It was her third day at the hospital but Pauline was already itchy to get out. Her parents paid her a visit earlier and she felt guilty because she didn't tell them about her condition. Nevertheless, she promised her parents that she would take care of herself first before anything else. Now alone in the hospital, she felt somewhat lonely. All her life, Pauline learned to be independent and strong. She didn't want people to assist her like a doll but now, she wonder what would be the feeling of being taken care of. Especially to the person who deeply cared for her.
I wish I was there to take good care of you.
For the first time on her life, she wanted badly to know the person behind the letters from Mr. Grim. She wanted to see him and talk to him like a real person but she knew it was impossible. She could feel the fear on his words as she read his letter. Afraid from what? From her?
Do I have the face of Annabelle that he really scurries whenever she sees me? She thought bitterly.
A knock on a door disrupted her thoughts and Ryeo Tan entered her room. Pauline frowned at him.
"What are you doing here? Is there any problem?" she asked.
Ryeo Tan shook his head and smiled. "Nope. I'm just here because they want to pay you a visit."
She arched her brow. "Who?"
Ryeo Tan opened the door and the members of ASUS came in. They were pushing each who would go in first but Ryeo Tan pushed them into her. She smiled upon seeing them so cute together.
"Hi, guys," she greeted them warmly.
The boys were so adamant that they were nudging each other until Seung Joon approached her and gave her the bouquet of flowers.
"I hope you like flowers, Miss Pauline."
She accepted the flowers. "Oh well, thank you, guys. I appreciate it."
They smiled in return. She eyed Seung Joon secretly. She could still remember that day at the rooftop. His words that had the resemblance of Mr. Grim's letter. Her heart stopped at the moment.
He's not him.
Pauline shook her head to erase her thoughts. It would only worsen her condition. She would just forget everything about that day and never stress herself out to a person who only thought of conning her.
Right. Mr. Grim was just conning the hell out of me.
But she could feel her heart protesting, Pauline just ignored it.
"Does your head still hurt, Miss Pauline?" Hoon Shik asked her. "I have an aunt from the province who plants and sells herbal plants to help cure your migraine. I can ask her to give me some plants for you."
His words touched her. She didn't thought that these boys were worried about her condition. Pauline just smiled at him.
"Okay but maybe sometime. I'll be out for a day or so from the hospital. I'll just ask you after I get discharge."
Hoon Shik just smiled sheepishly. She almost choked. Pauline wasn't blind to see how his cheeks reddened as she talked to him. She gulped.
Min Teuk walked towards her and was stunned as he put his hand on her forehead.
What the...
"You don't have fever, Miss Pauline but I can see the discoloring of your face. I think your blood pressure is too low. I suggest that you should stay at the hospital a week more."
Pauline looked at Min Teuk, bemused at his words. "Are you a doctor now?"
He just smiled. "Almost."
Figures. Pauline knew that Min Teuk was the son of the wealthy conglomerate in Seoul. His parents owned two prominent and prestigious hospitals in the city that had advanced technologies helping patients to get cured by their illnesses. She heard that his parents were against his decision of changing his path to music and not running the company but later on, they learned to accept his path and supported him along the way.
"Well, Doctor Lee. As you can see that I'm perfectly fine and sound so you better get back to being an idol. You're creeping me out."
Everyone laughed at her statement. Well, except Bin Young, the unsmiling rapper of the group.
"Okay, guys. Visiting hours is done," Ryeo Tan announced. "Give her majesty a good night sleep."
The boys bid their goodbye and walked out from her room. When Ryeo Tan didn't leave her room, she frowned at him.
"What? You do have anything to say?"
Ryeo Tan silently approached her and handed something on her. In his hand, she saw a pink envelope. She reluctantly accepted it and scanned.
Mr. Grim?
"Before you conclude something on your mind, I didn't know how that thing appeared on my table. I just read his instructions not to open that envelope until I give it you." Ryeo Tan explained.
"You sure?" she asked as she search his face to know whether he was telling the truth or not.
Ryeo Tan looked at her squarely. "Yes, I'm sure."
Her shoulder slumped. Pauline thought she would be able to unveil Mr. Grim's identity but she was wrong. She only jumped to another puzzle that Mr. Grim had given her to solve.
And why am I giving a damn to that stalker?
"That guy must be madly in love with you, Pauline." Ryeo Tan concluded.
"Nope. A creepy stalker," she said wryly.
"Are you still receiving anonymous letters from him?"
She reluctantly nodded. "Yes."
After five minutes, Ryeo Tan went out already from her room, leaving her alone in the confined room.
Pauline sighed and gently opened the envelope. Inside, she saw the same paper he always gave her and took it. She opened his letter and read.
Dear Miss Pauline,
To finally ease your mind, I put something inside the envelope.
Hope you enjoy it, my Cherie.
I'm worried sick about you.
And...
I miss you, my angel.
The hopeless romantic,
Mr. Grim.
She fumbled the contents of the envelope and she saw an old version of iPad with attached headphones to it. Pauline put the earpiece both of her ears and turned the device on. She scanned the songs to the playlist and randomly hit the play button. A soothing music came into her ears. It was low and sensual. The music was purely instrumental and its melody would drown to the soul just like what happened to her now.
Pauline closed her eyes as she took pleasure in hearing his music. She imagined him holding her close and murmur sweet nothingness into her ear.
Mr. Grim...
******