Blooming | Ateez Hongjoong

21 • Mishap, Love and Trust

On her way back to the wedding hall, Hyemi almost crashes into someone when she's bound for the corner. A yelp out of shock is supposed to slip off but immediately held back as she sees a familiar face.

Hyemi's sudden appearance makes Giseok's eyes widen in equal shock. Despite waiting for her here is his initial intention, he realises he doesn't prepare himself enough to see her this close.

"...Giseok?" She hesitates, motioning towards the direction where she just heads out, "this way is the female washroom."

"That's not it." He shakes his head with a chuckle, "I want to talk to you actually."

"Okay?" Confusion lingers on her reply but she agrees nonetheless.

Accompanying his unexpecting offer and her mind full of questions is the chilly breeze of the night. For privacy, they two end up taking the near by corridor where seemingly no one would walk in.

"What do you want to talk about?"

Since he hasn't emitted a word, Hyemi prompts with a not-so-subtle impatience. Today's event is about Emi and him so it inevitably won't look good if anyone who attends the wedding sees them here without context.

"About two years ago... when I broke up with you." He cuts to the chase which takes his ex by surprise. "My parents did not approve our relationship and... for their sake I had to do that."

"But why?" Hyemi asks, her voice is the best evidence of how disbelieved she's feeling right now. "They... hate me?"

She can't recall what she did to be outcasted like that. During the years with Giseok, never had she done anything wrong to his parents. They always welcomed her with big smiles and sweet words whenever she visited.

Hate is such a strong word. Giseok's chest aches upon hearing that from her. This is the last thing he dares put her through after the sour ending between them.

"No. They never hate you, Hyemi. They truly loved you until they found out you were... adopted."

"My parents only have me as a son. I can't go against or disappoint them." His voice comes out a little shaky as he continues, "I'm so sorry. I never deserve you. I was a coward for leaving you, leaving us without a proper explanation." Guilt stucks in his chest like an old wound as if waits for this exact moment to sting.

Numbness runs down her body. What's wrong with being adopted? When they said how much they wished to have a daughter like her, she was so grateful that his family adored her, that she eventually got the warmth of a family she has been seeking for years...

Ideal picture popped like bubble. What can be worse?

*°• ✧ *•°๑

Hongjoong and Emi clink their cocktail glasses together before having a sip from their drink.