New Beginning | Tao vs Chanyeol x Reader

Chapter 22

I was relentless. I stared at my ceiling. Then my phone started ringing. I ignored it at first, wanting to jotting down my thought first. I knew people only called me in emergency, but I was sure it could wait. But as soon as it stopped ringing, it started again. Instantly my stomach dropped.

No one called twice unless someone died, or they were leaving!? As my hand reached for the phone, I couldn’t help but think.

I hope both of them stays...

I looked at the caller ID and Tao’s pictures flashed. Relief washed over me, but was quickly replaced by dread. There’s only one reason Tao would be calling me multiple times in a row. I wanted nothing more than to throw my phone far, far, far away. But I had to answer. I owed him that much.

*Phone call*

Hyaka : Hello?
Tao : Hello Hyaka. I hope I didn’t wake you up. But I needed to talk to you.
Hyaka : The double call helped me figure that out. What’s up?
Tao : Right off the bat, I have to say I’m sorry. I’m sorry for being a coward...
Tao : and I’m sorry for what I’m about to do to you. But....
Tao : B-but I got the Apprenticeship.

My throat constricted. I wouldn’t cry. I would be strong.

Hyaka : Congrats! I’m so happy for you! We should have a goodbye party, or something.
Tao : You don’t understand, Hyaka. I-I’m leaving now. Right now.
Tao : I know you deserve a goodbye in person.
Tao : Bu-but I’m afraid if I saw you, I’d thrown it all away.

He stopped for a second and continued,

Tao : and I have to do this. This is my future. This is how I truly become the hero.
Tao : I know this is wrong, and I hope you can forgive me.
Tao : and when I come back, if you will have me, I’d more than love to make it up to you.
Hyaka : Tao, wait-
Tao : Looks like, we’re boarding. Remember Hyaka, even if you move on and forget us all. I’ll still be fighting to be a hero worthy of you.

The line went dead and I was left holding my phone.

No! That wasn’t right! That wasn’t fair! I was just getting used to this life. He couldn’t just go! It was like losing soccer all over again.

There was only one person I could go to. Only one person who would understand.

I bolted up from my bed and out of my door. I burst through the door of the cafe, and I was surprised to find no one there. But what I did find was several broken chairs and shattered cups. It seemed Chanyeol was just as angry as I was.

“Chan-nie..?” I tried to find him.

“Hyaka, is that you?” His voice was coming from the kitchen, so I rushed there. Chanyeol was eating his on his stool, eating brownie batter from a giant bowl. Next to him was another empty bowl that looked like it had once held cookie dough. If I wasn’t red faced with tears streaming down my cheeks, I might have laughed.

He looked at me, “I take it you got the call too?” I asked him.

“Yeah. That little punk just tells me that he’s leaving and not to come see him! Can you believe that?” Chanyeol said.

“He wouldn’t have even applied to that program if it wasn’t for me. And he repays me by abandoning his BEST FRIEND and the girl he’s supposedly in love with.” he paused then continued again, “How do you just do that? It’s not right!” he finished.

He looked to me, eyes red and I could tell he had been crying before his sweet binge.

“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t make this about me. I know how you felt about him.” he said as he wiped trails of tears at his cheek.

Now that was an odd thing to say. “I imagine we both feel the same way about him. I can’t believe he didn’t want to risk one last goodbye.” I huffed.

“Wait, don’t you... Aren’t you in love with him? That’s why you’re crying and you’re so upset, right?” he said directly to me, “because he’s perfect and you guys were in love.” he sighed.

Now I really couldn’t help a short laugh. “You think I was in love with Tao? You’re even sillier than I thought.” I paused then continued, “I’m crying because I’m sad my best friend is leaving! I’m crying because he couldn’t be bothered to even say goodbye, and I’m also crying because I was so relieved that it was him leaving.....”

...and not you!” I finished my sentence with my hand on my waist.

“What....you don’t mean....what?” he was blurred.

“I’m in love with you Mr. Park Chanyeol!” I stopped then continued, “ I feel so guilty that I was happy, but when I looked at my caller ID, I knew it couldn’t be you.” I gasp for air, “I wouldn’t survive it. I need you by my side.”

“I Love You, Chanyeol.” I said to him.

His jaw hung open, and I couldn’t hold back any longer. I ran to him, jumping into his embraces. He caught me, strong arms wrapping around me and pinning me to him.

I couldn’t believe I had said it, but as soon as the words left my mouth, I knew they were true. We were meant for each other, through and through. My lovable, tower of a baker, and me, his anxious mystery girl.

“Please don’t leave me like he did, Channie. I don’t think I could survive.” I said as I felt a joyous laugh bubble up from the baker’s chest and the next thing I knew...

He was kissing me.

We held the kiss for several moments, him holding me tenderly, before he finally pulled away.

The world rushing into a kaleidoscope of colours and my heart thundered. Our mouths moved against each other as he held me tightly, almost as if we’re fusing into one.

So this was what happiness felt like. It was wonderful, and I never wanted to leave.But we did have to breathe eventually and we broke apart.

“Hyaka, you beautiful person, I lo-” he said to me then my phone suddenly rang. It have got to be kidding me! Not now!

He took a deep breath, and looked at me somewhat sheepishly. I felt like I was about to float away on a river of paradise.

“Do you really have to answer that now?” he asked me.

“What if it’s Tao and he’s changing his mind?” I said back.

“....is it?” he said to me.

I looked at the picture on the screen.

“No, its... Coach Hana. What could she want?” I told Chanyeol. I knew it was a mood killer, but I quickly answered. After all, how many devastating revelations would I have to deal in one day?

*Phone call*

Coach Hana : Hyaka?
Hyaka : Hi yeah, I’m a little occupied. Is it urgent?”
Coach Hana : Actually yes. There’s been a... development, and I need to talk to you.
Coach Hana : in person.
Hyaka : How about tomorrow? It’s been a rough day.
Coach Hana : Hyaka, it’s about Eva. I know what she did to you, and I think we can prove it, but I need your help.

Her words stabbed through me like so many pointed barbs, and I dropped my phone. I could heard Chanyeol saying my name, but all I heard was coach Hana. She believed me. We could prove it. My heart was hammering, but I knew one thing was true.

My fight with Eva wasn’t over after all. It seemed like it was time for round two.

My stories of how meeting all these amazing people ends here. What kind of new challenge will I face in future. Will I and Chanyeol still be together? I wonder...