Take Care of My Girlfriend

[4] My feelings for you

[4]

Sangrae’s Point of View

Gikwang didn’t show up in class today.

I haven’t seen him since that ridiculous scene at the hallway this morning. It was almost evening now, which was good anyway, because I didn’t want him to see me after I cried in front of him earlier. That was embarrassing. I was supposed to get over with what he did to me. I was really angry at him earlier, that I couldn’t suppress it inside of me. I had replied to him with sarcastic comments which were never my intention. I didn’t want to hurt his feelings even after what he did to me. He was emotionally frail, and I knew that. I tried to be strong, but I failed.

We both got hurt in the end.

Even after claiming that I didn’t want to see him though, a part of me missed him. A lot. Three months is too long.

He was...too important to me; but I needed to suppress myself.

I was still at the school library, looking for a fictional book to read. We had an upcoming test this week but I wasn’t really focusing on it. I was bothered by something...or someone and I couldn’t concentrate anyway if ever I dared to study.

I brushed my fingers against the bookshelves where the fiction books were located. I’ve been here all afternoon, but up until now, I couldn’t figure out what to borrow. I figured I was just absently staring at the books, not really reading the labels, which was supposed to be what I should be doing.

“Sangrae-sshi? We’re closing in ten minutes. Have you found what you were looking for?” I was surprised when the librarian called me.

“Oh, sorry. I haven’t found it yet. I’m sorry for bothering you. I can leave now if you want,” I replied smiling, turning to the nearest desk where I placed my bag.

The librarian nodded and went back to her small table near the entrance. She was an ahjumma but she looked nothing like it. She looked as if she was in her late 20’s, her long brown hair tied in a straight ponytail, and she wore clothing that didn’t show she was almost middle-aged.

I sighed as I gathered my notebooks and hung my backpack over my shoulder. A vibrating sound caught my attention and I reached for my pocket. It was probably my phone.

The number flashing on the screen was Dongwoon’s.

I sighed once more and breathed before I answered with a quirky tone.

“Yoboseyo, Dongwoon~ah!”

“Yoboseyo, Sangrae~ where are you right now?” he replied, sounding serious.

“I’m still at the library. Why do you ask?” I was thinking that he was calling about Gikwang. After all, they were roommates. The incident earlier would’ve affected Gikwang. Maybe...they beat up each other or something? But I gave up the thought remembering Gikwang was not a guy who would hurt his friend.

“That’s good then. Can you visit Gikwang here at our dorm before you go home?” his voice was croaky. He sounded like he was forcing himself. But why would he want me to go there?

Gikwang was there. I didn’t want to see him right now.

“Why?”

“He kinda needs you right now,” Dongwoon answered.

----*

It didn’t take me long to arrive at their dorm. Since it was around school grounds and I was at the school library, it took me about five minutes to get there. I saw Dongwoon leaning against the wall outside their room. He was lost in deep thought and he was looking at the floor.

“Dongwoon, what happened?” I asked as I approached him. He looked at me wide-eyed before he pulled me in for a tight hug.

Something must have happened.I thought. I waited for Dongwoon to say something but he remained quiet.

“What is it Dongwoon?” I patted his back once before returning his hug hesitantly. Dongwoon was never into skinship and he was never mushy; unlike Gikwang.

“Don’t stay long in there okay? I’ll wait for you out here,” he whispered in my ear as he rested his head at the crook of my neck.

I pulled away and looked at his face. He was clearly out of wounds and he looked like he wasn’t beaten up. I examined his upper body and he looked at me curiously.

“Are you hurt? Did Gikwang hurt you? What happened? Why are you asking me to get in there?” I asked all at once. Dongwoon blinked at me dumbfounded before he smiled with his eye smile.

“I’m fine, Noona. Hyung didn’t hurt me. I’m letting him borrow you right now coz I really think he needs you,” he replied with a hint of a smile. His features were well-developed even though he was younger than me.

“Yah~ what did I tell you about calling me that? Must you always point out that I’m older than you?” I teased lightly, rubbing my thumb in his cheek. I almost tiptoed when I did that since he was so tall.

He chuckled softly before opening the door for me to enter. I looked at him in the eyes before I nodded, and that’s when he ruffled up my hair.

Silly Dongwoon.

I entered quietly and I saw that Gikwang was lying on his bunk. He seemed to be sleeping. Wae? How did he need me? Dongwoon must be setting me up...

I sat on a chair near the side of his bed and studied him closely. He looked like a mess. His hair stood up in all directions, and he was sweating heavily. His face looked upset even though his eyes were closed. I reckoned he had been crying. His shirt had red dots on it and at first I thought it was just a patterned design.

“Sangrae,” I thought he was awake, and my heart almost jumped out of my chest in surprise. “Nnnnnn,” he groaned as he laid his hand above his chest. I was shocked to see that it was wrapped up in bandages. His fingers still had traces of blood on them. What did he do? Dongwoon seemed to be fine, so he hadn’t taken it out on him. Did he punch a mirror?

I noticed a bowl of water and a small towel at a small table and I reached out for it, then I looked at the sleeping Gikwang.

My mind was blank as I looked at him. My heart felt so heavy in my chest. All I knew was, I was staring at him, and somehow, I was contented with what I was doing. If only...

I placed the small towel and I let the water seep through its cloth slowly, letting the warmth of the water enter it. I waited a little longer before I brought it up and removed it from the water, gently squeezing the towel to release all the water it absorbed. I looked at Gikwang again.

I took his arm and gently wiped it until all the red blood I saw was gone. They were still new, judging by the fact that they removed easily with several wipes.

Gikwang. What have you gotten yourself into?

I wanted to voice it, but I was afraid he would wake up. He wasn’t a heavy sleeper; but today, he might be tired.

Then again...what have I gotten myself into?

----*