My Hand And Yours

Kang Baekho

Throughout the course of the following months, Baekho's focus got much better and his lecturers even called his mother to inform her of his improvement. At first she was skeptical about it but later on, she didn't pursue the topic as long as he did not bring about anymore trouble. He was on his best behavior, pretending like everything was hunky dory while he snuck late night calls and texts with Minhyun. Life was much better now that he could finally have a connection with Minhyun again. It was tough trying to sneak the phone in at first but once he found a way to bring it with him everywhere, it never left his side.

"Baekho, there are a few things I need you to prepare for me," Minhyun had said one night.

"Anything for you, my Prince."

Minhyun's laugh was worth every dime. "Soon, it won't be my Prince anymore."

"What do you mean?"

"I need you to prepare a suicide note for me."

"You're joking..."

"No, I'm being serious. I need a copy of your passport and ID as well. And also your bank details. Just send me a picture with the phone."

"Well, what do you need a suicide note for?"

"For us to disappear forever."

"No way."

"Yes way."

Baekho stuffed his phone under the pillow when he heard footsteps outside his door. He quickly took his book and put it on his pillow, adjusting his position so it would look like he was reading. The door opened and his mother was right there. He turned to look at her and smiled nervously.

"I thought I heard something," she said.

"Hear what? I can't even have my own radio, mother. Why would you think you heard anything?" Baekho asked with pursed lips. In fact, he wasn't even allowed his own laptop so he had to use the university's to stay in contact with his friends and do assignements.

"Well. You've been doing very well and I'm really glad about it, Baekho. I've decided that if you can keep this behavior for the next month, I'll allow you a little more leeway."

"No more guards following me around would be great," Baekho murmured softly.

"What was that you say?"

"N-nothing. Thank you, mother. I'll do my best."

"Good. I hope you will."

The door was shut and Baekho waited until her shadow behind the door disappeared before letting out a relieved sigh. He waited for a little longer before pulling out the phone again.

"Sorry about that," he said.

"It's okay. I've gotten pretty used to it by now. Anyways, make sure you get those things prepared. Baekho..."

"Yeah?"

There was a short pause before Minhyun spoke again, "If you ever want to stop..."

"Oh, come on, Minhyun. Not again. I told you, I'm coming with you no matter what. I want to spend my life with you."

"I know. I just... What if you regret it? You'll no longer be living in the comforts of your home and..."

"Minhyun, Minhyun baby, I'm more worried about you than I am about me."

"Did you just call me baby?"

"I think so?"

"I'm not a baby. I can take care of myself."