CHAPTER 6
AFTER STORY
CHAPTER 6The days passed calmly, as if what happened a few weeks ago had been just a dream, or at least it would feel that way, if it weren't for…
— Hey! You're not coming?
Yon's voice took me out of my concentration.
It was true.
The clock showed a couple of minutes had passed since twelve noon.
We had an hour break to go out for lunch.
— Oh, I hadn't realized what time it was, I'm sorry, today I won't be able to accompany you, I have a commitment during lunch time…
— Hmm... you've been saying that all this week. You're not starting a new diet without me, are you? — said the judging and childish voice of the one who had become my friend again, unexpectedly caught the attention of our other co-workers, who were walking towards the exit with the same purpose—. Or are you avoiding me? I already told you that I'm sorry for treating you so badly before..
—Huh? No... it's not that, it's just that I have to call someone, believe me, you wouldn't want to have me in front of you, ignoring you while I'm on the phone.
— Is it the same person every day? Hmm... are you...
The mere fact of feeling that we would talk about it made me nervous internally.
Fortunately for me, she was interrupted.
— Haha don't bother Shin with your questions anymore —her boyfriend appeared with a happy expression, while he took her by the hand, with the intention of making her follow him—. If she says she can't go today, understand her... what if we go to lunch together today?
—Yes, but... —Yon stopped, looking at me with confusion and intrigue, then giving in—, okay.
I was barely able to find an empty spot in that small restaurant that was a few blocks from the building.
On an extensive rotating table around the chefs who cooked and put the dishes in medium and small portions, in a thin column, much more than that of a bar, where you could take the dishes of your choice from your seat as they passed in front of you, and then place them on your thin but comfortable lower table.
It was a rather unusual place at first very crowded with adults and older people. It was rare to see an office worker like me in that place. Since everyone, including me, preferred fast food stores, tasty, but not healthy.
As soon as I settled on the high stool, I grabbed a random dish from the counter, then pulled out my cell phone while I ate.
Yes, I was calling that person who recommended me to go to places like this one, where although the atmosphere was not ostentatious, you could eat healthier.
The tone rang only once, before he answered.
—Oh, hellow... —he said with a funny voice, implying that he was also having lunch. I was just wonderingf if I'd get your cwall…— I chuckled as I started to eat my noodles. What are you eating today?
— Oi cwan't spheak, me eeating… — I said on purpose, while chewing sideways.
I could hear his laugh on the other end of the phone, he took a moment to finish what he had in his mouth.
— Are you enjoying your hospital food today?
— No... it doesn't taste like anything — he complained like a child —, ahg... I feel like I've been here forever... I can't wait to leave this place, I don't like being still doing nothing all day.
— Yes, but you must calm down, you've got only two days left there, and then they will remove your bandages... — I consoled him, while I took a portion of noodles with the chopsticks again, bringing them to my mouth—. Cheer up, would you?
—Yes… — His voice turned comforting. But I must confess that what encourages me the most is knowing that when I get out, I will have the freedom to see you more often - he laughed with a flirtatious and somewhat shy tone—. I feel a little bad, that it's you who always has to come to me.
— Don't feel like that, I know you would do the same if the roles were reversed.
—I know I would — he interrupted me excitedly —, although I must admit that I'm very stubborn hehe - a walking noise was heard in the background —. Oh, Seven just arrived.
— I thought he was having lunch with you, it already seemed too calm.
— Oh, well, he only kept me company the first few days, but now he only comes for a few minutes every couple of hours... eh? Yes, I'm talking to her... wait, no! I'm not giving you my phone! Seven! — that last was heard far away, as if they were struggling with each other to hold the phone.
Then a sudden crash was heard, as if something fell
— Hello? Yoosung, what's going on? What was that noise?
— Hellooooooo Yoosung's girlfriend, agent 707 here reporting the situation —answered Luciel, with his classic joker voice —. Yoosung is not available right now...
—Huh? What happened? What did you do to my Yoosung this time, Seven? — I complained, with feigned annoyance.
— Agent 707, didn't do anything this time... Don't blame me! —in this last sentence he got out of his role and seemed really annoyed—. Object A, in seconds past, struggled with object B —his voice returned to normal—, due to the power of the archaic cell phone. Object A looked like it would win, but in a twist of unexpected events, their tray would start to slide, then slide more, eventually ending up sliding on the floor, along with Object A who tried to prevent the slide, but to no avail — he laughed—. Making object B the winner...
— Yoosung fell? Seven, instead of laughing you should help him up, his condition is still fragile...
— Huh? I was also affected by the fall, he had left the leftovers on his plate and they fell on one of my shoes...
In the background I could hear my baby swear, apparently picking up everything and putting it back on the tray.
— It's okay. It's fine, look, you're almost done— I heard them talking —give it to me, your girlfriend already scolded me, let me leave it in the car, so the nurse can take it... oh ... just arrived... Sorry... It was an accident...
I chuckled, while taking the opportunity to eat quickly.
— Hello? You still there? I'm Sorry, you know Seven… —My beloved took control of the cell phone again, with an embarrassed voice—. Hum… I'm sad… I didn't even get to eat my Jelly, the only thing that tastes good in this place… hum… hum…
— That's sad, but don't worry, I've already mentioned that I'm not a great cook, but I can make you some jelly… What flavor do you like the most?
— Apple! — he replied with excitement again—, I mean, It's cute that you're trying to cheer me up, thank you, you always know how to treat me right — I heard him letting out a slight sigh—, your presence and the jelly that I get for dessert, have been my source of sweetness for these past couple of weeks.
— But I'm the sweetest, right? — I said jokingly
— Of course you're, there's no doubt about that —his voice sounded sweet and calm—, but that's enough talk about me, what about you? I hope you didn't pick the bowl of noodles again, it tastes good, but it's not healthy if you eat it every day…
I almost choked on my food when I heard his guess was right. Exposing myself.
— Darling... so I was right, hmph — he spoke to me with a scolding tone.
— But it's nutritious, it has sesame seeds and bamboo shoots mixed with olive oil — I tried to excuse myself.
— Hmmmm…
— Okay, okay, I'll have a different dish — I extended my hand, just to take a bowl of salad with tuna, while the cook looked at me laughing, already aware of my situation —. That dish is good, very good for people who are sick, it strengthens them, you must bring your boy when he is discharged from the hospital — added the kind old man to then focus again on his kitchen—. Yes, I will.
— Huh? Who are you talking to?
— With the man from the restaurant, he is very nice, he just told me to bring you when you are discharged, he says his food is good to strengthen you — I spoke to him in a low voice, while mixing my noodles with the salad —, I added a bowl of salad with vegetables, I hope you're happy, at this rate I'll end up gaining weight —I finished saying with a pouty tone.
— I would also like to visit that place with you, the pictures you send me look really good, they make me hate the food I get here even more… —he responded—, and about gaining weight, salads won't make you gain weight, silly, and even if you gain some weight in the future I'd still love you. Even... —he took a somewhat nervous pause—don't get mad about what I'm going to say, but I had to imagine you, in my mind I recreated you as someone chubby...
What? Then I let you down with my current thinness... — I spat out a little astonished.
— Yes, you are very thin and pale, I am worried that you have anemia...
I couldn't respond to that and just let out a sigh of indignant astonishment, at his words that sounded so serious.
— Hahaha I'm just kidding with that last one —he continued speaking—. The truth is that I do not take much into account the physical appearance of people. Both here and in Busan, I met many people who are extremely beautiful physically, but they were horrible people in feeling. And I can understand a little of the complex that girls usually have with their weight, my mom explained to me about it when I was a child. Although the truth is that I understand it better than most since I…— he took a second, as if thinking the words—, I was fat until ninth grade. And many times at school they teased me for it, they called me "Unsung" instead of "Yoosung", I remember that at first I cried because of it sometimes...
— Oh… that's terrible, those kids were really cruel.
(Note: "Unsung" means meteor, huge space stones that hit the earth, while "Yoosung" means shooting stars, comets that cross close to the earth and are beautiful to see)
— Yes... I don't know if it was for that reason, but every time I met a person, the first thing I looked at was their eyes. It was as if they gave me a description of the type of person they are, without them knowing it. It may sound silly to you, but I can clearly feel the essence of people, looking into their eyes, it's something I like, but at the same time it scares me, because I never know what I might discover.
— It doesn't sound silly to me, but I read in scientific magazines, when I was waiting my turn at the dentist, that sensitive people can notice those kinds of things better than someone less emotional — I answered, still a little amazed at such confession—. The answer may scare me, but I must ask... What did you feel when you saw my eyes? Be honest.
— Hehe I was just going to tell you about them — he said more excited —. Your eyes... I love them. Their shape, their color, the way they look at me, and even when you look at other people…— He sighed comfortingly. Ehem... sorry, I know that I'm not saying anything objective, please understand me, I'm a man in love!
— I also like your eyes… they're so tender.
— Cute? Hmm... I don't want you to see me in a cute way, I'll have to change that, but thanks for saying it — he answered with a pouting voice — About what I see in your eyes... hehe I... I will tell you, but not now, I would like to tell you in person...
— Okay, but I'll be waiting for you, don't forget about it.
— Yes, I promise I'll tell you as soon as the time is right. Thank you for understanding and allowing me some whims...
We talked as much as my free time allowed me to.
He always managed to steal my attention and make me feel good with his words.
I loved that about him.
The noise of the printer brought me out of my thoughts.
All the forms I needed were already printed.
With my little tower of papers, I went back to my cubicle.
Now I had a lot of work to do
.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.
The door opened in a way that woke him up.
—Jumin? Ha, I was waiting for you, there is something I wanted to ask you...
— I'm sorry I'm not your friend, Jihyun, but I also have to talk to you — answered with a serious voice, the presence that visited him.
V recognized him instantly.
He had known his voice forever, and the way he spoke put him on alert, causing him to raise half his body, to sit on his bed.
— Father, I wasn't expecting you, I'm sorry.
He leaned his head forward, still having both eyes completely blindfolded.
— Yes, it's something I assumed — expressed the man, someone quite old,who looked very fine, dressed in an impeccable black tuxedo. Despite his advanced age, he showed traits of masculine beauty, more so with his annoyed face—. I know our relationship isn't as good as CEO Han and his son, but... I still hoped you'd deign to call me when you needed help. You are as problematic as your mother was in her time, when I think I couldn't be more disappointed in you... — He was silent for a few seconds, noticing that his voice overflowed with annoyance, and wanted to maintain a profile worthy of his class —. I should have intervened that time you introduced me to that woman, I should have listened to my feelings...
V remained silent, with his head down and an inert expression, listening to him.
— All that charity always caused me mistrust. If there is something that I learned to distinguish in my long life, it is that "pure and innocent" faces often hide the worst people. And that woman was one of them. Even your mother would have noticed. But what causes me the most annoyance is that I have to be the last to find out about everything, even though I will be the one who has to cover and resolve all the chaos that you let form around you. I must be paying for something bad I did in my past life, to have a child like you...
He suddenly stopped, noticing that someone knocked on the door and entered without waiting for an answer.
— V, I'm Jumin, sorry for the delay, I...
Han fell silent when he realized his friend wasn't alone.
— Good afternoon, Mr. Kim, sorry for the interruption, I didn't know I'd find you here — he greeted him while slightly inclining his head.
— Ah, good afternoon, Han Jumin, — answered dryly, trying to hide how startled he was. I was just about to mention you in our conversation. I didn't have time to thank you before, for you managed to convince my stubborn son to treat the blindness that he had been hiding from me all this time. I envy CEO Han, having such a dignified and responsible son, I have no doubt that in the future you will become the best CEO C&R will ever have. I'll be thinking about how to repay your help to my family.
Jumin could notice the tense atmosphere that existed before his arrival, after those words.
— I appreciate your words CEO Kim, but I am not worthy of such praise. I just acted like a good friend. I see I interrupted you on something important, with your permission. I will return later.
— Thanks Jumin —was the only thing that V articulated, turning his head in his direction, nodding.
Once they were alone again, CEO Kim returned to his reprimand.
— I don't have much time to continue scolding you, more having someone waiting for you, so I'll go straight to the point, with what I want to tell you. I forbid you to take part in that organization they call RFA again, and if possible, I want you to break it up. It is time for you to become aware of who you are meant to be. Just as he is clear about who he will be in the future, Han Jumin. I've already given you plenty of time for you to play the "artist." You will be able to continue with that ridiculous hobby of yours, once you retire and have left our company in the hands of the grandchildren that I hope you will start bringing soon. If you don't have someone in mind for it, I can help you in your search. There are dozens of candidates among the daughters of our most important partners. I hope you have not believed all this time that I would leave the company in the hands of your younger brothers. They were born with the destiny of being your supporters and assistants in the company. If you decide to run away from your destiny, you will also affect their future. They are still very young, and I will not be able to guide them as I wish, when the time comes to do so. It's time for you to bury your past, along with that woman who only knew how to cause you more tragedies than joys. You can't live mourning the death of a woman. The world goes on, and if you don't move forward, it will end up crushing you...
— Father, I understand your feelings, but, with all due respect, I don't intend to follow what you say. I can't be the successor you want... I...
His words trailed off as he felt the sharp impact of something on his face, forcing him to twist his face to the side.
CEO Kim had taken off one of his dark gloves and slapped him with it in reprimand and defiance.
— I'm not negotiating with you. Challenge me thhs time and I will destroy you in a matter of seconds, even with the pain it would cause me the fact that you are my son — he added, while he put on his glove again and kept decorum, slightly adjusting his ashen hair that had become disheveled at his sudden movement—. Your whims cost money. Who the hell do you think paid police influence not to thoroughly investigate the case of that woman who died in that house near that church far from the city, having you and Rika as the biggest suspects? Who do you think caused all physical traces of the existence of those twins you put in charge to be erased? I even know why many want them dead. Don't think I'm a stupid who is satisfied only with what you tell me. The hacker who works for you is not the only one in the world, he is just a child playing with danger. I watch him with someone of the same ilk, but much more experienced. I always pretended to be ignorant, waiting for the moment when you would come and turn me into your confidant and ask me for help, but I got tired of waiting for the arrival of that day. I can read your face, surely you think that disinheriting you would be your best option... Ha! Do you think that what an artist bills could sustain all these expenses? Maybe if you were Da Vinci or Picasso. You couldn't even pay the bill for that boy who is in this hospital, the one who is the youngest son of the Secretary of State for Busan Province. Do you have any idea how much his medical expenses amounted to? He practically lost an eye! We are lucky that his father, despite the political power he has, has settled for us to take care of the medical expenses in full. If he had sued us, for introducing his son to such a troublesome organization and exposing him to such danger, it would have brought us great problems, a scandal that would ruin our impeccable reputation. A complete buffet for tabloid media.
— He was a close relative of Rika, I couldn't refuse him...
— Of course you could! Don't lie to me, I told you I know everything. They are not even in-laws now. That woman was so problematic that not even her adoptive family could stand her, ending up separating her from them. And it's what every Kim would do for honor of the surname —he sighed with regret—, you never knew how to take the reins seriously and say no to everything that happened to you, causing greater chaos. Your mother was just as soft...
— Father, are you accepting that my mother made a mistake in choosing you? — finally expressed the one with turquoise eyes, with a melancholy gesture drawn on his lips.
— What?! — exasperated his father before the sentence, but preferred not to delve into the subject—. I... admit I wasn't the best husband your mother could have had, but at least I never got her into trouble or put her life in danger. But I could never fully understand her... In any case, I'm sure she would agree with me on this whole matter.
— One year, give me one year to solve all this on my own, please...
— One year? Of course not! If we let this continue, it will be harder to solve later...
V insisted with an extension.
His father was firm in his decision, until he mentioned that CEO Han's son would also help him, discreetly.
In the end, he relented on one condition.
.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-
The day had arrived.
If I left work quickly and didn't miss the train at such an hour, I would arrive right at the hospital to accompany him out.
Should I bring flowers or balloons?
That was the only thing I could think about.
Aside from the time I picked up my mother from her surgery many years ago, I had never gone to the hospital to accompany someone who was being discharged.
I had already looked it up on the internet the night before, and the flowers were the best choice, but...
Red or pink roses?
The red ones expressed passion and an intense love with madness, and the pink ones a pure and tender love, more towards the innocent and affective side.
I felt represented by both, but if I chose the inappropriate one, I would feel embarrassed.
I put both hands to my forehead in indecision.
Despite my age, I had never been in or started a romantic relationship before, and I wanted to do my best. It was something strange that I was feeling for the first time.
I really wanted to commit to it.
Something that never happened before in the past, in my tragic attempts to get interested in someone, never making it to a first date.
I stopped working for a second, to use the browser on my phone and noogle the florists near the station.
With a bit of luck, and the advice of the florist who attended me, I could choose a bouquet for the occasion.
I know that at first glance it might be exaggerated, but a detail like that would make Yoosung happy.
It was something noticeable about him, and both Zen and Jaehee had also mentioned and confirmed it in past chats.
— Flowers?
Yon scared me again, appearing behind me, and looking over my shoulder, which reflected the screen of my cell phone.
— Yes — I answered dryly, since for the moment I preferred not to talk about it with her.
— Are you going to visit someone in a hospital? Or... to the cemetery? — she asked, a little worried.
— Hospital.
— Oh… is it your mom? That's terrible…
I couldn't make a sound of suppressed laughter.
—My God, no —I replied —. Luckily my mother has been stable for years. It's... — I hesitated a second, thinking if I should at least be a little more open— ...someone else. Today they discharge him. I hope to arrive in time to see him.
— Oh... and "that someone" could be the reason why you make THAT face every time you talk on the phone? — she asked me directly, while arching her eyebrows coquettishly.
— That... will remain a mystery to you — I smiled at him, and then winked at her, letting her understand that she wouldn't make me speak so easily.
— Mmm... you're so mean — she complained like having a tantrum—I told you when I started dating Ahn.
— Yes, but it was because you wanted to say it, I never asked you...
Yon grunted at my response.
— It's true, you're only interested in fictional men from those books and manga you read... a habit that lasted in you, from your geek years at school, for sure — he expressed with resignation, as he returned to his cubicle—. I was very naive to believe that finally a real man was stealing your interest.
I was going to answer her, but the atmosphere was interrupted by bad news.
Mrs. Wong called everyone in the section to the conference floor, where the month's balance sheet meeting was always held.
But the month was still weeks away, which meant the reason could be...
My stomach clenched at the deduction.
.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-
Regretfully I sealed document after document.
The unforeseen meeting was to report a date change with the administrative deliveries.
Which meant we would work overtime.
Goodbye to my plans.
At lunch I had already mentioned that I would be there to see him today.
How could I tell him that I'm not going to be able to be there without discouraging him?
I knew he'd understand, but...
I sighed sadly.
But as I cursed my fate an idea crossed my mind.
I got up quickly, to go to the bathroom for a moment, to make a call without the risk of being noticed.
I just wanted that person to answer.
— Oh. It's you — that feminine voice replied kindly —, I was just about to call her. I read your message where you showed me that you got the tickets to see the production of Zen. I am very excited, now I have a reason to look forward to the weekend. I even set aside the date, so that no unforeseen event that occurs to Mr. Han can prevent him from being absent, more so now that I will be accompanied by someone.
I smiled listening to her with such emotion that I felt guilty for what I was about to ask of her.
— By the way, I'm sure you already know, but today Yoosung is discharged — she added —, I just left the chat, since it was the only place where I found Mr. Han available, and I could see he was talking somewhat excitedly with Zen, sharing his recent experiences in the hospital. And Seven was trying to annoy them, as usual.
I could imagine it.
In recent weeks, during the day I rarely entered the chat, because of work and because of the little free time I had. I spent it talking with Yoosung, but I tried to read everything at night, or at least as far as my eyes could bear, since the tiredness usually defeated me.
— Yes, that's exactly why I wanted to talk to you Jaehee — I expressed a little shyly —, I... I'm sorry to ask you this, knowing that you are always very busy, but you are the only one of the members of the RFA who I can ask for help on this, without being bombarded with irrelevant questions and taking it as seriously as possible...
— It is true that the boys and Mr. Han are not good for errands and requests, but they are reliable — the brunette replied with an air of irony —, but if you prefer to turn to me, I respect your objectives and I will help you if it is something that is within my reach and time.
— Thank you, well... the reason is...
I tried to speak as fast as possible, to get back to my job quickly.
.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-
As standard hospital procedure, those discharged were brought to the entrance, in a wheelchair, signing for the last time at the assistance entrance, presenting their exit form.
— Now open your wings and fly to the sky where you belong, Yoosung — expressed Seven, who went down all the floors with him—. I would like to accompany you back home, but I have to stay a while longer in the hospital, because of V... you know.
The blond looked at him with an air of disbelief.
— Yes, it does not matter. I am not a child, you don't have to go everywhere with me. I know how to take care of myself.
The truth is that he was a bit off, having read that message from her, apologizing because she couldn't be there.
Surely she would have a concrete reason for not showing up, but she did not explain it.
He was signing his release form, when two people walked through the front door.
They were Zen and Jaehee.
This last one seemed like she had been running, because of her somewhat disheveled hair.
— Oh Yoosung! — expressed Zen, as he approached and imprisoned him with one of his arms —, finally free, right? Oh... what a cute patch, it reminds me of one I used for a play, but in black.
— I'm glad to know that I arrived on time — the brunette interrupted him, while she adjusted her glasses, and then extended the bouquet of flowers that she brought with her—. I have to deliver some papers to V, from Mr. Han, but another person entrusted me to deliver this to you. For my part, it is good to know that you will be active again, with everyone's permission.
—Huh? I thought the bouquet was from you, Jaehee —Zen mouthed, surprised. I was even feeling guilty for not bringing anything for Yoosung, since those kinds of details are not my thing —he laughed—. But who sent it then?
— But what kind of question is that? Who else would give our Yoosung pink and white roses, apart from a certain person? —Seven enunciated gracefully, as he examined the bouquet Yoosung was holding in amazement with both hands, the blonde spotted a note between the petals.
—Hmmm... —Zen thought for a few seconds—, ah... right, right... so she couldn't come, but she sent this... hahaha how cute.
— This... until now, I've never received flowers from anyone — articulated between blush and emotion, the now owner of the bouquet, demonstrating with his healthy pupil, being on the verge of sobbing.
— Well, I did receive lots of flowers from my fans, although never with those colors, so I can understand you — Zen said, proudly.
— Can men also receive flowers? —Luciel asked between astonishment and exaggeration,— This tempts me to check myself into the hospital on purpose, so that my servant, Miss Vanderwood, will send me a bouquet of flowers.
— That's a very bad excuse to receive flowers, but for someone as abnormal as you, Seven, I guess it's the only quick option — Zen answered, indignant, who also spotted the note in the bouquet—. Oh look... a dedication, let's see what it says...
But the moment he tried to take the note, his hand was deflected with a slap, by the blonde, who looked serious.
— No, that note was written by my love, exclusively for me, hum.
Both his voice and the sparkle in his eyes showed security, but at the same time discretion.
He finished signing, and then thanked them for following him there, to accompany him on his discharge.
— Who is this guy? What have they done with the real Yoosung? —Zen spat, seeing how he walks imposingly, alone, towards the exit.
— Hum, our little Yoosung has matured a bit with the power of love hehe — answered the redhead, while adjusting his glasses —, but even so, the defender of justice knows how to get on his nerves, that It's his gift, his curse...
— Yes, being retarded despite being intelligent is your curse, whatever, I was just passing by, really I just wanted to see "her" since the last time I saw her was the day of the party, and we can hardly ever talk in the same chats, and when we do, I go into cutesy mode with Yoosung.
— Oh... jealous Zen, don't tell me you plan to intervene between them, what a loser — argued Seven, with a funny face of indignation, putting both hands to his mouth.
— What?! Wait! I don't want to destroy relationships, and I wouldn't do that to Yoosung, who is like a little brother that I feel I have to protect, it's just that... I find it hard to believe that she doesn't like him... it's the first time I really want to be friends with an interesting girl, and I suffer from a quiet and discreet rejection.
— Mhe… mhe… mhe… —answered Luciel, with narrowed eyes, implying that he did not believe him.
—Whatever, I don't care if you don't believe me, oh... Yoosung is about to get into a taxi Yoosung, wait! Let's share the taxi! Zen said, running towards the exit. Goodbye Seven... Yoosung, wait for me!
.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-
The taxi dropped him off right at the entrance to his building.
Zen had accompanied him part of the way from the hospital, but had gotten off in the neighboring district, where he lived in his basement home.
He had been away for more than two weeks in his small one person home.
He didn't even want to imagine how the plate with leftovers that he had left on his kitchen table would be.
Or his mountain of dirty laundry, the mess from rushing out, or leaving his computer on since he didn't remember turning it off.
His fridge was empty, it had just gotten dark, so he would have to go out again to buy something at the mini market that was a couple of blocks away.
With all that in mind, he went up the stairs, to reach the third floor where he lived.
He bumped slightly along the way, no longer having full view, going around corners.
He took the key out of his bag, careful not to damage the flowers that reminded him of her.
A gift from her... thinking about it gave him a great comforting feeling.
He opened the door and stumbled into the darkness, kicking off his shoes in the doorway, until he bumped into the light switch.
He stood still at what he saw.
The place... it felt like home and it didn't at the same time.
He ran to the door, to make sure he hadn't walked into the wrong apartment, as he had once in the past, but no...that was his student apartment.
Everything was clean and organized. And a scent of lavender filled the air.
She left his bag and the flowers on the table he had in his kitchen, to check what else had changed in his former pigsty.
His laundry basket in the bathroom was empty, empty! And her bathroom... well... her bathroom was the same as before. It was one of the places where he was very neat.
But who had done this?
V? It was impossible, he was not even capable of giving this kind of details to himself, much less with others. Worse, he was the only one who had a copy of the keys to his apartment, being the one who gave his name as guarantor, to rent it.
He took the cell phone out of his pocket.
If there was a place to find an answer, this was sure to be the RFA chat.
He was about to go online, when he noticed a note stuck with one of his magnets on the door of his refrigerator.
"I'm really sorry we couldn't spend the rest of the day together, as planned. I hope this makes it up a little bit for my absence."
PS: I am also sorry to have invaded your personal space. But don't worry, I didn't see anything. Jaehee helped me by hiring a cleaning service, since I don't know your address yet.
PS2: If the delivery man tries to charge you, don't pay him. Everything is already paid. Have dinner as you like today, but tomorrow have a decent breakfast as usual, your fridge supports you."
He dropped the paper, to open his refrigerator, finding it full as it had never been before, with the basics and... was that in the fruits and vegetables drawer a melon?
He could not verify it, as he heard the doorbell ring.
— Yes? He asked suspiciously, without opening the door.
The person on the other end recited his address, then introduced himself.
— I'm the pizza delivery man, I'm here to leave an order and pay for Kim Yeosung, right?
The blond opened the door, understanding what was written on the paper.
— Hum… Yoosung. Kim Yoosung —he clarified, as he accepted the order.
— Eh... yes... possibly, the one who writes the orders is half stupid, anyway, sign here — the delivery man said, extending the paper where he had to sign as proof—. Enjoy it, whoever sent it to you must love you a lot, not just anyone asks for a four cheese pizza.
—Yes… thank you…
Once he closed the door, he went straight to the kitchen.
He had no idea what the delivery guy meant by "four cheeses" until he opened the box, and the aroma washed over him.
He had never expected this, when he read the note on the flowers that said:
"I'm sorry I can't be there, I hope my detail reduces my absence and you don't grieve."
With the flowers, he had already been more than satisfied.
Discovering everything else…He sat in silence, with a sea of emotions, taking a slice of pizza to bite into it, while a few stubborn drops fell from his right eye, running down his cheeks.
That night, compared to many others not so far away, he did not feel alone, even though physically he was.
.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-
He was walking fast.
I had gotten up late, having almost arrived home at midnight.
If there was one thing I hated about working overtime at the office, at least for me it was that after leaving, we all had to accompany Chief Wang to a bar for a drink.
Another social protocol that I hated in my life, but that I had to comply with if I wanted to keep my job.
I remembered getting into a taxi, half zombie. My cell phone died, without a single battery percentage and a terrible headache, due to my low resistance to alcohol, despite having only had two glasses.
I had left my cell phone charging, just to take a shower, then falling stiffly on the bed.
The train stopped, implying that it had reached the crossing point, where it changed stations to finally get to work.
My cell phone started ringing.
Walking quickly, I accepted the call, without noticing the number.
— Hello?
— Hello! I'm your Yoosung. Are you now at the exchange station you mentioned before that you always take to get to work?
My face was filled with joy and some guilt.
I hadn't taken the time to check his messages, since I practically fell asleep and then woke up and went back to work.
— Oh, Yoosung, I'm sorry about yesterday, I couldn't reply to your messages...
I, I understand that, but please answer — he interrupted me. In the background a lot of people could be heard, making me understand that he was probably also taking the subway to get to class—. The north station, right?
— Yes... I answered somewhat annoyed at the question—. Why...
— Are you wearing your office jacket today? Loose hair or bun? He kept asking me with a certain fatigue in his voice.
I looked at myself, since I had rushed out of my house, and hadn't paid much attention to my wardrobe.
Eh... no, I have my jacket folded on my arm, white shirt and today I'm wearing a high ponytail with a black bow, I think, I didn't pay attention very well when he takes it when combing my hair — I answered, while speeding up the step, hearing the warning voice, which gave the countdown for the doors of the train I was taking to close—. I... I hate to do this to you, but I have to cut it off or I'll miss the train...
But when I quickly looked at the screen, it seemed that the call had failed, since I only saw my background that displayed the time.
Among the fast walking crowd, I thought I would not be able to reach the door, until I felt someone pull my right arm to hurry me up.
I was looking down, worried about not knocking anything over, that I couldn't take a good look at it, until we finally got inside, in the last wagons, since the first ones were extremely full...
As soon as I caught my breath, I was going to look up to speak and thank the stranger who helped me get there when...
He hugged me suddenly, then fused his lips with mine.
Instantaneously I was going to react abruptly, until I noticed the blond hair touching my forehead, along with that energy that only one person could make me feel.
Yoosung?
CHAPTER END.