Lovesong

Chapter 22

Morning came too soon, and I was sitting in our Florida room just enjoying the peacefulness in the house. I had overheard most of the disturbance last night from everyone. Soobin was really screwing up. I've tried to stay out of it, but it's becoming harder and harder for me. I'm starting to find my heart getting in the way. And now that Junnie knows, that means I have to distance myself even further. Thankfully when shortcake leaves today, I'll be able to breathe a little easier. Oh, I'll definitely miss her. She really brought a lot of light into our house. As I sit here, lost in my thoughts, I'm also curious if we'll get the call that we've been disbanded. Kate has a heart of gold, and none of us would blame her if she made that call. I was astonished that my best friend did it again. You would think he would've learned the first time! I just hate that I wasn't near to protect her. I'm mad at myself for that. If I'd known, or walked up on it, I would have snatched her from his clutches. Sometimes I just don't know what's going on inside that head of Soobin's. Why does he think he needs to act out? Why is he allowing his jealousy of Gyu to determine his hatred? I've tried to piece it together, but I'm giving myself quite a bit of a headache in doing so. It's just not the challenge I'm up for. I was smiling at a thought of Kate...just remembering tidbits when out of the blue she was in my presence. After last night's events I was surprised to see her up so early. I thought for sure she'd be sleeping in. It seems nothing ever stops her from going. For once I can say I admire her for that. Gyu always said she was strong. I quickly clear my throat, "Shortcake, you're up? Morning." I made room for her on the blue and white sofa, even though I was shaking in my skin. She just stood in the doorway unsure of herself, "Yeah. Why aren't you resting?" I patted the cushion for her to join me. Wth am I doing? 'Step back,' I tell myself. I give her a small smile, "I've got too much on my mind." She stepped in closer into the room. Even with tousled hair and sleep in her eyes, she's still the most beautiful woman I've ever seen. Most of the time when I see her she's all bare legs and midriff, but right now she's dressed in the cutest lounge pants and matching top. She looks so sweet and so innocent. It's no wonder Gyu is so wrapped up in her. She's definitely a woman of many faces. And I can't help myself for falling for her. The song I was singing last night still plays in my head. Kate filled the seat next me, and I got a burst of sweet vanilla. Dear god! That's the sweetest aroma, and I'm growing quite fond of it. I find myself shifting a little to put a small space between us. When I'm reality, I'd rather slide in closer. She let a sigh, "Yeah, me too. Tae, I just don't know what to do. I'm so conflicted." My heart leaped out of my chest and I lick my dry lips. Have mercy! Is she coming to me for advice? I'm already so tongue tied I don't think I can even form a clear thought to tell her. She turned her head slightly to look at me. Her green eyes so mesmerizing. In a trembling voice she stated, "Today's the day." I nodded understanding what she meant. This was going to be hard for all of us. Kate had become like family to us. She was a part of us...even though in the beginning, I admit, I wanted her out of our life. Like Soobin, I thought was just a distraction, a nobody, but I was clearly wrong. Kate had become someone to all of us. We all had a unique friendship with her. Sort of like that ito that can't be broken. Maybe in time our paths will cross again. Sooner than later. I find the courage to ask, "So what time does your flight leave?" She glanced at her Apple watch, "In a few hours. I just wanted to come in and thank you for everything." I blushed, and shied away, "Kate, stop. There's no need to thank me. I haven't done anything really." She disagreed laying a hand on my thigh, "Yes. Yes you have, Tae." I inhaled sharply. Her touch is so soft. My eyes fall to her hand on my bare thigh. She does things so innocently that she doesn't even realize how it affects us. I smiled up at her, "Shortcake, honestly you don't owe me anything." God, why is she looking at me like that? I found myself reaching out a hand. I brushed a knuckle over her bruised cheekbone. I hissed, "Damn...that's one nasty beauty mark." She giggled, "Yeah...Soobin really through me for a loop. But it's nothing a little concealer won't cover." Adorable. She's just too freaking adorable. I pressed my lips together. F***ing heathen! I honestly wanted to believe that it wasn't true. Then I had overheard the slap and the crash to the floor last night. I heard her cry, but I did nothing. I couldn't. If I did, Soobin would've seen what I've been trying to hide. It just hurts me terribly to know that my friend can't respect this angel. She stated, "Tae, don't worry. I'm okay, really. Soobin can hurt me, but he can't break me. If that was the case, I would've been in nuthouse months ago." I grimaced. I could see the pain she was trying to hide. My hand fell away, "Kate, you're tough. You know that? I'm so proud of the way you handle yourself in this kind of situation. I don't think about other woman would have had the guts to put up with the kind of shit that Soobin's done to you. You just take it and go. Kudos to you." I tapped her left jaw playfully with my fist. Suddenly tears filled her eyes, "Tae, I'm really not that strong. I cry when no one else can see." I pouted. I was not surprised. I've seen her cry enough over these past few days. I found myself staring at her face. Such beauty. Flawless. And I was totally fixated on her freckles. They were so perfectly in place. Just the right amount. And don't get me started on her eyes. Eyes of emerald green. I reached for hand, "Shortcake, it's all right. You're human. A good cry is soothing for the soul. So why are conflicted? Are you having second thoughts about California?" I caught myself stroking the inside of her palm. Wtf. I'm completely drawn her, and I think she knows it. She just sits there, watching my fingers. I see tip of her tongue peek out and then she tucks her lower lip in as her teeth scrapes over it. Damn! Why am watching her, watch me? I'm totally losing it. I feel my arousal flex just inside my blue shorts. I clear my throat, returning my hand to myself. I sit back against the cushion, "As I was saying, what's going through that head of yours?" She turned to face me, tucking right leg under her. She fidgeted with the tie on her lounge pants, "No seconds thoughts on California. It's just everything that's happened since I've been here. You know...finding out that Soobin was behind the whole Mari/Cookie incident, and then all that stuff about his past, and last night. It's just too much. I mean it disturbs me that he...that he..." I heard her voice cracking, and sure enough I saw the rain start to fall. She hugged herself, wrapping her arms around her midriff, "I'm sorry, Tae. I just...when I think..." I sat up and embraced her. It literally hurt to see her cry. I knew I couldn't do much, but the least I could do was hold her. If only, no one sees. I couldn't risk getting caught. She cried on my shoulder. I rubbed a consoling hand over her back, "Just let out." And she did. I felt my shoulder getting drenched in her tears. She pulled back apologizing again, "Even after all that's happened, I feel sorry for him. I know I shouldn't. It just breaks me the way he is. How much he's suffered. How can one human being hold so much pain and anger?" I was overwhelmed. Here Kate was falling apart, but her heart cried out for the lost soul who's tried to destroy her. Unbelievable! Kate truly is an angel. One of a kind. I didn't know how to answer her. I'd never seen Soobin get so out of control. I mean, when we were at the lodge I saw the signs, but never took it into consideration simply because I sided with him. It wasn't until his first attack on Kate that I found myself stepping back. I couldn't support his kind of behavior anymore. I didn't care how much he was in love with her. The whole Kizzy idea was redundant anyway. And they all bought it...including Kate. Until he came forward. It truly is sad that he suffered in his childhood that it carried over into his adulthood. To be raised in an abusive home, stems over to where he's abusive. He may need help as Kate advised just yesterday before she attempted to board the plane, but I don't foresee him trying. Soobin knows what he needs, and he seems to think it all resides in Kate. She's his safety net. His protection. His security from the hell he's living in. And honestly, I hate that he clings to her so much since she is engaged to Gyu. It's really a sad story. She can't help that she's beautiful, or is quite the eye catcher to all of us. Who would have thought it'd come to this?  I wiped away one of her falling tears with the pad of my thumb, "Shortcake, it's ok to feel this way. I have for a long time time. I just didn't know it. I always sensed something was off with him. Anything could make him tick. Right now, sweetheart, you're that time bomb that continuously sets him off. And I know you understand and comprehend why is the way he is. I'm just sorry that he's taking it on you. You've seen he lashes out at us as well, but it's you that gets the brunt of it. I feel you'll be safer once you're out of his sight. Just know we'll do what we can here to see that he does get help." She sobbed, "I know it won't be easy, but please do. I'd stay and help if I could...you know I would. I may his personal punching bag, and somehow I know deep down he doesn't mean it. He doesn't understand. He think the fist is the solution when it's really the problem. I'll do what I can from far away, but I can't make any guarantees." Wow?? I was blown away. Kate really a had a sweet spot for my friend. Not just for him but for all of us. Gyu better hold on to her. He has a special one. They don't make the women this caring anymore.  A smile turned up the corners of my mouth, "Thank you, Shortcake. But you've already done so much without even realizing it." She looked at me unsurely, "How, Tae?" I rose to my feet and walked over to the window, gazing out. I had to move away...just enough for some air. I was getting warm, and felt like I was suffocating the second she turned those green eyes on me like that. I kept my back to her as I stated, "You've changed TXT for the better. Your presence of being around us. The air that you carry. Just the way you see and look at things. You are a different light, and one we all want to be a part of. There's nothing more special than that, Shortcake." I gazed  over my shoulder at her. As I figured she was looking right at me, consuming me with that fiery stare. Burn, baby, burn. I could feel its heat. She pressed her lips together, tucking a lock of hair behind her ear, "Tae, that's so sweet of you to say. I guess I never really saw myself as anything more than Cookie's girlfriend. I mean considering the circumstances. I didn't realize I was so special to all of you. I mean, with Junnie, yes. And Kai since I've known him so long. Soobin, of course...but you?" A soft smile appeared on my face, "Maybe just a little. Just know you matter here Kate, and will be missed deeply." She bit on her bottom lip, shying away, "Aw shucks, Tae. Well, I better start gathering my things together. Do you think Soobin has any of that awesome coffee of his made? If he ever loses his day job, barista is where it's at for him." I chuckled, "That I can agree on. He can make one hell of a cup of coffee. Yes, I think I smelled it brewing. Let's go see why don't we."