Here All Along

chapter - 44

"It's just for a couple days" Bright argues, "big deal?"

"Didn't you visit your mom just two weeks ago?" Nani asks, "what's with this sudden notice. You can't really ditch office whenever you want and expect me to deal with the boss."

"I am your boss!" Bright exclaims, "I'm just asking you to handle things while I'm out. It's your duty to say the least."

"But -"

"I've got to go. Bye" says Bright and cuts the call, watching Win walk out of Pear's house with two big trolleys and a backpack, wearing a white tank top that handsomely flaunts his well built arms.

"Is that all?" Bright asks, lowering his sunglasses, "seems like you've brought entire Korea with you."

Win smiles sarcastically before loading his luggage in the car.

"Let me help" Bright says, gently moving Win aside.

It is a pleasant morning, a little windy which only feels soothing on their sunlit skin.

"You've changed your car" Win points out after getting inside.

"Yeah. You changed your hair style" Bright says smiling, "it suits you."

Win flushes a tad crimson which is very uncharacteristic of a confident guy like him. He looks around to avoid the sudden flutter of his heart.

"What's all this?" he asks, watching a pile of sheets splayed shabbily at the backseat.

"Uh..it's a draft of my...well first novel?"

Win gasps, his eyes comically big like two honey pools.

"You're writing a novel?"

"Yes. I hadn't planned on it as such but yeah, guess I'll publish it."

"Are you finished already? Can i read?"

"NO!" Bright exclaims, "I mean.. there's still a lot to edit. I can gift you the first copy if you want."

"You will?" Win asks, his eyes gleaming hopefully.

Bright shakes his head, laughing.

"Of course I will."

"What is the novel about?"

Bright curls his lips in a thin line and looks outside the window. Win frowns in puzzle and then sits straight, clamming up in understanding. Every nerve inside him electrifies, his soul fires up with the mere thought that he who has grown up listening to Bright's stories could one day become one of his stories.

Does he even want that?

Fuck he really wants that. To be Bright's story. To be anything that belongs solely to Bright.

Bright's phone buzzes, intruding Win's thoughts.

"Hey.." Bright says, receiving the call, "yeah okay. I'm driving. I'll call you later? Bye."

Win bites his lower lip, wondering if it would be appropriate to ask the question he's been mulling over since last night.

"So..." he begins cautiously, "you and Dr. Neen.."

His voice lingers and he feels Bright stiffens at the mention of her.

"Yeah" he supplies, eyes still on road, "it's been a year almost."

"Okay."

They stay silent. A moment. Another moment. Win shifts a little in his seat before clearing his throat.

"You're really happy right?" Win asks, "because that's - I mean I don't know..I just want you to be happy."

Bright smiles easily at that. A genuine smile that fills his heart with warmth, hearing Win's words. It feels good to know these four years haven't stolen their concerns for each other.