Chapter Text
What am I doing? Regretful, I pace around the living room hoping my shaking hands and trembling nerves would go away. Looking down at the body slunked on top of my gray linen sofa, I truly cannot believe what I had just done.
Earlier this evening, I was minding my business and taking the route back home from work. I admit that it is not the safest, brightest, or comfortable walk, but it saved me ten minutes. Sometimes, the Kims’ dogs bark as I pass through; their Doberman bodies slender and sleek. Similar to the descriptions of demons and ghosts in the night. The first time I had passed through the neighborhood was rough, especially with all the talk of “creatures” and “figures” lurking in the shadows. I admit, as the Jung Hoseok, the bravest of the friend group, I was quite skeptical on taking this path. But, a night stroll of complete darkness with only a few stars and street lights guiding my way was somewhat comforting.
Just a month ago my supposed “life-long” and “destined” lover decided to end our blossoming relationship. We had only been going out for five months! I know I wasn’t the best lover or provider, but I really thought we had something. He gave me butterflies and a warm feeling inside making it feel as though my heart grew ten times larger. Our cuddles and nightly pillow talks could make my heart race at beats I never knew it could. Crazily, I think I’d willingly carve it out and put it on a plate if he asked. The affection he gave may have been everything I wanted and more. I guess that’s why the break-up completely shrunk my ability to love. But, the pain became a hundred times worse realizing that it was a close friend he had rebounded with. She was a beautiful, stunning girl. Even if I wanted to curse her out and nit pick her faults, I know she was a good option. Probably the better option from the start. So, maybe it was my fault for hanging on. I was a bit selfish for not noticing the signs. The glances of admiration hurt. I am sad. I am numb. So, perhaps that is why I love the dark. There is nothing to see, touch, feel, or experience.
Well, at least it was supposed to be. Cause now I have a tall, broad, and good-looking stranger in my house. Biting my nails, I watch as his chest rises and falls. Short and quiet snores escape which only add to how enduring the man was. I know it sounds creepy and extremely weird that I was watching my…guest? But, believe me! His truer form is weirder than it seems.
Walking home from earlier, I was expecting my usual night stroll. A light breeze and whistling of crickets. Perhaps a few passersby rushing to get home. Just a peaceful and serene moment to myself and I. Taking my time, I took slow steps with a cautious mind. Random tunes played in my head; the only noise. Wanting to add some spice, I did a few spins and pops here and there. It was a good day. A pay raise and friendly customers. The day could not get worse, even seeing my ex would not ruin it.
But then, that was when I saw him. Slumped up against a tree, fatigued and breathless. Being the caring, but also nosey person I am, I crept up to the figure. Hoping he was not a weirdo, I asked him a quick “are you alright?”. Keeping my distance, it was difficult to make out his details. Only recognizing eyes laced with pain and desperateness. Calling my name to get closer. Strangely, luring me in and quickening my feet. With quivering lips, a face so thin and pale, the man chokes out a dry,
“Help me.”
Now here we are. Many blocks later with me having to soothe my aching feet and shoulders. At that moment, I really thought I had the strength to carry him back home. Taking left his hand, I flinched feeling strange as they were freezing cold, a sharpening ice to the touch. Calloused, they covered my own as if baseball mitts. Gulping, I did not ignore the tinge in my heart. It spread throughout my chest and down to my gut. It lasted a second like the prick of a needle, but it was there. Taking a moment to get down to his sitting height, I begin to wrap my arm behind his back. From one touch, I could tell he was built and broad. As my hand only barely settled on his left shoulder. His coat was thick and rough, as though padded thoroughly for harsh weather. Strange yet again, it was only February and close to Spring. But I guessed, to each their own. With all the power I had in my thin legs, I huffed and strained getting the man to his feet. Extending my legs, I let out a sigh of relief realizing that he was able to stand up.
White skin and red lips, however, were all I saw. Turning my head a bit, I finally took a look at his face. Startled, my breath hitched. He was gorgeous. Round eyes were placed on a sunken face and milky skin was painted on top. Red dotted his cupid's bow and bottom lip. Like a rose, it was a passionate and alluring color. I attempt to take a step back and observe the rest of him.
But, I can’t.
In a swift movement, the man turns to me. Chest to chest, I can hear and feel the pounding of his heart. My head tucked in his nape, I stood in shock. One of his hands cradles my head and the other over my shoulder. The hairs on my own neck stand as my palms sweat and shake. Even though his touch was icy, it burned like a fresh cigarette and yellow spark. His mouth, nested against my left ear. We stood like that for a while. Counting as he puffed out then back in. Rather than sniffing, it was though he was drinking me in. As though I was something lost and now found. Home was the feeling. There was an innocence as he hugged and embraced me. His arms squeezed me tight and hard. Yet, there was a danger to his affection. In that, I felt like a lover to this stranger. A strange person I had met on the side of the road.
It took me a minute to notice the tear running down my face. It slipped out from my eyelash and trickled to my cheek. Tasting salt and pain, I blink. For some reason, my heart had beaten as loud as his. From feeling lost and now found. Such a comforting feeling felt wrong.
Then a low and anguished, “I found you” escaped his hoarse throat and crying heart.