Withered - Chapter 22: Chapter 22

Tzuyu calls Sana yesterday and asked to meet. And here there are in the playground, sitting on the swing. Tzuyu finds it can be both relaxing and exciting going back and forth. He doesn't fail to notice the latter beside him who's looking lost in her thoughts, sitting like a statue and barely blink. He's been waiting for her answer and while doing that he can't restrain himself the sensation of flying through the air with feet sticking out and the world rushing by in greens and blues is a traditional rite of passage. After all, we have those sides in us. Childish.
"Is it true?" Sana begins.
Tzuyu catches the words and abruptly stop the swings with his shoes, leaving a mark on the sand. He sits up straight, a bit intimidated by Sana's tone and way of speaking. It sounds firm and scary. "Y-yeah" He curses himself for stuttering on a simple answer.
"Have you found that Mark guy?" Sana asks.
"No, No one ever sees him after that day. It looks like he runs away" Tzuyu have been searching Mark, asking his friends and even investigate his background to know where he lives or with who. Apparently, all come to no avail, the only clue he knows is Mark is American and his house is empty as it seems like he planned everything beforehand.
"So, is it all about revenge?" Sana proceeds, little by little remembering the guy's face and how it is stupid when he's the one who cheated. Is it because he thought that Chae is the reason for their break up?
"Probably" Tzuyu nods.
Sana knows the reason Tzuyu meet her is to deliver the truth to her sister. But she thinks that now is not the right time considering her sister's health condition. "Mina's emotion is still unstable, I feel bad for Chae but let's not tell Mina for now. Later, when she already gives birth, I'll explain to her" She says breaking the silence.
"Well, I have to go. I haven't visited Mina this week. If you have time you should come too, she'll be happy to see you" Sana stands up from her seat. She faced Tzuyu and flash a smile before walks away.
Well, discussing his brother's problem may be the reason for their meeting but that is not what the guy hoped, he thought they could talk about them. Because of the incident, everyone focuses on Chaeyoung and Mina, they barely talk about anything else than that. Barely meet without any purpose. He kinda misses old times when they still a kid where everyone is happy. No problem, no headache, only happiness.
Before he can think about it further, his half-awake state interrupted by a scream. He turns to the sound and jumps from his seat, running towards Sana who's kneeling on the ground. "Why? What is it? Are you okay?" He questions while helping Sana to stands properly. He notices her knees are bleeding then hurriedly take out his handkerchief and wrap it around like a bandana then tie it tightly. He notices how the girl winces from the pain and thought that Sana will always be Sana. A very pain in the neck but a cutie pie clumsy squirrel. And this trait that he finds very annoying at first is the reason why he falls for her.
Tzuyu looks up, sighing before he stands then face Sana. That's when he realized something odd. "You don't cry? Well, you always did when you tripped and hurt yourself"
"I'm used to it already," Sana says as she slowly removes Tzuyu's hand that place on her shoulder; indicating that she doesn't need his help to walk. Whilst the guy knows what it means, he pulls his hands then clear his throat. "I can handle it. Thanks for helping" She adds then make her way, limping in every step she takes. Tzuyu only nods then watch Sana's back her getting far and far away. That's it? Is it happening again? Did I just let her go and do nothing?
He clenches his fist, pressing his lips hard. He knows very well he should chase after her but for some unknown reason, his feet are glued to the ground. He's watching her leaving. Again.
Something hit his legs causing him to stumble forward. He looks down and sees an arrow toy between his legs thinking that thing was the one that hit him. He picks it up then turns around, tilting his head when a cute little boy wearing an oversized white t-shirt and no pants on just staring blankly at him. A brown handmade pouch attached to his slim waist containing marbles ball toy. He guesses the kid is three to four years old based on how small he is. He then notices the boy holding a bow. "Seems like it yours" He bends down and hands the kid the arrow, smiling as he gives it to him.
Tzuyu raises his brows when the boy suddenly push him onward while pointing at something. He follows his hands then finds Sana on the ground again. He restrains himself from running to her and just stays in his position, not until again that boy push him. "Go to that beautiful girl?" He asks, while at the same time thinking what the heck is he doing with this kid.
The boy nods vigorously as an answer.
Tzuyu looks at Sana and back to the boy and Sana and to the boy again. He smiles then bid him goodbye as he runs towards the squirrel. Whatever! I don't care anymore. Listen to your heart for once Tzuyu yah He speaks to himself.
* * * *
Mr Son waits for Chaeyoung to get ready as they will have some bond time as a father and son. Chae is taking his time cleaning up his bedroom after the continuous nagging by the youngest before he off to meet someone. The room is completely gross. Even he himself can't find the carpet from a layer of various items scattered about. It is worst than a polluted lake. He stops cleaning and thinks everything looks just fine without any random items on the floor even though he just stuffed it on any drawer as long as it is hidden. He sighs then fix clothes before come out.
"What the heck is that on your head" Mr Son examine his son from head to toe. "You look like a lion that just woke up" He adds while sighing, shaking his head. To be honest, he's very disappointed in Chaeyoung, how the latter handle the situation of his problem is basically running away. The right things to do is to meet Mina and ask for forgiveness every single day no matter how the girl hates him. He should put effort if he really is sorry. But instead there he is, avoiding to face the truth, hiding and running away, wasting his life, doing nothing but exuding negative energy.
But who is him to say that, or to complain. Even he himself did the exact same thing, even worse. Mr Son just hopes that Chaeyoung will not end up like him. There's a simple way to solve the issues. However, it all depends on Mina.
"This is unplanned but, follow me" Mr son continues with Chaeyoung trailing him. Both of them drives off to what Mr Son will call a temple of manliness known as a barbershop. After a clean sharp haircut, they watch a live baseball game rooting for their favourite team. It is good to see his son cheering and look excited. It's been a while he had seen a smile on his son's face.
After hours, the sun is sinking as Chaeyoung hiking uphill following his father. His legs start to feels numb but he doesn't say a thing and just proceed walking behind the 40's old man. He got good stamina Chaeyoung thought while panting and finds a stick to support him.
Another hour then Mr Son stop on his track, he spread his arms then take a deep breath "We're here" He says but frown when there's no response. He looks back, chuckling to see his son lying on the ground, looking half-dead. "Come on, kiddo. Stand up, you don't want to miss this" He mocks.
Chaeyoung only glares at his father before forcing himself to stands. He's about to protest but stops when he sees what upfront. His mouth agape in awe, watching the line where heaven touches the earth. His wide eyes witness the resounding glowing collision. The sun cast its golden rays down upon the clouds of billowing smoke, turning them bright red. It is a beautiful landscape.
Chaeyoung doesn't realize that his father is no longer beside him as his full attention is on the scenery. He glances at his side, raising his brows in confusion when as he gets near his dad. Mr Son standstill in front of an apple tree, back facing him.
"Is talking to a tree your new hobby now?" Chae asks then chuckling when his dad jolt by his sudden interruption.
Mr Son smiles softly then touch the trunk "It is not just a tree. It's a special tree" his fingertips after the initial that crave on the trunk. Chaeyoung leans closer, narrowing his eyes as he tries to at least recognize a few alphabets.
S. H. M & L. D. Y
"That's you right? Son Heung Min. Then who's that? Definitely not mom. Are you cheating all this time?" Chae exposes, giving his dad a questionable look.
"What!? No. She just. Just an old friend. I miss her so I come here"
"Well, where is she right now?"
"She was called home, is in a better place"
"Ahh" Chae nods slowly, regretting his words earlier. He sometimes should shut his mouth. Thinking he probably hurt his dad's feeling. He wanted to ask more about that old friend seeing she looks so important to his dad. Though he never knew that the girl already passed away but he did aware of the ring necklace his dad always wear. It happened when he was twelve, his dad once took his necklace off and accidentally dropped it. Chaeyoung picked it up for him. A same initial written on the ring.
"She really likes to eat apples, that's why we both grew this tree together. Sadly, she never had the opportunity to taste the fruit" Mr Son grieves. His head hangs low recalling a bubbly, sweet and pretty girl playing with a kite while he secretly drew her. How happy the girl whenever someone mentioned apples or how the girl will always fight with him over small things. He then remembers something, the real reason why he spends the day with his son.
"I almost forgot, I said I want to talk about something important didn't I?" Mr Son starts.
Chae that has been listening to the entire time, staring at his dad and nods. He's also forgotten about it already. "Yeah?"
"You're going to get married" Mr Son started, shocking the living out of his son.
"Huh? W-wha--"
"With Mina"