The Sixteen-Year Secret | A Fantasy Novel

540601

The Sixteen-Year Secret

2025, Sophie Peter

Fantasy Novel

Rahaf, a spirited teenager raised by her devoted guardian, Jameela, after a mysterious, traumatic night in her childhood. Their life takes a terrifying turn when a man from that past night seems to appear, both in the real world and inexplicably in Rahaf's own room. As Rahaf grapples with fear and disbelief, a chilling presence begins to stalk her, blurring the lines between reality and nightmare.

Rahaf

A seventeen-year-old girl full of life and a bit mischievous, with a childlike spirit. She's kind but stubborn, with striking blue eyes, fair skin, and long red hair. She was raised by Jameela since childhood after a mysterious event and considers Jameela her mother. She is currently experiencing unsettling encounters with a mysterious young man.

Jameela

Rahaf's guardian, who raised her as her own daughter. She is loving and fiercely protective of Rahaf, sometimes using classic Egyptian mothering tactics (like the "Abu Warda" shoe). She is pragmatic and tries to rationalize the strange events happening to Rahaf, though she was also involved in the initial mysterious night sixteen years ago.

Samihah and Ayoub

Figures from Rahaf's past, implied to be her original guardians or family. Samihah's fearful phone call to Jameela during a storm sixteen years prior is the catalyst for Rahaf being taken away and hints at a dangerous secret or event.

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One dark night, the rain started pouring down, lightning lit up the gloomy sky, and the sound of thunder was scary.

There was a lady pulling a little kid's stroller with her right hand, and in her other hand, she was carrying grocery bags. She was trying to run as fast as she could to get home before the storm got worse.

Suddenly, she heard her cell phone ring. She pulled it out of her bag and looked at the screen lighting up with the name "Samihah Hanem."

She answered the call and said, "Hello, Samihah Hanem?"

Samihah, with a scared tone: "Where are you, Jameela? How could you leave the house in weather like this, and with Rahaf?"

Jameela: "I went out like I told you, just to grab some stuff for the house. I took Rahaf with me; you and Ayoub Bey went out for your dinner date, and I couldn't leave her alone. I took her with me, don't worry, I'm almost home now."

Samihah: "Okay, we'll talk more about this when you get back..."

Suddenly, Jameela heard Samihah scream on the phone.

Jameela, super scared: "Samihah Hanem, what happened? Samihah Hanem... Samihah Hanem, answer me!"

Samihah, taking shaky breaths, finished speaking with difficulty: "Jameela, listen to me. Whatever you do, don't come home. Take Rahaf and run far away... Run, Jameela... This is the last thing I'll ask you before I die, please, please take care of Rahaf."

Suddenly, the line went dead.

When Jameela heard Samihah's tone and words on the phone, she froze in shock. Then she started crying and shaking: "Samihah Hanem... Samihah Hanem, hello?!"

Jameela started sobbing hard. After that, she tried calling Samihah back, but the answer was "The number you dialed is switched off or outside the coverage area." She tried calling Ayoub too, but his phone was also off.

Jameela picked Rahaf up from the stroller and headed to the train station. After that, she went to Old Cairo, where she was born. Sixteen years passed since that mysterious phone call, and Jameela still didn't know what happened to Samihah and Ayoub that night. She told Rahaf they'd been in a car accident. Days and years passed after that, and the little girl grew up into a beautiful young woman, seventeen years old, under Jameela's care. Jameela treated her like her own birth mother, and Rahaf considered Jameela her mom too. But, you know, all Egyptian moms have one thing in common, one weapon, called "Abu Warda" (The Shoe).

Rahaf is a mischievous girl full of energy, with a childlike spirit inside. She's kind, but stubborn. She has enchanting blue eyes, clear white skin, long gypsy red hair that reaches the middle of her back, a small nose, perfectly shaped cherry lips, and she's slim and also short.

Inside one of the classic apartments in Old Cairo:

Jameela was chasing Rahaf around the apartment, holding what's called "Abu Warda" in her hand. She said angrily, "By my mother's life, I'm gonna get you, Rahaf! Did you really have to chase after kids in the street and make people laugh at you? Are you trying to be the death of me or something? People grow up and get smarter, and you just grow up and get crazier!"

Rahaf, trying to get away from her mom, said, "Well, what am I supposed to do? Let that annoying neighbor kid call me 'Shorty' every single time he sees me? I'm totally fed up!"

Jameela, mad: "He's just a kid in third grade! You're gonna act like him? You're going to college next year!"

Jameela aimed the slipper, and BAM! A dangerous goal right in Rahaf's face!

Rahaf: "Ow! Seriously?! Are you even my mother? I'm gonna go file a police report against you, just watch!"

Jameela: "Get out of my face, girl!"

As Jameela went to lift the other slipper, Rahaf bolted into her room.

Then Jameela said, "Rahaf! Come out! I promise I won't do anything!"

Rahaf: "Pinky swear?"

Jameela: "Pinky swear. Come on out."

Rahaf came out of her room, being super careful.

Jameela: "As punishment, go get these groceries."

She pulled out a paper with a list of everything and some money.

Rahaf: "But I just got back from school, and I'm tired."

Jameela: "Are you gonna go, or...?!"

Rahaf snatched the paper and money from Jameela's hand and said, "I'm a good girl and I listen! Of course, I'll go get the groceries."

Rahaf left the apartment, and as she walked down the street, the little neighbor kid followed her.

The kid, trying to get a rise out of her: "Shorty! There she is! Shorty!"

Rahaf: "Hey, watch it, kid!"

The kid kept bugging Rahaf: "Come on, Shorty!"

Rahaf took off her shoe and ran after the kid: "Take this, kid! I'm gonna show you who 'Shorty' is right now!"

Just as she was about to throw the shoe at the kid, something surprising happened. A guy in his late twenties was crossing the street right then, and the shoe hit him!

Rahaf's eyes bugged out in shock: "Oh my god! What in the world did I just do?!"





Rahaf took off her shoe and ran after the kid: "Take this, kid! I'm gonna show you who 'Shorty' is right now!"

Just as she was about to throw the shoe at the kid, something surprising happened. A guy in his late twenties was crossing the street right then, and the shoe hit him!

Rahaf's eyes bugged out in shock: "Oh my god! What in the world did I just do?!"

The young man turned to Rahaf, and you could tell he was seriously mad.

Rahaf felt a jolt of fear, then muttered to herself, "Oh man, he looks like he's gonna light me on fire! What am I gonna do? There's only one way out... Run! Yep, running is half the battle!"

Rahaf whipped around and took off running as fast as she could, the whole way. She didn't even look back. She got to the house and pounded on the door hard.

Rahaf: "Mom, open up, quick!"

Jameela, walking to open the door: "Who's knocking like that?"

Rahaf: "It's me! Just open it!"

Jameela: "Lord, give me patience."

Rahaf rushed inside, breathing heavily, slammed the door shut, and leaned against it, catching her breath.

Jameela, shocked: "Rahaf, girl, what is going on?"

She looked down at Rahaf's foot and saw one shoe was missing.

Jameela: "What'd you do now? Where's your other shoe?"

Rahaf: "I'll tell you, just let me breathe first. Okay, look, the main thing right now is, if someone knocks on the door, do not open it 'til you know who it is, okay?"

Jameela: "I knew it. You got yourself into trouble again. My heart just knew."

Rahaf: "Okay, look, honestly, when I was going to get the groceries, that annoying neighbor kid kept teasing me, and I just lost it, I couldn't help it. I went to toss my shoe at him... but it didn't hit him, it hit..." She closed her eyes and finished talking super fast: "...it hit a guy who suddenly walked across the street."

Jameela clutched her chest in shock: "Oh, Lord, my troubles!"

Suddenly, there was a knock on the door.

Rahaf, flustered and scared, hid behind Jameela: "Mom, it's gotta be him!"

Jameela: "Get inside, lemme see who it is, you're the last straw!"

Rahaf hugged Jameela: "May God keep you for me, you're the best mom in the world!"

And Rahaf ran off to her room.

Jameela went and opened the door: "Oh, hi, Um Sameh. How are you?"

Um Sameh: "Just fine, Um Rahaf, thanks. I was hanging laundry on the balcony and saw Rahaf running upstairs. Is everything okay?"

Jameela: "Oh, nothing, nothing. She just forgot something and her tutor is due any minute, so she just rushed back so she wouldn't be late, that's all."

Um Sameh, looking inside curiously: "Ah, I see... So, why didn't she come back down?"

Jameela: "She went to the bathroom."

Suddenly, they heard hysterical screaming coming from Rahaf's room?!?!?




Rahaf headed to her room because Jameela told her to, both Rahaf and Jameela figuring the person knocking was that guy Rahaf had pegged with her shoe. But then something totally unexpected went down. When Rahaf got into her room, she locked the door and stood behind it, trying to hear her mom talking to whoever was at the door. But all of a sudden, she felt like someone was standing right behind her. Rahaf turned around slowly and saw the same guy she'd hit with her shoe standing right there in front of her. Rahaf's eyes bugged out in shock, and then she let out a scream that shook the whole place.

Jameela ran towards Rahaf's room, and Um Sameh followed her in.

Jameela, scared stiff: "Rahaf!" She threw open the room door.

Rahaf ran to Jameela, rambling, "Mom... Mom!"

Jameela held Rahaf's face: "Hey, easy, honey, tell me what's wrong."

Rahaf: "That guy I told you about? He was just in my room! I saw him, he was standing right in front of me, just like you are now!"

Jameela was thrown by what Rahaf said and went into the room to check around: "There's nobody here. And anyway, the window's locked from the inside, how would he even get in?"

Um Sameh muttered to herself: "Who's Rahaf talking about? What if she's seeing a ghost? Lord protect us." Then she said out loud: "Maybe you're just seeing things, honey. The window's locked from the inside, just like your mom said. How could he get in?"

Rahaf: "But I swear I saw him! He was standing right here!" She pointed to the spot where he'd been.

Jameela: "Rahaf, sweetie, calm down. You were probably just so scared you imagined it."

Rahaf: "Maybe..."

Um Sameh: "I'll go to the kitchen and make you some lemonade to chill you out."

Rahaf: "Thanks, but I don't feel like drinking anything right now."

Jameela: "Okay, come sit down then."

Jameela took her to the living room and sat her on the couch.

Um Sameh: "Alright, I gotta head out. I left food on the stove."

Jameela: "Gotcha."

And Um Sameh left Jameela's place, totally freaked out by what had just happened. She kept thinking, "Thank God my son didn't try to marry her! What is this? She seems possessed! God protect us!"

Inside Jameela's apartment:

Jameela: "Want me to fix you some lunch, honey?"

Rahaf: "Nah, I'm not hungry right now. I'm gonna go pray Dhuhr, and then I'll take a nap. Hopefully, when I wake up, I'll eat something so I can head to my English class."

Jameela: "Okay, honey."

After that, Rahaf got up and prayed Dhuhr. When she was done, she went and flopped down on the couch and just kept thinking about that weird thing that happened a little while ago. She decided her mom was probably right; maybe she was just so freaked out she pictured the guy standing there. About an hour went by, and Rahaf got up and had lunch with Jameela. After that, she headed to her class. On her way back home, she saw the same guy she'd seen in her room. She stopped dead in her tracks, in total shock. He looked at her with an expression that made her really nervous and scared. Then a car passed between them. After the car went by, the guy was gone. Rahaf looked around but couldn't find him anywhere.

Rahaf: "What is happening to me? This is seriously not normal."

Rahaf tried to shake it off, but inside, she felt a deep fear. She went up to her place and knocked on the door. Jameela opened it, and Rahaf went inside.

Jameela noticed the fear on Rahaf's face: "Rahaf, sweetie, what's up? Is something wrong?"

Rahaf, with a weak smile: "Nah, nah, what would be wrong...?"

Then she took off her shoes and added, "Mom, I'm gonna go take a shower and study a bit. Need anything?"

Jameela: "God be with you, my little star."

Rahaf: "Thanks, Mom."

Rahaf went in and took a shower, then she went and sat at the desk in her room where she studies. Suddenly, the power went out.

Rahaf, startled: "In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful... Mom, can you bring me the flashlight, please?"

But Jameela didn't answer her. Rahaf called out again until she felt someone's breath right next to her neck. She froze where she was, scared stiff. She tried to find her phone, fumbling around on her desk, and finally found it. She got up and turned on the flashlight, but she didn't see anything. She figured it was probably just a draft from the window. She left her room, and as she stepped out, the power came back on.

Rahaf: "Mom?"

She went to the living room but couldn't find her. Then she went to her room and found Jameela asleep.

Rahaf felt relieved when she saw her mom sleeping in her room. After that, she went back to her room, closed the door, and leaned against it, thinking about everything that had gone down today. Then she moved to go continue studying, until she felt someone standing behind her. He grabbed her shoulders tightly and whispered in her ear: "I'm never letting you go."

Please rate the part if you liked it, and don't forget to vote, please and thank you!

To be continued...

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Love at first sight - Chapter 2

583766

The Surprise Call

2025, Sophie Peter

Korean romance

This chapter finds Roohi spending her Saturday drawing the boy she likes, Tae, before a surprise family high school reunion is announced. Later, she gets a thrilling, unexpected call from Tae himself, hinting at a mutual connection. Sunday morning brings awkwardness as she prepares for the reunion in casual clothes, much to her parents' dismay. Meanwhile, Tae is shown reflecting on their interactions and hoping Roohi is the one he's been waiting for.

Ruhi

an artistic girl with a big crush on Tae. She's shy but can be surprisingly bold when provoked, is close to her best friend Julia, and is initially oblivious but then very excited about romantic attention.

Taehyung

The captain of a team, who seems kind and has shown interest in Roohi. He contacts her directly, hinting at a potential connection, and reflects on his hopes for their relationship.

Jungkook

A hot-headed and arrogant student from a nearby university whose phone Roohi accidentally broke. He holds a grudge against her and is friends with Namjoon and Jin.

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I just froze in my tracks.

He gave me this scary look that made my whole body shake.

A moment of silence…

Then one of the guys started laughing.

Looked like he was one of his buddies.

"I... I'm sorry, I didn't see you..." (Roohi said quietly)

The other guy looked down at his phone, holding it.

He flipped it over and the front screen was totally busted.

I swallowed hard, feeling nervous.

Then the other guy looked up at me.

His look was even more pissed off than before.

Hate-filled.

I seriously felt like he wanted to kill me.

He finally parted his lips to speak.

"Say that again?" (coldly)

I somehow found my courage...

and looked him straight in the eye.

"You! You're the one who got in my way! Besides, who walks down a crowded street holding their phone out? It's not my fault!"

The other guy clenched his teeth angrily and said, "Fine, but I'm not the only one to blame, am I? Are you blind or somethin'? Or am I invisible? Or... or are you maybe tryin' to get my attention? (with a smirk) Try again, kid."

I gotta admit I was kinda shocked by how he thought. Did he seriously think every girl was into him?

I just scoffed and told him, "Yeah, you're the absolute last person I'd ever crush on."

Gotta say, the shock on his face was priceless.

(I said that stuff and hightailed it outta there before he exploded at me.)

Just as I got a little distance, I heard his friends crackin' up.

I sped up my walk toward Julia, couldn't believe I actually got away from that.

(Hanging out at the restaurant)

Namjoon: "Oh my god, I'm gonna die laughing!"

The other guy sighed, annoyed. "Namjoon, are you gonna shut up or what? Wanna get your head bashed in?"

He frowned and said, "Don't take it out on me... that crazy chick is the one who broke it."

Jin added with a laugh, sarcastically, "Yeah, I bet she's gonna be a lawyer or a judge someday!"

Namjoon: "Yep, and she'll totally send our boy Jungkook to jail."

He slammed his hand on the table, ticked off.

Jungkook: "You guys gonna knock it off with this crap?? Damn it, I'm pissed! I seriously wanna kill her right now."

Namjoon put his hand on his cheek and said, "Dude, why didn't you just yell at her face like you always do? The messed up part is, it was a brand new phone (laughing)."

He gritted his teeth 'cause Namjoon was right.

Jungkook: "I dunno... I was totally gonna yell, heck, I was gonna do way more than that! But she just caught me off guard!"

He took a sip of his coffee before saying...

Jin: "Maybe... I mean, maybe she just doesn't know who you are, that's why she said all that weird stuff."

He just laughed, kinda scoffing.

"Seriously? Is there like, anyone around here who doesn't know us?" Jungkook said.

Namjoon piped up, "Yeah, you got a point... she probably just said all that weird stuff to make a quick getaway."

He laughed and said, "Oh, she's not gettin' away with it... she's totally gonna regret breaking my phone."

(6:00 PM)

Roohi was over at Julia's place, telling her everything that went down.

Julia was still kinda shell-shocked.

"Should I be stoked 'cause I finally know Tae's into you, or should I be bummed 'cause Jungkook's gonna totally kill you before that happens?" (she said dramatically)

Roohi blinked a few times.

"T-Tae likes me? Who told you that?"

Her friend sighed, kinda exasperated by how oblivious she was, and said, "Didn't you notice how he grabbed that water bottle and completely blew off all the other girls? And before that, remember he gave you his umbrella out of everyone that first time you met?"

Roohi was quiet, trying to process everything that happened.

"So, uh, what should I even do?"

Julia flopped onto her bed, looking tired and thinking.

"I dunno, Roohi... but... we gotta get rid of that Jungkook dude."

Roohi frowned... remembering what went down with Jungkook and said, "Why are we even worried about him? Didn't you say he was just a student from the university next door? We're not gonna see him again, so why stress?" (Roohi said, sounding tired)

Julia got up, looking at her friend with a frown.

Then she poked her forehead with her finger.

"Dummy... The game today was a tie... that means their team's gonna be back again next week..."

Roohi swallowed nervously.

"S-So I guess I won't show up," (Roohi said, kinda blankly).

Julia responded, sounding annoyed.

"What about Tae? If you don't come, he's gonna think you're not even interested."

"No way, no way!" (Roohi said loudly)

Julia gave her a sly look.

"No way to what?"

Roohi replied, "I-I do like him! I'm totally gonna be there!"

Julia just laughed at how open and simple her friend was.

(Two hours later)

Roohi left Julia's place, walking home and thinking.

Lots of stuff had happened lately... meeting Tae.

Why'd he like her outta everyone? She wasn't like, bad or anything, but she was just a regular girl.

Then Jungkook showing up outta nowhere... and her breaking his phone.

So now, what's the next move?

What's fate got in store for her?

__________________



Today is Saturday,

and it's the weekend.

Roohi is sitting in her room,

finishing the tenth drawing she's done of him.

Yep, even though she hasn't actually made eye contact with him, she's memorized all his details.

Her having a crush on him might not be the only reason for this...

"Okay, I finished it!" (Roohi said happily)

A super detailed drawing that captured Taehyung perfectly.

That day she saw him out on the field...

His moves, his energy,

and his hair that was kinda in his eyes...

She captured all of that in that painting.

She imagines if he ever saw how many pictures she's drawn of him... he'd be blown away, like, totally shocked.

"Oh my gosh, just thinking about that makes me wanna die of embarrassment..." (She said that, jumping on her bed and burying her face in her pillow, all excited)

She hid the painting away and went downstairs to hear her parents talking.

Sounded like it was something big, 'cause her dad looked really excited.

and her mom looked just as happy and pumped.

Roohi got curious.

She sat down next to them, listening to what they were saying.

"What's up, Mom? Why does Dad look so happy? Did he get a promotion or somethin'?"

Her mom laughed at what her daughter said and told her, "He wouldn't be this psyched if that was all it was."

Roohi was surprised.

and her mom's answer just made her even more curious, so she asked,

"So what's the awesome thing that got him all hyped up?"

Her mom replied, laughing, "His buddy! His buddy is putting together a little get-together to round up their high school friends!"

Roohi's eyes went wide in shock.

"A high school reunion? Oh my gosh!! Does this mean Dad's gonna meet up with his old friends? Wooow, that's awesome... That's why you're so happy, Dad!"

Her dad sighed deeply and said, "It's been over thirty years... my high school friends were the best crew I ever had... we spent so much time just messing around... those were some great days."

Roohi laughed slyly and goes, "Messing around, huh? Dad, you totally weren't studying! You're admitting it! So don't chew me out later (she said, laughing)."

Her dad looked surprised and said, "You little rascal! I was studying and messing around!"

Roohi replied, "Okay, okay, I believe ya, Dad!"

Her mom laughed at the sweet conversation between Roohi and her dad.

Then her dad spoke again.

"I was in a meeting with my boss at work, just like any other normal day, and I was totally blown away to find out our new business partner was my old friend. We were way more than just buddies! We shared all our ups and downs. He was the brother I never had, my dear Roohi! Meeting him like that was the coolest thing that happened that day!"

(Hearing him talk about his friend like that made Roohi kinda wonder... how could a friend mean that much? She totally loves her best friend, but it's nothin' like what her dad was describing... What kind of friendship lasts that long?)

"So, Dad? What happened after that crazy meeting?"

(Her dad straightened up in his seat, getting ready to spill the beans, and looked like he liked her question)

"He invited me to grab breakfast together! He hasn't changed much at all, just his hair's turned a little gray! We laughed so much and remembered all sorts of stuff from back in the day! Then he told me he was gonna have a get-together for our crew! I can't believe he tracked down the other guys! I'm totally psyched to see all of 'em!! Wonder if they've changed much either?"

His wife replied, "Of course they've changed. Thirty years is a long darn time."

Her husband nodded, agreeing with her, and added, "Okay, Sana, let's go grab something for them... we can't show up empty-handed."

His wife replied, surprised, "Show up? Am I going with you?"

Her husband answered, "Of course, honey, and Roohi's goin' too!"

Roohi totally spit out the water she was drinking, and her parents looked at her all surprised, and she said, "Why do I gotta go to some old people's get-together? No way! That's gonna be boring."

Roohi got a smack on the head from her dad.

"Are you callin' me old, you disrespectful little kid?"

Roohi just laughed at her dad's reaction.

"I'm just messin' with you, Dad, I swear! I meant your friends! But seriously, why do we gotta go? Don't blame me if I fall asleep while you guys are talkin' about your boring life stories."

Her dad smiled and said, "It's not just my friends, everyone's bringing their families... it's gonna be awesome! I'm so hyped for tomorrow!"

Roohi sighed, feeling annoyed.

"Okay, Dad, fine... I'm gonna head up to my room to knock out some homework, but... I'm just wondering how you guys lost touch?"

Her dad replied, "My dad's job! We had to move... our move was sudden and out of nowhere... that's why I couldn't tell anyone or keep in touch with any of 'em."

Roohi goes:

"Oh, okay... but that's cool, you guys are gonna meet up again."

(10:00 PM)

Roohi is lying in her room, thinking.

She imagines Taehyung confessing to her...

and asking her out.

(She starts giggling shyly about it)

"Man, all the girls are gonna be so jealous of me... I'll be the captain of the team's girl."

(She said that, squirming around in her blanket on her bed...)

She stopped when she heard her phone ring.

She went to it to see who was calling.

It was an unknown number.

She felt nervous.

and decided not to answer.

But the person called again.

She felt hesitant and curious.

(So she finally decided to answer after fighting with herself...)

"Hello... who is this?" (Roohi said quietly, sounding hesitant)

(A few seconds later, she heard a young man's voice...)

"Roohi? Is that really you?"

(Her eyes went wide in shock... She recognized him right away from his voice... But... but how did he get her number, and why?)

"T-Tae? H-Hey." (she said nervously)

(She heard the other guy laugh... He sighed a little and answered)

"It's me! Right answer, Roohi! But how'd you know it was me?"

(Roohi replied, kinda blankly and without thinking)

"How could I not know you? I've memorized and know all your details, let alone your voice."

(Silence for a few seconds... Then she realized how big a mistake she'd just made and scrambled for an excuse before he thought she was just obsessed like all the other girls)

"Because I'm a fan... I became a fan of your team... That's why!! I memorized all the players' names on our team too."

(She prayed with all her heart that he'd believe her lie... 'cause his silence was about to give her a heart attack.)

(He finally spoke)

"Really? So that's it! Does that mean I'll see you at every game?"

(She felt weird, mixed with being embarrassed herself... Her face was already bright red... and thank goodness this was just on the phone and not in front of him.)

"Yeah, I'll always be there and I'll cheer you guys on."

(She heard him reply, saying)

"Thanks... our Roohi."

(She put her hand over her mouth, trying to hide how excited she was by what he said... Then she suddenly remembered to ask him)

"Tae? How'd you get my number?"

(The other guy laughed... He figured she should have asked that from the start)

"Julia! She told me a player from the other university was bothering you, so I wanted to check up on you."

[She said to herself]

(That darn Julia... Why didn't she tell me about this... I would've at least gotten myself ready...)

"Oh... Jungkook... Don't worry, it was just a misunderstanding... and I fixed it."

(The other guy replied)

"Really? Glad to hear that. Okay, it's getting late... Good night, my sweet fan."

(She giggled shyly at what he said)

"Yeah... Good night to you too."

[The call ended... Roohi put the phone on the bed, staring at it... Then she screamed with excitement... and started rolling around on her bed again... Our Roohi!! He said our Roohi!! Her brother rushed in...]

"Yo! Are you crazy? Why are you screaming? I have an exam tomorrow! Can't I get some sleep?"

(She looked at him nervously...)

"Mind your own business! Get outta my room, go!"

(The other guy looked at her angrily and slammed the door shut... She laughed in the end... remembering her call with Taehyung.)

(At the other guy's place - at Taehyung's house)

Lying on his bed...

He's remembering everything that happened between him and her...

He smiles quietly, sighing deeply.

"I hope you really are Roohi... I really do... Then, when the time is right, I won't let go of your hand again. I promise."

"Come on, lazybones, wake up." (Her mother said that, opening the window and pulling back the curtains so the golden sunlight could get into her bat daughter's room.)

"Are you not gonna get up, Roohi? I'm gonna cut off your allowance for two weeks."

Her eyes went wide and she jumped up quickly.

"No, please... I'm just tired."

(She rubbed her eyes lazily... Her mom sighed, annoyed.)

"Were you up late last night?"

(After her mother's question... Roohi remembered Taehyung's call... She got nervous and replied)

"G-Good morning, Mom! I'm awake! I'll get ready and we'll go with Dad, okay?"

(Roohi rushed out, her mother watching her, looking surprised.)

(Two hours later)

"What's your daughter doing all this time? It's just a meeting, not a wedding?"

(His wife sighed deeply... and said)

"Roohi, are we gonna wait for you all day? Come on, get outta your room."

(Roohi came down looking nervous... Both her mom and dad were surprised by her weird taste... black athletic clothes... with a cap and sunglasses.)

"Honey, this is a family get-together, not a footrace?" (Her father said that, smacking his forehead with his hand.)

(Roohi replied shyly)

"Honestly... I couldn't find anything good... and I... I'm comfortable in these clothes."

(Her mom looked at Roohi, annoyed by her tomboy behavior.)

"All those clothes and you didn't like any of them? Are you a boy or a girl, Roohi?"

(Her dad sighed in exasperation and said,)

"Let's go... She'll take all day if she changes clothes again."

Roohi grinned goofily at what her dad said.

They all got in the car after leaving Jieun to get ready to go to high school.

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Love at first sight - Korean Novel

583766

Love at first sight

2025, Sophie Peter

Korean romance

A young woman named Ruhi can't forget a strange encounter where a mysterious guy gave her his umbrella in the rain. She later finds him, Taehyung, is a popular college basketball captain. After an awkward meeting at a game, where she also meets her friend's boyfriend, Yoongi, the game ends in a tie. Immediately after, Ruhi accidentally bumps into an intimidating opposing player with tattoos, breaking his phone screen and creating a new problem.

Ruhi

she's twenty years old, introverted, and secretly loves to draw as an escape. She's a bit awkward and prone to getting flustered, especially when recalling a past incident with a mysterious guy. She values her one close friendship deeply.

Julia

Ruhi's best friend. She's social and enthusiastic, especially about her boyfriend. She's supportive of Ruhi but also a little pushy, trying to encourage her friend to step outside her comfort zone.

Taehyung

The guy who gave Ruhi his umbrella that rainy day. He's a tall, popular basketball player and the team captain. He's described with a beautiful smile and a mysterious aura, seeming kind and showing a peculiar interest in Ruhi.

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First Novel

First Beginning...

[Nine O'Clock at Night]

The twenty-year-old young woman lay on her bed.
She was fiddling with her phone. She'd finished dinner, and by now, everyone in her family must have been asleep.

She always stayed up late, spending most of her time drawing... She loved that hobby intensely, but she kept it hidden... She didn't like anyone knowing about it... It was the one thing that kept her from thinking... The thinking that wore her out... Drawing was her refuge, her escape from it...

She put her phone aside... and closed her eyes, trying to sleep... She tossed and turned in her bed the whole time... couldn't sleep... The scenario of what happened was still right there, in front of her eyes... Even though it happened a long time ago... But for "Ruhi," our young girl, it felt like it happened just yesterday...

"It's funny that I remember that incident... I wonder if he remembers it too..."
(The young woman said to herself)

...Let's go back in time a little... Specifically, "one year, two months, and twenty days."
(Yeah, Ruhi remembered every single boring detail.)

[Six O'Clock in the Evening]

Early December... I remember the weather was super cold... And it was pouring rain... That day, I'd had a stupid fight with my friend "Julia"... So stupid I don't even remember why, not like I remember what happened that day...

I was feeling down. I was quiet the whole time. I'm not really a social person; one loyal friend is enough for me. I loved her and still do... But she got mad at me for no reason, and then she came back to make up when she realized she was wrong... But I wasn't really paying attention to anything she said... (laughing).

After the last class ended, and that tiring day was over... And when I finally decided to go home and crash on my dear bed... That's when the heavy rain hit me... I sighed deeply and went back to hide by the university entrance, waiting for the rain to stop... And just my luck... I hadn't even brought my umbrella...

All the students were running to get home... Some were hiding like me, waiting... And some had already brought their umbrellas... The others took taxis... I just stood there, waiting... I can't deny I was freezing, really freezing... Even with the cold weather and the stinging wind on my face... I really love this season! I adore it...

I was focused on the sound of the raindrops, hitting the tree leaves sometimes, and the little puddles in the streets other times... But that didn't stop me from noticing the eyes that were watching me... I was always glancing around, 'cause feeling watched is unsettling... There were a lot of students, so I couldn't figure out whose eyes were watching me exactly... That's when I decided to leave... The feeling of fear had settled into me more than the cold itself...

I tucked my hands firmly into my coat pockets and headed out to leave... Only to be surprised when my speed slowed... And it seemed like someone had actually grabbed my hand, stopping my movement... That's when my heart started racing with worry. Fear, maybe?

I turned around to see a young man taller than me, dark-skinned, with a wide, beautiful smile... I snapped out of my daze and quickly pulled my hand away... The guy seemed nice... but I shifted my gaze to a serious one...

"What do you want, mister?" (I said it coldly, annoyed.)

I saw his square smile come back again. He looked into my eyes for a long time. There were so many things I wanted to read in those deep looks... He broke that eye contact by pulling out his umbrella... He opened it and held it up, putting it between us... After he did that... I was frozen in place... I could almost hear my heart pounding fast...

I tried to string some words together... 'Cause his gaze was beautiful in an uncomfortable way... Yeah, totally uncomfortable for me... And unfortunately, I'd seen a scene like this in a drama before... And that's what threw me off. Was my life gonna change by chance? But I'm impulsive and always mess things up, even if they're good for me...

"W-who are you? No need for this... Y-you can keep your umbrella. I-I..."

I heard him chuckle at what I said... I won't lie, I was annoyed by that... I furrowed my brows in irritation and said, "Did I say something funny?" (angrily)

I got mad and stepped out of that little space under the umbrella... I tried to say something else, but he grabbed my hand and pulled me toward him so I was under the umbrella again... I couldn't hold back how embarrassed I was then... There was hardly any space between us... I could barely hear the students talking on the side here and there...

I didn't realize what I was doing until I'd given him a slap that made him turn the other way... I did that without thinking... I didn't feel it until I was slapping him... I was in a tough spot. Where did this guy come from? I'd never in my life thought about a situation like this...

He turned back and looked into my eyes again... His expression had changed... He sighed deeply and said, smiling again: "Sorry, miss... I didn't mean to... I'm not a bad guy, believe me."

I swallowed nervously... trying to think of a quick answer... "S-so how do you explain what you just did? Does that seem normal?"

After he heard me, I noticed he looked regretful... He avoided making eye contact with me... He must have been thinking of a convincing answer... He sighed deeply and said: "Sorry... Your face and nose were red. I figured you were the type who gets sick easily if they get caught in the rain." (The guy said it innocently.)

I couldn't speak... Quickly, I replied, "Huh? And what does that mean? Even if I am..."

He cut me off and said, "Keep this umbrella. I don't think the rain's gonna stop. So you better get home quick. If the sun sets while you're out here in weather like this, I doubt you'll make it back home." (with a laugh)

I raised my eyebrows at how weird that sounded. I tried to refuse, but he grabbed my hand, put the umbrella in my hand, and closed my hand around it tightly.

"Don't say anything. I don't need it. I live close by."

Those strange looks came back again... Why do I feel like there's a deep story behind those looks, hidden in the sparkle of his eyes...

"B-but why?"

He ignored my question and left quickly... "Get home fast, little one," he said and left quickly... He was totally drenched, for real...

I held the umbrella, confused... Then I checked the time... I gotta hurry... I left the spot, protected from the rain by that umbrella... Yeah... I didn't know who that person was or his name... I didn't know why he did that... Why me, out of the huge crowd there? Those looks, the smile... were still stuck in my head... My head was full of questions and tons of thoughts... I didn't even notice until I was right in front of our house... That night, it was pouring rain... I sat in my room that day, thinking about what had happened...






I remember deciding I had to find him... and give him his umbrella back... But I didn't know his name... or what class he was in... I wasn't sure, but I felt like he was a year or two older than me... The day I found him... I'd ask him why... Then I'd stop thinking about it so much...

The next day, I told my best friend, Julia, what had happened... She and I didn't keep any secrets from each other... I described the guy to her so she could help me look for him... She was shocked by what I told her... She said I was lucky... and that stuff only happens in fairy tales...

We searched for him every day after classes... For a while, I even wondered if maybe I'd imagined it... But how could I imagine it when I still had his umbrella? How could a fantasy have that kind of presence?

A week really went by... and I decided to give up... I put his umbrella in my closet... and decided I'd give it back to him when the time was right...

A month after that incident... Julia invited me to watch our university's basketball game... That's because she was dating a player on that team... I remember his name was "Yoongi"... I hadn't seen him before... Julia looked happy when she talked about him... I was curious about him...

We sat down in the stands... Waiting for the game to start. There was a huge crowd... I remember perfectly that Julia was holding a sign with "Yoongi" written on it, all just to cheer him on... She looked really sweet... I wondered what he was like with Julia... Did he support her the way she supported him?

After half an hour... The players started coming in... I was totally bored; I hate basketball... I was looking around without really caring... The players were really tall... That was the only thing that grabbed my attention... I was looking at the players... until my eyes landed on him...

I stood up in shock and put my hand over my mouth... And the worst part of all was, he noticed me... He even stopped and looked at me from where he was... He waved at me, smiling, then ran off to join his friends... After leaving me in a new fight with myself...

That's when Julia grabbed my hand to make me sit down.

"You know Tae?"

I looked into Julia's eyes and said, "H-he's the g-guy I told you about... the umbrella guy."

She jumped up in surprise, "Taehyung? Our team captain?"

I looked at her, not getting it, then I grabbed her hand, pulled her back down, and nodded yes to what she said...

"Ruhi, you're so lucky!! Don't blow this chance, believe me!! Tae is the most popular player here, you know how many girls he's turned down!! He's never dated before, he's smart and athletic, so what else could you even want?"

I looked at her in disbelief.

"Julia... I was looking for him to give him back his umbrella... I don't have any feelings for him... I don't know him, and he doesn't know me either. Stop talking like that, everyone's looking at us..."

Julia let out a frustrated sigh... and said, "You'll regret it, Ruhi... Taehyung is a great guy... You're crazy if you turn him down..."

I sighed impatiently at her words... Her thinking was really over the top... It was just an umbrella, why all this drama? We'd never even really met before...

...The second half started... and a tall guy with white skin came in... I was spacing out, watching them... Until Julia startled me when that guy entered...

"YOONGI!!!!!" (She said it loudly.)

(She stood up, holding the sign, jumping.)

So, this was Yoongi... He seemed like a quiet guy, the opposite of my friend Julia... He looked at her and smiled... I didn't like his reaction... Why didn't he wave back, at least? She was cheering for him so enthusiastically... I swear I'd make his life hell if he made her sad... She's my best friend... and I won't let anyone mess with her...

...Our team was strong... But our opponent was no joke either... Yoongi was trying to make a shot, but another guy blocked him... And took the ball... That's when Taehyung faced him... Tae was standing right there in front of him... But that guy was short and fast... He dodged him and got away with the ball...

In that moment, I noticed his movement slow down... His expression suddenly got messed up... Making me sure he'd twisted his leg... Weird, Tae hadn't even bothered him... I wondered how a short guy could even be a basketball player...

After Yoongi noticed that guy had twisted his leg... He took advantage of the chance... And took the ball from him... And scored a goal...

Tae looked at Yoongi with pride... Then he turned his eyes right to me... My heart was pounding hard... I felt nervous then... So I quickly turned my face away...

That's when I saw Julia looking at me with anger... "Idiot, Ruhi, I swear!!" I sighed in frustration and kept watching the game... But suddenly the ref ordered the game stopped...





The opposing team's coach... wanted to substitute players... The short guy was probably coming out... and another player was going in... As soon as that young man left... the noise got louder... and the cheering picked up the pace... Girls from the other university stood up, really enthusiastic... I felt weird... Just a player substitution, why all this excitement?

Until that player entered... And he seemed to be the answer... to all my questions... I felt a strange aura when I saw him... He didn't look like an athlete... He never smiled, not once... And on top of all that, he had tattoos on his hand?? How do they even allow an athlete to have tattoos?? As soon as he walked in, he looked at the crowd and smirked provocatively... I won't lie, I wasn't happy to see him... and my heart didn't feel comfortable with him at all...

Taehyung, please win the game... Tae and that guy faced each other, challenging looks between them... The whistle blew... The referee started the game... I'd never been a sports fan, but I seriously wanted our team to win...

After several attempts... The game ended in a tie... I sighed in frustration... Damn it, I wasted my time and we didn't even win... Julia quickly stood up, grabbing my hand... "Come on, this is our chance!!" I blinked a few times, trying to understand what she meant... She grabbed my hand and ran...

We left the stands and went down toward the players' rooms... I stopped dead then... "Where are we going, Julia?? I'm not going in!!" Julia's face got all serious and she said, "Look behind you... Look at the number of girls... We're not the only ones. I just wanted us to be the first ones to meet them..."

I rolled my eyes, bored... They didn't even win... And if I didn't listen to Julia, she'd definitely kill me... I turned around to see several girls carrying water bottles and towels and some fast food... A sarcastic laugh escaped me. "Do you think the players are actually gonna wait for what we bring?? Seriously, Julia!! This is so embarrassing."

Just as I finished talking... Taehyung and some of the players came out, including Yoongi and the short guy... That's when Julia grabbed my hand and put a water bottle in it... I looked at her blankly... Then I noticed the girls racing toward Tae and the rest of the players... Tae just smiled... and easily walked past them... until he stopped right in front of us...

That's when I felt shy... nervous... I even felt kinda dizzy... it was awkward... I must have looked weird in front of him... I could hear my heart pounding fast... He looked at my hand to take the water bottle... He leaned down to my level and said with a smile, "Is this for me? Can I take it?"

I could barely notice a huge smile spreading across Julia's face... I swallowed nervously... couldn't say a single word... So I just nodded yes... He laughed at how I reacted and stood up, saying, "Thanks, you're really sweet." He gently patted my head and left...

I didn't realize what had just happened... The same situation... He picked me out of everyone... I turned to Julia... But she had just... vanished... I frowned 'cause she'd left without telling me... I barely even noticed the hateful looks from the other girls... Damn, it was just a water bottle, why all the hate...

I got away from that spot... looking for my friend... I held my cheeks, blushing, remembering what happened... I was walking, spacing out... until I saw my friend from a distance... I ran toward her to tell her... But... I swear I didn't do it on purpose... I didn't see him 'cause I was spaced out, I'd just gotten myself into a new mess... I'd bumped into that player... That scary player with the tattoos... He'd suddenly come right into my path... The problem wasn't just bumping into him... but his phone that fell... and the screen that cracked...

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