Cherry | K.TH

chapter twenty four

c h e r r y

"So you like him?" Jennie repeated what I've just said a second ago. I wanted to tell someone my feelings for Tae because I kept everything to myself and I didn't want that.

We were on a phone call, around 8 pm. I was really tired, I've been practicing all day nonstop with my partner. I thought it will be a solo piece but it wasn't, it was a duo.

"Yes, I like him so much, I didn't even realize that I was falling for him," I said with a cough at the end. I got sick because of yesterday. I was sure that Tae is now sick, the rain was pouring really hard.

"Well I feel that he likes you too, don't ask me why though. I got this feeling." I smiled when she said that. Maybe he does like me, it's a 50/50 chance.

We talked for the next hour. Jennie is a talkative person while I, the listener. I don't talk much because once I start, I won't stop and my high school friends didn't appreciate that fact so I stopped talking and I soon became the listener.

Then the door bell rang, cutting my sentence in midway. I had to say goodbye to Jennie and to dash my way to the door. It was dark outside and I couldn't see anyone by the window. So I carefully opened the door, peeking with the small gap.

It was Tae, standing right in front of me. That made me hold the doorknob even tighter than before.

He noticed my stare as he showed me a squared box with one of his eyebrows rising. "I brought us pizza," He said with a huge smile.

His smile is so beautiful. The way his eyes squinted made him so pure, which is not the case. His smile is a boxy smile and I'm so in love with it. And this is weird. He definitely drank, his expression is so different.

"Can I come in?" He asked, shoving the box in my face. I rolled my eyes, putting on my smile and taking the box.

"Since you have pizza, I don't have a reason to decline your request," I jokingly said, letting him in my house. I made my way to the living room, putting the lights on and dropping myself on the couch with the box on my lap.

Tae took his time, meaning that he went to the kitchen to bring cups with bottle of beer. Yes, I bought it for him because he comes often at my house. Plus I bought his favourite brand.

He jumped on the sofa from behind, putting his left arm around my shoulder bringing me closer to him. I opened the box, taking a piece for me and for him. We ate silently, the only thing I could hear was him gulping down his beer.

I turned my body, to get a better look at him. He did the same. We stare at each other, his eyes are mesmerizing and I couldn't seem to get out of his stare.

"You're a mystery, you know that?" I said out of blue, taking his attention.

"How come?" He asked me with a grin, finishing his last bite.

I hummed, taking my water bottle and opening it slowly. "You're different and I can't solve you. I love mysteries and I'm so curious about them, like your past and why you're taking all of that-"

"Just shut up," He brutally said, making me go quiet. I was shocked that he just said that, he never been harsh like this.

Tae gets up, brushing his silky blond hair back with his hand. He walks around the living room, thinking of something with a pissed expression. Stopping on his tracks, he stares at me intimidatingly before speaking.

"You don't need to know that fucking information, it's all in the past. Focus on the present."

"But why are you backing away from me? I'm trying to understand you, can't you see it? I want to help you and to stop you from taking all those drugs. If I can't know your last, how can I understand your pain? Why won't you share it with me?" I yelled at him, standing on my feet. I almost threw the pizza box on him because of the frustration I had in me.

He chuckled, probably thinking that what I'm saying is shit. He's so stubborn and so stupid. I can't believe that I like this guy.

"I fucking came here to spend some quality time with the peace and now look what we have here. Someone who wants to know the most shittiest shit of the world and this person wants to help me."

"But, w-why can't you tell me?" I shuttered like an idiot. His change of tone started to scare me. I never saw this side of him, so angry till his eyes are red.

He started to take steps towards me as I back out. I slowly walked backwards until my back reached the wall that was beside the tv. I mentally slapped myself for not looking behind me.

Both of his hands went on each side of my head. He was tall that I had to look up for an eye contact. I fell like if I talked right now, he'll blow up and slam the door to leave.

I put my hand on his cheek, trying to calm him down. It sounds so good in my head but when I do it for real, it's so cliché.

"Let me help you," I whispered. His breath hitched and quickened. In the corner of my eye, I saw a glimpse of his hand twitching uncontrollably. I frowned, feeling the worry take over me.

Suddenly and unexpectedly, he smashed his hand on the wall. I let out a awful scream, putting both of my hands on my face for protection. My body started to tremble now. I couldn't see his face now, I'm too scared. What is wrong with him?

I took the courage to let go of my hands to see his face. He was shaking his head, with tears streaming down his face. Both of his hands joined his hair, pulling it out of frustration.

"Nobody can help me, I'm useless and pathetic. I'm just a piece of shit that nobody needs," He murmured. Every word he just said made me so mad and sad at the same time.

How could he think like that?

His legs are shaking and I could sense that he's about to drop down. He slowly went on his knees and I wrapped my hand around his torso and one hand on his head, playing with his hair, in a soothing way. I placed his head on my chest, as we were cuddling on the floor. I could feel his hands snaking around my waist, drawing me closer to him.

His tears wouldn't stop and I shouldn't have brought this conversation at all. But I should end this, by simply asking him his story.