It was a very cloudy day at Giyeons' funeral. The previous three days people where in and out from the memorial of Giyeon. You were supporting the family though the most difficult time of your lives. Saying goodbye...

Mourners gathered to pay their respects to Giyeon, the young girl who had sadly taken her own life, in a sombre mood at her funeral. Giyeon's body lay in the casket, ready to be buried, and the air was thick with melancholy and the weight of tragedy.

The funeral home was filled with a sombre ambience as people gathered to say goodbye to Giyeon. There were muffled sobbing and choked sniffles. Teachers and fellow students were left to stand and reminisce about their past interactions with the gifted scientific student.

The freshness and intensity of your grief were such that you felt empty and overwhelmed in despair. You were standing by the coffin, embraced by your mom, a stoic look on your face, eyes red-rimmed and swollen hidden behind dark glasses, all from crying for hours.

You clung to a tissue tightly in your hand as you struggled to prevent this tide of emotions from overwhelming you. But, Giyeon wasn't only a friend but also a confidant with whom one shared secrets, laughed along with and leaned on during hard times like laughter and support but now she's gone forever...

Giyeon's family moving towards the white casket showed their pain in every gesture and devastating look. They held onto each other desperately, their faces etched with deep torment as they dealt with the devastating reality of burying their child. Her mom was crying in pain. Around them stood brothers, sisters, cousins; everyone looking as sad as her parents amidst their last goodbyes to Giyeon.

....

After the funeral, the mourners began to disperse to have some refreshments at the funeral home, but Giyeon wanted her family to invite her class mates to her family home to enjoy sweet treats in memory of her. So after the formal meals at the funeral home, all the friends were gathered together at Giyeons home.

Yoongi, dressed in an elegant black suit, came over smiling kindly and sympathetically with his eyes full of empathy.

"Yuri, my sincere condolences," he murmured softly placing his hand on your shoulder, "How do you holding it?"

You looked up towards him trying to hide your emotions. "I don't know", you almost cried, but managed to whisper through tears, "I just can't believe she's dead."

Yoongi nodded sadly feeling empathy for you, "I know," he repeated before putting his hand softly on your shoulder asking if there was anything he could do for you or any other plans that you may have for the future.

It was surprising that Yoongi who rarely displayed much emotion came out trying to console you at all.

He and some other guys from his group including Namjoon who had always been secretly loving Giyeon went to the funeral; while some others like Taehyung and Jimin traveled to meet Taehyung's relatives in Germany; Hoseok left for Seoul a week ago, and you don't know if he knew about Giyeon's death. You just want to forget he ever existed.

You shook your head as though searching for something among all those gloomy thoughts," I'm clueless," you replied almost sobbingly." I need time."

While still talking Namjoon came up to you, he had lost his usual cheerfulness instead having sadness written all over his face. You saw visible sorrow on his countenance which showed how much Namjoon loved Giyeon without saying it out loud because it was an unrequited love that she will never reprocicate.

He gave you a soft side hug," I'm so sorry for your loss, Yuri. We will miss her cute smirk and teasing manner. I know I'm going to miss her dearly." He softly utter, his eyes empty.

You managed a soft, deflated smile, " I know... just so that you know. Giyeon had great respect for you, Namjoon. She always said that you will be president of South Korea one day. She will be sorely missed."

While you stood there, some of your classmates came with sombre expressions and embraced you. You couldn't contain your tears, and Yoongi decided to escort you to a quiet place in the house, a hallway. You were sobbing softly after all the consoling words of your friends.

Namjoon had returned to the food table where Seokjin and Jungkook were enjoying themselves talking with the rest of your classmates.

Yoongi held you in his arms and embraced you, soothing you with words of consolation.

Just then Mi-Cha found you with Yoongi in the hallway. She looked strangely affected by Giyeons' passing.

Yoongi furrowed his brows when Mi-Cha inhaled deeply," Yuri?"she uttered your name nervously.

You lift your tear-streaked face from from Yoongis' shoulder as your eyes grow icy cold, looking with deep fury and inward hatred at the girl who made you, your mom's and Giyeons life a living hell.

You narrowed your eyes, and with a seething tone, you asked, "What do you want? Aren't you excited now that Giyeon is gone? You embarrassed my friend, spoke down on her and tarnished her name with your friends. We know you are involved in her attack, and karma will get you---"

Mi-chas' eyes were filled with tears,"I'm so sorry, Yuri. I...I didn't realise that things would spiral out of control. I wasn't part of the attack...please believe me Yuri. I like...liked her, and I would never---"

You inhaled deeply and vigorously wiped your face. "Just save it, Mi-cha! I hope she comes and haunts your dreams, and whatever you do, may you see her face everywhere...for the rest of your life." You spat it out.

You turn around, and an apologetic Yoongi follows you to Giyeons' room, where you stand trying to regulate your breath. You wanted to give her the slap of her life.

Yoongi stood quietly behind you. You were surprised that he followed you. His eyes roamed over Giyeon's dark, academia-decorated room.

"Woah, Giyeon was indeed a science geek.", he noticed with a faint smile when he saw her science formulas on a blackboard behind her bed. She wasn't into pinks and frilly stuff. A true tomboy. All her personal stuff like books were packed up. She was already prepared to move to Seoul until...

You shook your head at the melancholic thoughts and turn to Yoongi and slight smile grazed your light pink lips,"Yeah...she was brilliant and an awesome peer tutor. Made a lot of wons tutoring our classmates, even students from universities---" You looked at the room with renewed appreciation.

It was pristine clean, unlike the way Giyeon would kept it. Her clothes, books and even kimchi and ramen containers would be everywhere on the chairs, floors even t-shirts thrown over lampstands.

It would take real energy from you to find stuff in her room. You always helped her clean her room first. It annoyed her mom so much but she just didn't care. She was unapologetically nonchalant about being a certified slob.

You will miss this room where you dreamt about your futures, laugh, doing homework together, talking about crushes and boys who liked you and just lounge out eating take aways and watching movies.

It was such a profound message on the pillow you bought her as a gift. It was indeed a 'good day' for Giyeon -away from the demons that tortured her sensitive soul.

You nodded silently, handing him your phone quietly and let him he add your contact information without saying, anything,"Why do you want my number Yoongi? I don't understand I thought you didn't like me--"

Yoongi raised his eyebrows, with open surprise,"I don't like you? Yuri, you are one of the only girls in our year that I could stand. There is a reason why I always look at you.You reminded me of someone. Yuri, do you know anything about the Min-family?"

You furrowed your brows. You were not interested in the most popular Neutronix family dynamics.You just shook your head,"Er....no, not really. But I do know you are some kind of a chaebol family you said hesitantly.

Yoongi snorted a little, and roll his eyea,"Quickly take a seat," he gestured at the red leather desk chair of Giyeon. You looked a little reluctant but do as he asked for.

He inhales deeply,"Yuri, I don't want to impose on your life...but,.. I know about your mum's past."

You jumped shocked from the seat and shook your head, and wave your arms,"Yoongi...excuse me! But don't you think it is the wrong time to mention such a painful event to me? I don't want to---"

Yoongi inhaled deeply,"I'm sorry, Yuri, to mention it. But I heard you might be leaving Gwanju and I need to tell you something important-please just sit a sec."

You bit your lip and looked at him questioningly,"What is it?"

Yoongi wiped his face,"Yuri...the man your mom accused of fathering you. He is my uncle.Wait---wait...listen first." When he saw your flabbergasted eyes widen, jaws dropped in utter shock.

"Yuri,I never hated or disliked you or having any ill will towards you.I have been watching over from afar for nearly four years now since middle school. I believe your mom, she was right. You are my uncle's child.Just give me a hearing...I know it is shocking but I need to tell you.My father and famous uncle are twins.You and I have the same family features."He lifts his dark suit jacket sleeve and shows you his birthmark, almost the shape of Italy on his wrist, hidden under his expensive watch.Your eyes widen in awe as you shift your black blazer sleeve and show him your birthmark on the same spot.

You looked knowingly but perplexed into each other's eyes,"H..how did you know?" he strangled it out.

Yoongi grins. "We have twin fathers, though I take after my mother more than him. Your legs are shaped like mine as well as your ears. You look more like my uncle. Small mannerism, like how you bit your lips, or scrunched up your nose when you confuse or disgusted. I studied you for years, Yuri but didn't want to impose on your life.Your mom even gifted you my grandmother name. Yuri. How did she know my grams name unless my uncle told her. He kept our family out of the spot light . Nobody even know his sisters or twin brothers real names. My Uncle Jeamin doesn't know what that I know. But my grandmother saw you many times during our awards events, even sporting events, and she has her suspicions. My parents and uncle live in LA for years. In case you don't remember, my dad is a music producer.He co-owns a record label with my uncle, and that's why I' m going to UCLA to study Music Production. I grew up here with my grandparents, but visited the US regularly."

You were flabbergasted by the revelation,"Oh woah! That is huge. So your grandma knows about me?"

He nodded," Yes, although my selfish uncle still denies that he fathered a child. My uncle was a very reckless and bad boy idol in his days. We need solid proof like a DNA test to proof that you are his kid."

You snort," No thanks, I don't want him as my dad.I'm seventeen and will be eighteen soon. I will need my mom's permission first. It will just give my mom peace to know that he acknowledges that he is the father. We don't want anything from that famous jerk. I don't even want to meet him. My mom went through public scrutiny and bringing up her past will hurt her. So, thank you, Yoongi, for informing me. Your secret is safe with me."

Yoongi sighed,"I understand, Yuri...but my playboy uncle ruined your moms 'life. Don't you want closure. He needs to own up. He doesn't have kids right now. You might be his only legacy and heir."

You shook your head, "No, I don't want to dig up the past. I don't want to be associated with that idol. My mom is happy for the first time. She finally found love and a purpose for living. So let's keep it between us, okay?" You look at him pleadingly.

Yoongi sighed reluctantly,"Okay, for now but I want to get to know you as my cousin. We are only five grandkids. I'm a year older than you. I have a little sister also, living in the US. Remember you were fast track in Elementary school. So, I'll call you soon and we can meet in the US and build our relationship. How is that?"

You smile gently,"Okay... I'm moving to New York in a few days. So let's meet up ---" You smile in each other's eyes and embrace each other nervously. If a family member had to see you embracing a boy their mind will be reeling. You couldn't comprehend that Yoongi was your biological cousin and he wanted to meet you and get to know you better. The pain of the day was temporary in the back of your mind.

.............

That night, you found solace in the company of Giyeon's grieving parents, staying with them as they deal with the unbearable grief of losing their daughter. You help out in the house after everyone was gone. Your mom just hugged you and let you sleep over.

That evening you all drew solace from every other's presence and found solace in sharing memories of this vivacious young girl whom you had lost. Giyeon's diary, few pieces of jewellery and several classic English novels were gifted to you by the family and a bag fill with some clothes belonging to Giyeon. Her family wanted you to have fiŕst pick because you were leaving South Korea.

Giyeon left a heartfelt letter for all of you, asking for you to forgive her for not being able to cope with her pain and each of you received some of her memories. Her family was so grateful for you and your mom's support during the bereavement time.

They were pleased that your mom is moving away so that you can start over and not be overwhelmed with grief by all the reminders around the neighborhood. Her mom even showed you her uni acceptance letter. You all cried together for the last time.

In the following days, before you and your mom left. The juvenile attackers of Giyeon's were arrested, but because they were delinquent kids of very rich and prominent Ceo parents, they got only community service for their attack on Giyeon. Giyeons family were furious, but will fight for justice.

All your stuff was packed in boxes and shipped to the USA to the new apartment, near your mom's new job and your new Uni.

You haven't spoken to Mi-cha and openly ignored her when she approached you at home. You didn't want anything to do with her and her selfish mom. Your uncle came home from his trip, and your mom gave him an expensive watch as a gift. Thanking him for taking you in and protecting you from the outside ridicule and even giving you a safe home.

Before your impending trip, you went to the graveyard to say farewell to Giyeon.

.....

A week later.

You and your mother boarded a plane to the USA, where you had been finally accepted into an American Ivy League university-the University of New York for Journalism. You were astonished that even Seoul National University and Korea University accepted you, but you declined and decided to move to the US with Mr Duri and your mom.

They look so in love, and you thank God your mom seems so happy, and Duri made your mom super happy.

It was a bittersweet parting, filled with the promise of new beginnings but overshadowed by the lingering sadness of Giyeon's absence. The void she left in your heart took away your breath because of yearning.

As you flew across the ocean, relaxing in business class seats, all that you could hold on to were memories of your beloved friend; and even though your heart was laden with grief, it still looked forward to what lay ahead.

It was a fresh start - a clean slate to wipe away the pain and trauma from their past life in Korea and begin afresh in another country. Your hearts were filled with hope for better opportunities and brighter future thereby lightening their sorrowful weights that you had carried for too long.

Your decision to move to the USA marked a turning point. As you looked down through the plane window onto the vast city below that you left behind, you silently made up your mind - no more giving your heart away.

You even received a text message of condolences from Hoseok, which you just glanced at and then blocked him. Determined to move on from your first love, putting the past behind you.

That day, under the gentle pinkish petals of a cherry blossom tree, you learned that happiness never lasts forever. Those pretty flowers that always made you happy and full of ideas have now turned into bitter reminders of shattered dreams and love lost thus far. The cherry blossom petals falling on the ground were symbolic of your heartbreak, broken promises as well as dashed hopes.

In fact, in those moments, as the plane climbed higher into the sky, it was something you swore silently-no more showing or succumb to vulnerability.Instead, you decided to put up a fortified wall around your fragile heart so that it would never be hurt again by anything or anyone in life.

As you laid there head resting on the window staring out to the cloud blanket,silent tears dropped slowly down your cheeks reminding you sadly of one beautiful quote once read,

"My heart used to be like summer warm with hope and joy but has now become cold and barren like winter snow leaving only memories behind."

A/N: Yuri is leaving behind all the pain and grieving to start afresh.

Thank you so much for all the reads, votes and comments-a shout-out to all of you my loyal Sparkles. Don't forget to vote and comment your thoughts.🫠

1. Did you expect the revelation of Yoongi?

2. Do you think Yuri and Yoongi can maintain a good secret familial relationship?

3. Must Yuri tell her mom about the news about her 'family'?

4. Do you think Yuri must meet her dad, face to face or leave him and just live her life?

5. Will Yuri be able to forget Hoseok and truly move on?