The Flowers You Left For Me.
15 Returning To Surprises
Ari’s POV
The following day, I head to school after stopping by the diner. I originally planned to go yesterday but due to Baekhyun and his confession in the rain, I didn’t get a chance to.
I walk into the diner with my backpack on one shoulder. It’s quiet and only a few of the customers can be seen.
Praying that Baekhyun isn’t here, I walk up to the front desk and peek over the counter for Mr. Byun.
“Oh, Areum,” He heavily walks out wiping his hand with his apron. When he spots me, his mouth spreads into a wide boyish grin. “Are you looking for Baekhyun?”
I shake my head immediately and bow my head. “I’m here to resign.”
“Resign?” His booming voice is filled with concern. “Why?”
“I-” I pause, choosing my words carefully. “I want to focus on my school work and-”
“Baekhyun did something didn’t he.” He cuts me off and leans over the counter to get a closer look at me.
I keep quiet out of embarrassment. He isn't wrong.
Mr. Byun heaves a long sigh and throws his apron on the counter. “Well, if you really want to quit, I can’t stop you.”
I nod and turn to leave.
“But just know this Areum,” There’s a hint of pain in his voice. “Baekhyun truly does care for you, and if you cared at least a little bit back, you shouldn’t quit this job.”
I freeze. Guilt pierces me in the chest and I feel my face drop with shame.
Mr. Byun continues. “Just think about how much this would hurt Baekhyun.”
There is nothing I can say to ease my pouncing heart. I bow one last time to my ex employer and leave the diner. I drag my feet all the way to school, Mr. Byun’s voice echoes in my mind.
Of course I knew Baekhyun’s feelings. I know how he feels, and I know this will hurt him.
But it hurts me more.
Selfish, I know.
I’m the first person to arrive in the classroom. I pause at the door and my eyes wander to the desk at the back of the room where Kai sat, lonely.
That’s right, Kai used to come early too.
But he’s gone now.
I furrow my brows and rid myself of the thoughts of Kai. Stop, he’s left you.
With one last look at the lonely desk, I sit down at my seat and pull out my books, preparing for class. I open up my book, ready to read when I realized that something was missing. I pull back my book and stare at my empty desk as if it’s unfamiliar to me. My hand glides over the smooth surface, searching.
There’s no rose.
Did Baekhyun finally give up?
With a shrug I resume my book. It’s about time anyways.
Baekhyun comes to class with Chanyeol a few minutes later. They stare at me as they approach and mutter a word of hello before sitting down at their desks. For the duration of class, they continue attempting to get me to talk, but with little success. By lunchtime, I get sick of their behavior and run off to lunch on the roof with Chanyeol dead on my heels.
Just like the first few days of school, Chanyeol’s persistent.
Annoying.
-----
Baekhyun’s POV
I watch Chanyeol run after Areum and didn’t budge from my seat. I knew she wouldn’t talk to me even if I did follow her. I’ve done too many things to get on her bad side for her to just accept me now.
Not feeling especially hungry, I wait until the class emptied out to lunch. When it’s just me left, I bury my face in my arms and collapse on the table with a grunt.
I feel terrible. I wake up with a cough and the worst news possible.
‘Areum quit her job at the diner.’ My father informed me before I left for school.
I should’ve seen it coming sooner or later. If I was in her position, I would definitely quit.
But I didn’t want it to actually happen.
I let out a groan again and cough into my desk.
“Are you sick?”
I jolt my head up in the familiar voice and focus my eyes to the figure that sits next to me.
I frown. “Kai?”
He nods his head and turns to the blackboard, tapping his fingers on the desk. “Surprised to see me?”
“I’ve warned you already.” I growl at him. “I told you to leave and never come back.”
He chuckles but doesn’t look at me. “You did yes.”
I feel anger creep up my spine as his laughter fills my head. There’s nothing funny about the situation. I knew the risks I would be taking when I convinced Kai to move, to get as far away from Areum as possible.
So what, is he doing here?
“Baekhyun, I can’t do it.” His voice is a whisper. “I can’t do it, you telling me to stay away from Areum.”
I scoff and suddenly feel tears sting my eyes. After all my efforts, it’s all going to be wasted because someone can’t keep himself away?
“You know perfectly well how I feel about Areum, telling me to stay away from her is like-“ His voice drowns out and he turns slowly to face me. “Please, hyung.”
“If you really think of me as a hyung, you would stay away.” I say between gritted teeth.
“Just let me see her, let me talk to her.” Kai looks as if he’s on the verge of breaking down.
I narrow my eyes at him and realise just how much of a mess he is. His usual cleanliness is gone, and his hair is an absolute mess. Even so, I can’t just let him.
I shake my head. “N-no.”
He stands up abruptly, surprising me with the loud sound of the desk scraping against the floor. “I’m sorry then. I can’t listen to you anymore. Baekhyun.”
Before I could say anything more, Kai storms out of the classroom. I sit there dumbfounded at the situation until finally it dawns on me how easily I let Kai leave. I slam my fist on the table and cry out in frustration, angry at Kai, but more so, angry at myself.
No, I have to do something.
I rack my brain for a way to stop him for sure.
That’s right, the only way to stop him is to bring it back.
Bring the past back.
The real past.
I smirk and reach for my phone.
-----
Kai’s POV
I decide to approach her after school when she would be walking home by herself. I don’t want any interruptions while I talk to her, especially not from Baekhyun or Chanyeol.
I wait around the corner for her to come out, tapping my foot, impatient as I hid my face from the passing students. It’ll be a problem if anyone saw me before she did.
It’s only when I hear a car beep that I realise that Areum had already passed me. I jog after her, observing her from behind, feeling the beat of my heart pound in my chest. It feels weird to follow after her and not walk beside her, but I still have to work up the courage to approach her. As I thought of things to say, I watch her with a smile on my face.
Her long, dark brown hair. It’s so beautiful when the wind blows on it. Her head looking up at the sky, I can already tell she’s smiling with her eyes closed. Her hands, her precious hands. They fall freely at her waist. I almost can’t stop myself from taking them into mine. I miss her so much. I want her to smile at me. But how to approach her.
I finally come up with a plan… but we’re almost at her house.
She drops her phone on the floor. Now’s my chance.
She bends down and brushes her phone. As she stands up, I pull her free hand and twirl her into a hug. Her arms are squished in between us. I hide my smile in her hair and embrace her tightly.
“Areu-” My voice trails off.
My eyes widen as she pushes herself away from me. She looks at me with disgust. W-what?
I put my hands on her shoulders and I search her eyes for an explanation.
“What’s wrong, Areum.”
“What are you doing here?” She asks me, gently putting my hands down. “I thought you were long, gone.”
I search for any expression, emotion, feeling, in her eyes, but I find nothing. Our connection… is gone. But, I’m here to make it better.
“I was…” I say, about to breakdown. “I came back… Areum. I thought I would be free and happy, gone from all the conflicts in my world… but I realised how incomplete I was without you. I need you. I want you in my life.”
She breaks our stare, looking away in disbelief.
“I mean it this time… I won’t run away anymore.” I start to sound desperate.
“You can’t guarantee that.” She counters me.
“W-what do you mean, how do you know that?” I fold my arms, upset at the Areum who stands before me.
What happened to her while I was gone?
“You say you won’t run away anymore, however you left in a snap to save your relationship with Baekhyun, and easily let our relationship slip away.” She stops herself, and stares deep into my eyes. Tears pools form at the bottom of her eyes, piercing my heart. “How are you sure you won’t let anyone else decide for you?”
I remain silent. She’s right.
“How can you guarantee me this won’t happen again when you don’t even know yourself?” She cries. She looks away as I watch her wipe her eyes before her tears fall.
I open my mouth to say something, but she turns around and walks up her steps.
“Areum, wait!” I call after her, only making her walk faster. “Please, can we just talk!”
I turn her around to face me.
“We just did.” She says with no expression on her face. She reaches for her keys and a pink piece of paper taped on her door catches my attention.
“Areum-”
“No, just don’t say anymore, I don’t want to talk to you.” She sighs, fiddling through her book bag.
“Areum!” I shout and her eyes widen, meeting mine with confusion. I point to her door and she turns around. She tilts her head and walks over to the door. I follow and watch her take the paper down with a tug. “What does it say?”
I see her brows furrow and I lean forward in concern. She takes a step back as she realises how close I am and hides the paper behind her back.
“It’s nothing, none of your business anyways.” She pushes past me and I can clearly see the worried expression she has on her face.
Before she has the chance to go very far, I grab her by the wrist and spin her around to face me. I pull her arm out and raise it above so that the letters on the paper are clearly legible to me.
“Notice of Removal?” I blink, not understanding the situation. “Areum, what-”
With a cry of annoyance, Areum yanks her hand out of my grasp. She takes a step back from me and glares at me with menacing eyes. “You don’t need to know, it’s my problem, I’ll keep it to myself.”
“Areum-” I start.
She scoffs before I could finish. “Oh Kai, stop pretending you care!”
I shut my mouth immediately.
“You and I both know, that you left me.” She pauses. “I don’t need someone who will come and go as they please.”
I let her walk away a few steps before I knew exactly what I had to say. I look at my hands and a small smile forms on my lips as I realize the truth.
“But Areum,” I see her pace slow. “Even if you don’t need me, I need you.”
When she turns around, tears swiftly run down her coloured cheeks.
-----
Baekhyun’s POV
I pace the grounds impatiently, with my phone up against my ear. This is my fourth time dialing this number, if she doesn’t pick up I will definitely go find her.
The tone beeps loudly in my ear, almost as if taunting me.
Kai is with Areum right now, someone he shouldn’t be with. Someone I should be with.
Another long tone signalling the end of the call. I let out a grunt of frustration and drop my hand to my side, clutching my phone nervously. Please pick up.
I jump at the sound of my ringtone. Without a moment of hesitation, I answer it, not bothering to check the caller ID.
I knew exactly who it was.
“Hello?”
“Yes,” I smile and look up at the bright blue sky. “How are you...Ally?”
The following day, I head to school after stopping by the diner. I originally planned to go yesterday but due to Baekhyun and his confession in the rain, I didn’t get a chance to.
I walk into the diner with my backpack on one shoulder. It’s quiet and only a few of the customers can be seen.
Praying that Baekhyun isn’t here, I walk up to the front desk and peek over the counter for Mr. Byun.
“Oh, Areum,” He heavily walks out wiping his hand with his apron. When he spots me, his mouth spreads into a wide boyish grin. “Are you looking for Baekhyun?”
I shake my head immediately and bow my head. “I’m here to resign.”
“Resign?” His booming voice is filled with concern. “Why?”
“I-” I pause, choosing my words carefully. “I want to focus on my school work and-”
“Baekhyun did something didn’t he.” He cuts me off and leans over the counter to get a closer look at me.
I keep quiet out of embarrassment. He isn't wrong.
Mr. Byun heaves a long sigh and throws his apron on the counter. “Well, if you really want to quit, I can’t stop you.”
I nod and turn to leave.
“But just know this Areum,” There’s a hint of pain in his voice. “Baekhyun truly does care for you, and if you cared at least a little bit back, you shouldn’t quit this job.”
I freeze. Guilt pierces me in the chest and I feel my face drop with shame.
Mr. Byun continues. “Just think about how much this would hurt Baekhyun.”
There is nothing I can say to ease my pouncing heart. I bow one last time to my ex employer and leave the diner. I drag my feet all the way to school, Mr. Byun’s voice echoes in my mind.
Of course I knew Baekhyun’s feelings. I know how he feels, and I know this will hurt him.
But it hurts me more.
Selfish, I know.
I’m the first person to arrive in the classroom. I pause at the door and my eyes wander to the desk at the back of the room where Kai sat, lonely.
That’s right, Kai used to come early too.
But he’s gone now.
I furrow my brows and rid myself of the thoughts of Kai. Stop, he’s left you.
With one last look at the lonely desk, I sit down at my seat and pull out my books, preparing for class. I open up my book, ready to read when I realized that something was missing. I pull back my book and stare at my empty desk as if it’s unfamiliar to me. My hand glides over the smooth surface, searching.
There’s no rose.
Did Baekhyun finally give up?
With a shrug I resume my book. It’s about time anyways.
Baekhyun comes to class with Chanyeol a few minutes later. They stare at me as they approach and mutter a word of hello before sitting down at their desks. For the duration of class, they continue attempting to get me to talk, but with little success. By lunchtime, I get sick of their behavior and run off to lunch on the roof with Chanyeol dead on my heels.
Just like the first few days of school, Chanyeol’s persistent.
Annoying.
-----
Baekhyun’s POV
I watch Chanyeol run after Areum and didn’t budge from my seat. I knew she wouldn’t talk to me even if I did follow her. I’ve done too many things to get on her bad side for her to just accept me now.
Not feeling especially hungry, I wait until the class emptied out to lunch. When it’s just me left, I bury my face in my arms and collapse on the table with a grunt.
I feel terrible. I wake up with a cough and the worst news possible.
‘Areum quit her job at the diner.’ My father informed me before I left for school.
I should’ve seen it coming sooner or later. If I was in her position, I would definitely quit.
But I didn’t want it to actually happen.
I let out a groan again and cough into my desk.
“Are you sick?”
I jolt my head up in the familiar voice and focus my eyes to the figure that sits next to me.
I frown. “Kai?”
He nods his head and turns to the blackboard, tapping his fingers on the desk. “Surprised to see me?”
“I’ve warned you already.” I growl at him. “I told you to leave and never come back.”
He chuckles but doesn’t look at me. “You did yes.”
I feel anger creep up my spine as his laughter fills my head. There’s nothing funny about the situation. I knew the risks I would be taking when I convinced Kai to move, to get as far away from Areum as possible.
So what, is he doing here?
“Baekhyun, I can’t do it.” His voice is a whisper. “I can’t do it, you telling me to stay away from Areum.”
I scoff and suddenly feel tears sting my eyes. After all my efforts, it’s all going to be wasted because someone can’t keep himself away?
“You know perfectly well how I feel about Areum, telling me to stay away from her is like-“ His voice drowns out and he turns slowly to face me. “Please, hyung.”
“If you really think of me as a hyung, you would stay away.” I say between gritted teeth.
“Just let me see her, let me talk to her.” Kai looks as if he’s on the verge of breaking down.
I narrow my eyes at him and realise just how much of a mess he is. His usual cleanliness is gone, and his hair is an absolute mess. Even so, I can’t just let him.
I shake my head. “N-no.”
He stands up abruptly, surprising me with the loud sound of the desk scraping against the floor. “I’m sorry then. I can’t listen to you anymore. Baekhyun.”
Before I could say anything more, Kai storms out of the classroom. I sit there dumbfounded at the situation until finally it dawns on me how easily I let Kai leave. I slam my fist on the table and cry out in frustration, angry at Kai, but more so, angry at myself.
No, I have to do something.
I rack my brain for a way to stop him for sure.
That’s right, the only way to stop him is to bring it back.
Bring the past back.
The real past.
I smirk and reach for my phone.
-----
Kai’s POV
I decide to approach her after school when she would be walking home by herself. I don’t want any interruptions while I talk to her, especially not from Baekhyun or Chanyeol.
I wait around the corner for her to come out, tapping my foot, impatient as I hid my face from the passing students. It’ll be a problem if anyone saw me before she did.
It’s only when I hear a car beep that I realise that Areum had already passed me. I jog after her, observing her from behind, feeling the beat of my heart pound in my chest. It feels weird to follow after her and not walk beside her, but I still have to work up the courage to approach her. As I thought of things to say, I watch her with a smile on my face.
Her long, dark brown hair. It’s so beautiful when the wind blows on it. Her head looking up at the sky, I can already tell she’s smiling with her eyes closed. Her hands, her precious hands. They fall freely at her waist. I almost can’t stop myself from taking them into mine. I miss her so much. I want her to smile at me. But how to approach her.
I finally come up with a plan… but we’re almost at her house.
She drops her phone on the floor. Now’s my chance.
She bends down and brushes her phone. As she stands up, I pull her free hand and twirl her into a hug. Her arms are squished in between us. I hide my smile in her hair and embrace her tightly.
“Areu-” My voice trails off.
My eyes widen as she pushes herself away from me. She looks at me with disgust. W-what?
I put my hands on her shoulders and I search her eyes for an explanation.
“What’s wrong, Areum.”
“What are you doing here?” She asks me, gently putting my hands down. “I thought you were long, gone.”
I search for any expression, emotion, feeling, in her eyes, but I find nothing. Our connection… is gone. But, I’m here to make it better.
“I was…” I say, about to breakdown. “I came back… Areum. I thought I would be free and happy, gone from all the conflicts in my world… but I realised how incomplete I was without you. I need you. I want you in my life.”
She breaks our stare, looking away in disbelief.
“I mean it this time… I won’t run away anymore.” I start to sound desperate.
“You can’t guarantee that.” She counters me.
“W-what do you mean, how do you know that?” I fold my arms, upset at the Areum who stands before me.
What happened to her while I was gone?
“You say you won’t run away anymore, however you left in a snap to save your relationship with Baekhyun, and easily let our relationship slip away.” She stops herself, and stares deep into my eyes. Tears pools form at the bottom of her eyes, piercing my heart. “How are you sure you won’t let anyone else decide for you?”
I remain silent. She’s right.
“How can you guarantee me this won’t happen again when you don’t even know yourself?” She cries. She looks away as I watch her wipe her eyes before her tears fall.
I open my mouth to say something, but she turns around and walks up her steps.
“Areum, wait!” I call after her, only making her walk faster. “Please, can we just talk!”
I turn her around to face me.
“We just did.” She says with no expression on her face. She reaches for her keys and a pink piece of paper taped on her door catches my attention.
“Areum-”
“No, just don’t say anymore, I don’t want to talk to you.” She sighs, fiddling through her book bag.
“Areum!” I shout and her eyes widen, meeting mine with confusion. I point to her door and she turns around. She tilts her head and walks over to the door. I follow and watch her take the paper down with a tug. “What does it say?”
I see her brows furrow and I lean forward in concern. She takes a step back as she realises how close I am and hides the paper behind her back.
“It’s nothing, none of your business anyways.” She pushes past me and I can clearly see the worried expression she has on her face.
Before she has the chance to go very far, I grab her by the wrist and spin her around to face me. I pull her arm out and raise it above so that the letters on the paper are clearly legible to me.
“Notice of Removal?” I blink, not understanding the situation. “Areum, what-”
With a cry of annoyance, Areum yanks her hand out of my grasp. She takes a step back from me and glares at me with menacing eyes. “You don’t need to know, it’s my problem, I’ll keep it to myself.”
“Areum-” I start.
She scoffs before I could finish. “Oh Kai, stop pretending you care!”
I shut my mouth immediately.
“You and I both know, that you left me.” She pauses. “I don’t need someone who will come and go as they please.”
I let her walk away a few steps before I knew exactly what I had to say. I look at my hands and a small smile forms on my lips as I realize the truth.
“But Areum,” I see her pace slow. “Even if you don’t need me, I need you.”
When she turns around, tears swiftly run down her coloured cheeks.
-----
Baekhyun’s POV
I pace the grounds impatiently, with my phone up against my ear. This is my fourth time dialing this number, if she doesn’t pick up I will definitely go find her.
The tone beeps loudly in my ear, almost as if taunting me.
Kai is with Areum right now, someone he shouldn’t be with. Someone I should be with.
Another long tone signalling the end of the call. I let out a grunt of frustration and drop my hand to my side, clutching my phone nervously. Please pick up.
I jump at the sound of my ringtone. Without a moment of hesitation, I answer it, not bothering to check the caller ID.
I knew exactly who it was.
“Hello?”
“Yes,” I smile and look up at the bright blue sky. “How are you...Ally?”
Notes
Hai~
Happy Monday, my lovely readers. KCON in New York tickets are going out right now. UAGH. Bangtan Boys, MAMAMOO, Ailee, Seventeen, their all going to be there~ I'm hoping I get good seats, wish me luck!
SO YEAH. KAI is finally back after disappearing for a few chapters... but Areum's reaction is different. We tried to capture what her attitude was like before, in the beginning of the story, since many of you commented about how "cliché" she is now, lol. Hoping you're all satisfied.
ANDDD. DUN DUN DUNNNNN.... Something interesting is going to happen in the next chapter, due to the arrival of our new friend *smirks* Ally. So, look forward to that.
Nancy is all up and rubbing it in my face, enjoying her month in CHINA. Jeez. I want to see LUHAN too. *cries*
But, other than that, I'm out of words. <3
See you in the next chapter~!
-Alexis Thao
@Alexis Thao
thank you!
2/11/17