Not long after Harley left, all of Kai’s friends rush into the room.
“KAIIIIIII!!!” They all yell.
“I thought you were going to die!” Chanyeol yells.
“I’m so sorry I didn’t teach you better! I love you, Kai! Don’t ever leave me again!” Chen wails. He’s the first to hug Kai; repeatedly saying he was sorry the whole time. Everyone just laughed at him and shoved him away so that they could all say their hellos.
I watch them D.O and Luhan the most carefully. Luhan has a massive grin on his face, and D.O is the epitome of composure and calm. Although he does have heavy eye bags, so it’s obvious he was worried. They are all laughing and joking around when I realize I would be skipping school for the first time today. Of all my years of schooling, today is the first time I have ever skipped. I guess it’s time I did, since I’m going to be graduating in a few months anyway. I will be graduating in a few months. My situation suddenly dawns on me. What the hell? It feels like just a few days ago I was in 10th grade. It’s surreal to think that I’m going to finally leave the hellhole in just a few months. Then something else dawns on me: exams are in 3 weeks. Crap.
“Hey, you ok?” Kai snaps me out of my thoughts by shaking my hand.
“Huh? Yeah, yeah. I just realized that we’re graduating soon… how crazy, right?”
“Oh gee, I almost forgot about that.” He laughs sheepishly, and the subject is dropped.
I spent the rest of the day with Kai. Everyone else stayed until lunchtime, seeming to have forgotten about school all together. Not surprising. Dr. Toya visited once again at lunchtime when Harley was in the room, and told Kai that he would be discharged tomorrow. There was no longer any threat to Kai’s brain and all he needed to do was rest when he got home and his stitches would be removed in about 1 and ½ half weeks. There was still a slight tension between Harley and Kai, but it was probably because I was there that the subject of Kai’s parents wasn’t brought up again.
I left the hospital at 6, and caught a taxi to my house. After getting inside, my legs feel weak and with my back against it, I lean on the door. My jumper doesn’t have much friction with the door, and my socks started sliding down the hallway and I ended up slumped against the door. I’m too tired to think. The events of the last few days have exhausted me, and my mind is still in a huge mess over Luhan. Why am I even still thinking about him? I know absolutely nothing about him for goodness’ sake!
I don’t know how long I’ve been sitting here, but when I feel like I have some energy back, I get up and take a long, hot bath. After I’m dressed in my pajamas, my stomach grumbles and I realize I haven’t actually eaten anything proper since last night. So I walk to the kitchen, where I find a note from my parents on the fridge.
TJ,
Please take care of yourself while we’re gone. Don’t cut down on sleep and eat lots of good food. Dad and I have done some grocery shopping for you. There are vegetables and fruits in the fridge. We’ll be back before you know it.
We love you,
Mum and dad xx
I place the note back on the fridge, and open it. It is indeed filled with fruits and vegetables, but I don’t feel like eating them, so I open the freezer. Just my luck, we still have calamari. I turn on the oven, and put the calamari in.
While I wait for my calamari, I sit at the table and think about what has happened. After all this, it still feels like Luhan is touching me. I remember it so vividly; his hand on my hip. Then when we were walking to the patisserie, he made me feel safe. I still need to repay him for the food, actually. Why did I never feel like this with Kai? With Luhan, it’s hot and fiery. With Kai, it’s more butterflies and fluff. Why would I choose a relationship where I could be burnt over a relationship where I wouldn’t be? Why am I even thinking of choosing Luhan at all? I realize what I’m thinking about, and am appalled at myself. Why were the words ‘Luhan’ and ‘relationship’ even in the same sentence? I must be more tired than I believe.
My food finished cooking, and it occurs to me while I eat that I should contact Luhan, but I don’t have his number.. I have D.O’s though.
Hey D.O could you give me Luhan’s number, please?
Sure. It’s ______________.
Thank you!!
I stare at the digits on my screen. Am I really going to do it? What’s wrong with doing it? Why does it feel awkward that I’m going to text him? Am I just making a mountain out of a mole hill? No, surely not…
Just do it!
The voice in my head snaps. I guess I should.
Hey Luhan, it’s TJ. I was wondering, can I meet with you after school tomorrow?
I set my phone down and wait. Surprisingly, he texts back almost instantly.
Yeah, sure. I’ll meet you at the park. Is it urgent?
No, it isn’t.
Ok then. I’ll see you tomorrow.
I wash my plate after I eat, and then leave my phone on the table while I brush my teeth. Is this wise? I should be avoiding him at all costs, but why do I feel like I need to see his face again?
I lie in bed, and let my dilemma lead me to sleep.
