Paint Me | Kang Taehyun

16. COWARD

Taehyun asked Hayun to meet at a restaurant. He was looking forward to telling Hayun how he was improving and wanted to thank her and confess his feelings.

Both of them were excited. Hayun kept trying various dresses unable to decide on what to wear. ''Is this a date?'' she thought and giggled like crazy. ''Shut up, stop acting like a crazy person'' she said slapping herself and got ready.

Taehyun arrived early and kept checking the time. Soon he saw a beautiful lady walking towards him. He got up and pulled the chair so she could sit on it. He took a seat and couldn't take his eyes off her. ''So? What is it that you wanted to tell me?'' Hayun asked which brought him back to his senses. He was about to show her the drawings but stopped. 'What if she finds it creepy that I kept making drawings of her?' he thought and changed his mind. ''I just wanted to thank you for helping me because it's helping me a lot'' he said. ''You don't need to thank me. I'm glad to hear that you are doing well. Can I see your work?'' she asked with glittery eyes. ''I...uh...I don't have them right now so maybe next time?'' he nervously replied faking a smile. ''No problem, also I think that you are now ready to start with painting. Think about what you love the most or inspires you the most. What do you think?'' she asked. ''I don't think I'm ready yet, I'm sorry.'' he replied avoiding to look her into eyes. ''No no, you don't have to apologize. It's totally fine, you know that I don't want you to push yourself.'' Hayun replied trying to assure him as always.

They continued to chat for a while and enjoyed their lunch.

After reaching home, Taehyun plopped on his bed and grabbed his hair in frustration. ''You're such a coward Kang Taehyun.'' he sighed.

After thinking for a while, he finally made his mind. ''Tomorrow it is then, I'll ask Hayun to be my muse and try to paint then confess my feelings to her.''

The next day he was on his way to work. ''Hayun can you be my muse? You said that I should paint what I like the most'' ''Lee Hayun be my muse'' ''Ugh! This won't work'' he sighed.

It had been almost 30 minutes past the time for her to arrive for work but there was no sign of her. 'Is she angry or disappointed because I refused to move forward? No, she's not that irresponsible to skip work for that.' he sighed for the umpteenth time. He began to get worried as time passed and tried calling her many times but there was no reply.

His phone rang and he quickly picked it up thinking it's Hayun but it was Beomgyu. ''Hyung where's Hayun? Is she sick?'' there was a pause across the line but Beomgyu replied after taking a deep breath ''In the hospital.''

Taehyun immediately rushed to the address Beomgyu told. While driving he was still in shock and scared of what would happen to the girl.

As instructed by the receptionist, Taehyun rushed towards the second floor and saw her parents along with Beomgyu and Mr. and Mrs. Choi.

''Beomgyu hyung what happened?'' he asked while trying to catch his breath as he ran all the way there. "Hayun was on her way to work and a kid was about to get hit by a speeding car but she saved him and got hit...her condition is a bit critical." Beomgyu explained massaging his temples as he was stressed out due to the situation. Hearing those words Taehyun felt his world crumble down. He was more scared of what would happen to Hayun.

His eyes then met with the elders so he bowed to greet them and the elders gave him a sad smile in return.

"Mom dad, you should go home with uncle and aunt. I'll be here with Taehyun and Yeonjun hyung will be here soon. Take some rest." Beomgyu suggested to the elders. "Yes, please take some rest. We'll be here." Taehyun added. They hesitated for some time but soon gave in and Beomgyu booked a cab for them.

It was just Beomgyu and Taehyun. The two sat there silently waiting for Hayun to wake up or for the doctor to give a positive news.

"You can go and see her." Beomgyu said breaking the silence. Taehyun nodded and walked into the room. His heart sank seeing her in such a fragile condition. It felt so unreal that he thought that it was just a nightmare.

"Please wake up Hayun. I'm really sorry Hayun...I'm such a coward. I should've already confessed my feelings for you. I regret it a lot now... please come back." he said not holding back his tears, his hands tightly holding onto Hayun's hand as if he'd never let go of it. His grip was tight yet gentle as if she would break just by a little force.

"I didn't mean to eavesdrop but come on, it's not like she's not going to wake up. Hayun is a strong girl. Let's just wait." Yeonjun said entering the room followed by his wife Yeonhwa and Beomgyu. Taehyun nodded wiping his tears.

The doctor entered and examined the patient. "Doctor, how is Hayun and how long will it take for her to wake up?" Yeonhwa asked. "She's out of danger now but it's difficult to tell how long it will take. She may wake up tomorrow morning or even after a few days. Let's just wait." the doctor explained and left. Watching Hayun lay on the bed in that condition broke their heart especially Taehyun's.

It was already night but Hayun's condition was still the same.

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