When We Return

Chapter 15

Day 6

“Kookieee~!” We all turned to Jhope who keeps on chasing Jungkook and insisting on feeding him with bread but the poor boy also keeps on running away from him.

“Ah, hyung! Stop it!” (Korean) he pleads.

We all laughed at how persistent Jhope is. He wrapped his arms around Jungkook’s neck and forced the bread into his mouth.

“Ah! Andwe!” but as soon as he opened his mouth, the bread made its way inside.

“Oppa! You’re scaring the kid.” (Korean) Yerin scolded and slap his arm playfully away from Jungkook. The boy immediately scrambled off as soon as Jhope let go of him.

Jhope, for the love of God, pouts pointedly and even creased his eyebrows together.

“Namjooniee~!” he exclaimed and clung on Namjoon’s arms while pointing at Yerin. Namjoon can only smile and brushed him lightly. He’s been playful since he got to eat a little food.

See what food can do to people? It’s actually scary.

“Hyung! Why don’t you feed me?” (Korean) Jimin asked cutely.

“Me too, hyung! Why are you only feeding Jungkook?” (Korean) Taehyung added. They tilt their heads to the side at the same time as if they’re both lost puppies.

Argh! So cute!

Jhope’s gaze went back and forth from Jimin to Taehyung and eyed the plastic of bread he was holding, it’s already close to empty. He instantly hid the bread on his back.

“I haven’t eaten yet!” (Korean) he scoffed and ran off with Jimin and Taehyung chasing him. Now he’s the one running away. Psh.

In the distance, Jhope’s crow screams echoed along with the little one’s laugh. They really enjoyed playing along with their ‘hyung’.

What is happening to these people? Why are they like this?

“Yoongi! Help me!!” (Korean) I saw Jhope trying to hide on Yoongi’s back but the guy was ready to fight.

“Don’t you dare go near me!” (Korean) he shouts. Making the younger ones scramble away but Jhope remained on Yoongi’s back. He even climbed it. Gods, I pray for Jhope’s well-being.

I was surprised when someone suddenly slumped on the ground beside me. I turned to see a gasping Jungkook. Poor child, he must be exhausted from being chased like that. His sweat streak from his forehead, I had the sudden urge to wipe it.

Whoa, hold up.

I instantly look away when he turned to me, I coughed once before distancing myself from him.

“Unnie, have you eaten already?” Umji asked, she’s holding a piece of bread, stretching out to me. I shake my head and politely receive the bread and ate in silence when she walks away handing food to the others.

“Noona,” I jolt. Geez, why are you being like this, Sowon?

“W-what?” I mentally cursed myself for stuttering. Why am I even stuttering?

“Are you shy?” I instantly faced him when he said that. Is he a mind reader or something? “Are you shy.. that, uhmm.. popo?” my eyebrow raised with the word. Popo?

“What did you say?”

“Popo.. kiss.” He even smacks his lips when he said it. My face heat up, ­totally embarrassed.

Why did I even jump to the conclusion that he kissed me? Arghh.

“I’m no—” I tried to reason but someone suddenly plump himself in front of me making me yelp.

“Yah, Jay-jay!” I exclaimed, clutching my chest.

He rolled his eyes at that. “Jay-jay again.” But he smiled after that and looked at me. “I missed that.” He muttered.

Uh, oh.

I can feel the redness of my cheeks getting darker. Geez, this man!

“It’s nice seeing you two together.” (Korean) Jungkook said but of course, I didn’t understand a word he said.

Jay turned to him and his gaze hardened.

“I know so you better get out of the picture.” (Korean) he answered back. I’m only looking at them, confused as hell. Did they forgot that I can’t follow through their conversation?

Hello! Alien here! Aish.

“Maljo andwe.” Jungkook stuck out his tongue.

“Ah, this kid—!” before he could jump at Jungkook, the guy immediately stood up and run away, laughing.

“Yah!” I grab his arm when he attempted to follow the kid. “Stop it.” I hissed and pulled him back making him sit beside me, our arms brushing.

“You should stop hanging out with him.” He said under his breath.

“And why would I?” I shot back.

“Just because.” He said with finality.

I gaped at him. Now his jackass side finally made a comeback. I thought it flew right out the window days ago and now he’s being like this again?

Huh.

“What did the kid do to you?”

He didn’t answer. He didn’t even look at me.

Okay, fine. Psh.

We haven’t talk properly or get together since the incident with Yoongi since I was avoiding him first but after that, when I tried talking to him he was giving me the cold shoulder.

I missed him so much. Even though he scares me.

But argh—! Never mind. I know it’s somehow my fault. I made the gap between us, but I approached him first too.

I tried to move away and create a distance but he easily caught my hand and yanked me back. Leaning me towards his frame.

Shit.

He yawned. “I’m tired. I haven’t sleep properly.” He said and puts his arm around my shoulder, and forcefully put my head on his shoulder.

“H-hey! If you’re sleepy why are you making me lean to you?!” I tried to pull away from his grasp but he held me firmly. Gods! What is he doing?!

“I need my pillow.” He whispered and before I could even protest, I froze when he hugs me. My mind made some chaotic screams and I can’t even think straight!

I felt my heart beating rapidly, as if it wanted an escape on my chest. Butterflies in the stomach they say? More like an entire zoo!! My insides are rattling that is literally making me crazy right now.

Why does he still smell so good?

“I’m sorry.”

Beep. Beep.

I could hear the sound of a heart machine in my head.

“F-fo-for what?”

“I scared you.”

Beep. Beep. Beep.

There’s the sound again.

“I don’t want to scare you. Especially if it’s me. I don’t want you to be scared of me.”

Beep. Beep. Beeeeeeeeep!

I’m dead. I’m supposed to be dead.

“I-I’m so—” I felt him kiss my forehead.

He freaking kissed my forehead!!

To hide the tomato copy of my face, I buried my face on his chest. Gods, forbid! Is this how I die?

I felt him chuckle under his breath before tightening his hold of me. I’m just frozen there, buried my face on his chest while he’s hugging me. The thump of his chest matching mine. I listened to it, counting how many times it beats. It somehow calms me..

It might continue to calm me down not when he started to sing.

“My eyes are no good-blind without her

The way she moves, I never doubt her

When she talks, she somehow creeps into my dreams”

I made a mistake by looking up, and there goes his dark brown orbs, meeting mine. He’s smiling, and I don’t know what to do.

“She’s a dollar-catch-a-winner

I’m in love and no beginner

Can never grasp or understand just what she means”

His voice. It’s so good to my ears. I’d want to listen to him singing forever. If only we’re not stuck here, if only we’re outside of this place, maybe sitting under the tree and he’s lulling me to sleep.

“Baby, baby blue eyes

Stay with me by my side

'Til the mornin', through the night

Well baby stand here, holdin' my sides

Close your baby blue eyes

Every moment feels right

And I may feel like a fool

But I'm the only one, dancin' with you

Oh, oh, oh, oh”

It would’ve been so amazing.

Except it’s not. Because we can’t. And I don’t even know if we could in the future.

I returned my head on his chest, closing my eyes and just listen to his sweet voice. When he stopped singing, I still remained on my position and with distant thoughts, not until he lifts my face by the chin.

He wipes something on my cheek. “Why are you crying?” he asked.

I instinctively cupped my own cheek and found it wet. I didn’t even realize I was crying.

“It’s just… What do you think we’re doing right now if we’re not stuck here?” this time, I can’t help myself from crying. The thoughts are flooding in my mind and it’s too much. C

I imagine us walking in the streets under the starry night, having late night walks and just talking with each other. I imagine us under the heat of the sun while splashing waters at the beach.

What if we’re not here? Where could we be?

“If we’re not here, maybe this time we’re at Ilsan, enjoying our time in a water park.” He said while smiling. I can tell he wants to lift up my spirits.

“B-but..”

He hugged me tight, rubbing his hands on my back. Shushing me.

“If we’re not here, we could be anywhere. So, can you promise me?” I didn’t answer and nudge his side to let him continue. He did. “When we return, let’s go to the places we could have been now. Arrasso?”

When we return.

I let out a sob before nodding my head continuously. To let him know that I’m looking forward to it.

And I’m looking forward to it with him.

“She’s shivering. s**t!” (Korean) I woke up from Jimin’s shouting voice. I bolted right up that made Jay bolt up to from surprise too.

“Why what’s happening?” (Korean) he asked in a rushed tone and turned from left to right.

Without answering him, I stood up and I felt a sudden dizziness that I stumbled on my feet. I would have fell onto the ground if not for Jay, catching me.

“Are you okay?” I just nodded and muttered thanks, giving it a moment before I ran towards the commotion, Jay trailing behind me.

“What’s the matter?” I asked the moment I reached Namjoon who’s frantically going back and forth looking for something.

“Yuju is shivering badly. We need a blanket.”

I turned my attention to the small frame lying on the ground, with Yerin on her side trying to cover her with shirts and towels.

But she’s still shivering hard.

“There could be blankets on the train, Joon.” (Korean) Jay said talking to Namjoon. The guy said something but I didn’t waste my time with them and go after Yuju.

Her teeth are clattering, and she’s really pale.

“She needs to be in the hospital!” (Korean) Eunha cried.

“We can’t even bring her there, look where we are!” (Korean) Jungkook answered back earning a glare from the guys.

He should’ve just shut up, as if that’s what they’re saying.

I immediately approached Umji, whom I can easily converse with.

“How long has she been shivering?” I asked.

“I-I don’t know, I was sleeping with Eunha when Jimin-oppa suddenly shouted.” I nodded in understanding.

I kneeled on the floor beside Yerin, checking her pupils from time to time and talking to Yuju as if trying to make sure that she’s still conscious.

“This is all we could find.” (Korean) Jhope appeared beside us, holding a jacket and more towels.

Yerin hurriedly took it from him and we helped Yuju to sit and Yerin placed it on her.

“Get the water.” (Korean) She ordered and Taehyung complied, returning with a bottle of water.

Yerin let Yuju drink as much as she can. It’s kind of heartbreaking to see how the water was consumed but Yuju needs it more than us.

We wrapped her with towels until her shivering tone down. We all heaved a sigh. We slumped together on the floor as all our energy drained.

Yuju is breathing normally now, she’s calmly sleeping. Yerin wiped her forehead, sliding her bangs to the side.

I see affection in her eyes, the way she wipes all the hair from Yuju’s face. I wonder how she’s holding it all together.

She’s always there if one of us is hurt. We don’t mention it but I think all of us are thinking of her as the leader, we follow her orders, seeking her for answers and even waiting for her decisions.

If she wasn’t here, I wouldn’t know what to do.

She stood up and abruptly leaves the scene. I would’ve let her be, if only I didn’t saw a tear fell down from her eyes.

No one followed her, no one saw that tear, a sign of weakness. All of them are just focused on Yuju, as if expecting another wave of convulsion.

I turned to Umji and Eunha clutching Yuju’s hand and making her warm.

“Keep an eye on her.” I said and Umji nodded. I stood up and made my way to where Yerin had went.

I saw her half sitting from the ground with her head buried on her knees. Completely away from the group, where this part is covered with darkness.

She’s crying, and trying not to sob so hard, careful not to let the others hear. I made a careful step but stop when I spot Yoongi not far away from her.

From the look of his face, he’s hesitant on approaching her. He’s about to not until he turned to my direction, he freezes, and walks away with hurried steps.

What did I just witness? What is he about to do?

Did he… Is he about to help Yerin?

I shake it off my head, I’m not dwelling on Yoongi and his shits. I continued to approach Yerin, until I’m beside her.

When she realized someone is with her, she instantly stood up and wipe the tears from her eyes.

“Mianhae, I just yawned.” (Korean) I eyed her confusingly. This is the worst thing of being an alien from another planet, I won’t understand her and I can’t offer her my words.

This world sucks.

“Yerin..” she turned to me. I don’t know what to do knowing we can’t even hold a proper conversation because of language barrier.

So, I just opened my arms for her. She was confused at first, until it dawned to her.

She didn’t come to me, she just stands there, her face in denial, but I still wait for her. It took long enough for her face to soften, and bowed her head, silently crying.

I made the step first and wrapped my arms around her carefully.

She cries, and I let her.

I feel her arms wrapping my body too. She continued to cry, and I just stood there, hugging her, and allowing her to release the heavy weigh in her heart.

That moment, she let me see her weakness, the thing no one even noticed until me.

I hold her in my arms, as she unleashed this side of hers, slowly breaking down.

And for the first time in forever, I felt needed.

We walk back right after Yerin calmed down. We didn’t talk after her break down, a smile of gratitude summed it all up.

“Hey guys, where have you been?” (Korean) Jhope asked the moment we entered from the darkness.

Then his face changed, he stared at Yerin and maybe noticed the puffiness of her eyes. He is about to say something when he turned to me. I shake my head and he closed his mouth, a sign of acknowledgment.

He took a deep breath before flashing us his bright smile. “Let’s go!” he said and drags us towards the others.

When we reached them, I glanced at Yerin once to make sure she’s okay. She smiled at me before sitting beside Eunha with Yuju lying beside the wall, still wrapped in towels.

Poor girl.

I sit beside Jay.

Then there’s silence. The usual loud Jhope is quiet, along with his two playmates.

All of us are staring into space, completely occupied with our own thoughts. It all came together, that we can’t do anything more than just sitting here, try our best to survive and wait for rescue.

What if no one’s there to help us?

“My real name is Hoseok.” (Korean) Jhope take the initiative to strike a conversation, gaining all of our attention to him. And we all listened.

I nudged Jay and asked him what he said.

Hoseok.

“Jhope. I created the nickname just for fun, and I failed to notice that the name already embedded to me. I wanted to be everyone’s hope. To make them laugh and such. But..” (Korean) his voice cracked. As much as I want to interfere and ask for Jay, I didn’t.

This is an important moment. I can feel it.

And I don’t want to ruin the moment for him.

“But the more I want to make people happy, the more I need someone to make me happy. Because of this façade, the need to ask someone for help flee from my system. Instead, I became the supply of happiness, even though I’m not happy anymore.” (Korean) His voice shakes, but he’s doing a great job on keeping himself together.

I felt Jay’s hand on mine. I eyed him and he’s just looking at Jhope, or Hoseok rather.

“I’m telling you this, because maybe you’ll be the last people I’ll get to see before—” (Korean) he stopped speaking.

And then everyone started crying. Even the guys shed a tear.

Meanwhile, I was just there, eyeing them one by one, and didn’t know any idea what they’re crying about.

What a great way to ruin the moment.

“No, Hoseok-sshi. You’re telling us this because you’ll get to see us again, and we’ll remember this very moment when we will. We are going to live, I promise.” (Korean) we all turned our heads to Jay. He’s serious, and his eyes masked with determination.

Whatever he’s saying is making a great impact to the small group, because all of them nod at the same time.

And though I’m entirely clueless at the situation, I smiled.

Looking at him, looking at how charming he is right now. And how he’s trying to encourage others with his words.

When we return, I want to be the woman who deserves this kind of man.

~*~

That time, we decided to sleep all together in the center. Hoseok managed to drag Yoongi from the darkness into our circle.

At first, he stubbornly refused and is about to pounce at the guy when Yerin approached him, and he agreed right away.

Wait, something’s odd.

But I keep it all to myself.

Everyone hurdled in the center, with some space between us. But I decided to ask Jay first what Hoseok was saying a while ago so we left the circle for a moment.

“I wish I was that strong.” I said and chuckled.

He made a side smirk but it doesn’t look irritating at all. “You are, you just don’t realize it.”

I shrugged. “Let’s go, Jay-jay oppa.” He rolled his eyes but his smile didn’t leave his lips.

We stared at each other for a while, until he isn’t smiling anymore.

“Seokjin.”

Huh? What is he saying?

I raised my eyebrows. Not getting what he just said. He held out his hand as if asking for a handshake.

“My name is Kim Seokjin, nice to meet you, Kim Sojung.”