Key’s Pov

Everything was escalating out of control at a very fast rate. First, the incident with Jonghyun-ssi, then,  Taemin wasn’t talking to me saying Jinki hyung is angry on him because of me. Then there was Jinki hyung; I can’t believe he got angry to the point of grounding me! I’m not allowed to take up any projects for two months, not allowed to party and there might be a chance that my internship with Heechul hyung may get cancelled as well. Above all I wasn’t able to apologize to Jonghyun-ssi. Call me a coward but each time I picked up the phone to text or call, I lost all my courage. Getting his number from Jinki hyung itself was a task! I never thought that I would be encroaching on my hyung’s privacy any time soon, but I did. Feels like all the efforts were wasted though. I got his number but couldn’t find the courage to use it. For past 2 weeks I have been busy with our college end of the year show. Finally, after multiple tries, I was able to get on Tae’s good side. But he now regularly nags me to hurry with my apology before it’s too late, but it’s always easier said than done!!!!!

Currently we are taking a short break from practicing our new dance routine-

“Hyung”

“Hmm?”

“Did you apologize?”

“Ehhh…..no not yet…?” the moment this words left me, Taemin sat up straight staring at me with that accusing look.

“HYUNG! It’s been 2 weeks since that incident, what are you waiting for?! I thought we had this discussion about you apologizing when you apologized to me!” I could see Taemin getting all worked up, and although I understand his point, but I can’t help it.

“Ehhh…Tae, it’s not that I don’t want to, it’s just that I don’t know how to… I mean each time I pick my phone to call him, I back out thinking what will I even say to him, how do I approach the topic, and in the end I just chicken out.” I told him, sighing.

“ Oh hyung, you should have said something before only. We would have figured out some way!” he told me giving me encouraging smile. I couldn’t help but give him a small smile back.

“Well you can suggest something now” I told him. It’s not like I was any closer in figuring out what to do.

“Hmmm, let me think” he said and started tapping his forehead with his finger. I couldn’t help but chuckle, he is so cute! But seems like he didn’t catch it, too engrossed in thinking. In a matter of seconds he exclaimed –

“Ah Ha! I know what we can do.” He said smiling cheekily

“What?”

“Well, why don’t you invite him to our year end show? You can maybe sing for him or something. Or just invite him so you can talk to him face to face afterwards. Well you know what, this is the best idea! You should do this! Wait, you have to go now itself before you chicken out. Go down to his studio and hand him the invitation for Year End Show.” Saying this he got up and ran towards our volunteering managers. One of which, if I’m not wrong, was Taemin’s friend. I could hear him shout.

“ KAIIII, Kai-ah…..can you give me one invite for the show? I need to invite someone!” Taemin keep pestering Kai till he gave him one invitation just to shut him up. He didn’t even give me any time to react, what should I do?? Before everything was even processed in my head, Taemin was back with the said invitation and was waving it in my face.

“Here Hyung, take this and leave. If you leave now you’ll catching him before he leaves for home. He usually works till late, but you never know. So go go!!!!!” Saying this he started pushing me out.

Sighing, I grabbed my bag and made my way to the gate. In no time I hailed a taxi and was on my way to Jonghyun ssi’s studio. I don’t know how, but when I told Taemin that I want to apologize to Jonghyun-ssi, he got me his entire schedule, right down to his home and studio address. As I looked at the passing scenery, I kept wondering what I should say to him. Would he be ready to see me? Will he even accept the invitation? The more I thought about it, the more I was unsure of it. Before I realized I was already at the designated place. I got out of the taxi and made my way to the given building.

The door to the studio was open, I didn’t know if I should knock or just go in. I opted for the later option, maybe I can catch someone and go ahead from there. As I entered, I looked around and numerous paintings were lined up all across the studio. Some completed, some still in progress. It varied from abstract to still life, some portraits too. This was my first time seeing his work, and I felt like each painting was giving out his emotions. Just looking at them I could somehow feel, what he must have felt while he painted it. I was so engrossed in seeing everything that I didn’t realized someone had walked behind me, until that person cleared his throat, catching me by surprise. As I turned around startled, I saw Minho, Jonghyun-ssi’s friend from that day standing behind me. And at this moment he didn’t look happy seeing me here.

“What are you doing here?”  he asked me with a cold voice.

Gulping down I replied “ Ehhh….I’m here to see Jonghyun-ssi?”

“Why, is there anything left for you to do? Listen here Kibum, I won’t sugar coat my words. You have done more than enough damage. You made it clear that you don’t want this relationship and he understands and respects your decision. You don’t have to come and rub it in his face. He already spoke to your hyung. He won’t be pursuing you anymore so you can breathe. “

“But….”

“Leave”

“What?”

“You have hurt him more than enough! I won’t allow you to hurt him more! He’s been suffering for past two weeks already! So do him a favor and leave before he sees you! You have separated your way already, now stick to it and leave him alone!” I couldn’t say anything and I couldn’t help but flinch. Minho was scary, I didn’t knew what to do, I wanted to apologize….

“LEAVE!!!!!” he yelled at me. It freaked me out so much that I scrambled my way out, running for my life!

Jonghyun’s POV

I was busy sorting out the paintings I wanted to display in my upcoming exhibition. I was hoping to get this done soon so I can go home and rest. I was having trouble sleeping for the past two weeks. Looks like my insomnia is back. On top of that I have a slight headache. That’s when I heard Minho yelling at someone. He had a free day and decided to help me. I know he is worrying about me. I try to not make it obvious but he is my best friend and knows me too well. I decided to check on him; who was he yelling at?? I thought it was just us in the studio. As I made my way out to the main hall area, I saw him standing there muttering to himself. I could hear words like “His guts” “How dare he?!”.

“Minho” as I called him, he looked at me visibly calming down.

“Who was here?” This question made him nervous. Shaking his head to probably clear it he smiled a little and said

“No one, just some delivery guy knocking on wrong door” he said chuckling a little. Even though I didn’t believe him I decided to let it go. My headache was making me tear up.

“Are you done?” he asked me looking at me with concern.

“Hmmm….yes I’m done”

“Well then let’s go, I’ll drop you home” Sometimes I feel bad for making him worry so much.

“Ok you go ahead and bring the car I’ll lock up till then” He nodded and left. I took a look around to check if everything was stored away safely. That’s when something caught my eye. It was there where Minho stood a while ago. Bending down I picked it up to take a look. It was invitation to a year ending show.

Isn’t this college where Kibum studies. How did this come here? Was he by chance here?  Was it him with whom Minho was arguing? If so then why did Minho lie? Should I ask him? Suddenly my head started throbbing with all these questions. I decided to let it go for now. Even though I wanted to question Minho, I couldn’t bring myself to make him more worried. I took one last look at the invitation in my hand before locking up the front door. ‘What do you want from me Kibum?’ kept  going in my head.