You never really liked hospital visits.  The place for you seemed so depressing with people rushing about while the sick and the dying put on scared looks on their faces not knowing what happens next.  It’s the same place where your own father and grandfather passed away, the saddest moments in your life that you couldn’t seem to erase from your memory, that every time you step in to that hospital you are reminded of those painful feelings.  And now you especially hate that grandfather is in such a place.

You enter the hospital along with Chansung as the ambulance siren slowly fades in the background, you’re carrying some flowers as Chansung holds a basket of fruits.  The hospital smelled so clean and yet there was a stench so disgusting at the same time.  It was like the odor of antiseptics, cleansers and bleach in the air.  A man passed by filling the space with harsh, hacking coughs making Chansung hold on to your hand tightly as he tries to move you away from the man.

Finally you have reached the hallway that brings you closer to grandfather’s room.  Every step closer made you more nervous, thinking of things to say to him when you finally get to talk or more like plead for your life.  From across the corridor you could see familiar faces from your side of the family and from Taecyeon’s making your heart race even more as they look at your direction.

“Don’t worry, I won’t let them eat you alive.” Chansung whispered as he holds your hand even tighter calming your senses and assuring you of his presence.

“Uhm.” you nodded.  “Make sure to shoot me before they do.”

Chansung looks at you as he squeezes your hand making you turn to face him.  He had a troubled look on his face, but he managed to smile as you looked at him, encouraging you to stay positive and strong.

From across the hall Taecyeon spots the two of you walking over.  He noticed how you looked and smiled at Chansung and he especially took note of how your hand was in his.  His mind was whirling of thoughts that made him assume things on his own.  It made him feel a stab, like a fire in his blood as he watched you and Chansung together.

“You’re late.” Taecyeon said walking over as he glared at you.

“No I’m not.” you answered calmly.

“I came here before you did.” Taecyeon said.

“That doesn’t mean I’m late.  It could be that you just got here early.” you said.

“Taecyeon, so I guess you really are back.” Chansung said.

“Taecyeon?” Taecyeon said looking at Chansung.  “I believe I still am older than you.  Maybe you should remember to call me hyung.”

“I didn’t forget that you’re older.” Chansung said with a smirk annoying Taecyeon even more.

“Let’s go.  Grandpa’s waiting for the two of us.” Taecyeon said grabbing your wrist to drag you along with him as he sneers at Chansung.

You turn around to face Chansung once more with a troubled look painted all over your face, like you wanted to cry and scream at the same time.

“I’ll wait for you right here.” Chansung said with a gentle smile.  “Whatever happens I’ll be right here.”

“So, you and Chansung…” Taecyeon whispered before you entered the room.

“We’re still the same from the time you left till now.” you said vaguely as he opens the door letting you in first.

You saw the old man lying on his bed with a bunch of tubes connected to him.  The room was somber as you hear the buzzing and clicking of the machines.  You couldn’t help but feel saddened, almost wanting to shed tears as you see him cough, slightly pounding on his frail chest.

“Grandpa.” you called out to him almost running to his side.

“How’s my beautiful princess doing?” the old man said gleefully almost getting up to reach out his hand to you.

“Missing my grandpa.” you said with a pout touching his hand.  “You know I don’t like hospitals.  So, try to get out of here soon.”

“Of course, of course.” he said nodding his head while he laughed.  “Oh!  Taecyeon.  It’s good you came too.  Sit here.” he said motioning for Taecyeon to sit with you.

“It’s nice to see you again grandpa.” Taecyeon said as he took a seat beside you.  “You look so much better now than when I last visited.”

“Do you want something to drink?  Or maybe something to eat?  Chansung and I brought some fruits for you.” you said trying to sound cheerful.

“I’m fine.  But it’s good to finally see you two together.” grandpa said.  “So I take it you both are preparing for your wedding?”

“Yes.” Taecyeon said.

“No.” you said along with Taecyeon.

“No?” grandpa said looking at you confused.  “Why?  Is something wrong?”

“Yes grandpa.  Something is definitely wrong.” you said pouting even more.  “I can’t believe you’re pushing me into marrying against my will.”

“Take it a notch down.” Taecyeon warned sternly as he looked at you.

“No it’s alright.  Against your will?” grandpa said.  “Didn’t you agree to this a long time ago?”

“That was when I didn’t know better.  I was a kid then grandpa.  That doesn’t count.” you whined.

“Alright.  Given that you were just a child then, why don’t you want to marry Taecyeon now?” grandpa said with a crinkle in his eyes.

“Why do you want me to marry him anyway?” you asked.

“You have known each other for years and I believe he could be able to take care of you as much as you could take care of him.  I know I could leave this world in peace knowing I have fulfilled your grandfather’s wish and mine to be able to make our family as one.”

“We’re already family.  Besides, we used to know each other.  We don’t know each other anymore.” you said.  “And what if I wanted to be someone else?”

“Do you have someone else that you love?” grandpa asked.

“No.” you shook your head lightly feeling a little embarrassed about it.  “But if I did, then what then?  Besides he has someone!” you said pointing at Taecyeon.

“Do you want to be with someone else?” grandpa asked Taecyeon who was a bit surprised with you pointing at him unexpectedly.

“No.  I just want to marry her.” Taecyeon said as he pointed at you making you so surprised that you hit him on the shoulder.

“Yah!  That’s not what we talked about!” you shouted making the old man laugh hard.

“I’m fine marrying you.” Taecyeon said.  “I already told you that.”

“Will you hate grandpa very much if I asked you to marry him?” the old man asked as he holds your hand lovingly.

“You know I could never hate you grandpa.” you said feeling defeated.  “But will you really let me be unhappy by being married to someone I don’t want to marry?”

“Because you don’t love him?” grandpa asked.

“Because I don’t know him.” you muttered.

“Then get to know me again.” Taecyeon said making you glare at him to keep him quiet.

“Grandpa, please.” you said as your eyes turned red and wet.  “Please.  Anything else.  Ask anything else of me, but not this.”

“And if I say no?” he asked.

“Then I might just disappear.” you said as a tear escapes from your eye.

“I guess grandpa was wrong.” the old man said.  “I made you so unhappy that I could’ve lost you.  I’m sorry princess.  Maybe this old man is getting senile, making the wrong decisions.  Don’t worry, I’ll tell them to call off the wedding.  So don’t cry anymore.” he said wiping your tears away with a pained expression on his face.

“Really?” you asked unable to believe what you are hearing.

“Really.” he said smiling.  “So go now.”

“Thank you grandpa.” you said happily hugging him.  “I knew you wouldn’t let me be unhappy.”

“Alright.  Alright” he said with a chuckle.  “Now go and let me rest.  But make sure to visit every once in a while.”

“Thanks again grandpa.” you said as you walked towards the door.

“You went too far.” Taecyeon said in a low tone as he follows you angrily, holding on to your arm to stop you.  “You hurt the old man.”

“He gave his permission.” you said as you struggle to break free from his grip.  “He’s the only one along with Chansung who cared enough to understand me.  And please let go of me.  We’re nothing to each other anymore.”

“You’re still the same selfish you, wanting things your way all the time.” Taecyeon said.

“I don’t have to listen to this or to you.” you said as you continued out the hallway, finding Chansung sitting on the chair at the waiting area with his head down.

“Oppa!” you shouted at Chansung almost running towards him with a huge smile.

“You’re free?” Chansung asked as he reads your smile as a positive sign.

“I am!” you said happily.

“That’s wonderful!” Chansung said hugging you tight.

You walked away with Chansung in high spirits, knowing exactly you have what you came for, your freedom.  As you go further into the hallway you came across the nurse’s station where you hear a buzzing sound as a horde of people, doctors and nurses rushed pass you.  You couldn’t help but turn your head towards the direction they were rushing off to.  Looking far back at the same corridor you walked on, you find your family in commotion in front of the old man’s room.  You don’t know why, but your feet just led you back.

“Where are you going?” Chansung said as he saw you walking back in a hurry.

“Grandpa.” was all you could say worriedly running back the long hallway.  “What happened?” you said to your mother.

“His heart just stopped.” your mother said.

“The doctors are trying to resuscitate him.” your aunt said as she tried to stop you from entering the room.

“I just need to…” you said as your tears came.

Taecyeon looked at you troubled and you can’t help but feel you had something to do with it.  You clutched on to your necklace crying, feeling guilty that it was all your fault.

“Don’t worry.” Taecyeon said in a soft voice.  “Their working on him.”

“Is it me?” you whispered as you sobbed.  “Was it my fault?”

“No, it isn’t.” Taecyeon said holding onto your face.  “Look at me.  It wasn’t your fault.  He was very happy we came.  He just wasn’t feeling well from the start.”

“It’s because I was selfish, right?” you said.

“No.  This isn’t your fault.” Taecyeon said hugging you as Chansung looks on.

You pulled away slowly from Taecyeon, entering the old man’s room.  Looking on as the hospital staff tries to revive his weak body.  The sound of the monitor going off with a loud buzz and the frantic high pitches of the doctors ordering and counting seconds, along with the soft sobs of the family looking on was enough to send you insane.  He was dying and you might have been the cause of it.

You walked slowly up to the bed, just near enough to be heard, but still far away not to disturb the doctors.

“I’ll marry him.  I’ll marry Taecyeon if that’s what you want.” you said crying and shaking in fear.  “I’ll be a good wife to him.  Please, please, please just come back grandpa.  Don’t die.  Please.  I promise I’ll marry him if you don’t die.  Please wake up.”

“Get her out of here.” a doctor said as a nurse takes you out of the room with Taecyeon taking you.

“Don’t lose your head.  He’ll be fine.” Taecyeon said as he sits with you on the floor wiping your tears away with his hands.

“Here, drink this.” Chansung said handing you a water bottle as he pats you on the back.

After several minutes of panic that seemed like eternity in hell, some of the hospital staff came out informing everyone that the patient is in stable condition making you give a sigh of relief.

“Can I see him?” you said as you stood up.

“Maybe a little later.” your aunt said.  “He’s still unconscious as of the moment.  But we’ll call you as soon as he wakes up.”

“About…what you said…earlier…to grandpa…do you mean that?” Taecyeon asked without looking at you.

“It was on a spur of the moment.  Don’t count on it.” Chansung said as he glared at Taecyeon.  “Let’s go.” he said as he tried to lead you out of the place.

“Of course I meant it.  A promise is a promise.” you said softly.

“You’re kidding right?” Chansung said.  “Don’t do that.  That’s crazy!  Don’t…”

“Chansung oppa.” you said trying to stop him.

“Don’t do this.” Chansung said shaking his head at you.  “Let’s go talk somewhere else.”

“I don’t want to lose grandpa.  I especially don’t want to lose him because of me.” you said.  “I can’t afford to break his heart over this.”

“Then marry me.” Chansung said as he holds on to your shoulders, the way you know it would bruise.

“What the are you talking about?” Taecyeon said grabbing Chansung’s hand.

“Stay out of this!” Chansung said shoving him off.

“Stop it.” you said.  “Oppa, I have to do this.”

“God!  What the hell is wrong with you!” Chansung shouted.

“Let’s talk out of here for a while okay?” you said as you drag him with you.

“Where do you think you’re going?” Taecyeon said pulling you back.

“Please.” you pleaded as you looked at Taecyeon.  “We need to talk.  Then do whatever you like with me after.” you said making Taecyeon let you go slowly.

You walked with Chansung until you reached the staircase of the fire exit, where you both sat on the steps to talk about the situation facing you both.

“Oppa…” you said.

“I don’t want to hear it.” Chansung said.  “If it’s about you marrying Taecyeon, I don’t want to hear it.”

“Oppa.  I’ll be fine.  When I saw grandpa on that bed, I realized how selfish I was and how ungrateful I’ve been.  I don’t want him to pass away with a heavy heart.” you said.

“What about you?  What about your happiness?” Chansung said.

“It’ll be a year at most.” you muttered.

“What if it takes longer than a year?” he asked.

“It won’t.” you said shaking your head as you held his hand.  “We could end it sooner than a year but not more than a year.”

“Everything’s going so fast.” he said.  “Can’t it be me?”

“Huh?” you said looking at him.  “Can’t what be you?”

“The man you’ll marry.” he said.

“I told you, it’s not like that.” you said.  “I know you wanted to help me real bad…but…this I can’t involve you in.”

“But I love you.” Chansung said.

“I know.” you said.

“No, I don’t love you like you know.  I-love-you.” Chansung said as you creased your brows trying to understand him.  “I love you like this.” he said and then leaned in to kiss your lips making you push him away.  “I love you like that.”

“No, you don’t.” you said as you stood up to walk away.  “Let’s pretend this never happened.”

Taecyeon came inside the old man’s room filled with both families.

“So?” your mom asked Taecyeon.

“She said she will.” Taecyeon said making the elders smile.

“Good.” your aunt said nodding her head.  “So I guess the planning is on again.”

“I guess so.” Taecyeon said as he stood beside the old man’s bed, who raised his hand up, to which Taecyeon gave a high five, a wink and a smile.