CH17- I did good, right?

I did good, right?

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Dara’s POV

I woke up feeling warm. I snuggled closer to that warmth … and then my brain cells kicked in. I quickly scampered away from Youngbae, realizing that I was being enveloped by his arms while we slept. He didn’t stir from my movement. I studied his bruised face and I winced. The bruises looked nasty and I’m sure that it hurts. I sighed. I didn’t even realize when we had fallen asleep. Oh well, might as well cook some breakfast since he was kind to me last night.

I cooked some rice, fried eggs sunny side up and I found a pack of ramen. I still have some left over kimchi so I guess this’ll have to do. I’m sure I made some noises but Youngbae was sleeping like a log and even after I took a quick shower, he was still out of it. When the rice cooker signalled that it’s done cooking, that’s when I cooked the ramen so the broth will still be hot when we eat. I prepared the little aluminium round table and arranged our food for two and placed it beside him. I gently shook Youngbae and it took me two minutes to fully wake him up. “Hurry and wash your face” I ordered. “The food will get cold.”

Breakfast was a silent affair. I guess both of us were thinking of last night. Right now, Youngbae knows about me more than anyone I know. Although I’m not regretting that I shared my life story with him, in the back of my mind, there’s this gnawing fear that this person now has the most ammunition on me. I believe my fear stems from my past history with trusting the wrong people. This time … this time … it’ll be different. I hope.

“The trip to Macau will be next week, right?” I looked at Youngbae. I did some thinking while cooking earlier and I came up with a plan. I think he will be mighty pleased when he finds out what my surprise is.

He nodded slowly, taking a sip of the broth directly from the tin pot.

“When exactly are we leaving?” I said offhandedly, reaching for some kimchi with my chopsticks.

He choked and started coughing. I handed him a glass of water.

“Chincha?” His eyes were round like he couldn’t believe what he was hearing.

“I thought you asked me to come with you?”

He nodded vigorously and smiled. “I promise you, you won’t regret coming … it’ll be the best vacation ever.”

I continued eating and hid a smile. If things will go according to my plan, it’ll be his best vacation ever.

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The week went by very fast. I asked for a vacation leave from Gummy unnie and Dongwook oppa for two weeks. I made some phone calls and met some people and so far, everything is falling into place. I pat myself on the back. You did good, Dara.

Its two days before Christmas. The plane to Macau will be leaving in half an hour and here I am in the airport, done checking in my luggage. My phone started ringing and I answered immediately.

“Where are you?” came Youngbae’s worried voice.

“I’m already in the airport” I answered.

I heard his sigh of relief. “Great! I’m here near Gate 7. You didn’t forget your ticket?”

I looked at the ticket I’m holding. “Nope”

“Hurry up then. They’ll announce boarding time any minute from now.”

“Arasseo, arasseo. Just wait there okay?”

“Ppalli-iii…” Youngbae said in a cute tone and I laughed.

“Ara … talk to you later …” I ended the call and dialled another number, the smile leaving my face.  I am doing the right thing, right?

I see him standing, looking around near the boarding area. I saw how he repeatedly looked at his phone. I then heard the voice over the speakers’ last call for the passengers to board now. My phone rings. Youngbae has this worried look on his face and I quickly hid behind a stone pillar.

“It’s been 20 minutes …” he greeted me. “Are you lost? Hurry up or we’ll miss the plane.”

“Just relax” I soothed. “Youngbae-ya …”

“Hmmm?”

“Turn around”

“What?”

“Turn around” I repeated.

“Why?” I peeked and he looked confused.

“Aish! Just follow what I tell you!”

He turned around but not in the direction I wanted. “Turn to your right, 30 degrees more.”

“Huh?”

“Ppalli!”

“You can see me?” he asked, surprised, and began turning his head left and right. Nevertheless, he followed my direction so he’s now facing the boarding gate.

“Listen to me …” I began. “Keep your eyes in front.” I peeked again to see if he did what I asked, and then I continued.  “I wanted to thank you for being a friend. I know that I haven’t been doing a great job of what you’ve asked of me and I’m really sorry for messing up our previous plan so this time, I wanna make it up to you.”

“Dara, what are you saying? You didn’t mess up any -“

“Just shut up and listen, okay?” I interrupted. “I know I promised you that you’ll find a girlfriend soon and I am planning to keep that promise …” I signalled to someone and nodded.

“So,” I sighed. “I have a surprise for you … Don’t miss this opportunity, okay?”

“What are you saying?” I can hear the confusion in his voice.

“Youngbae-ya … have a great vacation, okay? I know you’ll love my gift.” I peeked again and I know that it’s time. “I’ll count from 1 to 3 and then you can turn, ara?” I started walking, with a heavy heart for some reason.

“Don’t turn around until I tell you to …” I warned. “Hana … dhul … seht!”

“Dara-ya, what are you-“ Youngbae turned. “K-krystal?!”

I heard how surprised he was over the phone. He must be so happy right now. “Merry Christmas, Youngbae.” I said in a low tone and I pressed “End Call” on my phone and sighed. I did good, right?

I glanced at my watch. I have two hours more to spare before my flight to Jeju. I sighed again. What to do with all this time?

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