In These Arms [mxm]

Chapter 3 - Back to ship

There was a misunderstanding between us that I didn't know how it came about. Even though I wanted to chase after him and beg him to talk this out with me, every sight and sound seemed to have momentarily left me. It left me standing here, stunned. I needed some space to clear my head. I'd make sure to remain close in case he leaves, but since father-in-law is here, it wouldn't be too hard to find him again even if he did.

Was he still in our home in the city?

Coming back to reality, I noticed Jaemin talking to the administration clerks, but they deftly shook their heads. "He's not ready to be discharged," the clerk said, glancing up apologetically from the computer screen. "Dr. Sai still needs to check him over before making that call. It's no small matter that he's woken up after so many years. He'll need to be assessed over several days or weeks."

My head snapped towards her. "No," I said, rapidly shaking my head. "I won't stay another night. As soon as Chanyeol comes out, I'm going home."

"You're acquainted with Director Han, right?" the clerk asked, looking uncomfortable. "Having seen your exchange just now, I'm going to have to ask you to refrain from contacting him again. If you do, I'll be forced to contact security."

"Director Han?" I asked, finding myself looking back towards the corridor he disappeared down.

"Yes, he's a successful financial director. Wouldn't you know that already, Mr. Bom?"

"Maybe, if I hadn't been in a coma for seven years," I quipped, watching her shrink back with embarrassment. Chanyeol was still young, which meant he could've only stepped into this role in the past few years. Unless times had drastically changed in these seven years, it wasn't common to see a director under fifty, let alone under thirty.

Chanyeol must have worked incredibly hard. The thought of him having already realized our dream with clear success made me smile. Was it possible to be this proud of somebody you technically no longer knew?

"My apologies," she said, bowing her head. "You're right."

"A-anyway," I said, clenching my fists as I grew overwrought by nerves, "I still won't stay here. I'll talk to Chanyeol and if he still doesn't want to hear me, then I'll find somewhere else to stay."

Jaemin touched my arm, looking at me with concern. "Haneul," she said. "Don't you want to fully recover? Why risk your health and future just for somebody else?"

"He's not just somebody else," I said, gritting my teeth.

Jaemin stilled and looked at me with deliberation. After some moments, she took a breath and nodded, showing that she understood completely without me explicitly having to say it. "I get it," she said with a gentle voice. "Really, I do. But my husband and I can certainly help you if you'll just––"

I shrugged off her hand and stepped back, feeling my body sway. My body still hadn't grown accustomed to holding its own weight, and at the rate I was going, it felt like it'd take a while. Looking at how skinny I was, it seemed like I didn't have much muscle to hold myself together at all. It just didn't seem to show in my face, is all.

"Thank you," I said, firmly, "but I'm fine. I don't want Chanyeol to misunderstand anything."

"What's there to misunderstand?" she asked, growing more irritated. "Huh? Where will you sleep? Your condition could deteriorate overnight. Do you want to die in the street?"

Her words pricked me. I knew she was right; I really did. But admitting so would mean that I had to face this reality. That's the last thing I wanted. All I needed now was for Chanyeol to recognize that I am back, to show that there is still love in his heart for me even if he has moved on, and to win him back if that's the case.