In These Arms [mxm]

Chapter 32 - Blind-sided

A/N: Sorry! It's been a hot minute since I updated. I almost gave up on the book so close to the finish because i could just no longer see its end. I'm gonna have to weave back through and edit a whole heap of stuff to line up the turn of events, but I think it should work as is for now. We're coming to the end and I hope it'll be as bitter and sweet as I originally imagined it to be :') I totally understand if you gave up cause it's been so long, but if you do decide to stick it out, i hope like hell it'll be worth it for you and that you won't regret it. 

Not long to go now. <3 also posting a couple more unedited chapters to go with this one

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Only a few hours had passed since Chanyeol went away on his business trip, with the promise of returning to my side before I had the chance to miss him. The tangible space between us was ephemeral, but with his leaving, it felt like the final close. With a headache forming, all I could do was sit and bide the time until his return.

Perhaps it was seeing his secretary pick him up that made me feel especially isolated and far away. The look in Mr. Kim's eyes, the hatred and sadness, the desire to monopolize the man I was prepared to lay down my life for; etched its meaning into my brain as his eyes bore into mine, locking me in a stalemate. He had been by Chanyeol's side for years. It was I who came along, waking from the depths of oblivion, only to return and spoil the newfound life and happiness Chanyeol had built for himself. How could I fault Mr. Kim for hating me? Yet, I still selfishly hated that they went away together.

The hours passed in silence, occasionally broken by a distant steady ring or the sound of my own sighs. I sat against the couch which was still pulled up close to the window and stared out at the horizon, trying to ignore the significantly intensifying headaches. Clouds continued looming overhead, and while the rain was not falling directly above me, I could see heavy rainfall approaching from across the horizon. Thunder rolled in the distance, but it became progressively muted by a sharp ringing I came to realize was from my own ears. My neck and shoulders felt stiff from sitting for so long, but I grew dizzy any time I tried to stand, and spots would appear in front of me.

Resigning myself to this spot, I adjusted myself on the seat to watch the television and picked up the remote to flick through the channels. Eventually I came to a news channel being broadcasted. There were reports on the weather, and I could not help but notice how much the quality had changed over the years. It was like watching a multi-dimensional reality through a screen. Amazed by what I saw, I turned the sound up high so I could allow myself to be immersed in it.

There were reports on Michelin Star hotel chefs, crimes across South Korea including conflicts with North Korea and China. There were some lighthearted reports, like a child's birthday party becoming an international sensation because the police showed up and put on a song and dance for the kids which was recorded and spread across the internet. Things that I'd never heard of before enlisting in the military popped up on the screen. Television shows, travel destinations, cooking recipes, couples holiday recommendations, highest rated universities and giant conglomerates showing off their amazing successes.

The things I saw fascinated and astounded me. I wanted to show these things to Chanyeol as soon as he got home. The idea of seeing these places or trying these new things together filled me with so much excitement and joy that I could not hold back from wanting to talk to him right now. My heart buzzed at the idea of talking to him now. I got up to find my phone then quickly pressed his number on speed dial. The phone only rang a couple of times before he picked up.

Buzzing with excitement, I said, "Chanyeol! Did you know we have a Michelin Star hotel based here in Seoul? Should we visit one soon? When I get a job, I will take you there––"