the leader • choi seungcheol

thirty three

A week has passed after the breakup. I went to the apartment and packed all of my things while he was at practice, afterwards calling my brother, Sangkyun.

"Heyo, sis whats up?"

"Oppa, may i come to America and live with you?"

"What?"

"I dont want to be here anymore."

"Did something happen, are you alright?" His voice is worried and i hear papers shuffling.

My brother owns a large gaming company, Ainsoft (A?N: If you know this, i love you.)which is number one in America. His building in actually in Boston and most of his workers are Korean. He is fluent in English as well. He moved his comany from Korea to America about 3 years ago. Now they are huge and he is extremely rich.

I have given up my company to Jen, after a brief explaination just saying I am going to America.

"Im fine, i just miss you. Can I?"

"You know I have plenty of rooms. Of course. How about we put that photography talent to use?" He chuckles.

I roll my eyes and hang up, booking tickets to Boston first thing tomorrow morning.

I head back to Joshuas apartment where i had been staying.

He isnt there and i just sigh, looking down at myself.

I really havent gone to work since that night. I usually stay herewith Joshua, and i usually cry.

I plop on the couch, comfortable wearing sweatpants and probably Joshuas hoodie.

After about 3 hours just sitting there, the sun sets and I look at my phone, seeing a missed call from Soonyoung.

I call him back

"Hye Rin-ah." He breathes. "Come to my apartment yeah? Joshua is going to be at practice super late and I dont want you to be alone."

"Alright," I say, nearly emotionless.

I getup and slip on some sandals, grabbing my purse and keys.

At Soonyoungs, i punch in the code and step in to the apartment he shares with Jeonghan.

"Wheres Hannie?" I ask, laying on the couch, across his lap, turning away from him and to the TV.

"He is staying to practice with Joshua and Seungkwan." He states, fingers running through my knotted hair. "You look sick."

"Thanks," I mumble.

His hand trails down my body and stops as he feels my ribs through my sweatshirt. "Rin-ah...." He whispers. "Have you eaten?"

"No," I whisper back.

"Hye Rin, youre getting sick from this." He sighs.

"I know." I sit up and lean against him. He holds me tightly. "Hoshi, I'm leaving."

"Leaving?" He says.

"Im going to live with my brother in America. I just ant be here anymore."

"You shouldnt have broken up with him." He says matter-of-factly. "I understand you were angry but thats just it. You were just upset."

"Its not just him." I say, getting frustrated. "I have lost it. Im no longer mature and workaholic. I miss my old life before i met you all. Dont get me worng i love you guys so much and i dont think i could live without you but, Im not the same. Im not healthy,  i dont have time for work or to keep up with myself. Everything was for you. And i cant do it. I need to get away and go back to doing some type of work and build up my reputation and strength again."

"Okay," He nods. "I think I understand that. What time if your flight?"

"6am." I say. "My bags are in my car."

-

The next morning i untangle myself from Soonyoung and surprisingly, roll over ontop of Jeonghan who i guess came home earlier and decided to join us in Soonyoungs bed.

Instead of getting up, i relax on top of him. Gosh, hes so comforting.

Jeonghan hums and throws his arms around me, his eyespeeling open.

"Why are you awake at 4am?" He asks.

"I have a flight to get to." I state.

Soonyoung wakes as well and rolls over to stare at us. "Hurry up and change, ill take you."

I had called Sangkyun and he said he would have my car sent back home, so i moved my bags to Soons car, aafter he shoved what seemed like half of his own stock of hoodies and sweatpants into one of them stating, "So you have plently that smell of me. A few of Mingyus, Jeonghans, and Joshuas are thrown in as well as probably a few of the others boys randomly. We own a lot, oops."

I had accepted even though i already had asuitcase dedicated to th e clothing items i stole from the boys.

I get out of bed with a kiss on the cheek from Jeonghan and find my sweatpants and hoodie and change into them, pulling on my sandals and throwing my hair up.

We leave and i feel guilt not telling anyone else i was leaving. But, i need this.

As i board the plane after a swift kiss on the forehead from Hoshi, i can only think of Seungcheol.

The plane ride is long and sleep most of it. An hour before we land, i awake, and stretch.

I shoot a text to Sangkyun and notice a bunch of missed calls from the boys.

I shoot a text to the grouptext, only remembering Seungcheol is in it after i hit send.

To: My Loud Babies

Hi guys, I'm about an hour from landing. I am sorry i didnt tell any of you but this is what i needed. Please never hesitate to call, no matter the time difference, just as much as usual, and i will always have my ringer on for you. I love you guys and I will visit you I promise.

Ishut my phone off and watch the movie on my screen until we land.

As i walk around the crowded airport, i feel jetlag already hitting me as i search for my broad brother.

Finally i spot him in street clothes, probably trying to blend in as he is the CEO of a huge company.

I walk into his arms and sigh deeply, feeling happiness engulf me.

Unlike Korea, LA is sweltering hot this early in the day so i nearly melt on the drive to the comapny.

"Woah.." I gasp at the massive building in front of us.

We get out and i feel gross walking in like this but i dont mind really.

(unedited)