The Escort S2

Part 20: Above the clouds

"I return to the small group, and we have a great time. Both Kookie and Jackson tell some funny stories. I've had enough after two drinks, however Baek is ahead of everyone and got quite loose.

I'm perched on Kookie's lap and he's feeding me crunchy cheese thingies and I'm feeding him chunks of lobster and crab. Kookie makes me giggle as he plants soft kisses on my arm and back.

"Look at them, Jackson." Baek says. I'm sure he's feeling that extra bump in the alcohol. "You guys are so cute, so in sync. It's like you share one brain."

Kookie and I look at him as if he's speaking a foreign language because we aren't aware of any of this. We are just being who we are.

Jackson reaches over to take Baek's drink. "Baek, don't you think you've had enough to drink?"

"Hell no!" Baek says, pulling his glass back against his chest. "You don't get to tell me what to do anymore!"

"Baek, settle down," Jackson says calmly.

"Me, settle down? Why don't you go call one of your high-class sluts!" Oh fuck, Chim was right. He knows. At least if he comes after me, I can run and escape his woozy ass.

"I know everything about your ass, so don't go all innocent with me. Why don't you call ... The Agency for a hot date!" Oh shit!

Jackson and I immediately look at each other. It's an involuntary spontaneous reaction, as one would have with someone when a scandalous secret is shared. I'm shocked as Jackson and I become locked onto each other. Kookie looks at Jackson and then me. It was brief, only a few seconds, but it was enough.

I turn my head and look at Kookie, he's staring at me with confusion as his brows pull toward the center. I look at him for a fraction of a second and then look away like a child caught being naughty.

"Okay, Baek let's go." Jackson stands. "Jungkook and Tae, thank you for having us, it was –"

"No, I'm not ready to leave yet!" Baek charges. "I'm enjoying talking to Tae. He's going to be my new best friend and I like him! He's good and honest."

"I'm sorry guys, he's not usually like this –"

"Look at how perfect they are Jacks. Why couldn't you have loved me when I needed you? Instead, you choose home wrecking hoes." So, this is the anger Baek talked about earlier. How sad this is to witness.

"Okay, that's it, let's go!" Jackson shouts. "You have made a mess like you always do with your spoiled emotional outburst!" Baek lowers his head and sobs.

I pass him several tissues and sit next to him offering my hand. He grabs onto me, and I stiffen and then relax into his embrace. Kookie watches, not sure what to say as he works out in his head what's going on. He's so smart and I'm certain he'll put it all together.

Baek unexpectedly holds me tight. He then lays his head on my shoulder and starts to sob. I relax into his need and fight back my own tears, as I relate to how deeply he's been wounded and how starved he is for human touch.

What a tangled web this is with all its complications, I think. All I know is that, in this moment, I won't abandon Baek and that, somehow, I have a part in this to own. I'm honored at the friendship that he offers me. And, if he doesn't try to kick my ass, I'd be happy to be his friend and later share my truth.

I glance over to Kookie. He sits quietly with his legs crossed. I glance over at him and know the wheels are turning in that clever brain of his. My man and his sexy brain.

"Baek, we're friends. You have my phone number, sweetie, and we'll talk soon. But Kookie and I have a 7:00 am flight in the morning ." He gently pulls back and wipes his eyes.