Part 3. Christmas Party

That night Faye slept much better because for the first time since returning to this world, Yoko let Faye sleep in her arms.

But that peaceful and happy feeling was shattered the next morning when Yoko was clung to by Pat. This kid seemed like he couldn't take his eyes off Yoko as soon as he saw her, following her around and talking to her constantly.

This was not the first time someone had pursued Yoko , but it was the first time Yoko had experienced the feeling of having the extremely beautiful Faye Peraya on one side and a certain boy following Yoko's closely on the other.

In contrast to her usual cheerful days, today Faye returned to her cold and extremely handsome mode. Yoko couldn't help but glance at her a few times, surprised that she was so attractive when she was cold. But she also wondered why she was so cold.

"We have to say goodbye soon, can I have your contact information?"

As if skiing all morning wasn't enough, Pat also tried to get Yoko's contact information.

Yoko politely declined.

Faye also had to admit that this guy was patient. Because even though Yoko was so harsh, Pat still smiled and followed Yoko to see her off to the bus.

This trip ended but it was only the beginning of Faye's long days of worry. To prepare for the combined Christmas performance of the two high schools, the girls' school's performance team and the boys' school's band would meet two or three times a week and practice their performances.

For the next three weeks, Faye always followed Yoko to the rehearsals. But gradually, when she saw Pat surrounding Yoko, Pat followed her around. Seeing Pat's eyes light up every time he saw Yoko, Faye was furious. She just wanted to grab Yoko's hand and drag her away.

Even so, Faye had to endure. Yoko was the lead singer and shone in every practice session, while Pat played the piano for her. The two of them would have private conversations about music, mostly Pat would initiate conversation and make Yoko laugh. At times like that, if Faye couldn't stand it anymore, she would go outside and wait. If Faye just stood there and watched, it would be like wanting to kill her.

At this point, after a few rehearsals together, Yoko could no longer refuse to exchange contact information. On the contrary, she decided to give her ID so that whoever wanted to could follow the other group. But she did not give her phone number to anyone. Yet, someone still managed to find Yoko's information and texted her.

That night Yoko held her phone, texting and smiling.

As for Faye, she had to calm down and think to herself that she was 30 years old, she couldn't be jealous, she couldn't, she couldn't...

"Who are you texting?"

Yoko smiled: "With friends."

"New friend? What are you texting about?" Faye's voice was sour.

"It's a Christmas story, sister." Yoko replied innocently.

"You already met them, why do you still have to text each other?" Faye didn't even look at Yoko, but still asked.

This time Yoko put down her phone, looked at Faye and joked.

"It's a group chat, and they're all going bowling and to the movies tomorrow. Can I come?"

The group Yoko is talking about here is the art troupe of the two schools.

So Pat is there, Faye thought. Suddenly she didn't want to say anything more, didn't want to ask anymore. Faye picked up her guitar and turned away, not wanting to talk to Yoko.

Seeing that, Yoko laughed: "I was just joking. My friends invited me but I didn't go."

"..."

"Are you angry?" Seeing Faye silent, Yoko smiled even more happily.

"..."

"Mali!" This time she was really angry. Yoko went down and sat opposite Faye, grabbed her hand and shook it: "Why do you get angry so easily?"

The girl understood and joked again.

"We're just friends. Even if I really go out, it's okay."

Faye looked up at her, not smiling like usual. She frowned slightly and put down the guitar.

"I need to go out for a bit." As soon as she finished speaking, Faye immediately stood up and went out. She needed some private space to calm down.

"Mali.." Yoko was confused, she was just joking.

Walking out to the school yard outside the dormitory, even though the cool air blew on her face, it still couldn't calm Faye down.

She wanted to go back to when Yoko was 14 to prevent her from dating bad people. But she couldn't do it, and she couldn't tell her what would happen in the future. The feeling of failure grew stronger and stronger. Faye didn't know what she had done for her during the past 3 months by her side.

There are less than 10 days until the Christmas party. At that party, Pat will confess his love to Yoko, and then the two will get to know each other. History will follow its natural course.

Faye sat on a bench in front of the dormitory and looked up at the sky.

The God who brought her here. Wanted to prove to her that the past cannot be changed?

Faye was filled with anxiety.

Unlike 3 months ago, she was a soul full of energy. Faye felt herself fading away day by day. This made her realize that the day was coming, the day she had to return to modern times was coming.

But her mind was filled with worry for Yoko. Yoko was 14 years old, she was so young, how could she get over everything? Couldn't the 3 months she spent right next to her change anything?

"Go into the room." Yoko's cheeks were red from the cold. She wrapped a thin scarf around herself and walked over to stand next to Faye.

Just now Faye left, Yoko immediately ran to look for her. She was afraid that Faye would really disappear.

"Yoko..."

"Mali, go inside. You'll get cold sitting here." Yoko took Faye's hand and rubbed it.

This action of hers reminded Faye of Yoko massaging her hands every time her hands were tired. Faye blushed, she was already grown up but had to let a 14 year old girl comfort her.

But, how could Yoko understand Faye's feeling of helplessness right now. Even if she told Yoko the truth, she would never understand this feeling of failure.

"Yoko, promise me one thing?"

Faye's every word was giving off a feeling of pain. That made Yoko worried. Yoko really didn't understand why she was so heartbroken.

"Okay, I promise you. As long as you want, I promise you everything." Yoko nodded obediently.

But Faye shook her head: "No, not a promise just because you indulge me.." Faye held Yoko's hand tightly, looking deep into her eyes: "Promise me, if you love someone, even if you love them with all your heart. If that person hurts you, you will immediately let go..."

"Why do you want me to promise that?"

"... Promise me, you won't give them a chance, won't give them time, won't give them a chance to repent. Yoko, you have to protect yourself well, really well. You can't let anyone have the chance to hurt you."

I'm afraid I don't have much more time with you. I can't be by your side and guide you anymore. I can only make you promise to love yourself more .

Yoko looked at the heartbroken look Faye was giving her, as if that heartbreak was spreading through the air and onto her. No matter how smart the little girl was, she was only 14 years old, she didn't know everything about the future, but seeing Faye so heartbroken made her tear up.

"I promise, Mali. I promise you."

....

As the end of the year approaches, preparations for the Christmas party are also in full swing. To accommodate both schools, the party will be held in the large regional gymnasium, which is very close to Yoko's dormitory. The entire gymnasium is beautifully decorated, vibrant, and full of youthfulness and ballroom style.

It was a school party so alcohol was prohibited. However, every student knew to sneak in a few drinks to liven up the atmosphere. On stage was a band and a DJ console.

The party will be divided into three parts. The first part will be for guests and light music, then after the official time, the entertainment side will perform pre-prepared acts. Then the DJ will take over the program and play music upon request.

Yoko was part of the organizing committee, so she had everything ready from the start and arrived at the party very early. Tonight Yoko wore a beautiful pink and white dress, her long hair was curled with a hair clip, and her makeup was light, suitable for her age but no less attractive. This pink and white dress was the one Faye chose with Yoko.

Yoko was holding her glass of water but her eyes were looking around. Faye still hadn't appeared yet. Her performance was about to start but she was still nowhere to be seen.

"Come on Yoko. We're almost there." Pat patted her on the shoulder, reminding her to get ready for the stage.

Yoko nodded, her eyes still searching for Faye's figure again but still couldn't find her.

Even when she was ready and standing on stage to sing, Yoko kept looking towards the door and searching. It wasn't until she was really ready to sing that Yoko saw from afar the person she had been waiting for coming.

Just like the way she first appeared, beautiful and outstanding, shining brightly but no one saw her except Yoko.

Tonight, Faye especially wore a white body-hugging long dress, the slit on the skirt so that her long legs could be clearly seen, her beautiful curly hair was swept to one side, the thin strap dress revealed her white neck with a platinum choker, and on the outside she wore a black vest. Faye gave off a feeling of both freedom and maturity but also concealed charm. Her already beautiful face with no dead angles, now only needed light makeup and bright red lipstick. Every line was bright and stood out to the point of insanity.

Luckily only I saw you.

Yoko always kept this saying in mind. Only I can see her heart-touching beauty. Only I can touch you.

Seeing Faye standing in the middle of the hall, right under the colorful round lights, standing out without anyone looking at her made Yoko feel very satisfied. She didn't want anyone to see Faye.

Faye raised her head to look Yoko straight in the eyes, smiling sharply.

Yoko smiled too, blew Faye a kiss, and then she began her performance.

The two of them, did not know who was looking at who or if they were both looking at each other. But one thing was undeniable, that world was only theirs, and everything around them was just a background. Only Yoko saw Faye, and in Faye's eyes, there had never been anyone else but Yoko.

At this moment, Yoko at 23 and Yoko at 14 are almost indistinguishable, as if overlapping and overlapping. It's her, the same girl who has never changed. Confident and talented, standing on the stage where you've always belonged.

Suddenly Faye felt that enough was enough. Seeing Yoko like this was enough. The past was not to be changed, nor could it be changed. For the past three months, Faye had been with Yoko, seeing her at the age when her life began to change the most dramatically. Seeing Yoko grow up, becoming happier day by day. That was enough for Faye.

Faye was a part of Yoko's past. That satisfied her.

She couldn't ask for more.

Tonight the stage is for Yoko and her friends. They have been preparing for the show for months . All their efforts were rewarded with the audience's warm applause.

Yoko's performance ended, she smiled happily and happily. Looking at Faye standing in the middle of the dance floor watching her, Yoko smiled brightly and prepared to go to Faye's side.

But at this moment, someone pulled Yoko back. The people around her seemed to have been informed of this unexpected event, and they all started to move away to form a circle around her.

Pat held a large bouquet of roses, standing right in front of Yoko Apasra. He smiled happily.

"Yoko, I really like you. Can we get to know each other?"

Yoko was surprised, but her first action was not to answer Pat but to turn around to look for Faye.

But her Mali has left since when.

....

Faye always knew how much she loved Yoko. What they had been through together was beyond words. But Faye never expected that she would love her regardless of time or space, regardless of circumstances.

Seeing the historical scenario that would not change, the scene where she was proposed to and then agreed to date someone else was something Faye could not bear. So as soon as she saw that boy holding a bouquet of roses approaching Yoko, Faye left the party. She did not know where to go, nor did she know how long she had been gone. She only thought that if she returned to the present, it would be reasonable.

Sorry I didn't get to say goodbye.

Near midnight, Faye sighed and returned to the gym to check the situation, everything must have been over.

But when Faye returned, the arena was empty. The party was over and everyone had left. In the middle of the party hall , only Yoko was left, sitting on the steps leading up to the stage. The soft music was still playing, the flashing lights created a romantic atmosphere.

Seeing Faye appear, Yoko smiled. She knew for sure that Faye would come back to pick her up.

Faye slowly walked closer and stood opposite her.

"Aren't you going to play second base with your friends?"

"Which friend?" Yoko was still sitting on the steps, looking up at Faye.

"Boyfriend." Faye then sat down next to Yoko, patted her head and hesitantly said

Yoko was silent, looking at Faye carefully, then she smiled.

"I don't have any boyfriend, I only have you."

"What did you say?" Faye's hand froze in mid-air, not having a boyfriend meant she rejected Pat?

Yoko stood up, looking deeply into Faye's eyes. From the corner of her eyes to the bridge of her nose and then to her lips. She reached out and gently caressed Faye's cheek, then with that same slender hand Yoko covered her eyes, making Faye surprised and not understanding why.

Yoko took a step forward and tilted her head to kiss Faye lightly on the lips. The kiss was awkward and soft, showing that its owner had never had experience kissing anyone before, but it was gentle and soft, as if wanting to express the feelings she wanted to express.

This is Yoko Apasra's first kiss.

Both of their hearts were beating so fast they felt like they were going to jump out of their chests.

"I don't like anyone, I only like you." Yoko's hand left Faye's eyes, she smiled.

Even though her kiss made Faye go crazy with emotion, Yoko's words were like a bolt from the blue. It felt like history was repeating itself, in 2024 Yoko Apasra confessed to Faye Peraya. Back in 9 years in 2015, Yoko was once again the one to confess to Faye first.

Yoko liked her, regardless of time or space, she always liked her first. But she actually liked a soul that could disappear at any moment. This immediately pulled Faye back to reality. She made Yoko from 9 years ago, a 14 year old girl who had never liked anyone, like her. Even if the two of them were together 9 years later, this was still impossible.

"No, no way, no way..." history was completely changed.

Faye's three no's immediately sent Yoko straight into hell.

"I'm telling the truth." Yoko suppressed the pain that was welling up, emphasizing it once more.

"You misunderstood, right? Yoko, I am a spirit, I could disappear at any moment." Faye held my hand, trying to find the gentlest words to say to her.

Yoko pulled her hand back, her eyes red, her words stuck in her throat. What she had tried so hard to do was rejected so harshly.

"I don't care what you are. I just need you by my side. Won't we be together in the future?"

She knew. She actually guessed their future relationship?

"But that was 9 years later. We were lovers 9 years later. Not now, we will have each other in the future, not now, not when Yoko was 14.." Faye tried to explain but she accidentally said something she shouldn't have said.

Yoko paused.

Isn't Yoko 14 years old?

"Not me?" Tears fell drop by drop, Yoko said painfully.

Then she stepped back, her eyes filled with disappointment and frustration, Yoko turned and ran out of the hall.

"No... I didn't mean it like that," Faye tried to explain: ".. Yoko, listen to me explain!!" Faye quickly chased after her.

Yoko ran out of the gymnasium and across the street. Tears streamed down her face, blurring her vision.

Not me, not me..

Faye's every word echoed in Yoko's head.

Suddenly a car light flashed and the sound of a horn echoed throughout the space.

"Yoko, watch out!!!" Faye shouted. Yoko was so engrossed in crossing the street that she didn't notice an oncoming car.

Boom!!

A strong force pushed Yoko off the road, followed by the sound of a car colliding with a human body echoing throughout the quiet road.

Panicked, only feeling pain and not yet understanding what had happened, Yoko crawled up and turned around to see that the person lying on the road was Faye.

Faye pushed Yoko away and was hit by a car. She was thrown several meters away and her whole body was covered in blood and wounds.

"Mali!!!" Yoko screamed, rushing over and hugging Faye.

"Yo..ko.." Faye groaned, her body hurt so much, her whole body hurt, her mouth tasted salty with blood. Didn't they say she was a soul, but a soul could hurt like this?

"Are you okay?" The driver was a young man, he got out of the car worriedly and asked about Yoko's condition.

Yoko sobbed: "Quickly, take her to the hospital. She is bleeding a lot."

The driver looked at Yoko in confusion, he looked around the road and the front of his car, but saw no blood anywhere:

"Who? Are you crazy?"

"Take her, she's hurt!!"

Yoko hugged Faye and shouted

In return, the driver still gave him a puzzled look: "You're crazy!" He threw back a sentence like that and drove away.

Yoko was desperate, she remembered, in this world only she can see Faye, only Yoko can see her wounds and flesh:

"No... no... Let me take you to the hospital. I have to take you, you will be fine!"

"Yoko..." Faye spat out a mouthful of blood, struggling to form words. Every single muscle in her body was in excruciating pain, even her head was injured and bleeding, she didn't know how many bones were broken, but she could only feel the sharp points piercing her body, piercing her lungs with every breath. Even Faye's legs were starting to feel cold.

Time to leave. I can't believe how painful it is to leave.

"No, no... you can't die, I won't let you die!!" Yoko's entire white and pink dress was dyed red by Faye's blood. Seeing Faye's face becoming paler and paler, Yoko was terrified like never before.

"I have to go soon..." Faye tried to caress her face: "Yoko, remember your promise to me..."

"No... Mali, no, don't leave me. Huhu, don't leave me, okay? I'll be good, I'll be really good. Forget what I said, as long as you're by my side, that's enough. Please don't leave me..." Yoko cried out, she could only hug Faye tightly, she was afraid that if she let go, there would be no more Mali in this world.

Yoko's tears fell onto Faye's face, salty.

Blood and tears, Faye herself was crying heartbreakingly.

"... Yoko, I will see you again... be good, it hurts. Can you let me go? I will see you again. Blank movie, you have to participate in the movie... Yoko, when the time comes, I will come find you." Faye tried but the blood kept pouring out, making it difficult for her to speak, and she could not even breathe anymore.

"Huhu, don't go... Mali, don't go, I beg you, I beg you.."

Yoko cried like crazy, her eyes were broken and scared, she bent down and hugged Faye in her arms.

"Yoko... I love you too... I will find you..."

Then gradually, Mali, Yoko's guardian spirit, disappeared into her arms.

"No!! Mali!!!.........Give her back... Give her back to me!!" Yoko looked up at the sky and shouted in panic.

But in response, there was only the mysterious darkness. Even the blood stains gradually disappeared. Yoko's pink and white dress returned to its original color, leaving only dirt and traces of tears.

The only trace of Faye ever being here was gone.

Yoko Apasra sat right on the side of the road, her heart aching as if it was bleeding, her soul as if it was being torn apart, tears silently falling, she stared at her hands without blinking.

She's really gone .

...

Where is this?

Yoko!!!

Faye stood up from her chair, the feeling of her body intact told her that she was back in the present. Her body was still in pain from the car crash, but there was no blood or other injuries on her.

"What's wrong Faye?" Sister Wanwan sat next to her and asked with concern.

Only then did Faye's eyes gradually focus on Wanwan and the surrounding scenery. She realized that this was the casting room of Ninestar Company. Faye was wearing black clothes, her hair down, and sunglasses on her head, just like her usual style.

"I'm fine." Trying to act as normal as possible, Faye forced a smile.

Nodding to reassure her, Faye sat back in her chair. She picked up her phone to check the time, then froze.

November 23, 2023

Why was she brought back to this time?

It was the last day of casting for Blank. It was also the first day she and Yoko met. Faye sat on the couch, trying to collect her thoughts and calm down. It was almost four o'clock, the last person was almost there, and she was about to appear.

8 years have passed, she wonders how Yoko is doing, have she regained her memories of 2024? Have she remembered the feelings between us?

How have you been living these past 8 years?

Faye just kept waiting and thinking like that.

After four o'clock, Wanwan turned to look at Faye and sighed.

"We're the last one and still can't find anyone. Sorry Faye, I think we'll have to consider postponing the movie."

Last one? No one found?

Faye shivered.

"Is there no one else?"

"It's all gone, honey. I've chosen several dates but no one has come up."

Faye panicked and immediately flipped through the list of casting participants. After flipping through it several times, Faye realized a truth.

No Name Yoko Apasra Lertprasert

Yoko did not audition for the role of Anueng in the movie Blank. From the first audition until now, Yoko has not registered to participate.

Where is Yoko?

Where has she been for the past 8 years?