Walk slowly (edited)

Chapter 18

Jaebum still insisted with his invitation to send me back home that evening. I really do not understand Jaebum’s attitude! It’s not that he did not know how angry Mark was yesterday, why did he still want to send me home? What is he trying to prove to Mark? I had to refuse his offer. I do not want to provoke Mark again. I’m already weak with his accusations and offensive nicknames.

“Are you sure you do not want me to send you back?” asked Jaebum, even after I gave the answer.

“Yes, I’m sure. Thank you, hyung. I’m going first.” I threw a sad smile to Jaebum, and then I just left the office.

I had to get out of the building and get a taxi to go home. Hearing the sound of thunder, I began feeling afraid that I cannot go home like a normal day. I walked fast, out of the office, towards the taxi stand.

It was almost 7 o’clock, but no taxi showed signs of stopping. I sighed. I do not know how much longer I had to wait there. Finally, I sat down on a bench provided at the taxi stand. I just looked at the blank screen of my phone in hand. Just then, I heard a car horn.

“Jinyoung, get in!” Mark said, directing me to get into his car, as soon as he lowered his car window at the front passenger side.

I was surprised by Mark’s presence here and continued to look away, pretending not to recognize his presence. Seeing my actions, Mark got out of his car and walked toward me. I still refused to look at him even though he is now standing right in front of me. Fortunately, it was just me who was waiting for a taxi there. If not, I would definitely be embarrassed by Mark's actions.

“This... Are you sulking or protesting?” Mark asked with a hand on his wrist.

I did not want to answer that question and then got up and walked away, leaving Mark alone in that taxi stand. I’m not in the mood to argue with him right now. My heart still hurt and was not showing signs of healing. He can do whatever he wants. I don’t care anymore.

“You really do not want to talk to me anymore?” Mark chased after me from behind.

I pretended not to hear and continued walking, though I myself was not sure where it would lead to. I know, for the moment, I just want to be away from him. Until one day, the wounds in my heart are healed.

“Do not challenge my patience, Jinyoung. Who do you think you are, making me chase you like this? Oh please, Jinyoung, I’m tired of your attitude.” Mark’s loud voice was heard despite the noisy passing vehicles that should drown out his voice.

My legs stopped, listening to his words. My heart was crushed with bricks as I heard every word. The heart, that has been cracked, now shattered to pieces and destroyed. I wanted to cry, yelling loudly and tell him how cruel he was with what he had done to me. The days with him were like I threw myself into a valley full of thorns, suffering and miserable. But he never knew about it because I kept smiling despite his actions. My love for him has made me kill my own feelings. In order to make him happy, I had to organize my tears, to disguise everything that I felt. But none of that he dearly!

“I know... I’m not anyone to you. If it is already my fate, god take me today, you must be the one most joyful right? I’m sure you will smile and live happier without me.” I spoke seriously.

“You must be tired... Just go home, Mark hyung. There’s no need to pursue me, who did not bring any meaning in your life. You are already in a difficult situation because of me. Just pretend that this is the last time I’m troubling you. After this, I will make sure I will not appear again in front of you even by chance.” Tears began to fall drop by drop. I cannot weir again. It’s enough for all the sadness that I have to suffer for this.