Faulty Hearts (aka "Tara & Belle") [Dreamcatcher | SuYoo | Sua x Yoohyeon]

Chapter 19 [T/W]

[T/W: choking; minor assault]
Notes:

Well, well, well... hi there!

Long time, no see and Happy New Year. It's your snail-paced Author-nim back with a new chapter. I'll spare you the boring details and just get to the story. So, of course, most people found the cheesy "Scream" reference from the last chapter. I believe there's another song referenced but I forgot what it was lol but I'm surprised no one caught the line I took from [Spoilers] Avengers Infinity War. lol

Anyway, another intense chapter in 3, 2, 1...

______________________________________

*Click* *whirr* *click*

It was a sound that isn't heard much these days, the shutter of an old film camera. One would say it's a vintage sound now. The little parts clicking inside that tiny box was satisfying to hear. The lever that advanced the film had an even more interesting sound, like a lone cicada on a summer night. That was something not found in modern cameras. She much preferred simple things like this.

Yoohyeon snapped away with her camera, almost forgetting to conserve film. She was outside up on a roof again, at the hospital this time. The rooftop looked more like a park instead of a cold concrete slab. The contrast from yesterday was night and day. At least there were other people around, most of them were patients.

She watched them through the camera lens, enjoying the bit of freedom away from their stifling hospital rooms. She could relate, recollecting a time long ago.

The sun was hidden behind an overcast sky, making the perfect lighting. But the air smelled of grass mixed with car exhaust from the streets below. Not to mention the noise pollution. It is the city after all. But it was still better than the cold lights, the sterile smell, and the sounds of beeping machines.

*click* *whirr* *click* *whirr*

Yoohyeon's camera went off in a rhythmic frenzy. She continued her little soul capturing exposé until she was accosted by a hospital staff who almost lectured her about patient privacy and confidentiality.

"Right. Sorry." She apologized before stuffing her camera back into her bag.

She pouted, not knowing what to do now ever since she left the hotel last night. She spent the night at the hospital, hopping from one waiting room to another until she was asked to leave. She couldn't stay in Minji's room and going back to the apartment wasn't an option. Other than that she had nowhere else to go. Money was also tight and her only source was now littered on the streets of Seoul. She really didn't think this through.

"Yoo, you're such a pabo," she scolded herself. She could stand there and sulk to herself but her stomach protested, growling loudly with hunger. Right on time. Eating hasn't been high on her priority list lately and it didn't help that she was already skin and bones.

She decided to go back downstairs, helping herself to the vending machines at the cafeteria. Instant ramen was the obvious choice but she could go for a steak right now. But this will have to do. She took the steaming paper bowl to the tall tables, carefully pulling down her face mask to her chin. She ate standing up, too antsy to sit down hoping her injured mouth wouldn't draw attention. The food was decent as hospital food would be. Her body took it in without hesitation, filling up on the carbs.

She checked her phone and saw the missed call notification she ignored this morning. How could she face Bora after what she almost did last night? What was she thinking? The look Bora gave her last night was enough to tell her that she was crazy. As if she needed any more crazy things happening in her life. She thought of several explanations but none seemed convincing. But she knew she needed to think of one fast because she was bound to encounter Bora sooner or later. Might as well be prepared for it.