Hold Me Tight

Chapter 8

We pulled up to a triage of large buildings, covered in broad glass windows. I put on my white air mask & Hoseok helped me out of the car. We were trying our hardest to avoid bringing attention to ourselves. He walked a little ahead of me, and I followed him to his apartment suite on the 17th floor. He pulled his key card from his wallet, waived it across the monitor above the handle, and opened the door. The space was large, open, natural lighting illuminated the room.

"Wow.." I said breathlessly. He chuckled at me, shutting the door behind him. He followed behind me as I stepped further into his apartment, placing his hands in his back pockets. I walked over to the corner of the living room, which outlooked the Han River. I became queasy at how high we were from the ground and stepped back, accidentally stepping on Hoseok's foot. I jumped from him as he caught me, holding me at the sides of my arms.

"Want something to drink, or to eat?" he asked as he made his way into the kitchen. I shook my head.

"How am I supposed to get my stuff...?" I sighed as I slumped onto the couch. He walked back over to me, and crouched to look up at me.

"Don't you worry about that, me and the guys will help you tomorrow." He said with a gentle smile. "I'm kind of hungry, want me to fix you up something?" I shook my head at him.

"To be honest, all I'd like to do is shower and get some rest." I said scratching my head and yawning. Hoseok wandered down the hall, then came back out moments later with a towel in one hand and folded clothes in the other. I got up from the couch and grabbed the towel and clothes from him as he led me to the bathroom.

He switched on the light, and I peaked my head inside. The walls were a light peach, one whole side of the bathroom was covered in white tile with a green accent wall.

"Let me know if you need anything." He said with a smile as he shut the door. I sighed and looked at myself in the mirror. Should I really trust Hoseok? He gave me his number secretively, he must've known we'd get in trouble. I shook my head to jolt the negative thought from my head. The only thing that matters is this shower.

I lowered my eyes, to the rub & decided to take a bath. The tub filled with warm water, & I used his body wash for bubbles. I tied my hair into a messy bun, and melted into the warmth.

...

I drained the tub and slipped on the clothes Hoseok gave me. A baggy brown short & a pair of his shorts. I looked in the mirror before splashing my face, examining my swollen eyes and red cheeks. I took a deep breath rinsed my face before stepping out of the bathroom. Hoseok was in the kitchen frying up some rice and kimchi.

He smiled at me. "Feel better?" He asked as he tossed the fried rice with his wooden spoon. I smiled and nodded as I made my way to the couch. I curled my legs up, wrapped my arms around them, and laid my head on my knees as I watched him.

"Hoseok.." I started to say. "Thank you.. for everything." He didn't have to do any of this. He could've cut off whatever this was, and just leave me on my own. He nodded at me appreciatively.

I laid my head down on the throw pillow, and closed my sore eyes. Everything's going to be okay. I thought to myself as I began to drift.