Year- 2015
For 7 months.
For exactly 7 months and 6 days, Kai practiced, auditioned and worked.
You had been by his side, supporting him since that night. He had to do it, it was his dream. And even though you didn't want it, why would you stop him? That's not what friends were for, they were there to support one another. Although you did your best to help him, all you could really do was leave him packed dinners at his door, or talk to him. He was so busy with practicing, you could barely support him.
One late night, nearing 11PM, you found yourself making him dinner. Cooking up a porridge, and a side of soy broccoli. Once you finished, you grabbed two plastic containers from the top shelf. After packing up all the food, you placed it in a large reusable grocery bag and headed to his apartment. Walking down the hall, to the elevator, a sudden wave of anguish hit you. Causing you to stop, and quiver. It always hit you suddenly, like a punch to the chest. He was really going to leave. And even though he was still deciding on a company, you knew he was leaving. Nothing was stopping him, and you were going to keep it that way.
When you reached the door to his apartment, you knocked three times. Not expecting a reply, you sat the bag on the floor, and began walking away. But a creaking from his hinges made you turn, to see his face peeking out. "Kai?" You said, somewhat surprised. It had been a while since you'd seen him. Maybe two weeks? He was planning on auditioning for Big Hit Ent soon, and was practicing with all the time he had. His routine almost always following the same steps: Wake up, work from 9-5, vocal lessons from 5:30-7, and finally dance practice from 7:10-10:30. When you stopped by to drop off his food, he was almost always sleeping. Which is why you were surprised to see him. He waved, allowing a small smile to form on his chapped lips. He gestured you come inside, and held open the door for you. You relented, and picked up his food, following him inside.
When you both were inside, you took the time to observe him. The red hues from his hair had faded, leaving his hair brown and outgrown. His face was moist, most likely from skin care. But, his eyes were dark, and his eye bags prominent. He was dressed in sweats, hanging loosely over his thinning body. It was almost like he was already living the trainee life. He had noticed your concerned look, and assured you he was ok. "Y/N, it's fine. I'm ok, really. Just tired." His personality had turned toned down, and mature. Much different from the bubbly kid-like Kai you knew. You nodded, still not believing him. You picked up the bag of food, and pulled out the porridge and broccoli. They were cold now, so you brought them to the microwave setting it at 1 minute. You both sat down on the couch, not exchanging a word. Was it because you both knew you wouldn't see each other like this, when he was gone? Was there something each of you wanted to say, a secret? Maybe, but it was too late now. To late to do anything but sit. And wait, for the ticking time bomb to stop. And finally get over the thing you had been dreading for months. A small part of you wanted him to dread it to, shed tears at the idea of you leaving. That was only a wish, though. He was more than ecstatic to be an idol one day, and that was the truth.
Your thoughts were all over, but you were suddenly interrupted by Kai's soft snores. If it wasn't for the reason for his tiredness, maybe you would've laughed. But you wanted to cry merely at the sight. He was shivering, and his face was ghostly. You reached for a red, checkered blanket, folded neatly beside you. Placing it over him carefully, as to not wake him. You felt his forehead, he was warm. Probably a cold. Picking yourself up from the couch, you went to get his food. Which had been done heating for a while now. Serving the food in small bowls, you placed them on a tray and walked back to the couch. You put the tray on the floor beside you, and observed Kai. You thought you might as well stay all night, to watch over him. You looked over him one last time, making sure not to forget important features. Like his nose, eyes, height. A part of you feared you would forget when he left.
After watching him rest for a while, you too fell asleep. Head resting against your hand. You slept fully for only about 20 minutes before you were woken up by a pair of hands wrapping around you. A bit afraid to look, you kept your eyes closed. Against your skin, you felt a blanket beneath you. Opening your eyes, you saw Kai removing his arms from beneath you. You were laying on his bed, and he sat beside you. After covering you with the duvet, he crawled under the covers with you. He didn't move for a moment, maybe working up the courage. But soon he reached out to you, wrapping his arms around your waist. He patted your stomach, moving closer to you and putting his face in the crook of your neck. You felt his breath, softly against your neck. You didn't want to open your eyes, and make him stop. So, you didn't. And you both slept like that through the night. Held in one another's embrace.
