OUT OF MIND / MYG.

SIXTEEN

he was there.

when visiting hours began.

he was there.

i might be making this up.

but i sure hope that's not the case.

because i like seeing him.

he makes me happy.

i make him happy.

right?

i don't know.

nari wouldn't think so.

but i haven't seen her in awhile.

which makes me feel better.

but there is another side to nari.

she did save me.

she wasn't always like this.

this mean.

things seemed to change after moving facilities.

but i don't want to think about her.

i want to think about yoongi.

because he's here.

i waited for him to finish meeting with eunbi.

eunbi had been doing considerably better.

her overdose set her back a few months.

but her progess made yoongi happy.

and so here we were.

playing goldfish.

because yoongi didn't want me to lose anymore.

i just didn't understand chess.

yoongi offered to play cards instead much to my benefit.

his aura seemed brighter.

more lifted.

it was refreshing.

especially since i had been having a good morning.

"dr. choi was really happy with my tests. he said i was doing really well with my new program!"

i usually disliked the weekly tests and sessions dr. choi had me in.

they normally concerned nari.

but since i hadn't seen her in awhile,

things were much easier.

dr. choi was pleased.

"that's really good."

i smiled.

it was good.

"what about you? do you have a job?"

i asked after winning the hand.

"i work at a bookstore. you don't see much excitement."

he chuckled.

"ooh! i love books. but i don't usually get to read many. i get headaches from my medication. it makes it hard to understand sometimes."

he nodded.

"i can bring you some, if you'd like?"

i perked up at the thought.

"really? you don't have to. i wouldn't want to be a burden. well, more of a burden than i already am."

yoongi immediately responded.

"you aren't a burden, areum. i like you. i like hanging out with you."

i don't think i've ever grinned so big.

yoongi likes me.

"can i show you something?"

i ask suddenly.

yoongi glances up from his cards.

"sure. what is it?"

my smile doesn't falter as i whisper.

"it's a surprise!"