Serendipity: The Amazing Journey Of A Soulmate

22. Make it right

NAMJOON

With my hands in my pockets, I walk slowly through the lobby entrance but there are so many people in here as well. I decide it's better to go outside and take a breath of fresh air. The moon is already high up in the sky, always watching and the air is chilly. It's going to get even colder later on. Standing here, looking at the night sky, I sense smoke coming from somewhere close. Someone is smoking. I look around and spot Ella sitting on a ledge with a cigarette in her hand. "This habit of yours is really unhealthy" I say by way of greeting as I arrive at her side. She looks up at me unbothered. "So I've been told. What are you doing here? Shouldn't you be there with the boys, watching the show?" she asks looking in the distance and letting the smoke come out of her mouth in small breaths. "I felt suffocated in there." I reply taking a seat next to her. "You too, huh?" Sometimes I feel like Ella has a lot on her mind, I always find her going on walks or sitting alone, like she's looking for a place to be alone with her thoughts. We're similar in that way, maybe that's why I find it so easy to talk to her. We sit in silence for awhile, just letting the night air swamp us in its cool embrace. I don't know what's on her mind, but in mine it's Inna. It's always Inna. After seeing her earlier, I feel even more tormented. I left the building because I couldn't bear to look at her. I decided to let her go for her well being, but why do I have the feeling that I just made a terrible mistake?

As soon as Ella finishes her cigarette, we head back inside. She goes to meet the others, but I choose to walk around the building for a little longer, to gather my courage. I think it is time to face Inna.

INNA

The moment I get off the stage, my legs start shaking. All my emotions come crashing at me at full force like the waves of the untamed ocean hitting the rocky shore. I never thought I'd be able to finish that presentation after seeing Namjoon right there, in front of me. We locked eyes and there was something in them I can't quite explain. Was it sadness? Hurt? I know for sure he wasn't well either. As I was walking back behind the stage I saw him leaving the venue and I think this is the right time to talk to him, while the boys are still here. I don't want to face them now, in this state. I am about to leave backstage when Mirae appears in front of me. "Inna, that was amazing!" she jumps up and down excitedly, like a little schoolgirl. "The show was a success, but let's not repeat that. I won't ever walk on a fucking podium in my life again." She starts laughing and nudges me with her elbow. "Come on, I think you secretly enjoyed it." I roll my eyes and continue my walk towards the exit when she grabs my hand and stops me in my tracks. "Wait a minute. Where are you going? We need to find my brother and take some pictures to capture this moment. We have to celebrate" she says with sparkling eyes. "I will do it later, okay? I need to find Namjoon." At that, she encouragingly squeezes my hand and nods, then she releases me urging me to leave. "Go! Shoo!" Smiling at her, I turn around and leave, walking towards the room where the reception was taking place. To my surprise, there are many people here, despite the fact that the fashion show is still ongoing. Like usually, the posh people are not here to enjoy the show, but to do business and make new advantageous connections. A young waitress stops me, putting a tray in front of my eyes. "Something to drink, Miss?" she asks politely and I grab a glass of champagne, drinking it in a gulp and putting it empty back on the tray. She looks at me with wide eyes, definitely not expecting a lady like me to be so unmannered, but I don't give a fuck anymore. I needed that glass like I need air. Like I need a certain someone.

I spot Namjoon in a corner, carefully observing a painting of a contemporary artist. I walk towards him with determination, trying not to bump into people and waiters roaming around the place.
"Can I have a word with you?" I ask him when I arrive at his side. He turns around and gives me a look that suggests he has been waiting for me to come. Nodding, he lets me pull him by his sleeve to a more quiet place. We end up on a balcony and Namjoon carefully closes the door behind him for privacy. With the moon high above us, offering me solace and protection, I start speaking.  "What's with this message?" I ask him, waving the phone in his face. His eyes are following the phone, facial muscles twitching as if a war occurred inside his mind, tormenting him. There is an unbearable silence for what seems like ages, until he finally speaks.
"This is for the best." pain flickering in his eyes. "The best for who, Namjoon? Huh? Were you ever intending to talk to me or just leave this stupid message behind and walk away like nothing happened?"