TRUST ME (Let Me Book 2)

TM 35 (FINAL)

Jinyoung stirred from his sleep at the sound of his phone constantly dinging above the bedside table. He slowly opened his eyes and adjusted to the brightness of his surroundings. The phone just won't stop dinging and he knew so well why. Letting out a yawn, he then stretches his arms to reach for the device, not surprised at all that it was his friends blowing up their group chat so early in the freaking morning.

When did these guys even wake up?

He asks himself because at this point, Jinyoung didn't even need to set an alarm anymore, his friends getting so hyper at the group chat so early in the morning was enough to wake him up earlier than his alarm. He would like to sleep more so he can continue that dream he has with Yugyeom but he knows he wouldn't get to go back to sleep anyway since everyone was already awake and won't probably shut up in the next few minutes, unless he put his phone on silent which is not ideal for him as he often gets important call from Ah-in and the others about the film. Also, by now, Jinyoung's already used to his friends doing that, and though normally he would find it annoyingly funny, still he is thankful that they were like that again.

He smiles as he scrolled through the group chat, back reading his friends conversation and constantly chuckling. These guys undoubtedly woke up in the good side of the bed today, how can they all be this funny in the morning?

He put his phone down on his chest as he stares up the ceiling.

He loves morning like this. His friends are all hyper and happy, him being happy, though, not fully but still, it's been way better than before. He didn't know when did it start, but he wasn't complaining either. One day everything just seems to get better and better. If he would guess it, he think it started when his friends finally made up all together. Since that day happened, there's not a single day that they weren't chaotic at their group chat or even when they're physically together. It made a huge difference to their friendship, it helped each of one them and it certainly made their bond even stronger. In fact, just this month, he couldn't even count how many times did they already gather to just catch up with each other. They all hate being clingy towards each other but that was exactly what they all doing without even realizing it.

Jinyoung is the most grateful of it, it helped him big time to cope with his current situation, at the same time he feels a bit sorry for them as he couldn't keep up with them most of the times because of the film but was thankful that his friends do understands him and are still inviting him even though they know he probably wouldn't make it. He make sure though that he would at least call to check how's it going to compensate for his absence.

He picks up his phone again when he heard it ringing, tapping on the accept button as soon as he saw his best friend's name on the screen.

[ Yah, how dare you? I've been mentioning you non-stop, I saw you opening the group chat, why aren't you responding? ]

"Well, good morning to you too, Mark Tuan?"

He playfully said with a bit of sarcasm. He zoned out a bit earlier so he didn't notice Mark constantly mentioning and asking him in the group chat.

[ Are you still sleeping? ]

"Yeah, right, I am."

He said, followed by a small chuckle when Mark lets out a deep sigh on the other line.

"Alright, alright, what's up?"

He asks before his best friend even starts nagging at him at exactly 7 AM in the morning.

[ The guys' want to meet up this weekend, ]

He informed him, knowing well he didn't need to explain further what for as most of times seeing each other's faces, catching up with their daily lives was enough of a reason for them to meet up. Yep, nothing special, just a group of guys obsessed with each other.

"Oh, I don't know, I—"

[ Shht! ]

Jinyoung stopped talking for a second when Mark shushed him, not in the rude way though but was enough to make him stop.

[ Sorry, but I don't think we can accept a no this time, Jinyoung? ]

Mark said. They let him pass all the time as they do understand him, but this time it's absolutely different.

Jinyoung scratches the back of his head about that. He really wants to join them, specially he had missed so many meetings with them already these past few months since he started with the filming, and he didn't want to keep them waiting for him as they often left work later than usual, sometimes, they even continue with the scenes until 3 AM in the morning. Though, he's a lot freer of tasks nowadays, he still tends to get off work a little late due to the other stuff that needs to be checked on.

"It's not that I can't this time. Actually, I do think there's not much to do this week compare from last week, it's just that I'm not sure if I can get off work early as they needed my presence with the other stuff, but I'll do my best, okay?"

Jinyoung explained. Normally, Ah-in and the other refuses to let him go during last minute meetings even though they're already done with filming the scenes. He's the director so they really need his opinion about the other aspects even though most of it is for the producer and other personnel to decide.

[ Got it, but please Jinyoung, we get that you're busy and we won't force you to join us if you really can't, but this one's important okay? We really want you there, so we would very much appreciate it if you could make it, we can wait till late at night, just please be there, ]

Mark spoke and it was odd because Mark isn't usually like this. It's either he'll immediately let it go or he'll tease him nonstop about not joining, but never like this. He sounds a bit desperate when he says that and Jinyoung was starting to feel a bit worried.

"Did something happen?"

He asks out of worry. He didn't want to be so paranoid but he can't help it.

[ No, no! There's none, we just really miss you, the guys keep on mentioning you since last week, so we can't help but get a bit desperate about asking you, ]

"When did you guys even get vocal about missing me?"

He asks while chuckling, he's still a bit skeptical about what's happening but he'll for sure find out soon.

[ Yah, can you just accept our feelings instead of questioning everything? ]

"Woah, alright. Why are you so ready to fight?"

[ I am not, and look at you questioning me again? ]

"Well, look at you, ready to fight again too?"

He playfully snide back and they both started laughing.

Mark loves this.

He loves hearing his best friend laughing so loud like this.

Jinyoung slowly stopped once he notices Mark getting quiet on the other line.

"What's the matter now?"

He asks.

[ Nothing much. I just... ] He answered as he paused and lets out a sigh in relief before speaking again, [ Never mind. Anyway, I gotta go prepare breakfast, see you this weekend, alright? ]

He reminded him, trying to swiftly change the topic. He's just afraid he might say something that might change the mood and he don't want that to happen, not now when Jinyoung's already fine. He wasn't sure if he's still thinking about it, but based on his observation he looks as if he's the same guy that he met before all those unfortunate things happened to all of them. He's almost as good as the old Park Jinyoung, and as much as Mark can, he never wanted to lose him again by mentioning some unnecessary things on this almost perfect morning so he better not say anything about that anymore.

"Oh, okay, bye."

He answered shortly before Mark immediately ended the call. He stares at his phone for a second after that. Wondering what has gotten to that guy and why is he acting a bit strange today?

What's up with him, seriously?

He asks himself, but just immediately shook it off and decided to go prepare for the day for now. He won't get an answer if he stays thinking on his bed anyway so might as well starts being productive. He'll just going to ask him later about it. He just wish Ah-in and the others would let him go early on Saturday.

Jinyoung then climb down his bed and starts tidying it up, proceeding straight at the bathroom to do his morning routine. He just swiftly moves around the house, feeling a bit energetic than usual as he thought of the things he needs to do today. He still feels a bit worried about what's up with his friends but he doesn't feel like it was that serious either and in fact it was even bringing him a bit of excitement. Whatever it is, Jinyoung can't wait to find out.

Now, this is really weird?

Jinyoung told himself when all of a sudden his phone starts ringing again and it was Youngjae who was calling this time. He quickly finished dressing himself up and picks up the phone.

"Good morning,"

He greeted, secretly anticipating the Younger's purpose for calling him.

[ Good morning, hyung! Are you busy? ]

He asks and Jinyoung didn't get to stop that small chuckle coming out of his mouth. His friends are really terrible in hiding things.

"Today? Hmm, not much, why?"

He asks back pretending as if he was clueless of everything, though he is, but at least he's aware that there's something up.

[ Will you make it on Saturday, hyung? ]

"I'll do my best,"

[ Promise? ]

He said that made Jinyoung laughing all of a sudden. Now that's too obvious.

"Hey, I don't know what you guys are planning but okay, I'll do my very best to make it, alright?"

He playfully assured him and as if being caught red handed Youngjae immediately ended the call. Jinyoung just shakes his head while chuckling it off, setting it aside for now as he finishes preparing for work today. When he’s finally done. He keeps humming a song while double checking everything, making sure he unplugged and switched off those things that needs to be off before going. He roams his eyes around one last time after putting on his shoes sighing while smiling as he thought of the younger again.

I think I did a good job taking care of our place, Gyeom-ah?

He thought, feeling proud to himself for always keeping this place shinning even though he’s always busy these days.

Was it that long already?

He asks himself.

Two more months.

Two more months and it's already two years since Yugyeom has temporarily left, and even though Jinyoung learned how to deal with that fact, still, he will never get used to the feeling of not having him. He just convinced himself and made it seemed like Yugyeom was somewhere for his job and him busy with his own job too, and then at the end of the day or when they're finally done with their own agendas, they'll meet and catch up with each other. That situation was very much familiar for the both of them specially during the start of their relationship when they almost couldn't see each other because of work. Jinyoung never knew that experience would be useful for him until now.

Maybe he sounded crazy for other people, but for him, that thinking helped him a lot.

"See you once work is done, Gyeom-ah."

He muttered with a smile as he finally opened the door and walks outside. He stopped for a while as he spotted Yugyeom's car at their garage. It's been a while since it has been used and as much as Jinyoung wants to use it, he didn't actually know how to drive it either. He thought of taking some driving lessons and getting his own license, but he'll just save that for now and wait for his boyfriend. After all, he loves the thought of Yugyeom teaching him how to drive, so he'll just be patient on taking the bus or a cab for now.

"See ya, buddy!"

He said as he gave it a quick tap before finally leaving and heading straight at the bus stop. He put on his earphones as soon as he took his seat inside the bus, peacefully listening to a song while watching the view outside the window.

The ride from their house to his workplace was longer than his ride compare from his previous company but these days, Jinyoung feels like his ride to work on a daily basis keeps on getting shorter and shorter, just like now. He feels as if he just got seated, listened to only a few songs and yet he was already near their agency's building. He wasn't complaining though, meeting and working with his team would always be exciting for him.

"Jinyoung-si!"

He quickly took off his earphones when he heard a faint voice calling his name from behind, and as expected it was Ah-in who just got off the cab and had spotted Jinyoung getting off the bus. She jogged towards him and he patiently wait for her, greeting each other a good morning as they walked together inside their building.

"It's still a bit early, let's go have some coffee at the pantry?"

Ah-in suggested after checking the time on her wrist watch.

"Sure, should we also bring some for the others?"

"Good idea, Yibin said him and his guys has been here since 6 AM monitoring the editing?"

"Seriously?" He asks in disbelief as he looks at the older lady beside him, Ah-in just nodded his head, "Such hardworking guys!"

"Well, everyone loves your film so,"

Ah-in playfully commented while shrugging her shoulders, making the younger smiling from ear to ear as he feels so happy by hearing that.

He really feels so thankful to literally everyone that is involved with this project. They said you can never find a perfect company, but so far, with Jinyoung's current company, he's pretty much convince everything here is perfect, starting from the CEO itself and all the following personnel after him to his own project team. Everything and everyone is just so good both with their job and towards him. Since the day that he started up until now, they consistently showed him that they do gives importance about this film, that they do loves working on it together with him. They also take good care of him, both as the director of this film and as the one who's the youngest on their team. They make each day at work extra fun and it certainly helped Jinyoung so much to overcome a lot of his fears from before.

He started off with this project feeling so uncertain about everything. He started off fearing a lot of things, specially when the first day of filming started. He didn't even know how many he asks for a quick break just to breakdown and calm himself. Though for sure he knows, everyone was worried, they never questioned him again with the things that he didn't want to talked about. They just quietly and sincerely let him, takes care of him and did their best to distract him whenever that thing happens. Ah-in even became his acting mother without her even knowing. She's just too soft when it comes with Jinyoung. The younger had never expected he'll be this close to her, and even with the others. All in all, Jinyoung believes he owes his recovery to his friends and his new company, simply to all the people he have in his life.

But not just because he was saying that means that he was fully fine either, because he's not.

He's honestly not.

Maybe, physically he is. He gained a lot of weight that he lost from before, he was now eating well alone, getting enough sleep, and was constantly motivated.

But that won't change the fact that he was still undeniably lonely inside.

His condition might have drastically improved over time, but his longing for him has stayed the same.

"Jinyoung-ah?"

"Yeah?"

He unconsciously asks, snapping out of his thoughts when Ah-in slightly nudges his side.

"I knew it, you're not listening?"

"Sorry, I just suddenly thought about something, but...what were you saying again?"

He asks, swiftly trying to go back to their conversation. He just ends up scratching the back of his head when Ah-in playfully shakes her head.

"You know what, we should hurry to get some coffee, it seems like you're still sleepy?

She said, laughing it off. Jinyoung just smiles too and nodded his head, watching the older lady as she starts walking a bit faster while dragging him with her towards the pantry.

"Oh, anyway, Noona, do you think we'll be finish early on Saturday?"

He asks as they wait for their coffees. Ah-in thought about it for a while before answering.

"I think so, in fact, Mr. Jang already made plans for Saturday night," She answered as she handed one paper cup holder to Jinyoung while waiting for the other ones, "We've been busy with the filming these past few months, so now that it's done, this Saturday night's the best time to finally unwind, you're coming too right?"

She informed him, confident that he'll go because why not right? Unless, the younger had plans already?

"I'm afraid, I can't."

Jinyoung answered. He giggled a little when Ah-in threw him a quick playful questioning look.

"And why is that, Mr. Park?"

She teases, as she picks up the second cup holder with their coffees and pays for it herself even though, Jinyoung had already brought out his card. Jinyoung was used to her doing that though so he just laughed it off when Ah-in gently shove his hand away.

"My friends already made plans and they demands my presence this time,"

He said, his smile forming into a smirk as he remembers how hilariously obvious they were about their plan.

"Aww, okay. Hope you have fun though?"

"I will for sure."

He replied and Ah-in just nodded her head. Her heart feels warm while secretly looking at the younger, who keeps on smiling while they're walking as if remembering something funny. She really can't believe this is the same guy she had met at the cafe that day.

"You looks so happy these days,"

She muttered and Jinyoung immediately shifted his attention on her.

"Am I?"

"Yeah, you look at lot more handsome when you're happy,"

She cooed, teasingly pinching the younger's arm beside her as if playing with a child. Jinyoung blushes a little with that and just shakes his head slightly.

He feels happy too to know that he's happy.

"It feels like it was just yesterday when I first met you and now...here you are, making everyone proud?"

She said, being carried away by her motherly emotions that he forgot it might accidentally bring unwanted memories to the younger.

"Oh, I..."

She muttered when she realizes it and mentally slapped herself for ruining the mood when she saw how Jinyoung's smiles slowly turns into a bitter one.

"Why are you apologizing? It's not like you hurt or curse me, Noona?"

Jinyoung playfully asks, trying his best to show her that he wasn't affected at all, even though he was for a bit. Ah-in just stayed quiet about that, deciding to just shut up for now so she can stop screwing things.

Jinyoung's mind on the other hand, has successfully travelled back to that day.

Just how long has it been since that day happened?

"I'm sorry, but I can't go back...I don't want to go back."

He keeps repeating before that he can't, but who would've have thought he'll be here again?

It was him who made it possible.

"Noona..."

He suddenly spoke when a thought suddenly came up on his mind.

"Yeah?"

The older lady responded.

Jinyoung had contemplated so hard for a few seconds if he'll going to ask her. He knows it would just change his mood completely if he did, but he's sure he wouldn't get relieved either if he won't.

In the end, Jinyoung just lets out a sighed before finally asking her.

"Do you..." He started, his gaze automatically going down on the ground as he was embarrassed to look at the older lady's eyes, "...still have...contact with him?"

He finally asks, feeling his heart beating so fast as he anticipated the older's answer. He didn't know why he just thought of asking her just now, but he's not putting his hopes up either, for even Youngjae, the one the younger has trusted the most about it has no contact with him? What more, Ah-in, right? Not that he's saying she wasn't important for him. He just thought if Yugyeom doesn't want to let a close friend contact him there's no way a he'll let anyone too?

Ah-in exactly know his point about that and she wished she could answer him positively as she knows it would make the younger even happier, but she knows she can't.

"I wish I do, but I honestly don't have..."

She answered truthfully and feels her heart aching as well when she saw that sad smile on the younger's face while slowly nodded his head, but that's all she can really give. The last time Ah-in contacted him was when Jinyoung finally signed the contract then after that they totally lost communication at all.

"Jinyoung-ah,"

She spoke as she scooted closer to him while they're walking, and gently nudges him out of his thoughts. She smiled when Jinyoung glances back at her.

"I don't know what's your story or what you're going through, but I believe all of his and your hard work would pay off at the end,"

She said, trying her best to cheer him up even though all this time she have no idea what happened to them, and why Jinyoung was alone right now.

"No sacrifice about love would ever failed. You just have to trust love and it's process."

She added as she's only sure for one thing. Kim Yugyeom and Jinyoung is a couple but for some reason they are apart.

Jinyoung finally smiled again as he nodded his head and lets out a deep sigh.

Right.

Their sacrifice and love for each other will never fail them.

Jinyoung is sure with that.

"Noona,"

"Hm?"

"Thanks,"

He said and Ah-in teasingly nudges him again, this time, a bit stronger that he pretended to stumble which made the older panicking for a second, but when Jinyoung starts chuckling she ended up rolling her eyes at him.

Jinyoung knows that she was deeply curious about their story, and he promised himself once he's all brave enough to share it with someone again, he'll make sure that Ah-in would be the first one to know.

"Anyway, I have one more thing to inform you?" The older said as they finally reaches the elevator. "Have you heard about our President having conflicts with his younger brother?"

She said, even whispering it to Jinyoung as if someone will heard her saying that when there's only two of them here inside the elevator. Jinyoung chuckles a bit with that.

"Why are we gossiping about this company's President and his brother so early in the morning again?"

He jokingly asks, earning a quick gentle smack on his arm by the older lady.

"Alright, alright, I'm listening?"

"Well, it's not like we're gossiping about them, I just heard it too from the other employees, okay?"

"Okay?"

He replied, picking up one coffee from the cup holder and taking one quick sip.

"I'm not sure why they're having conflict, but I heard as far as his younger brother aims to replace him or something like that?"

"Hmm, I don't think it's possible for President Ho to be replaced? He's been handling this company for more than a decade, he's doing such good job, and everyone likes him, so?"

"Same thoughts, also, President Ho is a badass, he's not someone who can be shaken by anyone. He's actually the coolest person I've ever met!"

Ah-in beamed and Jinyoung was quick to change expressions as he looks at the older lady. Ah-in notices it and quickly cleared her throat, asking him why?

"Ohh, Ah-in-si? You sound pretty excited talking about him just now?"

He said, claiming his turn to tease her back.

"Yah, why the heck would you tease me about that at this age?"

She defensively answered, even shrugging her shoulders as if she got sudden chills about it. She immediately left the younger once the elevator door opened, doing her best to hide that sudden redness on her ears and cheeks, which had already been noticed by Jinyoung anyway.

"Noona, wait for me!"

He beamed as he quickly made his way to catch up beside her.