The Rejection Hotline | k.th

Chapter 15

Smuff warning

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I was busy simultaneously working on my work work, while also answering nonstop calls from the hotline.

It was still hard to believe how it had become a trend or as kids these days refer to it, a 'cultural reset.'

"Sir you're going to have to let it go."

"Ma'am I can't help you, clearly the guy isn't interested."

"No I do not know Lee Seunghyub personally. Wait isn't that the guy from N.Flying? Did he give you my number?!"

"You are a strong independent person, you don't need the validation of anyone to be happy. Love isn't all it's cracked up to be, believe me."

"I understand you're upset but cursing me out is only proving why you can't be in a relationship."

"I'm sorry, I'm off the market."

Those were just a sample of some of the things I had to put up with today. All while drafting up an email to one of my company's customers.

Once again the hotline began to ring, and this time I was very tempted to not answer, but I couldn't. This was part of my livelihood.

"Hello. This is the rejection hotline. If you were given this number, it means that the person you received this from is not inter—"

But I was cut off by the obvious sounds of very soft sobs.

"E-excuse me? Are you alright?" I asked, my voice laced with worry.

"This was a bad idea. I should just go back."

The caller seemed young and extremely terrified.

"Are you okay?" I asked.

"N-no!"

The caller began to break down in sobs. They sounded distressed and like they had been running.

"Honey, can you please tell me what's happening," I bit my lip nervously.

"I-I r-ran away from him."

My chest tightened at the all too familiar scenario unfolding in front of me. But this time, maybe I could help instead of be helped.

"How long have you been running?" I asked.

"Maybe thirty minutes. I didn't take the car, I just got up and ran."

"Is there anyone you can go to that he doesn't know about? I'm sure he knows your friends and parents, so is there like a work buddy you can go to?"

"He doesn't let me work. But there is someone. When he went out drinking and didn't come home, I needed a stress reliever. I wanted to feel loved. So I met someone at a bar and slept with him. Umm...he doesn't know about him, and I'm now realizing I should've probably stayed with him a long time ago, but my boyfriend always apologized so I saw no need."

"How far away is this guy from where you are?" I asked.

"A couple more blocks."

"Good. Keep at it love. He doesn't deserve you. If you don't mind me asking, how long has this been going on?"

"F-four years."

I couldn't hold it in anymore. Silent tears of understanding rolled down my face. I was feeling a mix of empathy and guilt. The caller had been going through this for four years and I had only experienced it for a year and a half. Did I deserve to complain about my pain when so many others suffer so much worse?