My Muse

Chapter 5: Delete Contact?

  Hanging upside down from his bed, Young K stared at the screen of his phone in much disbelief. He locked and unlocked it, only to be met with the exact same display of Hwayoung's phone number. Feeling his heartbeat in his stomach again, Young K sat up straight and threw his phone aside. He ruffled his hair while letting out a heavy sigh and tried to sift through his muddled thoughts.

  I can't believe she put me in this position. She should know that I can get in trouble for this. I should just delete her number right now...

  Phone in his hand once more, Young K unlocked his phone and tapped the red trash icon in a blind haste. He was met with a second pop-up.

"Delete Contact for Kim Hwayoung?"

  Young K's eyes bounced back and forth between the "Delete" and "Cancel" option. Aggressively shaking off the doubts in his head, he brought his finger right above the "Delete" button where it continued to hover for the next minute or so. Suddenly, Young K was taken back to Hangang Park, where he was walking next to a moonlit Hwayoung. Her parting words rang in his ears.

  "Talk to you soon!"

  Young K grit his teeth and took a hard gulp as he brought his finger even closer to the screen.

  I'm sorry, Hwayoung....

  And Young K was certain to fully erase any future chance of meeting Hwayoung had it not been for Dowoon who had appeared at the doorstep of Young K's bedroom. Dowoon announced his presence with his low but hushed voice which was enough to make the hairs on Young K's neck stand. 

  "Hey, where were you all night?" Dowoon asked softly.
  Feeling his heart skip a beat, Young K quickly locked his phone, turned it face down and snapped his neck upwards to look at Dowoon. Young K's heart was racing, but he tried his best to seem calm.

  "You're still awake at this hour? It's almost 1AM," Young K said, trying to change the subject.

  "You're acting like I don't usually stay up late to practise. Anyway, don't avoid the question. Where were you all night?" Dowoon asked again.

  "Oh, you didn't read the text I sent to the group chat? There was a long line at the clinic and then I stopped by the supermarket-" Young K started.

  "I know you're lying," Dowoon replied neutrally.
  Although he was shocked, Young K was not too quick to give up his act and brushed the accusation off with a scoff.

  "What exactly are you implying?" he asked, trying to seem dumbfounded.

  Dowoon hesitated slightly before responding in a curious tone, "Did you go out to meet the girl again? The one you told Jae and Sungjin about last week."

  The accusation made Young K's stomach churn, but he simply let out a small chuckle and even a convincing roll of the eyes, fully prepared to cover up the truth with a logical explanation. Unfortunately, he found it difficult to lie after looking into Dowoon's merciless and familiar puppy eyes. With his head tilted, it was clear to Young K that Dowoon's expression was not one of someone looking to attack him, but instead conveyed a child-like innocence. He wasn't interested in painting Young K out to be a bad guy, he just wanted to know the truth.

  "I won't tell the others..." Dowoon further reassured, sensing Young K's hesitation.
  Young K had always had a soft spot for Dowoon and this time it was no different. Giving in to Dowoon's pure charm, he confessed immediately.