Withered - Chapter 55: Chapter 55
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"I'm very much obliged, Mr Clifton" Chaeyoung extends his left hand to the man in front of him. Mr Clifton smiles and gives a firm shakes. Chaeyoung slightly gestures the couch in his office, offering the man to take a sit. They discuss the second trial regarding the tax evasion accusation in one of Son's company.
"Since we plead not guilty, the magistrate had given us the hearing date, a week from today, we need to present evidence that shows you are not guilty or that you have a defence. But from your explanation, we're in disadvantages." Mr Clifton started, studying the file on his hand. "The manager went missing along with the expenses logs and worst the company's records system are being hacked. There's no evidence left" He adds, sighing as he takes his glasses off and put the case file back to the table.
"Is there really nothing we can do about it?" Chaeyoung asks, furiously staring the attorney.
"We can try using the account statement, though it's a lot of work to do it might help" The man explains, then leaning forward as he elaborates his answers to the clueless Chaeyoung. Chaeyoung sometimes nods as the words registering inside his mind, mentally taking notes of things he needs to do in order to gain valid evidence to win the court.
It's seven o'clock in the evening when they finally finish the discussion along with the board of directors in the meeting room. Chaeyoung expresses his gratitude to the directors who are willing to help and understand his circumstances. The guy decides to focus on the tax issues and promises to pay a refund over the missing foreign profits.
As he enters his office, Chaeyoung takes off his blazer and hang it on the coat rank before he slumps into the couch. Bleary-eyed and unshaven, he slowly massages his temple in an attempt to clear his minds and stop himself from falling asleep, though his energy is being constantly drained out of him. Weary with the burden of long-closed eyes, the guy glances to his phone and slowly takes it. He stares at the wallpaper, Mina's picture as the display.
The ache of longing to be with her echoed through the very marrow of his bones. He never knows that missing someone could take over every fibre of your being and wring you out like a wet sponge every day. It is a torment he's unprepared for.
Chaeyoung wonders what she's doing at the moment. Does she eat well? Is she living with her parents? How about their baby. Is their baby okay? Those unanswered questions can easily be solved only if he has the guts to personally calls Mina. But he doesn't nor he receive any rings from the brunette. He purposely stops himself as he knows better, that the time he listens to her voice, he'll instantly run to her, hug her, kiss her and tell her how much he misses her. Not any of them can be done unless the mess resolved, therefore he works days and night to solve the matter as soon as possible.
Three weeks.
It's been three weeks after their separation. During those times, Chaeyoung spent hours and hours working and although his body begs for rest, he can't. He must work. Or he'll toss and turning and stressing over it through the night. But, today is an exception, probably because of a new way of solving the tax issue or maybe because of the tiredness has reached its limit---coming in both physically and mentally---he has the urge to sleep. Slowly, the guy positions himself lying on his back with both hands gripping the phone, placing it on his chest.
Hug time.
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Early in the morning, Chaeyoung drives to the nearest cafe, which is more of an English tea shop. The tiny little shop huddled despondent among the huge city buildings. Washed out under the overcast sky, it hunchs in itself, fighting against the drizzle. They serve the tea in real white china pots at round tables that mostly just seated two people. He sits in the corner of the room and orders a cream tea while waiting for his friend who's an accountant manager.
"Running late this morning? Wendy ah" Chaeyoung jokes as he watches his friend jogging towards him with apologetic smiles. The girl has chestnut brown hair with blonde highlights falling down her shoulder wearing a simple white blouse and black leggings.
"Sorry, got stuck in traffic. That maniac chef keeps arguing that he can't come. You rarely visit here, is his restaurant much more important than friends? Arrogant kid" Wendy complaint while sitting across of Chaeyoung.
"Hahaha, don't blame him. I do understand. Just send my regards to him" Chaeyoung laughs as they proceed to have their breakfast while catching up with one another. Chaeyoung clears his throat when he suddenly feels uneasy, alert. He quietly glances around, searching for the eyes he's sure watching him.
"Anything wrong?" Wendy follows his gaze and looks around. Chaeyoung breaks an awkward laugh and brushes it off, saying he just being weird. They stay until lunch talking about random things but mostly business matter. Wendy then bid her goodbye while Chaeyoung stays for another cup of tea, examining the passerby. His eyes then caught a familiar figure sitting in front of his table, only her back view is seen. He shrugs it off and stands, deciding to go back to his office.
As he passes the girl's table, she suddenly stands and swings around with a hot coffee in hand. They both bump accidentally, he hisses in pain as the streaming coffee spilt over his white long sleeves polo but his attention diverts to the girl when he sees her wrist burning to a blister. "Oh God! Are you okay?" Chaeyoung says panicky. He takes out his handkerchief and gently wipes the extra coffee stain on her hands. "You need it to run cool Miss---?" He looks up.
"Irene-sii?"
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"I never expect to meet you here. What brings you to America?" Chaeyoung asks enthusiastically, happy to meet the girl again. They are having lunch together, sitting across each other.
"My mother will be operated here" Irene explains. She takes a sip of her lemonade and glances to the table behind them where it is occupied by a single man, dressing in black, his cap covering half of his face and is holding a DSLR camera. She shifts her gaze to Chaeyoung as she put her glass down. Smiling, she returns the question "What about you?"
"Just...some business problem. Long story" Chaeyoung answers, chuckling.
"It's okay. Even if you explain. I wouldn't understand a thing" They both laugh from Irene's statement. Like an old friend who unexpectedly crosses path, they talk and share thing, listening intently to one another's story.
"About your mother...." A hint of hesitation is visibly heard in Chaeyoung's tone. He's quite unsure whether the topic is rather sensitive to the girl but he cannot deny his curiosity and worries. "...What happened?" Since Irene has never said anything regarding her background, Chaeyoung afraid that he's being ill-mannered. "You don't have to answer me if you don't want----"
"Hepatocellular carcinoma. Liver cancer. Third stage" Irene smiles and subtly shakes her head "But there's nothing to be concerned about, she'll be cured and stay healthy"
"She will." Chaeyoung assures, tapping her hand that placed on the table "Call me if you need anything, and I mean it. Day or night. Never too busy for a friend" He receives a small nod from the girl. Not wanting to linger around the topic anymore, Chaeyoung changes the subject into something else.
"You know, you've promised me." Irene started. Chaeyoung raises his eyebrow, confused.
"Dinner. Back when the convenience store was robbed, I invited you for dinner but you said 'next time'" Irene squint her eyes, playfully glaring at him.
"Oh yeah, haha I forgot. You can set the date and messages me. Since it's your first time in America, I'll bring you to some great places" Chaeyoung suggest. As they finish eating, they stroll down the street, walking leisurely next to each other.
"If you allow me, I want to pay a visit to your mother" He looks at her, pleading with his eyes. The girl chuckles and nods, finding another positive value of him which is--adorable.
Just then, Chaeyoung's phone buzz in his pocket. They stop walking as he answers the call. It's from Mr Clifton seeking for him. Hearing their conversation, Irene learns that the guy seems busy explaining the reason for his short stubble beard.
"I'm sorry, something comes up. I have to go back to the office. Do you want me to send you home?" He gives a faint smile and offers a ride but the girl refuses, waving both her hands.
"I need to go somewhere too. And I don't want to monopolize your time."
"You're not," Chaeyoung says firmly. He takes off his coat and put it on her. "You should wear something thicker. Winter is coming." He advises which gain a thankful smile from the girl."Call me if you need anything. Then, I'll see you around"
Irene nods and waves as she watches him entering a car, then disappear from her sight. She lifts her right hand that is burned from the earlier accident. A sky blue handkerchief wraps around it with an initial letter embroidered at the bottom of the handkerchief--- C.Y. Irene smiles softly and sinks herself deeper into the quite-big cream coat, smelling his fruity scent.
Her smiles fade away and her eyes darken a shade when she heard footsteps nearing. She turns around and stares at the guy approaching wearing all black. "You must be the photographer that he sent. You don't have to follow me when Chaeyoung isn't with me" She walks away, just by thinking of it, brings gasoline in her guts. She's in the dark path, point of no return but only this time, she chooses herself than other's happiness although she knows she'll never forgive herself.
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Chaeyoung, as usual sleep in his office, as he thought it will save him more time then going back and forth from the hotel. After night shifts and only a few hours sleep in the day, he thinks he'll be out before his head hits the pillow but somehow it's all backward. After an hour without his thoughts drifting into that welcome free-fall, he was reaching for the pills. Skip meal as he's sometimes too preoccupied in his work. He forgot.
He's lying on the couch in a leaden, death-like slumber that, for the moment at least, is not even perturbed by the presence of Irene knocking countless time before she barges in, worried if something bad happens.
The girl sighs and walks closer, placing the packed food on the table before she squats in front of the sleeping Chaeyoung. She smiles sweetly and pokes his cheeks, way to wake him up. And her small effort is not in vain when Chaeyoung unconsciously caught her wrist and holds her hand, hugging it as he keeps mumbling with eye closed.
"Hmm, Mina?"
Irene's once sparkle eyes grow dim with disappointment. She's not sure whether she's disappointed at herself for expecting something or disappointed at him. Irene pulls her hand from his grip and stands. She makes a beeline to the huge frameless glass wall and draws the curtains, letting the sunshine in as well as providing the man in black across the building to see through the office.
She turns around when she heard a small groan. Smiling as she sits across the cub and unpacked the homemade meals she cooked for him.
When his vision become clearer, Chaeyoung raises an eyebrow, confused and shocked. "How.....why are you here Irene sii. I mean, so sudden" He sits properly, massaging his temple along the way.
"I massage you and call you beforehand but you don't even answer. Good thing I manage to convince your secretary that I'm your friend and he let me in" Irene put the utensil in his hand when she finishes preparing all the foods. "And, I bring breakfast cuz I know you like to skip meals when you're busy"
"Ahh, " Chaeyoung awkwardly scratch the non-existent itchy on his nape then diverts his eyes to the piles of tedious paperwork scattered on the brown carpeted floor. He's sure that his phone must be drowned underneath that sea of paperwork, explaining why he doesn't hear her calls. "Sorry. Anyway, thank you for breakfast. And hahaha you're right, I sometimes forget to eat"
That day, Irene stay in his office landing a helping hand in anywhere she could besides keeping him company. And afterwards, she has been in his office all week, since the day she had come bringing breakfast, then it's ongoing for every single day.
On the tenth day, Irene wanted every other lunchtime they would go for a walk, strolling through the Central Park to spend some quality time, free from the paperwork. Chaeyoung complies, agreeing that it's good to spend time together out of the office. He is thankful for Irene's help and to repay her kindness, every day he'll steal a few hours and brings the girl into some places in New York City such as the art gallery, Museum or at least take her out for shopping.
Along the way, Chaeyoung has never forgotten about the love of his life thousands of miles away from him. He'll take a picture whenever he goes to present it to Mina later as well as buying her endless souvenirs.
Knowing how Chaeyoung actively engages in his work, Irene pushes aside the thought to ask him to take one day holiday and claim his promise. But the guy isn't that numb and oblivious. He has surprised Irene by inviting her out for dinner together.
The restaurant owned by Chaeyoung's friend, giving him the privilege of having the best table without booking two months earlier which is the rules of the restaurant that Chaeyoung easily breaks. It's the
kind of place you get a table on impulse, large mullioned windows, long embroidered curtains, dark walnut tables, flagstone tile floor, tea served from silver trays in white teapots. Very English. As what Irene is thinking.
Chaeyoung orders Mushroom soup, bitter greens with tomatoes the size of peas, rare roast beef slices as thin as paper and drinks. He closes the Menu and gives it to the waiter. The servers, all young people dressed in white tunics move wordlessly to and from the table, keeping the platters a glasses full.
"I've rung my friend, and he said he couldn't come because he has a shooting today. He's one of the judges for a cooking competition show" Chaeyoung says as he reads a new message on his phone.
Irene nods and slightly relieved. Though she wanted to meet the chef, she doesn't want her time with Chaeyoung interrupted by the third person. "When the convenience store was robbed, you offered me a cooking job under your friend. Is it him, the celebrity chef?" She asks.
"Yeah."
Irene hums "I heard he is a strict, rude, scary person" She whispers in fear that the workers overheard her.
Chaeyoung chuckles hearing that untrue viewpoint. It has been going on for some time. "That's not true at all. He just being too honest and don't really like new people. He might look intimidating and superior but he is a childish kid and clueless nature that enjoys eating and a super good artist. For a stranger, he does appear menacing. But once you truly know him, it's the exact opposite"
"You can learn a lot of things if you work under his supervision. Definitely, you have to handle his impoliteness and abrasive personality. But if you can break those walls and gain his trust, he's not like what he seems"
Irene subtly nods. She admires the chef and hearing how Chaeyoung describes him, the desire to be the chef's junior and receiving his acknowledgement in the field become higher.
Shortly afterwards, their food arrives and they eat slowly, exchanging conversation once in a while. "I'll return to Korea tomorrow night, cannot leave my little brother too long. He must be lonely" Irene says.
Chaeyoung put down his utensils and stare at her "Tomorrow? That's so quick" He sighs. "I don't know you have a little brother. How old is he?"
"7 years old." A faint smile crosses across her face.
"With whom he lives at the moment?" Chaeyoung asks, wondering though he feels like a meddler. He wants to get to know her deeper and as long as she willing to tell him, then he guesses it's not a problem "Why don't you bring him along?" He added.
"He........" Irene trails off, she avoids his eyes contemplating whether to tell him how hopeless and miserable her life is."He's a special kid. He hates a new place, it makes him furious and uncomfortable except a park. The only place he feels comfortable. I'm always worried because he love to walks alone at night. Now, he is taken care by my old friend for awhile. I'm always worried because he love to escape from home and roaming around alone at night. Although he'll come back after few minutes, it's still very dangerous" She force a smile and continues eating, lowering her head.
Her eyes tell him where the emotions lie. It's a sad, painful smile. Chaeyoung keeps his mouth shut. Based on her reactions, she doesn't seem to feel comfortable and he blames himself for not being thoughtful. "I haven't even met your mother yet. I'll send you to the airport then. Please allow me to do that."
Irene raises his chin, again smiling at him but this time her eyes sparkling with pure happiness. Chaeyoung smiles, he truly hopes that those bright stars in her eyes will never fade away, it fits her better than those dull and shallow eyes. He wouldn't even mind being the only candle to lit her life but at the same time, burning himself.
If there's anything he could help, then he'll not hesitate to provide the girl's needs. They had known each other for almost a year, and become a close friend. He can see how hardworking and independent she is to support her family. He cannot deny, that the girl is one of those people he really respects, therefore, no matter how close they are he doesn't want to drop the honorifics.
After they have finished eating, the servers tell them that it's in the house. Hearing those, Chaeyoung chuckles "Tell the chef, he knows I won't let that happen." Although they refuse his money, he insists on paying and gives the server tip. "Ahh, and one more thing, I still remember his promises to open a branch in Korea and moved there. He better fulfil it" Chaeyoung says with a playful demanding tone.
Chaeyoung and Irene decide to take a night walk since the hotel she's staying isn't too far from the restaurant. The blinding city lights gradually subsided ever so subtly, whose bright lights are still visible on the horizon but more stars are visible than anywhere else decorating the heavens above like gems that shine in the glare of electricity.
"Oh, here. Your coat that you borrowed me. I always forgot to give it back." Irene says, handing him a paperback containing a brown clean coat. Chaeyoung takes the cloth out and unfolds it. He smiles and shakes his head as he wraps it around her, again.
"You can keep it. You're not even wearing any today." He buttons it up making sure the coat perfectly shield her from the faint cold breeze. For a moment, she's folded into it "Even Queen Elsa can catch a cold what more a normal people like us. Don't let Jack Frost nip your nose" He chuckle, lightly touch the tip of her nose.
Irene wordlessly glared at him.
"You should assign for Cyclops character you know....haha...." He keeps with her tease but stops laughing when the girl hasn't moved a single muscle. Clearing his throat, he sighs in defeat "Kay sorry" In fear of the older, he gives a cheeky smile that instantly causes Irene to suppress her smiles but fail at the end. He laughs on his small victory.
From then on, their conversation is mainly focused on superheroes character and animation where most of the time, Chaeyoung only state the one that he knows from Mina's movie suggestion, or more like Mina forcing him to watch the movie together. They talk until they arrive near the entrance gate.
"Then, I'll see you tomorrow I guess," Chaeyoung says receiving a nod as a reply. He smiles and waves his hand as he walks backwards and about to turn around, but Irene tugs his coat, stopping him. "Hmm? Do you nee----"
Irene suddenly grabs his arms, tiptoeing as she leans closer then kiss below his lips. From her view, she stares at the man in black hiding about eight feet apart from them, standing behind Chaeyoung. She did what she was told, to kiss him but Irene can't bear herself to be so pity and shameless therefore she makes a way for the photo taken resembling them kissing lips to lips when it's not.
Chaeyoung on the other hand quickly pulls away while gently push her by the shoulder. "I-Irene sii??" He stutters, still shocked by his actions.
Irene smiles sincerely "You do know I have feelings for you right?" He doesn't answer and only looks at her in confusion "Thank you for everything. For being kind to me." She bows. "Someone will fetch us tomorrow and accompany us to the airport. You don't have to come. Besides, I don't think I can face you again after what I did" She says truthfully. "I'm too embarrassed I guess haha" She laughs but it doesn't stay long before her lips turn into a tight smile. She brings her eyes on him and they stare at each other for sometime before she left.
Chaeyoung watches her figure getting farther before she disappears. Her last expression where their eyes met, stay inside his mind. It seems very much familiar. That kind of smile. He is sure that he had the same expression whenever he is with Mina. A facade you made to covers up how much in pain you are. He, out of all people knows how it is to love someone who doesn't love you back. He had been there for quite some time, suffering from the so-called one-sided love. And because of that, he does not know what to feel about Irene's feelings. He understands. Chaeyoung only hopes that she could find someone, someone much better than him, someone that can give him the happiness she deserves and feel loved.
That's all he wishes for.
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|Part II|
"Stop staring at your phone, call him. What's so hard?" Momo asks in frustration before shoving a handful of cheese crackers inside her mouth. Sana is making a tea in the kitchen, staring at them before she sits and put the tray on the table. She takes a sip of her drink while waiting for the youngest response, but most importantly she glares at Momo because of her annoying loud munching noise.
"Close your mouth when chewing or I'll sew it closed," Sana warns in a low voice. Momo swallows hard and raises both her hand, surrendering. But before Sana could say anything more, the girl quickly stuffs her mouth with the snacks and face Sana, she intentionally munches it with mouth open wide causing some falls from her mouth. Sana harshly pushes Momo's face and kick her back causing the eating maniac to fall from the couch. Momo quickly regains herself and stand, sticking her tongue before she runs away.
"I can't believe you guys are my sis---Sana Unnie?" Mina confusedly watches the older takeoff her slipper and like a throwing daggers master, the slipper hit Momo's head perfectly.
"I'll tell mom!!" Momo shouts rubbing her head.
"Go ahead! Like I do care." Sana replies then turn to Mina who looks so done with the situation. "Tell me, are you on her side or my side?" She asks full with seriousness. Mina stifles a laugh, finding the scene hilarious. A soft smile crept on Sana's feature, it's been a long time they haven't seen her laugh like that. The moment Chaeyoung leave the country, she's being gloomy all the time as if an invisible rain cloud was following her around. Hearing those sweet laugh, Momo smiles from behind her room before ordering pizza.
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"So, I guess you and Chaeyoung made an agreement not to call each other hmm?" Sana pours Mina the tea then slide the cup closer to her. She waits for an answer while Mina keeps staring at the ring on her finger. The small diamonds on it reflecting her sadden face.
"He once told me that, hearing my voice will make him miss me more. I purposely avoid calling him, because I know he wouldn't answer. The longing grows almost too painful but it will be the reason for our remarkable meeting, till then I'll wait for him" Mina smiles, gently rubs the promise ring Chaeyoung gave her.
Sana nods, understanding "That's romantic" Her brows then furrows as she playfully glares at the younger "And since when you become this poetic, did Chaeyoung influence you?" She jokes.
"The pizza man is here, better set the movie" Momo suddenly appear out of nowhere wrapping inside her Winnie the Pooh jacket while running towards the main door. Mr and Mrs Myoui have to urgently leave the town for some business matter, leaving the three at home, basically, they are relying on Mina. Though she is eight months pregnant, she is the most mature and rational among the three. If Mina is not in the house, no one could imagine what kind of disaster Sana and Momo could bring.
To spend the day, the three decides to watch movies. The clock pointing at seven sharp after dinner. The trio prepares some beverage and nestles in their usual perspective single couch, cosy with a blanket on each of them. They are entranced in a sea of stray popcorn, each balanced their plate on their laps as their eyes transfixed on the television. Mina is the only one with juice as her drink and salad on her plate while the others are junk food.
Momo pick the first movie their stumble with that has an interesting title; Rabbit Hole. She predicts it will be a fantasy kind of movie with a slight adventure but she's proven wrong. It's an English movie, therefore they put subtitles on. Mina isn't in favour with the story, she doesn't even pay attention after it has shown its conflict.
"I'm going to bed" Mina stop watching midway and swing her feet to her room. Sana wanted to help her to walks but the younger refused. Swamped with negative emotion, Mina lay down on the bed and tuck herself inside the blanket. An effort to tell herself to sleep, hoping that when she wakes up the sunshine will lighten her bottomless pit of anxiety.
All around the walls are pictures of her in school life and her family. Chaeyoung is there too, grinning like an idiot as he hugs his basketball trophy. She closes her eyes, letting her mind filled with his voice. She can hear him teasing her like he's just feet away; mind fills with his witty retorts whenever they argue, his gentle touch, his deep husky voice, his poetic words, his awful humour, his dimple........him.
She misses him so bad.
Mina clutches her stomach, softly rubbing her bump. "Do you miss papa bean?" She whispers. When she feels the tiny kick, it instantly brings a wide smile on her feature. "Mama miss him too. Let's wait for a little longer kay." Her calendar that sits on the bedside table marked with multiple crosses in each square as she counts how many days since he left, and it showed four weeks have passed. She wants to call him softly to see if he can step out of the dusty frame, but she isn't a sorcerer who has magic power. Mina sigh and wears a pair of socks before lying back down. Her thoughts finally became disorganized enough to release her mind into sleep.
"Is she okay? Should we go inside?" Momo questions and glance at Sana. Sana shakes her head, disapproving. She knows Mina wanted to be alone and even if they ask the younger whether she faces any problem, Mina will keep it to herself and will tell them if it's needed. She looks up to the stairs and sighs.
"Let her be," Sana says.
Another week pass by,
"Mina, Mina! Wake up!" Momo shakes her sister gently by the shoulder. Mina whine as she pushes herself to sit, still with eye closed, she leans against the headboard and sigh."What? What happen?" She mumbles while rubbing her eyes brushing off the leftover sleep.
"You have to get up and get ready to go! We're going to your house. Hurry!" Momo jumps to the younger's walk-in closet and grabs the simplest but classy nursing gown. She excitedly hops around and takes a comb, gesturing Mina to change.
Mina who's still not quite awake cluelessly follow though she still can't wrap up on what is happening. "Where are we going?" She asks through yawns. Momo just laughs and comb her hair into a messy bun. Momo then accompanies Mina dismount the stairs, helping her to walk. "Why are we in a rush? Where's Sana Unnie?"
Momo kneels and helps Mina to wear her sandal then drag her out of the house. They enter Momo's white Lexus Es "Sana have a group meeting with her professor bout' their assignment," Momo says as she turns on the ignition. As soon as Mina settle down on the passenger seat, she drives off after confirming that they have buckle up. Mina keeps asking why are they suddenly going to her house in the middle of the night, but Momo doesn't answer her questions and just smile. Defeated, Mina stops asking and face the window, sooner or later she'll find out the reason.
On the way, Momo's phone ring, indicating a call and it's from their parents. She wears the Bluetooth earbuds and presses the call control button. "Eh? Now?" Momo nods reluctantly to her mother's order, they talk about Mina's health before she ends the call. "Mom said she needs the blueprint file in dad's drawer and ask if we could send it now" Momo glance at Mina and sigh. "But I guess that will be fine. I'm just going to drop you in your house and will be back after I send the file alright?" Mina bobs her head and decides to take a quick nap.
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"Pengu, we're here" Momo park her car in front of the main door gate. She slightly pinches Mina's nose, waking her up. The younger's lids that are drooping and leaden with sleep snap open before she shoots bullets with her glare. The tall metal street lamps cast an artificial glow onto the streets below, flickering in its attempt to light up the whole street.
Mina gets out of the car and tilts her head towards the sky. The night brings unrelenting darkness burying them beneath a starless sky. The air has thickened, the temperature drops and nowhere is there a comforting sound and the coolness gives her the early winter chill. Mina rubs her hands against her arms, her strands of hair is flying in the wind. She feels sickened.
Mina walks closer to the main door gate while Momo is standing beside her. She's about to enter the passcode when she realizes that the door is slightly open. Mina looks at her sister, confused and terrified that someone might break into the house. To clear her suspicions, she walks inside slowly and carefully. Mina's eyes widen when she sees a silhouette walking past the balcony, wandering inside her room.
For a moment, Momo wanted to call for the security but she stops halfway and laughs. "They arrived earlier than us. There's nothing to worry about Mina-yah. I think someone is waiting for you" She winks. Mina opens her mouth to ask but interrupted by a notification. Momo receives another messages from their parents asking about the blueprint file. She sighs and taps the younger's shoulder "Then, I'll leave you here. Good luck" Momo smiles then averts her eyes to the house, she waves and walks away.
Not even giving Mina the opportunity to speak, she drives off after mouthing 'Fighting'. Mina turns around and looks at the house, she can't think of why; her heart is pounding, mind empty. Though her feet telling her not to move, she started towards the main door and again it's already opened.
Without thinking much, she enters.
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At the same time, Tzuyu is waiting at the arrivals gate at the international terminal. He waits at the gate for almost two hours. Finally his target come through the doors having arrived on his flight from the United States accompanied by other two men, one is the secretary but the English guy is a new face to Tzuyu whom he had assumed is the Finance Director based on his suitcase and the familiar silver rose brooch pin clasp near his collar---the symbolic of Son's company and only the board of directors can have it.
Tzuyu averts his eyes to the man in the middle. He doesn't see him straight away but observes him from the distance--that man looks devastated, growing beard, dark circles under his eyes, dull face but nonetheless as if Tzuyu is a sun, his face lightens when their eyes meet.
"Chaeyoung Hyung" Tzuyu mutters as he hugs his brother. He laughs at Chaeyoung's state good thing the cub is wearing a clean combo of white suit and cream beige crew-neck sweater cuz if he's not, people probably thought of him as a homeless person. He asks the older if he's tired. Chaeyoung said, of course, because last night he could not sleep from nervousness. Tzuyu laughs knowing what is it about.
"So, I've called Momo noona for help and they are probably on the way. About the surprise event, are you sure you want to do it now? What's a proposal without a ring though?" Tzuyu asks as they loaded the car with Chaeyoung's suitcase. They'd parted their way with the Secretary and the Finance Director leaving only them.
Chaeyoung goes into the passenger seat while Tzuyu starts the car. He smiles at the tall creature and glance at the eternity bands that perfectly fit on his fingers. Chaeyoung knows Mina don't wear much jewellery, he thought she'll be happier without an engagement ring. "I've given Mina a promise ring before, I hope the next will be a wedding ring. Mina like simplicity, I don't think planning a huge event or giving an engagement ring are matter to her. What matter is, the meaning of proposing, a mutual promise of later marriage"
Tzuyu nods, chuckling as he steals a glance to his side then eyes back to the road "What's with the corny white suit hahaha. Hyung, you really are something else. You just come back after a month and now you want to propose. Since when did you even plan all this?"
"Do you expect me to propose with a simple shirt? I've planned it since a week before" Chaeyoung ponders. He laughs while scratching the back of his neck "I've searched for a professional marriage proposal planner and imaging company and I found one. They help me decorate the house. Last two days, the team called me and said that the preparation is ready so I book a ticket to Korea and finished my work as soon as possible."
"Unbelievable." Tzuyu shakes his head in disbelief though Chaeyoung takes the statement as a compliment that he tries hard to make the event success despite his lack of time "How about the company, is it solved?" Tzuyu asks, only remembered the issues.
"Yeah, thanks to dad and Mr Clifton but still it's quite a torture. Thank God it ended" Chaeyoung sigh. He faces the window car, watching the night that's lit by the neon lights of the clubs, bars, and mall shinning on the rain-kissed sidewalks. Finally the day he has dreading is here and he can't halt the clock from ticking so he can prepare himself. All the reasons not to do this come flooding in, that maybe it's too early but he wanted this, to be Mina's guardian and the father of their child officially.
A small sigh of anxiety leaps out of his mouth when he thought about Mina. The girl hasn't yet confronted him about her feelings, true that they'd kissed but it could be meant as simple as nothing. He wanted confirmation. His eyes flicker to the buildings that just minutes ago had been a hum of excitement and exhilaration for the surprise event but now it seemed to wither when he thinks about her answer to his proposal--the possibility for him to receive a 'No'.
"I hope she'll accept," Chaeyoung says in a hushed tone that barely heard by the younger. Tzuyu releases his left-hand grip on the steering and taps Chaeyoung's shoulder, assuring him. The ride then goes silent. Chaeyoung try to breathe real slow when he glances to the GPS showing that there is only a few kilometres away from the destination.
Tzuyu turns his attention to his phone that attached to the car mount and searches for Momo's number. He presses the call button and waits as the ringing sound fills the car.
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Momo is driving home when her phone buzz for the nth time. Annoyed, she thought it's her parents with their impatient personality but it's actually Tzuyu. She smiles proudly and accepts the call "Oh, Tzuyu-yah. I thought you guys will take some time, are you speeding? I'll report you to Sana" She jokes, eyes on the road.
[Huh? What do you mean noona?]
"I'm too excited, I lost track of time and wake Mina up earlier than we'd plan. But you guys are there before us. Did Chaeyoung changes his flight schedule?"
[What are you talking about noona? I just fetch Hyung from the airport. We're on our way to the house, maybe another fifteen minutes. Can you keep Mina noona busy for a while----?]
It's a brutal realization, one that leaves Momo shocked and also guiltier than ever as fear takes over her.
She harshly pulls her earbuds after listening to Tzuyu, automatically ending the call. She could hear her pulse banging in her ears and there's sweat starting to form down her back. Tersely, she makes a sharp U-turn, going back to the house.
"Then whose silhouette is that!?"
Her heart is racing, pounding hard against her chest as the adrenalin flies over her veins. Momo could no longer listen to anything else as her car speeding down the street. She grabs her phone and press one that directly call Mina, putting it on her ear. Few rings, but no answers. She tries again and but no to avail, she only heard the same words by the operator.
The number you have called cannot be reached at this time.
"Shit!!" Momo curses as she hit the steering wheel and change the gear, builds up its speed.
* * * *
Without thinking much, she enters.
Mina closes her fingers around the dark cold metal handle and twist. The heavy-wooden door swings open. She's greeted by darkness. The lack of light bothered her as her imagination supplies many beasts with fantastical jaws to lurk beyond the range of her vision. The small light that sneaking from outside only allow her to recognize some gas balloons hang on the wall, small square object scattered on the floor that she had guess maybe a candle and some kind of thin rope hanging everywhere.
Suspicious, she's about to turn back as fear takes over her but her eyes caught the only shoes sitting in the shoe rack. It is a white sneaker with a silver line around the bottom, similar to one of Chaeyoung's favourite shoes. Like a light turning on in a dark room, her eyes lighten and she smiles. That fear replaced by pure joy as she happily goes inside.
"Chaeyoungie?" She calls out as she searches for the socket. Mina stops walking when she heard footsteps coming from the second floor. She can't wait to see him that she doesn't want to waste time looking for the outlet, therefore, she mounts the stairs slowly and carefully. As she reaches the second floor, she sees a black figure stand before her bedroom, closing the door.
"Chaeyoungie!" Mina jogs and hugs the person from behind, her hands wrap around the stranger's waist as she rests her cheeks against the person's back. "I miss yo---" Mina halt when she sees the stranger wearing a glove and his hand balled into a fist. It's then Mina realizes, that the one she's hugging has a smaller waist than Chaeyoung, thinner, and the smell of perfume that radiating from the person is completely different.
Mina slowly loosens her arms and takes a step backwards. "W-who are you?" She asks with a trembling voice that doesn't disguise the nervous and terrified state she has fallen. Mina takes another step backwards when the person moves, glancing at her before slowly turning around, face covered with a mask. The sudden shock making Mina tensed her muscles. Not be able to run nor scream as terror sucked the very breath from her mouth, she takes another two steps backwards.
"Don't move"
Deep voice.
A man. Mina completely stiffened. The man raises an arm, reaching for her as he comes closer and closer. Mina isn't going to trust a black eerie shadow and what it wants from her. Escaping, she takes another step backwards, but not to Mina knowledge that it will be the final. Her face darkens, mouth dropping and her hands come up, fingers curved into grasping claw as she loses her balance. Then she falls backwards and slides down the stairs.
The world rushes by in a blur and Mina know the pain is coming as her body hits every tread. It goes by fast, yet slow, almost suspended. Then impact. Mina could feel her bones move in a way they shouldn't jangle. She stays on the floor, lying. Blood trickled down from where the corner has split her skin open, gallons of life fluid tracing her thighs as the garish red flowed like a lazy river. She doesn't move--- torn, reddened, wheezing for breath. There's only one thing she's thinking at the moment. The baby.
Help.
Please help my baby.
Her hands wrap around her stomach since she falls. Mina knows her water had broke and she needs to do something but one by one she lose control of her limbs. Her mangled lips make things worst, and it seems as if someone has tied a string around her neck, she can't scream for help no matter how desperate she is.
Feeling hopeless, she choked up. Tears of pain sliding down her nose as she closed her eyes. Before she surrenders herself and slips into prolonging unconsciousness, words come floating inside her mind and she couldn't help but ask.
"Is this it sister?"
Our footstep may slip without the order of God. Beware
* * * *
"Ah!" Chaeyoung hisses as he unintentionally bites his thumb too hard it draws blood. Consumed by self-doubt, in fear of the surprise event and the outcome. He stares at the small drop of crimson red, having a sudden bad feeling as it slowly trails his finger. His ears perk up to the beeping sound that comes from Tzuyu's phone, catching his attention.
"What happened?" Chaeyoung asks worriedly, and gives Tzuyu a look. The younger mirrored his puzzled expression then call Momo again but the ringing sound at the starting followed by the busy tone that means the person is speaking to someone else or is trying to call someone at the same time he's calling.
"I'm not sure" Tzuyu mutters.
"Hurry. I don't like this feeling" Chaeyoung says under his breath. Tzuyu nods and presses the gas pedal to the floor. The black Ford Mustang picks up speed, quickly accelerating as it headed for Chaeyoung's house. Few minutes after, Tzuyu slows down as they are a mile away from the residence and soon the house comes into view. But it's not the home Chaeyoung had imagined.
He's welcomed by gushing neighbors surrounding his house--talking, whispering. His dream is shattered by a siren. From the street behind comes an ambulance, pale under the streetlamps, blue lights blazing in time with the jagged noise. Instantly, Chaeyoung unbuckles his seatbelt as Tzuyu pull off the car. His eyes widen to the sight, breathing heavily, he runs and even stumbles as his legs become stranger to gravity.
"Wh-what happened?" He grabs an old woman arm's--someone he knows and has seen a couple of time around the neighbourhood. The woman looks at him with sympathy as if he's the cursed boy meant to be ill-fated throughout his life.
Before the woman could answer him, their attention caught by two of the paramedics wheeling a stretcher into his house. The door is already ajar. A few minutes later, they returns with a body on the stretcher. Chaeyoung's whole world crumbling down, his grasp loosen as he drags his feet closer to the house then stops his step.
He stands still as he watches the life drain out of his loved one's eyes. He goes pale and limp. "No, no. It can't be" He convinces himself while shaking his head vigorously. A pair of strong hands pull him back, into the blinding light of the ambulance, still, he doesn't move.
"Hyung!! Get your shit together!" Tzuyu shouts, shaking Chaeyoung's shoulder. The lost cub let his body swayed by the younger and that yells that pierced his eardrum. "Look, Mina noona...she needs you." Tzuyu stares at his brother as their eyes meet. Through Chaeyoung's bloodshot, puffy, crying eyes, Tzuyu sure that his brother doesn't see him clearly and could only make out his blurred shape.
"Tzuyu-yah"
The younger smiles and tap Chaeyoung's arms. The scene is too familiar to them as the sibling lose their mother at the very same situation and it might be a harsh slap for Chaeyoung "Hey, she's going to be fine, she will. Now, you'll board the ambulance and I'll follow from behind." Tzuyu assures and pulls Chaeyoung to the busy paramedics.
"She's his fiance, please let him come along," Tzuyu says, gesturing to Chaeyoung while the cub is deadlock to the ground, staring at Mina's unmoving body. The paramedics nod and start to put the stretcher into the back of the ambulance.
Tzuyu lightly pushes Chaeyoung forward, and the cub glance at him before he rides the ambulance. Tzuyu witness the white and red van begins to move then run to his car and trail it down.
Chaeyoung sits not far away from Mina, it's like he is not himself as if he lost the feeling of feeling. Still desperately scrambling to make sense of it all leaving him rendered speechless. The van stinks slightly like sulfur and chemicals. It numbed his nose and chokes him. The drips and beds rattled as the van speed off to the nearest hospital rather than to the hospital Mina's admitted before.
Chaeyoung blankly stares at empty space, ignoring everything that's going inside the van. As he shifts his eyes, he catches a glimpse of Mina's hand that hangs loosely. He looks at it with an unblinking stare, watching the blood slowly dripping from her hands to the floor. He bites his lips, letting effortless tears falling down. He clutched into the hands of the girl as she lies on the stretcher unconscious, an oxygen mask over her mouth and nose. An IV in her arms and a pulse ox monitor clip to her forefinger.
By the time, the wailing ambulance pulls in front of the emergency entrance, Mina begins regaining consciousness. She scrunches her eyes at the bright light that's sipping through her closed eyelids. The death aches come crushing her but she focuses on the only man she recognizes slowly appearing behinds her blurred vision. She grips his hand tighter, calling for him.
"C-chaeyoungie.....our baby..please.."
Then a contraction rocked her body and her face crumple from the pain. The paramedics remove her gently from the vehicle and quickly wheel her into the hospital then to the maternity wards where they are greeted by a group of doctors and nurses. Chaeyoung follows them, running while their hands are still intertwined. Tzuyu is a step behind.
"Her blood pressure is continuously dropping." The doctor says as he measures her blood pressure with a small gauge attached to an inflatable cuff and uses a stethoscope to listen to the blood moving through the artery. "We need a massive blood transfusion and take her for C section, Quick! We might lose both" He orders as the nurses obey.
Hearing those, Mina weakly pulls Chaeyoung's hand's closer to her. The guy crouch, trying to listen through behind the oxygen mask. "Save..our child..Ch-Chaeyoungie. Please..save her before me..." It was her last sentence before her grip slowly loosens, letting her hands fall. Chaeyoung stands still, staring at his empty hands that were once occupied by the warmth of his love. Tzuyu stares at his brother before he jogs to the business office to sign the paperwork needed.
"I'm sorry, but you can't enter. Please wait" The nurse says as she stops Chaeyoung before the surgery room then leaves him alone. The guy wordlessly swings his feet to the long chair attached to the wall and sit. Every thought in his mind is silenced into denial and grief. He waits and waits while looking at the blood that has concentrated in the folds of his knuckles making the usually pale creases dark. The congealed red-brown fluid has become caught in the webbing of his fingers. His white suit that takes him an hour to decides for the proposal is now painted in brownish to violent red bright liquid.
A gorgeous gold eternity ring is revealed, wrapped around his finger. Its lone diamond lights up the dim room.
Soon the surgery room open, revealing a doctor with blue scrub. He walks closer to Chaeyoung while opening his mask. Chaeyoung uses the chair's arms for support to stand properly.
"I'm sorry" The man sigh.
"Its either give her the surgery first that may save her life, but you’re going to lose your daughter, or your daughter can be saved but you'll lose your wife."
"The mother is unconscious. Since you're the only guardian, we need your words" The doctor adds.
Chaeyoung loss the colour from his face. It is as if his heart has suddenly stopped beating and all the blood has run down into his boots. He sways for just a moment before the doctor catches him and lowers him to the chair. Chaeyoung let out a heavy lump of air, a heaviness, an unyielding sorrow.
"Save her........"
"The baby"
"Since we plead not guilty, the magistrate had given us the hearing date, a week from today, we need to present evidence that shows you are not guilty or that you have a defence. But from your explanation, we're in disadvantages." Mr Clifton started, studying the file on his hand. "The manager went missing along with the expenses logs and worst the company's records system are being hacked. There's no evidence left" He adds, sighing as he takes his glasses off and put the case file back to the table.
"Is there really nothing we can do about it?" Chaeyoung asks, furiously staring the attorney.
"We can try using the account statement, though it's a lot of work to do it might help" The man explains, then leaning forward as he elaborates his answers to the clueless Chaeyoung. Chaeyoung sometimes nods as the words registering inside his mind, mentally taking notes of things he needs to do in order to gain valid evidence to win the court.
It's seven o'clock in the evening when they finally finish the discussion along with the board of directors in the meeting room. Chaeyoung expresses his gratitude to the directors who are willing to help and understand his circumstances. The guy decides to focus on the tax issues and promises to pay a refund over the missing foreign profits.
As he enters his office, Chaeyoung takes off his blazer and hang it on the coat rank before he slumps into the couch. Bleary-eyed and unshaven, he slowly massages his temple in an attempt to clear his minds and stop himself from falling asleep, though his energy is being constantly drained out of him. Weary with the burden of long-closed eyes, the guy glances to his phone and slowly takes it. He stares at the wallpaper, Mina's picture as the display.
The ache of longing to be with her echoed through the very marrow of his bones. He never knows that missing someone could take over every fibre of your being and wring you out like a wet sponge every day. It is a torment he's unprepared for.
Chaeyoung wonders what she's doing at the moment. Does she eat well? Is she living with her parents? How about their baby. Is their baby okay? Those unanswered questions can easily be solved only if he has the guts to personally calls Mina. But he doesn't nor he receive any rings from the brunette. He purposely stops himself as he knows better, that the time he listens to her voice, he'll instantly run to her, hug her, kiss her and tell her how much he misses her. Not any of them can be done unless the mess resolved, therefore he works days and night to solve the matter as soon as possible.
Three weeks.
It's been three weeks after their separation. During those times, Chaeyoung spent hours and hours working and although his body begs for rest, he can't. He must work. Or he'll toss and turning and stressing over it through the night. But, today is an exception, probably because of a new way of solving the tax issue or maybe because of the tiredness has reached its limit---coming in both physically and mentally---he has the urge to sleep. Slowly, the guy positions himself lying on his back with both hands gripping the phone, placing it on his chest.
Hug time.
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Early in the morning, Chaeyoung drives to the nearest cafe, which is more of an English tea shop. The tiny little shop huddled despondent among the huge city buildings. Washed out under the overcast sky, it hunchs in itself, fighting against the drizzle. They serve the tea in real white china pots at round tables that mostly just seated two people. He sits in the corner of the room and orders a cream tea while waiting for his friend who's an accountant manager.
"Running late this morning? Wendy ah" Chaeyoung jokes as he watches his friend jogging towards him with apologetic smiles. The girl has chestnut brown hair with blonde highlights falling down her shoulder wearing a simple white blouse and black leggings.
"Sorry, got stuck in traffic. That maniac chef keeps arguing that he can't come. You rarely visit here, is his restaurant much more important than friends? Arrogant kid" Wendy complaint while sitting across of Chaeyoung.
"Hahaha, don't blame him. I do understand. Just send my regards to him" Chaeyoung laughs as they proceed to have their breakfast while catching up with one another. Chaeyoung clears his throat when he suddenly feels uneasy, alert. He quietly glances around, searching for the eyes he's sure watching him.
"Anything wrong?" Wendy follows his gaze and looks around. Chaeyoung breaks an awkward laugh and brushes it off, saying he just being weird. They stay until lunch talking about random things but mostly business matter. Wendy then bid her goodbye while Chaeyoung stays for another cup of tea, examining the passerby. His eyes then caught a familiar figure sitting in front of his table, only her back view is seen. He shrugs it off and stands, deciding to go back to his office.
As he passes the girl's table, she suddenly stands and swings around with a hot coffee in hand. They both bump accidentally, he hisses in pain as the streaming coffee spilt over his white long sleeves polo but his attention diverts to the girl when he sees her wrist burning to a blister. "Oh God! Are you okay?" Chaeyoung says panicky. He takes out his handkerchief and gently wipes the extra coffee stain on her hands. "You need it to run cool Miss---?" He looks up.
"Irene-sii?"
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"I never expect to meet you here. What brings you to America?" Chaeyoung asks enthusiastically, happy to meet the girl again. They are having lunch together, sitting across each other.
"My mother will be operated here" Irene explains. She takes a sip of her lemonade and glances to the table behind them where it is occupied by a single man, dressing in black, his cap covering half of his face and is holding a DSLR camera. She shifts her gaze to Chaeyoung as she put her glass down. Smiling, she returns the question "What about you?"
"Just...some business problem. Long story" Chaeyoung answers, chuckling.
"It's okay. Even if you explain. I wouldn't understand a thing" They both laugh from Irene's statement. Like an old friend who unexpectedly crosses path, they talk and share thing, listening intently to one another's story.
"About your mother...." A hint of hesitation is visibly heard in Chaeyoung's tone. He's quite unsure whether the topic is rather sensitive to the girl but he cannot deny his curiosity and worries. "...What happened?" Since Irene has never said anything regarding her background, Chaeyoung afraid that he's being ill-mannered. "You don't have to answer me if you don't want----"
"Hepatocellular carcinoma. Liver cancer. Third stage" Irene smiles and subtly shakes her head "But there's nothing to be concerned about, she'll be cured and stay healthy"
"She will." Chaeyoung assures, tapping her hand that placed on the table "Call me if you need anything, and I mean it. Day or night. Never too busy for a friend" He receives a small nod from the girl. Not wanting to linger around the topic anymore, Chaeyoung changes the subject into something else.
"You know, you've promised me." Irene started. Chaeyoung raises his eyebrow, confused.
"Dinner. Back when the convenience store was robbed, I invited you for dinner but you said 'next time'" Irene squint her eyes, playfully glaring at him.
"Oh yeah, haha I forgot. You can set the date and messages me. Since it's your first time in America, I'll bring you to some great places" Chaeyoung suggest. As they finish eating, they stroll down the street, walking leisurely next to each other.
"If you allow me, I want to pay a visit to your mother" He looks at her, pleading with his eyes. The girl chuckles and nods, finding another positive value of him which is--adorable.
Just then, Chaeyoung's phone buzz in his pocket. They stop walking as he answers the call. It's from Mr Clifton seeking for him. Hearing their conversation, Irene learns that the guy seems busy explaining the reason for his short stubble beard.
"I'm sorry, something comes up. I have to go back to the office. Do you want me to send you home?" He gives a faint smile and offers a ride but the girl refuses, waving both her hands.
"I need to go somewhere too. And I don't want to monopolize your time."
"You're not," Chaeyoung says firmly. He takes off his coat and put it on her. "You should wear something thicker. Winter is coming." He advises which gain a thankful smile from the girl."Call me if you need anything. Then, I'll see you around"
Irene nods and waves as she watches him entering a car, then disappear from her sight. She lifts her right hand that is burned from the earlier accident. A sky blue handkerchief wraps around it with an initial letter embroidered at the bottom of the handkerchief--- C.Y. Irene smiles softly and sinks herself deeper into the quite-big cream coat, smelling his fruity scent.
Her smiles fade away and her eyes darken a shade when she heard footsteps nearing. She turns around and stares at the guy approaching wearing all black. "You must be the photographer that he sent. You don't have to follow me when Chaeyoung isn't with me" She walks away, just by thinking of it, brings gasoline in her guts. She's in the dark path, point of no return but only this time, she chooses herself than other's happiness although she knows she'll never forgive herself.
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Chaeyoung, as usual sleep in his office, as he thought it will save him more time then going back and forth from the hotel. After night shifts and only a few hours sleep in the day, he thinks he'll be out before his head hits the pillow but somehow it's all backward. After an hour without his thoughts drifting into that welcome free-fall, he was reaching for the pills. Skip meal as he's sometimes too preoccupied in his work. He forgot.
He's lying on the couch in a leaden, death-like slumber that, for the moment at least, is not even perturbed by the presence of Irene knocking countless time before she barges in, worried if something bad happens.
The girl sighs and walks closer, placing the packed food on the table before she squats in front of the sleeping Chaeyoung. She smiles sweetly and pokes his cheeks, way to wake him up. And her small effort is not in vain when Chaeyoung unconsciously caught her wrist and holds her hand, hugging it as he keeps mumbling with eye closed.
"Hmm, Mina?"
Irene's once sparkle eyes grow dim with disappointment. She's not sure whether she's disappointed at herself for expecting something or disappointed at him. Irene pulls her hand from his grip and stands. She makes a beeline to the huge frameless glass wall and draws the curtains, letting the sunshine in as well as providing the man in black across the building to see through the office.
She turns around when she heard a small groan. Smiling as she sits across the cub and unpacked the homemade meals she cooked for him.
When his vision become clearer, Chaeyoung raises an eyebrow, confused and shocked. "How.....why are you here Irene sii. I mean, so sudden" He sits properly, massaging his temple along the way.
"I massage you and call you beforehand but you don't even answer. Good thing I manage to convince your secretary that I'm your friend and he let me in" Irene put the utensil in his hand when she finishes preparing all the foods. "And, I bring breakfast cuz I know you like to skip meals when you're busy"
"Ahh, " Chaeyoung awkwardly scratch the non-existent itchy on his nape then diverts his eyes to the piles of tedious paperwork scattered on the brown carpeted floor. He's sure that his phone must be drowned underneath that sea of paperwork, explaining why he doesn't hear her calls. "Sorry. Anyway, thank you for breakfast. And hahaha you're right, I sometimes forget to eat"
That day, Irene stay in his office landing a helping hand in anywhere she could besides keeping him company. And afterwards, she has been in his office all week, since the day she had come bringing breakfast, then it's ongoing for every single day.
On the tenth day, Irene wanted every other lunchtime they would go for a walk, strolling through the Central Park to spend some quality time, free from the paperwork. Chaeyoung complies, agreeing that it's good to spend time together out of the office. He is thankful for Irene's help and to repay her kindness, every day he'll steal a few hours and brings the girl into some places in New York City such as the art gallery, Museum or at least take her out for shopping.
Along the way, Chaeyoung has never forgotten about the love of his life thousands of miles away from him. He'll take a picture whenever he goes to present it to Mina later as well as buying her endless souvenirs.
Knowing how Chaeyoung actively engages in his work, Irene pushes aside the thought to ask him to take one day holiday and claim his promise. But the guy isn't that numb and oblivious. He has surprised Irene by inviting her out for dinner together.
The restaurant owned by Chaeyoung's friend, giving him the privilege of having the best table without booking two months earlier which is the rules of the restaurant that Chaeyoung easily breaks. It's the
kind of place you get a table on impulse, large mullioned windows, long embroidered curtains, dark walnut tables, flagstone tile floor, tea served from silver trays in white teapots. Very English. As what Irene is thinking.
Chaeyoung orders Mushroom soup, bitter greens with tomatoes the size of peas, rare roast beef slices as thin as paper and drinks. He closes the Menu and gives it to the waiter. The servers, all young people dressed in white tunics move wordlessly to and from the table, keeping the platters a glasses full.
"I've rung my friend, and he said he couldn't come because he has a shooting today. He's one of the judges for a cooking competition show" Chaeyoung says as he reads a new message on his phone.
Irene nods and slightly relieved. Though she wanted to meet the chef, she doesn't want her time with Chaeyoung interrupted by the third person. "When the convenience store was robbed, you offered me a cooking job under your friend. Is it him, the celebrity chef?" She asks.
"Yeah."
Irene hums "I heard he is a strict, rude, scary person" She whispers in fear that the workers overheard her.
Chaeyoung chuckles hearing that untrue viewpoint. It has been going on for some time. "That's not true at all. He just being too honest and don't really like new people. He might look intimidating and superior but he is a childish kid and clueless nature that enjoys eating and a super good artist. For a stranger, he does appear menacing. But once you truly know him, it's the exact opposite"
"You can learn a lot of things if you work under his supervision. Definitely, you have to handle his impoliteness and abrasive personality. But if you can break those walls and gain his trust, he's not like what he seems"
Irene subtly nods. She admires the chef and hearing how Chaeyoung describes him, the desire to be the chef's junior and receiving his acknowledgement in the field become higher.
Shortly afterwards, their food arrives and they eat slowly, exchanging conversation once in a while. "I'll return to Korea tomorrow night, cannot leave my little brother too long. He must be lonely" Irene says.
Chaeyoung put down his utensils and stare at her "Tomorrow? That's so quick" He sighs. "I don't know you have a little brother. How old is he?"
"7 years old." A faint smile crosses across her face.
"With whom he lives at the moment?" Chaeyoung asks, wondering though he feels like a meddler. He wants to get to know her deeper and as long as she willing to tell him, then he guesses it's not a problem "Why don't you bring him along?" He added.
"He........" Irene trails off, she avoids his eyes contemplating whether to tell him how hopeless and miserable her life is."He's a special kid. He hates a new place, it makes him furious and uncomfortable except a park. The only place he feels comfortable. I'm always worried because he love to walks alone at night. Now, he is taken care by my old friend for awhile. I'm always worried because he love to escape from home and roaming around alone at night. Although he'll come back after few minutes, it's still very dangerous" She force a smile and continues eating, lowering her head.
Her eyes tell him where the emotions lie. It's a sad, painful smile. Chaeyoung keeps his mouth shut. Based on her reactions, she doesn't seem to feel comfortable and he blames himself for not being thoughtful. "I haven't even met your mother yet. I'll send you to the airport then. Please allow me to do that."
Irene raises his chin, again smiling at him but this time her eyes sparkling with pure happiness. Chaeyoung smiles, he truly hopes that those bright stars in her eyes will never fade away, it fits her better than those dull and shallow eyes. He wouldn't even mind being the only candle to lit her life but at the same time, burning himself.
If there's anything he could help, then he'll not hesitate to provide the girl's needs. They had known each other for almost a year, and become a close friend. He can see how hardworking and independent she is to support her family. He cannot deny, that the girl is one of those people he really respects, therefore, no matter how close they are he doesn't want to drop the honorifics.
After they have finished eating, the servers tell them that it's in the house. Hearing those, Chaeyoung chuckles "Tell the chef, he knows I won't let that happen." Although they refuse his money, he insists on paying and gives the server tip. "Ahh, and one more thing, I still remember his promises to open a branch in Korea and moved there. He better fulfil it" Chaeyoung says with a playful demanding tone.
Chaeyoung and Irene decide to take a night walk since the hotel she's staying isn't too far from the restaurant. The blinding city lights gradually subsided ever so subtly, whose bright lights are still visible on the horizon but more stars are visible than anywhere else decorating the heavens above like gems that shine in the glare of electricity.
"Oh, here. Your coat that you borrowed me. I always forgot to give it back." Irene says, handing him a paperback containing a brown clean coat. Chaeyoung takes the cloth out and unfolds it. He smiles and shakes his head as he wraps it around her, again.
"You can keep it. You're not even wearing any today." He buttons it up making sure the coat perfectly shield her from the faint cold breeze. For a moment, she's folded into it "Even Queen Elsa can catch a cold what more a normal people like us. Don't let Jack Frost nip your nose" He chuckle, lightly touch the tip of her nose.
Irene wordlessly glared at him.
"You should assign for Cyclops character you know....haha...." He keeps with her tease but stops laughing when the girl hasn't moved a single muscle. Clearing his throat, he sighs in defeat "Kay sorry" In fear of the older, he gives a cheeky smile that instantly causes Irene to suppress her smiles but fail at the end. He laughs on his small victory.
From then on, their conversation is mainly focused on superheroes character and animation where most of the time, Chaeyoung only state the one that he knows from Mina's movie suggestion, or more like Mina forcing him to watch the movie together. They talk until they arrive near the entrance gate.
"Then, I'll see you tomorrow I guess," Chaeyoung says receiving a nod as a reply. He smiles and waves his hand as he walks backwards and about to turn around, but Irene tugs his coat, stopping him. "Hmm? Do you nee----"
Irene suddenly grabs his arms, tiptoeing as she leans closer then kiss below his lips. From her view, she stares at the man in black hiding about eight feet apart from them, standing behind Chaeyoung. She did what she was told, to kiss him but Irene can't bear herself to be so pity and shameless therefore she makes a way for the photo taken resembling them kissing lips to lips when it's not.
Chaeyoung on the other hand quickly pulls away while gently push her by the shoulder. "I-Irene sii??" He stutters, still shocked by his actions.
Irene smiles sincerely "You do know I have feelings for you right?" He doesn't answer and only looks at her in confusion "Thank you for everything. For being kind to me." She bows. "Someone will fetch us tomorrow and accompany us to the airport. You don't have to come. Besides, I don't think I can face you again after what I did" She says truthfully. "I'm too embarrassed I guess haha" She laughs but it doesn't stay long before her lips turn into a tight smile. She brings her eyes on him and they stare at each other for sometime before she left.
Chaeyoung watches her figure getting farther before she disappears. Her last expression where their eyes met, stay inside his mind. It seems very much familiar. That kind of smile. He is sure that he had the same expression whenever he is with Mina. A facade you made to covers up how much in pain you are. He, out of all people knows how it is to love someone who doesn't love you back. He had been there for quite some time, suffering from the so-called one-sided love. And because of that, he does not know what to feel about Irene's feelings. He understands. Chaeyoung only hopes that she could find someone, someone much better than him, someone that can give him the happiness she deserves and feel loved.
That's all he wishes for.
* * * *
|Part II|
"Stop staring at your phone, call him. What's so hard?" Momo asks in frustration before shoving a handful of cheese crackers inside her mouth. Sana is making a tea in the kitchen, staring at them before she sits and put the tray on the table. She takes a sip of her drink while waiting for the youngest response, but most importantly she glares at Momo because of her annoying loud munching noise.
"Close your mouth when chewing or I'll sew it closed," Sana warns in a low voice. Momo swallows hard and raises both her hand, surrendering. But before Sana could say anything more, the girl quickly stuffs her mouth with the snacks and face Sana, she intentionally munches it with mouth open wide causing some falls from her mouth. Sana harshly pushes Momo's face and kick her back causing the eating maniac to fall from the couch. Momo quickly regains herself and stand, sticking her tongue before she runs away.
"I can't believe you guys are my sis---Sana Unnie?" Mina confusedly watches the older takeoff her slipper and like a throwing daggers master, the slipper hit Momo's head perfectly.
"I'll tell mom!!" Momo shouts rubbing her head.
"Go ahead! Like I do care." Sana replies then turn to Mina who looks so done with the situation. "Tell me, are you on her side or my side?" She asks full with seriousness. Mina stifles a laugh, finding the scene hilarious. A soft smile crept on Sana's feature, it's been a long time they haven't seen her laugh like that. The moment Chaeyoung leave the country, she's being gloomy all the time as if an invisible rain cloud was following her around. Hearing those sweet laugh, Momo smiles from behind her room before ordering pizza.
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"So, I guess you and Chaeyoung made an agreement not to call each other hmm?" Sana pours Mina the tea then slide the cup closer to her. She waits for an answer while Mina keeps staring at the ring on her finger. The small diamonds on it reflecting her sadden face.
"He once told me that, hearing my voice will make him miss me more. I purposely avoid calling him, because I know he wouldn't answer. The longing grows almost too painful but it will be the reason for our remarkable meeting, till then I'll wait for him" Mina smiles, gently rubs the promise ring Chaeyoung gave her.
Sana nods, understanding "That's romantic" Her brows then furrows as she playfully glares at the younger "And since when you become this poetic, did Chaeyoung influence you?" She jokes.
"The pizza man is here, better set the movie" Momo suddenly appear out of nowhere wrapping inside her Winnie the Pooh jacket while running towards the main door. Mr and Mrs Myoui have to urgently leave the town for some business matter, leaving the three at home, basically, they are relying on Mina. Though she is eight months pregnant, she is the most mature and rational among the three. If Mina is not in the house, no one could imagine what kind of disaster Sana and Momo could bring.
To spend the day, the three decides to watch movies. The clock pointing at seven sharp after dinner. The trio prepares some beverage and nestles in their usual perspective single couch, cosy with a blanket on each of them. They are entranced in a sea of stray popcorn, each balanced their plate on their laps as their eyes transfixed on the television. Mina is the only one with juice as her drink and salad on her plate while the others are junk food.
Momo pick the first movie their stumble with that has an interesting title; Rabbit Hole. She predicts it will be a fantasy kind of movie with a slight adventure but she's proven wrong. It's an English movie, therefore they put subtitles on. Mina isn't in favour with the story, she doesn't even pay attention after it has shown its conflict.
"I'm going to bed" Mina stop watching midway and swing her feet to her room. Sana wanted to help her to walks but the younger refused. Swamped with negative emotion, Mina lay down on the bed and tuck herself inside the blanket. An effort to tell herself to sleep, hoping that when she wakes up the sunshine will lighten her bottomless pit of anxiety.
All around the walls are pictures of her in school life and her family. Chaeyoung is there too, grinning like an idiot as he hugs his basketball trophy. She closes her eyes, letting her mind filled with his voice. She can hear him teasing her like he's just feet away; mind fills with his witty retorts whenever they argue, his gentle touch, his deep husky voice, his poetic words, his awful humour, his dimple........him.
She misses him so bad.
Mina clutches her stomach, softly rubbing her bump. "Do you miss papa bean?" She whispers. When she feels the tiny kick, it instantly brings a wide smile on her feature. "Mama miss him too. Let's wait for a little longer kay." Her calendar that sits on the bedside table marked with multiple crosses in each square as she counts how many days since he left, and it showed four weeks have passed. She wants to call him softly to see if he can step out of the dusty frame, but she isn't a sorcerer who has magic power. Mina sigh and wears a pair of socks before lying back down. Her thoughts finally became disorganized enough to release her mind into sleep.
"Is she okay? Should we go inside?" Momo questions and glance at Sana. Sana shakes her head, disapproving. She knows Mina wanted to be alone and even if they ask the younger whether she faces any problem, Mina will keep it to herself and will tell them if it's needed. She looks up to the stairs and sighs.
"Let her be," Sana says.
Another week pass by,
"Mina, Mina! Wake up!" Momo shakes her sister gently by the shoulder. Mina whine as she pushes herself to sit, still with eye closed, she leans against the headboard and sigh."What? What happen?" She mumbles while rubbing her eyes brushing off the leftover sleep.
"You have to get up and get ready to go! We're going to your house. Hurry!" Momo jumps to the younger's walk-in closet and grabs the simplest but classy nursing gown. She excitedly hops around and takes a comb, gesturing Mina to change.
Mina who's still not quite awake cluelessly follow though she still can't wrap up on what is happening. "Where are we going?" She asks through yawns. Momo just laughs and comb her hair into a messy bun. Momo then accompanies Mina dismount the stairs, helping her to walk. "Why are we in a rush? Where's Sana Unnie?"
Momo kneels and helps Mina to wear her sandal then drag her out of the house. They enter Momo's white Lexus Es "Sana have a group meeting with her professor bout' their assignment," Momo says as she turns on the ignition. As soon as Mina settle down on the passenger seat, she drives off after confirming that they have buckle up. Mina keeps asking why are they suddenly going to her house in the middle of the night, but Momo doesn't answer her questions and just smile. Defeated, Mina stops asking and face the window, sooner or later she'll find out the reason.
On the way, Momo's phone ring, indicating a call and it's from their parents. She wears the Bluetooth earbuds and presses the call control button. "Eh? Now?" Momo nods reluctantly to her mother's order, they talk about Mina's health before she ends the call. "Mom said she needs the blueprint file in dad's drawer and ask if we could send it now" Momo glance at Mina and sigh. "But I guess that will be fine. I'm just going to drop you in your house and will be back after I send the file alright?" Mina bobs her head and decides to take a quick nap.
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"Pengu, we're here" Momo park her car in front of the main door gate. She slightly pinches Mina's nose, waking her up. The younger's lids that are drooping and leaden with sleep snap open before she shoots bullets with her glare. The tall metal street lamps cast an artificial glow onto the streets below, flickering in its attempt to light up the whole street.
Mina gets out of the car and tilts her head towards the sky. The night brings unrelenting darkness burying them beneath a starless sky. The air has thickened, the temperature drops and nowhere is there a comforting sound and the coolness gives her the early winter chill. Mina rubs her hands against her arms, her strands of hair is flying in the wind. She feels sickened.
Mina walks closer to the main door gate while Momo is standing beside her. She's about to enter the passcode when she realizes that the door is slightly open. Mina looks at her sister, confused and terrified that someone might break into the house. To clear her suspicions, she walks inside slowly and carefully. Mina's eyes widen when she sees a silhouette walking past the balcony, wandering inside her room.
For a moment, Momo wanted to call for the security but she stops halfway and laughs. "They arrived earlier than us. There's nothing to worry about Mina-yah. I think someone is waiting for you" She winks. Mina opens her mouth to ask but interrupted by a notification. Momo receives another messages from their parents asking about the blueprint file. She sighs and taps the younger's shoulder "Then, I'll leave you here. Good luck" Momo smiles then averts her eyes to the house, she waves and walks away.
Not even giving Mina the opportunity to speak, she drives off after mouthing 'Fighting'. Mina turns around and looks at the house, she can't think of why; her heart is pounding, mind empty. Though her feet telling her not to move, she started towards the main door and again it's already opened.
Without thinking much, she enters.
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At the same time, Tzuyu is waiting at the arrivals gate at the international terminal. He waits at the gate for almost two hours. Finally his target come through the doors having arrived on his flight from the United States accompanied by other two men, one is the secretary but the English guy is a new face to Tzuyu whom he had assumed is the Finance Director based on his suitcase and the familiar silver rose brooch pin clasp near his collar---the symbolic of Son's company and only the board of directors can have it.
Tzuyu averts his eyes to the man in the middle. He doesn't see him straight away but observes him from the distance--that man looks devastated, growing beard, dark circles under his eyes, dull face but nonetheless as if Tzuyu is a sun, his face lightens when their eyes meet.
"Chaeyoung Hyung" Tzuyu mutters as he hugs his brother. He laughs at Chaeyoung's state good thing the cub is wearing a clean combo of white suit and cream beige crew-neck sweater cuz if he's not, people probably thought of him as a homeless person. He asks the older if he's tired. Chaeyoung said, of course, because last night he could not sleep from nervousness. Tzuyu laughs knowing what is it about.
"So, I've called Momo noona for help and they are probably on the way. About the surprise event, are you sure you want to do it now? What's a proposal without a ring though?" Tzuyu asks as they loaded the car with Chaeyoung's suitcase. They'd parted their way with the Secretary and the Finance Director leaving only them.
Chaeyoung goes into the passenger seat while Tzuyu starts the car. He smiles at the tall creature and glance at the eternity bands that perfectly fit on his fingers. Chaeyoung knows Mina don't wear much jewellery, he thought she'll be happier without an engagement ring. "I've given Mina a promise ring before, I hope the next will be a wedding ring. Mina like simplicity, I don't think planning a huge event or giving an engagement ring are matter to her. What matter is, the meaning of proposing, a mutual promise of later marriage"
Tzuyu nods, chuckling as he steals a glance to his side then eyes back to the road "What's with the corny white suit hahaha. Hyung, you really are something else. You just come back after a month and now you want to propose. Since when did you even plan all this?"
"Do you expect me to propose with a simple shirt? I've planned it since a week before" Chaeyoung ponders. He laughs while scratching the back of his neck "I've searched for a professional marriage proposal planner and imaging company and I found one. They help me decorate the house. Last two days, the team called me and said that the preparation is ready so I book a ticket to Korea and finished my work as soon as possible."
"Unbelievable." Tzuyu shakes his head in disbelief though Chaeyoung takes the statement as a compliment that he tries hard to make the event success despite his lack of time "How about the company, is it solved?" Tzuyu asks, only remembered the issues.
"Yeah, thanks to dad and Mr Clifton but still it's quite a torture. Thank God it ended" Chaeyoung sigh. He faces the window car, watching the night that's lit by the neon lights of the clubs, bars, and mall shinning on the rain-kissed sidewalks. Finally the day he has dreading is here and he can't halt the clock from ticking so he can prepare himself. All the reasons not to do this come flooding in, that maybe it's too early but he wanted this, to be Mina's guardian and the father of their child officially.
A small sigh of anxiety leaps out of his mouth when he thought about Mina. The girl hasn't yet confronted him about her feelings, true that they'd kissed but it could be meant as simple as nothing. He wanted confirmation. His eyes flicker to the buildings that just minutes ago had been a hum of excitement and exhilaration for the surprise event but now it seemed to wither when he thinks about her answer to his proposal--the possibility for him to receive a 'No'.
"I hope she'll accept," Chaeyoung says in a hushed tone that barely heard by the younger. Tzuyu releases his left-hand grip on the steering and taps Chaeyoung's shoulder, assuring him. The ride then goes silent. Chaeyoung try to breathe real slow when he glances to the GPS showing that there is only a few kilometres away from the destination.
Tzuyu turns his attention to his phone that attached to the car mount and searches for Momo's number. He presses the call button and waits as the ringing sound fills the car.
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Momo is driving home when her phone buzz for the nth time. Annoyed, she thought it's her parents with their impatient personality but it's actually Tzuyu. She smiles proudly and accepts the call "Oh, Tzuyu-yah. I thought you guys will take some time, are you speeding? I'll report you to Sana" She jokes, eyes on the road.
[Huh? What do you mean noona?]
"I'm too excited, I lost track of time and wake Mina up earlier than we'd plan. But you guys are there before us. Did Chaeyoung changes his flight schedule?"
[What are you talking about noona? I just fetch Hyung from the airport. We're on our way to the house, maybe another fifteen minutes. Can you keep Mina noona busy for a while----?]
It's a brutal realization, one that leaves Momo shocked and also guiltier than ever as fear takes over her.
She harshly pulls her earbuds after listening to Tzuyu, automatically ending the call. She could hear her pulse banging in her ears and there's sweat starting to form down her back. Tersely, she makes a sharp U-turn, going back to the house.
"Then whose silhouette is that!?"
Her heart is racing, pounding hard against her chest as the adrenalin flies over her veins. Momo could no longer listen to anything else as her car speeding down the street. She grabs her phone and press one that directly call Mina, putting it on her ear. Few rings, but no answers. She tries again and but no to avail, she only heard the same words by the operator.
The number you have called cannot be reached at this time.
"Shit!!" Momo curses as she hit the steering wheel and change the gear, builds up its speed.
* * * *
Without thinking much, she enters.
Mina closes her fingers around the dark cold metal handle and twist. The heavy-wooden door swings open. She's greeted by darkness. The lack of light bothered her as her imagination supplies many beasts with fantastical jaws to lurk beyond the range of her vision. The small light that sneaking from outside only allow her to recognize some gas balloons hang on the wall, small square object scattered on the floor that she had guess maybe a candle and some kind of thin rope hanging everywhere.
Suspicious, she's about to turn back as fear takes over her but her eyes caught the only shoes sitting in the shoe rack. It is a white sneaker with a silver line around the bottom, similar to one of Chaeyoung's favourite shoes. Like a light turning on in a dark room, her eyes lighten and she smiles. That fear replaced by pure joy as she happily goes inside.
"Chaeyoungie?" She calls out as she searches for the socket. Mina stops walking when she heard footsteps coming from the second floor. She can't wait to see him that she doesn't want to waste time looking for the outlet, therefore, she mounts the stairs slowly and carefully. As she reaches the second floor, she sees a black figure stand before her bedroom, closing the door.
"Chaeyoungie!" Mina jogs and hugs the person from behind, her hands wrap around the stranger's waist as she rests her cheeks against the person's back. "I miss yo---" Mina halt when she sees the stranger wearing a glove and his hand balled into a fist. It's then Mina realizes, that the one she's hugging has a smaller waist than Chaeyoung, thinner, and the smell of perfume that radiating from the person is completely different.
Mina slowly loosens her arms and takes a step backwards. "W-who are you?" She asks with a trembling voice that doesn't disguise the nervous and terrified state she has fallen. Mina takes another step backwards when the person moves, glancing at her before slowly turning around, face covered with a mask. The sudden shock making Mina tensed her muscles. Not be able to run nor scream as terror sucked the very breath from her mouth, she takes another two steps backwards.
"Don't move"
Deep voice.
A man. Mina completely stiffened. The man raises an arm, reaching for her as he comes closer and closer. Mina isn't going to trust a black eerie shadow and what it wants from her. Escaping, she takes another step backwards, but not to Mina knowledge that it will be the final. Her face darkens, mouth dropping and her hands come up, fingers curved into grasping claw as she loses her balance. Then she falls backwards and slides down the stairs.
The world rushes by in a blur and Mina know the pain is coming as her body hits every tread. It goes by fast, yet slow, almost suspended. Then impact. Mina could feel her bones move in a way they shouldn't jangle. She stays on the floor, lying. Blood trickled down from where the corner has split her skin open, gallons of life fluid tracing her thighs as the garish red flowed like a lazy river. She doesn't move--- torn, reddened, wheezing for breath. There's only one thing she's thinking at the moment. The baby.
Help.
Please help my baby.
Her hands wrap around her stomach since she falls. Mina knows her water had broke and she needs to do something but one by one she lose control of her limbs. Her mangled lips make things worst, and it seems as if someone has tied a string around her neck, she can't scream for help no matter how desperate she is.
Feeling hopeless, she choked up. Tears of pain sliding down her nose as she closed her eyes. Before she surrenders herself and slips into prolonging unconsciousness, words come floating inside her mind and she couldn't help but ask.
"Is this it sister?"
Our footstep may slip without the order of God. Beware
* * * *
"Ah!" Chaeyoung hisses as he unintentionally bites his thumb too hard it draws blood. Consumed by self-doubt, in fear of the surprise event and the outcome. He stares at the small drop of crimson red, having a sudden bad feeling as it slowly trails his finger. His ears perk up to the beeping sound that comes from Tzuyu's phone, catching his attention.
"What happened?" Chaeyoung asks worriedly, and gives Tzuyu a look. The younger mirrored his puzzled expression then call Momo again but the ringing sound at the starting followed by the busy tone that means the person is speaking to someone else or is trying to call someone at the same time he's calling.
"I'm not sure" Tzuyu mutters.
"Hurry. I don't like this feeling" Chaeyoung says under his breath. Tzuyu nods and presses the gas pedal to the floor. The black Ford Mustang picks up speed, quickly accelerating as it headed for Chaeyoung's house. Few minutes after, Tzuyu slows down as they are a mile away from the residence and soon the house comes into view. But it's not the home Chaeyoung had imagined.
He's welcomed by gushing neighbors surrounding his house--talking, whispering. His dream is shattered by a siren. From the street behind comes an ambulance, pale under the streetlamps, blue lights blazing in time with the jagged noise. Instantly, Chaeyoung unbuckles his seatbelt as Tzuyu pull off the car. His eyes widen to the sight, breathing heavily, he runs and even stumbles as his legs become stranger to gravity.
"Wh-what happened?" He grabs an old woman arm's--someone he knows and has seen a couple of time around the neighbourhood. The woman looks at him with sympathy as if he's the cursed boy meant to be ill-fated throughout his life.
Before the woman could answer him, their attention caught by two of the paramedics wheeling a stretcher into his house. The door is already ajar. A few minutes later, they returns with a body on the stretcher. Chaeyoung's whole world crumbling down, his grasp loosen as he drags his feet closer to the house then stops his step.
He stands still as he watches the life drain out of his loved one's eyes. He goes pale and limp. "No, no. It can't be" He convinces himself while shaking his head vigorously. A pair of strong hands pull him back, into the blinding light of the ambulance, still, he doesn't move.
"Hyung!! Get your shit together!" Tzuyu shouts, shaking Chaeyoung's shoulder. The lost cub let his body swayed by the younger and that yells that pierced his eardrum. "Look, Mina noona...she needs you." Tzuyu stares at his brother as their eyes meet. Through Chaeyoung's bloodshot, puffy, crying eyes, Tzuyu sure that his brother doesn't see him clearly and could only make out his blurred shape.
"Tzuyu-yah"
The younger smiles and tap Chaeyoung's arms. The scene is too familiar to them as the sibling lose their mother at the very same situation and it might be a harsh slap for Chaeyoung "Hey, she's going to be fine, she will. Now, you'll board the ambulance and I'll follow from behind." Tzuyu assures and pulls Chaeyoung to the busy paramedics.
"She's his fiance, please let him come along," Tzuyu says, gesturing to Chaeyoung while the cub is deadlock to the ground, staring at Mina's unmoving body. The paramedics nod and start to put the stretcher into the back of the ambulance.
Tzuyu lightly pushes Chaeyoung forward, and the cub glance at him before he rides the ambulance. Tzuyu witness the white and red van begins to move then run to his car and trail it down.
Chaeyoung sits not far away from Mina, it's like he is not himself as if he lost the feeling of feeling. Still desperately scrambling to make sense of it all leaving him rendered speechless. The van stinks slightly like sulfur and chemicals. It numbed his nose and chokes him. The drips and beds rattled as the van speed off to the nearest hospital rather than to the hospital Mina's admitted before.
Chaeyoung blankly stares at empty space, ignoring everything that's going inside the van. As he shifts his eyes, he catches a glimpse of Mina's hand that hangs loosely. He looks at it with an unblinking stare, watching the blood slowly dripping from her hands to the floor. He bites his lips, letting effortless tears falling down. He clutched into the hands of the girl as she lies on the stretcher unconscious, an oxygen mask over her mouth and nose. An IV in her arms and a pulse ox monitor clip to her forefinger.
By the time, the wailing ambulance pulls in front of the emergency entrance, Mina begins regaining consciousness. She scrunches her eyes at the bright light that's sipping through her closed eyelids. The death aches come crushing her but she focuses on the only man she recognizes slowly appearing behinds her blurred vision. She grips his hand tighter, calling for him.
"C-chaeyoungie.....our baby..please.."
Then a contraction rocked her body and her face crumple from the pain. The paramedics remove her gently from the vehicle and quickly wheel her into the hospital then to the maternity wards where they are greeted by a group of doctors and nurses. Chaeyoung follows them, running while their hands are still intertwined. Tzuyu is a step behind.
"Her blood pressure is continuously dropping." The doctor says as he measures her blood pressure with a small gauge attached to an inflatable cuff and uses a stethoscope to listen to the blood moving through the artery. "We need a massive blood transfusion and take her for C section, Quick! We might lose both" He orders as the nurses obey.
Hearing those, Mina weakly pulls Chaeyoung's hand's closer to her. The guy crouch, trying to listen through behind the oxygen mask. "Save..our child..Ch-Chaeyoungie. Please..save her before me..." It was her last sentence before her grip slowly loosens, letting her hands fall. Chaeyoung stands still, staring at his empty hands that were once occupied by the warmth of his love. Tzuyu stares at his brother before he jogs to the business office to sign the paperwork needed.
"I'm sorry, but you can't enter. Please wait" The nurse says as she stops Chaeyoung before the surgery room then leaves him alone. The guy wordlessly swings his feet to the long chair attached to the wall and sit. Every thought in his mind is silenced into denial and grief. He waits and waits while looking at the blood that has concentrated in the folds of his knuckles making the usually pale creases dark. The congealed red-brown fluid has become caught in the webbing of his fingers. His white suit that takes him an hour to decides for the proposal is now painted in brownish to violent red bright liquid.
A gorgeous gold eternity ring is revealed, wrapped around his finger. Its lone diamond lights up the dim room.
Soon the surgery room open, revealing a doctor with blue scrub. He walks closer to Chaeyoung while opening his mask. Chaeyoung uses the chair's arms for support to stand properly.
"I'm sorry" The man sigh.
"Its either give her the surgery first that may save her life, but you’re going to lose your daughter, or your daughter can be saved but you'll lose your wife."
"The mother is unconscious. Since you're the only guardian, we need your words" The doctor adds.
Chaeyoung loss the colour from his face. It is as if his heart has suddenly stopped beating and all the blood has run down into his boots. He sways for just a moment before the doctor catches him and lowers him to the chair. Chaeyoung let out a heavy lump of air, a heaviness, an unyielding sorrow.
"Save her........"
"The baby"
End of Withered Chapter 55. Continue reading Chapter 56 or return to Withered book page.