Eyes On You | Hwang Hyunjin

21

Yuna overlooks the vast meadows and distant sky scrapers on the horizon. She takes a deep breath while a breeze softly flows through her hair. The sound of rushing water from the courtyard's fountain also helps calm her down.

The sound of footsteps on the stone path approach her from behind, yet she doesn't need to turn around. She knows who it is.

"Nice view isn't it," Chan says, stopping next to Yuna. They both sit in silence, admiring nature's beauty despite the burden they carry.

"Are you okay?" he asks, his voice wavering.

"I will be, it's just a lot to handle right now," Yuna replies, still looking to the sky.

Chan turns to her. "I know you think you've failed multiple times; but I'm the only one who failed. I've failed you... and no matter how much I say how sorry I am I don't expect you to feel better."

Yuna turns to him with a raised brow. "Why do you say that?"

"Every member of a team can only succeed when their leader is one step ahead. I got caught in too many things, and lost focus of my number one role— to protect you and this gang. You've been working so hard and taking the burden that should have been placed on me a long time ago." Chan says in a defeated tone.

He pauses before continuing. "You might not believe it, but I was a reckless kid growing up," he chuckles, "I didn't care about anyone but myself. I got into fights at school, in trouble with teachers, and behaved badly toward mom who just wanted me to be happy. I remember throwing away the meals she made for me because I didn't like the taste of them. Any money she would give me I would waste on useless crap like cigarettes."

"You were a smoker?? Yuna says surprised.

Chan scoffs. "That's not what's important."

"Okay okay, keep going."

He smiles. "And no matter how much of a nuisance I was, my parents  still wanted the best for me. Mom sent me to a boarding school with the little money she had, and I eventually got my diploma. I also met my closest friends who became family, and then you came along. I promised both our moms to protect you with everything I had."

"And you have," Yuna places her hand on his shoulder.

"I still felt like I haven't, though."

"Why do you say that?" She asks softly.

He sighs. "I just... don't feel right. Like the universe isn't on my side."

Closing his eyes with a deep breath, he continues. "Too much is on the line here. We're facing a serious threat, and if anything happened to you or anyone I wouldn't be able to forgive myself."

Without hesitation, Yuna embraces Chan in a tight hug, nearly knocking him over. His eyes widen at her sudden gesture.

"Thank you," she sincerely looks at him, "your feelings are valid. I can't promise that I won't get hurt later on, but I know that I have peace protecting this gang and many others. I'll always be with you, no matter what. I won't let you forget," she winks. He returns with a soft smile.

"So, are we good? Shall we join the others?" He asks.

Yuna groans in annoyance. "I suppose we can."