Moon nights - a summer romance in Seoul

Chapter 40: Ayla

Aren't we all a little bit lost in this world?
Lost souls wandering around
Trying to figure out anything about us
The most romantic and hopeless goal of all:
Finding ourselves and arriving home

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The last three days, I had somehow passed in a haze. My introverted self had retired during this period, and I spent every minute awake with the girls and the rest of the guys. Except for sleep and bathroom breaks, of course. And when Jonghyun called.

His flight had been delayed when he left, but he had still made it in time for the dinner with the other models. After dinner, they all went out for a drink, as he later told me during our FaceTime call. I had stayed up all the time, semi-watching the movie on the screen that Mina had chosen, until he had texted me, informing me that he made it back to his hotel room. And once that message had appeared on my phone screen, I sprinted to our bedroom for the call.

"The weather is a bit more bearable in Milan compared to the past days in Istanbul, but I'll probably sweat under the lights tomorrow", he joked while washing his face in the bathroom. "I don't feel any pity when it comes to you sweating, it sucks, and it sucks even more that you magically don't sweat in the summer."
"We can't be perfect, love. Plus, it's the Asian genes", he had just replied while washing the cleanser off his face.

"How was the food?"
"11/10! I ate the best pasta I ever ate, and the same with the Tiramisu. I'm not saying that you should visit Italy in your next semester break, but you should visit Italy in your next semester break."

That depends on where you will be, silly.

"You should go sleep; it's almost 2 am, love."
"No, I'm good", I slurred when a yawn escaped my lips. When I looked back at the screen, I was greeted by a frowning Jonghyun.
"Alright, fine. I'm going to sleep now. Have a good night, Hyun. Sweet dreams" I waved into the camera, and he waved back, throwing a kiss at me that made me chuckle.
"Sweet dreams, my love."

Call ended.

He was scheduled to return today to make it to the gala with a slight delay. We mainly had updated each other with texts as the set was running busy for him, and the last update I had received was that he was on his way to the airport and low on battery.

While I was getting ready, I realised that this would be the first public appearance that I wouldn't have Jonghyun by my side upon arrival. Nervousness crept up my skin. Had I become that dependent on him?

No, I could ideally step into such an event on my own; I reminded myself and looked back into the mirror as the stylist was curling my hair and then pinning them in to cool off.

My phone screen lit up on my lap with a new message:

Jonghyun: there's a technical issue at the airport; I will run late. I don't know how long, but I'll try to make it

Ayla: don't worry, stay safe. According to Tatho, your suit is ready in your room; you must stop by the hotel if possible.

Jonghyun: I'm sorry, love. Do you think you'll be all right going to the gala without a date?

Ayla: with enough Jedi force, I might. I'm kidding; I'm sure it won't be too bad. I need you to come back safe.

Jonghyun: Miss me that much, huh?

Ayla: don't assume anything, Watson.

Jonghyun: it wasn't an assumption but a fact, Holmes. I'll keep you updated

I am not upset; I am not bitter-

No, I was a bit upset. And that's okay.
I was looking forward to attending this foundation gala together with my boyfriend.