Ding!
Ding!
Ding!
It was almost 1 AM and the phone vibrated beside to which a notification popped on the screen. I saw a pile of messages from Andrew and from my brother as well. There were a number of calls and messages and I only stared blankly at them for a brief moment while I let the cool breeze hit me.
I was at the same bridge where I made a very important life choice once. And unintentionally every time to understand my emotions better, I end up here. As if my feet traverse the path on their own. I wanted to go to the orphanage but I didn't want the kids to see me drunk. Also, I did not go home after leaving the company and somehow drank a lot more than usual. I know it is not even safe for a normal person at night and here I am an omega, fully drunk, is wandering around in nightlife.
But my phone won't stop vibrating and to think more carefully, I am not alone anymore and there are people worrying about me now. I think I have sobered up enough so, I booked a cab and typed the words on my phone. 'I am on my way' and delivered it to the worried people.
.
.
In the short duration, as I opened the door to my apartment, my brother rushed towards me.
"Sarang, we were worried about you?" my brother asked me while checking me from up to down.
"Brother, you are just overreacting. You see I am not a kid anymore, and why did you even call Andrew?" I scoffed and looked away in order to not make eye contact with Andrew.
Upon hearing my words, my brother backed away a little and spoke hesitantly "Ah! yes, I'm sorry I just got overly worried. Right!" But his head then drooped a little while he went away saying that he would make us something warm to drink.
I too lowered my gaze as I myself knew I was also guilty. And this was the alcohol talking because I never speak to my brother like that. Andrew was standing there cross-armed and waited for my brother to enter the kitchen. He then held my hands while we headed towards the sofa. We both sat down but were still holding hands. He was slowly stroking my hand with his thumb as I peeked to look at his expression.
"I am waiting for you to calm down so that I can ask why you behaved like that just now?" he spoke in a strict yet calm tone and I gulped upon hearing those words.
"Did something happen at work? or maybe the new team leader is creating a ruckus again? You know you can tell me everything," his gentle voice pierced through my ear.
I felt incredibly guilty since they both should have scolded me for being a mess right now, but one is too weak to even argue with me while the other is a calm before the storm.
I always succumb to this gentle voice. For many people, meditation is the cure but for me, to ease my anxiety, only this person is enough. Of course, at first glance, he knew I was not in a good mood but unlike me, who gets flustered and even yells at my brother. He is calm and composed.
His constant stare and patience made me nervous. I felt like my mind kept on glitching and I had to speak about whom I encountered today. But I felt uneasy, as I didn't want things to mess up. He is the CEO of a leading entertainment company and we had a contract with CYBELE. If any rumour spreads, it can lead to our downfall. My idiocy at this point could degrade the company.
In a culture filled with insecurity and uncertainty, I found my solace through this person. And I won't want to burden him with things concerning my past again. It is my turn to protect him now and at no cost, I would let the company's reputation turn into ashes.
We had a rough time overcoming everything and now the only thing I want is to cherish our present. Also, if I look back at things, I think it's alright since today was an exception because my other team members were not present. I don't have to get involved if I don't visit their company. CYBELE is a rising group and their schedule will be fully packed so I won't have to encounter her anymore. And even if I did, I can always ask Mr. Wang and Ms. Lee for help.
As I was contemplating, my brother appeared with warm cups of ginger tea. He took his own cup and was about to head towards the bedroom while I held his hand. He stopped without a second thought and instantly asked if I needed something else. His eyes showed genuine concern and the silly me, realized how could I have yelled at a person like him.
"Please sit", I requested him as he placed his tea on the table and sat across from me on the sofa.
"I'm sorry, brother and Andrew, too." I looked at both of them one by one. "My behaviour was rude. I didn't pick up your calls nor did I reply to the texts and as soon as I arrived, I raised my voice. To be honest, I had a bad day at work. So, I just went somewhere to clear my mind. I was immature and not able to control my emotions is the only thing I still hate. So, I went to a place where I could calm my emotions. I will not show this irresponsible behaviour in the future so forgive me this once."
At that moment, I was on the verge of crying. Ah! that's why I hate alcohol. But I was assured that I could apologize properly. I didn't know if they both would take the bait. But to my surprise, my brother stood up and patted me on the head as he headed to his room.
"Don't exert yourself. It's fine to take alone time but without ghosting us. I often think that as a beta, it is difficult for me to understand some things and maybe you don't feel like telling me everything, but I'm sure Andrew will take care of you."
Now Andrew and I were left alone.
"Ah! yes, you both can stay the night here," my brother spoke as he came back to retrieve his teacup.
.
.
Andrew closed his laptop before dimming the lights and prepared to go to bed. I was already in bed, and I felt dizzy. I stopped gazing at Andrew, who was now headed towards the bed. I was sure he wanted to talk about the things that happened today, but my eyes were slowly closing with the burden of sleep. He started patting me to sleep and gave me a slight kiss.
"Why? Why did you not ask me anything else?" I asked with my eyes closed while feeling the warmth of his body. I snuggled towards him more and his scent put me at ease. "I'm sorry, Andrew, but you know I love you. Lots and lots and lots and lots."
"Okay, Okay, now you better sleep. Good night, Sarang. I love you too. " He gave me a peck again and in his arms, I fell asleep.
Through the window, the crescent moon illuminated in the expansive night sky, enhancing nature's beauty.
.
.
Next day.........
"But I cannot just take a day off without informing brother, ", I expressed my worry.
"But what can you do now? It's already 12 pm. So, freshen up and meanwhile, I'll prepare something to eat. I have an appointment at 1 so take care of the house for me," he spoke while watching TV.
"Ah! What do I do with you brother? And even Andrew didn't wake me up. He just left on his own. My team leader is surely going to give me an earful tomorrow. But what can I do now? I better prepare myself in advance." I sighed as I headed towards the washroom.
"I'm leaving Sarang," my brother left the apartment at 12.30.
I came outside after hearing my brother leave and as usual; he left the TV on.
ON T.V...
This new girl group has become a new sensation. Last year, XYZ company released a boy band and their debut was extraordinary. But this year it is predicted that CYBELE may take them over in popularity. So, here we are today with the sensational group as they perform their debut song live on our show.
'Why am I seeing her again? But it can't be avoided since they are going to be in the news for a while.' I thought to myself.
The song started, and the lyrics made me nostalgic.
"Even though I try to think of something else, my brain won't listen to me.
Your every little thing, I like all of them.
So, what can I do?
Because your smile every day is a little bit different.
Every day is a joy when I talk with you. My heart beats loudly as if I caught a disease because of you.
That's how it all began. I hesitated not knowing what to do. But slowly I got infatuated and I do not regret it because it's you."
To be continued...