Hello Neighbor ✔

Chapter 40

“Goodbyes are not forever, are not the end; it simply means I'll miss you until we meet again.”

"Work seems so calm today. Don't you think?" Taehyung said as he was wrapping up some his stuff and papers.

"I know right. It's weird." I said to him as we both laughed. Taehyung had been working hard to the bone to help ensure the whole fashion week thing would do well. He was a very meticulous person when it came to designs and aesthetics. To be completely honest as much as I make fun of him when it comes to art and work, there's never a day he ever jokes around. He stoic, serious in nature, and it's like his body functions at a different all time high.

I actually really admired that about him. Especially back in middle school. I mean he was weird, but he was never stupid. I think a lot of people misunderstood his goofy personality and assumed he was some Korean misfit version of a dumb blonde character.

"So you're really leaving huh?" I asked as I casually sipped my tea as we both stood by the coffee machines of the break room. This was actually a first time we had a chance to casually talk at work, other than this he'd either be working or would come over once in awhile to bother me at my apartment. Not that my friends ever mind. Especially Timothy.

"Yup. Try not to miss me too much." He smirks as he wiggles his eyebrows. I scoff. "As if. Can't wait to get rid of your annoying a--" I said as I finish my cup for the day.

"Don't you ever get sick of tea?" He asks as he watches over me washing the mug and putting it away.

"Don't you ever shut up and not be annoying?" I retorted back as I dry my hands down with a mini towel.

He chuckles. "You know underneath that cold, cold, dark exterior. Deep, deep, deep in your soul. If you just keep on digging and digging and chipping away. Somewhere in there is a heart. And I know you'll miss me." He jokes.

I roll my eyes, but I do have to admit. "Yeah, I will." I said.

He gasps. "Oh my. Did you actually say it? Hyunjae is gonna actually gonna miss me?"

"Yeah I did. I'll miss my friend." I whispered the last part, but I know he's heard it as I saw the expression on his face and smile back.

"Aww come here." He said as he envelops me in a small hug. I pat his back until we break away after a few seconds.

"You know as much as I hate to admit and say.... But I do hope you visit from time to time... 선배." I humor him.

"Wow this day keeps getting better and better. And of course I'll visit. I can't ever leave my little JaeJae now." He said ruffling my hair. I swat his arm away.

"Never call me that." I huffed.

"Like I'll listen." He smiles as he straightens himself up. "Okay, I'm going to go pack up the rest of my stuff from the office and then pack at Jungkook's." He says as he's about to turn to head out the room.

"Alright. You wanna hang out tonight with my Jungkook and my friends and just finish packing tomorrow? You're gonna leave in two days and will end up procrastinating anyway." I ask.

He turns around shooting me finger guns. "You know me too well. And of course won't miss it for the world. See ya later." He says as he dashes out the room.

"Later." I say in a soft whisper as he already left. I take a long deep breath and sigh. I felt somber for some reason. It just feels so empty.

I shook my head trying to clear my gloominess. I'm probably just tired anyway. I grab my clipboard from the counter and realized I forgot to deliver a report back to the finance department.

I quickly make my way to their department where the first two people I saw were Jin and John. I knock on the door trying to politely interrupt as I saw both of them turn their heads to me and smile.

"Alex! It's been awhile since I've seen you. How are you?" John said, full on bursting with energy as usual.

"I'm doing great. How are you?" I asked with a large smile on my face. John's energy is so boisterous, it's contagious. He kinda reminds me of my dad a little.

"I'm super. Couldn't be any better." He smiles. I almost would have forgotten what I came in for if I didn't notice it on my clipboard right in front of me.

"Oh right! I came to give in this month"s revenue report." I said as I take it out and extend it out, waiting for one of them to take from me.

"Oh yes. Thank you for this." Jin says in perfect English and taking it from me with a smile. To be honest, I was still nervous seeing him, but for some reason he also makes me so much more comfortable.

A few moments passed and I awkwardly still stood in the room as I had nowhere else to go. Jungkook's dad took a day off so that he, Jungkook, and his girlfriend can hang out for a day. I was proud he was finally giving her a chance and that they were slowly building and fixing their relationship. I stood deep in thought until eventually John kindly asked me to sit down still seeing me here which I glady did as we all talked while they finished up some business.

After awhile John begins to sigh. "You know I'm gonna miss all of you guys. These past few months working and knowing you guys was amazing."

I was surprised by his words. "You're leaving too John?" I asked.

He looks down as he sighs again once more. "Sadly. I have to get back to my company in New York again. My business in Korea was only temporary and for one deal we've been working separately on." He pouts as I can see the thought of leaving saddened him. "But you know what I'm grateful to finally see my family and friends again. This experience and meeting you guys has truly been amazing though and I'll never forget you guys." He said with a bigger and brighter smile.

"It's been a real pleasure working with you John. I'm almost sad to see you leave." Jin said with a sad smile. They both eventually got up and have each other a light hug with a pat on the back.

We all continued just casually talking as this would be John's last few days in Korea. And while we talked and cracked jokes here and there to keep up with the lovely conversation, I just couldn't help but think.

Everyone was slowly leaving. And I was finally realizing the weight of having to say goodbye.