Empty Arms

Chapter 2

I forgot the the path I had taken.
And now I am lost.
_________

A sigh leaves Hoseok's dry lips as he glances at his wrist watch. It was about lunch time and Hoseok had just gotten halfway through his never ending pile of documents. He glances out of the huge window in his room. The sun was out and was shining at its full glory.

There used to be a time when I was called 'the sun'.

Sure it was one of those times when Hoseok would just pause whatever he was doing and think back about his good old days spent with his lovely grandparents and six boys, he could never forget.

Those days were something he cherished each and every day. Those were the days he wanted to return to. Those days were like fresh flowers; beautiful, pure, tranquilizing and soothing.

How he missed his grandmother's tender and wrinkled fingers running through his hair. How he missed reading stories with his grandfather. How he missed his six precious friends.

His six friends meant the world for Hoseok. But when he left Gwangju, he had lost contact with all of them, except for Kim Namjoon and Min Yoongi, who were South Korea's most renowned rappers, and had attended the huge American ceremonies like Billboards, AMA and even the Grammys. Those two always had Hoseok's back.

Hoseok stretched his cramped fingers and got up from his seat. He tightened his tie and sauntered out of his office. Everyone was working. Some were having light conversations over a cup of coffee or tea. Everyone acknowledged his presence and wished him a 'good afternoon', to which Hoseok courteously nod. His workers were always polite and respectful towards him. They were all hardworking and efficient.

As soon as Hoseok stepped out of his building the strong ray of sunlight attacked him for a split second before his bodyguard held the umbrella above his head. Hoseok caught the sight of some sneaky and desperate paparazzi, trying their best to make the headline for the next day. Hoseok nodded towards Minhyuk, his body guard. Hoseok walked up to his Mustang and allowed his body gaurd to open the door for him and got into the driver's seat. As the young body gaurd was turning around to take the seat beside Hoseok, he was stopped by a wrist calmly wrapped around his.

"Eat something" Hoseok said calmly while taking out his purse. He glanced at his fancy wrist watch and said, "be here by three-fifteen." The body guard wanted to protest and return the two hundred dollar bills Hoseok had thrusted into his hand, but nodded, knowing his sir very well.

Hoseok always treated his body gaurd fair, more than fair to be precise. He let him club and party on the weekends, though the young lad seldom wanted to go, Hoseok would urge him saying that that time of his life would be swept away from him one day and he must enjoy it till it lasts. Hoseok let Minhyuk off on the days before his college exams. Yes, Minhyuk was that young. The boy was only twenty and he was working to support his father and family, who were going through unfavorable financial conditions. Minhyuk was taken into the position of Hoseok's bodyguard due to his strong physique and fighting skills. Hoseok even paid for a few of his tutions and singing classes, much to Minhyuk's protests. "I need you to entertain me with your voice after all." Hoseok had said. Sometimes Hoseok let Minhyuk go early as he knew the young lad's girlfriend was waiting for him at home, he had heard him talk to her over phone.

Hoseok didn't want to witness a young boy go through what he went through.

He won't allow that.

_________

Hoseok was seated in the small but comfortable cafe. He always loved that one. The sweet aroma of crushed coffee beans and freshly prepared breads and pastries relaxed his muscles and washed away his stress. He had ordered a cup of coffee, a slice of rich chocolate pastry, a slice of a fruit cake and a croissiant. Hoseok was not in the mood for anything heavy like rice, meat or fish. He was satisfied with whatever he had ordered.
His order arrived and Hoseok dived in. He took a sip of his hot coffee and let his stress wash away.