When Fate Danced

It was an ordinary day, the sun was shining brightly giving warmth opposite from the cold wind that was blowing. A girl in her 20’s was roaming around at an old school grounds wearing a black stripe sun dress with a hi-cut black sneakers, and a black cap. She was apparently looking for a former English teacher she was fond of. She had just dropped by at her Aunt’s office to deliver some t-shirts that was ordered from her and was informed that the said teacher asked for her to come and visit him at the faculty before heading home. He was a homosexual, but students love him for his fun character.

She was very comfortable in the school, knowing people since she was little, she practically grew up there. As she reached her destination, she knock softly and opened the door to be greeted by her teacher with enthusiasm. She quickly run to his table and gave a quick hug and some witty battering and had not noticed someone sitting at the chair at front.

“How are you doing? You seem to have getting more beautiful.” Her teacher kept teasing

“Stop the lies already. Things have not change at all.” She laughed

“You’ve changed a lot dear."

She was not used to people complimenting her, and so she just stare, thinking and end up "So... my aunt told me you missed me?" changing the subject. She put her arms around her teacher giving a little squeeze.

"Yes, and you have not taken me out for a treat."

"I told you I will if you let me use the school kitchen."

"Ahem..." Someone forcedly coughed to gain some attention

"Anyway Jae, do you remember Aaron?" Her teacher gestured to the guy she had not noticed when she entered the room

There, the guy she had always wished to meet again. The guy she had loved for five years and had moved on from was in front of her, staring, she was not sure if it was fear, awkwardness or he does not remember her.

"Aaron, I hope you remember Jae." She snapped out of her trance when she heard her name

"Ah, yeah, we are friends in facebook anyway. But, seeing her in person, I can say she really changed a lot." He spoke without ever breaking their gaze. Was he challenging me on something. Please don't remember me as your freaky admirer.

Jae and her teacher glanced each other and she shily smiled "Sorry."

"What are you apologizing about?" Her teacher asked

"I-I have no idea. re-really." She started stuttering

Her teacher chuckled and she surely heard Aaron snicker at her. She stole a glance at the guy who was staring down the floor to hide his amusement at her embarrassment. Surely she felt her cheeks tainted, it was a mix of shame and a little bit of affection she had left for the guy.

"Jae, we're going out to grab some lunch, want to join us?"

Join you both? I can't even stand still right now, and I can't barely hear myself  from my the beating drums my heart was doing in my ears. "Aren't I going to be a bother?"

"No, I'll be glad if you join us." Aaron stood from his seat, straightening his clothes and showed Jae a sincere honest smile

Jae turned to her teacher who was already looking at her with mischievous smile. He knew her feelings for Aaron, and that was the time she realized it, that must be a set up for them to meet. And she regret the day she asked about him:

"Mr. Simon?"

"Yes, dear?"

They were at the school kitchen and was preparing some feast for the students who were having their camping school. Jae just happened to be around that she offered some help cutting the vegetables.

"Have you heard anything about Aaron?"

Mr. Simon looked up from the pot he was cooking on to look and study Jae's expression without her even noticing; "Nothing, so far, why'd you ask? You still have feelings for him?"

"Not really, I mean, I still blame my FREAKISH self about him transferring schools back then. I think I creeped him out... a lot. And - I don't know," She turned to him with a smile "I just want to make sure that it's over, but that would be impossible."

"Why is it impossible?" Mr. Simon started stirring

Jae stopped her chopping and stared at nothing on the wall before her, contemplating. Why is it? Obviously; he does not keep in touch with anyone in their circle, he seems to have erased his memories of studying in that said school, and she might be the reason on all of this. I freaked him out.

“No idea.” Jae shook her head as she went back to what she was doing

She was staring at him, getting a hint that everything was okay, but to her disbelief he raised a finger at her, circling it in motion before her eyes and the glint of reading her expression was written all over his face “By the looks of it, you got my idea very fast.” and then he showed a smirk.

“Oh I got it alright,” Jae playfully swat his hand away from her and narrowed “Aren’t you teachers not allowed to leave during school hours?”

“We’ll make an exception.” Mr. Simon smiled gleefully as he lead the way out of his office

Jae and Aaron exchanged glances as Aaron shrugged. Jae rolled her eyes towards Mr. Simon who was already holding the door for them. Jae crossed her arms at her chest as she walked out leaving a comment to this behavior “You better not make us take responsibility when you’re reprimanded.” Mr. Simon chuckled at that as he let Aaron out of the office.

"So, anything exciting to share?” Mr. Simon turned to Jae as they had ordered their pizza at a near Pizza Joint

They were seated in a booth near the window, with Jae and Mr. Simon sitting together across Aaron. Jae stiffened at Mr. Simon’s attention on her for the first time since Aaron was also showing some curiosity. She cleared her throat as she rub her arms and looked out at the people passing by “Nothing really. Same old, same old.” They were distracted when their waiter came with their drinks.

“Anyone trying to sweep you off your feet?” He continued

Jae quickly turned to Mr. Simon with wide eyes, but he was just looking at her with his eyebrows raised, waiting for her answer. She slowly cocked her head and stole a glance at Aaron who seems to have no interest in the subject. She turned back to Mr. Simon with a little ease and shook her head “None, thankfully.”

“Thankfully?” Mr. Simon exclaimed “At your age, your change, boys should be head over heels for you.”

“But my appearance isn’t the problem really, it’s who I am. My attitude and none so pleasing personality seems to drive them away.” Jae chuckled, this time earning Aaron’s attention

“Did you have any relationship once?” Aaron asked in curiosity

“Once, but it never worked out. I mean, I tried but it never did.” Jae doesn’t like this subject ever and having Aaron asking her something was also not an exception

“Here you go, your party size Manager’s Choice Pizza.” Saved by the bell once again

To Jae’s surprise and out of the blue gesture, Aaron placed a slice on her plate before she or Mr. Simon did. She did notice Mr. Simon’s smile with the moment. She turned up to look at Aaron with puzzlement and he just smiled at her. She cleared the lump in her throat by then and just thanked him.

“So, Aaron,” Mr. Simon sliced through the silence “Any plans on marriage.”

“No.” he seems to not mind the question “I tried, but I was turned down, after that it never worked. So I’m single, taking some rest from all the drama.”

“Why did it not work out?’ Jae was curious this time

“It turns out she had fallen in love with someone else and was thinking how to break up with me the night I proposed.” He took a bite of his slice

“Oh God, I’m so sorry.” Jae felt sorry for what she heard

Aaron chuckled at her reaction and waved it away “Don’t be. Maybe I’m not suppose to tie the knot anytime soon.”

“And you’re too young for that.” Mr. Simon pointed out

Jae shoved him playfully and glared “For him he’s too young for it, when I’m too old and should already jump into a relationship.” Mr. Simon laughed out loud at that, also earning Aaron’s silent chuckle at her response. Jae blushed at the sudden outburst of her company and just laughed a little as she pushed Mr. Simon once again.

They were in silence for a moment, enjoying their pizza and was taking interest in other things.

“Hey, you should eat more, there’s a lot of pizza left.” Aaron grabbed her attention as he once again placed a slice of pizza on her plate

“I’m actually full right now. I’d love to finish all of that, but my stomach wouldn’t allow me.” Jae was getting comfortable in Aaron’s presence, thinking it was a sign that she had actually forgotten her feelings for him. And even though everything was a set up.

“Then, that’s not a problem, we can stay until we finish all of this.” Aaron chuckled at her

“But I can’t, I need to go back.” Mr Simon chimed in as he rub the crumbs off his hands and was ready to leave “How much should I toss in?” He was about to grab his wallet when Aaron told him not to “Don’t worry about it, it’s on me.” Mr. Simon smiled thankfully at him and turned to Jae to bid goodbye, but had the idea of a life time. His mischievous smile was once again visible, turning glances at both youngsters with him “I have an idea, will you hear me out?” Jae knew something was up and she wont allow it.

“No.”

“Sure.”

Jae turned to Aaron with a shock and disbelief. She shook her head as she leaned back on her seat. She knew Mr. Simon will tell it anyway. She crossed her arms at her chest as she started to concentrate in taking any interest out of the window.

“Why don’t both of you try to hang out, go on a date time to time with each other? Take this day perhaps as a start once I leave.”

Jae sighed, she knew this was coming and she felt embarrassed at this. She finally saw him, been comfortable to be acquaintances but here was Mr. Simon, ruining everything.

“... Do you have anything to do after this Aaron?”

Aaron turned to Jae who was still looking out the window, she was glaring at something he does not know what but it must be because of what Mr. Simon had said. He completely remember everything; him calling her home phone for assignments back at third grade. Being close friends with her at fifth grade, avoiding her at the end of that year ‘til sixth grade when he found out she had feelings for him. And then receiving her letter, he trying to make amends on their first year of High School but she seems so distant and then again receiving and been a laughing stock on sophomore year.

“I’m free for today.” Aaron smiled at Mr. Simon’s suggestion

Jae snapped her head around to look at him with shock. He just sheepishly smiled at her and got easily distracted when Mr. Simon asked permission for him to head back. And once the teacher was out of earshot, Jae placed her fingers on her temple trying every bit of concentration to make her headache subside.

“I can’t believe you actually agreed to that.”

“Why not?”

“Why not? It’s me, Aaron.” Jae was clearly irritated

“So?”

“So, have you forgotten... everything? Just…” She sighed “I don’t want to feel I’m a freak like I once had been.” She was seriously avoiding eye contact

Aaron knew about it, that Jae was trying to avoid being alone with him. She did comply eating out when Mr. Simon was with them, but seeing her at the moment like that he sadly smiled at her “Well, that was in the past anyway. And like we said, you seem to have change. We don’t need to follow every bit of hint he said, don’t you want to try out and start our friendship all over again?” Jae cautiously turned to him, taking in consideration.

"Well, I want too.” He added for her to comply. Jae felt a loud beat in her chest. It never occurred to her that it was possible for Aaron to even want to be friends with her.

“If you say it that way, it will be rude of me not to play along.” Jae relaxed for a while as she started eating the slice of pizza Aaron had placed on her plate a while ago “But can we just take the pizza out, I’m positively sure I can’t really stay here and eat all of that.”

Aaron chuckled at her comments and called out for the bill.

They were walking along a mall that was nearby, it was huge and less crowded since it was still unknown by most people and hard to get to without a car since the train station and bus stops are position at the other block. There were some students along though since it was near a university. They were getting along somehow, laughing at time to time, asking about stuff and life. Trying out food stalls, playing some games at the arcade and ended up in a big bookstore.

Jae was roaming around, if possible she read every synopsis at the back cover she lays interest on.

“Found something.” Aaron stood beside her

“Kind of.” Jae was reading the last sentence of the synopsis and place the book back on the shelf but her hand stayed on the spine

Aaron glanced down at her, seeing how she was debating with herself if she should buy the book or not. She kept on rocking it back and forth with her finger until she harshly pushed it back and shook her head with a sigh “Let’s go.” She faked a smile and walked pass him. He turned back to the book to look, it was about love and mystery story about some angel, demons and mortals. He quickly read the synopsis and it was a pretty good plot line, he scanned it once more and it was a sequel. She must have had the previous book.

“What took you so long?” Jae was standing outside the bookstore curious as to what Aaron bought

“Oh, ah…” He rub the back of his neck and handed her the paper bag, and he had no idea why he was blushing “here.”

Jae narrowed a curiosity at him and slowly grab the bag; “This is not a prank or something, is it?” Aaron shook his head and assured her with a smile. She took that as a go signal and opened the paper bag to find the book she wanted to buy. She turned to him in surprise and thankfulness in her eyes.

“Uhm…. why did you…” Jae was utterly speechless

“Well, you seem to really want the book so much,” Aaron felt the blush creep up again “Take it as a token for the start of our new friendship.”

“Shouldn't I also look one for you?” Jae felt obliged

“No! It’s fine, really.” Maybe I just feel guilty at how I treated her affection back then. I hope I get to be at ease from now on…

Jae turned to her phone to check the time and smiled at Aaron “I need to get going. I had fun.” Aaron turned to his watch and was fascinated how time flew that day, it was already six in the evening; “I can give you a ride home.” he offered. Jae shook her head, declining every bit of offer he had next “You don’t have to. I can take a train or bus from here.”

“The station is two blocks from here.”

 “I can take a cab.”

 “You just told me you hate taking it alone.” Aaron smirked

 “You’re not letting me off, are you?” Jae narrowed at him

 “No, and today’s our first date after all.”

 “I thought we’re just starting a new friendship.”

 “Can’t friends go on a friendly date?"

 "Touché."

 "Come on.” Aaron smiled in triumph at her and led the way to his car. He opened the passenger seat for her and climbed down to the driver’s seat in a second. Jae felt a little uncomfortable being in his car, but once Aaron started the engine she felt a little at ease knowing it would just take a minute to reach her house as long they won’t get stuck into a traffic jam.

 And as to her prediction, with a little traffic jam, they reached her house within half an hour. Jae had unlock her seat belt and was about to open the car door when Aaron stopped her and was fidgeting on something he wanted to say “Uhm… well.... I had fun today.”

 “Yeah, me too. Thank you.” Jae smiled

 “And… uhm… if you’d like to hang out again some time.” Aaron dared to look at her, hoping he was not freaking her out “and… if you ever need someone to talk to or need some company. I mean if you can’t find someone else - “ He heard her snicker at his talking “...you can just… ring me...up.” He felt embarrassed for the way he was offering to hang out.

Jae chuckled at his expression, noting how amusing he was to be shy about hanging out with her when it was suppose to be the other way around. But then again, she never intended to have this day a second chance. She does not want to ruin how perfect it had been. How some of her dreams were fulfilled and how her questions had been answered “Same here. See you.” She got out of the car even before he could say anything. She run up to her house and turn to wave good bye to Aaron as he drove off into the night.

Next morning, Jae was in her sweet slumber when her phone vibrated on the wooden floor of her room beside her mattress. She turned it on with a wince from the bright light piercing through her skylight. She typed in her password on her smartphone and checked the message; Hey! Heads up, we’re heading to the airport 11am, we’ll pick you up at 10am. She looked at the right corner of her phone and to her horror she had only thirty minutes left to get ready. She hurriedly run to her bathroom, not minding her families curiosity on why she was in a hurry.

She had forgotten that one of her friends who was living in California was coming home that day. She had so much fun from the day before with Aaron she passed out on her bed early that night, thinking it was all a dream she had not wanted to wake up from. Everything was surreal for her, even him giving her something was still unbelievable. As she strut down her room wrapped in a towel to look for some outfit, she glanced at her desk that made her smile. The book was still sitting there, untouched. But it was no time for daydreaming. She hurriedly run to her walk in closet and picked some shorts, a black tank top, an over sized plaid dress shirt and her ever-so-dependable sneakers. And by the time she had finished the last knot of her lace, she heard a honk. Jae run to her balcony and waved “Be down in a sec!”

“Where are you going sweetheart?” Her mom called out at her as she jumped the last step of the stairs

“We’re going to pick up Gil at the airport.” Jae grabbed her bag and took a last look of herself at the full length mirror at their living room and run out of the house

Jae almost jumped right into the back seat and greeted her friends. Beside her, at the middle of the back seat, was a thin girl as tall as she, wearing a white shirt, flats and jeans, and at the other side of the car was a smaller girl wearing some flat shoes, blouse and jeans. And the girl at the front passenger seat was smaller and a heavy weight with curly hair wearing a more professional look with a dress shirt and slacks. And the one driving was her boyfriend, wearing a loose shirt and jeans.

“Drake’s not coming?”

“He is, he just decided to take his own car with him.” The girl at the other side of the car, answered

When they reached the airport, waiting with Drake - Gil’s boyfriend, they parked their car near the exit door of the arrival area. Some of the girls got out of the car as they leaned on while Jae just opened the door and swung her feet out. She hate standing for too long, unless she needed to think.

“So how was the delivery yesterday?” The girl in white shirt leaned at the car next to Jae

“It’s…” She had forgotten about yesterday’s events when she was in hurry and excitement took over, but since her friend decided to remind it, Aaron’s face filled her head “greater than expected.” She had that sweet dreamy smile on her face that no one can ignore.

“Something happened?”

Jae just turned to her with a giggle and a blush on her cheeks. The girl was pretty curious now to what had happened that made Jae so giggly and dazed. She kept on pestering Jae to tell her but the girl won't stop giggling; “Out with it Jae.” 

“Give me a sec, Rayne.” Jae calmed down and sadness overtook her eyes “It's still surreal for me.”

Rayne crouched down to try and look for the giggling girl she was talking to a while ago in those sadness, but Jae managed to smile out of it “It was like a dream, Rayne.” Jae turned to her for a while “It was a set up, but still so unreal for me.” Rayne was just waiting for her best friend to say it all out. She was there to listen anyway, and she did asked for Jae to open the door.

“I saw Aaron yesterday...”

Rayne’s eyes widened in surprise, she felt happy for Jae but she does not understand the sudden sadness.

“Mr. Simon kind of made plans and ate out with us. Eventually he had to go back to school and suggested for me and Aaron to hang out a bit.”

“And then?”

“Don’t get me wrong, we had fun. Seriously. He suggested to be friends again, forget the past and start anew. He even asked to hang out again sometime.”

“Then why are you like this?”

“I’m not planning to meet him again.”

They were staring intently, reading each other’s minds. Jae had planned this ahead, even before the yesterday happened. She just had the need to see him once, she does not need to see him again. She does not want to ruin her memory and she does not dare to be friends with him again for she might unintentionally fall in love all over again. She does not want to take the risk.

“But you gave him your digits… right?”

Jae nodded; “But I’m not planning to respond to anything.”

“Jae -” 

“I know. Sometime maybe, but I’m scared, Rayne. I don’t want to lose what happened yesterday.”

“But you’ll lose it if you avoid him. Give it some chance, if you think you really can’t take it, drop it. It’s just starting. Don’t push it away.” She was searching for a positive reaction “Look at the bright side, he wanted to start fresh. Take that as a chance for you to prove to him you’re not the same girl he once knew.”

Jae turned to her with a glint of hope, Rayne smiled back at her and patted her knee in assurance “We’ll always be here to help you.” Jae chuckled at how Rayne was being mushy with her “Thank you.” Rayne chuckled back and stood up to ruffle Jae’s hair “I’m not your best friend for nothing.”

“She’s here!” Their attention diverted when Drake exclaimed in excitement. He was holding onto a board with Gil’s name. He was waving and jumping like a kid trying to gain his girl’s attention, and so it did. Gil absentmindedly left her cart to run into Drake’s open arms. They laughed and felt goosebumps as the scene. Cavities was running over the place and they do not want to catch any of it, but seeing that the couple finally have their longing ended, they made an exception.

Gil was settled back down and turned to look at Drake with tears both in their eyes. They keep on lovingly smiling at each other, taking in the moment that they have finally got back into each others arms. Drake slid his hand in Gil’s hair, taking every piece of the moment; “I missed you.” He kissed her gently.

“Missed you too.” Gil smiled and jumped once again into his arms

Jae sighed as it was taking a bit too long and movie like. She stood up from her seat and padded her shorts for some apparent stretching and took a sign from her friends if she could already break this candies up “Hey Gil, we’re here too you know.” Gil giggled from hearing Jae’s voice and let her arms cascade down to her side “Hey ladies.” Gil smiled and run to her friends “I missed you guys so much!” She was jumping in joy as she looked at her friends one at a time “Rayne, twin! Oh my gosh I missed you.” She then turned to the short one with curly hair “Kennie! You did get thinner, but hey…” She turned to the guy beside Kennie “John must be taking good care of you. Nice to meet you.” She offered a handshake.

“Leigh! I missed you and your mood swings.” Gil hugged the other short girl in a blouse

“And we’re glad you’re here.” Jae whispered but earned a jab on her ribs by Rayne

“Jae!” Gil finally turned to her “You’ve changed a lot.”

“Not really.” Jae waved her off “Just thin, but I’m still me.”

Gil laughed at that, and noticed how witty had Jae become with her come back. Gil turned around, seems to be looking for someone.

“If you’re looking for Sei, she have work.” Leigh answered her unvoiced question

Work my ass. That girl had all the time she wants but never consider giving some to others. Jae decided to take her comments inside her head, voicing it out in front of them will be one sensitive subject. Drake and John had finished loading Gil’s baggage at the back of Drake’s car. Drake wrap his arm over Gil’s shoulder and asked “Hungry for lunch?” and kissed her temple.

“You betcha.” Gil giggled at their sweetness

Jae rolled her eyes as she gestured for Rayne to hop back in the car for her to slid in after.

They all dropped by at a Chinese Fast food Restaurant for lunch. They were having a fun conversation with Gil telling them stories about her life in California and some segway interviews for John. Seeing Kennie with someone felt so unbelievable but she cannot help but be happy with her friend for finding someone who can be patient enough to wait.

“Are we up to hit the beach this Summer?” Gil asked to make sure

Everyone nodded and started to plan their said trip. She was staying for half a year and Gil does not want to waste any time bumming in her old home like she used to be. Besides she have plenty of friends that needs to catch up with her. And this trips was thankfully not forced, not like the last time they went to a beach resort. Everything was forced since everything was already paid by Leigh and Gil, and Jae, Kennie and Rayne felt in debt with that, they had no other choice but to go. It was to fun, but still permission was a must.

In the evening, Jae was up doing some of her shirt projects. She was with Paul, short for Pauleen, a lesbian ex-girlfriend of hers. They remained friends and decided to do some business together. They end up making clothes that were a hit on and offline. They also do shirts customized or limited designs, and that night was a limited edition project.

“We’re seriously making ten?” Paul asked

“Yup, why?” Jae was busy on her computer with the design

“Just asking.” Paul was sitting on the mattress with her legs crossed and scanning her phone “I have a few designs in my bag, want to check it out?”

Jae turned to her as she rummaged through her back pack. She retrieve a folder of her designs from print out shirt to sewed fashion clothing. Jae scanned every bit and taking into detail. Paul can be seriously good at designing clothes but she preferred to stick into drawing, painting and animation. They just decided to do clothes for a living. Jae turned to her since she was kneeling down beside Jae like a child curios about what her mother’s reaction to her drawing. Jae chuckled at her cuteness and pinched her cheeks and made baby sounds.

“Ack.” Paul pushed her hands away “That hurts.”

“But you still love me.” Jae bit back

Paul stuck her tongue at Jae but hugged her in the end. The love bickering like children, but hate fighting about small stuff and Jae making it like it was a big deal. Paul went back to lie down on the mattress and scanned her phone again. Jae turned to gaze at her, and then Aaron comes to mind; Am I still in love with one of them? I can’t really tell how I feel about people after our break up. I sometimes question myself if I was just jumping into relationship just the heck of it. But I still always remember one line I have heard from a local movie. Being friends with Paul and asking her not to leave me seems like a habit for i have gotten used to the life of her being around.

“Something wrong?”

Jae broke out of her thoughts with Paul’s question. She shook her head and smiled assuringly at Paul as she went back to work. I hope not.

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[A/N] Hi! I'm currently new here. And this is a come back story I am currently making. I was a Winglin Writer, but had been on hiatus for 5 years now. So, I appreciate every reviews! and if ever you're a fan of f(x) Amber and f(x) Krystal, I had a one-shot of them at asianfanfics.com: [http://www.asianfanfics.com/story/view/914836/love-run-song-fic-amber-kryber-krystal-kryberfx]. Thank You!!!