EUPHORIA ¦ PARK JIMIN

Chapter 31

July 19, 2019
Ha Eun's POV

They always said to expect for the unexpected. Perhaps, I just wasn't ready for what my future held. I sat the edge of my bed, fighting the urge to tear up and comforted myself that everything was going to be alright. I was definitely late for work but after a debate with myself, I gave in to my indecisiveness and called Jimin that I won't be heading to work. I felt all my energy drain me up as I  tried to grab my laptop from the other end of the bed. My moistened eyes soon failed me and tears slowly began to cascade my face. With the earliest flights to LA that I could find, I spent most of my savings on the ticket and soon began packing my bags.

Flight was in the next 2 days and I began making plans in my head that I'd resign from the company and just stay in LA. When night fall came, I gripped my phone, waiting for my brother's call or message updating me of my father's condition. My head was spinning and my eyes felt sore from crying. As  gentle knock came on my door, I fixed myself and headed to the door only to be greeted by Jimin who stood by my doorstep, looking so worried.

'You called in sick and I got worried,'  he said. 'Is everything all right?'

I was instantly embarrassed of my state. I nodded at him as a response and stepped aside to welcome him in.

'Please, sit down,' I gestured as he only stood awkwardly beside the couch.

'Thank you,' he replied. 'These are for you. They're medicines--just incase,'

As he hoisted up the bag and handing it to me, I felt guilt running through my veins. He had came all the way here to give me this and, the thought of resigning the company makes my stomach churn.

'Kamsahabnida, huijang-nim,' I said, my voice nearly a whisper. 'You didn't have to,'

Before I could stand up to get my resignation letter and figure out how I was going to explain to him about my sudden decision, my phone rang, vigorously vibrating between my grip.

'Excuse me for a moment,' I said and moved alittle further away from Jimin to answer my brother's call.

My heart pounded hard against my chest about the possible news that my brother would inform me and I thought about the worst that would ever happen even if I prayed hard that it wouldn't happen. As soon as I asked about my father's wellbeing, on the other line, I could hear a woman crying.

'What's happened?' I asked, my voice shaky and my whole body trembling, unprepared about the news I am soon to discover.

'The doctors said that... Dad---that Dad..,'

Even Hae Jin found it difficult to speak and I had instantly assumed that it was something bad.  My bottom lips began to quiver and my emotions had failed me by the cascading of my tears all over again.

'Spill out!' I begged, my voice cracking and my face floodes and moist with tears.

'The doctors said that Dad had a few more weeks to live,' He blurted out which weakened my legs.

Before I knew it, my whole body gave in and I dropped down on the ground, unable to sustain myself. I suddenly felt a hand on my arm but I had been to occupied about my aching heart and my shattered world that I no longer concerned myself on whoever it was. I was bawling and when I lifted my head, Jimin was right in front of me, though my vision was blurred from the tears.

He didn't speak but all he did was pull me closer and wrap his arms around me. He caressed my head and my back, attempting to comfort me from my sorrow and agony. I found myself slowly calming down but my head remained rested on his chest.

-----
I was uncertain whether it was me or I saw the hint of disappointment in his eyes but whatever was the feeling he had as we he watched me breakdown, I didn't want it. I had shown my weak side and his pity would make me even more horrible about my situation. I attempted to mask up all the exhaustion on my face as I contemplated to enter his office. Shortly after my self debate, I pushed the door, a resignation letter hidden behind my back.

Much to my disappointment that he would be alone, his mother was there. She gave me her widest and brightest smile that I could almost see Jimin's resemblance on her. I responded to her smile, however, a bittersweet smile regardless that I attempted to make it as delightful as I could.

'Madam, good morning,' I greeted and bowed my head to her then to Jimin.

'JungBiseo, what is it?' Jimin asked, smiling like his mother.

'Ahh---I.. uhm... your meeting with Mr. Chua this afternoon is postponed to tomorrow at 9am. His secretary called and said his flight got delayed,' I replied.

That was however, true but my real intentions of being in his office was unfortunately, delayed.

' I see. Thank you, ' He said.

I excused myself out and hid the letter from his sight once more. I directed to the rooftop to give my brother a call once more to ask about my father's condition. With more tesrs streaming down my face during the conversation, all that I ever wanted to do was fly to LA and be with my father. When my brother ended the call, I broke down silently.

'JungBiseo?'

Recognising it to Jimin's voice, I wiped all the evidence of my tears and braced myself before smiling and facing him. He approached me and somehow, I feared that he'd start interrogating me once more.

'You shouldn't have gone up here. You could' ve just gave me a call. Is there anything you want?' I asked.

'You shouldn't have came to work today,' He said.

I took that as a sign to finally tell him.

'Actually, huijang-nim,' I began, somehow hesitant to tell him. 'It's... it's my last day today,'

'What?'

'I'm resigning,' I said, which made him look like he just got slapped on the face, so hard. I then handed him the envelope.

'Mianhamnida, huijang-nim. Jeongmal mianhe. I just really have to. My father needs me,' I explained. 'I'll find a replacement as soon as I can. I'll make sure she's well briefed about her duties and everything that she has to do,'

'Okay, stoo right there,' he chuckled. 'JungBiseo, you don't have to explain to me or worry about your replacement. Go and be with your family. I understand,'

'Ani. I'll find a replacement. I can't leave just like this,'  I insisted. 'Please,'

'Arraseo. Arraseo. Whatever you say,'