You mopped around for the next few days, refusing to get out of bed unless you were hungry and even then, only getting out to fix yourself something quick to eat before burying yourself under the covers again. You called in sick to work and your manager gave you a few days off after hearing how tired and nasally your voice sounded. You mentally praised yourself for calling in after one of your now frequent crying sessions.

You were lying in bed just staring at the ceiling, waiting for Junhyung to contact you when you remembered that he used to work at a bookstore. Maybe they would know where he was. He might even be there! With that thought, you bounced out of bed with newfound energy and made yourself presentable before heading to the bookstore.

“Ahjussi, did Junhyung come in for work recently?” You asked.

“Ah.. you’re that girl he brought along the other time right? His best friend?” You nodded. “He called a few days ago to say that he won’t be able to work here anymore. I think he said he is going to debut soon. With some group called Xing I think. He didn’t tell you?” He raised an eyebrow.

You lowered your head, embarrassed. “We had an argument a few days ago and I haven’t heard from him since then. Thank you for telling me what you know, ahjussi.” You bowed and quickly left.

This was getting ridiculous. Even the bookstore manager knew more than you did. You decided to call Junhyung but it went straight to voicemail. He had turned his phone off. Great, just great. Nothing is going my way. You heaved a sigh and started to walk home.

Suddenly, your phone rang. You excitedly grabbed your phone thinking it was Junhyung but instead, saw that it was your mom calling.

“Hello, omma.” You answered, trying not to sound disappointed.

“Oh, -----ah! How have you been? You haven’t called me for a few months already.” She gently chided.

“Sorry omma. I’ve been pre-occupied with something but you’re right. I should still have called.” You stated sheepishly.

“So how are you and Junhyung doing? Is everything fine at school?” Hearing his name made you feel as though someone stabbed you in your heart and you cringed inwardly.

“Things are fine over here, omma. Junhyung oppa managed to pass an audition and got accepted into a management agency so he is staying in the company dorm now. It’s the summer break now so I don’t have school. Don’t worry, omma. University life is very fun! I even made new friends already.” Saying his name out aloud made you feel like crying but you held your tears back and tried your best to sound cheery so that your mom wouldn’t suspect anything. “Omma! Are you eating well? You’re not over-working yourself right? Don’t lie to me, omma, you know I can always call our neighbour to find out the truth.” You jokingly warned.

“Aigoo. What do I do with you.” You chuckled at your mom’s complain. “You shouldn’t be worrying about me, -------ah. I’m eating very well and I’m not straining myself. Omma misses you but you sound like you’re happy over there so omma is happy too.”

“I miss you so much too, omma.” You sniffed.

“Okok. Don’t be a crybaby. Call me more often arasso?” Your mother teased.

“Omma!” You protested. “Deh. I’ll call you so often until you get sick of my voice.”

Your mom laughed. “My silly daughter. Bye, sweetheart.”

“Bye! Take care, omma!” The small smile that formed during the call dropped from your face once it ended.

The call from your mom struck a chord within you. You realized that you were being foolish all this time. You were so absorbed in making Junhyung happy all the time that you weren’t happy anymore. Your mom wanted you to be happy and so did Soojin. You needed to stop feeling sorry for yourself. Life doesn’t stop just because you and Junhyung weren’t talking. You needed to pick yourself up and move on as best as you could.

You wouldn’t forget about Junhyung. I mean, how could you? But you wouldn’t wait around aimlessly for him to contact you anymore. You would lead your life until the day comes when he decided to contact you. After all, if he really wanted to find you, he would know where to find you. You were the one who couldn’t find him.