Always, It's You

Chapter 11

Ashley's POV:

After another hour of chitchat, Tae looked at his watch. It was almost time.
I got up, "Let's go. I'll go with you to the airport."

Tae was happy. He called someone about his luggage in the hotel. Maybe they will send them directly to the airport.
But really? Do they do that?

We came out. Tae was joking. About the time how his Namjoon hyung had blown up the microwave and how yoongi hyung disses everything around him without any filter and how he misses Jimin. Guess they are really close.

I remembered Maya.
My best friend.

I've been away for almost two and half years. She was quite busy with her career too. We both attended the same school, middle school, high school, and medical school too. But she changed her profession after her ever dictator father passed away who was the only reason she applied to the medical school in the first place anyway.
He didn't want any marine biologist in his family as his world was revolving around his fake pride about grooming up his children into stereotyped doctors, engineers, or businessmen.

How is she? I have a lot to catch up with her. It has been months since I have contacted her last. In my defense, I was pretty busy lately.

"Why don't you come to Korea?" Tae asked suddenly, "It's a wonderful place to visit."

I nodded, "I would love to. I had this plan, to take a trip around the globe this time."

Tae smiled brightly, "I would love to return the favor if you come. Just inform me."

"Deal." I smiled back.

We went into the metro, I shared my earphone with him again as we listened to some old-school rock. He was smiling widely the whole time.

"let's take a selfie," he suddenly said.

Oh!!!..... I totally forgot that. How come? We definitely have to take pictures together. He got closer and took a selfie. The stop came suddenly and we came down. Airport was just minutes away. We walked there, talking about random stuff. I was kind of down that he had to go back. He made my days sunny just with his smile.
I would definitely miss him.

He received his luggage just outside the airport. We went in.
It was already late. Tae brought out his passport and ticket from his backpack and finished checking in.

"Please stay safe," I said.

He tried to smile, "I am gonna miss you, Ash. You are an incredible person."

I was touched. It's not often people call me incredible.

"Gosh! Tae, don't be cheeky!!" I exclaimed as I slapped his shoulder playfully.

PA system was announcing his flight. It was time for him to leave.

"Say hi to the guys. It would be great if I could meet them all," I said to Tae.

"We left the bike there!! We didn't return it," he suddenly remembered.

"Don't worry, I will take care of it," I assured him.

PA system again called and the lounge receptionist said to Tae, "Sir, you need to go if you don't want to miss your flight."

He nodded, and smiled at me, and gave his phone to me, "can I have your number?"

I was dumbfounded. Really? We haven't done it already??? Yet we managed to plan my vacation to Korea even!!! You dumbo, Ash!!

I scolded myself as I took his phone from his hand. But suddenly my pager started to vibrate continuously.

"Please hold that for a minute for me." I handed back the phone to Tae and pulled out the pager from my pocket.

My eyes widened as I realized what that meant.

"It's an emergency." I tried to smile at him.

"Go, you need to go." He pushed me.

I again smiled and hugged him. Then we both rushed in both directions. But I immediately stopped as Tae called me.
I turned back and saw him running towards me. He was panting and smiling.
He pulled out the chain he was wearing with a tiny pendant from his neck and placed it on my palm before closing my fist around it.

"Don't forget me," he said smiling.

"Bye, Tae," I said as he rushed in the other direction, waving goodbye.

I turned around and started running to get out of here. I found a taxi right out of the airport and I hopped on it. Saying my destination I called Tania, my trainee.

"Tania, it's me. I just got paged. What is it?"

"It's AC, Doctor Ruth, as you requested," she replied.

My heart missed a beat.

Awake craniotomy? No way!!!! I have been requesting to be in one since forever. I was denied the last two times as I was not experienced enough in their words.

"Who is the lead surgeon, Tania?" I asked.

"It's Professor Harvey. You better hurry up," she replied.

"On my way," I said and hung up. I stared at the phone for some time and suddenly it hit me, I didn't give my number to Tae. Nor did I took his. And for sure, I am never going to see him again, cause I burnt the bridge a few minutes ago.
I cursed myself for the thousandth time as I wrapped the chain around my neck and hid my face frustratingly.