Moonlight Honors the Wait

1
Everyone noticed I wasnt chasing Mark anymore.
Including Mark himself.
After school, he blocked my path, his face a cold mask.
About standing you up the other dayIm only explaining this once. Believe it or not, its up to you.
Clara was cornered by some drunk. I went to help her.
I was wrong not to call you. I forgot.
That day was his birthday.
He was in a fight for Clara, while I was left stranded at the amusement park for the entire day.
So, he thought I was just sulking about that.
I gave a slight shake of my head. Its okay.
Then, under his shadowed, unreadable gaze, I quietly stepped around him and walked away.
He didnt know. He didnt know that because hed abandoned me yet again, the system had declared my mission a failure.
In one month, I would be erased and sent back to my own world.
And this body would be reclaimed by its original owner.

2
Morgan, lets go home.
The systems voice sighed in my mind as an amusement park attendant reminded me for the third time that they were closing.
Marks not coming. Hes with Clara. Hes completely forgotten he was supposed to meet you here today.
My feet ached. I stomped them lightly on the pavement, picked up the cake box, and turned toward the exit.
Okay.
The hopeful anticipation Id felt that morning had been worn down to nothing. All that was left was a hollow calm.
Even when the system announced my failure.
In one month, you will be in a fatal car accident.
This is the penalty for your failure.
During the moment of impact, I will extract your consciousness and return you to your world. As for this body, its original owner will regain control.
After delivering the notice, the system vanished.
I pulled out my phone to call a ride, only to see the battery icon flash red before the screen went black.
I didn't have any cash for a cab.
Finally accepting my fate, I started the long walk home along the edge of the road.
Failure had always been a possibility, I knew that. But in this moment, a profound exhaustion seeped into my bones, making every step feel impossibly heavy.

3
The route from the amusement park back to my house passed by our school.
On a Saturday, the campus should have been deserted. But tonight, on a bench just outside the school gates, sat two figures I knew all too well.
Clara was holding a small cupcake with a single matchstick stuck in it, flickering like a tiny, pathetic candle.
Im so sorry, Mark she said, her voice soft. I only just found out it was your birthday. I didnt have time to get a proper cake.
This was all I could find. I hope you dont mind
The boy across from her had a few fresh cuts on his cheekbone, a bandage wrapped around his forehead, half-hidden by his dark, messy hair. It gave him a kind of reckless, boyish charm.
He didn't seem to find the makeshift birthday cupcake ridiculous at all. He even took out his lighter and lit the match for her.
I dont. His voice, usually so cool and distant, held a gentle, coaxing note Id never heard before. I think its great.
I couldnt help but remember the previous afternoon.
I was in the schools Home Ec room, presenting him with the birthday cake Id perfected after countless attempts.
Isnt it beautiful?
He was leaning against the doorframe, arms crossed. His eyes flickered to my hand, where a fresh blister from the oven was already forming. His tone was sharp with impatience.
Just looking at your hand is enough to make me lose my appetite.
Embarrassed, I tried to hide my hand in the sleeve of my uniform.
His expression was weary. He walked over, grabbed my wrist, and started dragging me towards the pharmacy down the street.
What are you hiding? he snapped. You get a burn and you dont even think to put something on it? Do you have a brain?
He sounded annoyed, but his touch was surprisingly gentle as he carefully applied the ointment.
My courage returned. I had to ask again. Mark do you like the cake?
He stared at the blister on my hand, his brow furrowed.
Its ugly as sin.
Back then, the system had tried to comfort me. Dont listen to him. Hes just mad you hurt yourself making it. Hes just bad at showing he cares, thats all.
My thoughts snapped back to the present. I stood across the street, a silent observer, watching Mark soothe Clara, assuring her that her simple cupcake was more than enough.
And I finally understood.
Even for someone as guarded and difficult as Mark, when he truly liked someone, he could be gentle. He would pull in all his thorns. He would protect her pride and couldnt bear to see her disappointed.
I didnt know what Mark felt for me.
But it definitely wasnt love.

4
I pulled my gaze away, ready to leave.
But then Clara spotted me. Summer? What are you doing here?
Mark turned, his eyes landing on the cake box in my hand. He froze for a split second, and I saw the flicker of realization in his eyes. He remembered.
Clara saw the box too. Oh, you must be looking for Mark, right? she said, a little too brightly. I heard you were supposed to celebrate his birthday at the park today. Im so sorry. You got stood up because of me.
Her apology was a thin veil, a performance shed perfected over time. It was as if she was used to Mark dropping everything and everyone for her, especially me. And I was just supposed to take it. Maybe throw a little tantrum for a day or two, then go right back to chasing him like a lost puppy.
I shook my head, denying her first question.
I was just passing by.
Marks jaw was tight, his gaze fixed on me.
Clara just smiled, clearly thinking my words were a pathetic attempt to save face. She gestured towards the box. Well, since you brought the cake anyway, we can celebrate now. Its not too late.
As she reached for the box, I stepped back, shaking my head again.
Its gone bad. You cant eat it.
I pressed my lips together, my voice quiet.
Its its getting late. I should go home.
Bye.
Clara looked genuinely surprised. In the past, I would have used any excuse to stick to Marks side. Now, I was willingly giving them their space.
I took a few steps, clutching the ruined cake, then remembered something. I turned back, my cheeks flushing with embarrassment as I looked at Clara.
Excuse me, but could I borrow twenty bucks? My phones dead and I cant call a cab.
Ill take you.
The words shot out of Marks mouth the second I finished my sentence, fast and tight with some unreadable tension.
I acted as if I hadnt heard him.
Clara stammered, Uh yeah, sure. She fumbled in her purse and handed me a bill.
Thanks. Ill pay you back at school on Monday.
I took the money and left.
The entire time, I never once looked at Mark.

5
Maybe it was because I knew I was going home soon.
That night, I dreamed of my life in the real world.
I was in the college library during a break between classes, crying my eyes out over a novel.
My roommate looked over, confused. Isnt that supposed to be a rom-com?
I sobbed, my words catching in my throat. Not for him not for Mark, the second male lead.
His life is just so tragic.
Hes been in love with the main character, Clara, since high school. But he came from nothing, so he was too proud and insecure to ever tell her. He becomes this huge business mogul by the end, but he never confesses. He just watches over her from a distance.
And the worst part? In high school, he was constantly bullied by the storys vicious, spoiled rich girl, Summer.
My roommate handed me a tissue. Your name is Morgan, and her name is Summer. Kinda close.
I slammed my hand on the table. And I am deeply ashamed of that fact.
That very night, I woke up inside the book, in the body of the character I despised most.
The systems directive was simple: Win over Mark.
That year, I was the person he hated most in the world.
Mission difficulty: SSS.
The system scanned my ecstatic expression. The difficulty is off the charts, and youre this happy?
Because I can change his story! I can fix his miserable youth! I bounced on my toes, my bangs flying. Im going to give him all the best things in the world. I wont let him suffer for one more second.
The system had no faith in my mission. It said it would just wait for the clock to run out and send me back.
I spent two years trying to melt Marks icy exterior. Eventually, his affection meter climbed so high that even the system thought victory was within reach.
But in the end, I still failed.
And really, I had no right to blame him. He was always in love with Clara. It was only natural that he would do anything for her, that he would put her first, always.
Its a simple truth I only managed to grasp now that I was no longer in love with him myself.

6
After spending the entire previous day out in the wind, it was no surprise when I woke up with a cold.
Id just taken some medicine when my phone rang. It was one of Marks friends.
Hey, Summer. Marks doing a do-over for his birthday today. At the amusement park, the one you guys were supposed to go to. You coming?
Mark never cared about things like birthdays. I knew what this wasan attempt to make up for what happened.
My voice was thick with congestion when I spoke. You guys have fun. Im heading to the library today.
I heard the guys voice get farther from the receiver. Yo, Mark, Summer says shes not coming.
A few seconds passed. Then, I heard a short, sharp laugh, laced with mockery.
Her loss.
His reaction wasnt a surprise. Mark had never been patient with me. This half-assed birthday party was the most he was willing to bend.
I couldnt stop a few coughs from escaping.
The guy on the phone noticed. Whoa, Summer, you sick? Okay, okay, never mind then. You just rest up.
Right before he hung up, I heard him ask someone else, Hey, whered Mark go?
Another voice replied, Looked like he was heading to the pharmacy.
Pharmacy? Why? Didnt he just get his cuts looked at?
Beats me.

7
I went to the library with Leo.
Leo. The original Summers childhood best friend.
He was also the only person in this world who knew I wasnt who I seemed. Not long after I arrived, he saw right through my act.
Hed cornered me, studying my face with a smirk. Dont even try to lie. You cant fool me. No one knows Summer better than I do.
After I confessed everything about the mission, he was only surprised for a moment before accepting it. Maybe it was because I was wearing his best friends face.
For the past two years, hed been incredibly good to me. He was one of my most important friends in this world.
On the way to the library, I told him about my failed mission.
So youre saying youre leaving? In a month?
Yep. The real Summer is coming back. Youll be reunited with your childhood sweetheart.
The canvas messenger bag slung over Leos shoulder swayed with his steps, tapping rhythmically against his back. He just smiled, not responding, his eyes holding a flat, unreadable emotion.

8
We didnt leave until the library was closing.
Leos house was right next to mine. I stopped at his gate, about to say goodbye.
But he was staring straight ahead, his gaze fixed on my front door.
I followed his line of sight.
And met Marks dark, intense stare.
He was wearing a black windbreaker that made his pale face seem even colder. The cuts on his cheekbone and jaw added a hint of untamed aggression to his look.
In his hand was a small plastic bag from a pharmacy.
I snapped back to the present and turned to Leo. Well, youre home. Ill see you later. Bye.
He understood I didnt want him involved. He didnt ask any questions, just nodded. Call me if you need anything.
The click of Leos front door closing echoed in the quiet street.
Marks gaze slowly tracked me as I walked toward him, my fingers clutching the strap of my book bag.
Did you need something?
He ignored my question. Arent you sick? he countered, his voice dripping with sarcasm. You seemed perfectly fine, laughing it up with him.
As if on cue, a tickle in my throat forced a pair of coughs out of me.
The mockery in his eyes faded slightly.
I sniffled. If theres nothing else, Im going inside.
He shifted his body, blocking my way. A chill radiated off him, making my shoulders tremble. I wondered how long hed been standing out here in the cold for his clothes to feel like ice.
Why are you running all over town with him when youre sick?
He shoved the pharmacy bag into my arms, his face a grim mask.
And about the other day. Standing you up.
Im only saying this once, so you can believe it or not. He wasnt one for apologies, so his explanation was clipped and concise. Clara was getting harassed by a drunk. I went to help her. But I forgot to call and let you know, and I made you wait. That was my fault.
I couldnt remember Mark ever bothering to explain himself to anyone. I was surprised hed come looking for me, but that was it. No other emotion stirred.
I held the bag of medicine back out to him, tilting my head up to meet his eyes. Thank you, but I cant take this. I can buy my own medicine.
As for the other day, I accept your apology.
Is there anything else? I really need to go home.
Marks lips pressed into a thin line, his eyes locked on mine as if silently demanding, What the hell is wrong with you?
After a moment of silence, I took it as my cue to leave. I murmured a quiet goodbye and slipped past him into the house.
Once I was back in my room, I peeked through the window. He was still standing there, motionless. Then, as if a bitter realization had finally dawned on him, he let out a cold, humorless scoff. He tossed the bag of medicine into the nearby trash can and walked away without a backward glance.
I guess he finally got the message. This wasnt me sulking. This was me giving up. For good.

9
Maybe because Id been the most persistent and the most public of all his admirers, no one seemed to notice when I suddenly, quietly, gave up on him.
During gym class, the guys were playing basketball. Both Mark and Leo got injured in the same play.
The second I heard, I rushed to the nurses office.
Mark wasnt just a brutal fighter; he was a skilled one. He almost never lost. In the last two years, his reputation had grown to the point where it kept the local troublemakers at bay. It also earned him a legion of followers who admired his strength.
In the nurses office, a crowd of guys swarmed Mark. Leo, on the other hand, was practically alone, with only the gym captain offering a few half-hearted words of concern.
One of Marks friends saw me and grinned.
Whoa, whoa, Summer. Marks fine, you dont have to look so panicked. Dont you have any faith in your crush?
Marks expression was tense. He didnt even look up.
I couldnt believe that even his closest friends hadnt noticed that Id stopped hovering around him. I pretended not to hear them and walked past the group, straight to Leo.
Is it bad? Should I get a pass for you to go to the hospital? After all, Leo had taken care of me plenty of times when I was sick.
The silence in the room wasn't peaceful. It was thick with a tense, strained energy that suffocated all other sound.
Leo glanced dismissively at Marks back.
Its nothing. Just hurts a bit.
He offered a small smile, looking at me helplessly. But I dont think I can get back to class on my own. Could you help me out, Summer?
I nodded. Leo slung his arm over my shoulders, and I helped him limp out of the room.

10
After that, it seemed like everyone finally got the hint. The jokes about me and Mark stopped.
A few days later, the system reappeared without warning, bringing a new mission.
I pulled some strings to get this for you, it said. If you succeed, the car accident youre scheduled to have will be completely painless.
The system continued, Your senior Graduation Showcase is next week, right?
To avoid interfering with final exams, our school held the event early in the second semester.
I hear each homeroom is only allowed to submit one act. Morgan, all you have to do is secure that performance slot for your class. Thats it. Mission complete.
The next day, I saw the sign-up sheet. Besides me, three other people had put their names down.
Clara was doing a piano performance. The arts committee representative was singing a solo. And another guy was planning to do a stand-up comedy routine.
Like the arts rep, I signed up for a solo performance. It was the only real talent I had.
To be fair, the class president announced that the four of us had to record our full performances. We would play them for the entire class during homeroom, and they would vote for who would represent them at the showcase.

11
The vote ended in a stalemate. Clara and I were tied for first place.
The class president wrung his hands. Is there anyone who hasn't voted yet?
Someone piped up, Mark hasnt. Hes absent today.
So, the president decided wed hold a re-vote in three days between just me and Clara.
Leo was fuming. The class is split right down the middle between you two. The only person left to vote is Mark. And do we even need to guess who hes going to pick? Its obviously Clara.
We were sitting by the large glass window of a boba tea shop. Outside, cars sped through the intersection, their force a palpable blur. The thought of my impending accident sent a shiver down my spine.
It would be a lie to say I wasnt scared.
I clutched the warm cup in my hands. I want to try.
Try what?
To convince Mark to vote for me.

12
Back when I was in love with Mark, trying to please him was second nature. Now, just initiating a conversation felt awkward and strange.
The day before the final vote, as soon as the bell rang, I gathered my courage and walked to his desk.
Uh do you have a minute?
He was leaning back in his chair. He slowly lifted his gaze to mine. You need something?
I nodded twice.
Just then, a light, cheerful set of footsteps approached.
Mark! It was Clara. Will you come with me to feed the stray cats after school tonight?
A wave of disappointment washed over me. I lowered my head, ready to walk away.
Cant tonight, Mark said, his voice flat.
Clara seemed genuinely taken aback by his refusal. It was a rare sight. She quickly recovered, her lips curving into a smile. Oh, okay then Ill just go by myself.
Soon, the classroom emptied out. Mark stared ahead, not looking at me.
Spit it out. What is it?
I quickly pulled a tube of ointment from my bag. I saw the cuts on your face havent healed yet, so I bought this
It was a clumsy attempt at bribery. My motive was so transparent that I squeezed my eyes shut after I said it, bracing for his mockery.
But his expression didnt change. He took the tube, turning it over in his hands.
An idea struck me.
I could I could put it on for you?
His response was to hand the ointment back to me.
I pulled a chair over and sat beside him. Dabbing a cotton swab with the cream, I carefully applied it to his cuts.
The only sound in the classroom was our quiet exchange.
Mark, turn your head a little.
Is this a cut here, too?
Yeah.
This one hasnt scabbed over yet. Is it going to sting?
No.
After I finished, I tried to figure out how to bring up the vote.
He cut right to the chase. Just say it. What do you want from me?
Caught, my face flushed with heat. I took a deep breath and looked him straight in the eye. The vote tomorrow can you vote for me? Getting that spot is really, really important to me.
I was terrible at this. Are you hungry? I stammered. I can, uh, I can buy you dinner.
As I rambled on about buying him a new computer or a gaming console, he cut me off.
Summer.
He stared at me, and after a long moment, his deep voice resonated beside my ear. You want my vote? Answer one question.
What is it?
Do you like Leo?
I shook my head. Weve only ever been friends. Does that have anything to do with your vote?
He didnt answer, but the chill in his eyes seemed to thaw.
He stood up, looking like he was ready to leave.
I bit my lip. So will you vote for me tomorrow?
Mark stretched his neck, slung his backpack over his shoulder, and strolled out of the classroom.
Yeah, he said, his voice a low drawl.

13
Before homeroom, my deskmate looked at me, bewildered.
Why are you so happy? Youre practically buzzing.
I just smiled, not saying a word. Because Im going home, pain-free.
The bell rang. The class president walked to the front to count the votes.
Oh, right, he said. Before I start, Mark, you voted this time, right?
I turned to look at him, my eyes crinkling with a smile I couldnt contain.
Our gazes met for a split second before he abruptly looked away.
I voted.
A terrible feeling started to bloom in my chest.
The president counted the ballots, one by one. Every second stretched into an eternity of torment.
Okay, thats all of them. The votes are in.
With one more vote, Clara wins.
A radiant smile spread across the girls face. Thank you all so much for your support.
The president nodded. Ill go submit your act after class.
My fingers went slack. The pen I was holding clattered to the floor, the sharp sound drawing a few glances.
In the quiet room, a sudden snort of laughter broke the silence.
Are you kidding me? Look at her face. What is she so shocked about?
It was always going to be Clara. It was a sure thing.
I know, right? Shes been chasing him for two years. Does she seriously still think she means more to Mark than Clara does?
Its actually pathetic. I could die laughing.

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