CHAPTER 2

AFTER STORY

NOTE: I recommend reading this chapter while listening to the song "Fresh Eyes" by Andy Grammer in the background.

CHAPTER 2

I don't remember when it happened, but Yoosung had fallen asleep while having to put up with Seven's playful acting.

And he left the place, minutes later, along with the nurse who had come to check Yoosung's condition, and to administer the antibiotics on duty.

"I gotta go talk to V, you can deal with our sleeping beauty on your own right?" -he told me, before leaving.

Yes, don't worry - I answered at first, without realizing the way he referred to him, until seconds later -. Hey! Don't call him that...

- Ha, ha whatever you say, princess of steel, see ya! - was the last thing I heard him say with a funny tone.

The atmosphere of the room was calm and pleasant, despite being a hospital, although the same could not be said for the day that was reflected in the window.

It wasn't even five in the afternoon yet, but the sky was dark to gray, covering Seoul with a light but steady rain.

Seven had told me that visits were only allowed until seven in the evening. From then on, only a family member could accompany the patients.

I wanted to stay and spend as much time as possible with him, but for now I would have to settle for "visiting hours."

Without realizing, I had already pulled up one of the visitors chairs, so I could sit next to his bed.

He slept peacefully, lying on his left side.

How dare I wake him up?

Still wanting to hear him and see his radiant face, I just watched him, hunching over so I could rest my face on the surface of his bed, resting on my crossed arms, without first accommodating that pair of rebellious strands that wanted to hide his face.

Little by little, I also closed my eyes.

Ring ring ring ring… ring ring ring ring…

An annoying and incessant noise woke me up.

I raised my head up, feeling somewhat lost.

-Shut that thing up! -I could hear Seven's voice, also sleepy, coming from the couch behind me-. Geez, you still use that ringtone? You're a girl with the likes of an old lady... - he added under his breath, as he turned his back on me and covered himself with the only sheet he had.

I was about to answer, when I noticed that my right hand was busy.

At some point, Yoosung had dragged it towards him, lacing my fingers with his left hand.

Never before have I felt my face turn red so quickly.

Luckily, he was still asleep so he wasn't able to see me.

Awkwardly, I answered with my left hand, wondering who it was.

— ¿Hello?

I heard unintelligible murmurs between two people, for a few seconds, until...

-Finally you've picked up your phone! I've been calling you for an hour! You big fool, we were starting to feel worried.

My reddish face turned pale in a matter of seconds after recognizing the voice.

-Ah... hello mom... I'm sorry, I'm really sorry - I replied as discreetly as possible, although something told me that Seven was already paying attention, trying to listen and understand the strong voice that was emitted from my phone speaker-. I'm fine, I finished my work a few hours ago, but some inconveniences arose and I forgot about the time...

-Yes, that's classic of you, you live with your head in the clouds, that's why you worry me - my mother continued, with obvious annoyance-, for two weeks you've been acting weird, first you started to come home late and in the end you even slept somewhere else. Are you sure you're not in trouble?

-No mom, look, I'll explain everything to you when I get home, please, don't worry about it - I looked at the wall clock in the room, there were only a few minutes left until it hit seven o' clock -, I... I'm finishing my business, I'll catch the train home in minutes. Yeah, bye, don't worry.

I hung up.

Reality was coming back to me, along with its problems, after having dodged them for almost two weeks. If my own mother was acting like that towards me, I didn't want to imagine how my boss would be, because I had ended up missing the last few days of work.

I sighed low, then I looked back at Yoosung

He was already awake, but he was silent, looking at me with evident sadness.

- Hum... you have to go, right?

- he articulated, slowly getting up, without letting go of my hand.

-Yes, I'm sorry... You heard everything, didn't you? - I replied sadly, as I put my cell phone back in my coat and got up to sit on the side of his bed -, I don't know how long you have to stay in the hospital but I'll try to come often.

-Hum, don't worry - he interrupted me, while drawing a smile on his face, trying to encourage me -, I will only be here for today and tomorrow, I already told you that it's nothing serious, I'll recover soon - he attracted my hand that was already his prisoner more towards him-. I should be the one to apologize, we couldn't spend time together, I couldn't stand it and I fell asleep, it must have been because of the meds, hum - he protested like an upset child -. Go home, my mo... um, I mean... your mother has many reasons to feel worried, take the time you need to... you know... clean up the mess that the RFA and I caused in you... When I get out of here, we'll have more time to see each other.

—Oh, you're so comprehensive, thank you.

- I said, as I remembered something I wanted to show him-, I... I'll call you as soon as I can, now that you're my number one…

So, I took out my phone and pressed the number on the speed dial for a few seconds.

Yoosung's cell phone, which was on the table next to his bed, began to ring and vibrate loudly.

Yoosung smiled more, with sadness reflected on his cheeks, understanding what I meant, as he picked up his cell phone and looked at the call indicator.

-I... I did it too! -He expressed with a little bit of shyness and emotion as he unfolded his flip phone, and also pressed the number one, causing my cell phone to start ringing.

We stare at each other, blushing the same way.

-Oh, you still use a cell phone with keys and folding? I thought those very old models were discontinued- Seven expressed, adding himself into the conversation... again-. Don't tell me that you run my sophisticated application that I created for the RFA in that clunker. You should change it, even though you're a college student, um... I think I already know what I'm going to give you for your birthday.

-Hey! don't make fun of it - Yoosung defended himself, with feigned annoyance-, my cell phone may not be as luxurious as yours or Jumin's, but it works perfectly, well almost... since sometimes I mess up while texting because of it... but I have no intention of changing it.

-Yes, don't bother him anymore, besides, I like its design, it harmonizes well with my Yoosung.

-Awww how cute, the couple defend each other if they need it - Luciel continued speaking, insisting with his joking attitude -, welp…

-I'm sorry to interrupt you, but the nurse demands that we leave, visiting hours are almost over -V interrupted Seven, walking quietly through the , can you come with me to the hallway for a moment? There's something I need to talk about with you, before I leave for today...

-Hey? Now? -complained the reddish one, while mentioning my name at the end-, she is about to leave, and...-he stopped, perhaps realizing that V was trying to politely ask him to give us some space-, ah, it's okay, we're going out - he finished saying, and then left almost dragging V.

At last, a moment alone, though it wouldn't last long.

I was about to get up from his side, when in silence, he hugged me tightly from the side, making me feel how sad he was that I was leaving.

—Yoosung…

I couldn't continue speaking, since his lips touched mine, delicately but intensely, almost desperately at the end.

This feeling.

I felt an exciting warmth in my heart.

Until that moment I had kept my hands hanging, but I couldn't help but try to hug him from his lower back, although my hands were far from completely encircling him.

We slowly let go of each other.

He leaned his face against mine affectionately, as he began to murmur.

-I am sorry. But I couldn't take it anymore, I wanted to do it... Will you call me as soon as you get home? I don't know if I'll be able to rest easily, knowing that my love walks around the streets, in the not so safe night. Although... I don't want to take up all your time, send me a message, yes... I'll settle for that for now. I don't want to suffocate you with my feelings, even if I want to tell you all the time how much I love you.

I was about to cross the entrance of the hospital, to take the train from the nearby station that was a couple of blocks away, when a car parked very close to me, scaring me.

From which someone I already knew quite well came out, greeting me, articulating my name with some surprise.

—¿Zen?

-Oh, sorry if I scared you, the taxi driver stopped suddenly on command. You came from seeing Yoosung right? -said, while adjusting his extensive ashen hair back, with a notorious flirtatious expression.

Personally I didn't dislike it, although I felt a bit uncomfortable, every time he tried to "impress" with that kind of attitude.

—Ah, yes, I was just with Yoosung — I answered, blushing a little, because of the moment I had with him just minutes ago. I assume you're coming to visit, though I don't know if you can get in, since visiting hours are over…

-Oh yes, visiting him would be a good idea, although I really wanted to see you, our youngest member...

-Um.. I'm two years older than Yoosung - I answered with some anguish remembering the funny fact that I had fallen in love with someone younger, also remembering that Seven joked to the extreme with that-. I don't understand why you wanted to meet me, we did see each other a couple of hours before.

-Well... our youngest female member, then - the ashen corrected himself, seeing my face of anguish, and my half-closed eyes with a certain dull air-. Sorry, I was just joking, it's just that you never smile whenever I say something, well, the truth is that I came for a last check-up of my ankle, this is the hospital that I go to, it's quite good, I'm not surprised that V chose it for Yoosung.

-I see, I really have to go now, I have so many things piled up to fix in my private life, anyway, I'm sure you won't be receiving any bad news about your ankle, we've seen that you are someone energetic who recovers quickly. See you.

-Ah, yes... -Zen replied, with a more serene and smiling expression on his face-. But tell me, will you leave by foot? I can take you home if you want. The driver is from the agency, but he is there to take me anywhere. The rain has stopped, but it can start again at any time.

-Huh? Thanks, but it's not necessary, I'll take the train, which leaves me a couple of blocks away from home, I'll be fine. Go to your revision, don't try to make excuses to not go.

With that being said, I waved goodbye.

Luckily for me, the rush hour of the public transport had passed.

I swiped my card to buy a ticket through the automatic machine, then boarded one of the trains and took a seat.

I was in Gangnam, the most luxurious and expensive district in all of Seoul, home to Jaehee and Jumin, where they lived thanks to the company of the latter. As she had told me, at the party. Like any normal being, I had to get to Mapo, one of the most boring and quiet districts in all of Seoul.

As I changed train lines, I was able to see several new commercials, including the production in which Zen would debut on television, with the not-so-nice Echo girl. Jumin had mentioned that there had been an incident with her, being a troublesome and hateful woman, but that together with Seven they were able to solve that. Another advertisement that excited me the most was the penguin mascot that supposedly came as a gift when buying a certain cleaning product. With several collectible models.

I unconsciously took a picture of that one.

When I got home, I would show it to Yoosung, it was the kind of thing I knew he would love.

I arrived home, just in time for dinner.

As soon as I walked in, I sent a message.

"Successful and smooth home arrival, mission accomplished:"

It only took a few seconds to receive a reply.

"I was holding myself back from calling you. Seven bet that you'd forget to text me. I'm glad he was wrong, oh... I guess like in video games, I should reward you, right?"

It's hard not to blush when you get those kinds of messages.

While we ate, I tried to explain to my mother, my unusual behavior of the previous two weeks, without mentioning the creepy details, like the bomb and the hacker who had guided me to such an apartment.

The truth is that I still didn't know anything more about that last one. I was ignorant of many things, but I remained patient, since both V and Yoosung would explain that as soon as possible, or at least that's what I wanted to believe.

—I see, if you helped a charity, I don't have much to complain about —my mother said, with noticeable relief. I just hope that the next time you get into those things, you manage your time better, you can lose your job for being irresponsible. I can bear with the fact that you don't have your own family yet, unlike your older brother, but I certainly won't bear a slacker who doesn't work... Since tomorrow is Sunday, I hope you tidy up your room.

-Yes, I will do it. And no, I'm not going to be lazy... thanks for dinner.

With the accumulated fatigue of the whole day, no, maybe of those last two weeks, exciting, but exhausting weeks, I threw myself in bed, which was already almost flooded with clothes and other objects that I accumulated days ago.

With fear, I got up after a few minutes, knowing that I had to face something even worse.

I had to listen to fifteen recordings that were waiting for me on the answering machine in my room, all of them, probably from my boss, Mrs. Wang.

I listened to all of them in silence, while I tried to put some order in the mess that I had as a room.

One after another, scolding me for not being able to attend, despite the fact that I warned that it would be absent, according to company protocol.

I listened to all of them, until I got to the last one.

- I understand that you are in a stage of your life, in which you think about if you have chosen your future correctly, but that is not my problem, Miss Shin -her voice sounded a little annoyed, calling me by my last name— Well, I don't want to be known as a pushy, tyrannical boss, so… —She softened her voice at the end, while seeming to take a sip from her drink. I have sent you all the paperwork that you've accumulated these days that you were absent, to your email. Deliver them ready, first thing Monday morning and I may not fire you, bye.

She doesn't want to be known as a tyrannical boss?

I couldn't help but laugh at that. It was just my first year as a clerk, and when I entered, all my colleagues already had a much harsher nickname for her than "tyrant".

But I felt slightly calm and grateful, knowing that at least I hadn't been fired. Well, at least not if I turned in those papers on time.

I turned on my desktop computer, and sure enough, I had over a hundred emails waiting to be answered.

I took a deep breath and exhaled, then tied my hair into a messy ponytail.

If I wanted to finish on time, I needed to at least have the sheets downloaded, already printed.

If there was one thing I could understand Jaehee for, it was because she knew what it was like to be a subordinate, for someone with a "special" character. Fortunately, though, I wasn't Mrs. Wang's main assistant.

Suddenly, the answering machine played a new message, which had apparently arrived while I was listening to the other recordings.

-Hello hello? Shin? Well, I suppose that being the weekend you probably have some free time, I'm Ahn, your co-worker, the one in the cubicle to your left, Lee Ahn... -laughed quite sadly-. The boss has been very upset with your absences, you know how perfectionist she is, and she is upset that someone who is under her supervision is missing, even if there are no delays on our work. Yon has also been worried about your absences, I hope it's not true that you have chickenpox, really? Who gets chicken pox being so old? He let out another laugh. Oh, but in case it's true, I'm so sorry... I know we're not friends, but even I was affected to see you were suddenly missing, anyway, we hope to see you on Monday, call Yon if you can, I think She resents you, since you don't answer her calls. Bye.

I found that message to be a little bit strange.

And yes, Yon was my partner and the only "friend" I currently had. College may make you believe that you will always be surrounded by friends, but once you graduate, you will lose contact with them, and in my case, forever. Since everyone was aiming for more flashy places like Gangnam, despite there being corporations in every district of Seoul.

I hadn't answered any calls or messages from Yon, since every time they came to me, I was doing something for the RFA or I was in the chat. I behaved like a bad friend, I would have to make it up to her in some way for her to forgive me.

But getting a message from Ahn...it sure was weird.

Between organizing and printing, it was already close to midnight.

I took a quick shower, so I could feel relaxed before going to bed.

I looked at my phone.

Should I call him? Maybe he is asleep.

Or maybe he is waiting for my call?

I covered my face with both hands, before my indecision.

It was amazing how much a person could change, all because of being in love.

It wasn't something that only reflected on Yoosung, even I felt different, in a good way.

Despite the setbacks that I was currently facing, for some reason I felt like the world became more colorful.

Did I really fall in love with a stranger?

If the me of two weeks ago was in front of me right now, she would probably slap me, for how unmethodical and little serious my recent actions were.

I did not resist the temptation.

So I took my cell phone and dialed.

Beep…

Beep…

Beep…

I freaked out and felt guilty on the third ring. He was probably already asleep, since he usually answered instantly.

I was about to hang up and put my phone down, when suddenly…

-Hello? Hello! I'm sorry for taking so long to answer - his voice sounded half altered, and slightly sleepy -, Seven didn't want to give me my phone... — Seven's laugh could be heard in the background.-, I had to run after him, all over the room, um...

His angry and embarrassed childish voice made me smile immediately.

I see, anyway, I'm glad you answered, although I was afraid to wake you up, I didn't, right?

-I'm also happy to hear your sweet voice - he replied with a calmer and more tender tone-, no... I wasn't sleeping, if I sound sleepy it's because of the medicine, a few hours ago I had a slight fever.

-Fever? Oh no... —I cut him off with concern.

-Yes, but only for a couple of hours, I don't have a fever anymore, I... I didn't want to worry you, please, don't worry -he sounded a bit embarrassed-, although... I have a slight suspicion that I fell when you left... my heart was sad to have to let you go, causing me to weaken hehe... sorry, I'm starting to say silly things again...

-I don't see why I should forgive you, I love that you always say everything you feel, I love that about you.

-Oh... oh... my heartbeat began to rise suddenly, if you keep telling me things like that, I'll have a heart attack... I could die... although I wouldn't mind, since it would be for loving you so much...

- Don't say that, I want you to live long, if you die, I wouldn't be able to stand it…

-Hum, it's okay, I don't even want to imagine that you're sad because of me, let's not talk about it anymore. Did they scold you a lot? I hope not... I guess you had dinner already, and now you're lying on your bed, calling me to be the last voice you hear before falling asleep, right?

-Yes sir, that's why I called, I inform you that I was scolded and buried with accumulated work, but I will survive, although tomorrow I will be quite busy - I expressed looking at the pile of papers that the printer had finished throwing away-. I can't assure you that I will visit you tomorrow, but I will try.

-Mister? I don't know why it makes me laugh to hear you calling me that way - I heard him laugh -. Hmm... I guess your work thing is inevitable... It doesn't matter, I'm an understanding boyfriend, I won't get upset if we don't see each other in the next few days, I already mentioned it before, but I repeat it so you don't worry, yes, I'm going to miss you a lot, in fact, I already miss you... -his determined voice became slightly sensitive-, I want to be able to sleep hugging you, feel your calm breath hitting my neck, I want your face to be the last thing I see before falling asleep and the first thing I see when I wake up, that and... Seven, stop making funny faces! Can't you see I'm on an important call with my love? Seven, just don't come near me! It's not funny... -his voice became angry, as Luciel, between laughter annoyed him, saying how corny he was behaving- SEVEN, ENOUGH!

That last one sounded terribly aggressive.

Causing my smile to change, to an expression of concern.

-Yoosung? Did something happen? - I articulated intrigued.

I didn't get an answer right away.

-Hello? Oh, I'm glad you didn't hang up, I'm sorry... - Yoosung replied, calm again, but with some sadness-, I'm sorry you had to listen to me being like that. Did I sound horrible? I hope I didn't scare you, normally I don't get too angry, but Seven has a gift to make me explode with anger... Hmm... I hope I'm not scaring you with this, I feel guilty...

-Don't worry, I think you're very patient. If I was in your place, I would have bitten him already, from bothering me so much - I said, trying not to make him embarrassed.

-Haha Bite him? It would never have occurred to me - he mentioned between laughs -, hum.. I should talk to you more quietly, he just got mad because I yelled at him, and he's on the sofa, with his back turned against me, completely covered with his sheet, although he's probably still listening to us - he ended up saying, almost whispering.

-Okay, can you still hear me? I murmured, following him. —Now can I tell you how much I love you? —

-Yes, yes you can, but let me finish what I wanted to tell you - his voice sounded so warm -, before thinking about the future, I would like us to plan our first date, I want to be the best boyfriend for you. I want to do things right, I have so many compressed feelings, I want to show them to you in the right order, I want to be your perfect prince charming…

-You are already my perfect prince charming, I don't know how you could become even better, but if you want a formal first date, that's fine. It would also be my very first date, in my life

-Hey? I'm not perfect, I can be better, hum, hum... -Yoosung complained, with a tantrum tone-, don't settle for what I give you, demand more from me! And about the date, I don't want to sound possessive, but I really want it to be our only "first date" . I want you just for myself, so that in the distant future, I can tell our grandchildren how I met you, being a good example of a devoted man to them... Oh... I think I got off topic, again.

-Don't worry, I like to listen to your ideas and dreams, that's why I'm your girlfriend, right?

-Oh... you just made my face completely blush, you're so cute... I... huh? I'm sorry, wait a minute -he was interrupted again, apparently by someone else-, I'm sorry love, but the nurse has just arrived. I think someone in the room next to mine complained about me being too noisy, and they will confiscate my cell phone until tomorrow. I would like to continue talking to you until dawn, although… I wouldn't really like that, because it would affect you, and I…

-Sir, your cell phone please, don't make me call the guards.

I heard clearly on the phone.

-Hum, they're already threatening me... forgive me love, I'll call you tomorrow, as soon as I can, please eat well, focus on your work, don't get distracted by anything other than the thought of me, I miss you a lot, don't forget I love you... -he ended up saying sincerely but in a hurry, blowing me a kiss before hanging up.

I sighed blushing, then put the phone aside.

I stretched enough to be able to touch the switch with one of my feet, turning it off. Leaving me with the natural light of the moon, which, slightly, crossed through my window.

I closed my eyes slowly, while I thought about the culprit of my silly smile.

END OF CHAPTER.

Fun facts that I discovered while doing some research for this chapter:

~The surname Kim is the most popular in South Korea. It leads the ranking of the 10 most popular surnames.

~The surname Shin, is in the last place of the same ranking.

~Gangnam is the most luxurious district in Seoul. It houses the most expensive clothing stores, restaurants and fashion in South Korea, not to mention that it is also prestigious for the important companies that are based there. It was here that the hit song "Gangnam Style" was recorded.

~There is a luxurious and private hospital called "Samsung Medical Center". Which has a connection with the famous electronic company Samsung.

~Mapo is one of the least popular districts in Seoul, since 70% of it is just residential areas. Although there are other districts with a greater or equal percentage.

~Seoul has one of the fastest and most comfortable trains in the world.

~They also use suffixes when referring to certain people, just like in Japan.