Guilty Conscience

(NBin) unWRITTEN

[CHAPTER 34]

"Guilty Conscience"

 

 

Hongbin woke up earlier than usual and as he woke up, he couldn’t help but smile in relief as he saw Hakyeon lying on his arms, peacefully asleep still. He almost couldn’t believe that this was reality and though he’s been back on Earth for more than a week now, the sight of the older next to him, still feels so surreal. 

“Hakyeon-ah, it’s time to wake up,” Hongbin said in a quiet and calming voice.

”Mmm,” Hakyeon whined a bit in his sleep and snuggled even closer against Hongbin’s chest.

”You’ll be late for work again if you continue to sleep in,” Hongbin ruffled the older’s hair and kissed him the forehead.

So cute, Hongbin thought. Even he want some to snuggle a little longer with Hakyeon.

Hakyeon opened his eyes slightly to look at Hongbin’s face and then lift his face a bit, gesturing for a kiss not on the forehead but somewhere else. 

Hongbin cracked a smile at the younger trying to be spoiled and kissed him on Hakyeon's pouty lips.  

After a little more snuggling and Hakyeon whining to wake up, the two of them finally got up and prepared breakfast together. Both Jaehwan and Wonshik didn't want to disturb Hongbin's time with Hakyeon so instead of staying at Hakyeon's place, the two of them decided to occupy the old bookstore instead. They would come by at night for dinner before they went back though since the bookstore didn't have a kitchen or anywhere for the two of them to prepare their meals. 

"I kind of feel bad," Hakyeon mentions, "you sure Jaehwan and Wonshik are alright?"

"Don't mind them, they'll be fine. Plus, they know how precious this time is for the both of us," Hongbin gave Hakyeon a backhug as the two of them finished preparing their meals and was about to set them on the table.

At times likes this, Hongbin would forget about all the obstacles he has to face ahead of him and the difficulties he had to overcome in order to see Hakyeon once more. Everything felt too peaceful at times, that he couldn't help but feel a bit uneasy because who knows just how much longer these peaceful days would last? 

But if he had learned anything at all from his experience, is to stay positive and cherish what he has at present rather than worry too much about the future. 

"Thanks," Hongbin said and kissed Hakyeon on the back of his nape. 

The little bit of thanks and tingle he felt wasn't so bad for Hakyeon. The two of them knows clearly about the things they have to worry about but at the same time, they both also know very well that rather than staying worried about everything, they should simply look at what they have now. Hakyeon used to be very pessimistic about himself and about the things that happens around him. It wasn't until he met Hongbin that he's changed for the better. He's grateful for that and he's managed to see the light in everything instead of reverting back to his old self. 

His only concern now is Hyuk though.

After his last encounter with Taekwoon, the latter has gone completely silent and Hakyeon couldn't really pay a visit to Hyuk because he didn't want to run into Taekwoon again. He worries for the younger and both Jaehwan and Wonshik have been taking turns to monitor Taekwoon's behavior as well. However, Taekwoon didn't make a single move or rather, he hasn't done anything at all that made it hard for Hakyeon to stay still. 

"Do you think Hyuk is really alright?" Hakyeon asked Hongbin for comfort. "I'm just worried about what Taekwoon might do to get back at us..."

"He doesn't know that I'm here yet, but I'll keep a watch on Hyuk for you too. Don't worry and go to work. If anything happens, remember to call me okay?" Hongibn patted Hakyeon on the head. "I'd like to pick you up after school but you know I can't... so... be careful when you come back okay?"

"Mhmm. I will," Hakyeon smiled as he left the house.

As much as Hongbin wishes to send Hakyeon off to school and pick the older up after school like he used to, he didn't want to create any more bonds with those around Hakyeon because he didn't want to interfere with their stories. Hongbin was erased from their memories and their stories as a whole so Hongbin can't risk creating anymore connections with others until he's sorted out everything with Hakyeon and with Jung Taekwoon.

Ring. Ring. Ring.

Hongbin's cellphone rang. 

"Hey, you up?" It was Jaehwan. 

"Yeah. How's Sanghyuk's condition looking?" Hongbin asked.

"I can't really tell. He hasn't come out of his house much and it seems like he's still sick. I'm getting a little worried about his condition. Do you think it might have something to do with Jung Taekwoon?"

"I think so. We need to look into this further. I've already sent a report to InGuk and Hyoshin to ask if they might know anything about it but they couldn't find Sanghyuk's book or where Taekwoon could have hidden it in order to enter inside his story in the first place."

"Maybe we should just break in there and interrogate that Jung Taekwoon. He's getting on my nerves. Who does he think he is to act so high and mighty when he's the one who ruined Hakyeon's life in the first place? And now he's getting in the way of both of you two's relationship too," Jaehwan let out a displeasing grunt just thinking about the situation.

"Don't act rashly. You can't let Sanghyuk see or know who you are," Hongbin reminded him.

"I know... ugh, this is so frustrating."

"I know. I understand how you feel, hyung."

At first when Taekwoon found out that both Jaehwan and Wonshik was on Earth and told everything to Hakyeon, they were worried that Taekwoon might do something towards Hyuk as revenge. But strangely enough, Hyuk was still fine so they thought that keeping a close eye on Taekwoon was enough. However, something told them that something wasn't right after all because after several weeks, Hyuk's simple 'cold' did not get any better. And perhaps, it was only waiting to get worst...

That thought alone, was terrifying because it could most likely be due to his reencounter with Taekwoon, who's supposed to be dead. Yet, his memories were rewritten and once more, he had to face someone he shouldn't have to. 

Hongbin, Jaehwan and Wonshik couldn't help but feel an ominous feeling from the situation and so, they decided to keep watch on Hyuk's situation and consult with InGuk and Hyoshin back on Moirae's Edge. However, they decided to keep this a secret for the time-being from Hakyeon because they didn't want Hakyeon to worry or act rashly when he finds out that Hyuk's illness might have something to do with Taekwoon. 

Just what are you planning Jung Taekwoon? Why haven't you made a move yet? Hongbin thought. 

If only Taekwoon didn't trap himself inside of Hyuk's house, Hongbin would be able to ask those questions in person himself.

 

~

 

Hakyeon reached his desk that morning for work and he couldn't help but feel a bit lonely as he saw that Hyuk's desk remained empty and untouched. Just how long has it been since Hyuk was last around? 

I hope he's alright... 

"Good morning," a young man showed up in replacement at Hyuk's desk.

"Morning," Hakyeon greeted back, trying to smile without looking too disappointed that it wasn't the person who he's expecting.

"You look tired," he smiled gleamingly at Hakyeon.

To make up for Hyuk's long absence, the school decided to hire a temporary substitute until Hyuk recovers. The new substitute teacher is the same age as Hyuk but very cheerful and outgoing, Yook Sungjae.

He was so energetic and cheery that Hakyeon couldn't really get used to it to be honest. It's not like he doesn't like Sungjae but he just didn't like the fact that someone else aside from Hyuk was sitting at that desk. 

"Good morning, Hakyeon-ah," both Eunji and Minhyuk came in at the same time. "Morning, Sungjae."

"Good morning," Sungjae greeted in excitement and a higher pitch.

"Where do you get so much energy from?" Minhyuk asked as he yawned loudly.

"I don't know, hehe."

"Then you should give some of that energy to Hakyeonie," Minhyuk gave Hakyeon a big pat on the back to cheer his friend up. He can tell how tired Hakyeon looked and disappointed that Hyuk still hasn't come back.

It's been weeks yet Hyuk still haven't recovered from his cold. At first, it sounded like a simple cold to Hakyeon but when it he realized that Taekwoon had suddenly appeared out of nowhere, Hakyeon could shake the uneasy feeling he had. He wanted to consult with Hongbin and the others about it, but he didn't want to continue bothering the younger with his problems. But he also couldn't do anything because he was completely powerless when it comes to the laws of fate. He only knows about the other side yet he didn't know anything in more details about fate or about Moirae's Edge. 

If only he could be of help...

He let out a deep sigh as usual and went on about his day at school. 

During his break, he made sure he sent a text message to Hyuk and ask about the younger's condition though, just in case. 

[How are you feeling today?] He wrote.

Sometimes the younger would answer right away but there are times where it takes the younger a little longer. That's when Hakyeon would suddenly panic and overthink that something bad had happened. But it's usually because the younger was still resting and asleep instead of attending to his cellphone messages at all times. 

"I heard that the teacher I'm replacing is from your hometown," Sungjae asked Hakyeon during their lunch break in the teachers' lounge.

"Um, yeah," Hakyeon simply answered as he looked at his phone.

"What kind of person is he? I'm kind of curious since the students are all telling me how much they miss Mr. Han," Sungjae continues.

"Hyuk is... he's a good kid. He's warm and caring. He's very considerate about other people and he never acts spoiled for his age. He's just... a really good kid," Hakyeon answered in a tone that tried to remain calm as he told Sungjae about Hyuk without tearing up.

"I wish I could meet him. He sounds like a really good person," the younger man said in a smile. 

"He is. He really is."

That's why, I hope nothing bad will happen to Hyogi... Please just like me be overthinking about things and that he'll get better eventually... 

 

~

 

Cough. Cough.

He's been counting up to the days he's been sick and absent from work. Hyuk let out a deep sigh as he set his dirty dishes into the sink after his meal. He reached up towards the cabinets to get his medicine and sure enough, he was completely out of it. 

Hyuk rubbed his sore throat and he's been coughing to the point where he's completely lost his voice or at least what's left of it. 

Click.

Taekwoon came out of his room finally and stared at Hyuk for a second. However, he didn't say a word to the younger so Hyuk decided to initiate the conversation first.

"Are you hungry?" Hyuk asked in an almost unaudible tone through his scratchy throat.

"..."

"There's still some porridge left over in the fr-," Hyuk wanted to say but he couldn't stop his coughing.

"Stop talking," Taekwoon finally told him. "I can take care of myself."

Taekwoon simply said and went towards the fridge. He took out the container of porridge that Hyuk made for the two of them. To be honest, even he thought it was ridiculous that a sick person was preparing a meal for someone who's technically healthy but Taekwoon didn't want to care too much about that. 

Taekwoon scanned around the kitchen to see an empty medicine box sitting on the counter. That's when he realized the younger had ran out of medicine again. 

No matter how much medicine you eat, you're not going to get any better... Taekwoon thought in his mind as he saw Hyuk clean the dishes that were left behind in the sink. 

Hyuk turned around after putting the dishes back, "I'm going out to get some more medicine. I'll be back."

Taekwoon could read the younger's lips just fine even without hearing Hyuk's voice. He's gotten a bit used to it since the younger was barely able to project his voice except for when he was coughing excessively at night.

Hyuk and Taekwoon's temporary cohabiting was a bit of a strange thing for both of them. The only thing that bonded them together was Hakyeon but rather then nostalgia or care, Taekwoon could only feel resentment towards Hakyeon, who looked at him so indifferently now. As Hyuk left the house to Taekwoon alone, Taekwoon went around the house to see what was around. It wasn't as if he was particularly interested in Hyuk's life, especially since he already knows everything there is to know about it, but he was bored. 

He wanted to go out too but where would he go? He knew noone on Earth and aside from Hakyeon and Hyuk, he knew better than to make any unneccessary encounters with people on Earth. He knew clearly and very well that he's breaking the rules to be on Earth once more, but he only had one goal in mind - to make Hakyeon look his way again, even if it means to make the latter hate him for eternity. 

As Taekwoon rummaged through Hyuk's shelf, he found an old photo album with Hyuk's memories in it. 

It had pictures of Hyuk since he was a baby and up until he graduated from college. These were all extra photos that Hyuk must have brought with him to Gwangju as he left home to pursue his career as a teacher, following behind Hakyeon's footsteps. The photos in the albums were very selective though. Aside from a few pictures of him and his family, the rest were all with Hakyeon. 

"He's such an idiot," Taekwoon said aloud as he looked at the album.

Anyone could tell that Hakyeon meant a lot to Hyuk. Ever since the first time Hakyeon introduced Hyuk to Taekwoon, he knew right away that the younger looked at Hakyeon differently. Maybe that's why it irritated Taekwoon since the first time he met Hyuk and Hyuk might've felt the same way about Taekwoon. It was only Hakyeon who was oblivious about the situation he was in, being caught in between two people he says he 'cares' a lot about. Although Hakyeon loved Taekwoon, Taekwoon felt as if he wasn't special enough or that he wasn't in a position where he stood out amongst all the other people that Hakyeon cares about.

Before Taekwoon realized it, he was hoping that he could mean something more to Hakyeon and have Hakyeon only look at him. He got a bit greedy and he tried to make Hakyeon not be able to leave his side, even if it means to use Hakyeon's sympathy to bound him to his side. When Taekwoon first received his mission to figure out why Hakyeon's fate was undetermined, Taekwoon didn't know what to do in order to end Hakyeon's story once and for all. He tried to approach Hakyeon slowly at first and take his time. He wasn't particularly interested in the character of the story but he simply wanted to accomplish the mission he was given. But after meeting those around Hakyeon, with Hyuk included, Taekwoon couldn't help but feel at haste. 

If he didn't do something quickly, Hakyeon's heart might be swayed by someone else. So, Taekwoon decided to use pity against Hakyeon, making it impossible for Hakyeon to leave him. It worked though. Eventually, Hakyeon couldn't see anyone but Taekwoon as everyone, including his family, abandoned him. 

"He was so close to being mine," Taekwoon thought as he remembered the past and how it all began. 

Just as he closed the album, a loose photo fell out of the pages and fluttered onto the ground.

He picked up to see what it was, and it was a polaroid of both Hyuk and Hakyeon that was most likely a photo taken recently. It was a photo that the two of them had taken during Hyuk's welcome party to the school as their new teacher. 

Stab. 

Looking at the photo, Taekwoon felt a slight jab in his chest. Guilt? Impossible...

But he couldn't put the picture down. He swallowed hard as the pain grew. Just then, he felt heat being emitted from the photo which became hotter and hotter that it was beginning to burn him.

"Ow," Taekwoon let go of the photo in reflex.

The photo landed on the floor once more, and slowly, the image was turning black. It was burning and everything was disappearing before his eyes.

"What th-"

 

~

 

Hyuk walked down the street to the pharmacy to get more medicine but the weather was chilly and the skies were covered in gray. He zipped up his jacket and wrapped himself tightly in layers of clothing. 

Let's hurry and get this over with, he thought has he quickened his pace and walking through the wind. 

He's never been this sick before and strangely enough, he wasn't completely bedridden either. The cold wasn't the worst problem for him, what's worst was the fact that he couldn't stop coughing to the point that he's almost lost his voice. How can he teach anything when he can barely speak?

He heard from the others that the school also hired a substitute to replace him temporarily but Hyuk didn't like that idea. He almost missed work too much especially because he haven't seen Hakyeon in a long time. When he first entered college, he really didn't know what he was going to major in but eventually, he thought back at Hakyeon and the times when the older was his tutor. He knew that Hakyeon was teaching at a school in Gwangju, so unconditionally, and without a second thought, Hyuk followed. He got his certificate in teaching rather easily since studying for college wasn't a difficult task for him but he wasn't exactly motivated to teaching and simply thought about being next to Hakyeon again. 

He's done so much just to be next to Hakyeon and honestly, he doesn't want to ask for too much. He knows well who it was that's in Hakyeon's heart, that person being Jung Taekwoon. The same person who's his rival for the longest time and the same person who's now living under the same roof as him by force. 

Not only has Taekwoon imposed on Hyuk's life but he hasn't been much help around the house either. It's more like Hyuk who's been attending and taking care of the older instead.

Who's heard of someone taking care of their rival? Hyuk let out a deep sigh.

"Here's your prescription," the pharmacist gave Hyuk another week or so worth of medication.

"Thanks," Hyuk said.

"Are you sure you don't need to go to the hospital just to double check?" she asked him. She's seen him too many times the past few weeks that even she's beginning to recognize the young man.

"I did but they all told me it's a simple cold and I should get better soon..." Hyuk told her as he massaged his throat to ease the pain away.

"I see. Please take care and stay warm," she said as Hyuk left.

It's not like I want to keep coming here, even I'm tired of it... Hyuk said.

As he went back towards his apartment, the sky grew dark and it began to rain.

"Crap," he thought and tried to hurry since he didn't bring any umbrella with him.

He continued to walk through heavy showers and cars that are passing by in haste. Everyone was suddenly in a hurry to get out of the rain and trying to make their way back home. Hyuk knew well he had to do the same because the longer he stood under the rain, the more drenched he was becoming. But he couldn't escape the heavy rain at all. In just minutes, his clothes were completely wet and he felt the chills from top to bottom as the wind passed by. 

Horrible luck was all that he could think about as he walked from one puddle to the next. 

I need to hurry, he said and continued but the cold was too much for him. His wet clothes felt disgusting and the wind that blew against him made him shiver uncontrollably. 

Cough. Cough.

His throat began to hurt and itch even more. It was painful and irritating at the same time.

Through the storm, he finally saw a glimpse of his apartment at a distance. He tried to make his way back as quickly as possible, just a few more steps...

Beeeeeep!

A car drove right past him, almost hitting Hyuk. Hyuk was caught in surprise and fell onto the cold, hard gravel flooring. 

"Ouch," he looked at his palms, completely scratched up and starting to bleed as well.

He tried to get back on his feet and realized that his medicine was scattered all over the ground as well... 

You've got to be kidding me... he almost felt like crying. His head was hurting, his throat was in pain and his body was completely wet and cold. He tried to bend down to gather what's left of the medication but it was already too wet and dirty to be saved. 

Just as he tried to stand up straight again, his vision started to blur and he felt as if he was slowly drifting away. 

He couldn't remain steady and his legs gave in. He wobbled a bit from side to side and his head was spinning uncontrollably. 

I want to throw up.

Just then, everything around him turned dark. All he could remember was the pain from his body hitting the ground completely and the rain hitting him harshly. 

That's when he heard someone call out to him.

"Ya! Han Sanghyuk!" someone noticed him and rushed to him immediately.

Who? He tried to make up the silhouette through his blurred vision.

"Hey! Wake up! Are you okay?" the voice continued to shout out in panic at him.

An unfamiliar voice. Someone who he's never met before... yet, for some reason, there was a sense familiarity as well. 

Who are you? 

 

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darkskyez
unWritten have finally come to an end, as always, there will be consistent revision of the story whenever I have time. So don't be too surprise if the next time you come back for a re-read, the story might seem a bit different. Just slightly though~

Comments

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AikaRikachu #1
after reading this I ship NBin more than others.
AikaRikachu #2
Chapter 50: Author nim......I love youuuu sooo much..
Your stories are amaizing !!!!
your story make me cry, laugh and it make me crazy
Thank you so much for writing an amazing story.....
merilynlin #3
Chapter 49: i wonder if the 6 of them will meet again...
Minghanniee
#4
Chapter 52: This story is just so well (un)written, i loved it from the start 'til the end, which is an adorable one.
Thank you for writing this.
IvaLura
#5
Chapter 52: I've been waiting for you to finish the story for over a year and I'm happy I waited. Thank you very much for such stories that captivate from beginning to end. When I want to read a deep story, you are the best author for me! :)
curlyjongdae
#6
Chapter 2: wow, this is amazing! First chapter and I'm already hooked up! Finally a good story!
WonHakWoon
#7
Chapter 52: This was so good <3
WonHakWoon
#8
Chapter 14: Can you believe this is a story that I'm currently hooked on? I don't wanna stop reading
WonHakWoon
#9
Chapter 2: Yep, this is a great story <3
evidence13
#10
Chapter 52: Thank you for the wonderful journey with Unwritten)