(LeoN/NEO) The World of Us

[Chapter XXIII] - Doubts and Insecurities

It has been more than a week since Taekwoon had promised Hakyeon that he would be returning. Hakyeon was becoming more and more restless by the day. He felt insecure without his lover by his side. He has always been the type to worry about everything that happens even when he doesn't fully express it. Hakyeon likes to hide his insecurities from others, it was his ultimate weakness after all.

While Hakyeon went out on an errand to buy supplies for the store, he bumped into one of the maids from the mayor's mansion.

"Sorry," Hakyeon said.

"No, no. It's my fault. I should've watched where I was going. I'm sorry." She frantically runs around to help Hakyeon gather up all the fallen supplies.

"It's okay. I got it. But why do you look so rushed?" Hakyeon asked.

"Huh? Oh no. It's nothing... I'm just worried about the mayor. He's been very sad lately..."

"What do you mean?"

"Since you and our lady's marriage was canceled, he's been trying his hardest to stop the rumors and gossips around town. Words have already traveled to the nearby towns and it's really affecting his influence but... it's lady Soo-ah, he's been way more worried about her than himself."

"Soo-ah? What's wrong with her?"

"She's locked herself in her room for a while now. She refuses to come out and everyone is worried about her, especially the mayor."

"What? Why?" Hakyeon was concerned.

"We don't know either but she seems to have fallen ill yet she's rejected every doctor or any help that we are trying to give her."

"Do you think I can try talking to her?"

"Would you? After all, the two of you were about to be married. You're also close in age with the lady. Maybe she will listen to you instead? Oh, please help her."

"I'll try my best."

* * * * * *

Ever since Hakyeon and Soo-ah's marriage was canceled, he never found any purpose to come back to the mayor's mansion. He was also very much preoccupied with his love life to remember. He's never liked coming to this place since the beginning though. It was obvious that the mayor decorated the mansion's interior to flaunt his wealth to the common folks. But Soo-ah was different from her father. Before Hakyeon was asked to marry into the Kwon family, he's always heard stories about how perfect she was from his classmates. At first, he thought they were just mere exaggerations until he actually witnessed Soo-ah giving to the poor from her own home. She took some of her father's antiques and exchanged for food and money to give to the common folks. Although Hakyeon never fell in love with her, he believes that Soo-ah was kinder than anyone else. She deserved someone better than himself as a life's partner. He would never be able to give him his all even if they did get married in the end.

As Hakyeon walked into Soo-ah's room, he saw how quiet the mansion has been and how depressing the atmosphere seems to be. Everyone was quiet and worried, both with the mayor's condition and Soo-ah's. Hakyeon took the initiative to see if Soo-ah would open up to him and knocked on her door.

"Soo-ah? You're in there right? It's Hakyeon."

No reply.

"Soo-ah? Can I come in, please? We haven't talked in so long, I've been worried -," and the door suddenly opened for him.

As Hakyeon made his way inside, he saw the mess that was around her room. It was very unlike the Soo-ah that Hakyeon knew of. What could be the matter?