I had caught him. He didn't like being vulnerable, but I was tired of continuing this act. I was furious that 5 years wasn't enough time for him to make me understand him. When in fact, he only showed me a mask. I gave him all of me and that was what hurt the most.

" You know how much I hate bringing things up. Because it doesn't help. But you've done nothing but lie to me. And you lied about a lot so I don't know what was real. I loved a persona and I loved a mask for way too long. " I whispered, feeling my body weaken.

I coughed as I sobbed " I'm so sick of being lied to. So the last thing you can tell me before I go is some shred of truth." I could see he didn't like this situation, not only that he had been backed into a corner but feeling vulnerable around me made him almost mad. His face was becoming so blurry to me.

His eyes finally met mine " I hid my identity because I didn't think you would understand. I'm sorry, Zo." My eyes widened at him in shock. He rarely ever said the word, let alone meant it. Even if i did want to stay with him, he brought me nothing but emotional exhaustion. I ran downstairs. Right now, I needed time away from him. I was sad, angry and exhausted.

I felt my hot angry, bitter tears burning my eyes. I didn't need to tell him for him to know that I knew. I didn't say a word. I knew he was tailing me, but I didn't care.

He pulled my hand back, I turned to him and slapped him across the face. His eyes immediately watered and my hand print was bright red across his face. " I'm not mad that you hurt me many times over and tried to make me forget by wiping my memory. I don't even care that you fucked a demon or my ratty teacher and literally almost made out with her cousin. I'm mad that you lied about you.

" For 5 years you lied and you know what? you could have saved yourself the trouble of trying to stop me if you knew you were going to break my heart this badly. I don't want to see you again." His eyes were filled with horror, tears and pain. But I didn't care anymore. I wasn't going back to him, I swore to myself. I ran. And no matter how many times I ran with my board in arm, no amount of distance could heal all of the pain and trauma he'd caused me. I didn't know where I was going anymore, and maybe that was what was best for me

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Three days. I had gone around and gotten no real answers on who this "Rinako" was. I lie in bed, staring at the ceiling. This was my home, at least for now. Was I satisfied with it? Well, it could be worse. I had at least 20 missed calls from my cousin, very worried if I landed safely or found my way around Osaka. 

On that thought, I sent my phone flying across the room. Before I left, This was the name on a slip of paper that Michael placed in my hand. He didn't tell me anything before or after. I knew this had to either be the name of the circle or someone in the circle that knew Michael. Either way, I had to find them. Rain constantly pattered on my window and could be heard everywhere. All I wanted was this feeling of hurt and emptiness to vanish. Why was I hurting this much?

*Flashback*

" You really think playing the hero will make him love you? Newsflash, to him, you were nothing!

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His face was flushed as he looked at me " Naehyun... I only ever liked you as a friend..." 

* Flash Forward* 

Oh. Right. 

I was very lucky to have gotten here. I came privately. I was still confused as to how I wasn't stopped at all. I sat up, letting my body think for me. I removed my blanket and walked towards the door. I slipped on some rain boots I brought. I put on my coat and walked outside. Luckily if I wanted a drink I had my wallet. I went to currency exchange and got my yen for dollars. I was privileged in a lot of ways, speaking English, Korean and intermediate Japanese. Getting around wasn't too hard either, so I was okay for now. 

The water was a little rough today and the sky was very dark. Not because it was night, but because the sky was so darkened by the scary gray clouds. This would be the fourth day I went out to look around for them. 

I didn't know who or what to expect but I knew they would come sometime. They had to. Or I didn't know what would happen. What I would be doing if I wasn't a witch. I was a witch because I wanted the family I never had. I was also a witch because... everything went right for my cousin. She met her boyfriend, and made a living teaching art. I had to believe I would find the same. I didn't know what I'd do if I didn't.

 The rain got harder so I went inside the little coffee shop. I sat and waited for the young waitress to collect my order. It was a cute little place with brown and beige accents. And some pink decor. A teenage girl walked up to my table and asked me for my order. She was nice with dark hair and dark eyes and a beige and pink waitress outfit. " Hello, welcome to Koko's, what can I get for you?" 

I paused for a second, thinking " Maybe a Cappuccino? And some fresh creme puffs?" She nodded and walked back into the kitchen. My hair was dripping wet which I would have to treat when I got home. The cafe was medium sized and not much seemed to be happening.

 A few people were here, enjoying coffee and a few others waiting until the rain was less harsh to go home. I noticed an older man in a suit with a briefcase. He had a small drink in his other hand, sipping. He was kind to the young waitress and everyone around him. He was a rarity. A lot of older men were stuck up and entitled these days. I waited for my drink patiently. The rain only got harder after a short time. 

Everyone was a reasonable distance apart and were just as mindful of each other's health as they were anxious to get out. In a few countries, that was also a rarity.

There was a sweet voice on the radio... It sounded like a traditional song that was as beautiful as it was soothing. I needed both of those things right now.

Alas, the waitress brought out my drink. I gave her my thanks and asked for my bill. She got closer to me so I knew something was up." I'm not supposed to say who but... someone's covered your bill." She backed up a little " Anyway, enjoy!" She went over to the next table to take the order of a young man. I got the sudden weird feeling of being watched. I nervously bit my lip and gently rubbed the side of my neck. Someone... knew me here? It could have also been a random act of kindness. That happens sometimes. Especially a guy trying to get a girls attention. 

After a while, I got up and left. I had to look somewhere for Rinako. I sat down where I had been about 2 hours ago. There was a bus stop not too far away. I was pretty wet from walking back but also from overall being out here in the pouring rain.

I jolted, surprised as someone tapped my shoulder. I turned around, surprised. I wasn't one to believe in love at first sight, but something warm crept into my chest and I couldn't explain why as I looked at her. She was dressed elegantly in all black,  looking stunning simply as she stood in front of me. She had waist length wavy black hair and deep red lipstick, tenderly holding her umbrella. I felt under-dressed in her presence. We stood, staring at each other in silence as the rain poured for what felt like a split second but could've also been forever. Her light chocolate eyes pulled it all together. She was perfect in my eyes.

She spoke to me in plain English, sounding so caring and endearing with only her words " You look lost, Naehyun. Come. We've been waiting for you." She smiled at me,  reaching her hand out to me and I took it. And I knew. No matter what rabbit hole she stole me away to, I knew I would follow her. Because just like that I had forgotten about the past. My heart was hers to keep or shatter. 

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" Yeah." I murmured, nodding.