Chapter 19: If I'm Here

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[Daegu, South Korea]


-Hwiyoung's POV-

I practiced more parts of the script with Taeyang. We only acted the moments we memorized so far and then continued fitting the rest of my room. During this time, I had the chance to reflect and think about the occasional idea inside my head, which involves my other timeline. Ever since a week passed, I considered leaving everything behind and return to my previous life. However, after everything that has happened, I'm not sure about it anymore. These couple of days with Taeyang made me realize that he also needs me; nobody Taeyang knows can comfort him as he wants because he's in the middle of a project. And so, right now, I'm the only one close enough to Taeyang that can do something to make him feel better.

The decision I took was the one I expected; nevertheless, I can't guarantee to myself that I'll remember everything I lived in my timeline. Therefore, I assume my memories will get lost at some point, and then I'll live this life, like if it was always mine to own.

Currently, I'm having fewer thoughts about my decision, but I'm starting to feel sorry for the ones I won't remember in the future. Yet, I will be moving forward and make the best out of this timeline. And I believe that's what keeps me calm right now.

-Hwiyoung. – Taeyang called me, immediately erasing the thoughts inside my head as I focused on him. He's lying on the bed while looking at his phone, his expression earnest as he keeps his eyes on the screen.

-What is it? – I asked while staring back at Taeyang, crossing my arms as I wait for him to answer.

-Lin Mei posted something on social media. – Taeyang revealed, making my eyes widen. Then, I walked closer to him as he handed his phone over.

I stared at the screen while checking Lin Mei's Twitter account. Briefly, reading the picture of a note, she wrote.

"Hello, everybody. I'm here to address the unexpected controversy I got involved with alongside Yoo Taeyang and my partner. I have nothing negative to say to Yoo Taeyang; he is a kind person who took care of me whenever I needed him. However, our relationship wasn't working as we wanted. And for some time, we didn't contact each other due to our schedules. I gradually began to fall out of love with Taeyang, and I started to see him as a friend.

I want to clarify that I didn't search for someone else to love; my current partner and I liked each other after filming our last project together. So, I politely ask everybody to stop posting nasty comments to him. And lastly, I'd like to give my blessings and apologies to Yoo Taeyang. I admit that my actions weren't the right way to end our relationship in a pleasant way. Hopefully, you can find someone that can be there to guide and love you like you once did for me."

After reading the post, I rolled my eyes and put the phone on the bedside table. Shortly, I noticed Taeyang's tears running down his eyes again, making me feel slightly concerned.

-Even though Mei apologized, I can tell that her label made her write those things. – Taeyang spoke, his voice cracking between some words.

-Lin Mei apologized, and that's all. Hyung, don't give it too much importance; it doesn't deserve it. – I told Taeyang before sitting next to him, shortly patting his knee while smiling with a subtle smile. -Listen, our project is barely starting. In a couple of days, the rest of the cast will come to the camp, and our training will begin. So, try to think of those things, alright? – I spoke, trying to cheer Taeyang's spirits as much as possible.

-You are right about everything, Hwiyoung. But I feel used; after all, some of the things Mei said aren't true. I tried to communicate with her multiple times, but she never replied. – Taeyang disclosed before cleaning his tears roughly. I wanted to hold his hand, stop him from hurting himself. But then, I remembered that we don't have the same closure as I had with the other Taeyang in my timeline.

Of course, Hwiyoung! Remember that he's your friend, so you can't show too much affection.

I nodded at my thoughts before patting Taeyang's knee, briefly standing up from the bed. -I suppose Lin Mei is trying to move on from this situation quickly. So, shouldn't that be something good for you? – I questioned, immediately capturing Taeyang's attention.

-I guess it's going to be less annoying if we conclude this part in our lives, huh? – Taeyang realized before taking a deep breath, then he patted the space next to him, motioning me to join his side. I did what Taeyang wanted before looking back at him. -Thank you, Hwiyoung. I honestly need some encouragement, and I'm glad that you are the one giving it to me. So, thank you. – Taeyang sincerely said.

-It's what any friend would do. Right? Besides, I know that more of your friends will reach out to you when they check social media and the articles regarding the matter. So, I'm sure that others will support you as well. – I said while smiling at Taeyang.

-Probably. But you are the only one next to me, and I appreciate everything you've done so far. – Taeyang smiled back at me before sitting next to me, briefly patting my shoulder.

-Anytime. – I grinned as we glanced at each other before knocks on the door began to sound. I sighed before standing up from the bed and then opened the door, briefly revealing Youngbin-hyung behind it. -Hyung. – I politely received him before letting him in.

-Hwiyoung, is Taeyang here with you? – Youngbin-hyung asked, which I nodded for in response. -Great! I need to talk with both of you. – He spoke as I followed him from behind, shortly finding Taeyang sitting on the bed.

-Mr. Kim, are you here because of Lin Mei's post? – Taeyang anxiously questioned while looking at Youngbin-hyung.

-Taeyang, you don't need to address me with formalities. I don't have anything to say about Lin Mei's post. Honestly, I question many things she wrote. – Youngbin-hyung admitted as I stood beside him. -I wanted to talk with both of you because tomorrow you have an interview. The journalist wants a preview of the series. And following that, you're going to have a "Q&A" section for their TV show. – Youngbin explained, not leaving any detail behind.

-Alright. – Taeyang and I answered at the same time.

-You are going to be busy until the rest of the cast arrives. Other programs wanted an interview with both of you, so that will happen the last day before your teammates' arrival. – Youngbin-hyung mentioned before looking at me. -When Taeyang feels down, let me know immediately. – Youngbin-hyung told me, which I nodded for in response. Briefly, he said goodbye to us before leaving the room. I took a deep breath before sitting next to Taeyang again.

-Do you want to do something? – I asked while looking at Taeyang.

-Like what? Practice more? – Taeyang questioned, making me frown slightly.

-We will be doing that later, hyung. Let's do something fun. – I pointed out before thinking about what to do in our spare time.

-The screenplay is long. – Taeyang mentioned, insisting on his previous idea.

Something fun.

I thought for some seconds before a thought came to me. -Why don't we go to the camp? It isn't far away from the dorms; we can easily walk there. – I suggested while staring at Taeyang.

-It doesn't sound like an awful idea. Great job! – Taeyang smiled before we stood up from the bed, then we took our stuff before heading out of the room.

Hopefully, I can brighten up your day after the bitter apology you received. After all, you deserve to enjoy this project and have fun times.

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