Wick | 민윤기

Thirty-nine

27 November 2009

Victoria was still upset about Hoseok and Sooyoung. She tried to shut down her senses when she heard kids gossiping around campus about their date. She hadn't seen them together since that night, but everyone was assuming that they were together at that point. She kept her head down most of the time as she walked through the halls those days.

It was hard to push away any thoughts of Hoseok. Though when she saw Jin around and he would flash her his signature twisted smile, the only thing she could think about was how much she hated him. Luckily, it wasn't often that she ran into the psychopath.

She was standing on the bridge that connected the campus grounds to the town, letting the sea breeze ruffle her hair and fill her with its salty deceit. The ocean had never been a point of interest for her until she went to KIS. It calmed her and she had already come up with over a dozen scents in her head. Her eyes were closed as she took in a deep breath to savor the beauty around her.

"Hey."

The gravelly voice was quiet but familiar. Her eyes flew open as she turned her head to see Hoseok standing next to her, leaning on the bridge like she was. Now that she knew he was there, she wondered how long he had stood there before she noticed the warmth radiating off his arm that was so close to hers. He was staring down at the water below them, his long lashes barely brushing his cheek and casting a shadow down the rest of his face.

It quickly disappeared as the sun faded behind the buildings in the distance. Hoseok's lips were paused, eyes focused as if he wanted to say something but couldn't find the words. Victoria only continued to stare at him, her heart seizing. She felt terrible. She felt grateful. She was sad, but she was relieved. Apologies were not her strong suit, but her love for Hoseok washed away any pride she was holding onto.

She opened her mouth to speak, but before she could, the smallest of voices came from the boy beside her.

"Sorry."

Victoria's eyes widened in shock and she could gape at him. That was something she never thought she would hear from Hoseok. He sighed and turned his head to look at her, his eyebrows furrowing. "You don't have to look so surprised!"

"Oh—Sor—sorry," she stuttered, looking away for a moment.

He sighed again and looked back at the water, one hand reaching up to tousle his thick hair. "I don't like not talking to you," he admitted quietly. "Can we just go back to how we were?"

She nodded, forgetting that he wasn't looking at her. He must have seen the gesture from his peripheral vision because he reached over and threaded his fingers through hers, squeezing her hand reassuringly. Her heart jumped as she stared at their interlocked hands. A feeling began to blossom in her chest, but she couldn't quite place it.

The two didn't say any more. They held hands on the bridge for a while before he let go and walked back to campus beside her under the illuminating streetlights. Victoria was grateful for Hoseok. She could see the change in him, even if it was small, and she knew he cared. She knew he loved her. That was enough.

What she didn't know what that Hoseok was grateful for her as well. He was hurting so much when she was upset with him. He just wanted her to be happy. As long as she smiled, he felt like he was going to be okay.

-

On their way to the girl's dorm—Hoseok insisted on walking her there—they passed by Kim Jaehyeong, one of the rich kids. He slowed considerably, seemingly sizing up the two. Hoseok noticed and slowed as well, his protective feathers being rustled. It was the same kid who said he had heard a lot about them.

"You know," he began, one hand in the pocket of his slacks while the other tapped his freshly shaven chin. "You should consider coming down to the boxing ring sometime, Hobi. We'd love to see what you can do..."

Hoseok only stared back at him, his eyes level and jaw set. Victoria watched him clench and unclench his fists and for a moment she wondered if he was going to swing at the kid. She reached for him, but his words made her hand fall away.

"Maybe I will. I could use some more friends around here."

She scoffed, a bit stung by the comment. His voice was monotone, however, and his hand moved back to brush her wrist momentarily as he continued staring at Jaehyeong. The latter smiled, his other hand slipping into the other pocket. "Good," he said, his voice thick with satoori she didn't quite recognize. "I hope to see you soon, then."

"You will." With that, Hoseok turned and continued walking, not looking back to make sure Victoria was following. With a last glance at Jae, she scurried off after him, shooting him a confused look as they neared her dorm.

She touched her wrist subconsciously as she looked up at him. "What was that about?"

"Something is off about him," he replied with narrowed eyes that stared straight ahead. "I don't know what it is, yet, but I'm gonna find out. I might need you to help me, but I'll tell you."

Hoseok stopped and she didn't realize why until she noticed the large pink building before them. She dipped her head at him, still a bit confused. "Thanks for walking me, Seokie..."

"Get some rest, noona." His eyes softened as he gazed at her. "I'll see you tomorrow."

Victoria nodded, feeling a bit small under his gaze. Neither of them moved, so she took a few steps backward. "Yeah—see you." She turned around fully and trotted up the steps before opening up the door. Upon glancing back, she found that he had begun to walk away with his head down and hands in his pockets. She smiled, slowly taking a step through the threshold and closing the door behind her.

Hoseok walked back to the dorm with the smallest of smiles tugging at his lips. He didn't let it full take over, though. He refused.