𝐁𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐓𝐨 𝐘𝐨𝐮 | 𝐁.𝐄

𝟏𝟎 | 𝐀𝐛𝐝𝐮𝐥'𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐧

𝐁𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐞

* 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐧𝐞𝐱𝐭 𝐝𝐚𝐲 *

The clock on my desk read 2:30pm. I've been in my office since this morning. Long work hours tend to drain me but I'm actually feeling really good. I haven't been this content in a while and I'm hoping for more days like this.

The windows were cracked open, letting in a gentle breeze. The hum of my air purifier helped me concentrate, while the warm vanilla scent of my candle kept me relaxed.

My main focus for today was completing any work that I had left unfinished. I'm not a big procrastinator but when the workload becomes too much, I tend to leave it undone.

I spent all of this morning tending to the things I've been avoiding. Everything has been taken care of and now I'm on my final task, cleaning my bookshelf.

I managed to pile so much junk that's it's starting to overflow. I've been meaning to clean it for a while, I just never found the time. Now I'm ready and I've come up with a plan.

I'll donate any books I don't want. Paper will be sorted through and then recycled. Anything that doesn't hold any value will be thrown away. Lastly, I'll wipe the shelves clean when I'm done.

I've cleaned two shelves in the span of ten minutes. I found some old books, instructions to my laptop, tons of paper, lots of office supplies, and a random photo of me and Do-yeon.

I'll move it to my second bookshelf which is strictly for the display of photos with family and friends.

I looked down at the lowest shelf, reaching for an empty photo frame. I placed the newfound photo inside and found it a spot on the shelf.

I went back to cleaning until there was a knock at the door. I cleared my throat, "Come in."

The double doors to my office slowly cracked opened. A deep, echoing voice entered the room.

"Hello, Billie."

I turned around and inhaled sharply. My eyes widened at the sight in front of me. "Abdul?" I said. He flashed me a smile, "In the flesh."

I stepped from behind my desk and speed-walked over to him. When I was close enough he pulled me into a tight hug. He gave me a reassuring squeeze, his hand rubbing gentle circles on my back.

I inhaled deeply, taking in the familiar aroma of his cologne. This hug felt like a breath of fresh air. All those days of worry were instantly washed away.

When I was ready, I pulled away. "Never thought I would be this happy to see you." I joked, slowly letting go of him. "I could say the same for you." He laughed, nudging me playfully.

"Please, have a seat. We have a lot to catch up on."

He sat down in one of the armchairs in front of my desk. "Care for a drink?" I asked, gesturing at the alcohol cart and mini fridge a few feet away. He nodded his head, "Scotch would be nice."

I placed two ice cups in a glass cup and poured him some Balvenie. I walked back to the desk, "Thank you." He said as I handed him the drink.

I took my seat and let him sip on his drink before I started with the questions.

"So...wanna tell me where you've been?" I asked, leaning back in my chair.

He cleared his throat, "Conflict was arising back at home in Oman." He explained. "My parents needed my help settling the dispute and making decisions regarding our people."

"A little heads up would've been nice." I said. He slowly nodded, lowering his head in defeat.

"The decision for me to leave had already been made. It all happened on such a short notice, I had no choice but to go."

Abdul comes from a lineage of a high ranking rulers. Although he doesn't play a huge role in his family dynasty, he is still needed at times.

This has happened before except Do-yeon and I were aware of the matter. This time we had no clue.

"It's been weeks, Abdul. You didn't call, you didn't text. Do-yeon and I were worried." I said, bother entwined in my words.

"I know and I'm sorry. Things would've been different if I had more control, I swear." He explained, voice low and eyes soft. "If I had a chance to tell you I would've and you know this."

I nodded my head, looking off to the side. "I understand." I mumbled. I picked up a folder and placed it on the shelf.

"Is Do-yeon around?" He asked.

"She's practicing in the basement. I'm sure she'd like to hear from you." I said. He took one last sip before sitting his glass down, "I'll pay her a visit."

"Just a heads up, she's really upset." I mentioned.

"Sounds like I'm gonna need some backup." He said as he walked towards the doors.

I chuckled, "This shelf isn't going to clean itself." I warned, pulling down a dusty book. I tossed it in the donation pile with all of the others.

Abdul was still in the office, silently watching me. "Are you gonna stand there until I agree to come?" I asked, already knowing the answer.

"What do you think?" He said. I sighed and got off my stepladder. I followed behind him and we made our way to the back of the house.

Once we reached the basement, I punch the pin into the keypad and the metal door unlocked. Do-yeon stood in the middle of the room, striking the punching bag repeatedly.

Her skin was dewy, cheeks red and puffy. Her bangs stuck to her forehead and sweat trickled down her chin. She's been in here all morning.

"Yeonie. You have a visitor." I said as I walked down the steps, Abdul following behind me.

After a few more hits, she backed away from the punching bag. Her expression hardened the second she look behind me, "What the hell?!" She yelled.

"Do-yeon, please don't." I said, attempting to calm her down. She walked right passed me, storming up to Abdul. "It's been days- no, weeks." She said through gritted teeth.

"I can explain." He said, his hands up in defense. "What is there to explain? You left without saying a single word and-"

"Do-yeon that's enough" I said, slightly raising my voice. She took a step back, inhaling deeply. "Sit down and let him talk."

She huffed before taking a seat at one of the wooden tables. Abdul attempted to get close to her but she shifted back in her seat. He shook his head, unimpressed by her behavior.

Her chest was heaving and tears brimmed her eyes. She looked up at Abdul with a blank stare, waiting for him to speak. He sighed, "I had some business to attend back at home."

"It was all so sudden. I wasn't given a chance to contact the two of you and trust me, I tried."

His eyes wander over to Do-yeon's, looking for some sort of empathy. After a minute she finally broke her silence. "We were scared Abdul." She whispered, wiping her tears with her shirt sleeve.

"I know but this whole situation was completely out of my control." He said. "You know I would never do anything like this on purpose."

"I know just- please don't let it happen again. Next time try everything you can to avoid this." She said.

"I will."

Now that things are settled, I can get back to work.

"Alright, you guys have fun. I have things to do." I said, walking to the steps that lead out of the basement, leaving the two of them to rekindle.
___________________________________

A/N: it's taken me nearly a month to update and i'm so sorry. i re-wrote this chapter a ridiculous of time and i'm aware its not my best work.

the next one will be better.