Angel (Celebrity Kdrama FF)

11

Angela|Si-hyeon

"...hi?"

"I thought you were ignoring me."

"Oh. Well... You see..."

"It's fine. Don't make me feel any worse by trying to explain yourself. I was wrong last time and I upset you-"

"I don't think you got that ri-"

"We are friends, angel. I don't really understand how it happened. But you're one of the few people in the world that doesn't make me want to go right back into my isolated little world the moment I see their message. And I think that has to count for something. It's been... A happier time since you came into my life. And I'm grateful for it. For you. Okay?"

"...oh."

"Yeah."

"Well. That... Sorry-"

"Ang!"

"Double sorry, I just- wait, lemme just-"

"Adjust?"

"You know me so well."

"Deep breaths, okay? I'll be waiting for you."

"...uh... Okay. I just need to get a hold on the words so I can explain myself properly? I... Well, I was having a mental breakdown."

"Huh?"

"Crying lots then numb and empty, barely eating then binging out, and so it continued. Honestly... The funk is still there? I just thought you never call so it would likely be super important. And maybe it was. Because apparently you... Missed me?"

"...I did."

"That sounded extremely hard to admit. Good job."

"It really was, thank you."

"I missed you too. A lot. More than I feel like I should... Not that it matters, anyway. Nobody has the right to force their sexuality on anyone. The couple would just end up miserable... Which is why... Well. Whatever."

"Don't do that. Don't dismiss it. You've been gone three days. You are in 'a funk' as you just said and you have not been taking care of yourself. Describe the problem to me in detail. We'll solve it together. We are friends so I'm here for you."

"You're really gonna throw that 'friends' thing into every conversation you can, won't you?"

"Mhmm. It's such a relief to tell the truth for once. I've gotten too good at hiding everything."

"I've definitely not. So why don't I tell you mine? My parents want me married."

"Oh."

"They say my grandparents aren't getting younger. And neither are they. That as their only child, I have a duty to fulfill. I thought giving my life to them was enough. Through my career, through helping with their precious family business that's loud, loud, lou... Constantly... But no. They want more. Of course, they do. And who am I to refuse, right? What would that make me? Disobedient for the first time in my life? Will they ask me whether I'm a lesbian? Blame it on some trauma when I'm too shitty at lying to get it past them?"

"Ya...! What nonsense!"

"Yup. I no know wetin I go do sha, but this thing as e dey so... E go bloody."

"Pidgin again? Really, Ang?"

"I like to confuse you."

"If I spoke in my language right now, you'd combust on the spot."

"Fair. But you're too considerate to give me such FOMO, right honey?"

"...mm."

"Anyway, I find this whole situation rather comical. Or I would if I was capable of having interest in men. As it stands, this is definitely not the first time they've asked me to marry. But it's different, now. They've presented me with a list of men to go out with till I at least get steady with one. They used to hate the thought of me even having a guy friend, risking the possibility of engaging in sin but now they need the sex for the baby."

"You don't want sex, Angela... Not that kind, anyway. And as for children, well... I don't know?"

"I don't. It's fine, though."

"You aren't actually going to go through with it, are you?"

"I think I have more clarity, now. I'll make my way through the list - it's short anyway cos they are such picky hoes - and tell them all the guys are not the vibe. Boom. Freedom! I'm smart, right?"

"I... Usually, I'd imagine all the ways this could go wrong. But I just feel concerned for you, angel. Please don't ignore me again. I'm here for you through all of this and I need you to know that."

"Sorry for bothering you at all. I shouldn't have told you, I guess I'm just selfish-"

"That's the exact opposite of what I just said. I want to listen, okay?"

"That's... Actually extremely nice of you. What happened to your distaste for humans, Si-hyeon?"

"I don't know, actually. You're different. From all of them."

"Anyway..."

"You tired of talking, dear?"

"Mm. My head is getting a little woozy. I should probably eat. I'll try to."

"You mean you must. I'll ask if you have in half an hour so get a proper meal in you before then or else."

"But... But Si-hyeon...!"

"Goodbye, angel. Go take care of yourself and expect my text to make sure of it soon."

"Yes, ma'am, whatever you say."