HIS AFTERGLOW

Chapter | TWENTY-FOUR

[RETROUVAILLES]

'What's coming is better than what's gone so move on, gorgeous. There are guys who would beg for your pretty little heart.'

"I am on my way." I confirmed in a rushed tone over the phone.

I blew out some air then hail a cab, as soon as I was inside and gave the driver the address the car drove off on route to Yongsan-gu.

I have to be there before Zion even goes crazier than he already is, looking at the traffic I'd probably arrive there in under fifteen minutes. I just have to keep him on the phone and talk the shit out of this bitch.

"I know, I heard you but it's pointless to even feel that way right now Jung. I am almost there, wait for us okay? We'll talk over the phone until I get - "

I paused and look at the phone as the call got disconnected, tried calling him again but it was already unattended. Narae is already on her way but it might take her longer since she's coming from Hannam-dong.

"Sir, can you please step on the gas. I'm sorry, I just need to get to my friend as soon as possible. Thank you." I muttered hesitantly though the cab driver was kind enough to just nod and drove faster than earlier.

The house was a mess, clothes were scattered everywhere, broken glasses near the wall and empty bottles of Soju were scattered on the floor. I sigh as this scene somewhat looks really familiar. I walk through the mess in the living room toward his bedroom where I can already hear him wailing.

Zion was curled up like a ball on the floor and seeing him like this was really heartwrenching. I took off my sneakers and placed my bag at the table near the door, took off my coat then sat down then slowly lie close to him on the cold floor.

"Hey." I whispered.

"I think - I think I am dying, it hurts so much Sera. Right here, it's so painful and I -" he wasn't able to finish what he wanted to say as he was sobbing so hard that he was already choking in tears.

I took a deep breath trying to suppress my own tears from falling, Lucas just broke up with him and went back to Hong Kong. After living together for almost a year, both of them decided to end it. Not entirely sure what was the exact reason but seeing our ball of sunshine this miserable means that it must really hurt so much.

"I know, I know babe. It's painful as hell, the kind that wouldn't go away even when you take some pills or drown yourself with alcohol. I know how it feels and it's okay to feel that way, just cry all you want but please keep in mind that I am here, Narae is on her way and the three of us can get drunk together or perhaps cry until dawn." I mumbled while staring at him right through his eyes.

"I want to - stop crying, I really do but I can't. Every time that his face flashes on my memory followed by his voice calling my name, I - I can't breathe. I can't breathe without him, Sera." he cried out still heaving deeply.

I was in this very situation two years ago, I would often cry myself to sleep and wake up still crying for the same damn reason. I didn't die of heartbreak, but the process was unmistakably fucking complicated and there was no other way but to go through it, painfully and gradually.

Narae gently pushed the door, she was still panting but upon seeing us lying on the floor - she didn't hesitate to take off her shoes and her coat before rushing to the other side.

"Hey, bitch." she muttered softly. "I hope I am not late, we just came by to remind you that we love you so much. Sera and I are here, we are always here for you Jung."

Zion nods and wiped his tears dry though he was still sobbing, I moved my body closer to his and hugged him while Narae also did the same. I know that our warmth and presence can do much for him, it did wonders for me before and I hope this moment would somehow make him feel less alone.