The End Of All Good Things

Part 22: Keep me, keep me on fire

It's been a week now since the incident between you and the idol, you tried calling her and texting her but she doesn't answer her phone. You even tried bargaining again with the Seul-bear to let you inside their company, but even she advised that it will be best for you to wait until Irene comes to you on her own.

You felt like shit, well... you always do, but this one even felt heavier.

You were so careful not to fall in love that easily, but then too reckless with your words.

Trying once again, you called Irene for the sixth time tonight.

Pacing back and forth inside your room, you anxiously waited for her to pick up the phone— hoping that she'll finally give in and answer your calls, not to forgive you, but at least to listen to you. Oh, how the tables have turned.

After a few more rings, you were welcomed by Irene's voicemail.

So, you took matters into your own hands. Despite leaving her alone and letting her come to you in time, you've decided that if she did— she will turn cold against you.

You then wore your hoodie and rubber shoes, no time in looking perfect, but at least you look presentable. Deciding that you're not in the mood for driving, mainly too anxious to drive, you took public transportation instead.

Walking down her street, the weather suddenly changed. How great.

As the rain pours down on you, still, you persisted in reaching out to Irene. If she's not going to answer your calls and texts, she'll now have to answer you in person.

Ignoring the wet and icky feeling all over yourself, you stood in front of her house— contemplating if you should call her out or just knock. But then, you've already caused enough scene so you decided to knock.

Expecting that Irene's the one who will open the door, you were met with her father.

Out of nervousness, you then tried to present yourself a little better, although you— making their precious daughter cry— already made a rough patch.

You bowed to her father.

"Good evening, uncle. Is... is Irene home?"

He didn't answer, he just looked at you while his hands are still on the doorknob, seemingly prepared to slam it on your face, but instead, he just gave off an intimidating stoic aura. She must have inherited her stoic expression from her father, it seems.

You do know that if you didn't at least try and negotiate now, your only chance of talking to her tonight will forever close. So, you started explaining yourself to her father. Anxious and nervous, you did your best not to beat around the bush— knowing that her father wouldn't stand in front of you longer than what he's doing now.

"I... messed up, uncle,"

You started.

"And I'm not going to apologize to you, but to Irene. I know that it will depend on her decision if you and auntie will forgive me too, so... that's why I came here, to see if she will— if you and auntie will. I will not promise to make things right, but I'm here to acknowledge that none of the things I said and did were right."

At this point, your eyes were cast downwards, remorseful enough for you to find the floor more interesting than her father's eyes.

Instead of a verbal reply, or basically anything at all, her father sighed and closed the door.

So, that was it. That's the answer you're ever going to get. You deserve it, you hurt their only daughter.

All you wanted to do now is to bang the door and let you in, but you've decided that it will be best to wait for Irene to come to you on her own— if she ever will.

As you were about to walk away, the door opened again. There she is.

"Hyun! I..."

Then again, you were met by another stoic expression, but it's much colder this time.

"I'm sorry, Hyun. I didn't mean to make you feel as if you were nothing and everything you've felt was worthy of comparison to other people,"

A deep sigh came from you as you speak your final plea to Irene, still, her eyes never left yours even if you were too embarrassed to look at her as well.

"I just wanted you to know that I acknowledge my mistake and you don't have to forgive me for it, but I still wanted you to know that I'm sorry... I truly am."

As the rain continued to pour down on you, soaking the entirety of your body, even more, Irene's stares lingered on yours— searching for the genuinity of your words.

What if it was just because you were guilty? What if it was just because you found it pitiful enough for her not to have closure of things? But despite the worries from both sides, despite the seemingly well-built structure of borders between you two, Irene tore hers down for you.

She immediately wrapped her arms around your torso and pulled you close to her, to say that you were a bit surprised by her sudden movements would be an understatement.

One peculiar thing about the idol is that once she has made up her mind, there's no changing what she had decided. She's a woman of commitment, logic, and critical thinking— rarely irrational, but only for you.

Despite your clothes being soaked, she pressed her face at the crook of your neck, where the neckline of your hoodie is. Her hand clutched the back of your clothes and pulled you to her even more.

"I'm sorry, too, for making things a bigger deal than they shouldn't have been."

Her arms remained tight around you.

"I'm sorry for overreacting about... the kiss and all. That was childish of me."

You, then, placed your hands on her shoulders and gently pushed her away from you a little, just so you can look at her eyes.

"Hey, hey, no. Don't be sorry for how you felt, Hyun. Never apologize for how you feel."

"I know, but I could've instead handled my reactions better."

Then, it hit you— you could've handled your reactions better.

Knowing that your conversations will end in a loop of apologies and blame-taking, you sighed and hugged her as well. Gently wrapping your arms around her smaller frame and kissing her head in the process of keeping her close.

"I suppose that we both could've handled our reactions better, the important thing is that we've learned something from it."

Finally realizing that you've been soaking Irene's clothes as well from hugging you— you then let go of her.

"Maybe this time we can finally address things in a better way."

"We definitely will, Y/N."

Then, comes her comforting smile. From her stoic and cold expression a while ago, into an infectious smile. Full of surprises.

After you and Irene were able to talk about the issue, you then quickly said your goodbyes and proceeded to turn around from the idol. You were about to take a step, but you felt her hand on your wrist. She pulled you again towards her.

"Hold on, where are you going? It's still raining."

"Uh, oh, yeah! That's why I'm heading back home."

Her expression then gave you a judgemental look, making it obvious that you're still the stupid person she loved and took care of years ago.

"No, we're not going to be arguing again. Come inside, you have to change your clothes."

"But—"

Then again, her sharp gaze was enough to shut you up. Oh, the power of her stares hold.

"Okay, no need to kill me with your looks, Hyun. I'm going inside."

From that, you realized that you're as much as eager as her to make things alright. 'Tho not entirely alright, but better enough for you two to work again.

In contrast to the gloomy and chilly weather outside, Irene kept you warm. Although flames tend to be consuming most of the time, you realized that it's not so bad to be engulfed in her love and care.