The Nearness Of You

7

Jinnie

Seungri grabs my hand before I could open the door. I need to leave. Now. Because I know that if I let him come close and touch me I won't have the strength to resist the urge to stay.

"I'm sorry, Seungri. I really have to go." I really have to stay away from you. This is not right. I let down my guard. All of this should've not happened.

I reach for his temples and touch it with my fingers. I don't want to do this but I don't have any choice. I bit my lip as he fell on the floor. I just made him unconscious.

"I'm sorry.." I whisper. I carry him towards the couch and have him lie there. I stare at his gentle, sleeping face for a little while before I willed myself to leave. I had a hard time deciding whether I would plant a kiss on his forehead or not. Of course, my desire won and I did.

It was cold outside when I got out. I don't have a coat or anything that could warm me up other than this silver embroidered silk dress I'm wearing with my arms and half of my back exposed. Suddenly, an idea came into my mind. Maybe I could change into my real form. But I also remember that the higher beings forbid Yesung and I to do it, not until the awaited time that our punishment will be finally lifted. As for now I have to deal with this cold using this mundane body I own, one that cannot adjust to changes in environmental temperature unlike my true form.

I was relieved when after passing two or three blocks from Seungri's I finally saw a cab. I called for it and told it's driver where I'm supposed to go. I was shivering when I went in and the cab driver noticed.

"You shouldn't walk the streets this late wearing only that, young lady. Aside from the fact that it's getting cold because of the upcoming Christmas season, you might get raped or something." The cab driver tells me. He was a middle-aged man, probably in his late forties. "How old are you anyway?"

"Twenty four." I lied. I'm very much older than that in reality, but this human body of mine was indeed within that age.

"My youngest daughter is the same age as you." He nodded his head slowly. "I always warn her about going out late at night. You see, the streets are not safe. You may think it is, but in those dark alleys there's some sick pscycho lurking, waiting for a victim. I know you can say I'm a bit exagerrated or something but truth is, I'm just concerned. A lot of rape cases are happening lately. The world is getting crazy and scary."

"I know.. The world is a crazy place.." I tell him. "And thanks for the concern, good sir. I'll keep in mind everything you have said." I smile at him and he smiled back through the car's rearview mirror. I can feel him and read his thoughts. He really is concerned and loves his youngest daughter so much. It made me happy that there's someone like him, this cab driver. At least I know there are still some good people in this world with a pure heart.

We talked a few more during the whole ride. I found out his name was George and that indeed he was in his late forties, forty eight to be exact. He lives with his wife, two sons that happened to be twins, his daughter, and his dog named Sparky. George worked in five different jobs before when he was younger although it's not the kind of work where you have to wear a suit and tie. He did all of it to support the everyday needs of his family and most especially his sons' and daughter's education. He's very proud when he told me that one of his twins became a college professor and the other one is now overseas working as a technician. His youngest daughter, works as a nurse. I admire George. He's a responsible, persevering man who  thinks of his family's welfare.

After a few more minutes we finally arrived in front of the apartment building. I paid George with an extra amount, he didn't want to take it at first but I insisted.