Hey, I'm back... So far, I update this story and Chained. I'm sorry it took so long. Hopefully, I'll do the others as well. It's winter break, so yeah yay.

Enjoy~

Yona's POV

Lying on the hard wooden floor on my back with my arms spread out, I stared at the ceiling of the small shack. Signs of deterioration were clearly shown. There were spider webs on the corners and irregular shaped holes scattered everywhere, allowing small pockets of light through. The cool wind brushed against my face, lifting up strands of my hair and caressing it gently, as if the breeze was comforting me. The outdoor scent made my toes tingle in an odd, but satisfying way. In the distance, the acapella birds sang their daily songs with their high pitched voice that can't match anyone else's.

My thoughts kept running back to my childhood. I didn't know why; I didn't think about it for a long time, mostly because I didn't want to. It was not a pleasant one, but I guess there were good times. I mean, the village still hated me, my parents also hated me, but one person didn't.

A boy.

I don't remember his name or what he looked like, maybe a bit older than me. I actually didn't remember much back then. The world was a blur to me, but there were moments that stuck with me, somehow.

Pieces of broken memories flashed across my eyes: I was sitting on the ground alone with my back against a tree. Then, a boy carrying food came and sat down next to me, munching on some grapes. He didn't say anything, and I couldn't help but stare at him. I had never been that close to someone before. Everyone always kept their distance from me. Seeing my stare, he looked at his hands holding the remaining grapes. With something like "Here, you can have these," he handed me the grapes, his hands lightly touching mine. He left after that.

Then, another memory came: The boy and I were playing soccer. For some reason, we were laughing and soon the villagers found us together. The laughing stopped. Our parents came to tear us apart. He argued with his parents, and my mom screamed at me with words I didn't fully understand. My mother slapped my face, and immediately, the boy was in front of me, holding out his arms to be a shield between my mom and I. That caused more commotion, and soon the others came to drag him away. I was punished severely after that for bewitching him.

Next memory: It was night. Quietly, I exited my house and went to our secret hideout, which was in the forest next to a running river. By the time I arrived, the boy was already there. "You're always late," he complained, flicking my forehead gently. I rolled my eyes and told him how my parents are night owls, though he already knew. We talked, lying on our backs, staring at the moon with half sleepy eyes. Then, he turned to face me. "Yona," he murmured, "You may not see me for a while." I turned to face him as well, though it took all my strength to keep my eyes barely open. I asked him if he was going on a trip, which he usually does often. "Yeah...but it'll be a long trip. But when I come back, I'll be stronger, better. I'll save you from this place, Yona." My mind was shutting down, but I managed to ask him why. He paused for a moment. "A block head like you wouldn't understand. I'll tell you when I come back."
I closed my eyes and lifted my pinky. Right before darkness took over, he hooked it with his tightly. "I promise."

That was the first time I made a promise with someone, and the first time someone broke it.

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QOD: favorite fairytale?