FORGET-ME-NOT | kth

Chapter 5 - Library

Maya's POV

As the morning sun seeped through the bare window, its rays gently nudged me awake, competing with the persistent buzz of my alarm. With a groan, I reached for the snooze button for what felt like the third time, finally surrendering to the day with a reluctant sigh. The starkness of the window, devoid of any curtains, served as a reminder of pending tasks that needed attention soon. Mental note: curtains are a necessity, and soon. I dragged myself out of bed, the cool tiles underfoot shocking me into a semblance of wakefulness as I headed to the bathroom.

The kitchen, eerily empty, greeted me with its stark white walls, a sharp contrast to the cozy atmosphere I longed for in the morning. Despite its lack of charm, I opened the fridge to find it equally barren, save for two apples and a lonely banana. Choosing an apple, I rinsed it quickly, enjoying the cool sensation against my palm as I took a bite.

Returning to my bedroom with the apple, I sat on the edge of the bed, surrounded by the remains of unpacking. Opening a half-full suitcase, I searched for an outfit, my thoughts wandering to the disorder that still reigned in the room. Despite my attempts to push it aside, the clutter weighed on me, a tangible reminder that this space had not yet transformed into a home.

Exhaling deeply, I bit into the apple, the crunch offering a brief distraction from the daunting task of organizing my life. Boxes remained unopened, corners remained cluttered, and a feeling of displacement lingered, casting a shadow over any sense of comfort.

I dressed in a white blouse and blue jeans, sorting through scattered makeup on the bed to select the final products for a touch-up. Just as I was ready to go, my phone rang, and a smile instantly lit up my face as I saw the caller ID, brightening my mood. Upon answering the video call, I was greeted by an energetic smile, which welcomed me warmly.

"Hello, Maya," I giggled upon hearing my best friend cheering from the other side of the phone, and I laughed in response.

"Hi, Hoseok," I said, and his cheerful demeanour calmed as a smile spread across his lips.

"Look at you. I hope everything is going well there?" he asked, and I nodded in assurance.

"Everything's fine, Hoseok. I still need to organize my things, but overall, I'm good," I said, and he smiled even wider.

"I can see that. How are you finding the city? Enjoying it?" he asked, and I nodded, although I didn't really have strong feelings about it.

He nodded in return. "What have you been up to this week? I went to see my sister, and she asked about you," he said, prompting me to recall my last Sunday.

He seemed to sense my discomfort and fell silent, hoping I would open up to him. "Last Sunday, he came to see me. He found out I'm staying here," I explained, noticing his expression shift to concern.

"I anticipated he would come searching for you there, but didn't expect it so soon. What did he say?" he inquired, his curiosity piqued, and I let out a sigh.

"He threatened me, insisting that I return. He mentioned how upset my parents are and how their health has suffered since they found out everything," I recounted, the memory of the conversation still painful.

Hoseok's mouth fell open as he absorbed the information. "What did you respond? Have you made a decision?" he asked, sounding apprehensive about my answer.

"I told him I won't go back under any circumstances. I've made up my mind," I affirmed confidently, and he breathed a sigh of relief.

"That's wonderful, Maya," he said with a relieved sigh, his expression calming. "Everything will be okay. It's just a matter of a few months. You've got this," he reassured, and I nodded in agreement.