Other than the obvious - Banghim

Symphony ft. B.A.P.
Redirecting again ;) ;\
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Other than the obvious, there were many things wrong about my current situation. It was only recently that I had stitched up together the left over pieces of my courage and wisdom to step out of my routinely overloaded work and apartment sobs; and I always thought of myself starting slowly.

It’s been weeks since I’ve come to the realization that I cannot expect life to last forever; as perfectly as I wanted it to. Three years, is yet – a long list of days to count, each that started with strangled lips and bitter-sweet coffee served on bed. He’d left; a reality that comes slowly knocking on my door.

I only wanted to step out, tell myself that there’s more to life than the misery I drown myself in, seated watching the old collection of movies eating ice cream from a tub that’s only dug in by one spoon. But; unfortunately, my statement was interpreted far worse than I could have imagined it to.

To cut a long story short, to not bore you with my boring life before Seoul – I have two friends in my life. Two very close friends. You can interpret that in several ways as well; I suppose. I chuckled, lifting up the glass of beer. The music is too loud, and I can’t see a thing properly; with all the flashing lasers and glistening disco balls. Behind me, there were lots partying, dancing and having fun. To the side of me, there’s a drunken woman, crying out her eyeliner and the story of her high-school boyfriend that broke up with her recently. The bartender is having trouble serving her glasses she constantly changes minds with, and I grin stupidly, because ‘at least I didn’t do that’.

Youngjae and I have been friends since Collage. Daehyuns’ a friend we made when we got ourselves jobs, and it wasn’t so long when I spot the two ers kissing in the cafeteria. Not just me for the record; honestly. Daehyun’s a juvenile delinquent who apparently didn’t grow out of those shoes just because he graduated High school.  If his tangled messy black hair and talkative thick lips wouldn’t point you to the stubborn mule inside that handsome face of his; then he probably have you wrapped around his pinky with his charms.
It quite shocked me when Youngjae started dating him, however – because they were polar opposites of each other. Youngjae is polite and well mannered, uptight and strict; whilst Daehyun has a carefree air around him. It wasn’t a bad fit, I think. They balanced each other.

 All in all; those were the things obvious to be wrong about my current situation.

Ten minutes ago, Daehyun and Youngjae were attached to me like glue, showering me with compliments they don’t really mean, buying me a drink and forcing me into conversation. When I actually got myself to drink down just one mug, these little motherers had left me alone to dance. I chucked down another gulp of beer, and felt my tongue roll inside me. It wasn’t as if I specifically liked the drink, it made my throat burn; and certainly had much worse effects later with time – as in me feeling easily drowsy. Alcohol was never my cup of tea.

But soon I had finished my second cup, I honestly wanted to drink no more. But I’m either under stress, or just ridiculously nervous – because those dickheads set me up on a blind date I never asked for. All I knew was that his name was Bang Yongguk, and that he will be here soon.

My cellphone dinged, and I it pulled out of my jean pocket to read a text message from my dear friend, Yoo Youngjae.
‘I’m sorry Himchan, but we got to go. I gave Yongguk your phone number. Have fun.’

The scowl on my face simply couldn’t have grown wider. I dumped my forehead on the counter and grunted. I could see them starting off nicely, until their pants grew tight and they had to get out of the place, Daehyun dragging Youngjae out. I must be grateful that at least one of them is sensible enough to let me know, at least. I groan in frustration once more, and the inner debate starts if I should wait for this stranger or not. Since Youngjae isn’t here to force me into dinner with the man, I don’t find myself feeling guilty when I pick up my coat and stand to leave. ‘What a waste of time’.

My phone dings once more, and I look to find the stranger have texted me. ‘Sorry about Daehyun. He’s a bit of an . I’m here. Where you at? – Bang’. I find myself grinning at the text, because I could certainly relate to that one. Thinking it would be rude not to meet him, since he was already here; I text back.

Pub.’

I stare at the empty reply and sigh. Usually I’m not this reserved. I was the social butterfly in Collage; and I still think I am – but, I see that I’ve lost bits of myself on the way. I hope he’s not offended, and I debate if I’m going to buy another glass of beer or not.

“Kim Himchan, right?”

I feel myself shrieking at the low voice that croaked behind me, tapping me on my shoulder. Hopefully I don’t scream, because there’s a stupid smile plastered on his face, ear to ear. He had an odd smile; with all his deep red gums showing. I think I stared at him. So I blink, saying yes. He’s too close. The man pulls back, offering me a handshake.

“Bang Yongguk.” He introduces. His eyes are fixed on mine as he gets himself seated, pulling off his coat in the process, revealing him to his tank top, everything about him too exposed for my acquiescence. I clearly ran my eyes down the obvious tattoos down his shoulder-blades and bellow, prominent muscles along his tall build. He brushes off his brown locks away from his eyes as he turns to smile at me, and I find myself gulping.

‘Youngjae really hit a nail with this one.’ I think, because he, was y without effort put into it – I could say from his lacking wardrobe priorities, but it hadn’t matter. It surprised me a little that he was as tall as I, however – because I’m fairly taller than the rest.
“You look surprised.” He said, and I kept silent, wondering how to answer that. Yes, because I didn’t really think I’d find myself thinking that other men would ever be y, and no, because Youngjae and Daehyun are supposed to be idiots, and they couldn’t have possibly talked you into a blind date.

At my lack of conversation he chuckled, and left a light pat on my shoulder. “Lighten up.”

I nodded, tapping on the counter. “Yeah I should.” I speak up. I’m not usually uncomfortable talking. It’s the silence that gets to me.

“We’ve met before actually.” He added up, and I turned to him, completely lost. Is he possibly implying I missed out his existence entirely? But a second later, I wonder why it surprised me. Five years are surely a long time to keep counting. Other than Jongup, I never really bothered.

“Long time ago, Maybe last year? There was a company celebration – about the branch in Mokpo, I think”
“You mean we work for the same company?”
“Nah, we don’t. I was the photographer.” He laughs it off, and I too join in subtly. “Daehyun’s been around since High school, that’s how I ended up here.” He shrugs. “I’m not really into busy stuff.” I find myself chuckling, because honestly I don’t think anybody is.

“I heard a bit about you from him.”

And I smile. “I hope they are all good things.”

He chuckles, his voice low and gruff. I’d never admit it with the straight-faced I wear now, but his voice was alluring, like a husky rock singers, maybe. There were too much to come to like in one night about him. “They have been. Although; I did think of a different image, at first.”

“Really?” I ask, a little amused. He nods humbly. He calls the bartender in the process of fixing an answer for me, and orders the strongest mix of vodka I had ever heard of. “Now, please, you have to let me buy you a drink.” He turns to me, and I shrug. “That’s too strong for me.” I admit, and he stares at my face in awe. His vision then shifts between the glass of empty beer and he chuckles. “Not used to drinking, are you?”
I shake my head. “I’m a coffee-addict.” I chuckle. “A soda for me.” I list, and he nods. I start to grin, because it’s obvious to me how he looks at me, and he starts to grin back. There’s no denying of the attraction here, I can at least say that much.

Before I turn awkward, my curiosity gets the best of me. “So what kind of Image did you get?” I ask, and he nods. “Of a rather… extroverted talkative person…” He shrugs. “… and then I find you shy and reserved. Surprised me a little. Usually I’m good at the whole... imagering process.”

I find myself in an odd smile, and I sigh a little. “I wouldn’t say I’m not reserved, but that’s not an entirely wrong image.” He raises a brow, and eggs me to continue with his expectant stare. So I does. “I met Youngjae back in Collage.” I pause a little. Honestly I don’t want to babble about the depression and anxiety problems I dealt with until quite recently, so it takes me a while to find the words to say what I want. “Let’s say I’ve matured a little.”

He chuckled, eyes fixed on mine. “A broken heart.” He concludes, and his drink arrives ahead on time. Genuinely I want to groan. Why is that so obvious?

“Don’t sweat it.” He takes a sip, and I’m wrapped around the way he talks. He knows just what to say, I think. “You’re really too handsome to be set up on a blind date.” The compliment flies through the conversation effortlessly. He’s not pressing the fact, but he’s getting the idea through. “And forced by your friends at that - It wasn’t a tough guess.” He explained, and I start to agree. I’ve been on my own for a really long time, it’d be surprising if someone couldn’t tell.

“It’s not obvious though.” Yongguk assures, and I tilt my head pondering. “It’s not?” I doubt that, because he had just explained to me why it is. He grins, placing a hand on top of mine. It’s not inviting, or warm, or exploring – but when I look back at him, I start to see why.

I am with someone right now.

After it hits me, I laugh. It’s childish, but works anyway. “Alright, alright.” I agree. He lifts his hand and continues to wear his smile. “I’m going to guess why you’re here as well.” I challenge myself, and he shrugs. “We can all try.”

I stare at him, then at the coat he dumped in the seat between us, at his shoes – and then at his hair. He watches. I’ve got nothing, but I can’t possibly say that!
“Uh, maybe you take your job too seriously and haven’t dated anybody until Daehyun started to worry whether your works.”

And he chokes on his drink.               

Yongguk coughed, and put down his glass –eyes turning red. He struggles with the bit of liquid down his lungs, and then falls into a fit of laughter. I’m intuitively patting his back to help with the coughs, and later realizes it un-necessary. I did mean to be funny, after all.

“That was a total random crap, right?” he asked, wiping his nose – and I nodded, chuckling. He shook his head and calmed down his laughing fit, leaning back. “… and to think you got it right.” He said, denying the chances; and I gasped. “Are you serious?” I ask in disbelief.

Then he pulled out his phone, and slid through his messages. Then he pointed at one, and slid the phone to me. ‘Yongguk, we have to see if your still works. 9pm sharp His name’s Himchan. If you’re late I’m going to cut off your non-functional balls anyway, so be here.’

I laugh. Yep, typical Daehyun. “I guess you know Daehyun well enough.” He said, and Himchan had to agree. Three years is a long time. Yongguk decides to ask Himchan about Collage, and he admits he’s surprised that Youngjae is dating Daehyun. We share a lot of feelings about our best friends, so it starts off with a bit of gossip.

Then, we talked about where we’re from, about our families – but mostly about Yongguks pet dog, and our hobbies. Yongguk laughed his of when I said I’m all about gardening. “Do not tell me you have a garden in the middle of Seoul, Himchan.” Yongguk shook his head in disbelief. I blinked. “Of course not. I live in the same apartment as Daehyun. I talked the management into letting me plant in the roof top. I’m the roof top caretaker.” And it set Yongguk off into another laughing fit.

A roof top caretaker. Ugh, what am I saying?

Minutes later, Yongguk said he works a bit with music when he’s free, and I had almost jumped out of his seat. “As in compose?” I asked straight away, and he smiled. “With rap.” I widen my eyes, and spends a bit of time to see how his deep voice would sound like in rap. Probably very y. “Can I listen to some?” Yongguk nods in a smile. “Maybe when we wouldn’t have such a crowd behind us.” He said.

There’s no way I can listen to it properly with all the blasting music behind me, I admit. He pays a lot of mind to a hobby in his free time, I think, and concludes that he must hold a bit of passion for his work. But then I suddenly start to imagine a Japanese rock song playing on his phone, and I start to tell myself not to expect so much.
I must be ready if he because I wouldn’t want to hurt his feelings. Surely he wouldn’t want me yanking off ear-buds when his music starts to play.

Time flies past quite quickly, and when I check, it’s past eleven fifteen.

“It’s getting late.” He says, and I nod. I’d have to settle with the bit of side-dishes as dinner. It’s too late for anything today. I wonder what to say to him now, and he sips a bit of his third glass and instead of a good bye I’m thinking about how masculine he is, holding his liquor like that. One glass of that vodka mix would have set me off on Ooh-la-la land.

“I guess it is goodbye then.” He said, looking back at me. I nod.
We’ll talk again, right? But damn, I can’t! Ugh, help me lord. I stand up. He has my number already, thanks to Youngjae. I make a mental side note to kick him in the shin tomorrow.

“Yeah.”

Tongue, speak! I command, and groan internally. And don’t you dare stutter!

“Coming?” I ask – much with a steady voice, and I feel relieved when he shakes his head. “Just one more glass.” With that though, I feel a little disappointed, but I smile nevertheless. “Good night, Yongguk.” I bid him farewell, and walks out.

No Youngjae, no car. He’s the idiot who drove me here, and the er that left me here alone as well. I pull out my phone to dial a taxi company; but strangely it digs with a text message just then.

And if, by coming, you meant to your apartment, I’m in.’

I stare at it until I had finished interpreting that in all ways possible, and chuckled, gulping down a ball of tingly feelings.

Well, why not.’ I text back.

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zanfii
Marked Symphony as Complete!

Comments

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rjulynda
#1
Chapter 1: Hahahaha so funny to read something that i had done a long time ago and still i did till now. This is so beautifully hurt, thanks
ChyeahBAfrickenP
#2
Chapter 22: So cute ❤
damchubiased
#3
Chapter 22: I love it (ó﹏ò。)♡♡♡
damchubiased
#4
I can't believe I was not subscribed here (stupid me) ( •́ •̀ )
MissFanfiktion #5
Chapter 13: Holy !
This was SO CUTE and SO GOOD author-nim :3
jurangirl0604 #6
Chapter 15: This one is wonderful, i love it :)
feel so real and so heartbreaking
good that they are together in the end
Bibieonni #7
Chapter 39: Well,that such good News!
Really,Its so Hard to find some good Himlo, i will be looking forward yours! !!