had been there for a stranger. Ella kept her eyes on the magazine with her head hanging low so that Hebe will not see how she scrunched her nose in indignation on how Hebe described his features. She said he has spiky black hair, with his bangs covering half of his beautiful doe-like eyes; he has royalty-carved nose; prominent cheekbones; strong and manly jaw line; kissable, thin, and luscious lips. He has broad shoulders, towering height, and hypnotic smile.

Ella’s lips twitched in disgust. Hebe must’ve been exaggerating the state of things. How can someone look like an alive and breathing Adonis? They’re already faced-out in this world.

“So you sought comfort from other person’s arms after you turned down my concern for you?” Ella muttered softly, trying to convey to her friend the pain seeping through her heart in the least confusing way. She doesn't want Hebe to feel bad and guilty but she thought she needed to know how she feels. She just ditched away her assistance and offer of help, saying she wants to be alone. And yet, she just wanted a man’s presence. She knows that she doesn't have all the necessary parts to be a man but she is man at heart. She’s as strong as a man. She knows that. But Hebe couldn't see it.

Hebe’s eyes widen at Ella’s mild accusation. She shook her head from side to side, and tried to explain herself to her friend, “It’s not like that Ella. It’s just that I found him amusing. I’m just sharing an experience Ella. I’m not trying to replace you in my heart.” Hebe explained herself sincerely, though at times, she can also feel herself getting a little fed-up because of Ella’s intrusion in her personal life.

Hebe looked down. After all, Ella was right. A part of her wanted a man’s strength, a man’s support, and a man’s care. She’s still a woman, and she wanted a man to be her other half. She wanted a pleasant and romantic love story but whenever a man is there to approach her and shows interest in her, Ella will always do something to get that man out of their lives. She never wanted anyone to get near her. And it killed her chances for a good relationship with other man.

It’s a good thing that Ella didn't intrude in her relationship with Aaron, after she asked her not to, of course. Hebe had been in love with Aaron since she was in her college years but Aaron’s attitude is inexcusable. And yet, she refuses to give up just yet. She will not give up on him. She will just let him enjoy his womanizing ways. After all, when everything is over, when he finally realized that he’s sick of the way his world evolves, she knows that he will come back to her.

“It’s okay. I understand that I am not good enough for you, Hebe. But I will not give up. I will protect you no matter what,” Ella said in pure determination.

Hebe nodded her head, smiling lightly. Good thing Ella understands her. “Anyway, how’s your relationship with Jiro? I heard that you had a fight together,” Hebe inquired. She felt sorry for the poor guy when she figured out from Selina that Jiro got beaten up by Ella. From what she’d gathered, Ella beat Jiro up because she doesn't want him to approach her (Hebe). So, to sum it up, Jiro was beaten because of her. She bit her lip at the thought.

Ella’s face broke in an unfriendly smirk, “Yeah. I haven’t seen him for the past weeks. That poor guy. He’s not even man enough to fight back. I don’t want other guys taking advantage of you, Hebe. So, when you told me that you want to be left alone, I followed him. I cornered him in an alley and I beat him up. I wasn’t contented yet but a friend of him came and intruded.”

Hebe nodded, trying to picture what happened in her mind. Ella was way too much but she’s trying to be patient with her. Ella needs attention and support from a friend because she barely has one.

“The other guy shoved that poor man aside and aimed at me. I was about to beat him too but he refused to continue our match, saying that I was a girl,” Ella’s face flared up when she recalled how that man degraded her personality. She hates it when people call her a girl. She doesn't want to be one and she refused to acknowledge the thought that she has feminine parts. If she’ll be given the chance to change her gender, she’ll most definitely choose to be a guy. Then, she could ask Hebe’s hand for marriage.

“That bulky man refused to fight with me, saying and stressing that I was a girl,” Ella ranted, her nose flaring in exasperation. “But before I left, I threatened them not to step a single toe out of line,” she smiled triumphantly as she finished her story.

Hebe smiled at her friend. Ella’s willpower sure is strong but she knows that somewhere inside Ella’s heart, there’s still a soft spot. Despite her cold and strong exterior, she’s still a girl.

And, though how much she tried to shove it, she can never erase that one obvious fact.

A familiar tone emanating from Hebe’s phone cut their conversation. Hebe excused herself and reached out for her phone. The number wasn't registered on her phone book  Nonetheless, she pressed a green button and placed the phone close to her ears, “Hebe Tian speaking. Who is this?”

A vaguely familiar voice greeted from the other line and Ella watched as Hebe’s frown morphed in a delighted smile. She cannot make much sense of what the two are talking over the phone but she sure knows that whatever it is, it passed Hebe’s liking.

“No. No it’s fine. Don’t worry I’ll come,” she heard Hebe said. And then, she was silent again, listening to what the person on the other line is saying.

“Yeah. Okay then. I’ll be ready. But… can I bring a friend with me?” Hebe asked lightly, and took a glance at the eating Ella. Though Ella isn't looking at her, she heard clearly what Hebe had said. She’s thankful, though, that despite what she did to Jiro, Hebe didn't change her treatment to her.

“Yeah. Thank you… bye,” she said and cut the phone call. She turned to Ella, smiling widely.

“Ella, be ready at six tonight, okay? We’re going to watch a movie together,” Hebe said in an excited tone.

Ella frowned and sipped a few drops of her juice, “We and who?”

Hebe’s smile didn't waver a bit. Instead, it even grew wider, “Wu Chun.”




A man wearing his black, snugly fitting collared shirt, dark blue pants and white rubber shoes stood erectly in front of an apartment. He checked his watch and it beamed five minutes before six. Taking gentle advancing steps, he raised a finger to ring the doorbell.

He remembered how he’d asked her to watch a movie with him earlier that day. This is his chance with her. He tried to look for a perfect timing when he could finally pursue her and after a month of keeping her phone number on the silver platter, he finally gathered all his courage and gave her a call. Asking her for a movie will be the first move to countless more dates he will invite her in. This could’ve been a perfect timing to ask her everything he wanted to know about her, as a foundation, that is. But she’d asked him if she could bring a friend with her. And despite the fact that her friend will spoil the privacy he wanted to have with her, he cannot say no to her either.

A few seconds later, he heard the door screeching open, revealing a dazzling lady with pixie-cut hair. She offered him a smiled and he returned her courtesy with a manly smile. He can still remember the smile she offered him after she finished crying a month ago. It was the same heart-warming smile she’s giving her just now.

“We still have to fetch my friend. Don’t worry. Her apartment is just a few blocks from mine,” Hebe said shortly.

Chun assisted her to the passenger’s seat of his car and started the engine. He sighed. Maybe some other day, he’s going to have his privacy with this alluring lady. Some other day, but definitely not today. He can only hope that Hebe’s friend isn't monstrous. He doesn't want to have the same fate as Jiro’s.

Through Hebe’s assistance and direction, they arrived at Hebe’s friend’s apartment. Chun parked the car just in front of the doorstep. He went out of the car and assisted Hebe by opening the door for her. Murmuring a brief thank you, Hebe made her way to ring the doorbell. Chun stayed behind Hebe, trying to figure out ways on how to make a good impression. After all, it’s not only Hebe whom he needs approval from but also from this friend of hers, whoever she is.

A few minutes later, someone wearing a black baseball cap, grey shirt, black pants and white rubber shoes tore open the door. Chun watched as Hebe’s friend put on her black jacket. Chun wondered how the two of them became the best of friends. Hebe is wearing a pink shirt, khaki skirt and pink flats while her best friend is the total opposite. Quite the contrary, in fact, since she looked like a guy. Her head is hanging low, and he cannot see her eyes with the shadow from the baseball cap covering half of her face.

Hebe reached over and raced a few steps to snake her arms on her best friend’s arms. She smiled brightly, and pulled her friend over to Chun, “Ella, this is Wu Chun. He’s the guy I've been telling you whom I've met about a month ago.”

“Chun, this is Ella, my best friend since God-knows-when,” she introduced the two gleefully. Chun frowned, and tried to squint his eyes to get a clearer view of the person’s face. She looked quite familiar. He extended his hand to offer a handshake, “Hi. I’m Wu Chun.” He tried to flash a dazzling smile while looking at Hebe’s friend. He needs to make a good impression.

The person raised her head and adjusted the baseball cap so that she can get a clearer view of the man whom Hebe had been fanatically telling her about. A smiling man met her eyes and when both of their gazes were already locked at each other, the man’s smile faded gradually and morphed in disbelief.

Pointing an index finger at each other, they said incredulously.

“You?!”

Ella Chen Fan Fiction love On Going Stories Wu Chun

A tall man in his late twenties is walking his way down the narrow path that leads to his apartment. The night is serene and undeniably cold. And yet, despite everything, he can still feel warmth spreading from inside his heart. He smiled thoughtfully when he remembered the sight of the gorgeous short-haired lady he met a few hours ago. She was attractive and demure— just his kind of girl. Despite the streak of tears flowing from her eyes, she still looked gorgeous. He can never miss the twinkle of her eyes when he asked her what’s wrong. He acted as her temporary protector and he felt good being in that position. He’ll make sure that it’ll not be the last time they’ll meet each other.

He halted when he heard a tumultuous sound from an unfriendly brawl echoing across the long, dark alley. Cheers from the wild crowd joined the exchange of derogatory curses between the two persons involved. He was about to continue his own way but he debated otherwise when he heard a familiar voice.

He strode in long and hasty steps until he reached the noisy crowd.

“You’re not going to get away after what you’ve done, you faggot!” he heard someone say and another punch was thrown. One after another.

He struggled to get his way to the two despite the deafening shouts coming from the cheering crowd. He felt empathy awash over him when he saw the blood dripping from his friend’s beaten face.

Anger rose inside him and he instantly made a move to separate the two persons. He stayed in between, putting his friend behind him, as if trying to protect him from the other person.

“I said no one’s allowed to intervene!” the other person shot at him in an angry voice. A punch was about to be thrown to him but he blocked the aiming fist with his hand and, in a swift motion, twisted it behind the person’s back.

His opponent groaned in pain but determination was still apparent in the person’s face. He doesn't know who he is. Definitely, it’s someone who doesn't entertain defeat. The person elbowed him in his gut and broke free from his tight grip. He stumbled a few steps away and tried to regain his balance. He shoved his friend aside and aimed at his charging opponent, ready to smash him with his fist. Just as he was about to hit his opponent on the chest, he abruptly stopped himself, causing him to lose balance and stumble on the black cement.

With a frustrated groan, he looked at the person and seethed in shock, “You’re a girl?!”

The other one reddened in anger and retorted back in gritted teeth, “I’m not a girl!”

The broad man breathed out in exasperation a strangled curse before getting on his feet to help his bleeding friend. “C’mon Jiro. She’s a girl. How come you looked like a beaten meat?” He slung Jiro’s hand over his shoulder and helped him to get up.

“She’s a lesbian Chun,” Jiro muttered, trying to stifle a groan that was about to escape from his lips. “She’s not a pure XY. And besides, I don’t want to fight with her,” he groaned in pain when he pressed his thumb over his burst lips. “She’s still a she.”

“I’m not a girl! And it’s because you’re not strong enough that’s why you got beaten up! Don’t you dare step a toe out of line or I’ll cut your head off!” she adjusted her black jacket and bent down to fix an untied shoelace. After doing so, she looked at the two and smirked before turning her heels and walked off in an overly confident gait.

The crowd of ogling gossip-mongers went off already and the two men remained in the middle of the alley, watching as their opponent’s back gradually blurred through the night. “Who is she? What did you do to her?” Chun asked while assisting his friend to walk.

“I said a brief ‘hi’ to her best friend because she was Selina’s childhood friend,” Jiro said through laboured breathing. “And the next thing I knew is that she followed me until here and beat me up, saying that she was her girl and that I should never try to steal her from her if I still want to stroll peacefully my remaining days here on Earth,” he said, his face frowning out of disgust.

“So basically, she misunderstood your friendly act?” Chun asked, trying to contemplate what had happened.

“You could put it that way. I’m not even interested to her best friend. She’s Selina’s childhood friend and I love my Selina very much,” he said sincerely, despite his ragged breathing.

Chun nodded thoughtfully. He never thought that everything happened and his friend was beaten up only because of a brief ‘hi’. How narrow-minded could that person get?

“What’s her name?” Chun asked, repeating his earlier question.

“Ella,” Jiro said in between gritted teeth. He walked limply with Chun supporting most of his weight. “Ella Chen.”

Completed Ella Chen Fan Fiction love One Shot Wu Chun

-1-



I can feel the weight of the whole world in my two shoulders. Weakly, I walked languidly to where my car was parked and drove off. I love photography and I just learned today that I qualified the entrance examination to my dream University. Everything just seemed so perfect. I would be staying in a dormitory like any other ordinary students out there. I would be taking pictures of things I love. I would be travelling to get a great shot. I would be free from the suffocating cage my parents locked me in. I would be independent. The mere thought of being independent is enough to swoon me over to the moon.

But that wasn't as simple as that. They've been my little dreams as long as I can remember. And, with the way things are asserted, I guess it would just remain as it was.

My parents' reaction to the news sent my leaping heart into tampered pieces. It was everything to me. It was everything I dreamed of. It was my greatest achievement, so far. And how I hope that they would be proud of me too. I want them to be proud of me. No. I need them to. But that's not the case. They have no heart for love. Greed already corrupted their hearts and took control of their brains.

I don't want to be the same.

I didn't realize that it's been three hours. I've been driving aimlessly through the quiet roads of Taipei. The place isn't as busy as it is in the main City. I never realized that I drove myself unto this area. It's where my heart carried me. A place away from the chaotic city and their luminous lights and fake personalities.

I want to be myself. I need to be.

I went out of the car and stared at the expanse of the open field before my eyes, almost plain black under the tin moonlight eclipsed with thick layer of clouds. The playful wind is undeniably cold and foggy. Realizing that I'm the only one there, I shouted all my frustrations freely, letting them all out to unburden myself. I feel so helpless. I hate the world. I just want a simple life. I never dreamed of something so grand. Just simple and happy life is enough for me. I want to pursue what I want! What I want is where I need to be.

Why can't they just love me enough?

I cried. I never thought I'm still capable of doing so. I need to break free. I want an escape. But there's no key.

And the cage is locked.

Though how much I wanted to remain on the spot and savour the freedom of sweet fantasy, I have to find a place to warm myself.

Rubbing my hands together, I spotted a coffee shop a hundred meters away from where I am. I decided to walk my way to the coffee shop. It's not that far, anyway. And I love strolling through the night. It seemed so far-fetched from my usual life.

I love this feeling.

Carefree.

--

I entered the shop and found myself a seat at a corner, near the windowpanes, so that the darkness of the night could remain my company. I felt blank and my future remains uncertain. I want to boycott my parents' decision. I want to pursue what I want, for the very first time in my years of existence.

But I'm not sure if I'm strong enough to build a life of my own.

I'm afraid I will fail and my parents would end up flaunting my mistakes right in my face. It would be a painful slap.

A gentle voice snapped me out from my train of thoughts. I looked up and my gaze got trapped in his.

His mesmerizing eyes and their sensitivity.

His gentle moves and the protection they promise.

His sweet smile and their freedom.

His luring presence and their warmth.

I was stunned, and for a moment I didn't budge. I wasn't able to speak anything at all. Concern etched at his forehead when I didn't get to answer his question. His brows furrowed in sheer concern as he repeated the question once again. My eyes trailed down from his hypnotizing eyes, to his poignant nose, to his velvet lips. I watched, self-consciously, on how his lips form every word, amazed at how soft they look. I was petrified in place, I couldn't move.

I was snapped out of my trance when I realized that he had laid his hand on my shoulder. Only then did I become aware on how my heart is beating frantically fast inside my rib cage and loud against my ears. I could feel colour creeping to my cheeks and I gulped.

I didn't know that I've been acting inappropriately for a couple of minutes. It just came out naturally. I mentally kicked myself for being so clumsy. My parents always remind me not to let anyone know what you truly feel. It's a chance for them to take advantage of your weakness.

Tearing my gaze away, I cleared my throat before I look at him once again. "Yes?"

He removed his warm hands from my shoulders and I feel myself bemused on how the warmth still remains there. He smiled genuinely and asked the same question he'd been repeating for quite a number of times already, "May I take your order?"

I bit my lower lip and, with slightly trembling hands, I reached over the menu table he offered me. I pretended to decide what to order, though I'm not really interested on what to eat at all. I don't have the appetite to feed my empty stomach when my heart, itself, is famished for love. My stomach's yearn for its own food seemed overlooked. "I'll get a cappuccino, thank you," I said, forcing a small smile to escape from my lips, and handed him the menu.

"In a minute ma'am," he bowed and went off.

I watched in awe at how he walked through the row of tables. Despite his diner uniform, his magnificence still radiated blindingly. I have never met a man who's capable of having such an effect on me.

I tapped my heart lightly and took several deep breaths to steady my breathing. True enough, he went back after several minutes and, with a permanent smile on his flawless face, he settled my order in front of me. I inhaled deeply, taking the sweet scent of the aroma into my lungs. "Enjoy your coffee, ma'am," he said, his hands behind him and bowed lightly.

I bowed too in response, grateful to find such a free soul to take into inspiration.

When he's already nowhere in sight, I drifted back to where reality reigns. My reality, that is. I'll be looking forward to another couple of years hoisted with royalty and pretense. I'm sick of it. I feel like a puppet being pulled into strings.

Before I knew it, I'm already crying. I've never felt this weak, this vulnerable, and this helpless.

I cried, as I watch the dewdrops traced its own existence in the windows, drawing a straight line.

Just then, someone sat in front of me. I didn't bother to figure out who it is. But then, what he said caused my heart to palpitate once more.

"Ella..." he begun gently, his hoarse voice coaxing me to look at him.

I did. Not because of his voice this time, but because I never expected him to know my name.

"How did you know who I am?" I demanded incredulously at him, looking straight to his eyes.

But I didn't see any sign of danger. His smile is genuine and caring. For a moment, I felt safe under his gaze.

"Who wouldn't know who you are? The future heiress of the Chen Empire," he narrated in a kind voice, and took a quick sip of his coffee.

I averted my eyes tiredly and laughed bitterly. "I didn't know I'm that popular," I told him boldly and sarcastically as I trace my finger around the rim of the mug blankly.

"Aren't you on duty? Why are you sitting here and talking to a customer? What if your boss sees you?" I asked him several questions in a row.

He laughed sincerely and I saw amusement in his eyes radiating brightly. "Don't worry. I'm the owner of this coffee shop. And you're the only customer left so I decided to come approach you. I hope you wouldn't mind," he said by the way of explaining himself.

"I see..." I muttered softly, not sure what else to say. I'm not really a people person. I'm an introvert and I do not know how to mingle with other people the friendly way naturally. I'm just not friendly enough. I don't have that much confidence.

After a short pause, he finally said, "I saw you crying."

My eyes shot wide and I swallowed the lump forming on my throat callously as I stare at him in shock. I don't know what to do. Should I explain my act? Should I tell him why I cried? Is he trustworthy enough? Is it appropriate for a girl to share something confidential to a stranger she just met?

I don't know how I should react, as I'm not good in handling these types of conversations. I've been used to keeping my emotions to myself.

I could feel a light, warm pressure over my fragile hand. He held my hand reassuringly and I felt secured. I don't know why, but something in me is whispering that I need to trust him, that I can trust him.

I didn't remove my hands from his as I begun, "My parents didn't agree to my chosen course. They wanted me to take over our business and they think I'll just waste my time if I take the course I want." I could feel beads of fresh tears flow down to my cheeks and I blushed slightly. I've never been this open to someone before. And I love the feeling of having someone there who could support you and care for you.

He smiled. I don't have a single clue about what he's thinking but that smile alone told me that I need not to worry about it, "I know you love photography. Don't worry. Your parents love you. And sooner, they will realize that what will make them happy is seeing you happy."

I cried once again for those thoughtful and touching words. He's such an angel. How could he possibly say such things and eventually soothe my aching pain and hatred?

And I believed him, almost instantly.

He went over to seat next to me and, with noticeable hesitancy, he wrapped his arms around me, knowing that I need this contact. I've never felt this much security around me, not even when I have a dozen of bodyguards surrounding me. I drifted off to dreamland as I welcome the uncontainable emotion and wrapped my arms around him too. He smoothed my hair with his gentle fingertips to relax me.

I never though that I would be able to establish such a deep bond to someone I just met. It's just that it's not my brain that spoke up to me.

It's my heart.

--

He offered to walk me over to where I left my car a few hours ago. It's time to go home as I know that my parents are already worried sick about me. They just don't trust me enough. And it hurts. But as much as I wanted to enjoy his company still, I know that he needed to rest himself. It's enough, though. At least I found myself a friend.

A very special one.

"Thank you so much for your company. It's such a relief to have someone to talk to," I smiled sincerely, my face flushed.

He smiled back and walked nearer to me. I continued to stare at his beautiful eyes and allowed myself to drown in his gaze. He reached out to extend his hand to me and said, "I'm Chun. It's the least I could do. It's such a pleasure to finally meet you."

I reached over to lock our hands together and we shared a handshake. "Could I come back to your coffee shop again when I feel like it?"

"Sure. I'm looking forward to meeting you again," he replied as he ushered me to my car.

Just then, the first snow fell upon us. A blessing. A benediction. At that moment, I forgot about everything. I forgot about the conflict between my parents and I; between what I want and what they want.

He's such a rock in the middle of a stormy sea.



-2-



The first snow fell today. And I can feel the remaining few drops of warmth from my heart being chased away. The first snowfall... it reminds me of an incident a year ago. An incident that only happened once... but remained treasured in my heart until now. I never failed to visit his coffee shop. If not twice, once every two weeks. I enjoy his company. I enjoy the way he lives his life. He lives it the simple, yet happy way. Unlike me, he has all the time bestowed in his hands. It's up to him on how to spend it. I wanted to be like him.

But instead of envy, I feel tranquility  I don't envy him, instead, I feel like I wanted to be a part of that simple life he has. Slowly, in the coarse of those twelve months that all happened so fast, I felt like I needed him. Like I wanted to be a part of his life. I want to be more to him. To be someone else.

--

Do you believe in love at first sight?

A friend once told me, “There’s no such thing as love at first sight. How could you fall in love with someone you don’t even know? That’s absurd!”

I remembered myself affirming on that statement. I believe that one has to undergo certain steps and tests in order to determine if you really love a person. Love at first sight is next to impossibility. It’s just mere attraction in the physical sense. Love is not involved.

That is, until the first snow fell one winter night… a year ago.

It was, indeed, impossible. And it's a proof that impossible things do happen.

--

I love Chun.

But he's oblivious about my feelings.

And I can't demand for more.

It's not appropriate.

And I know that if I continue to get closer to him, if I continue to entertain my feelings for him, I would only end up hurting myself. It's not only because he doesn't have feelings for me, which I'm sure of, but even if he does, my parents wouldn't agree to it. They want me to marry someone within the circle.

And Chun is not.

I don't want to share with him the curse of my life, anyway.

So, I decided it's better if I stay away from him for now.

I didn't visit his coffee shop for a month. And it started when my father told me about my supposed engagement today. An engagement I never agreed unto. An engagement to a man I never knew.

But I have no choice.

I need to save Chun.

And I have to save myself too.

--

The first time the snow fell one year ago was the first time I was freed from my cage. And now, as the first snow fell once again, is the time when I'm going back to that prison.

It's called sacrifice.

I entered the hall, my face masked with a happy facade, my raven dress hugged me dearly as I try to recall the proper etiquette and conducts that took me years to master. With my right arm hooked to my father's left arm, while my mother is on his right, we entered the hall, as eyes set upon us, full of amazement and expectations. I could barely handle the overflowing prospects of business magnates. It's too much to handle and I know that I shall not make any single mistake, no matter how petty it is. I must portray perfection. And it's sickening.

We turned to talk to some business associates and I have to wear a smile all the time. How I wish I'm back at the coffee shop. It's the only place where I can be my real self. Even my own room doesn't feel like home anymore. I feel nostalgia awash over me and my thoughts flew to what Chun is currently doing. Is he missing me too? Is he busy? Is he tired?

Is he okay?

No! I mentally reminded myself. This is my engagement party. I have to be keep my thought away from him. He'll just remain as another distant dream. It's my own stupidity that made me dream about escaping from this life. There's no escape. This is my fate.

No matter how I try to deny it.

But God... I miss him dearly.

I scoffed mentally. Get a hold of yourself, Ella Chen!

A couple approached us and chatted with my parents about business and all. They talked about how to merge their business into one. And based on how they talk about it, I came into conclusion that these are my future in-laws. I tried to be cordial and smiled at them when my dad introduced us to each other.

"How lucky of us, dear. She's such a charming young lady," the gentle gestures of the woman towards her husband caused my heart to ache. It's like they have love for each other. And they didn't marry each other for money.

If they know how it feels like, then why are they doing this to their own son? Don't they want their son to experience the same love and happiness they have?

"The pleasure is mine, ma'am," I replied self-consciously and bowed slightly.

When I lifted my head back again, I heard someone approaching us. "Mom, dad!" a manly voice called.

My heart clenched. I didn't bother to look at the person.

"Oh, there you are dear," the woman said, a smile apparent in her voice.

"Good evening auntie, uncle," I heard him say.

"Such a refined gentleman you have raised here," my mother complimented.

I don't know what to do. I've never met this man before. And I don't know how to react. I kept my gaze on the tiled floor.

"I think we better give time for these young ones to have their own time. I can see that my Ella here is feeling awkward," my dad chuckled as he ushered for the others in a table reserved for them.

--

I remained rooted in my spot.

"Ella?" I heard him say.

I hesitantly tilted my head up again, and, with much difficulty, I turned to look at him. I bit my lower lip. He looked like him.

And it hurts me to know that it's only the face, and not the real Chun, that he has.

Even if he looked like him in some angles, Chun is still the one I wanted. The one I needed. The one I love.

"I'm sorry about the way I acted a while ago. I'm just... not so comfortable," I told him boldly.

He smiled gently and he reminded me of Chun once again. "It's okay. I understand that— "

"No you don't! You don't understand a single thing!" I snapped at him. He's trying to replace Chun in my heart and I will never let him succeed in doing so!

I saw his eyes eclipsed with confusion. I continued, "I'll agree to marry you but there will always be someone else in my heart. It will always be him."

He remained silent and I took it as an opportunity to excuse myself from his presence.

--

I dashed out, running towards the garden. I never thought that I wouldn't be able to control my emotions in there. He's just... he's just so like Chun and I won't allow him to try to act like him. He could stop pretending to be nice! He's not Chun. He will never be.

But what will happen to the merger? To my parent's trust? To the Chen empire and its employees? I have to be responsible for it. I have to be responsible for them. And besides, I don't want Chun to share the same fate I have. It would be very selfish of me. I don't want to rob him of his simple and happy life.

I need to save him by imprisoning myself.

But I love him. Could I bear the thought that I am married to another man but I love someone else? I don't even want to be on the same room as he is. Then, how can I allow myself to kiss him? Make love to him?

That would be utterly disgusting.

"Chun... I wish you're here to comfort me. I don't know what to do anymore," I whispered helplessly in the unresponsive wind as tears start to fall from my eyes. The soft cotton-like snows are pouring lightly in me but nothing could beat the empty coldness I feel in my heart.

I remembered what he told me one time. That if I am torn between two complicated things and I don't know what to do, I'll just have to toss a coin, and before I knew it, I already am expecting what I want before it lands.

I smiled bitterly and fished for the coin he gave me.

Will I agree to the engagement?

Head, yes. Tails, no.

I closed my eyes and threw the coin in the air. I could feel the frantic beating of my heart, as if it wanted an escape. And right in that instant, I finally know what I want. I want to be with Chun. I have to tell him; no matter how he takes it, I don't care. I have to tell him. The side of the coin that will appear doesn't matter anymore. Heads or tails, I will most definitely do what I want to do.

Snapping my eyes open, I took a step back when I saw that my future fiance followed me to the garden. His face is glowing under the dim light emanating from inside the hall, his eyes soft and mesmerizing.

But he's not Chun.

I looked down and turned to look for the coin. But I couldn't find it. I continued to search for it. Chun gave it to me. It's dear to me, just like its predecessor.

"I didn't know you're still keeping this,"

His statement halted me from my search. "What are you talking about?" I asked him.

He lowered his eyes and my own eyes followed his. He opened his palm and the coin was there. I wasn't able to see if it's heads of tails because it's hidden in the shadows. I tried to grab it from his hand but he closed his palm straight away.

"Give it to me!" my prompt demand. But his next action sent my heart into chaotic perplexity.

He hid it in his pocket and stared back at me. "What are you doing? It's mine! Give it back!"

His brows shot high and with extreme calmness, he replied, "Why is it so important to you?"

"Because he gave it to me! Chun gave it to me! Please give it back!" I could feel my eyes started to get watery again.

"I don't want to," he said gently, as he close the distance between us.

I took a step back, "Why not?"

He took a step closer and held me by the waist to prevent me from stepping back once again. My heartbeat came rapid and I stared back at him in confusion.

"Because it was mine first before it's yours,"

My eyes shot wide. I don't know what's going on. What is he saying?

"Did you already forget about me, Ella?"

What?

"I thought you have feelings for me,"

Feelings?

"Why didn't you pay me a visit for almost a month?"

I had enough. "What are you talking about?!"

"I had the same problem you once had a year ago. I love to cook but my parents wanted me to take over the business. But I didn't let them control my life. I put up a small shop in the middle of a road and I came to love it. I love having a simple life. But then one night, I saw a lovely lady came in. She seemed to be thinking about something. But then, I saw her cry. I felt my heart being pinched. I fought the urge to approach her but she's just too angelic to ignore. I wanted to make her feel secured, and I did. We became friends. But then, as time goes by, I wanted to be something more to her. I wanted to be someone in her life. But when I was about to tell her I love her, when I was already ready to confess my feelings, she stopped coming over. She stopped caring. I thought she forgot about me,"

My mouth trembled lightly as I look at him. He paused and took the coin out from his pocket. "But I was wrong. Because I figured she's still keeping this," he continued.

I wasn't able to respond. I don't know what I feel.

Unable to think about anything else, I asked him the first statement that crossed my mind, "Why didn't you tell me before that you're a Wu?"

I could feel his arms tighten around my waist, drawing me nearer as if he's afraid that I would reject him because he wasn't honest with me, "I was afraid Ella. I don't know how you will react. It's not that I don't trust you. But I enjoy your company. I don't want to lose it. I don't want to lose you just because I am me."

He burrowed his head in my shoulder and muttered softly yet sincerely against my ear, "I'm so sorry."

I broke away from his hug and turned to look at his eyes. For the first time since I knew him, I saw fear in them. Fear to lose me.

And I feel special.

Unable to contain my feelings any longer, I threw my arms on his neck and kissed him. Almost instantly, I could feel his strong arms hugging me to him. His hands are seeking and possessing. I could feel the butterflies in my heart doing somersaults. I love this feeling. I couldn't deny the fact that he feels so good. His lips are so soft and so sweet. He took control of the kiss I initiated and kissed me thoroughly, pressing me closer. I've never felt this complete. I don't care if I will be caged in a business empire, as long as I'm with him. It's more than enough.

--

And I know when it all began.

I came to believe in love at first sight.

Because that is my story.

Our story.

--

The first snow fell today.

Just like the first time I saw him.

The first time I fell in love...

Completed Ella Chen Fan Fiction love One Shot Wu Chun

Do you believe in love at first sight?

A friend once told me, “There’s no such thing as love at first sight. How could you fall in love with someone you don’t even know? That’s absurd!”

I remembered myself affirming on that statement. I believe that one has to undergo certain steps and tests in order to determine if you really love a person. Love at first sight is next to impossibility. It’s just mere attraction in the physical sense. Love is not involved.

That is, until the first snow fell one winter night…

Do  you believe in love at first sight?
This is a story about two strangers who fell in love...
This is my story.
Our story.

CHOSEN SOUNDTRACK:

Two is Better than One Lyrics
-Boys Like Girls ft. Tailor Swift


I remember what you wore on the first day
You came into my life and I thought
"Hey, you know, thos could be something"

'Cause everything you do and words you say
You know that it all takes my breath away
And now I'm left with nothing

So maybe it's true
That I can't live without you
Maybe two is better than one
There's so much time
To figure out the rest of my life
And you've already got me coming undone
And I'm thinking two is better than one.

I remember every look upon your face
The way you roll your eyes
The way you taste
You make it hard for breathing

'Cause when I close my eyes and drift away
I think of you and everything's okay
I'm finally now believing

That maybe it's true
That I can't live without you
Maybe two is better than one
There's so much time
To figure out the rest of my life
And you've already got me coming undone
And I'm thinking two is better than one
Yeah, yeah

I remember what you wore on the first day
You came into my life and I thought,
"Hey,"

Maybe it's true
That I can't live without you
Maybe two is better than one
There's so much time
To figure out the rest of my life
And you've already got me coming undone

And I'm thinking
I can't live without you
'Cause, baby, two is better than one
There's so much time
To figure out the rest of my life
But I'll figure it out
When all is said and done
Two is better than one

Two is better than one...

Completed Ella Chen Fan Fiction Wu Chun

-1-

[Ella]

I was walking my way in the corridor that leads the way to my classroom. The place was quiet still, as I am the first student who came in. Hooking the three five-hundred-leaf books on my arms while trying to balance the weight of the bag on my shoulder, I shifted my glasses higher so that I can see the way rather clearer. It wouldn't be this difficult if he was here. He would help me carry my books and walk me to my classroom. He would throw jokes to make my feelings a little lighter if ever I committed more than three mistakes in an examination. He would be there to cheer my day whenever someone bullies me because I look weird and out of style.

He'd always been there.

But how long, really, is "always"?

I never expected it to, indeed, be a year short.

I looked around and heaved a deep sigh to uplift my heavy heart. I remembered the time when I asked him if he wanted to eat lunch with me. He simply shook his head nonchalantly and walk away. He stopped walking me to my room. He stopped throwing jokes. He stopped calling my name. He stopped caring.

But what right do I have to miss his company? He's only a friend. A close friend, indeed. But a friend, nonetheless.

Is the reason "I love him" enough...

if there is no "He loves me too?"

I know you would say a big NO for an answer. It's unbearable to think and make the opinions sink in, when I'm continuously thinking how absurdly unfair they all seemed. But believe me when I say I completely understand. Why? Because that's my logical answer to that question too.

I sat on my seat and waited for a few heady minutes for the instructor to arrive. I've always been on the top of my class, while he is the school's basketball team team captain. I am the school's official publication editor in chief and our closeness started when I interviewed him about a recent game. I already prepared myself not to be drawn to his charm since the time I heard fusses from the students, mostly girls, about his attractive masculinity. But I wasn't as prepared as I thought I would be. His eyes mesmerized me whenever he smiles. They were so sweet and true. He carries an aura of confidence— not to drown you in it, but rather, to lift your feet off the ground. We started talking more often whenever he shares with me the game's upturn. We became closer. We felt confident and at ease with each other.

Or maybe it was only me, alone, who thought about things being that way.

I was dense, I admit, because I only realized that I do love him after a year of intense session of meditation and realization. I was so afraid to accept the already-obvious attraction I have for him. The reason? I'm nerdy while he's the hottest gossip in school. He's the smoking topic of every girl during short break-time chats while I'm almost invisible. We're completely incompatible.

Though I felt insecure, not with him but with myself, I still continued this simple and tender friendship I have with him. And after the year of closeness, he started to drift away from me. I could feel him slowly becoming out of my reach. I don't know why I felt like I have the reason and the right to hate him for what he did when we weren't even that close a year back. I became used to his presence, to his protection, to his salve. And when he walked away without a single word, when he abandoned me, when he left me hanging... I felt weak and vulnerable like I'm out of shield in the middle of a battle. I became utterly self-conscious and afraid of other people. I don't know why, but that's how I felt. I've been so dependent on him, and when I became so attached already and he left me, I finally realized that I couldn’t let him go. He's already a part of me I can neither deny nor admit.

Since then, I already believed in the saying that brilly people are idiot lovers. How can I not? I was the witness and the subject all in one.

Today is St. Valentine's Day and tonight would be our school's Valentine's party. If only it isn't compulsory for every one and I'm not, being the editor-in-chief, tasked to make news about the party, I would prefer not to go. There's nothing waiting for me in there. Do you know how hard it is to see sweet couples in front of you and silently wish to yourself that you had one too? They felt so complete, so happy, and so alive. I never wanted to compare myself to anyone because it's a mere self-insult but if I won't, I wouldn't find out the truth.

And what I need now is not self-pride, but truth itself.

--

[Chun]

Cold breeze brushed the spikes of my raven hair and I breathed in its scent, knowing that we're breathing in the same air. She seemed so close yet so far at the same time.

Courage. I know this act of avoidance is a courageous act, though many would say that this is the coward's path. Do you not know that by avoiding the very person I wanted to get so close with is already a tormenting torture? I miss the times when I walk her to her room, when I help her in carrying her things as if they are mines too, when I would invite her for lunch and talk about our activities for the week, when she cheers for me in every competition our team is in. Everything I have with her, I left them all in a painstaking, yet unsuccessful effort.

Friendship is simple and sweet, until one day, it became complicated, just because I fell in love with her. I have two chances, to pursue or to let go. But either way, I'll get hurt. So, I decided to take the safer path. The path where nothing could be missed and nothing could be lost. Her friendship— I don't want to lose it. I can't sacrifice a stable relationship and start an unsured one.

There was a time when I was already close to confessing to her but only one incident happened and I backed out. Her friends were teasing her about us but she instantly stopped them from remarking another word, as if she doesn't really like the sound of us being together, in case.

I was hurt, but tried not to show it. I know, despite my growing seed of masculine pride, that I have no right to hate her denial, since there really is nothing to admit. She did the right thing; she said the truth. But why did I expect her to do otherwise?

My eyes caught the couples sweetly exchanging sweet affections and I drowned in an envious regret. I wonder what could've happened if I confessed to her?

There are only two options.

It's either I'm holding her hands tightly in mines now as if proclaiming to the whole world that she's mine and mine alone,

or I'm still carrying a bleeding heart and couldn't bear to speak at all...

--

Chun walked in the classroom and notice Ella staring at him, as if waiting for his morning greeting. They share a subject together. He swallowed hard and with a significant amount of effort, he tried to keep his eyes directed to somewhere else. Ella felt disappointed and with a crest-fallen face, she bowed her head down. He's clearly avoiding her and she wanted so badly to know why. From the corner of his eyes, he saw her, and could only feel guilty for his actions. He wanted to be with her but he couldn't risk their friendship.

Their instructor took the day off, and the students shouted in glee. They started discussing about the dress they're going to wear at the party, about their dates, and whatnots. She heard them squealing in excitement while she, on the other hand, felt sick just thinking about spending the whole night watching sweet couples savour their moments.

She's not stupid not to know that she's the only one in their class who has no partner for tonight's event. She felt a little off. She sank in self-pity and heaved a deep sigh before adjusting her glasses and flipped her book.

He was watching her the whole time— the way she look at their classmates who are discussing about tonight's events, the way she look at the stocks of chocolates and roses on the girls' desks, the longing on her eyes, and the way she heaved a broken sigh before turning to her book to make use of her time.

He knew she felt insecure with herself again. He wanted to be there for her but he knew it's not the right time and he's not the right guy. In the broadest sense, how can he even protect her, when it's himself whom he's saving her from?

He shifted his eyes by the window and watched lovers exchange "I love you's". It's the sweetest and yet the hardest thing to say. If only he could let her know his feelings, he would be free to say those words to her too. He longed to hold her in his arms, kiss her and murmur those words to her. But the thought felt like a dream so deep in his sleep that's always meant to be that way. His eyes became teary just by the thought of it. He looked back at her and before he knew it, his heart ached.

Ella, on the other hand, cannot absorb what she's reading because her mind isn't focused enough. Her subconscious kept on replaying her past with Chun.

His deep husky voice when he's talking, his brilliance and agility when he's playing, his sweet deep voice when he's singing, his strong yet peaceful aura when he's reading, the way his lashes fanned his cheeks when he's sleeping, the way he can make her smile whenever he's into teasing, the way his voice echo in her ears when he's laughing, the way his cheekbones radiate brightly when he's smiling... it's too much for her to take!

But before she could shake the thought off, another idea came into her mind. What if...

What if Chun realized that she's not the kind of girl he wants to be friends with? What if he finally realized that she's completely boring and no fun?

Oh, that hurts.

Yet again, another possibility crossed her mind and she grew agitated and her heart ached. What if...

What if Chun avoided her because he started to feel that she has feelings for him? And that he wanted nothing more than friendship to do with her, that's why he started to throw his cold shoulder to her? What if he thought of her as a desperately hypocrite nerd? What if...

he knew?

She looked at him and realized that he's been staring at her all along. She was shocked and doesn't know whether she should look back or look away. Chun, caught off guard, instinctively averted his eyes on the opposite direction. Ella, being the paranoid one who always interpret all kinds of movements that met her eyes, mistaken his actions as repugnance. Air was caught in her throat. Using the slightest logic she has in her, so as to save her pride, she gathered all her things and dashed off out of the room.

--

[Ella]

I ran towards the girl's bathroom, went in one of the cubicles, locked it up and started weeping. Do you really have to show your disgust over me boldly? I don't deserve this. I loved you and I didn't ask you to love me back! Letting me love you is enough. I don't need your love. All I need is respect. If only I can change my heart's desire and pick someone else, only to save our friendship, I would! But I can't! How can I ever if in everything I do, it's you whom I dedicate it to? It's you whom I remember every millisecond?

You're making my life miserable. I miss my life back— the life I have before you came into my life. I don't want to sink in despair. Tonight, I will tell you how I feel. No matter how you take it, I don't care. Why would I care for your feelings when you never cared for mine?

One last talk.

--

[Chun]

I saw Ella run out of the room after I met her eyes and looked away. I felt like crying. I gulped hard as I clench my fist and closed my eyes to prevent the tears from falling. It pained me to see her hurt. The urges to ran after her and ask for her forgiveness was there. The urge to comfort her, to apologize, to love— they are all there, all rooted deeply in my heart. But the question is ‘how will she take it’?

I breathed in ragged deep inhalation to relax my constricted muscles before I head out of the room.

-2-

Slouching on the sofa of their living room, Ella stared at space with her books left wide open on her hands. It's already 5:23 in the afternoon and she felt incredibly sick to go to the party. She still has an hour and thirty-seven minutes to decide whether she could will herself to go or just back out. Her dress was already prepared and so were her shoes for that matter. All thanks to her mother who took care of everything she would need. But the thing is she doesn't know if she could make a fool out of herself to wear that dress. It was awful. Or at least it was, from her point of view.

She sighed throatily. Her joining the party would be a joke. She knows that no one would ever dance with her. She doesn't even have a partner to escort her. She could already imagine herself sitting for five full hours until her butt hurts. It would be a total shame.

Chun.

He's one of the reasons why she needed to join the party, apart from the news she needed to write. You heard it right. Need is the proper word. Not want.

She spent the whole day thinking about the proper approach she would use to talk to him. She would risk her heart. She would risk her pride. But at least, if all were done, she wouldn't have to worry about anything else. There would be no more room for guessing as she's determined to clear the air once and for all.

A knock on the door snapped her out of her thoughts. Setting her book at the center table, she went to the peephole with a furrowed brow and a poker face. Instinctively, she rolled her eyes when she realized who it was on the other side of the door. Tearing the door open, she greeted her friends with questioning eyes.

Hebe pouted at her and crossed her arms over her chest, "What's with that look? Aren't you even happy that we're here?"

"C'mon Ella. It's already quarter to six and you haven't hit the showers yet! The party will start at seven sharp!" Selina shrieked. She proceeded inside the house without waiting for Ella's invitation while dragging Hebe along with her.

That's the reason why she rolled her eyes. It's a natural reflex she had. Her friends have a unique way on making her annoyed. They just pop out of nowhere at times when she's enjoying a peaceful solitude.

"Where's auntie Chen?" Selina asked as she plopped onto the sofa.

Ella closed the door and answered, "At work. The magazine is having a paranoid demand for a feature about celibacy and she's called for it."

"You're so alike. Such a perfect epitome of the saying like-mother-like-daughter," Selina said with an exasperated sigh. Ella must've gotten the busy trait from her mother. They seem to love to make themselves haggard.

"Then that explains why you're not yet ready for the ball," Hebe concluded.

Ella sighed deeply and went over to sit on the couch. "About that guys, I—"

"Cut it out Ella Chen. We barely have enough time to prepare. C'mon. Hit the showers and I'll prepare everything. Be a good girl okay?" Selina cut her off and practically pushed Ella to her bathroom.

Selina and Hebe are already done with their make-up and hairdo so they rummaged on Ella's closet to find her a dress that will suit the night's event. They know by themselves that Ella needs to look stunning tonight. They wouldn't let that no-good best friend of hers to get off the hook unscathed.

-3-

[Ella]

I have to admit that the two did a good job on my hairstyle and make-up but the dress is an exception. I've never shown this much flesh in public for goodness' sake! And after forcing me to wear this absurd clothing, they just left me alone five meters from the main entrance of the hotel? Some friends they are. I have no choice, though. Since I am already here, I might as well do my job and try to forget the reality that I'm wearing an incredibly scanty piece of fabric. I took a picture of the entrance. I can already think of a caption for it right in the back of my head. I could feel a smile on my lips.

The night is cold. I should get inside. So what if I don't have a partner? I've been born alone in this world with individual organ systems that functions well enough to sustain my life. I don't need another human being to escort me to the hall. While reciting those inspirational thoughts over and over on my head, I clutched my purse tighter and made my way to the red carpet.

--

[Chun]

Why do I have a feeling that this is going to be a long evening? I'm nervous with no apparent reason at all. I wonder if Ella would make it tonight. I heard she has no escort. Well, she's not alone, as I don't have anyone to escort myself. Why do we need to have a pair anyways? What's the difference?

From where I stand, I heard gasps from the crowd near the entrance. I wonder what sort of trick these gossipmongers are after this time. But my eyes widen when I saw whom it was they're gaping at. A shorthaired lady on her silver dress that falls to her mid thigh. I forced myself to swallow the lump forming on my throat when she walked past me and joined her friends on the table opposite ours. Her smooth back is facing me and the pendant of her silver necklace didn't help in drawing away my caught attention. There's no denying it. She's stunningly gorgeous.

Ella petrified me at the very moment I saw her. I can't even stop myself from looking at her.

Before I knew it, the program started. I can see from the corner of my eyes that Ella is looking at me. It took me a serious amount of effort not to look at her. I wonder what she's thinking. Oh how I wish I could glide her along with me in the dance floor. It's so vivid— the feeling, that is —that my fingers twitched unconsciously.

--

[Ella]

Chun was here! I saw him. Their table was opposite ours. He's so handsome. His feature is unearthly— godlike. I don't even know if I could tell him all the things I've practiced in front of the mirror for eight hours. I could feel my heart racing just by the thought of it. I'm so nervous but I've finally decided. No matter what happens, so as to stop this idea from pestering me, I need to get this over with. If not tonight, I don't know if I would be granted another next time.

The program ended and we sat on our seats to enjoy the banquet. I don't know if it's only me but I could feel his gaze on me. The idea sent butterflies in my stomach. I wonder how it feels to be on his arms while swaying to the beat of a romantic ballad... That would be ecstatic.

Just then, Selina snapped me out of my train of thoughts. I looked at her and she gestured towards a guy whose hand extended towards me. "May I have this dance?" he asked. I don't even know who he is. I looked at Selina, hoping she could help me out but she just nodded approvingly. I'm a lost cause. Just then, through impulse I guess, I turned to look at Chun. I figured he's looking at me too. The instant I met his eyes, he turned his gaze away. I felt disheartened. Forcing a smile out of my lips, I placed my hand over the guy's and stood up.

Truth to be told, I've always wished for Chun to be my first dance. But I guess that would be yet another wish ungranted. I felt uncomfortable with the guy's arms over my back. He's drawing me closer still. I just hope that this song would end sooner so that I could escape his hands. As the guy murmur nonsense, my senses were drawn back to my plan this evening. Talk to Chun. How hard could that be? To tell the truth?

Why is it easier to tell a lie than to tell the truth? People are used to it. They tell lies for comfort, so as not to hurt other people or themselves. But a friend once told me 'hurt me with truths but never comfort me with lies'. And I guess it's true. I would feel better if I tell him the truth anyways. I'm utterly exhausted with all the façade I'm wearing.

When the song ended, I instantly told him that I'm tired already and he reluctantly led me to my seat. I didn't even bother memorizing his name. The moment I went back to my seat, I saw Chun dancing with Selina. I felt jealous... but I don't hate them. I know that this feeling is out of bound but I can't help it. I can't control it. I'm not into vengeance, though. I just feel sad for myself. I want to be the one he's holding. I want to be the one in his arms. I want to be the one he's laughing with. I want to be the one he's looking in the eyes.

I felt my eyes turning watery and I blinked my tears away. I took my camera and snapped a shot at the couples dancing for the documentary. While snapping some pictures, I heard someone cleared his throat and asked me for a dance. I just nodded absent-mindedly.

--

[Chun]

"What's wrong with you and Ella?" she asked me with accusing eyes. I knew it. She's up to something. The moment she went over me and asked me to dance with her, I should've known. Now, how am I going to purchase a safe answer?

"What? I don't know what you're talking about," Oops. I guess it wasn't a good reply.

"Don't give me that Wu Chun. I know there's something wrong between the two of you. I couldn't just keep myself silent on one corner and watch her drown in depression," Selina retorted. Her face is grim and I know that she's determined to know the truth. But I wouldn't give her what she wanted.

"I told you there's nothing wrong between us," I replied as calm as I could.

"Oh really? A bullhead, aren't you? If you're telling the truth, I dare you to ask her for a dance. Then, you're off the hook,"

I sighed. She's really persistent. I'm going to burn in my own feelings if ever I'll ask her to dance with me. "Fine."

I saw Ella dancing with another man. She's not even talking. She's staring off to nowhere. The view made me happy. Don't get me wrong here. It means that she doesn't like the guy. When the song ended, Ella excused herself and went back to her seat.

"She's free now. It's your turn," I heard Selina muttered under her breath as she lead me towards her.

--

[Ella]

I saw Chun and Selina walking their way to my direction. I quickly busied myself with my camera and pretended to take shots. I don't know why I suddenly became nervous.

"Hi Ella!" Selina greeted while flashing me with a wide smile. I smiled back at her but it didn't reach my eyes.

She nudged Chun and he gave her an unsured look. "Chun! Why don't you ask your best friend for a dance? So rude of you, huh?" she said while pushing Chun towards me. Chun looked at me with unsteady eyes and held his hand open for me. I could feel my heart beating wildly in its ribcage. I placed my hand on his and stood up.

Chun led me to the dance floor and placed his hands, ever so gently, on my waist. I could feel the butterfly in my insides going crazy. I placed my hands gently on his shoulders and we danced in silence. I don't trust myself to speak first so I just enjoyed the feeling of his warmth enveloping me. I'm debating whether this is the right time to ask him about his act of avoidance. Chun isn't even talking to me either and I don't have any single clue about what is running on his mind.

I turned my head to look at him and I realized that he's been looking at me all this time. He turned his gaze away again and concealed his caught act in faked coughs. I was about to protest but I dismissed the idea. When the song was about to end, I turned to look at him, "Chun—" but he cut me off.

"C'mon. Let's go back," he said without even looking at me. He withdrawn his hands from me like he didn't even want to touch me in the first place and walked alongside with me.

--

[Chun]

I silently thanked God that she didn't question me when she caught me looking at her. I just can't help not to look at her angelic face. When the song finally ended, I never wasted a single moment and asked Ella for a break. I just couldn't bear to have her that close to me. I couldn't bear the feeling of keeping my hands so lightly pressed on her when all I wanted is to pull her in against me. I can't just treat her like any other friend when all I wanted is to be someone else for her.

It pained me but having her close to such proximity, yet being unable to do what I wanted to, is burning me. It's better this way, I suppose.

I led Ella back to her seat before I returned to my own. She sat quietly with a dejected expression on her flawless face. If my eyes are not deceiving me, I saw tears on her eyes threatening to fall. She bit her lip while blinking the tears away with her head bowed down. I felt bad for her. I just can't... can't hurt her even more, and myself for that matter.

Just then, I saw her dash out of the hall. I kept my eyes on her for a moment and slouched on my seat. How long can I sustain this selfishness? I don't even know if I'm selfless or selfish. Maybe I have fractions of both.

"What was that?!" Selina shrieked in my ears through gritted teeth.

"What?" I asked her back while masking my face with an innocent look.

"How can you be so dumb?! Why don't you go follow her? Isn't it what best friends are for?" she replied back.

Now, I'm not sure of what to do. If I don't follow her, she would really suspect that something was wrong. If she proved to herself that something was wrong, she wouldn't stop until she finds out what it is.

Releasing a sigh, I decided to go and pretend to look for Ella.

-4-

Chun roamed the hall aimlessly. When he had enough of the suffocating vibe, he went out and strolled through the garden. His instinct was right. This was, indeed, a long night. The breeze was cool outside and the moon was glowing on its own blaze. The garden was serene and romantic. He imagined himself walking through this path in the hotel's garden with Ella by his side. How fulfilling could that be?

He stopped on his tracks when he saw a shorthaired lady sitting on one of the benches. There's no mistaking it. It's Ella. He decided to walk to her and pry on what she's doing. When he's close enough, his heart stopped when he heard her soft sobs. It broke his heart. Instinctively, he walked towards her and sat next to her on the bench.

Ella didn't even bother looking at the intruder. She's too heart-broken and tired to do so. But the voice of the person makes her choke back her tears.

"Ella," Chun called out.

She refused to look at him especially now that he witnessed her broken side.

"Ella, it's cold out here. Why don't we go back inside?" he offered.

Ella shook her head in negation and wiped her tears with the back of her hand.

Couldn't think of anything else to say, Chun asked, "Are you okay?"

Irritated with his question, Ella finally said, "Do I look okay to you?"

Loss for words, Chun just stared at Ella's accusing eyes, not knowing what to make of it.

"And why do you suddenly care? Weren't you ignoring me for the past months?" she asked, her gaze intense on his eyes.

"I..."

"You what?"

"I wasn't ignoring you, Ella. I've been very busy with the upcoming game that's why I can't spend time with you," he reasoned out, silently hoping she would buy it.

Tired to even retort back, Ella stood up and hopelessly shook her head from side to side. She looked at Chun directly in the eyes as if to convey the message she wanted him to realize.

"Please be honest, Chun. Just this once... Please... I just want to know," she said in a soft, almost inaudible voice.

The helpless and broken expression on Ella's face touched Chun's heart and he felt the urge to take the risk. It's now or never. He never thought that his unreasonable actions caused her so much pain.

Licking his lips, he said, "I don't know how to put this, Ella. But I guess it's time for you to know about it. You have the right to know..."

He stood up, facing her. She looked like an angel under the moon's light. It's been so long since he kept all of his feelings hidden. He wouldn't care anymore what else would be at stake with his confession. He couldn't let his feelings hurt the both of them any longer. He gulped hard and closed the distance between them. With his trembling and sweaty hand, he grabbed Ella's right hand and tenderly placed them on his left chest.

Her eyes were wide in shock as she could feel, very vividly, Chun's rapid heartbeat through her palm. She could feel her own heart beating with his as he stroke the back of her hand with his affectionately.

"I have feelings for you," his gaze soft on her eyes. Ella could feel her lips trembling in disbelief. "But you're my friend," his hand came to wrap around her fingers rather tighter. "And I don't know if you feel the same but I guess it's time for me to take the risk."

Ella gulped the lump forming on her throat with the sudden upturn of events. She looked searchingly on Chun's eyes and she could tell that his intentions were nothing but pure.

"Ella Chen, I love you. Can you be my girlfriend?" he said as he gripped on Ella's hand tighter. He's wishing intently that she would accept his confession. He would be the happiest man alive if that would happen.

Ella could feel his heartbeat increased in speed after saying those words. She was so elated that tears of joy formed in her eyes. She couldn't think of anything else to do so she wrapped her hands on Chun's waist and hugged him tight. "I love you too," she whispered softly but sincerely.

Chun, on the other hand, was ecstatic when he heard her respond with the affirmative. And he did what he's been painstakingly trying to avoid at the dance floor earlier that evening. He wrapped his hands on her and he couldn't help but notice the smooth skin of her back as he pulled her tighter. Ella's his now. He could feel his heart doing somersaults. He'd never been this elated in his entire life.

They pulled out from their affectionate embrace. Chun placed his coat on her when he noticed her shivering from the cold. "Do you want to go back?" he asked.

Ella shook her head.

Just then, a love song played from the hall entitled "My Valentine".

Chun gazed lovingly at Ella and asked, "May I have this dance?"

"Of course," she replied while blushing red.

Chun held her hands and put them on his shoulders. He reached out for her waist from inside his coat and gently pulled her in while holding on tight. They stared at each other with soft eyes and permanent blush on their cheeks. Chun would gradually pull Ella closer to him as the song progresses and she allowed him without protest. By the end of the song, her head is already on his shoulders and his arms are wrapped on her waist.

"Ella," Chun called.

Ella turned to look at Chun and can't help but notice his handsome smile. Chun guided Ella's arms around his neck and placed one of his hands on the small of her waist while the other is on the bare portion of her back. She could feel chills running down her spine as Chun's hand caressed her skin while inching closer until their foreheads and nose touched. He whispered against her lips, "Ella, can you give me the honour of claiming your kiss tonight?"

She was speechless when she heard his husky voice. With much confidence, as he knows that she's not going to protest, he smiled warmly and whispered, "Close you eyes."

Ella did as she was ordered. He tilted his head, looking on her lips and closed his eyes. He captured her upper lip and run his hand on the nape of her neck. He held the kiss and noticed her untutored kisses. He must've been her first kiss, he noted. Smiling to himself, he tilted to the other side and captured her bottom lip, sucking gently. His kisses sent her off her feet with the sensation he's giving her. His kisses felt so good. He felt him caressing her bottom lip with his tongue and she combed her hands to his hair as a response.

~ooOoo~

M Y V A L E N T I N E


If there were no words
No way to speak
I would still hear you

If there were no tears
No way to feel inside
I'd still feel for you

And even if the sun refuse to shine
Even if romance ran out of rhyme
You would still have my heart
Until the end of time
You're all I need
My love, my valentine

All of my life
I have been waiting for
All you give to me
You've opened my eyes
And showed me how to love unselfishly

I've dreamed of this a thousand times before
In my dreams I couldn't love you more
I will give you my heart
Until the end of time
You're all I need
My love, my valentine

And even if the sun refuse to shine
Even if romance ran out of rhyme
You would still have my heart
Until the end of time
'Cause all I need
Is you, my valentine

You're all I need
My love, my valentine


~ooOoo~

The two stayed in each other's arms, enjoying the new-found feelings of being with one another. Indeed, only a confrontation can settle everything.

-End-