CHAPTER 4
He just finished taking a bath.
He changed before going outside to pick up the newspaper that arrived at his door every day.
In the past they had already taken photos of him in a bathrobe and disheveled, and although it was a hot topic on social media, he didn't want a photo of this nature to circulate again.
Aside from the newspaper, he also picked up a basket full of fruits, various gifts that were scattered around his door, and flowers.
— Oh my fans are very gentle, I feel so lucky.
He put everything inside, leaving it on his central table, since there were many things.
—Let's see... —he murmured enthusiastically as he took one of the fruits and took a bite, to then start reading all the letters he had received.
"I always knew you were innocent"
"I never doubted your innocence"
"You're sexy, but never a stalker"
"I'm glad everything could be cleared up. What Echo Girl did is inexcusable."
"We will be starting an online petition for Echo 'fangirl' to publicly apologize for trying to tarnish your reputation."
It is true that the days before the party had been hell, he had to deal with a powerful fangirl like Echo Girl... and the internal problems of the RFA.
He didn't like to admit it, but thanks to Jumin and Seven, he was able to save his career even though they had their own problems, like the bomb in Rika's apartment, and the addition of Echo Girl spreading rumours about Jumin being gay as well. And Yoosung being hurt…
But at least now everything was starting to get better. A new week began.
The dream he had made him feel safer.
— That's right... I was supposed to read the newspaper first...
Between bites and chews, he reached the entertainment and social section.
The newspaper had devoted two full pages to his case, clarifying and writing down all the evidence he showed at the RFA charity party.
Even the journalist who owned the report demanded that Echo Girl rectify herself with a public apology, and that, if she did not, he would insist, since he was a fervent follower of truth and justice.
He heaved a sigh of great relief and his eyes were on the verge of sobbing.
It was nice to have the support of the people who appreciated his career as an artist.
Although of course everything had also been largely because of the help of his friends in the RFA who resorted to acting wisely.
I turned the pages to find the report focused on the RFA party itself.
V was on the headline, giving his speech. Also small interviews with the striking guests and with lineage similar to that of Jumin. And a photo with all the members, including the newest one.
"And not only could it be noted that it was a meeting in brotherly love to help those most in need ... love was in the air, in a very romantic way. We could not have access to the names, since half of the RFA members prefer to remain anonymous, but they certainly showed their young and energetic love in front of everyone, without shame... — a photo taken at a slightly far but sharp angle, showed Yoosung kissing her, pulling her towards him, putting his hands on her neck and waist—, seeing them was like being live watching a drama, it gave me a sigh to see them, so I couldn't help but ask the cameraman to focus on them" —he finished writing the reporter of the note, with notorious emotion in her words.
He stared at the photo with a certain air of camouflaged envy.
He loved Yoosung like a younger brother, but seeing him there as the protagonist of a love story, which he had only experienced in his performances, made him angry.
— She looked beautiful in that coral red dress — he murmured again —, and it turned out to be much prettier than I imagined... well. Damn Yoosung, you're so lucky, out of all of us... she chose you.
Despite her own problems with the bomb, she managed to calm him down with the scandal. But whenever he tried to gain her trust or lightly flirt with her, he felt like he scared her away.
But that didn't happen when talking to Yoosung. Maybe it was because he wasn't the "cute" type like him. Yes, he wasn't her type, and he could only flaunt her friendship, at least now.
His annoyed look was replaced by a satisfied smile.
— Ah... But what am I thinking? I should be happy for Yoosung! Without a doubt, he would support me if I was the one starting a relationship. Am I a bad friend? he said dramatically, as if rehearsing one of his plays, taking one last bite of his finished fruit. No. It's just that I'm so perfect, that it's impossible for me to believe that I was rejected, it'll be hard for me to assimilate it, but I'll make it — he put one of his hands to his chest with feeling—. Mmmm... yes, this feeling is perfect too, I hope I remember it, when I get to play the attractive character who will be left because the female protagonist preferred the one with good feelings... Although, that's impossible — he added with vanity —, since I'm always the character who stays with the girl... because I'm perfect.
The alarm on his cell phone snapped him out of his reverie.
It was time to start his exercise and morning practice.
—Oh, time to start my day, I'm not sure if the acting role will still be up, but until it is confirmed I must continue preparing.
As he was about to put his cell phone on do not disturb mode, his finger slipped to the point of opening his image gallery inadvertently.
Curiosity got the best of him as he noticed an image he didn't recognize, since all the others were of him posing alone, capturing his perfect beauty.
— It's true… Mr. Jealous didn't even let me take a picture with her.
Among all the people who approached him, cheering him on and expressing how brave he was for defending himself against the Idol's accusations, he was able to find a gap to approach her, who had just spoken with some guests, leaving her alone for a few seconds.
The perfect opportunity, he thought to himself.
He called her name, and then approached her, trying to get a photo with such beauty, mysterious until minutes ago.
— I see that Yoosung is not with you, shall we take a photo to remember this moment? —he pointed out, more than asking for permission, taking advantage of the fact that she was alone and somewhat confused—, smile…
He extended one of his arms up and forward, to take a picture of his perfect view, while, with the other, he tried to hug her around the waist to bring her closer to him, but...
— I'm watching you, smart boy — a cold and gloomy voice reached his ears.
He was slow to react and the flash of his camera was noticed by him.
Yoosung had placed himself in the middle of the two, and he would have almost hugged her around the waist, if not for the fact that he cut him off with a movement of his arm, since he was busy carrying two glasses in his hands.
— Ah... Yoosung, I... I didn't see you — he articulated a bit nervously, seeing how Yoosung looked at him with understandable mistrust.
He never thought that Yoosung's tender eyes could look so intimidating.
— Here you go, it wasn't easy, but I found a non-alcoholic drink — the blonde ignored him to hand his beloved one of the glasses he brought with him —. For the next meeting, I'll make sure that we can also offer non-alcoholic beverages.
— Thank you, you're always so kind and tender with me, you'll end up spoiling me — he remembered that she answered him, smiling, while she brought the drink to her lips.
—Um, no, I'm the one who should say that —Yoosung said, smiling back at her. As someone who loves you, I don't want you to get dehydrated, or to keep walking too much, hurting your feet with those pretty, but uncomfortable heels.
—¿You think they're pretty? ¿As pretty as I am?
— That? Yes, they are cute because they are part of your wardrobe —they continued talking—. Silly, of course you are prettier, what kind of question is that?
They both laughed after that.
Noticing that his presence was not welcomed, he planned to retire quietly, so that they continue to be cheesy at ease, but Yoosung unexpectedly stopped him.
—Zen, wait.
—You wanted a photo right? Let's get one, but promise you'll upload it to the chat later, so we all have a copy, okay? —she expressed calmly, while Yoosung looked away, apparently not so in favor of the idea.
—Sure? Because it seems that Yoosung evolved from a cute puppy, to a ferocious and territorial wolf — he inadvertently joked, causing the aforementioned to stare at him again.
—What? It's not true, Yoosung is still Yoosung —she spoke defending him—. Oh... I think that person who is approaching us is the president of your fan club —she ended up saying when she noticed the woman from afar. It's now or never.
He hesitated for a second, as he didn't want to fight with Yoosung over a photo.
— It would be very frowned upon if I said no, right? —the blonde snorted—. If she doesn't mind, it's fine with me — he expressed resignation — but leave your hands where I can see them - he sentenced with a pouting voice.
It was then that the three of them posed, leaving her in the middle.
— At least he didn't fake a smile — murmured the ashen, who had been looking at the only two photos on his cell phone, where he shared the scene with those two —. Okay, enough, it's time to work...
He put down his cell phone to focus on his routine.
Jumin has entered the chat room.
Jumin: All the effort brought the results we expected (smiling emoji)
Jumin: I don't know if any of you have watched the TV, but Zen and I's clarification just aired on the morning news. And they will be repeating them throughout the day, on the most watched and important channels in the country.
Jumin: If I can get monetary compensation from all this, I will donate it to all the animal shelters in the country.
Jaehee has entered the chat room.
Seven has entered the chat room.
Yoosung has entered the chat room
Jaehee: Good morning.
Jaehee: I was about to comment on the clarification on TV
Jaehee: Mr. Han, I assume you are writing this on your way to the office. Please do not allow yourself to be absent today.
Yoosung: Hello everyone.
Yoosung: I couldn't see it, I'm confined to my hospital room without tv *crying emoji*
Yoosung: But I saw a post about it on writter. I'm glad your problem has been solved *triumph emoji*
Seven: Hello.
Seven: Oh... I see almost everyone is online. *amazed emoji*
Seven: I'm glad Jumin thought of animal shelters. I also donate to those foundations whenever I can.
Seven: Only Zen and the beloved of our little Yoosung are missing.
Yoosung: Seven. Where are you?
Yoosung:... I feel embarrassed now that you say that, but it feels good. My beloved... *blushing emoji*
Yoosung: She may not be online too much today…
Yoosung: We talked a couple of minutes ago. She'll have a busy day at work.
Yoosung: So I tried to cheer her up as much as possible. *blushing emoji*
Yoosung: But still…
Yoosung: I'm a bit worried because of that T_T
Jumin: Yoosung's beloved? I guess you're talking about…
Jaehee: Yes, he's talking about her.
Jaehee: And it is normal for her to have a rough start of the week, especially since she has been neglecting it these previous weeks. I can understand the work pressure that she will experience... *depressed emoji*
Jumin: Should I take that as an indirect complaint, assistant Kang?
Jaehee: No
Seven: I'm still at the hospital, Yoosung.
Seven: I was bored in your room, and since it's too early to bother you...
Seven: I decided to go to the top floor of the building, to get some fresh air.
Yoosung: I know, Jaehee.
Yoosung: I'll try to have a fast recovery to support her.
Yoosung: Even though I'm already way behind on my university work... *crying emoji*
Jaehee: So you are aware of that.
Yoosung: But I'm not going to get depressed about it now.
Yoosung: I'm a brand new man now.
Yoosung: I will accomplish my goals, even if that means I'l barely get some sleep.
Jaehee: And you're getting a slight idea... that's already some progress.
Yoosung: Thanks for noticing, Jaehee.
Yoosung: Seven Can you add me a determined emoji, one where I throw hearts and one where I hit my laziness? And remove the crying emoji.
Seven: *Impressed emoji*
Seven: Remove the crying emoji? but that's one of my favorites.
Seven: Alright. I'll work on those once I go back to my bunker, I mean, house. But it'll take me a couple of days. It takes some time to make those.
Yoosung: Thanks
Yoosung has left the chat room.
Jumin: Everyone types so fast, I can barely read you.
Jumin: I also have to go now, I'm about to get to the office.
Jaehee: Me too, excuse me.
Jumin has left the chat room
Jaehee has left the chat room.
Seven: Oh, everyone's leaving.
Zen has entered the chat room.
Zen: Yoosung needs the "jealous" emoji.
Zen: Oh… They're all gone.
Zen: Hi Seven
Seven: Hi zen.
Seven: That's a good recommendation, although that would make Yoosung angry.
Zen: Haha I support that.
Seven: Hahaha. You know what?
Seven: I think we also need the jealous emoji. *love emoji*
Zen: *Confused emoji*
Zen: Why? We are not jealous…
Seven: Hahaha
Seven: HAHAHAHAHAHA
Seven: hhahahahaha hasdhj
Zen: Are you making fun of me? *angry emoji*
Seven: No…
Seven: Or maybe I am… *excited emoji*
Zen: *elipsis emoji*
Seven: Oh, I think someone's looking for me.
Seven: I have to go.
Seven: Good luck with your jealousy, I mean training.
Seven: Bye bye.
Zen: What did you just say!? I knew you were saying that cuz of me, I…*angry emoji*
Seven has left the chat room.
Zen: It's not that I'm jealous of Yoosung, but I admit I feel a little bit affected by this situation, because it's been years since I've had a girlfriend.
Zen: Even though I'm beautiful and perfect…
Zen: Am I doomed to be alone? *crying emoji*
Zen: Seven?
Zen: He left already.
Zen: Anyways, I hope everyone has a good day, I gotta keep on training.
Zen has left the chat room.
There was one more day left for the week to end.
One more day and I would be free for the weekend.
I assumed that Yoosung would still be under the effects of anesthesia from his last surgery.
We had talked at lunchtime, but I felt that if I didn't listen to his voice before going to sleep, I wouldn't be able to rest.
The ride home was long and luckily the train I got into was not so crowded, giving me the opportunity to sit down.
I took my phone out, with the clear intention of calling someone, who I was sure would have information about the hospital and the operation.
That trustworthy person was Jaehee.
— Hello? I'm sorry to bother you at this time, I hope you're not so busy — I spoke with some contained anxiety.
—Oh hi —Jaehee answered as she mentioned my name with some astonishment. I can deduce the reason for your call, I was just about to call you too.
— Hehe, am I that predictable?
— I don't see you as someone predictable — she continued speaking, while her footsteps with heels were heard in the background, at a medium pace, implying that she was walking somewhere—. But you are someone in love, so it is not difficult to guess your actions now — she added with emphasis and a certain pleasant tone—. V just called Mr. Han, announcing that Yoosung's operation went smoothly, but he's still under the effect of anesthesia, and may not wake up until tomorrow.
— I Understand. You just made me feel relieved, thank you.
— It's no big deal. In a few minutes I will leave a message about it in the chat too, so that the others can be informed.
— I appreciate the information, but isn't it strange that V doesn't report it directly? I asked a bit confused. The other day he made it clear to me that he is Yoosung's only close relative, but Seven can stay all day too... that intrigues me. It's not that I don't trust them, but I would like them to clarify that.
— Hum, I understand your concern. I'm not too aware of that either, but if V and Seven prefer to keep it a secret, I guess they'll clear it up at the next meeting we'll have —Jaehee stated with a slight serious change in her voice. Mr. Han has also been visiting the hospital. I don't want to get into gossip, but according to the papers he has given me to execute. V is also hospitalized, everything indicates that he has decided to have the operation to correct his sight.
—Really? That is incredible. Yoosung had mentioned to me that he refused to do it. Jumin sure must have been insistent.
—Yes, Mr. Han can be very persuasive when he wants to, as long as he achieves his own goal — Jaehee mentioned with a certain air of confidence—. I'm not sure, but that may be why Seven is with them, protecting them. I'm sorry to say this, but I just arrived at the information department for some paperwork and I have to cut you off.
— Yes, I'm sorry and thank you for giving me your time, as busy as you always are. I hope we can talk about more girl stuff soon. I've seen on the internet that tickets will soon go on sale for a re-release of a movie version of a play by Zen. I'm not a fan of his, but I've hardly ever been to the movies, and I thought…
— What?! Is that the jalapeño one? — she interrupted me with her classic fan emotion —. Well, even if it wasn't the jalapeño one, if it's Zen, it's totally worth seeing. I wasn't informed about that. Please let me know if you manage to get the tickets. I could be a good guide to turn you into a fan of Zen, of course I would like to go with you. Ehem... excuse me I have to hang up, I'll talk to you later to deepen the subject, I have a lot to teach you.
— Uhm… yes, alright.
Without a doubt, Jaehee was a big fan of Zen.
I had no interest in becoming a fan of his, but I liked her.
Compared to my disappointing list of friends. She was friendly and trustworthy in her own way.
And not insufferable like Yon, who a couple of days ago, was my only friend.
I say "had" because it was literally a thing from the past, our relationship was kind of like"slave who puts up with and must give compliments" to "the perfect friend who only cares about herself, and only realizes your feelings when you ignore her." .
And yes, I "was" the slave one.
But those past days had made me realize that I was settling for someone like her, for a change in my solitary routine, when in reality, I deserved better.
And Jaehee was a great option to become my new best friend, even if she didn't have much free time.
I was about to put my phone down, when I noticed that I had some unread messages.
Given the time they were sent, I knew it could only be one person.
"I know we've already been talking today, but I have to let you know that I will be thinking of you until the anesthesia forces me to close my eyes"
"The doctor just mentioned that it is possible for me to not wake up until tomorrow, so. We'll see each other in the land of dreams? I'm all yours, even in my dreams, in case I haven't mentioned it yet.
"Good night, my precious love".
It was a matter of seconds for my face to react to those words.
— Mommy, mommy, look... That girl has a red face! —said a little boy while with his only free hand he pointed directly at me, being dragged by his mother also somewhat embarrassed by his actions.
— Hum, hum... young love is beautiful — added the old woman who was traveling sitting next to me—. Your boyfriend must be so lucky... not everyone can make a pretty girl like you blush like that huh huh huh…
Her words embarrassed and delighted me in a strange way.
— Thanks for the compliment, but I think I'm the lucky one, to be honest — I replied, fixing my gaze again on the screen of my cell phone.
CHAPTER END
AUTHOR'S NOTE:
HELLOOOOOOOOO
What did you guys think of this chapter? I tried to implement the chats because you know how magic that is. But, I'm not sure if I'll keep it. I don't know if there's an app to replicate the chats with the emojis and all. If anyone knows, please let me know.
That's everything I have to say for today.
Please take care of yourselves, don't skip any meals and give our baby Yoosung lots of love :')