Before You Go • VHOPE [On Hold]

Chapter 12: Balcony

Hoseok buried his face in his pillow out of frustration. Throwing, rather paddling his legs in the air while he screeched to himself in annoyance.

He was fed up with the irritating nostalgic pain he felt in his heart. He knew he upset Taehyung, but more than feeling guilty, he felt confused.

He couldn't stop thinking about it. His mind was full of thoughts of Taehyung. And everytime he remembered his smile, his heart felt as if it would jump out.

He was busy sulking when suddenly his phone rang. He raised his eyes from the pillow, lazily moved his hand onto the phone and saw the caller ID. It was Taehyung.

He mumbled something to himself and let go of the phone, burying his head under the pillow.

"Am I nothing more to you than just a friend?"

What else.. are we...

He pouted to himself and cursed for the restless beating of his heart to stop already.

That wasn't the only time that Taehyung called. He had called atleast three more times during the day. And today wasn't even the first day of his missed calls.

"Hoseok! Dinner is ready!" His father called out from downstairs.

He whined a little and dragged himself out of the bed slowly, moving to the door before glancing one last time at his phone- pouting a little before he turned around and left for downstairs.

He took a seat at the table while his father was bringing the last of the dishes onto the table. He glanced at Hoseok, "Something about you tells me you're anxious."

"Wow. What gave me away." Hoseok asked disinterestedly and absent-mindedly before taking his chopsticks. "I'm starting," He said before starting his meal.

"Maybe you're love-sick."

Hoseok choked on his rice, coughing. He reached out for the glass of water and silently drank.

"I was joking, but your reaction seems suspicious." His dad narrowed his eyes playfully as he sat and began his dinner.

"It's nothing like that." He blushed while he was still calming down. He pursed his lips, staring down at his plate, nervous to look up.

For a while, they ate silently before his father broke the silence again, "So, Kim Taehyung.. he's a good boy."

"Uh..? I don't know, maybe?" He tried to act as clueless and firm as he could. His throat was running dry so he sipped onto water again.

"Let's invite them for Christmas."

He almost spat out the water but controlled himself at the very critical moment. His eyes widened as he glared at his father in shock, and coughed.

"What..?"

"Him and his parents. It'd be good to have them over for Christmas."

"Dad, are you okay? We haven't celebrated Christmas ever since... Mom passed away." He averted his eyes down. "What's the point?"

"You're right." His father said, catching his attention immediately, "What's the point? Hoseok, the only point is..." He let out a deep sigh, his voice unsteady, "I'm about to lose you too. This..." He gulped, his eyes almost watering but he averted his eyes so Hoseok wouldn't have to see.

Hoseok pursed his lips, understanding the point. He nodded softly, his voice just as soft, as he spoke in his realization, "This will be my last Christmas.."

His father couldn't look up, and that made him feel more guilty. "I'm sorry, dad. I- I wasn't thinking about it.. This must be hard for you too. But right now, I am alive.."