Locked Away

•10•

The sun isn't as bright today.
The sky is filled with dark clouds.

Everyone walks with their heads held low. No one can look up without bursting into tears.

Not one person here isn't hurting. No one is happy that Eun Hee is gone.

Hongbin and I walk towards the hole in the ground where a black casket sits on ropes which will lower it down.

The grass doesn't look normal here. It's a beautiful green but it doesn't look alive. I guess nothing lives in a cemetery except for the groundskeepers.

There is a canvas with a picture of Eun Hee resting beside her coffin.

The funeral is over. Now she will be lowered into the ground and we will bury her.

Without any further ado they begin to lower her into the ground. Bong Goo sobs continuously behind us.

Hongbin and I cry silently as we watch the coffin slowly disappear. Once it has hit the ground, I walk forward and grab a handful of dirt.

Hongbin does the same. We mall eye contact before looking at the ground once more.

We throw the dirt.

--

The air smells different. Nothing is the same anymore. I am on my way to work.

I told Hongbin to leave without me as I have errands to run.

In truth, I am going somewhere else.

I arrive at the building and head to the ninth floor. I get to the front door and knock firmly.

It doesn't take long for the door to open.

"Hakyeon?" Taekwoon looks at me in shock. My eyes begin to well up and I open my mouth to say something but nothing comes out.

Taekwoon senses my heartbreak and pulls me into his embrace. We just stand in his doorway for a few minutes.

Once I've calmed down, he lets go and brings me into his apartment.

I walk over and take a seat on his couch.
"Are you thirsty? Hungry?" he asks me and I shake my head.

He pours himself a cup of tea and takes a seat next to me. We just sit in silence for a few moments before I speak.

"I'm sorry for intruding on you like this."

"Your not intruding. You are welcome here any time. It's not like I'm a busy person" he says gently.

His voice calms me down considerably. He places a hand on my shoulder and grips it firmly.

"How did you get my address?" he asks me quietly and I chuckle.
"Wonshik ah. He was drunk so I took my chances."

"I see. How's everyone going after...you know" Taekwoon questions me and I frown.

"Bong Goo is trying to pull himself together for Taeyong. Hongbin and I aren't coping very well. Mother is absolutely distraught" I tell him honestly.