Cherries and Chocolates

Byunghun entered Kevin’s splendid house. Kevin’s 6 yr old nephew came running towards him. He was so excited to see Byunghun. Byunghun picked him up.
“How is Jaehyuk?” He asked the little kid.
“Why didn’t you come to see me?” Jaehyuk asked while pouting.
“I am sorry. We’ll decide a day to spend together. How about that?”
“Why not today?” Jaehyuk started whining.
“Ok… calm down. First tell me where your uncle is?” He asked.
“He isn’t here.” He said rudely.
Byunghun got worried as it was the last place he hadn’t checked.
“Neither he is with any of his friend, nor is he at home. Where did you go, Kevin?” He thought.
“Oh… Byunghun?” Jaehyuk’s umma came in the room.
“Anyahaseo…. I came here to look for Kevin. Do you know where he is?” He asked.
“Uh… Kevin is…”
“Ye?”
“He went on a vacation.”
“Are you sure?” He asked.
Byunghun glared at her and she looked away. “Why don’t you have some tea?” She asked.
“I’ll visit tomorrow.” He left.

“Where are you Kevin?” Byunghun said to himself while taking a turn to the right side on his bed. He couldn’t sleep. He was angry with Kevin, but he was worried about him as well. They used to be fast friends a few years ago, but then the dark shadows surrounded Kevin and he vanished within the smoke of misdeed.
He sighed. “I don’t know what was her Agassi trying to hide?” He laid straight staring at the ceiling.
He smiled at it. “I loss to you in the stare game you started. Ahhh…” He exhaled and closed his eyes after placing his glasses on the side-table. He was amused whenever Noah's face revolve around his eyes.

2 days later
Byunghun was at the hospital. He asked the receptionist about the room and went to that room. Kevin’s hyung was standing outside talking with the doctor.
Byunghun went to him and asked about Kevin’s condition. His hyung remained silent.
“He survived.” He said after a brief delay.
Byunghun understood that his situation was critical as the kidnappers tortured him until his father signed the contract. He was also well aware that Kevin’s hyung wasn’t happy about the contract they had to sign because of Kevin.
“I am going now… if you want to go too, just leave.” His hyung said.
“What about Kevin?” Byunghun asked.
“Ahh… I’ll send someone.” He said. “He’s just a burden.” He murmured.
Byunghun looked down. “I’ll stay here.” He looked into his eyes and glared.
He glared back and left.
Kevin was poor despite of being rich and this was opposite for Byunghun. Byunghun lived with her mother and younger sisters. He was aware of the affection and love between family members but Kevin didn’t. Kevin used to search for love outside of the family when he met Byunghun and became his best friend. Byunghun tried his best to help him but instead of following Byunghun, he followed the things he shouldn’t.
Byunghun’s cell rang. He took the cell phone out of the pocket and smiled unintentionally after seeing whose calling.
“Yoboseo.” Byunghun greeted Noah.
“Byunghun-ssi… its me Misook.”
“Ye? Why did you call?”
“I wanted to talk to you about Kevin. I am sorry but I have to go abroad for some research project. It will take two weeks or more. But I’ve instructed Noah to inform you about some precautions Kevin need to take until I come back and take some clinical tests later.”
“I understand.”
“Oh… Noah wants to thank you.”
“Sure.” His smile reappeared.
“Yoboseo…” Noah greeted.
“Noah…” He whispered.
“I wanted to thank you.” She said
“Don’t make me feel ashamed. I wasn’t able to prove myself a good friend. I couldn’t protect you and save Kevin.”
“Um um…. It isn’t your fault.” She smiled. “Okk annyeong.” She hung up.
“She’s always in a hurry to terminate the call.” He chuckled and stared at his cell.

3 DAYS LATER
Byunghun and Kevin came to Noah’s apartment. She opened the door and slightly hid behind the door.
Kevin was still bandaged on his head and left arm. He was just staring at the floor. There was a deathly silence.
“Noah… come here and tell him about the precautions.” Byunghun asked Noah.
Kevin stared at him. Byunghun glared back. “Just remain quiet and carefully listen to what she has to say to you.” Byunghun warned him.
Kevin went near the window in the living room and started staring outside. “I am listening.”
“And I asked her to tell it to you so that you better understand the conditions of the disease. And it still isn’t confirmed whether the disease transmitted to you. It will be confirmed after the tests.” Byunghun added.”
There was a pause. Noah kept on standing near the door. She wasn’t able to look at him or face him or talk to him. Her legs were trembling, so her hands.
“Uh--- there--- are some symptoms he needs to keep in mind. He might feel itching at back and front, red spots on body, temporary high temperature, dizziness, blood from mouth, coughing, high fever, delayed healing. There are some others too but for now, these might occur as they occur at onset of this disease.” She continued. “In case of any of these symptoms, contact your friend. I’ll tell about the remedies. You also need to take some measures like isolate your….” She got interrupted.
“OK SHUT UP NOW!!!!” Kevin yelled and turned back.
Her heart beat rose. Fear travelled down her body.
“Kevin… keep calm.” Byunghun glared.
“You shut up as well… *******” Byunghun grabbed his collar and dragged him out of the apartment.
“Don’t touch me Byunghun.” He again yelled. “Why in the world you didn’t tell me about her ****** disease in the first place when you caught me kissing her!!!!!!!!!”
“Shut up Kevin! You need to keep your mouth shut…” Byunghun pointed his finger at him.
Noah was afraid of the whole situation. He sat down on the floor and placed her hand over her mouth. Tears commenced from her eyes which converted into weeping and then crying.
As soon as Byunghun heard her crying, he went inside.
“Noah…” He sat down and moved his hand towards her but she pushed it away. “GO AWAY…” She screamed.
“Huh… pathetic…” Kevin mumbled while gulping back his tears.
Byunghun looked at her and then got up. He closed the door and she locked it from inside.
There was a commotion in the other apartments about the noise.

Notes