The Unexpected Becomes the Expected

Story by LeeHwaYoung

"I don't know when or if I'll return..." The words struck me with a cold thought. Would I ever get to see him again? Donghae's presence had been a constant in the past few months. Even though the first few days had been a torture and a pain to even hear his voice... but now it made me feel relaxed to know he was just next door, across from the room divider.

Since he had uttered those words, I haven't been able to tmeet his eyes or say a word. I could feel his gaze tearing into me... watching me for any reaction. His statement had been give so matter-of-factly. What if he had become sick of me? What if this is actually what he wants? Is he bored of me? Is he tired of helping me incessantly? My thoughts ran rampage again yet I felt I had to answer him.

"Oh..." I gave him a blank answer, deciding to grab another strawberry so I could think while I chewed... giving me more time to think over what he had told me.

"I just thought I should tell you... but I wish you luck on your quest to find Young Yi's brother. I hope that you'll stay safe and remember to eat when I'm not here," Donghae's words resounded in the tiny kitchen. Had he always cared about my well being? I mustered up my courage to look him in the eye, but he was looking at his hands, fiddling with his fingers. Tears sprang to my eyes suddenly, thinking of all the times he had comforted me, made me food, when he protected me at my weakest and darkest moment. The thought of losing him made my heart stir and sink to the pit of my stomach, a feeling I hadn't felt in a while. "Don't be upset," He commanded me.

I cleared my throat and attempted to get my heart and voice under control. "I want to thank you for all the things you've done for me, when you didn't have to. I'll always remember them in my heart," my voice ccracking anyway. A part of me w