Withered - Chapter 29: Chapter 29

Mina awakens to soft sheets and the morning light trickled in through the blinds. She rubs her left knuckles into her eyes while slowly sit up. A weight on her right hand preventing her to move any further. She doesn't want to wake the guy who's peacefully sleeping, head resting on her lap while he sits on the floor. She smiles when she sees their hand are intertwined and how tight Chaeyoung's grip is.
She then watches how his eyebrows furrows and how he groans when the sunlight reaches his face. Mina immediately put her hand on top his forehead, covering his face. She sighs in relief when the younger seems back into a deep slumber. A faint smile crosses her face as she recalls Chaeyoung's words last night.
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|Flashbacks|
"Stay...Chaeyoungie" Mina calls in a half mumble and half-whisper that forced Chaeyoung to lean in close to hear her. He wasn't sure if he heard it right or not and when his name came out from Mina's lips again-pleading him to stay, wide smile eternally stained upon his lips.
He almost screamed out of joy and jumped from his position, he was too happy until he started to question if it was true. Wait, wait, That's my name, right? What's my name again? He raised his brows while biting his lips, it took him a minute to realize it was really him "Yeah Chaeyoung. That's my name! She just said my name!! The cub silently squealed with delight.
He brought himself closer, clasping her hands around Mina. He then blew on their hands keeping it warm.
"I will. I have always been by your side and will always be"
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"Thank you" Mina murmurs under her breath, a late reply of Chaeyoung's word last night. That was the last things she heard before she fell asleep.
She stays leaning against the headboard, closing her eyes since it's still early. As she waits for Chaeyoung to wake up, her phone alarm rings and she glance at the time before she turns it off. She sighs before gently shaking the younger's shoulder.
Chaeyoung lifts his head slowly and cautiously opens one eye. He blinks a few times then arouse from his sleep by the penguin's stare. "Y-you wake up early.." His voice trails off. "Umm, Do you need anything? Are you thirsty? I'll get you some wat--"
"Aren't you going to college?" Mina cut in, turning her head away from him.
"I skip class today" Chaeyoung answers as he fixes his position, and slowly remove his hands from hers. He then takes out the withered red roses from the vase and wraps it with tissues.
"Why?" Mina is now looking at him who's standing in front of the bedside table -busy working with the dead flower. Chaeyoung smiles as they stare at each other.
"Because today is your visit to the doctor. I'll be waiting in the living room. We'll go whenever you're ready." He smiles then walks himself to the door, holding the doorknob "Just call me if you need anything" He gives a last genuine smile before closing the door.
*  *  *  *
Soon after the vibrant summer rays have begun to warm the day. Chaeyoung winces a little feeling the sun burning his back as he kneels with one knee- digging the soil with a trowel. He is the yard to bury the dead flower. He stops when he notices a shadow of someone standing beside him, - holding an umbrella, blocking him from the sunlight.
He looks up and smiles softly before he continues, burying the flower. The maid only gives him a generous smile then crouch beside the younger, helping him to replace the soil. When they are done, he cleans the dust off his hands and then some on his knees before he stands up.
"Thank you," He says as their eyes met and once again smile at her. The maid quickly looks away as to hide her blushing face then mumbling a simple 'Welcome'. She just loves his smile so much that, she can do every single possible thing she can just to make him happy.
"How about turning the flower petals into paint or pressed them and add it into your drawing?" The maid suggests and steps closer, tiptoeing as she wipes the sweat off his forehead using her sleeve. "Hmm?" She finds his orbs, waiting for his answer.
"W-well, that's a good idea" Chaeyoung stutters as he leans backwards, a bit surprised. "And how do you know I like to draw?" He asks as they walk back inside the house, sharing the umbrella. Although the distance is merely five meters, the maid is basically floating. And the fact that their hands are brushing against each other makes things worse for her. She is trying so hard to act normal and walk properly with her noodles legs. It could be anytime, she'll collapse to the ground.
"Umm, your hands are dirty" She answers, it's unintentional when she sounds fierce, at least for Chaeyoung. He quickly pulls his hands and slides it in his pocket, while chuckling awkwardly. The maid turns her head to face him, then realize that her words might be taken mistakenly. She starts to panic and immediately waves both her hands while shaking his head. "What I mean is, your hand.." She takes his hand in hers and they stop walking.
"Look" She points the side of his pinky finger---where there's a pencil mark on it."It's usually caused by smudging on a sketch" She smiles at him then averts her eyes into his clothes. "Besides, there's always some paint stains on your shirt" she adds. Chaeyoung amazed that the girl actually notices those things that even he himself unaware of. He does spend an hour before to paint a beautiful landscape of the sunrise. He says nothing more, but simply nods in understanding.
*  *  *  *
Chaeyoung shed a tear when he heard the heartbeat of the baby, and sees the tiny blob wriggling around. He bawls. As for Mina, It's like it isn't real until she sees the baby on the screen. Though she looks cold and appears emotionless, she's amazed and couldn't believe that little bean is a human being. She's excited and scared at the same time.
When they are done with all the checkup, the doctor gives them an ultrasound picture of their baby. Mina gladly takes it and smiles as she stares at the picture. Not realizing, Chaeyoung who's peeking from her side, also want to take a look. He captures the image with his eyes, hoping it will stay inside his memory. He sighs silently when he hasn't finish examine it, yet, Mina already put the print inside her handbag.
Chaeyoung listens carefully to the doctor and apologizes when been asked about Mina's poor diet and body's condition. He always thinks that it's his fault for not taking good care of the girl.
"I think that's enough," Mina interrupts in a slightly annoyed tone. Not trying to be rude, but she doesn't like Chaeyoung to make an apology for something he doesn't do. In fact, it's her fault for being an irresponsible mother.
The doctor clears her throat and changes the subject "So...since Mina-sii had experienced an ectopic pregnancy which is heavy bleeding in the first trimester and although it already been treated, we still have to be extra careful. It's life-threatening for the mother and the baby. Though, as for now, the baby is healthy Mina-sii have to care for yourself." She opens a box and takes a pamphlet out."There's a healthy pregnancy diet you can follow and please take note, the husband" The doctor stares at Chaeyoung who seems out of place.
Chaeyoung leans forward and smiles apologetically, he's zone out thinking to ask the doctor what's the gender of their baby. But ends up putting the question on hold. The doctor takes her time and helps them figure out everything they need.
"And in case you're wondering, it's a girl" The doctor gives Chaeyoung a friendly smile which he then nods enthusiastically, smiling ear to ear. They bow and thank the doctor before taking their leave.
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Mina waddle down the street with Chaeyoung trailing behind her. He wants to hold her hand---which he thought is impossible--- or just walk beside her, but doesn't have the courage to do so. Instead, he keeps an appropriate distance enough for him to make sure she's safe. Watching silently from behind.
Unfortunately, he's too dumb to realize the reason why Mina occasionally slows down her pace, waiting for him to catch up and walk next to each other. She abruptly stops her feet and turns around, frightened the daylights out of him. He stands frozen, avoiding Mina's piercing eyes.
"What are you doing?" Mina questions with her arms cross on the chest. Chaeyoung only tilts his head in confusion no words been said. Mina sigh deeply and her face softens as she walks closer to him. "Why are you a meter away from me?"
Chaeyoung puff out his cheeks and his body sink lower, doesn't know what to say to the girl. He stares at the ground as if trying to find answers there. Mina's mouth twitch, fighting a smile when the guy in front of him have his hand on the back, looking just like a child being scolded by his parents.
"Am I...stink?" She asks, playfully glares at him. Chaeyoung raises his chin with a shocked expression and shakes his head. He's trying to say something but his voice stuck in his throat. Mina narrows her eyes when there's no reply from the younger, she steps backwards and hesitantly smells herself. "A-am I?" She ponders unsurely, regretting to actually jumps to the topic.
Chaeyoung realizes the slightly embarrassed tone she used and a feeling of guiltiness rush through him."No-no, you always smell nice. Always" He breathes out, secretly congratulating himself for finally forms a word.
"Really?"
"Yes!" Chaeyoung says enthusiastically while nodding his head.
Mina sigh in relief before locking her arms around him. "Help me to walk, I'm tired". Chaeyoung face the girl and they exchange a meaningful smile. He wordlessly obliges, holding her tightly as they walk side by side.
*  *  *  *
It's already half-past seven p.m. Chaeyoung still working on his school project, finding a perfect mixing colour ratio for his painting. While Mina is in the library, sitting on the couch and knitting. No, they are not fighting or anything, it just that moment where they need their time alone, doing their hobbies or interest.
Chaeyoung groan when he realizes that he's out of canvas and brown paint colour. He sighs and takes off his apron, heading towards the library. He knocks before he comes in. "Umm..I'm going to buy something, do you want to tag along?"
Mina averts his eyes from her knits and stares at him. She thinks for some time before shaking her head, explaining that she's tired to walk around. "But, can I have doughnuts?" The guy let out a small laugh as he nods.
"Topped with chocolate glaze okay" Mina adds as Chaeyoung walks closer and pick the empty glass on the table beside the girl. "Okay..I'll makes you some more tea first," He says, smiling at her before going out of the room.
"Call me if you need anything and I've already informed the security that you're alone so they can be extra cautious. And if you see someone suspicious, immediately call me or----"
"I can take care of myself. Now go" Mina assures. Chaeyoung stares at her and sighs "Warm yourself with the tea, I'll come back in a flash" He says, still hesitant to leaves the girl alone. He put a blanket across her shoulder and smiles before he walks away.
"Wait" Mina calls out as she ties off the last stitch, then gesturing the younger to sit beside her. Chaeyoung follows and settles down waiting for Mina to say something. But instead, she leans forwards and drapes the scarf that she knitted around his neck, adjusting it in a way it provides good protection to the cool weather. Chaeyoung unknowingly holds his breath as he tries to calm his racing heart. He's unable to focus on anything else but the person in front of him.
Mina taps his chest when she's done, satisfied with the knot she makes. "Now, you're ready to go" She smiles at him, that sweet gummy smile. Chaeyoung pressed his lips and nods before running away.
I am almost faint. He thought.
*  *  *  *
Chaeyoung hums a random song while swinging his hands back and forth. Sometimes glancing at the box he's holding, full with different kinds of doughnuts. He stops when he caught a glimpse of a familiar figure walking ahead of him, struggling to carry her groceries bags. A small smile creeps onto his face as he tiptoed to surprise the brunette.
"BOO!!"
Chaeyoung falls on his butt with his eyes widen. He thanks god when the doughnuts box still in shape. A peal of laughter wakes him up and he quickly stands up, couldn't believe that he's just being backfired. He glares at the maid who's still laughing while holding her stomach.
"How do you know I'm behind you," He asks as he pulls the car and parks it. They then walk walk silently until they reach her place. Chaeyoung insists to help her carry the groceries bag since it's heavy and a girl walking alone at night is dangerous. He thought.
"Your fruity perfume" She answers shyly. Chaeyoung smiles and nods.
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"I can carry it myself from here" She starts breaking the silence.
"Are you sure?"
"Yeah"
Chaeyoung is a bit confused since there's no house can be seen. The girl stops him when they're crossing a bridge. He nods before hesitantly takes off his scarf and put it on her since she's clearly shivering.
"The night is a bit cold." He says as he wraps it around her neck.
"You really are kind, Irene-sii. And I don't deserve that kindness" He adds and smiles at her, a smile that has a deep meaning. They stare at each other as if they speak through it. Irene nods and smiles before she turns her heel, holding tightly the shopping bag. Chaeyoung sigh and turn around, he checks the time and starts running, realizing it's almost midnight.
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Is that how you reject me? Irene speaks to herself as she leans in the wall, hiding behind a store. She covers her face with her palm, letting the salty tears dripping into her mouth. She pulls her hands and clasps the scarf she's wearing. How about this act of kindness, you're giving me hope.