I wake up, drenched in sweat. I can't believe I've just dreamt of Prince Charming. Usually, my nightly thoughts are filled with bad omens, such as losing a loved one or missing an opportunity. Reality hardly ever matches dreams. While, in my case, it's mostly a good thing, I doubt this time it'll come true.

I've never been particularly lucky with men and I don't see why this time it should be different. No matter how much I try, I always give up, fearing I'll end up making a poor figure. No wonder Mom and Dad raise hands on me when it comes to settling down. They, to date, still believe I'll never find anyone suitable.

This coming year, though, things will change. Not because I say that, because Fate does. I'll find my special one. He won't be Prince Charming, for sure, but I'll finally experience true love in real life, not just in dramas.

But, first, I need to take a shower. I smell terrible. What if someone else knocks the door and then slam it back on me because I reek of a mixture of sweat and leftovers? No, no, that can't be. I need to be presentable, for God's sake!

I go and find something nice for the evening in my wardrobe, then bolt toward the shower. I need to drain the negativity down. There's nothing better than bubbles to destroy this energy that's ruined my day so far. I mean, they do miracles, right?

***

As I'm out of the shower, I feel like I'm reborn. My skin glows like the lights outside. I get dressed, savoring the pleasure of looking at my figure in the mirror. I can't say I'm ugly, but I'm not that good looking either.

I put on my best outfit, a long sleeved lace red dress. I believe this will bring me good luck. I don't know why, I just have this feeling. I complete my look with a pair of blazing new black boots—nothing like my usual worn out brown boots, which are so old that I even forgot when I bought them—and a pearl necklace.

I don't do my make-up to its fullest. I just apply some pink lipgloss, and that's it. I want to keep things simple, but with style. After all, it's not like I'm going anywhere special.

I twirl in front of the mirror and grin. 'Now, this is a look I can be proud of. I really did a good job. Now, I can enjoy the rest of the night, pretending to be in good company.'

I only have a thing to take care of for tonight: dinner. Considering that my fridge is completely empty and I'm not desperate enough to show up at any of my neighbors' to join them for dinner last minute, I only have only one option: takeout.

***

I scroll through the delivery app, mumbling between one choice and another. I don't want the usual ramyeon, but at the same time I'm on a tight budget. Again, I'll only get my salary on Monday. Until then, I'll have to refine my art of saving and making do. Gifts for my family and friends weren't exactly cheap, to be fair.

Fuck the budget. I decide to cheat and order a big takeout course: pizza. I mean, there's nothing better than watching TV while eating that Gods' food. Plus, it's an excellent alternative to ramyeon and dumplings.

I don't hesitate and order one pizza with sausage and fries, as well as more fries as a side, a Coke and some sweet treats to close the meal on a high note. When it comes to sweets, I don't spare myself.

As I'm done with my order, all I have to do is wait. Thirty minutes don't seem to last forever, at least since this day took an awful turn. I could try and watch more TV, or read a book.

Now that I remember, there's one I need to finish. I started reading it last month, but have never had the courage to read the last chapter. For a reason or another, I always avoid it.

I go to my room and look for it on the bookshelf. There are only ten volumes, but it's not a bad thing. I tend to borrow books from the library to save space and money; plus, I'm not the kind of person who reads a story more than once.

I find it; then, I pick it, along with an old magazine, and return to the living room. I should've thought of having a cup of tea along with the read, but I only have one filter left and it's close to dinner, so it's not a really good idea.

I sit on the couch and open the book at page 235. I reread the paragraph that made me leave it for a whole month. I read it aloud, putting a brave face and preparing myself to the worst. That final chapter can't scare me anymore. I must finish it, no matter how.

***

Saenal is alone at the station. She is sure Inha won't reach her. There's no chance he'll choose her over Yuji. With such a beauty, a witty, elegant, classy young lady available, why pick a midget?

Saenal waits impatiently for the train to arrive, to take her away from that town that, if anything, is too tight for her to stay. She's done waiting for Inha to make his choice. She's done being in "competition" with Yuji. She's done with Daehak's unrequired advice on her love life.

She just wants to find an escape. But how? Does it really take her to get on a train to find happiness? How can she be sure she won't regret her choice? How she can mend her broken heart if she has a hard time picking up the pieces?

'Screw him. If he wants to stay with Little Miss Perfection, I can't blame him. After all, looks do matter.' She's on the verge of tears, all because of a man. She can't tell her mother she suffered and cried for him. She must pretend to stay strong. No-one would believe her, let even comfort her.

The train has finally arrived. Saenal makes a step forward, reat to hop on, when she feels a hand grabbing her shoulder. She recognizes that touch. The same that deceived her, that made her feel loved and desired.

Her head suggests she drop him like dead weight once for all, but her heart says otherwise. How can she be sure he'll break her heart if she can't witness his true feelings?

She turns towards him and states, "So, you've come. I thought you'd never. What about-"

Inha cuts her off. "Stop it. I'm not interested in that woman in the slightest. Don't let a misunderstanding ruin everything. You won't hop off on that train." She glances uneasily at him; yet, he doesn't relent.

He concludes, "Let's try, this time for real. I promise, I won't disappoint you."

***

I can't believe it. I'm really close to hitting the end of this story. I can't relate to the protagonist, but I can feel her pain, her resilience, her passion. For some reason, she inspires me.

Okay, I'm not Lee Saenal and maybe I'll never find anyone like Choi Inha in my life. However, this doesn't mean I can't write my own story. I won't let my woes define me anymore. Starting from tomorrow, though. What I care about now is dinner. After finishing the last two pages, of course.