"I'm okay. I promise." He let his land rest on top of hers as he pulled it into his. He let their hands intertwine before kissing the top of her knuckles. "I'm fine." He reassured her before she pulled her hand away.
"I can't let you look like that on our day 1." She was not smiling and continued to look worried before grabbing his jacket.
"Come inside." She pulled his jacket and led him into the home. He followed behind her. He had seen his face, but he was sure it was not that bad. He walked close behind her, watching as she pulled him along, and this only made him adore her more. After walking in, he could see Minji sleeping, and she looked back at him.
"Uh, is she okay?" He chuckled as she sat him down at the kitchen table.
"She's fine. She's talked herself to death." She went to the medicine cabinet and pulled the ointment and bandaid before returning back to him. "Here, now, sit still."
She overtowered him as she took a bit of ointment and spread it on the cut next to his lip. She was so focused, and he was focused on her. He smiled at the thought of her being so careful. The thought flashed that she wouldn't need to just run to him, but maybe she was the same for him. His gaze did not break as she muttered to herself, looking him over.
"How did this happen again?" Jennie caught another cut near his hairline, but when she placed ointment on it, he winced dramatically.
"Nothing, I met with some old friends." She looked concerned and didn't show an inch of belief in what he was saying. "We got a little rough." He tried to play it off with a laugh that soon turned into another wince.
"Well, you need to be careful." She scolded him before going to get an additional band-aid. When the final band-aid went on, he stood up.
"I'll be more careful. I have to go now." He smiled and moved towards the door as she followed close behind. He opened the door, looking back to see her standing there with a smile. "I really just wanted to see you." He leaned down and kissed her forehead before starting to walk out of the yard.
"Will I see you, class?" She called out, and he didn't turn around.
"I'll call you soon. I'll answer then." And with a wink, he disappeared behind the door. He waited outside the gate, listening to her retreat inside before starting on his way. He ran his fingers through his hair, walking past her home and continuing to the staircase that was nearby. Once on the stairs, he climbed up each step, his leg tiring underneath him as he soon stood at the door to his home. He typed in his code. The door let out a ring to signal to him that it was unlocked, pushing it in so that he could walk in. The darkness soon surrounded him as he walked in, kicking his shoes off and flipping a switch. The small room illuminated, books on shelves and tables, strewn around the floor. He let his backpack fall against the wall, scanning the apartment as he picked up a few books to sit on a side table before letting his body fall to the couch.
His face was soon covered by his arm, shielding himself from the light that hung above him as he let out groans. Footsteps pressed into his chest, making him look to see a smiling face staring at him. He smiled as the dog lay down to receive his daily dose of attention. It was the only thing at the moment that could help his mind escape. His hand soon went to his leg, the thoughts racing through his mind as he waited for the pain to succumb. He waited mere minutes before there was no end, forcing him to stand up and walk to the bedroom. The small dog followed not far behind, watching him as he walked around before landing on the bed for the best seat. While changing his clothes, he spotted a few bruises on himself that he just needed to ignore. The thoughts that began to run through his mind were powerful, his fist and teeth clenching together before a bark interrupted. It brought him back. Pulling out the pajama pants that were in his drawer, he finished.
"I'm sorry. Should we eat?" The small dog let out another bark before jumping down from the bed and following behind him. He smiled, thinking about the little dog that yipped and followed by his side. He pulled the extra food bowls from the cabinet and picked up the food that was left on the counter. As the bowl filled, the dog turned happily, spinning himself silly until the bowl was set on the tray stand in front of him. The dog instantly began eating, Kai kneeling down to pet him as he ate.
"I'm sorry I didn't come earlier." He scratched behind the ears a bit before kissing the forehead and walking away. Kai moved to the couch, pulling his phone into his hand and thinking about making the phone call. The thought of taking Monggu on his final walk was sticking out, but he decided to pick up the phone that began ringing.
"Hello," His voice drug out, and he was not happy. The tone in his voice prompted Monggu to look back with care.
"Hey, did you make it home?" The shaky voice annoyed him, his face turning hot as the voice continued. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to cause any trouble." He knew it was not true. The voice tried to appear genuine, but it was not the best time.
"Okay. I got to go." He hung up the phone, the name 'Annoyed' flashing before the phone returned to the home screen.
As the leash was picked up, flashes of the moment a hand picked up the vase from the table made his body hot. His hand reached to his head, touching the band-aid that rested against his skin. For a moment, he found himself stumbling about before he tried to regain his composure. Monggu crept next to him, brushing his face against Kai's leg as he waited for a moment. Kai's body lowered him to the couch cushion, letting his head clear from the fuzziness that danced around and manipulated his vision.
When it passed, he saw Monggu sitting patiently on the floor waiting, giving him a reassuring look by cocking his head to the side. Kai smiled, nodding his head before standing to get the leash. He picked up the small dog, placing and adjusting the leash to make sure it was comfortable enough. As the two happily prepared for Monggu's walk, Kai made sure he had his phone and keys before leaving. Kai locked the door behind him, walking down the stairs until they reached the road. He pulled out his phone as Monggu led the way, clicking the name filled with hearts and placing it to his ear.
"Are you still awake?" His voice called out the moment her phone picked up.
"Yeah, did you make it home?" He smiled at her words, following behind the happy dog that sniffed through the neighborhood.
"Yeah," His voice dropped a bit before speaking back up. "Are you available for coffee in the morning?" He smiled a bit at the sudden pause she took, understanding that she was trying to process everything.
"Sure. Should we meet at the cafe?" His body burst with excitement, thinking about the thought of going out with her the next morning.
"Deal." He was firm with his answer, watching Monggu continue to guide him before her voice picked up.
"Are you outside?" He looked around before letting a chuckle slip.
"Mhmm." He nodded, looking at the sky and then down the road where her home was. "Should I come see you?" He joked, laughing and smiling. The look on his face was not one that matched the way his body felt. As his body ached and throbbed, the sound of her voice gave him the adrenaline he needed to continue to ignore it.
"How about I meet you?" She asked, hearing shuffling as she answered.
"We can meet you." He said back quickly, starting to guide Monggu to the right side of the road as they traveled down.
"We?" Her voice cracked a bit, and he chuckled more.
"My dongsaeng and I." He said, getting a reassuring laugh from her. He looked down at Monggu, who smiled happily and was more excited just to be outside.
"Dongsaeng?" Shuffling could be heard in the background before he heard the wind hit the speaker.