Sehun, where are you?  6.07 am

Sehun, is everything okay?  2.25 pm

I’m worried. Please call me as soon as you have time. Good night, Sehun.  9.56 pm

The very first thing she did as soon as she woke up in the morning was checking her phone, only to find that there was still no reply from the man who has been occupying her head since yesterday. He hasn’t even read any of her messages. What happened actually? Why didn’t he tell me anything? Was it a family thing? Did something happen to Hyera? What was it that made him did not even have time to just check his phone? The last time she remembered was him coming to her room that night after he met Kyungsoo. Did he say anything that time? She tried to recall, but the only thing she remembered was him caressing her head as she fell back asleep. Every single question ran inside her head. Sehun was such a quiet and closed person, she knew that. But she was sure he would let her know if something happened.

Or not.

Aerin suddenly realised how she didn’t know anything about Sehun. Sehun slowly opened up to her. He told her about his sister, yes, about his mother who had passed away, about his father who wasn’t a good person. But that was it. Aerin still didn’t know what kind of relationship he had with Kyungsoo. She didn’t know why back then Sehun was roaming around with a gun at night. She never knew where he went and what he did every time he told her there’s something he needed to do.

The girl sighed as the realisation hit her. Aerin let him know everything about her, baring everything for him like an open book, but she literally didn’t know anything about him.

And she never asked.

Because she was too immersed in her own pain. She enjoyed being the centre of his attention too much. She was taking, taking, and taking; but she forgot to give back. She forgot that Sehun too, must have his own battle she never knew about.

Did he actually leave? Did he leave her?

She suddenly shook her head. No, she was thinking too much. They barely had any fight during their time together. They even had a good time and nice talks that evening before they met Kyungsoo. Yes, he probably had something to do, even when she didn’t have any idea what it was. He would let her know. She only needed to wait.

Sehun, at least let me know if you’re okay, please. I’m still worried. I miss you   6.32 pm

“What happened? Why so sudden?”

The young man in front of him bowed even lower, but he remained silent, not answering any questions directed at him.

“You may sit, Sehun, there’s no need to bow.” The man watched as the younger straighten up and went to sit on the couch in front of him. “Tell me, is it hard to handle Aerin? Did she give you too much problem?” The voice was full of worries. Sehun felt his heart tear even more.

“I’m sorry, Mr. Kim. Agassi never gave me trouble. She was a really lovely girl, and it has been nothing but a good time to be working for her.”

“Then why? Please enlighten me. Do you have any problem outside work? We can help you, just tell me. You don’t need to resign, Sehun, we still need you.” Jongin gently tried to coax the reason why the young man suddenly wanted to resign. He has just got home from the hospital, and it was already late. He found Sehun was currently sitting in the living room, fidgeting with his hand. And when he greeted him, Sehun immediately stood up and bowed at him, saying he wanted to have a talk with him. As he didn’t have any idea what the younger might talk about, Jongin asked him to come to his study room. The older sat on the couch but Sehun remained standing as he quietly handed him a letter that made him frown.

“No, Sir. Thank you very much for the offer, but I really need to go.”

“Is it about your family?”

Sehun’s face was void of any emotion, and it’s hard for Jongin to decipher what was actually happening. Aerin has been a lot better ever since Sehun worked with them. He met her doctor once to ask about his sister’s progress, and that was what the doctor stated. Jongin has been constantly checking her health record without her knowing. The doctor happily stating that there was almost no episode occurring in the past six months, and that was a really good improvement from her part. Jongin also recognized how she smiled even more, how cheerful her voice was, especially these days. And most of time when he just got home, sometimes he found both of them watching a movie on their home theatre, and Jongin couldn’t help but noticed how happier her laughter sounded every time she was with Sehun.

“Yes, Sir. My sister has been receiving treatment for her mental illness,” Jongin just suddenly felt his heart clenching. “And the doctor said she needs someone to be by her side.” Jongin couldn’t help but feel the pain Sehun must have been through. Because he was in the same shoes. He was once a jerk, but he knew how painful it was seeing his sister being helpless and he couldn’t even do anything to lessen the pain. Jongin didn’t take long to finally let the younger know his stance.

“I’m sorry. I really hope for the best and for her speedy recovery, Sehun. But I’m really sorry I can’t accept your resignation for now. I will let you have your time, as much as you need, but I need you to come back.” Jongin stated firmly. He was being selfish, yes, he knew that very well.

“Sir, but—“

“I’ve noticed how wonderful Aerin’s progress was since you started keeping her company. You know we are in the same shoes, Sehun.”

Sehun remained silent. No, Jongin. You have no idea.

“Or we can move your sister here. We will get Aerin’s doctor to take care of her too, and you can still work while—“

“No, Sir.” Sehun cut him right away. “I’m sorry but that is such a generous offer and that would be too much for me. I can’t accept it.” The younger heard Jongin sighed. “I don’t want to be indebted to you. You already helped me a lot. I’m sorry.” He bowed slightly.

“Then my stance won’t change. I will give you as much time as you needed. But I want you to be back. I will not let Aerin know that you proposed to resign. I will only let her know that you need time to take care of personal matters.”

“But, Sir—“

“I don’t know if there’s anything more than just a professional relationship between the two of you, but I noticed how my sister is really fond of you. I just…  I’m afraid this is going to hurt her. You don’t even have plan to tell her, right? We both know if you ever have problem, she would try to help you in any way. I’m sure she wants you to stay too.”

No, Jongin. Letting me stay by her side will only hurt her more…

“Please, Sehun. Help me.” Jongin pleaded. Sehun could see the worries swarming in his eyes, and he could feel his heart slowly started to torn.

But no, he can’t.

Sehun didn’t deserve to be with her.

Sehun has been standing in front of his girlfriend’s room for ten minutes now. His heart started to rampage as he’s been trying to fight the urge to just barge inside and hug her and never ever let her go. He glanced at his wrist, it was almost 1 am in the morning. She must be asleep, he thought, more like reassuring himself. Clenching his hand into a fist, he took a deep breath and brace himself. That’s okay, just for the last time.

And finally, Sehun gently pushed the door open. She didn’t lock the door. Tsk, this girl. Sehun slightly smiled, but at the same time starting to feel the piercing pain inside his heart.

The man tried not to make any sound as he took some steps closer to the girl. Aerin was fast asle