Unexpected Journey || Hoonsuk AU

Chapter 45 : Thank you

"Gah, Jihoon! What are you doing during your break?! Is this why you hasn't come to work yesterday?" Rina exclaimed in exasperation as she saw Jihoon enter the office with a loud cough. His skin was pale like usual, but it seemed redder than usual. Not long later, he sniffles again and started coughing once more. "I'm fine, Rina. Just a little cold."

Rina's eyes narrowed slightly upon hearing his words. She has known Jihoon for two years, the moment she's has joined the team. It hasn't even been so long since their first encounter, but both of them became very close to each other. Jihoon's energy and passion were always contagious to her making him feel at home whenever he is at work. It feels like she's working with a younger brother rather than a colleague and as Rina knows, Jihoon is the type that doesn't get sick easily.

"A little cold? You look really bad, Jihoon. I think you should go back home," she said sternly while taking out her phone. "I'll call for a cab for you,"

"No!" Jihoon suddenly shouted while holding Rina's wrist. Rina looked at the younger man quizzically. "No? You're about to die. Go home or die here," Rina deadpanned and Jihoon let her hand go in defeat. The older woman took out her phone, but before she could press the call button though, a voice interrupted.

"What's this ruckus about dying? Woah, Jihoon!" Rohee, who had just came in, asked surprised. He quickly approaches Jihoon and cups Jihoon's face with his hands. "Oh my God, you're burning," he commented worriedly. Jihoon only groaned and pushed himself away from Rohee.

"I'm just cold, Jo Rohee. Let me go now."

"Dude, you sound so healthy when you're call me yesterday. What's has happened?" Rohee asked and crossed his arms in front of his chest. Suddenly, Jihoon's lips curved upwards into a small smile, which made Rohee's eyes widen in disbelief. "Woah, what's with that face?" He squinted his eyes suspiciously toward the younger man. "That face means something's going on. Come on, spill. What's happening?" Rohee urged his friend and pouted his lips expectantly waiting for an answer. Rina shook her head as she watches the scene unfold in front of her. "Rohee, Jihoon is unwell. Don't bother him,"

"Aw, come on Rina. You're curious too right? This is Jihoon we talk about here, no?" Rohee countered and grinned widely. Rina glared at him before sighing defeated. "Yeah..." She admitted while scratching her hair. Rohee nodded triumphantly and turned towards Jihoon again.

"So, tell us what's happened?" He prodded excitedly. Jihoon chuckled slightly before shaking his head. "I-"

As soon as Jihoon opened his mouth to speak, the door jingle signaled someone's arrival. Everyone turned toward the direction of the entrance. They quickly went silent as they watched the person walk inside.

"Miss Hyuna," greet Rohee politely. They're become overly cautious after what happened last week. Rohee peeks at Jihoon to see how he reacts but Jihoon seems indifferent at the moment.

Not long after, the door jingle again as another person enters the office. Jihoon's eyes immediately fell on the person. His gaze softened for a bit and a faint blush appeared on his cheeks. His lips formed a soft smile as he stares intently at the person entering the office. It doesn't take long for the person to notice Jihoon's gaze and Jihoon's attention is immediately stolen when the person smiles at him. A light giggle left his lips which cause Rohee's eyebrows to raise. Rohee looks at the person with curious eyes before shifting his gaze to Jihoon.

"Ah, everyone meets this, my older brother, Choi Hyunsuk," Hyuna introduces with a bright grin on her face as she steps aside. Hyunsuk stood next to her while smiling at the people present before he bows respectfully. Rohee immediately steps up from his seat and offers his hand out which Hyunsuk graciously accepts. Jihoon stays still without moving an inch.
Hyuna clears her throat and suddenly, she bowed her head down, "I am sorry for my rude attitude towards the JR Studio employee last week. For that, please accept my apologies. I hope we can start afresh." All eyes suddenly fall onto Jihoon as they heard Hyuna's words. Jihoon can feel his heartbeat increasing rapidly as he heard Hyuna apologize. He then just nodded and gives a tiny smile.
Hyuna immediately smiles brightly and claps her hands in excitement. "Great! So, we can continue our meeting now." Hearing her, Rohee immediately snaps out of his trance. Rohee nods vigorously before returning to his seat. Followed by Rina.

"Hyung, you're here too," Jihoon smiled widely, as he walked toward Hyunsuk. As he comes closer, he can see Hyunsuk's dark chocolate brown eyes looking directly at him. "Do you catch a cold?" Hyunsuk asks with concern lacing his tone. He extends his palm out and placed it gently on Jihoon's forehead.

"It's just a little cold," Jihoon assures him with a slight smile as he lets Hyunsuk do whatever he wants to do. Hyunsuk then pulls his hand, tugging him to sit on one of the chairs. "You're burning up," he states with furrowed brows. Jihoon's ears heat up slightly at the comment, he can't help but look Hyunsuk straight in the eye and give him a shy smile.

"Wait a minute! You two, come with me," said Hyuna as she grabs Hyunsuk's and Jihoon's wrists and drags them out of the office. Before pushing the door open, she turned, "Excuse us. We will be right back," said Hyuna as they closed the door behind them.

"Mind telling me anything?" asks Hyuna, both arms crossed over her chest as she stares at the men in front of her one by one. One time at Hyunsuk. One time at Jihoon. Hyunsuk sipped at his tea calmly while Jihoon looked like he might be ill. He was sweating bullets and his hands shook every so often.

"I don't mean to hide it from you. Yes Hyuna, just like you thought, I am going out with Jihoon," replied Hyunsuk calmly after putting down his cup on the small table near him. Jihoon choked a little and coughed. Hyunsuk turned at him, "Are you okay?"

Jihoon smiled weakly, "Yeah, I'm okay."

"I'm glad," said Hyuna after letting out a loud relief sigh. "I... I'm glad that things worked out between you two. Oppa, I'm so happy for you both. You deserved someone who makes you happy, someone who is kind to you." She continued with a slight sob.
"Hyuna..." said Hyunsuk softly. He walks to her side and took the crying girl into his embrace. "You make me very happy too. Thank you Hyuna." And he kissed the top of her head. Hyuna was crying into his chest. She could feel his arms wrapped tightly around her. It was comforting and warm, and even though she was crying, Hyuna couldn't imagine being happier than this moment right now.

The sweet moment is interrupted when they hear a cough. They turn to see Jihoon staring blankly at them. He had tissues in his hand and looks pale as death. "Oh God, Jihoon you better go to a clinic or something. Oppa you can take him, right? I'll go back to the studio. Don't worry, I'll tell Rohee and others about it," said Hyuna with a worried tone.

"Sure thing," Hyunsuk nodded at her. He then looks at Jihoon, as he stood up. "Thanks, Hyuna noona," said Jihoon when he stood up from the chair. As they're about to leave, Hyuna opens her mouth again. "Jihoon, I'm sorry for what I did before," she says apologetically.

"No worries noona, I understand why you did it," replies Jihoon as he smiles slightly. Hyuna returns the smile to him. She just see as Jihoon walked away with Hyunsuk. After seeing them gone, Hyuna sighs deeply. "Thanks, Jihoon. Oppa, I'm sure you'll be happy," she mutters to herself as she wipes her tears.