Pauline was on her way to the rooftop. She needed to release some tension from her body since the comeback album of ASUS became the talk of the town. It had been a month now after they release their full album and as expected, it gained so much positive reviews and their income tripled on the first week of the release. Their MV entitled "Tangled" gained 200 million views on Youtube in just a span of two weeks, beating other bands who launched on the same month as ASUS. Of course, Shin Woo was ecstatic about the outcome and he immediately scheduled ASUS for their promotion and concert both domestic and abroad.
But that was not the case for Pauline. It had been two months since that day. After her reply to his letter, she didn't receive any letters from him anymore. Maybe he finally got to his senses and realized his mistake on toying at her.
She closed her eyes and tried to obliterate her thoughts away from him. It would only worsen her state of mind. The only thing that matters to her now was herself and her career. That would be better than thinking about anything else apart from it.
Pauline halted as she finally emerged in the rooftop. She saw a male figure who sat on the bench, his back was on her so she couldn't see his face. She silently approached him since he was too focused on what he was doing. She peaked at his back and saw him embroidering a handkerchief.
"That looks good," she piped in.
The guy jumped in constant consternation and clutch his chest as if he was having a heart attack. His eyes were so wide like it would bulk any moment. Pauline almost laughed at his face but her face remained neutral.
"M-miss Pauline, you scared the hell out of me," Tae Soo said, still in shock.
Pauline couldn't help herself anymore, she chuckled. "Because you're too focused on your work. Can I sit beside you, Tae Soo?"
"Of course," he moved away a little to give her space.
She sat beside him and looked at his work. "Where did you learn to embroider?"
"My grandmother taught me when I was a little. I grew up living with her," Tae Soo answered.
She looked at him, incredulously. "You lived with your grandmother?"
"Yes. My parents died in an accident when I was a child."
Pauline parted her lips in shock. She could feel the sadness vibrating on him. "I'm sorry."
Tae Soo smiled weakly. "It's alright. I'm used to it."
Silence enveloped them, tasting the fresh air and the panoramic view of the city. Her thoughts drifted back to him again, Mr. Grim. She tried to block him from her mind but it seemed that she failed to do so. Somehow, deep in her heart, Pauline was anticipating his letters. She was always imagining a scenario what would be his surprise for her but nothing came. Perhaps her words must had been hurt him that bad he decided to stop giving her letters anymore.
That bastard!
"Miss Pauline, are you okay?"
Pauline jumped at his voice and smiled awkwardly at him, "Yes, of course. I'm okay. Don't I look fine to you?"
Tae Soo looked directly at her. "You seem sad."
She gave him a timid smile. "It must be the stress and the work. I usually get tantrums of migraine when my mind is getting too loads of pressure. Don't mind me."
Pauline looked at him when he shoved his hand on his pocket. In his hand was a small bottle with a yellowish liquid inside and he offered it to her, she frowned.
"What's this?"
"It's a whiteflower ointment," Tae Soo explained. "When I feel nauseated or my headaches strike me, I put a small amount of that to at least minimize pain. You can also smell it to help you ease your mind."
She took it from his hand and examined it. "Are you sure you want me to use it? It might be impor – "
He shook his head and smiled. "No. You can have it. I can buy it from the pharmacy."
"Oh, well. Thank you," she gladly said.
He just smiled at her and stood up. "I think I should go now, Miss Pauline. I have to prepare my luggage for tomorrow's flight."
"Oh, okay. Have a good flight then."
Then Tae Soo made his way out, leaving her alone in the rooftop. She looked at the ointment he just gave her and opened it. She put it in her nostril and whiffed the spicy aroma coming from the bottle. Tae soo was right. The scent was calming and made her mind feeling better. She smiled, contented.
As she savored the placid feeling, her phone buzzed. She looked at it and saw an unknown number displaying in her screen, she swiped and read.
I miss you, badly.
-Mr. Grim.
Her hands trembled, unable to speak.
******