Hostage | 전정국

Two

The biting winter wind whipped at her face as she approached the large, modern station. It hadn't changed in her lifetime, the only thing giving insight into its past being the worn and neglected brick beneath the new material.

Her face burned, being the only exposed skin. As soon as the doors had shut behind her she sighed in relief. Winter used to be her favorite season. Now it just reminded her of what used to be. Shaking herself of the sad thoughts, she took a deep breath and continued on. The suitcase in her hand felt heavier than normal, only hightening her sad state further.

Almost four years had passed her by in that state. Motivation couldn't find its way to her. It was as if nothing mattered. And nothing did as far as she was concerned.

The tall man that wasn't so familiar anymore came into her view. He was looking around while standing before a planter, clearly searching for her. He looked the same. Nice clothes, hair pushed back, expensive bag in hand. The second he noticed her, a dimpled smile brightened his entire face. But she couldn't return it.

He opened his arms wide for her, which she both appreciated and despised. Yes, she was awfully lonely and it was nice to see him, but she didn't want his pity. It was much too late for that. The gentle giant said something as she shuffled into his embrace, face buried in his chest, but she was too caught up in her thoughts to hear.

"What?" she asked into his shirt.

"I asked how you've been," he responded soothingly, one hand smoothing over the back of her head. "Clearly not too good."

She shook her head as she pulled away, grateful for the warmth he had given her in the lonely winter. "I'm actually doing really well compared to how I was."

"Vic." He was about to say more, but only pressed his lips together, brows furrowed in sympathy. She smiled up at him finally. It was a wonder that he could be so comforting while she knew he was suffering just as much or more as her.

"It's okay, Joonie. You don't have to feel sorry for me," she almost whispered, squeezing his hand tightly.

Namjoon sighed and tugged on her hand. "Come on. Let's go sit somewhere."

Victoria only followed, letting the slightly younger man lead her to wherever he thought fit. A warm feeling surged up inside her at the sight of him leading her by the hand. Their friendship went back as far as she could remember. Every good thing that happened in her life was because of Namjoon. But it only led to heartbreak in the end.

The smile danced away from her face as he took her to a table by a large fountain inside. The station almost sembled a mall in that way.

He sat across from her at the round wrought-iron table. Before she could say anything, he took an envelope out of his bag and slid it across the metal to her side. Her brows drew in as she examined the white enclosed paper.

"What's this?"

He sighed. "Please take it."

Reluctantly, Victoria opened it, hoping to find something else entirely than the bills that stared back at her. She immediately hardened as she looked back at him. "I don't want your money, Namjoon."

"Victoria, come on. It's the least I can do."

"What about the note?" she asked quietly, handing the money back to him.

He pressed his lips together once more, harder this time—almost until they seemed to disappear. "I don't have it," he admitted.

"What?" The outrage in her voice was apparent, making him flinch slightly.