A Wind Of Change [1] || EXO ✓

013: That's Okay

***

The sound of the chimes clinking amidst the cold morning breeze was all she could hear as she tilted her head against the wall sitting in her balcony. Grief strikes hard when dear ones are lost. Hazel felt the same that day. Her mother grieved inconsolably over a phone call that informed Hazel's grandfather's death.

The long lost memories flashed across her mind. Sitting on her grandpa's lap, her five year old self grabbed onto his rosary as he sat rocking the armchair. Her small fingers curled around his index finger while he narrated stories as they strolled about the garden. His wrinkled cheeks lifting up in happiness when he heard her cheerful laughter were the few things she could vaguely remember about him. He was precious to her and will always be. It was a Sunday and Kyungsoo rushed to her house upon hearing the news to see if she was doing all fine.

Her parents flew to Japan, the place where the funeral was held and left her at the care of Kyungsoo's parents promising to be back within a week's time. She packed a few essentials in a suitcase and they took her to their house upon her parent's departure. She was to stay in the room adjacent to Kyungsoo's study room. The room was coloured in pastel blue with a large bed in the middle, rows of books were stacked neatly on furnished wooden columns, the walls adorned picturesque murals and an attached bathroom facility was provided. She was to spend her time there until her parents returned from Japan.

As Hazel sat on the couch, his parents consoled her on her grandpa's loss. Kyungsoo kept mum throughout the ordeal not knowing what to tell. He stole glances at her every now and then worriedly. They dined together for breakfast and attended mass prayer at the chapel.

After lunch, his parents left home around 3 o'clock in the evening to attend an important meeting leaving the two all by themselves.

"We're not sure about the time of our arrival, honey. Make sure to look after Hazel," was the last thing his mother told to him before leaving the house.

The two sat in silence for a long time. With face like a withered flower, her eyes stared into space without blinking. Kyungsoo widened his eyes with a serious look and asked, "Hazel, what's your favourite Korean dish?"

Hazel looked up at him. His serious face whilst asking this question out of the blue cracked her up. She chuckled at his question, "I'm not sure about Korean dish but I'm craving for pasta right now."

"Thank God..." He breathed in relief. "I was worried the whole time not knowing what to tell. I'll make you that dish right away. Maybe then you'll feel better," he hurriedly got off the sofa and bolted towards the kitchen.

Just then, she received an unexpected phone call. Staring at the phone screen in utter disbelief, Hazel swiped right to attend the call. "Hello Elle!"

"Hey!" Elle answered.

"Hey! How are you?" Hazel asked. "It's been so long since we spoke." She felt sad. It had been over three weeks since her arrival in Seoul and it was now that her so-called friend had decided to call. All of Hazel's messages of "I've reached", "How are you?" had been seen zoned.