You Smell Like Hope

20. This Town

Yesterday I thought I saw your shadow running round
It's funny how things never change in the old town

Carnations
The motherly love associated flower ever since the Victorian era

Minho's pov

''Come in Jisung.'' I called after I heard his knock on the office door. I closed the finished documentary and put it on top of the stack on my right signing the never-ending paperwork finally almost done.

''Good morning Hyung, you called for me.'' Jisung said once he entered. He is wearing a white button up like he has been every day. It made me realize just how little I know about his real style. He has been wearing what he was told for so long, even after he was hired here. Yes, he has been wearing the type of clothes that might me more comforting to him than before, but it's still not his choice.

''Yes, I did. I wanted to tell you I have a meeting to attend today. It will be with my father, so you don't have to come, instead stay here and help Billy okay?'' I explained as I packed the paper I needed in my bad. ''Yes of course, anything else you want me to do?'' I looked up at that, his voice was a bit shaky, I noticed then how much his moving. He is anxious.

''Tell me what is wrong.'' I put the folder down and extended my arm to invite him closer. I wanted to ask more, to make sure no one bothered him, but I acted against it giving him the space to tell me on his own pace. The last thing I want is to force something out of him. I also fear to overdo my care too much and make him feel like I don't trust his ability to look after himself. I had already caught myself doing that a couple of times... maybe more than a couple, but I am trying okay wait for my character development.

''I-I just wanted... to tell you something?'' he stuttered like he has been caught doing something wrong. He still didn't walk closer. ''Okay, I am listening.'' I used the softest voice I could master hoping it will lower his scared state. It did not. He stayed silent for a minute which he tends to do often, however this time he doesn't look like he is lost thinking. He is scared to talk.

''Is it work related? If so, it is fine however big it is, I can ask my dad how to fix it today, I have done my share of mistakes as well. it is normal.'' I tried to find a gate to where he wants to go so it would become easier for him to talk. He shook his head softly. Not much, but it still worked. ''Not work.'' He added with a small voice.

I smiled at the closer step. I took another step this time physically towards him. He flinched when he saw me moving so I stopped moving, growing more anxious myself.

''I am really sorry.'' He finally talked. ''I am sorry I did not mean to.'' he shook in fear. I stood in my place not knowing how I should act. I sat down on the nearest chair hoping it will make him feel safer with him standing closer to the door while I sat far from him as much as possible inside the office. ''I really did not mean to lose it. I know that I should be careful with whatever I was given. I will not for ask for anything else I will pay you back for it I promise, I am really sorry.'' I have never seen him talk that fast. His hands immediately shield his head once he finished his sentence. The small move shattered every piece in my heart, I could swear I heard the silent fall in the room leaving me to hear the shattering. Just how much was he hurt.

I know now that whatever is probably not even big, it's his old trauma catching up to his present. The fact it is not a big problem did not set my brain at ease at all. Not when I have proof right in front of me that his problem is bigger than I ever thought. Whatever he lost can be restored, but how can I restore his happy memories and erase the painful ones.

''It is okay Jisung. I am not mad. You don't have to tell me what you have lost even. Whatever it is I forgive you.'' I made sure to not move at all as I talked. Avoiding anything that can startle him suddenly. ''Y-you are not m-mad?'' He stood still as he asked, his voice still wavery, but he is not shaking anymore.

''Yes darling, I am not don't worry. Would you like to come and sit down?'' I pointed at the chair in front of me. He nodded slightly and moved towards the chair without removing his eyes from me. He is not looking me in the eye, he rarely did, rather he is looking at me. watching my moves.

Once he sat down, he lowered his gaze to the floor. I am not sure if it is caused by fear or embarrassment. I know I do not like both options. ''I lost the perfume you gave me at the park last night.'' His voice was low and so small. Adorable if I wasn't worried.

''Okay, I own a fragrance company losing one bottle is okay.'' As I said these words our first meeting flashed in front of my eyes. I was an idiot that day, I knew that breaking a bottle was not that big of a deal even back then. I was mad because of the situation at the event. I was mad at him because of my own judgment. I judged him that day then I continued thinking about how much I hate being judged. When I did that to him myself. ''I know that I did not act like it was the first time, but you can view it as learning my lesson. So really Jisung it is okay.''

''But you gave it to me. I was reckless enough to lose it.'' He argued back, almost like he refuses to be forgiven that fast. It was my turn to stay silent this time. Thinking which way would be the best. I can just give him another bottle, but I do not think that would fix everything. He will probably still feel guilty. ''The meeting I have is close to the park I can go check if it is still there and bring it back. Does that sound good?'' I could see him physically perking up at my words. ''You can do that?''

''Of course I can. do not worry about it okay? even if I did not find it. It is still fine. I have one of these bottles everywhere.'' I told him softly with a smile. ''Thank you, hyung.'' he smiled back. His smile shined with gratitude. It washed all the worry from his face and painted a calm beautiful sight all in one second right in front of my eyes. ''I will go help Billy now, I hope your meeting go well.''

**************************

I parked my car in front of the park. The afternoon sun making the weather warmer than I anticipated. I felt myself getting sweaty under the suit's blazer as I left the car. The park was empty. no kids running around and no adults walking around. Both too busy with life. Running to schools and jobs. I sighed.

Walking inside the park I tried to remember where we sat last night. It took me a while to catch the familiar trees since I was mainly focusing on Jisung as we wandered around. When I finally found the bench that we sat on it didn't take me long to spot the small perfume bottle.

I sent a text to Jisung saying that I found it before taking a picture of it on my hand and sending it as well. Almost immediately I received a text back from him.

'Thank you, Hyung' with a heart emoji. I smiled fondly at his text before getting up to leave. However, as I stood up, I noticed a strange scene close by.

''Come on mum, it is time to leave.'' I heard a boy say to his mother as he helped her get up from under the tree. ''We will come back tomorrow again I promise.'' he kissed her head and held her arm carefully.

She was crying as she walked with her son to the exit. She kept looking around almost like she is waiting for someone to come up and go with her.

She was sitting under the same tree Jisung's mum used to sit under.