****I updated the main image fo this chapter! :)

Chapter 32

Together

Sulli went to Heechul’s house, she would always frequently visit. Sulli appreciates that Minho cares for his cousin. So when Sulli asked if she can visit Heechul, Minho said Yes and even encouraged her to visit frequently. Minho would fetch her and bring her home when she ends up staying late in Heechul’s house.

“Oh really? Minho is graduating in 3 months?” asked Heechul “That’s good! What should we give as gift?”

Heechul has lost weight rather fast the past month. Though he almost looked like skin and bone, Sulli is glad that Heechul can still enjoy conversation with her. Nowadays, Heechul can’t leave his bed anymore. He had also lost appetite for a few weeks now.

“Auntie said she’ll prepare a party for Minho.” Said Sulli

Heechul’s parents arrived a month ago. They’ve been really nice to Sulli and welcomes her every time she visits. Nicole is also always there beside Heechul.

“Hmm…a party after 3 months…I want to give him something sooner.” Said Heechul

Sulli felt like something is stuck in . But she can’t cry in front of Heechul.

“You always give gifts, Oppa. Even when you were in the US, you would always shower me with gifts.” Said Sulli

“I am happy when I know I can make someone smile even if I’m not with them” said Heechul

“I liked the book about the 2 soldiers the most.” Said Sulli

“The 2 soldiers?” asked Heechul

“Yeah, you gave me a book few months before I graduated Highschool. It’s about a deep friendship between 2 soldiers.” Said Sulli

“Ahhh yes, I remember…I like that book. When I read it, I thought…’Ah…Sulli will surely like this.’” Said Heechul

“You always think of me. You should have thought of other things too like golf or something.” Said Sulli

“No…I like thinking of you the most.” said Heechul “And Minho knows that.”

Sulli smiled.

“The story about the 2 soldiers. What did you like about it?” asked Sulli

“Umm…Ahh….I like that they were 2 totally different people in the beginning. You will never think that they will get along. But then eventually, slowly…they became inseparable.” Said Heechul

“Just like us in highschool. A Face with an idiot’s brain meets the student council president genius.” Said Sulli

“Haha! I’ll put it, the cheerful pretty looking girl and the gloomy ordinary guy.” Said Heechul

“You were popular back then. Not at all ordinary.” Said Sulli

“Well…Just a bit popular” said Heechul chuckling

“Ahh…But the thing that I really love about the story is that…when one of them went to war, the other also wanted to go. They know it’s probably going to be dangerous, but they rather go together than have the risk of being left alone in the world.” Said Heechul

Sulli can’t hold back her tears anymore.

“Don’t cry Sulli…where I’m going is not a bad place. I’m going to a beautiful place.” Said Heechul

“I just…”

Sulli can’t speak coherent words.

“You won’t be around anymore…I…will just…miss you…Oppa…” said Sulli in between tears

“And I will miss you too.” Said Heechul “Very much.”

Sulli doesn’t know what to say. All she knows is that she’s about to lose the best Oppa she can have in this world. He has loved her and cared for her for a long time. She feels heavy in her heart to know that these moments that she has with him…is about to end.

Heechul held Sulli’s hand in his.

“Minho…you love him, right?” asked Heechul

“Yes…I do.” Said Sulli

“Are you happy?” asked Heechul

“Yes. Yes I am.” Said Sulli

“Then everything is worth it.” Said Heechul

“Ah!” said Heechul as if he remembered something

“There’s an envelope in that cabinet. Can you get it for me please?” asked Heechul

Sulli stood and went to the cabinet, She saw a blue envelope and took it to the bed.

“Give that to Minho. Tell him it’s my graduation gift.” Said Heechul

“What is this?” asked Sulli wiping her tears

“It’s just between Minho and I.” said Heechul

“Cousin Secrets?” asked Sulli pouting

“Yeah” said Heechul smiling

Sulli kissed Heechul’s forehead.

“I need to go now. I will be back tomorrow.” Said Sulli

“Thank you, Sulli. For always coming over.” Said Heechul

“I want to. So you don’t have to thank me, Oppa.” Said Sulli

Heechul closed his eyes.

“I can feel a sweet dream coming. Let me just….sleep…” said Heechul

Those were Heechul’s last words. He never woke up the next day. He just completely succumbed to the sweet dream and is now in a beautiful place.

Minho is beside his Mom in the funeral.

“Is that Sulli?” asked Minho’s Mom

“Yes…I wanted to introduce her to you…but not on this occasion.” Said Minho

“I want to give her a project in the company. I want to know what she can do.” Said Minho’s Mom

“You’re going to test her?”asked Minho

“I need to. It’s going to be challenging to be your wi