Catch up: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6, Part 7, Part 8, Part 9, Part 10, Part 11

“Are you sure it was DJ who did the pursuing?” the skeptical SY asks from the car parked in front of DJ’s hotel. His eyes are on his giddy, excited sister who’s waiting for her boyfriend outside the confines of the car. Shouldn’t she be somewhat more reserved?

“What’s that supposed to mean?” SZ asks leaning on the passenger window. He better not be making any stories.

Before things escalate into one of their typical sibling arguments, DJ appears wrapping his arms around SZ. SY averts his eyes, their affection is too new for him to be comfortable. He may never be comfortable with it considering that’s his little sister right there.

It doesn’t help that the couple sits together at the back of the car.

After a rather trying drive for SY, they get to the reunion place. It’s just SY and DJ with their college roommates, all of who are familiar with SZ considering she helped her brother move into the dorm back in the day. This is the first time DJ introduces SZ as his girlfriend in front of them (only QF knows).

・❥・

Hours later, DJ walks a tipsy SZ back to her house leaving the others behind since she has a 10 PM curfew.

“Are you really allergic to alcohol?” a suddenly serious SZ stops in place to face DJ.

“Why don’t we find out?” he asks. Then he gives her a small kiss.

“I don’t think I’m allergic anymore, I can give you a few more kisses,” and he issues a few more light flutter kisses making SZ laugh.

But things don’t stay light for long, they soon turn intense as the two embrace into a serious though short-lived kiss. SZ breaks it off to hurry home before they get carried away a couple of doors down from her home.

Once inside, SZ heads to get some much-needed water when her mom walks in from taking out the trash. Her mom reprimands SZ for having wine when going out alone though she’s aware she went out with SY this time so she’s letting it go.

There’s something more, however. Her mom is looking at her seriously and isn’t making a move to leave.

“Are you and DJ dating? I saw everything. How long has it been?”

SZ didn’t mean to keep it from her it’s just one thing that led to another and she got busy with her internship. She stayed there over summer break for the intern experience not so much for DJ alone. She’d stayed in the dorm and SY already knows since he found out on his last visit.

Her mom still looks worried despite all the explanations. SZ gives it another shot by telling her DJ is a really kind, good man.

“I know him. I know he’s a good man but do you know about his family? I don’t know what it’s like now. Your brother told me his father is in a coma and the victim’s family keeps giving him trouble.”

Her mom wonders if SZ has mistaken her adoration for her past tutor for deeper feelings for him. Maybe she only sees him as a brother? SZ is young but DJ is much older with more experience being an adult.

She doesn’t approve of this match.

・❥・

The next day, SZ meets DJ who coincidentally has been thinking it might be time to formally introduce himself as SZ’s boyfriend to her parents.

SZ doesn’t share the conversation with her mom last night. She’s not going to settle indecision on DJ’s shoulders besides she’s hoping her parents will see reason once they truly understand her love for DJ.

Internally, however, she’s conflicted. There are some concerns born out of her mom’s response, especially her comments of SZ being too young.

She’ll soon be turning 20 but how she wishes to be 29 instead, three full years older than DJ. That way people won’t use their age as a reason for them to not be together.

You need to give this relationship a serious consideration

It’s the day that DJ will introduce himself as SZ’s boyfriend to her parents. He’s nervous but not hesitant.

To be honest, SZ’s father had called and asked him to come over that day. It was rather random and SZ was out of the house.

SZ’s dad admits he was surprised to find out DJ and his daughter were dating. He asks a couple of questions regarding DJ’s family situation.

“You’ve taken care of SZ, her mom and I are grateful for that. But if you want to be in a relationship with her, given the circumstances of your family, her mom and I are concerned.”

He continues to say SZ is young, maybe she hasn’t thought that far ahead about their relationship.

DJ understands their concerns, they’re all valid. He promises to try to address every one of them.

That evening, SZ returns home from her reunion event to find her parents in the kitchen, her dad sipping from a mug seated at the table while her mom fusses in the back.

As she sits down, her dad reminisces back when she was a kid. She’d been sickly with hospital visits as a necessity. SY had been less than happy to have this younger sister though the little boy had been concerned when said unwanted younger sister would be hospitalized.

Now she and her brother have grown up. SZ is about to turn 20 and she’s even started dating. Before they know it, she’ll be getting married. Time does fly, doesn’t it?

“SZ, not that we think you’re incapable of handling hardships, but your mom and I hate to see you suffer. We don’t want you to have a hard life, we’ll always have that kind of worry.”

SZ assures her dad that she has no worries, she’s truly extremely happy.

“I think of myself just as any other dad, I only hope my daughter can have a smooth life free from any harm. I want you to be safe and happy. I wasn’t going to tell you because I feared you might get upset and hold it against us.” Her dad clears his throat as his wife also takes a sit.

“Today I asked DJ to come here while you were away. I told him the concerns your mom and I have, he said he’ll seriously consider your future together. You might think it’s unnecessary to think that far ahead now but if you’d like to be together, you need to give his current family circumstances a thorough consideration.”

Her parents think the two might not be the best fit, and that they should break up. If SZ can’t bring herself to say that to DJ, they can tell him on her behalf.

While they had talked, SZ had been staring at them in disappointed silence. She’d thought they had agreed to meet in person, all four of them, to discuss things not for them to meet DJ behind her back.

“I know you think I can’t handle the slightest challenge in life. But he hasn’t brought me any hardships and, the thing is, despite his dad’s bedridden state, I’m willing to face everything with him together. I’m willing to shoulder it.” SZ calmly tries to have her parents understand where she’s coming from.

Their relationship wasn’t formed on a whim, it went through a lot of considerations. Can her parents not hold a prejudice against DJ? What happened to his family wasn’t his choice but he’s suffered a lot of prejudice because of it. SZ never thought her parents would also show this prejudice, it’s the reason she’s so disappointed with them.

With that, SZ leaves for her room, she’s tired and needs to be alone. Most importantly, she needs to contact DJ to figure out what damage is already past repair. It’s not easy getting in touch though since she doesn’t know what to say, he must feel a lot of pressure.

She finally calls him. “Sorry, whatever they said, don’t take it at heart, don’t be upset.”

DJ assures her he’s not upset, her parents didn’t say anything hurtful they only spoke the truth. They expressed some concerns like that he’s too old, and it’ll be embarrassing when they go out.

SZ tells him to stop joking, she’s serious. But her parents said a lot of things to him, he’s not sure what she means.

What she wants to know is his take on the part to reconsider their relationship, why can’t the man tell? She can’t bring herself to ask outright fearing he’s actually reconsidering.

She’s calling to tell DJ that he’s great, her parents’ concern is largely part of thinking she’s too young. Thankfully it’s him she’s dating, were it anyone else they’d have more to say. As she’s always told him, what happened to his family is not something that should be blamed on him. Whatever happens to his dad, they can shoulder it together.

DJ knows all this, he tells SZ to not say anything too rash to her parents. He wants her to spend time with them not to argue especially not over over him. He ends the call by informing her he’s heading back to his hometown in the morning because of work.

The news he’s heading back so soon is surprising since they agreed they’d stay together a little longer in this city. DJ turns down both suggestions of her going back with him and taking him to the airport. It’s early in the morning, she should sleep in. Besides, he’s a grown man, he can take himself to the airport.

After the call, SZ can’t help feeling uncertain and concerned. Why is he leaving all of a sudden? Is he trying to avoid her? Is he really considering breaking up with her?

・❥・

In the morning, a dressed and packed SZ heads downstairs to inform her parents she booked a ticket and heading back to YZ that morning.

Her parents fear she’s heading back because what they said yesterday made her upset. However, that’s not really the reason. She understands her parents’ concerns and knows they mean well.

“But I think I’m a grown-up now, I’m no longer a kid. I’m sure of what I want so I want to fight for it. I know you don’t trust DJ but can you trust me for once?”

In tacit if reluctant understanding, they’ll drive her to the airport.

When she lands, DJ calls to let her know SY told him she’s back, and she should wait for him at the airport. While waiting, SZ recalls the last she waited at this same airport for DJ back in high school when she flew to meet the alleged guy she met online.

This time she won’t cry. Or, at least, that’s what SZ tries to tell herself.

A concerned DJ soon arrives, why didn’t she tell him she’d be returning? What’s going on?

“Do you remember I came here when I was in eleventh grade to meet up with the online crush? Actually, I never had an online crush, I came to see you. I heard from my brother you had a girlfriend that’s why I came, I wanted to see you. I didn’t start liking you after I came to YU for college, I lied. I didn’t want you to think that I was weird.”

She started tearing up with the latter part of the confession. This is a desperate attempt to not lose DJ, she’s too afraid their relationship is over.

Grabbing his hand, she drops into his open palm the tiny rolled paper she once placed in a jar throughout high school holding her secret feelings for DJ. Everything is inside.

She’s telling him the secret she’s wanted to seal away forever, can he believe that he’s a great person? Seeing how much she likes him, can he ignore other’s opinions and be with her?

Can he be with her forever?

I may not be good enough for your love but know I’ll try my hardest to be worthy

Can you be with me forever? Please?

DJ looks down at the unrolled pieces of paper the young SZ used to hide her feelings for him and he lets out a small laugh before wiping an errant tear.

He gently wipes tears from her crying face, what can he do he’s now made her cry so many times and here she says she’s not a crybaby.

DJ gives her a comforting hug, he knows everything now but why did she tell him?

SZ admits when he said he was considering things, she’d been afraid if she’d called him he’d have ended things. If she talked to him in person, however, it would be hard for him to bring it up.

Bring what up? With clarity, DJ lets out a laugh.

“If your parents hadn’t disapproved, I’d have snatched you to get our marriage certificate right now. I’m serious.” When he said he’d been considering something, it was whether he should stay with her for two years until she finished school or if he should head back to get everything settled and wait for her to return.

If that’s true, they can talk about it. SZ can also stay with him in his hometown if he’d like, he doesn’t have to give in to her.

DJ assures her he doesn’t want to stay. All she needs to do is study hard and spend more time with her boyfriend. She should stop worrying about silly things.

That night, while SZ is in her room, DJ sits in the living room holding the tiny paper she’d given him recalling the time he met the young SZ at the airport.

When SZ comes out she finds DJ sitting and goes to him with slight concern asking why he’s been drinking. DJ hardly ever drinks.

“I think I’ve treated you badly,” a sad DJ confesses. SZ doesn’t think he’s ever treated her badly. If this thought stems from what she told him earlier that day, he needs to know she didn’t say it to make him feel guilty.

Whether in the present or past, he’s always treating her well.

“SZ, I love you. I’m sorry I said these words so late. Over the years I know I’ve made you sad. It was your unwavering dedication that made me realize I’m not good enough. Whether it’s my obtuseness or indecisiveness, I haven’t been good enough. Because of these shortcomings, I’m going to try hard every day that we’re together. SZ I won’t let you regret the choice you’ve made, I love you.”

He kisses her, a lingering kiss filled with longing and unrestrained love.

It’s time to say goodbye whether we want to or not

DJ meets with his friends and bosses to inform them he’ll be resigning after completing the newest project.

This comes as a total surprise to both of them, is another company trying to poach him?

That’s not the case, DJ is thinking of starting his own business in SZ’s hometown. It’s totally for her. Due to some things that recently have happened (the parent meeting), he’s come to realize he may not be good enough for SZ. He also hasn’t done enough for her. He needs to take time to prove that’s he’s worthy.

His bosses understand and are more than supportive, offering whatever help and resources they can to aid him in this new endeavor. They’d rather not lose such a talent as him but he’s made up his mind, he’s grown up and is responsible for his own life (they’ve been there ever since he was a lost and burdened young man out of college).

As things seem to be working out well, DJ receives a call from the hospital informing him his dad isn’t doing well, and he may not have much time left.

DJ heads to the hospital and decides that day will be the day he faces the past as he sits to talk to his unconscious father. He should get some closure.

The accident happened such a long time ago, if his dad hadn’t jumped (attempting suicide to avoid arrest), he’d have been out by now. There are many things he hasn’t told his dad. DJ finished paying off his dad’s compensation and debts. His mom passed away a few years back because of his dad because they didn’t have money. At the time she knew she was sick from cancer but she refused to spend money on treatment. When she finally went to the hospital, it was to find out it was too late.

DJ had wished hard that his dad would’ve woken up then to see the situation they were in. He wished his dad to feel the pain and guilt he should have felt. He’d wanted his dad to understand that if he hadn’t run away from taking responsibility for his actions, their lives would have been very different. Because of his father, DJ had learned not to drink and the true meaning of responsibility. Now he’s able to say he’s a decent person with the ability to protect the ones he loves and he really wishes his dad could see it.

With those words said, a beep is heard from the monitor, his dad is dead. It was as though he’d been holding onto life by a mere string to give the son he’d wronged this closure. It was a final goodbye.

Heading outside the hospital after signing the last papers necessary for his dad’s passing, DJ comes across a waiting SZ. He sees her sad expression but tells her there’s no need, he’d known this day would come.

SZ however knows he needs comforting. She opens up her arms and pulls him into a hug causing DJ to let loose and shed the tears, to let out his grief and deep sadness. She knows he needs to let go of his control even if only for this brief moment, he’s allowed not to be strong.

Is he old now, is that why his parents are gone? A teary DJ hugs SZ tightly while deep in grief to have lost his last remaining parent.

Some days later, the two visit his mom’s grave. It’s the first time DJ has taken SZ there and it’s to introduce her as the woman he loves. SZ assures DJ’s mom that there’s no need to worry for him, DJ is a kind and outstanding person. She shouldn’t worry because SZ will take good care of him from now on. She’ll make it up to him by ensuring he’s happy every day.

“I’ll give you a promise,” SZ addresses DJ’s mom, “as long as I’m here, I won’t let anyone bully DJ. He’ll have his own family in the future. He has me and many others who love him. So he’ll never be alone anymore.”

DJ looks and thinks of the little girl who used to sit in his back seat who suddenly grew up one day. She can accompany him and walk side by side with him, helping him overcome his longest and darkest hour. She even took the lead and waited for him.

・❥・

DJ will be leaving in a month after completing his handover procedures at work. His home is where SZ is and he’s resolute in his decision to move back to her hometown so she can be closer to her parents once she’s done with school. The parting will be difficult but it’s unavoidable.

SZ wants him to promise not to work too hard, he can rely on her he should never forget.

Their parting at their airport is bittersweet, neither wanting it to take place but both knowing it had to be carried through. They hug one last time, SZ walking DJ as far as she’s allowed.

I know I can protect her and make her happy for a lifetime

Parting may be difficult but life soon sweeps the young couple forward. SZ deep dives into the challenge project to potentially get the scholarship she’s aiming for. While DJ begins his search for a new company headquarters to rent.

Before they know it, DJ is back to visit SZ’s parents, there’s something he needs to talk to them about.

This time, SY happens to be in the house and the four of them (DJ, SY, and his parents) sit for a meal together. Throughout the meal, DJ looks like there’s something he needs to say though it doesn’t come easy.

As they sit for a cup of tea after the meal, DJ starts by telling SY’s dad that he’s thought a lot about the concerns he’d shared during their last discussion.

“I understand why you have misgivings about my relationship with SZ. You’re afraid she’ll be hurt but I’m here to tell you that I’m very serious about her.” They don’t need to worry about the victim’s family any longer, they don’t pester him.

SZ will graduate in two years and before that, he’ll work here for their future. SY’s dad wants to know if DJ is sure he wants to start over in this city. DJ is more than sure, he’d be a different person had he not met SZ.

“I don’t have a lot in my possession but I’ll give my all to treat SZ well for a lifetime,” DJ appeals.

The parents see his sincerity and SZ has mentioned her relationship with him quite frequently. As it were only her side of the story however they doubted the whole thing. They said they worried about his family because they didn’t want SZ to get hurt. Yet he says that he can protect her, that’s all they want to hear as her parents. That and their daughter’s happiness is all that matters to them.

That evening SY walks DJ back to his parked car giving his older brother advice.

“Listen, as a man, you need to toughen up. If you spoil her, I can envision your future, she’ll be the death of you. And if you spoil her rotten, she’ll take it for granted and feel entitled.”

DJ doesn’t mind. But SY pauses and looks at him all serious, “From now on, don’t take up everything yourself, it’s so unreasonable. You can make your life easier.”

SY isn’t as thoughtless as he occasionally may appear. He, more than anyone, has always known a large part of DJ’s troubles from early on, he’s DJ’s buddy for a reason. A friendship like theirs isn’t one that’s broken on a whim, it’s one that lasts a lifetime through thick and thin.

As they keep walking along the street, DJ recalls the two of them years ago doing the same thing while taking out the trash. This was after that first encounter with DJ in SY’s room when the crying SZ had tried to convince him to help with her school troubles.

While walking, SY had been complaining about how his sister is spoiled rotten. Though she was in middle school, she acted like an elementary student. DJ had disclosed SZ kept asking him if he could see the teacher for her. SY should go and see her teacher but SY had gone through a few such instances and thought there was no better time for the little demon to learn her lesson. He’d just ignore her this time.

DJ had been reluctant, he’d promised her to help. SY points out DJ had made that promise, he should work on keeping it by himself.

The present DJ remembers how she’d followed him to the front door to ensure he’d be there for that teacher meeting. Both men laugh at the antics of young SZ.

Even if we’re apart for any period of time, I love you the same

That night DJ tells SZ during their video call that her parents gave their approval. An excited SZ beams with happiness.

SZ asks him if he’s available at the end of the month to attend an award ceremony for her design that was the winner. Unfortunately, it might be a bit hard for DJ to arrange travel there for the ceremony since they’re working on a new project.

SZ is understanding of his circumstances, it’s okay as long as he’s there when she wins another award ceremony. Pinky promise.

Though he can’t make it, he’s quite active texting her as she preps for the ceremony at the end of that month.

Since he’d determined to pester, SZ (who’s sitting next to her roommate and project partner YZ) takes a pic of her presentation material.

A commotion suddenly breaks through the room.

He’s so handsome.

Who is he? Such a hunk.

He’s so cute.

Meanwhile, SZ is oblivious and focused on the material in front of her, when she feels a tap on her shoulder.

“Miss, why did you ignore your boyfriend’s texts?”

SZ turns to see a grinning DJ leaning above her. He takes the seat next to her before pulling out his phone to text why she’s reacting like this, hasn’t she missed him at all?

She responds by texting back why he’s there. DJ texts back that he knew she’d be in that ceremony, his past team was also invited so he came in Lady Boss’ place.

Giving up on texting, SZ asks him why he said he wouldn’t come. Should be rather obvious no? He’d wanted to surprise her. He’d seen in her guide that frequent surprises were necessary when maintaining a long-distance relationship.

She’d thought he’d forgotten about that guide that she made before he left but DJ assures her there’s no way to forget, it’s his phone’s wallpaper.

SZ had been disappointed when he said he couldn’t make it. And rather unhappy but no, she did not cry she informs her teasing boyfriend.

Meanwhile, YZ who’s been sitting next to them this entire time has thoroughly had enough. She’s trying her best to ignore their sickeningly sweet bantering to downright flirting. Pulling DJ up, SZ heads to the back of the room to give her poor friend a break.

“Did you wear a suit for this?” SZ pointedly asks her handsomely dressed boyfriend.

“How does it look? Does this tie go with it?” DJ pulls a little on the said tie. It’s the one SZ gifted him a while back, for some reason it a feels little tight it’s strangling him.

SZ goes in to fix it when DJ gives her a kiss. If she wants to kiss him, just say so there’s no need for these little tricks. SZ laughs, this is ridiculous, DJ makes for a poor actor. Nice, he’s really into the whole surprises keep relationships alive thing.

He’s sorry if he’s being too shameless but he hasn’t seen her in a long time and misses her. But SZ isn’t mad, she also misses him.

Soon DJ is called onto the stage to introduce the ceremony since he’s a representative of his old boss. What he’s never seen or heard much about is SZ’s project hence the astonishment at seeing the animation storyline that plays through is, in fact, their own.

I want to be the one you can share a lifetime without reservations

Two years later, the new graduates run onto the beach, gowns flapping, caps thrown into the air. They’ve done it, all the hard work, dedication, and sacrifice has finally amounted to an end.

The excited group consists of SZ, her three roommates—WW, NW, and YZ—and the two boys, NW’s boyfriend with his friend, JM. DJ is the one taking pictures of their ridiculous antics as he’s there to attend SZ’s ceremony.

Four years the girls spent together. Though they seem rather fleeting, the friendship that developed is one to last for a very long time.

As they lie on the sand with a serious command from NW not to make her cry on this day, SZ looks at NW’s boyfriend who makes a subtle gesture. Suddenly, SZ tells NW that her makeup needs touching up, making her looks-obsessed friend rush to fix it. YZ accompanies her to ensure NW takes her sweet time.

As the two head to get NW face corrected, the others quickly get up to prep for the big event. SZ takes the lead directing everyone to different assignments so they can get everything ready for NW’s big moment.

A while later, NW is guided back onto the beach with eyes covered by SZ. She slowly walked into a huge flower-shaped heart on the sand. On a countdown, SZ drops her hands from her friend’s eyes who squeaks in excitement before jumping out of the heart. Their plan worked!

DJ walks into the heart behind SZ a bouquet of flowers in his hands. A confused SZ slowly turns realizing that she’s led astray all this time, this was most definitely not NW’s moment. Approaching the group is SY with her parents who look on emotionally at her.

“Sorry this is a bit abrupt,” DJ begins, “I thought of many different ways to do it. SZ, in the past, I thought being alone forever wouldn’t matter much to me. That was until I met you. You made me realize that loving someone and being loved is a happy thing. Thank you for giving me so much love. Because of you, I found out that I’m such a great person, turns out that I deserved to be loved too.”

A teary SZ adoringly touches his cheek, wiping away a tear that made its way down his beautiful face.

She’d made him want to try, to love someone no matter what. DJ gets on one knee and pulls out a ring.

“I don’t have anything else to give you, except six words: Only one person for a lifetime.” He wants to use a lifetime to live up to these words.

Will she marry him?

How can she not? SZ grabs the bouquet and offers her hand for him to place his ring on. Everyone cheers, her friends and family. Through hardships, difficulties, and a number of various impossible possibilities these two made it.

・❥・

Walking alone just the two of them at the beach long after the unexpected proposal, DJ admits he’s envious that SZ liked him for so long.

“The feeling of having a person in my heart is quite nice. I’ll tell you a secret,” he goes on, “I had liked you long before I told you I like you. Do you still remember the first snowfall in your freshman year? That was when it started.”

Their story started when he was 22 years old. She used to secretly hide her feelings for him not daring to let anyone find out. All along, she strived to become a better person to catch up to him.

When she made it by his side, she found out that she was never alone, he was also running towards her.

It was five full years, she healed the wounds of his youth and he fulfilled her youthful first love.

Their story started when he was 22 years old and ended when she was 22 years old.

The end.