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i-myeoni-blogs · 7 months

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What If?

Why was Mars grappling with this unexplainable surge of emotion? As he briskly walked away from the college campus, heading towards the eagerly awaited bus, he left Jinny standing at the entrance in a state of bewilderment, her senses jolted by his abrupt departure. There she stood, frozen, struggling to comprehend the sudden void he had left behind.

"Mars, she's just a student," he muttered to himself, his head shaking in a futile effort to disperse the persistent thoughts that had emerged during their initial encounter. It had been an ordinary day, much like any other, until the universe seemed to conspire, thrusting him into an encounter with Jinny that defied explanation.

As he retraced his steps, he was met with an empty space where Jinny had stood just moments ago. She had vanished, leaving him with a lingering sense of unease. In an attempt to regain his composure, he administered a quick, self-inflicted slap on the cheek, as if to wake himself from an enigmatic reverie.

With renewed determination, Mars resumed his journey towards the bus station, the enigma of Jinny still dancing at the periphery of his thoughts. The inexplicable tug of emotion continued to pull at his heartstrings, leaving him to wonder if there was more to their encounter than met the eye.

Mars, seeking solace from the world, expertly plugged in his trusty headphones. With a gentle click, he allowed the melody of "Paper Crown" to wash over him once more. This song had become a steadfast companion, its melancholic strains a constant source of solace and reflection in the turbulent sea of his thoughts. Despite the countless times he'd traversed its emotional landscape, the music never relinquished its power to ensnare his senses.

As the bus rumbled along its designated route, Mars found himself gazing out of the window, lost in thought. His eyes, however, were drawn to a familiar figure on the sidewalk, a fleeting glimpse of Jinny. A rush of emotions welled up within him, but he knew that something was amiss.

Her eyes, which were warm and inviting for her friends, now seemed distant and cold for the rest of the world, as though she carried a heavy burden of unspoken sorrows. Mars couldn't help but wonder what had transpired in her life since they last met.

The urge to get off the bus and rush to her side, to envelop her in a warm and comforting embrace, surged through him. He knew, however, that such a display would not be welcomed. Instead, he clenched his fists and forced himself to stay seated, his heart aching with an unspoken longing.

At that moment, he closed his eyes, finding solace in the knowledge that the windowpane shielded his emotions from the outside world. Behind this thin barrier, he allowed himself a private moment of contemplation amidst the ever-changing scenery passing by.

As the bus continued its journey, Mars couldn't help but hope that someday, somehow, they would find their way back to each other, thawing the icy distance that now separated their hearts.

A brief stroll from the bus stop led him to his abode, a place of solace and tranquility. Upon stepping inside, he gently lowered his backpack to the floor before settling onto the couch. With his legs extended over the armrest at the opposite end and his head cradled on the cushion, his thoughts soon wandered far from his immediate surroundings.

This marked the conclusion of his commencement day as a guest professor, a day that had sapped his energy and resolve. Gazing contemplatively at the ceiling, he found his mind drifting elsewhere. It was then that his eyes alighted upon the portrait adorning the wall, one depicting a serene meadow. To his astonishment, it seemed as though the scene was in motion, a subtle dance of nature before him.

"Such graceful movements," he whispered in a hushed tone, utterly entranced by the vibrant life seemingly radiating from the painted canvas before him. His gaze fixated on a young girl, her lithe figure elegantly traversing the lush meadow, her tresses dancing in perfect synchrony with the gentle caress of the breeze. As he continued to peer at the artwork, his vision began to blur, and his pupils expanded like gateways to another world, as if a dream had decided to embrace him right then and there.

Yet, just as he was about to fully surrender himself to this captivating reverie, an extraordinary occurrence transpired. The girl portrayed in the painting shifted her gaze, directing her luminous eyes toward him. Within those depths, he discerned an unmistakable glow of warmth and benevolence, as if the very spirit of the meadow had reached out to connect with his soul.

Her eyes sparkled with a smile so precious, it was akin to a cherished memory brought to life. This enchanting smile seemed to weave a beguiling spell, silently beckoning him into a world where magic thrived.

"Ele-," he started to utter, his voice fading away like a distant echo as an overwhelming weariness washed over him. Holding a pillow close to his chest, he yielded to the soothing embrace of a profound slumber. His sentence remained suspended, left incomplete, lost in the boundless realms of dreams.

Uncertain about the duration of his slumber in that peculiar position, the cushion now rested obediently at his feet upon the floor. Upon his return in the afternoon, he opted not to illuminate the room, shrouding the house in complete darkness. Nevertheless, the abrupt, resounding ringtone that echoed through the expanse of his high-walled residence jolted him awake. In a rush, he propelled himself upwards in pursuit of his bag, stumbling along the way as he frantically fished out his phone and answered it.

"Not a single moment of sleep escaped interruption," he mused, running his fingers through his tousled hair while scrutinizing the unfamiliar number on the screen.

He gingerly set the phone down on the coffee table and activated the speaker, patiently awaiting the voice of the caller.

"Hello, Mr. Mars; it's Ms. Nada speaking."

"Hello, Ms. Nada."

"I apologize for reaching out to you like this; I obtained your number from the dean. I'm truly grateful for your willingness to step in."

"Oh, no need to worry; it's perfectly alright."

"Yes, I was deeply concerned about the students, not knowing when I'll recover. This typhoid has become alarmingly severe," she admitted with a hint of worry in her voice.

She possessed a voice as sweet as honey, though it quivered slightly, most likely due to her ongoing illness. Mars leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees, his undivided attention fixed on her words.

" I'm aware that you're unfamiliar with any of the students, so I simply requested their documents to assist you in understanding the situation," she said, followed by a gentle giggle. A faint beeping sound, reminiscent of hospital bedside monitors, echoed in the background, indicating that she was still a patient. Mars couldn't help but admire the tenacity and dedication of this woman.

"So, by tonight, I'll send you their reports in documents. You can reach out to me at this number if you encounter any issues."

"Ms. Nada, I'm genuinely grateful. You have such a caring heart for these students."

"Ah... yes, they are incredibly hardworking, especially Jinny."

Jinny, indeed, Mars thought. Despite having met her only briefly, he sensed that she was a formidable woman who didn't easily let obstacles deter her. Anyone would be affected by her steely gaze.

"Are you there, Mars, Mr.?" Lost in his thoughts, Mars hadn't realized that Ms. Nada was still speaking.

"I am here, yes. I apologize for not responding; I was so engrossed in listening that I lost track." He chuckled nervously before reaching for his phone. "Alright, Ms. Nada. I believe you should get some rest now. I look forward to crossing paths with you soon." Ms. Nada hummed in acknowledgment and ended the call.

Less than ten minutes had passed when Mars's phone emitted a soft chime, signaling the arrival of a new message. He had anticipated this notification, having correctly predicted that it would contain the eagerly awaited student reports sent by Ms. Nada.

Describing Mars as merely thrilled would be a severe understatement; the sensation of sheer exhilaration surged through every fiber of his being, setting his heart racing as he embarked on a rapid ascent up the staircase. Each step felt like a heartbeat, a pulsating rhythm that carried him closer to the object of his intense anticipation – his computer monitor.

As he ascended the stairs, Mars's eager feet practically danced upon the floor, their quick, rhythmic taps echoing the cadence of his racing thoughts. In his left hand, he tightly clutched a pen, a symbol of readiness and determination. Meanwhile, his right hand moved with a fluidity that could only be born of years of familiarity with the mouse and keyboard. It was a delicate ballet of technology and human intent, guided by a singular purpose.

It was a curious sight, though, as Mars had a pair of glasses sitting idly nearby, ready to ease the strain on his eyes during his impending digital journey. However, the unrelenting surge of impatience within him pushed him to forgo this small comfort. The need to access the documents that awaited him on the screen was too pressing to be diluted by a moment of visual clarity, as Mars feverishly scrolled through the digital pages, his determination and impatience becoming palpable in the very air around him.

As he sifted through the paperwork, an intangible sense of curiosity tugged at him relentlessly. Who exactly was Jinny? What was the reason behind her apparent need for assistance? These questions swirled in his mind, multiplying as he read on. Mars had an array of inquiries, and he was determined to have them all answered.

After passing by the names of a dozen students, Mars's eyes finally landed on what he sought, and he whispered, "Jinny Haze." With a relaxed slump into his chair, he admitted to himself that he had neglected to put on his spectacles. Nevertheless, his indolence prevailed, and he chose to continue browsing the pages.

The first page displayed the standard biographical information about Jinny, such as her name, birthplace, and date of birth. It was the second page, however, that caught Mars off guard. Within an inverted comma was the inscription, "Literature Queen." This title had been bestowed upon Jinny by Ms. Nada herself during her first year in college. The remaining details, which hinted at the intriguing facets of Jinny's life, were far too personal to be included in a school report.

"What does she enjoy, and what kinds of books does she read? Her love for writing intersects with her keen interest in history. In some of her literary works, Ms. Nada was even quoted. Her actions almost gave off the impression that she was closely monitoring her."

"Mars was taken aback, curiosity gnawing at him. He embarked on a search for other students' records, but his efforts yielded nothing. Each report contained a few tidbits about school projects and personal information, yet nothing substantial."

"Why does everything about Jinny and those around her seem so suspicious?" Mars muttered as if trying to make sense of it all. He closed his eyes and contemplated his initial encounter with Jinny that very morning. She had been running late, and for a fleeting moment, it had seemed as though she harbored resentment toward his presence. "Why?" Mars pondered, his curiosity piqued, for they had only just crossed paths. Despite the enigmatic aura shrouding her, he found himself unable to resist the captivating, unexplainable pull that seemed to bind them together, as if an unseen thread wove their fates.

He briskly perused the other profiles, focusing on the two constant companions of Jinny, Wade, and Matt, who consistently acted as her bodyguards. Recognizing the complexity of the situation, he carefully evaluated all three of them, making mental notes.

Once again, Mars was jolted awake by his alarm, a routine that had become all too familiar. He found himself slumped over his desk, the screensaver displaying bouncing balls on the dark computer screen in the background. Letting out a tired sigh, he stretched his arms to silence the blaring alarm. Dark circles shrouded his under-eyes, a testament to his exhaustion, and his typically sharp features now appeared dull, akin to that of a disheveled scientist.

Nevertheless, he pressed on with his day, fully aware that his schedule held no literary division classes to attend. Instead, a meticulously planned rendezvous with Jinny in the library was on the horizon, carefully scheduled during a brief window of time when neither of them was encumbered by academic obligations. Yet, fate had a capricious hand to play, and his timing proved to be awry. Thus, he found himself amidst the labyrinthine bookshelves of the library, a solitary figure in patient anticipation of Jinny's delayed arrival.

As minutes ticked by, his anticipation began to wane, replaced by a creeping sense of disorientation. Perhaps sensing his bewilderment, the ever-watchful librarian, with a polite and perceptive inquiry, interjected, "Do you require assistance, Mr. Mars?" In response, he offered a subtle, resigned shake of his head, indicating that he would persevere in his solitude.

The librarian, unperturbed, resumed her duties, a guardian of knowledge and silence amidst the whispering pages. Mars, left to his own devices, continued to linger in the quiet expanse, scanning the spines of countless books. Time danced slowly, with each passing second echoing the rhythm of uncertainty.

Then, as if guided by an unseen hand, Mars's gaze fell upon a singular tome that seemed to beckon him. Its title, "The Greatest Cliff," engraved in elegant letters on the spine, piqued his curiosity. In the hustle and bustle of these past two days, he had nearly forgotten about his research concerning this enigmatic cliff. The promise of adventure and discovery stirred within him once more, like a smoldering ember rekindled by a gentle breeze.

He extended his arms gracefully, reaching up to retrieve a book from the uppermost shelf, his glasses perched securely upon his nose, giving him the air of a dashing protagonist in a captivating romance series. Adorning the book's exterior cover were the bold, shimmering letters of the title, set in resplendent gold against a backdrop of deep purple, adorned with lush green foliage scattered artistically.

"The Greatest Cliff," he whispered affectionately to the book, his fingers gently caressing the embossed letters. "I can't express how long I've been searching for you."

As he delved deeper into the enchanting embrace of his recently unearthed literary gem, an unexpected interruption shattered his reverie. The dean of the university, a distinguished figure exuding an air of authority and significance, entered the room. His presence, though commanding, was suffused with a warmth that set those around him at ease. Fixing his gaze on Mars, the dean uttered with a gentle but firm tone, "Mars, there you are. Might I have a moment of your time?"

"Certainly, sir," responded Mars, his voice infused with respect. With a nod of deference, he closed the coveted book he had been perusing, ensuring it was properly checked out. Without hesitation, Mars promptly followed the dean to his office, curiosity piqued and ready to engage in the forthcoming discourse.

...

Chapter ~4

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