The Hidden Treasure

~50~

Namjoon's manager met him at the hospital, making sure he understood that they would not be able to stay long, especially if he was recognized. It would be bad for patients if a ruckus was caused by a well-meaning celebrity.

He paced the small hallway outside of the room Mr. Oh was in. He chewed on his thumbnail as his mind went back and tried to figure out how he missed this impending health crisis. He should have seen it coming! The man hadn't seemed well for a while now. Always sweating, looking gray or pale. Namjoon shook his head. He was surprised to even find the man still alive anyway given how old he must be. He was old when Namjoon started coming to the shop in his underground days so he must be ancient by now. Namjoon sighed and shoved his hands into his coat pockets.

"You're going to pace a hole into the floor," sighed the manager, rubbing his eyes.

"Ah, sorry," mumbled Namjoon, quickly finding a seat in the chair next to his manager. His left leg started bouncing up and down as he tried to force himself to sit still.

The manager looked down at the bouncing leg and back up to the anxious face of its owner. "Forget it, Namjoon, just walk," he grumbled.

Namjoon quickly jumped up and began pacing again. Hyejin should know about this. He mentally cursed himself for not having taken Yoongi up on his offer when he did. Wait, if he told her maybe she would come and he could see her!

Namjoon, you idiot! You shouldn't be thinking like that when your friend might be dying!

His face scrunched up into a deep frown. He looked over at his manager and quickly sat down again.

"Hyung, when do you think I can talk to Hyejin again? It's been long enough, no?" He looked anxiously at his manager, desperately searching the man's face for clues that he'd give a positive response.

"PDnim says no," was all he said, his head resting against the wall behind his chair and arms folded across his chest.

Namjoon glared at the man knowing he couldn't see him. He thought about his next line of attack.

"Stop glaring at me, Namjoon. I am only the messenger here," sighed the manager, adjusting his position slightly.

Namjoon stared at the man in disbelief. "How did you..."

"A person can sense these things. Look," he said, finally raising his head and looking at his young charge. "PDnim is looking out for you. There's been so many instances of sasaengs acting out towards you guys lately. He's just doing what he thinks is right. Plus, it's safer for the people you're involved with as well. That includes Hyejin-ssi."

Namjoon sighed and shook his head. "But I claimed we were good friends and yet, here I am not supporting her when she needs it the most. My fans ruined her shop and I haven't even been able to post anything about it or even help her!" He took a deep breath.

"I'm just frustrated," he groaned.

The manager placed a hand on his shoulder and squeezed gently. "I know, I know."

"She needs to know about this too, you know. She knows Mr. Oh as well," said Namjoon.

"Let's just wait and see what's going on first."

"Fine," sighed Namjoon, rising to his feet again. Just then the doctor and nurse came out of room and Namjoon stopped them. "Is he okay? Can I see him?"

"Are you family?" asked the doctor.

Namjoon pondered a split second and quickly lied, "Yes. Grandson."