Jade’s POV

After 19 minutes of walking, I finally gave up. I’ve been to everywhere that’s a possibility that he might be there, but no. I got a call from Donghae, asking me if I found Heechul already. I shook my head & replied “No”. They told me to take my time, & that they’ll be there at the restaurant if I need them. I said my thanks & ended the call.

I looked up to the clear sky & asked myself. “Where on earth could he be?”

I sighed as there was still no sign of him. I looked around me, just in case if he might suddenly pop up. But there was hardly anyone there. I’m guessing they’re all gathering in the middle of Lotte World now to see the fireworks show.

I pouted as dragged my feet to the corner of a railing where across it was their huge, wide opened lake. I stared at the water for a moment as it seemed so peaceful. So calming… Little by little, the wind came, & blew the surface of the lake & created swirling patterns.

I was too enchanted by it, that for a moment there I forgot all of my worries about the contract ending. For a moment there, I really felt relaxed. I closed my eyes; breathing in the chill night’s air.

A sudden feeling came over me. I heard light footsteps. I swore I didn’t see anyone walking around in this area just now.

I tried to ignore it. Until I felt something on my cheek. Something… furry? I squinted & opened my eyes in shock & turned around; only to see a big, red Angry Bird plushie right in front of my face! I stood in silence for a minute, until I peered up to see the person holding it. “Heechul!”

He tilted his head, giving out his most expressionless face ever. “What are you so hyped up about?” he asked.

“Y-Yah. Where have you been? Do you know how worried you made me?!” I shouted & didn’t hesitate to hit his arm.

“Ow!” he squirmed a bit. “Hey calm down. I just took a little walk”

“Yea. Right after you blew up at the restaurant!” I told him angrily, frowning; my face as red as the Angry Bird in his hand.

He didn’t dare to fight back. “S-Sorry… I was just… tensed” he admitted.

“No kidding” I crossed my arms & rolled my eyes, not bothering about him at all. But I gave in, & finally asked him what I did wrong.

“You did nothing” he said.

I gave him a ‘Are-you-serious?’ look. No way I didn’t do anything wrong. He wouldn’t have just blown up on purpose, right? Well, maybe…

“Like I said, I was just tensed” he continued.

I sighed deeply. “About what?”

He bit his lower lip & looked somewhere else, besides me. “You keep bringing up New York all the time. Why?”

“Well… Because… M-Maybe I’ll be going back there soon” I said, unsure.

“But do you have to keep bringing it up?” he asked. “I thought today was supposed to be the one moment we forget about that” he said.

He’s… really serious about this…

“I… I’m sorry… I didn’t mean anything, really.” I said, looking a bit guilty for a minute there.

There was silence. He then shoved the Angry Bird at me & changed the subject. “Here”

I blinked as I stared at the big, red, fluffy thing in my arms. I wanted to look serious, but I couldn’t, & ended up smiling a bit. “Gomawo…”

“Yea yea… Just be sure to take good care of it once you get back to New York” he told me.

“Arasso” I grinned as I brushed the plushie’s fur.  

I stared at Heechul for a while as he stared out the lake in silence. I don’t know why, but someone for a moment there I just wanted to jump over & hug him. But of course, I kept my cool & ju