Arranged Marriage with Luhan

Tracks and Roses

Jjeolbae’s P.o.V.

I ran my finger on the straw of my juice as I listened attentively to her side. She mumbled a few words of narration, which are somehow not of much interest to me, since she have already said it. After a while, she opened her purse, revealing an envelope. It was of orange color, and just by one look, you could see that it was taken hold of for a long time. She reached it out to me as I accepted it gladly.

“Could I get a copy of this? You could keep it as an original.” I said as she nodded.

“Of course, I  was originally going to give you that, but I guess it is one of my memories with him. You could give it to me tomorrow.” She said and paused. After a while she let out a smile. She looked down the floor and took very short glances at me. She bit her lip, much to my curiosity.

“He...died, did he not?” She asked as my eyes widened in horror. These past few days, I cannot bear myself to say it to her, since I have the knowledge that it would just hurt her feelings. I tried to speak, but I guess it would just fail. I just closed my eyes and forced myself to nod. She left out a chuckle and looked on the glass wall resting by her side. She drifted her gaze by the streets as she smiled, but I can see agony in her heart, for she is now clenching her fists, preventing herself to cry.

“I figured.” She said as I looked at her, letting her speak.

“He has not come in contact with me after that, and I heard rumors that he had passed away. But I did not believe it. Not without certain proof.” She said as I nodded in understanding. I was wondering what the proof is, but I let it pass. She will say it out in a while, I guess.

“My sister, yes. She was calling someone that day, that certain day when I was reported about his...his death.” She said as I looked at her keenly.

“She was calling this certain person, and I am sure of it! That she was the one responsible for his...his...death. ‘Good, Taeyang is now killed. Expect your salary this evening.’ Were the very words she uttered.” She stated as I just kept quiet. Still, I believe that she cannot think that my brother passed away. It was sudden, yes. Very sudden. He was barely alive in my arms, and he died on the stretchers of the hospital. I can feel hatred burning inside me, but this person across me? I feel sadness and grief. I reached my hand out as I searched for the contents of the letter I am holding. I opened it slowly as I saw a handwriting utterly familiar to me.

My dear Lana,

I have indeed fallen for you, and I would love you eternally. But I guess this is it. You have to find someone else better than me, the Taeyang that you have met in the stalls of Paris. Bear in mind that I will always be there for you, even if you do not love me anymore.

Yours truly,

Taeyang.

Rather a short message it is, but I can see pure and sincere emotions inscribed. It was a letter for break-up, you see.

“I guess he parted with you for your own safety.” I said as she nodded slowly and smiled.

“He really is ridiculous, that man. He never fails to amuse me.” She said as I nodded in agreement. She took out a small towel and wiped her face with it. She was crying. If I were to be in her place, I would go with that emotion too. I may act brave on the outside, but something inside me was fragile. See, I am like a jar. You may see me as a strong one on the inside, but mind you, I am very empty on the outside.

“I will be taking my leave now.” She said and stood up.

“Thank you for your time.” I said as she smiled.