As You Are (Kim Taehyung Story)

Chapter 18

It's been two weeks. Two weeks since I've talked and met Jooheon. He's nowhere to be found. I went to his house but his neighbour said that she has not seen Jooheon and that his house has been empty for the past weeks too. I'm starting to get worried. Where has he disappeared to... He has never done this. Even in the past, when we have an argument, he wouldn't go missing in action. Did I went too far this time?

"Jooheon's no longer here"

"What do you mean by no longer here?" I met Taehyung at the cafe after visiting Jooheon's home.

"I don't even know. I mean, he's no longer staying at his own house. His neighbour said that he has not been home for the past weeks! Where am I suppose to find him, Tae?"

"Okay, uh, do you know any of his relatives or whoever that is close to him numbers?"

I shook my head. "But, I do know some of the places that he used to go to whenever he's down or something but I kinda don't really exactly know how to get there..."

"I'll take you there"

"What? No. I mean, I roughly know where it is but I don't really remember the exact route. We might get lost.."

"Its okay. I'll figure out a way. I need to get you there. We need to find Jooheon. We'll go tomorrow okay? "

I don't know what i'll do without Taehyung. I really don't. 

"Thank you..."

"You don't have to thank me. I'm doing this because I can't stand seeing you all stressed up and upset.. Do you realised how much you've frown this few weeks? I want you to get back that pretty smile of yours" Taehyung smiled and winked and there goes my heart. Everytime he gives me that one particular smile, my heart skipped 100 beats. His smile is definitely my favourite thing to look at and I don't mind seeing that smile forever. 

"I shall frown more" I joked. 

"No please. I'm missing your cheerfulness. How do you expect me to live my day without seeing your smile? Its stressing me out too!" He then pretended to act all stressed out. 

"Okay okay stop! Everyone is looking at us" i laughed.

"Thats more like it. You looked extra beautiful when you smile"

The next day, we started off early morning. I tried my best to recall the route. I remembered that we need to take the subway and one bus ride. Jooheon ever brought me to this place. Its like a small house, somewhere a little off the busy streets. His father left that house for him before he went away, to somewhere that we both don't know. Before starting our long journey, we bought coffee first to make ourself awake and functioning. Taehyung could not stop yawning and its kinda cute when he yawn. How is that even possible? Its not logical to be cute when you're yawning. Whenever I yawn and if i'm in front of the mirror, I'll just get the shock of my life. 

We took a 15 minutes subway ride and afterwards, we head to board the bus. I was wide awake because I don't want to miss the stop. After a few minutes, Taehyung asked me something that flipped my stomach. 

"Can I, lay my head on your shoulder? I am so sleepy..."

I was shocked at his request but nod my head. He laid his head on my shoulder almost immediately after i nod my head and fell asleep 10 seconds after that. I felt so nervous but I tried to not think about it too much as I need to focus on the road. 

"HERE! HERE!" I jolted up, forgetting that Taehyung was totally asleep on my shoulder, which resulted in him, bumping his head onto the railing. 

"Oh my god... I am so sorry but we need to get down now". Half asleep, Taehyung grabbed his bag and we hopped off the bus. From the look of it, I can tell that Taehyung is still in his sleep, just that his eyes is opened, sort of. He kept rubbing his forehead. 

"Can I take a look?" Taehyung then turned his face towards me and I held his face to take a closer look. Its a little red but I think my cheeks are redder when I realised how close our faces were and how Taehyung were staring right into my soul. I then moved back and told Taehyung that I now remember where to head to. By then, its already almost noon.

"Hyejin... can we go and eat first? I'm hungryyyyyyy" Taehyung whined and pouted.

"If you do that face, how am I suppose to say no?" I laughed.

"Thats the reason why I did it. Let's go!" 

After lunch, we continued our journey to find Jooheon. I really hope he's there. We've walked very far and I can kinda see the house. 

"I think that's the one"

"Are you sure? If you are, let's walk faster!"

"B-but, i'm scared"

"I'm here with you alright" he gave a assuring smile and we continued walking. With much nervousness and with Tae's encouragement, I knocked on the door. The first few knocks, no one answered the door. But just as I was about to give up, we heard someone walking up to the door. I stood back nearer to Taehyung. Part of me is hoping that its Jooheon but another part of me is hoping that its not me because I am afraid of his reaction..