MOOD: When Night Falls — Eddy Kim

Jinwoon couldn’t help himself when he got a call from Jiae. He just knew something happened to his sister because Jiae wasn’t the kind of person that came just to chitchat for nothing. He gave his phone number to the younger for a certain reason, which was this.

So after received the call he stormed out of the meeting room, saying there was an emergency that he had to take care of, something that worth more than anything in his life – he didn’t even remember what he said or did in the meeting room, all he cared right now was his sister.

He called his brother and his mother as well, hoping them to able go there first because he might come a little later. His older brother, Ilwoo, understood right away as he knew what to do.

When he arrived at the emergency unit, he met several kids wearing P.E. uniforms, thinking they might be Eunji’s classmates. He found his mother and older brother were talking in all seriousness with someone he suspected as her homeroom teacher. He then found Jiae and Youngjae, with some kids surrounded his sister and he couldn’t help but sighed in relief as he saw his sister was fine and breathing. At least she was safe, that was the most important thing in the whole world.

He caught gazes with Youngjae, and the boy paled. Instinctively he stepped closer to him, with Jiae followed suit, and asked him to go to a secluded area because they needed to talk.

“I’m so sorry hyung, I failed.” Youngjae said, and only blinds couldn’t tell how guilty he felt toward Eunji. Jinwoon saw his shirt was crumpled and his hands were trembling, he seemed unfocused. “I should’ve protected her. I should’ve not let her leave my sight. I’m sorry hyung, I feel terrible.” He shook his head as he tried to erase the picture.

Jinwoon thought it was the best if he asked to Jiae about what happened because the younger boy was still shook about his action earlier. He listened to Jiae’s story very carefully and just nodded to react on it.

Jinwoon touched lightly over Youngjae’s shoulder, just to calm him down. “It’s okay Youngjae, you did well. Eunji is safe now; no one can hurt her anymore. You did great job and I’m forever thankful for you. And you too Jiae, for making the right decision to call me. I’m very much thankful for what you both did.” Jinwoon ruffled both of the youngsters’ hair as he etched a small smile on his face.

“I’m sorry hyung,” Youngjae still mumbled, feeling bad about it but Jinwoon dismissed his apology.

“You did great, why are you apologizing for?” he then excused himself because his mother found his eyes and asked him to come, he again made sure to tap Youngjae’s shoulder and Jiae’s before he stepped closer to his mother.

“She relapsed,” his mother shook and Ilwoo unconsciously pulled their mother into his embrace. “Her homeroom teacher said he heard she mumbled unstoppably…, apologizing…, Ilwoo…, Jinwoon…,” their mother cried in Ilwoo’s hug and whispered soothing words.

“Eomma at least she is safe now, nothing can harm her. Don’t worry Eomma, she’s safe with us.” Ilwoo shushed her calmly and their mother hugged even tighter.

“I’ll talk to her when she wakes up Eomma,” Jinwoon promised both of his mother and himself. He motioned Ilwoo to take their mother away for some air before he made a turn where his sister laid, still surrounded by her classmates. He heaved a sigh and made a walk toward that bed.

If he could turn back time; he indeed would do anything to avoid his sister to experience it, in all costs.

He got that light smirk as the moment his best friend of all times, was walking in to the florist shop, with the clear trace of confusion and no experience of doing so. He watched his best friend went to one florist with a confused smile and told her that he needed a bouquet of flower for his sick friend. He held back the chuckles to himself as his best friend’s cheeks reddened because the florist on being very sweet to his girlfriend.

He looked around, thinking how female found flowers so pretty and meaningful, and how people could find a language for each flower. He was about to touch the fresh lilies when his best friend tapped his shoulder and made him turn his head with a raised brow.

“Are you finished?” he wondered and his best friend shook his head and pointed at the florist, she was arranging his bouquet. “You even never buy your mother anything, you filthy son.” He commented and his best friend frowned at him. He gazed at the bouquet and he raised a brow, “Seriously, you really are the worst. What the hell do those flowers mean?” He pointed at the pale pink flowers. “Did you just pick them randomly? Picking what suits your taste?” His best friend just gazed blankly at him. “Yah!”

He went to the florist, pausing her from finishing the bouquet and heaved a sigh tiringly and glanced at his super dumb best friend for picking the palest color of all colorful flowers in this shop. If this was for nothing then alright he would allow his best friend to pick any flower he wanted, but this was different; they were going to visit a sick person. And what would they think if his best friend gave a bouquet of pale pink flowers that might be similar to how pale they would be at the moment?

“I’m sorry to interrupt but I was wondering…, did my best friend over there pick these personally?” He asked, barely hid his agony against his stupid friend.

She nodded frantically. “Yes he did, he said this bouquet for a friend… Is there something wrong?”

He cleared his throat, showed his canines to the florist with a wide smile, “Actually we are going to visit a friend, a very sick friend… Don’t you think it’s kind of offensive if we give the pale ones? Don’t you think we get her more colorful ones? Like these red roses for example—”

“—no not red roses!” his best friend piped in and made a worried face, he was shaking his head at the florist, as if wanted to tell to keep wrapping up the pale pink ones so they could just leave this shop safely and peacefully.

“Why are you so persistent on picking these?! They are not even pretty!” He couldn’t help but yell against his best friend’s persistent and stupid thoughts on the flowers.

His best friend was taken aback a bit with his words and he didn’t hide the sad frown, before replaced it with a sad smile and soft shrug, “Because my brother loves these, he gives these all the time for his girlfriend.”

He softened right away, now remembering a piece of the past and cleared his throat – clearly knew he did a big mistake. He couldn’t look properly at his best friend anymore and just looked down on his expensive shoes and mumbled, “Oh…., sorry.”

His best friend just smiled and since he felt awful, he turned his head at the florist that still arranged the bouquet. She of course heard their conversation, but she was nice enough not to ask about the sudden awkward mood.

“Is this supposed to be given for someone special or something?” she wondered finally after she finished arranged the bouquet; it was beautiful and stunningly expensive, anyone could tell.

“Why are you saying that?” His best friend wondered as he stepped closer to him and also the florist.

“Since hydrangeas have their meanings,” the florist looked up and smiled motherly. “Mostly they represent boasting or bragging, or perhaps thankfulness, sometimes they are given for communicating your rejection for something…, but then I thought I was wrong because you definitely picked the pink ones. Pink ones represent something else.” She explained thoroughly and two high school students in front of her waited for her to continue.

But she then grew quiet so both of the high school boys furrowed their brows in super confusion. “So you’re saying…,”

“This person must be very special because you asked me to arrange them properly even you have to pay more. This shows me that the sick friend you’ll visit is not very close with you, is she?”

Seeing two dumbfounded boys made her cackle, she was being too secretive that confused these young lads.

“Hydrangeas also could be translated as symbol of romantic love. By romantic I mean; heartfelt emotion, that you somehow have greatly fond of this someone.” The florist handed him the bouquet and then went to the cashier counter. “It would be 30,000 Won please.”

His best friend handed the money for the florist and thanked her for the beautiful bouquet, they were about to walk off when the kind florist called them and they turned their heads wonderingly.

“Good luck with the sick friend…” she trailed off, raised a brow as she wondered for the boy’s name.

“Kim Jisoo,” the boy with the name of Kim Jisoo widened his eyes because he definitely didn’t spell out his name, he looked upon his friend that now grinning foolishly, “Thank you for your wishes!” He waved his hand and walked away.

As Sohyun walked in to the class, Jiae nudged Youngjae’s shoulder to look up. He seemed unpleasant with the idea but Jiae gave him a long look, so he sighed before stood up and made a walk to her seat.

Sohyun positively flinched at the moment she saw him standing over her, with a look that anyone couldn’t tell – even the class went silent seeing the scene; some with wondering eyes, others tried to find out what was going on.

Youngjae bit his lower lip, hesitating and turning his head to Jiae, who just gave him an encouraging look with her big, doe eyes. He realized that he had to do this so he stretched out his right hand and said, “I’m sorry.”

Sohyun watched his hand lifelessly, shocked because she didn’t expect Youngjae would pull a gentleman card and apologized after freaking her out yesterday. She looked up and down over his hand and his face.

“I went too far yesterday, I’m sorry. If you ask my excuse is, it’s because I need to protect Eunji. She’s my best friend for so long, and something happened when we were younger and I couldn’t protect her back then…,” he explained in hushed tone, but somehow the whole class could listen to what he was saying – that is how to describe how silent the room was. “… Eunji and Jiae are the only things that I deeply care about, and I would do anything to make sure they are safe. I was mad, at myself mostly because yesterday I failed to protect her—even made her numb like that. I know I shouldn’t react that way yesterday, and I’m sorry.”

Everyone was nervous on how Sohyun would react, Youngjae was the most nervous of all. But then Sohyun stood up, grabbed his outstretched hand and beamed wildly, as giddy as she won a Big Bang’s concert ticket. “Your apology is accepted. And I’m sorry too…, for not thinking further about Eunji, for not noticing that she actually was terrified.”

Park Yoochun was about to walk in to the classroom for another brief meeting about school’s athletic championship that would be held some weeks from now. He halted abruptly and stood by the door, watching from his eyes on how the classroom cheered for them as Sohyun and Youngjae broke into a fit of laughter.

 Case closed.

Kwon Sohyun and Yoo Youngjae are spotted on declaring peace after the heated catfight several days ago. Baby Boy admitted he did that for his dear friend and Baby Cheeks realized she was at fault as well. As they are holding hands, are we hearing wedding bells anytime soon?

You know you love me,

X

O

X

O

Gossip Guy

Get it? Because I can’t call myself a girl since I have a .

Ha.

WHAT THE DUDE.

 COME ON. YOU RUINED IT.

 Expected from everyone’s humble, witty, and of course the only one favorite announcer…

 #sarcasmalert

 No, it was actually taken from three polls of Soul last months’ editions. Byun Baekhyun came out first. But I wonder though…

What if we leak his messages and see how everyone reacts.

Come on people.

Admit it.

Almost all of you read my messages like what Gossip Girl did on their shows.

Do you know that Kristen Bell, as in Anna in Frozen, admitted she was narrating for Gossip Girl?

It’s like… Can you imagine? She sings for children and gossips about Manhattan’s elite at the same time!

Huh.

Park Chanyeol removed Byun Baekhyun from Yoochun’s Squad

Hallelujah.

It’s about damn time.

Hallelujah. (2)

 THANK YOU PARK CHANYEOL! (▰˘◡˘▰)

Thank you VP for saving our eyes from unnecessary matters. You save our time, our breath, and of course our Wi-Fi data.

 #CHANYEOLMAKESGROUPGREATAGAIN

#CHANYEOL4PRESIDENT

 Forgive me to ruin your fun…

Kim Junmyeon invited Byun Baekhyun to Yoochun’s Squad

Yook Sungjae canceled Kim Junmyeon’s invite

Don’t let him come back!

You invited Byun Baekhyun to Yoochun’s Squad

Byun Baekhyun joined the group

  You es!

I’LL UNFORGIVABLY SPAM THIS GROUP!

AND YOU WON’T BE ABLE TO STOP ME

BECAUSE I HAVE JUNG EUNJI ON MY BACK!

AND YOU CAN’T BE MEAN TO SOMEONE THAT IS SICK.

SO I BASICALLY MAKE YOUR LIFE MISERABLE.

HAH!

Just wait until she’s discharged young man

Baekhyun looked down at Chanyeol’s phone that has been vibrated for a while since they walked home. Instead of rejecting the calls or picking them up, Chanyeol just ignored those as he remained calm about it, when of course the taller was conscious that Baekhyun was openly staring.

“Aren’t you going to pick that up?” Baekhyun finally wondered as he braced himself for any rough response Chanyeol would bark at him.

Instead he weakly shook his head and kept his phone safe inside his pant pocket. “I’ll just call back later.”

Chanyeol slowed his steps as the elevator dinged open and showed there was someone expecting in front of his door. His eyes widened as they finally caught gazes and the taller turned to Baekhyun. The smaller understood his look, without asking he went in to his apartment, but before he bowed politely and left Chanyeol alone with the unexpected guest.

The guest looked much alike to Chanyeol, except for the grey hair and wrinkles on the face. He got the same feeling just like Chanyeol; superiority, ambitious, and careful. His lips twitched as he noticed Chanyeol was stepping closer but didn’t say anything, instead he waited for Chanyeol to unlock the door and without even a word Chanyeol left the door open, just in case he wanted to step in to Chanyeol’s shoddy place.

“Nothing’s changed much,” was his comment after he looked around. “It’s all the same like when I first bought this place for your sister…” he found a photo frame and to see his and his wife’s faces were taken off of the picture, leaving just the siblings on it, he didn’t say a word because he fully understood his distaste.

Turned out Chanyeol left him to change his clothes to a comfortable one; a training pants and an oversized tee, without telling him a word Chanyeol turned the television on.

“We’re going to celebrate your mother’s birthday tonight.”

Chanyeol was well-aware of what that meant; that he needed to be present, to be their trophy son, and to be all smiling until the dinner party finished. But right now Chanyeol wasn’t feeling obedient, so instead he just changed the channel and turned up the volume.

“Send my warm regards to her then,” Chanyeol replied coldly as he never took off his sight away from the television, it’s almost as if he bored Chanyeol.

“You need to come.” He said in dictating tone. “Your mother expected you to come tonight and I don’t like to give her empty expectations. You need to come home tonight and do your duties as our son.”

Chanyeol made an annoyed face before he stood up, finally facing him. “And what, what if I don’t want to come to that pathetic party anymore? What if I decided that staying at home, doing my homework is so much better than going to that thing?” Chanyeol barked angrily. “What then, do you want to take my name off of the family, like what you always said to her?”

He flinched when Chanyeol unpredictably mentioned about her, someone that Chanyeol cherished the most, someone that became a reason for him to live separately because she was right about one thing; that house was suffocating.

“No…, instead of taking your name off, I will make sure this place will be sold in any minute.” He said as he gazed straight at Chanyeol’s black eyes. “You’re still my child, under my custody. I can easily make you leave this place and bring you home. Would you like that, lose the one thing that sacred for you and live with me, us, that you despise the most?”

Chanyeol gritted his teeth but successfully held back on anything his mind already planned on doing.

“Come home, put on your best suit, or just buy something new, something worth people seeing, I don’t care. Just make sure you come home and present at your mother’s birthday, it’s important for us.”

“Wow, Abeoji,” Chanyeol scoffed. “It’s the first time me hearing you use a person openly. Should I be grateful or disgusted with it?” he let out a smile when he spoke the sarcasm.

“Behave Chanyeol,” he muttered as he turned his back against Chanyeol. “Six thirty tonight, put on your best suit and make sure you smile. Or else, you’ll lose this place.”

Both of Park men had their thoughts in silence after the meeting; one with so much hatred for so easy of the older to just forget about his daughter, the other one with so much pressure for not letting his real pain out.

“Whoa you helpless ,” Moonbyul pushed Jieun to the wall of the rooftop as she tried to maintain her composure. “What did you just say?”

“If-if…, if you’re not going to do it right, I will tell Coach Seo to replace you sunbaenim,” Jieun stuttered but finished her words.

“What?” Moonbyul scoffed and pulled her by the collar of her uniform shirt. “You will tell him what? Whoa this wench. Just because you got that main role doesn’t mean you can be bossy to me! I’m your senior! You have to pay me respect!” She pushed Jieun down on the ground.

Moonbyul grabbed Jieun’s thick hair and the younger whined in pain. “That-that hurts sunbaenim…” she winced but the older just smirked fiercely.

Before Moonbyul could say anything back, they heard a snap sound and immediately they both looked up, to find Jung Soojung with her SLR camera, standing lean and tall just few steps away.

Moonbyul was about to say a word but got cut off by Soojung. “I would really love to tear your hair down sunbaenim, but then I realize I’m not a fist-fighter. I’m more a…, classy that does things amazingly complicated.” Her smile was replaced with something vicious, something that got Jieun realized her expression was akin to someone, someone that saved her before. “I can make sure you’re not going to have bright future once I release this picture.” She stepped closer. “Let her go.”

Moonbyul instinctively took her hand off and stood up, she bolted out of the rooftop, leaving just Soojung and Jieun there.

Soojung reached out her hand to help Jieun to stand up and helped her to clean up a bit. It’s already after school but they needed the skirt for tomorrow. Soojung clicked her tongue and suggested Jieun to wash her clothes once she got back home and asked what it was about.

“The last time they disturbed me, Chae Soobin saved me.” Jieun mumbled so softly that almost went unheard by the taller, after telling her what was going on. She stopped on her track and then turned to see Soojung, “And now you saved my life. I don’t know whether I should feel grateful or awkward because two former best friends saved me from those bullies.”

Soojung pretended she didn’t hear the words best friends from Jieun’s mouth as she just let out a small smile. “You should fight back Jieun, if you know that role belongs to you, if you know that you’re actually capable of doing so, don’t let anyone squash your guts. Be strong Jieun, be strong and fight back.”

Funny, her logic laughed cynically at Soojung, deep in her mind. Don’t you think you were supposed to do so? Soojung unconsciously started to feel the trembling as her fingers slowly grazed on her thigh and gulped.

She then shook her head, startling the smaller before she suggested them to leave. Jieun nodded and followed Soojung to walk off, but then they stopped as they heard some loud cheering from the field, something that caught Soojung’s attention and turned to the noise.

The cheerleading team was practicing, doing their stunts so flawlessly, and her eyes caught their captain was smiling and cheering – but Soojung knew better, for being her friend for too long, that could tell what she wanted, what she thought, what she felt; disgusted, Soojung knew what Soobin felt right now.

Jieun helplessly followed Soojung’s eyes and trained to the team. She saw the look on Soojung before she wondered, mostly to herself but hopefully could reach Soojung as well. “Why did you two end your friendship?”

Jieun never expected Soojung to answer, never, because neither one of them would open up, even their closest ones decided to keep their mouths shut. One thing for sure, the rumor was loud; that Soobin intentionally did something terrible to earn Soojung’s spot – but nobody knew what.

Soojung watched her former best friend and tilted her head. “I wonder…”

It wasn’t in purpose; Howon swore on his life that he halted in front of auditorium because the music boomed was too familiar. Howon wetted his lips and torn between peeking in and walking away. But he’s been in the group for so long, even though he couldn’t do it anymore, it wouldn’t hurt to give a peek, would it?

“Don’t be a fool.”

Howon was startled and turned his eyes to find Hyunwoo was looking at him in pity. “What?” he seemed confused.

“A part of human nature is being greedy; by always wanting more, always and always. Once you peek in, you’ll be greedy Howon, you will start thinking whether you can force yourself or give up on your dreams. You will forget about things that you actually need.” Hyunwoo stepped closer and he pushed Howon back before sneaked a peek inside.

Howon wanted to follow, but somehow Hyunwoo’s words seeped in through his mind and he couldn’t disagree. He was right; Howon would start feeling bad upon himself.

“If anything, I could tell our school will lose this year.” Hyunwoo turned to Howon and beamed like a little kid, created those mere slits on his eyes. “What they did was terrible Howon, I know you feel like your world is falling apart. But don’t you think sometimes your disadvantage could lead you to something better?” Hyunwoo continued to smile before he started to walk off.

Howon was stunned; half confused half wondering. The other boy said something as if he’s been there, as if he knew what it felt to have his world fell apart. Howon gave Hyunwoo’s back a long look, wondering what went wrong in his life.

So he asked, “How do you know that it would be better?”

Hyunwoo turned and let out a lopsided smirk. “I’ll tell you some other time.”

To meet people was the reason why everyone came to today’s gathering, with their nicest suits and brand new night gowns. Everyone screamed rich and money anywhere Chanyeol let his eyes wander.

He stiffened when his mother reached his hand and walked around, only stopped by when he stood right in front of The Chae. Chanyeol found Soobin looking uneasy in her beautiful red dress, standing beside her mother and siblings, and Chanyeol somehow understood.

Their mothers exchanged kisses and started to wonder about a thing or two, before then Chanyeol felt his hand dragged closer when his mother praised on how beautiful Chae Soobin grew and it was such a shame because Chanyeol didn’t do anything about it.

“She rejected me before I even asked, what do you want me to do?” Chanyeol casually said before he yanked his mother’s hand away and stepped off, walk out for some fresh air, leaving the others dumbfounded.

He found someone was standing near the swimming pool, shoes off and wandering alone. Sensing that he knew this person, he nudged her shoulder and grew into a small grin as his guess was correct.

“Tough night?” Chanyeol wondered to her as he started to follow her slow steps.

“Hmm,” she nodded and Chanyeol smiled. “Why are you here Park? Aren’t you supposed to be inside and be your mummy’s trophy son?” she teased and heard the other laughed hoarsely.

“And aren’t you supposed to be your daddy’s favorite daughter?” he mocked back, sarcastically and got the female laughed as well.

“You really are an . No wonder I don’t want to be seen talking to you at school. I’d end up kicking your .” She cursed so fine that it almost seemed casual between them. “But seriously, aren’t you supposed to be patrolling with your mom?”

“I did actually, until my mother stops by Chae Family and you know what happened…” Chanyeol took off his coat and hung it on her bare shoulders. “You shouldn’t wander alone, next time it won’t be someone as gentle as me.”

“Always so easily act conceited.” She looked up to find his eyes and grinned. Chanyeol has not seen that grin for so long. “Thank you Park, you’re always the sweetest. Too bad Chae Soobin prefers a bad boy instead the sweet one.”

“ you Jung,” he ruffled her hair tenderly before he stepped off because he was called with a microphone to give congratulatory speech for his mother. “That’s my cue. I’d suggest you to come in and see my performance. You would love it.”

“Meh.” She stuck out her tongue and watched the taller walked off, once or twice turning his head and signaled her to come in. “Alright, alright, Mister Bossy!” She followed suit, before she took her shoes and Chanyeol waited for her to put them back on.

“You’re so slow, always so slow.”

She made an annoyed face. “Some people just don’t change Park Chanyeol—”

“—and some others change either for better or worse.” Chanyeol finished for her and glanced at her dark orbs. “I know, you told me once Soojung, I won’t forget. Come on, everyone expects my speech.”

“Better be good kiddo.”

“It will be perfect my child.”

“Hello everyone, good evening,” Chanyeol greeted the guests warmly with his baritone voice as he let out a small smile that enough to show that he was enjoying this. “My name is Park Chanyeol and I am the son of our birthday lady over there, someone that I’m proudly able to call mother.” He directed everyone to glance at his mother and she was surprised for the nice voice he had right now.

“I was so surprised when I was asked to give celebratory greetings for my mother…, I mean I did it already in the morning so shouldn’t it enough?” Chanyeol made some of the guests laughed, also Jisoo and Soobin that were amused for his pretend. “So um…, I don’t really prepare myself a speech so I just do whatever comes to my mind, wish it’s alright for you Eomma.” He said as he caught her in the eyes. There’s a light hint of mockery if anyone noticed, because his mother did – her shoulders stiffened.

“Plato once said; Human behavior flows from three main sources; desire, emotion, and knowledge. I believe my mother has all those three that make her so good until today, on her fiftieth birthday.”

Chanyeol could see his father was holding the wine glass with a small smile for almost believing his son’s lies and his mother that had this smile, that almost made Chanyeol fall but he successfully didn’t.

“My mother has the desire to be the best, she is willing to do anything, anything to keep her aristocratic image on the frame; wearing the best, most expensive designer things and throwing them out after they are out of season. Well, aren’t we, rich people with endless amount of money, do the same?”

Weak chuckles and whispers were heard but Chanyeol continued.

“My mother has the emotion of a good mother – we can connect in almost everything, almost, except one thing. She is so good for holding back her emotion, that she doesn’t even shed a tear for my sister.”

His mother widened her eyes as Chanyeol mentioned that, as if it was a taboo for everyone to know. His father lost his smile and tightened the grip on the wine glass, but he waited as if he challenged his son to continue.

His father was so wrong to think that Chanyeol would just sit back and let anyone step on him. Because he was alike to his sister, he was not going to lose, he would fight. Just like Yura fought for her boyfriend, Chanyeol would fight for Yura; to give her some justice for being so easily forgotten.

“And my mother is super smart; she has knowledge that sometimes I wonder where they come from. She knows how to pretend to be fine when she is actually shaken, she knows how to act well when she actually hates the situation…,” Chanyeol glared now, gone the shy smile, replaced with an expressionless face. “And she knows perfectly how to lie to people about my sister’s whereabouts when she is fully aware that my sister, Park Yura, has passed away four years ago because overdosed.”

His parents were positively taken aback with Chanyeol’s honesty, he glanced at Jisoo that now looked down on his feet and his parents that paled, and finally he set his eyes on certain someone – the one that he believed to be the reason his sister gone and as expected, she started to tremble as he shot dagger at her.

“Happy fiftieth birthday, Eomma. I wish you have amazing year in this age, I hope you get everything that your heart desire because I know you always will.” Chanyeol gave a curt smile before stepped off and started to walk.

Everyone started to murmur and the least thing in his mind was being care. He won; he did it for his sister because he knew she deserved justice for being forgotten, for being ignored for so long. He knew that Park Yura would be proud with him.

If he knew, then why his heart didn’t feel as relieved as he expected to be? Why did he instead feel that weird constrict in his heart, remembering about how this place, how this house used to have so many great memories between two of them? Why did Chanyeol start to feel like he’s about to cry?

Why?

He wandered around aimlessly, just led his feet and his heart took over as Chanyeol tried to get some sense on his nerves. He halted as he realized he entered a very crowded, loud hospital. As he grew familiar with the circumstance, he realized he just got in to the hospital where Yura was first admitted after she was found collapsed in her apartment.

“SAVE HER.”

Chanyeol remembered he shouted those words repeatedly.

“Save my sister, I beg of you!” He wailed as he tried to loosen himself from Mister Byun’s embrace, he held too tight that almost suffocate Chanyeol. “I beg of you, save my sister! My parents have a lot of money and I promise you I’ll give everything if you can wake her up!”

The memories were too explicit that he could recall the smells, the colors, and the feelings. Chanyeol tried to shake the memories off as he closed his eyes and pressed his knuckles over his forehead, to give it some pressure to make him forget.

“Chanyeol, Chanyeol, Chanyeol, please let her go. She’s happy already. Can’t you see, she smiles…, she is happy.” Baekhyun squatted as he tried to make Chanyeol stand up. The Park kid was kneeling on his knees and refused to stand up until a doctor would step in and decide to at least try to save his sister.

Chanyeol stepped to the nearest wall and leaned his head against it, but the headache and memories were still crystal clear. He lost balance on himself that he then fell on his knees and startled the patients, even a doctor stepped closer to him when they saw him fell out of blue.

“… You’re the only child in this family.”

The doctor called Chanyeol to wake him up but he was too frozen, too stunned to even say a word. The memories were too explicit and he just couldn’t push them away no matter how he tried. How to forget these horrible memories?

When the doctor touched him lightly over his shoulder, it was as if he was rudely being waken up, it was as if he was coming back to his senses, he looked around at those confused eyes and a doctor that was looking at him and asking whether he was alright or not.

Chanyeol just nodded his head right away, tried to stand up although he stumbled a bit, before he thanked the doctor for helping him and bowed for making a ruckus, he walked off, blaming himself for coming to this hospital for no reason just because he was so mad earlier.

But his steps halted at the same moment he saw someone was raising their brows weirdly in disbelief to see someone like Chanyeol in his best suit in this hospital.

Shoot, he forgot that she was brought here after she collapsed yesterday.

“What are you doing here?”

Park Chanyeol looked flustered as he caught gazes with Jung Eunji, too speechless to come with an excuse.

She stepped closer and then she got that weird, kind-of-amused expression as she stopped right under his nose. Chanyeol could see the small acne scars on her cheeks for her not putting on any makeup, but he complimented her inside for being confident and not hiding those when she actually met a friend. But then, he realized, what is the use of looking pretty in this pathetic, sickly place?

“You’re visiting me right!” she clapped her hands in amusement and laughed cheerfully. “It’s pretty late for a visitor and I don’t think they allow visitors in this hour, but I acknowledge your kind intention… I’ll add some points for wearing such expensive suit just to come to see me.” She smiled cheekily that made Chanyeol felt so hopeless.

He had to wake her up.

“You’re so full of yourself, do you know that?” Chanyeol mocked her and the shorter made a face. “I’m here because—because my friend is sick! What is that face for?” Chanyeol pointed at Eunji and continued, “I have many friends! HAH. What? You don’t think I have friends?”

“Well…,” Eunji was about to answer but his look made her pressed the lips into a thin line, being quiet might be the right decision for this conversation.

“There you are wrong! I have friends! And see, this hospital is big you know, you’re not the only patient they attend to. There are patients that need more, actual care than yourself, huh, there are children patients and—yah why are you leaving?!”

Eunji was already walking off when Chanyeol rambled, but she turned around and made a bored face at him. “You said you’re here for your friend, so yeah I’m leaving. Hearing your voice is actually one of the least thing I want to hear right now. So um, send my best regard to your sick friend—”

“Wait, wait, wait—where are you going?” Chanyeol couldn’t help himself but asked.

“Outside, why?” Eunji raised a brow questioningly because usually Park Chanyeol never bothered to ask for people, it was all the way around, so she couldn’t help but wonder what he had on mind right now.

He just had that light smirk and Eunji started to feel scared already.

“So this sick friend of yours…, is it even real?” Eunji started as she sipped the cold cola, the fresh drink went down her throat and she has never been happier than today.

“Of—of course it is! I will see her after I gave you company. I’m sure that guy can wait. Being sick means nothing to do at all after all.”

“She? That guy? So is this friend a female or male?” Eunji raised her head to look at the flustered Chanyeol and with a single glance she already got her answer. He tried to come out with an excuse, only to close his mouth and pressed it into a thin line, before he sipped his grape-flavored Fanta.

“This is not whatever you’re imagining. Stop grinning.” Chanyeol grunted lowly and Eunji just raised her brow.

“Well, why can’t I? I mean, you look super nice just to visit sick friend – which I know by the way is not even existed, and of all places, good places on Seoul, you decided to come here?” Eunji tried to sound unimpressed even though it was the blatant truth. “If anything, I’d call those lies and believe that you are here because you want to see me.”

Chanyeol turned to see Eunji and couldn’t even believe that this girl had such high confidence of herself. Actually it was good, it meant she knew herself better than anyone and would do well on things but now, this? How could she think like that?

Before he could reply, she continued with a question, “Anyway Chanyeol, have you ever been in love?”

She sounded so random and weird at the same time, confused Chanyeol. He chose to lie and shook his head. “Nope.”

“Huh, really?” Eunji seemed uncertain. “That’s weird.”

“Why?” He questioned confusedly.

“Because I read once somewhere that a person could totally change opposite ways if they were hurt from their pasts. And seeing how you always are so rude to me, I thought it was because you have some trauma with a girl…”

Eunji’s words were indeed right that got Chanyeol smirked sadly. “I am,” he nodded and Eunji’s eyes sparkled with excitement. “Traumatic with loud people like you because I often have nightmares you talking in my dreams. Ugh, the images are just….,” he cackled when Eunji punched his upper arm with her fist. “What about you?” Chanyeol looked over the patients enjoying the view at the park, his eyes caught a female, seemingly talking joyously with her younger brother, a patient, and even though he tried his best to muffle his laughter, he failed and burst into a loud laugh that made his sister looked proud of herself. “Have you ever been in love? Or should I name him a hopeless crush?” Eunji scowled. “It’s Jisoo, isn’t it?”

“How do you…” she trailed off, cheeks were beet red. She studied Chanyeol that thought it was the perfect time to be all quiet and mysterious, as she realized that she knew how he found out. “You overheard their truth or dare, didn’t you?” Eunji squinted judgingly.

Chanyeol seemed amused with her judgment as he turned to look at her and bent his head lower so their eyes leveled. “You and your friends are just being so obvious about it, it almost seems scary that he doesn’t know about it.”

“Oh my God, I swear to God Chanyeol, if this leaks I would just go and cut your—” Eunji’s words were cut off by stern look and his interruption as he turned to gaze back on the sister and her sibling across their seat.

“—don’t like him Eunji.” He said coldly.

Eunji was puzzled because his sudden change of behavior. “Why?”

Chanyeol swallowed before gave Eunji a reason, he tried to speak and block the memories at the same time. “He’s terrible; both him and his brother. Don’t like him, don’t even have feelings for him. He won’t be good.”

“How could you say he’s terrible, did he do something—”

Chanyeol gritted his teeth as he abruptly stood up in annoyance, pissed because Eunji just doesn’t listen, “—I lost my sister because of his brother, so of course I know! It’s his true blood, it runs in family…” he trailed off once he realized he just made a big mistake by telling her his big secret; something that he kept for a long, long while.

Eunji got her eyes rounded hearing the confession about his sister, someone that made Chanyeol hit Jongup that one time. His sister, wasn’t she passed away because something related to drugs? She remembered Jongup said that.

After being frozen for some moments, Chanyeol then asked Eunji to come in because the weather is getting colder and the taller didn’t bring any coat. Eunji obeyed and led the way with several times turned her head to see whether Chanyeol was coming along or not.

He did.

They stood in front of Eunji’s room and silence was deafening between them. Chanyeol was about to bid his goodbye until he heard Eunji spoke first.

“I can’t stand darkness because of my brother. I almost died because of him.”

Chanyeol was stunned and caught her eyes, knew she wasn’t mumbling for nothing, it was directed to him – almost as if she repaid for his unforeseen secret. Chanyeol just hummed to respond, to let Eunji know that she listens.

“My life might or might not be as ed up as yours.” She shrugged and Chanyeol stilled. “So, when the time comes where you can tell me about your secret, I promise you to tell mine.”

The door then opened and both of the youngsters were startled to see Ilwoo coming out with a beam as he found them. His eyes then went to Chanyeol, as if he recognized the younger and pointed a finger at him.

“Oh you, flower boy!” Ilwoo greeted him warmly, as if he has known him for a while before reached out his hand as the moment when Chanyeol bowed at him. Awkward. “What are you doing here, visiting my sister again?”

“Oh-oh…” Chanyeol stuttered and scratched his back of head, not knowing what to answer.

“Oppa you know him?” Eunji furrowed her eyebrows because she knew Ilwoo was always polite and friendly, but never this excessive.

“You don’t know? He’s one of the handsome visitors Jinwoon mentioned you yesterday maknae. He gave you a bouquet of—”

“—Eunji, there you are! You can’t go out without telling us! What if you get lost? What if something happens when you’re out there and we don’t know?” Jinwoon started his daily preach as Eunji just nodded and laughed at him.

Jinwoon dragged Eunji inside when Ilwoo waved at Chanyeol before closed the door, leaving Chanyeol that slowly stepped off and decided it was the right time to turn on his phone and checked for messages.

There were fifty miscalls from his father, six messages from Baekhyun, and one voice note from his mother.

Chanyeol decided to just read Baekhyun’s messages and a small smile etched on his face as he read.

 You bastard.

 What did you do at your mother’s party?

 Your dad called me and told me everything!

 You should be thankful he spared your life.

 Because I won’t ever take you as a foster brother.

 NO WAY YOU RICH BASTARD.

Chanyeol then pressed play button on his phone as he readied himself to hear his mother’s voice – he used to be worshipping her for her beauty, thinking there was no one like his mother, Park Chanyeol loved her.

“Alright son you win this time.” He heard his mother choked. “If an apology is something you’ve been expected me to say, then I’ll say it; I’m sorry. I’m sorry for thinking that putting the past behind us was the right decision, I’m sorry for thinking you will understand meanwhile you don’t. I’m sorry for not understanding your emotion; that you were hurt because she left. I’m sorry taking you for granted, I’m sorry for never standing beside you when you need me. I’m sorry Chanyeol, I’m so sorry…, and I really will do anything to get you back.”

Chanyeol has expected his mother to beg on her knees, begging for forgiveness, but once he heard she was sobbing, something hurt him. Chanyeol pressed stop button and quickly erased the voice note even though it hasn’t finished yet.

Chanyeol stepped away as a thought popped in his mind about Eunji’s confession just now, about being almost died because of her brother – the question was; which one?

 WE’RE AT EUNJI’S!

 Come and join us!

 Is Eunji’s handsome oppa there?

  So you moved on from Sungjae already?

 cc: Yook Sungjae

 Um the oldest one is here.

 (Yoo Jiae sent you a picture)

 Damn he’s so fine.

 Why didn’t I see him yesterday?

 Um because you were crying like crazy?

 Your eyes seemed like being hit repeatedly.

 Swollen.

 F Yook.

 Count me and Sohyun in!

 Should we bring anything?

 Noooooo

 Just come here!

 The more, the merrier~~

 Alright see you there!

“SHUT UP!”

Jiae realized she just cursed out loud as Ilwoo and Eunji’s mother looked up at her. Ilwoo just smiled meaningfully, as if he knew what the kids were talking about, and Eunji’s mother shook her head and returned to watch the variety show.

Eunji smacked her back harshly and hissed at her right after. Jiae covered with her palm and mumbled apology, while Youngjae just scrolled on his phone screen.

“So you’re saying…” Now Jiae has learnt to control her voice. “Someone in our class has a crush on you?” Jiae frowned, “… Just like that chocolate thing.”

Eunji nodded eagerly. “My brother told me their traits but I still couldn’t tell who it was…”

“But Eunji, if there is someone that has a crush on you, then why did he never make a move on you? I mean…, that is what someone does when they like someone, right?” She turned to see Youngjae for approval but the boy just coughed and Eunji couldn’t help but smirked because he was just too obvious.

Obvious, she then recalled last night’s conversation and as if she was hit by a realization, she remembered that Ilwoo called Chanyeol as flower boy. Did he? Nah, he didn’t of course…, right?

“Do you think Kim Jisoo gives you one?” Youngjae mumbled and caught two of them looking at him. Youngjae shrugged and continued, “I don’t want to make you expect but there’s nothing wrong with showing your brother his picture…”

They turned their heads to Eunji’s brother and Eunji hesitated. But Jiae was curious, so she stood up and opened Jisoo’s picture on his social media and stepped to Ilwoo. “Oppa, did you see this boy yesterday, got a bouquet of flowers and came here?”

Ilwoo turned from his laptop to Jiae’s phone and then his grin grew wider. “Oh! I know this kid! Eomma, this is the kid that you said you like right?” Ilwoo called his mother and asked Jiae to show the picture to her. “I remember…, he was tall and so awkward.”

Eunji’s mother also had the same grin as she nodded. “Omo! He’s so cute, isn’t he Jiae? I just love awkward boys…, make me happy, because they act as if they were to meet their mother-in-law.” Eunji’s mother chuckled.

Her words were ignored as Jiae and Eunji then boomed to a very loud cheer; Youngjae, Ilwoo, and her mother had to cover their ears because out of sudden Jiae and Eunji were shouting and jumping.

“YAH. YAH. YAH. You should check what those flowers mean! Hurry, hurry!” Jiae pushed Eunji’s phone on her lap and forced her to hurry. She was too excited that her cheeks went red and Youngjae couldn’t help but cooed at the view.

Not knowing there were some boys behind the door, about to walk in. The taller pulled down his hand on the doorknob and about to turn, with his loyal best friend just watched and followed.

“I told you we should get something…”

Sungjae trailed off as he halted on his track, with Kim Jisoo stood beside him, looking stiff as they caught gazes with Chanyeol and Baekhyun. Unlike Sungjae and Jisoo that came with their school bags, Baekhyun and Chanyeol got themselves a box of donut.

“OH MY GOD EUNJI!”

They heard the noises as they turned to glance at the door.

“HEARTFELT EMOTION?! . SINCE WHEN DOES KIM JISOO HAVE EMOTION FOR YOU?”

“Why don’t you go in Kim?” Chanyeol raised a brow challengingly. “They are definitely talking about you.” Chanyeol made some motion with his head as he signaled Jisoo to walk in the room.

Jisoo narrowed his eyes, definitely seeing the mockery inside his former friend’s eyes. “You knew about this, didn’t you?”

“Knew isn’t the correct word to use, I happened to overhear one time.” Chanyeol corrected smugly and there was something that irked Jisoo. “She’s just so obvious about it and I couldn’t help but notice because her eyes sparkled whenever she sees you and I just—”

“—she’s not a toy Park Chanyeol.” Jisoo reminded their little vow, back when they were at the airport, back when they were younger. “You can’t do that to her, to anyone that think they like me. You can’t force people to change their minds and like you instead,” Jisoo harrumphed as Chanyeol remained motionless. “Is that why you agreed on being her VP? So you can hang around her, make her wonder about her feelings on me, and leave her when she’s sure that she turns out to be into you?” Jisoo stepped closer to his former best friend, Sungjae caught his wrist for prevention, and Chanyeol remained still on his feet.

“Is it that fun Kim? Is it fun if everything is related to you?” Chanyeol challenged with a rude smirk. He tilted his head a little to get a better view of Jisoo before he continued, “And to answer you; no I didn’t agree to be a VP because I know she has feelings for you.”

Jisoo scoffed. “Huh, then why are you acting like this? Don’t tell me that bull where you actually have feelings for her…” he trailed off as he realized Chanyeol’s expression softened. No, there’s no way that he did it for real.  “What now…, do you even like her?” Jisoo challenged, half expected Chanyeol to shake his head and say something like are you out of your mind.

But instead, “I do.”

The brunet, with his slanted eyes, halted on his track as he noticed two of his classmates, the ones that were dubbed as Towers of their class, the ones that shared weird atmosphere when they were together, stood only few steps away, in front of his sick friend’s room, looking all gruff and stiff.

He didn’t even think about it, of overhearing, of hearing things he wasn’t supposed to listen. But he just did and there was no time machine to bring him back to the moment where he was just a guy with innocent purpose of visiting his friend, or crush, Kyungsoo said.

After hearing Chanyeol’s answer, his hand that held a bouquet of very fresh lavender roses, lowered, so low, low, low, that the bouquet almost fell off of his hand.

October 18th 2017

The reason I to neglect this story because I don’t think I’m able to satisfy everyone and my high expectations kill me. But then I found out there are some of you that wait (very long and super patient enough) for me, and I feel like there you are, waiting for me, and somehow I feel enough.

So here’s what happened while I’m away;

• Lee Hyunwoo and Joy were in a drama together. (They were so cute, I squealed a lot!)
• Yoochun postponed his wedding because he doesn’t want people to know. (Did you see his new tattoo – a drawing of his fiancée? He’s so sweet but I just can’t see him married…)
• Howon quitted Infinite (sigh)

So for you (you know exactly who you are); I’m feeling forever thankful for the kind words and unlimited patience. Stay strong loves! And keep the smile on!

ps. does anyone have Instagram account? if you do, should we be friends? hihi ʕ•ᴥ•ʔ

pps. currently in love (obsessed???) with this handsome man ♥‿♥