SOOJIN'S POV
I woke up with a splitting headache from last night, and as I looked around, I quickly realized I wasn't in my room. Confusion washed over me, and before I could fully comprehend my surroundings....i then turned my attention to the bedside table beside me and saw a photo of Minho. A wave of shyness washed over me. "Who keeps a photo of him here?" I wondered aloud as I overturned the frame. As I took my eyes away from the photo, something caught my attention. Looking back behind the frame, I discovered another photo—it was a picture of us from back then....A smile crept onto my face as I watched it happily. Just then, my phone rang again, and I saw it was a call from him. My heart raced, a mix of excitement and nervousness flooding through me.
"Hello.." I said, my voice a little groggy. "You awake?" he questioned...."Yes, otherwise I wouldn't be talking to you.." I replied, a small chuckle escaping me as I sensed his amusement on the other side. "I made some handover soup for you.. warm it up and take it..." he said, and I felt a warmth in my chest. "Okay, thank you.." I replied, grateful for his thoughtfulness. "Also, if you don't have anything to do at work today, then you can stay over and have some rest.." he added, and I considered it for a moment....Well, I was supposed to stop by the office but I can call in sick...and take the day to rest up.." I said..." But then again what Iam going to do at home alone?" I questioned..."What do you usually do?" he asked, and I hesitated. "Sleep... write songs... but for some reason, I don't feel like doing either.. and it's not like I can help you with the chores; you did everything before you left," I complained, my frustration bubbling up....."I see.. well, I do have a puzzle you can solve... or play some video games. I also have a complete series of 'Revenge Doctor' you used to love back then," he said, and I felt a spark of excitement. "If you're in the mood, then you can use your free time to binge-watch," he suggested, and I agreed, my spirits lifting at the thought.
"I should get back to work.. see you later," he said as he hung up, leaving me with a smile. "Revenge Doctor... he even remembers that," I thought, feeling cheerful as I stood from the bed. "Well, I'll wash up and re-binge," I said to myself, ready to dive back into my favorite show.
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MINHO'S POV
As I walked out of Dr. Park's office, his words echoed in my mind. "Soojin getting more memory blackouts." It all clicked; the way she'd been acting lately, the moments of confusion—it made perfect sense now. I shook my head, trying to clear the thoughts swirling in my mind. I had promised to take care of her, but how could I when I didn't fully understand what was happening?
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Back at the office, As I sat at my desk, I found it hard to focus. Every time I tried to concentrate on work, my mind drifted back to my conversation with Dr. Park that morning. I couldn't shake the feeling of unease. "Why are you continuously sighing? Is something on your mind?" Jinyoung asked, breaking my thoughts. He offered to talk over a drink, but I just shook my head.
"Can I just leave a bit early today? I'm not feeling well," I replied, hoping he would understand. "I mean, it's okay… it's not like we have a lot of work today," he said, and I felt a wave of relief wash over me. I quickly packed up my things, thanking him as I headed out.
On my way home, I spotted a fried chicken restaurant and remembered Soojin's text about craving some. I couldn't resist stopping by to pick up an order. When I finally got home, Soojin greeted me with a cheerful smile. "Where is it?" she asked eagerly as I pulled out the fried chicken. "You're the best," she beamed, and I felt a warmth in my chest.
"Why did you suddenly crave chicken?" I asked, curious. "I wanted it to go along with this iced cola and then Revenge Doctor," she replied, her excitement palpable. "You haven't watched it?" I asked, surprised. "Well, I wanted to, but I figured we should binge it together over some chicken and cola," she explained, her smile lighting up the room. I noticed she was wearing my t-shirt, and it looked cute on her. "Okay, I'll go and freshen up, and then let's watch," I said, heading to my room, feeling a little lighter as I thought about our time together.
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SOOJIN'S POV
As I settled onto the couch with Minho, I felt a sense of comfort wash over me. "You in time... because everything is ready," I said, curling up in his arms, savoring the warmth radiating from him....Just as the show started, I noticed he suddenly paused. "What's wrong?" I asked, sensing the tension in the air.
He took a deep sigh, and I could tell something was weighing on his mind. "I tried contemplating whether to have this talk with you the entire time I was in the shower, and I think I won't be able to enjoy the series and neither the chicken unless we talk," he explained. My heart raced with curiosity and concern. "Okay... what's it you want to talk about?" I asked, sitting up to give him my full attention.
"I know…" he said, and I felt a knot tighten in my stomach. "You know?" I questioned, my voice barely above a whisper. "I know you had another memory gap relapse," he stated, and my heart dropped. "Look, I didn't mean to…" I started, but he interrupted me gently. "I'm not confronting you, but rather reminding you that I'm in this with you. We're in this together, so I'd really appreciate it if you trusted me enough to tell me about anything. We are a team, and we both agreed to share the weight, so don't go carrying it on your own again... I'm here," he said, and I could feel tears welling up in my eyes from his heartfelt words.
"I'm sorry…" I said softly, feeling the weight of his understanding. "I know…" he replied with a warm smile, brushing his fingers through my hair. "Just promise me that you won't hide anything anymore," he said, extending his pinky finger. "Promise…" I said, mirroring his gesture as we locked our pinkies together in a promise. I felt a wave of relief wash over me after our talk. "Okay then... how about we continue with our binging?" he suggested, and I nodded, feeling grateful for his support as we settled back in to enjoy the show together.
I curled back into his arms, feeling the familiar warmth envelop me as we continued watching the series. By the end of the first couple of episodes, I found myself in tears. "Soojin!" Minho called out, clearly concerned after hearing me cry. "Are you okay?"
"I've already watched this show a million times in the past, but this scene still makes me cry," I admitted, tears streaming down my face. But then I noticed him laughing, and my confusion broke through my sadness. "Why are you laughing?" I asked, wiping my cheeks as he gently brushed away my tears.
"You never change... you always used to cry loudly back then too," he said, a teasing smile on his face. I sniffed, remembering those days. "I know, and you guys couldn't stop making fun of me for it." "Come here..." he said, pulling me closer. I placed my head on his chest, feeling safe in his embrace. "I love you," he whispered, and a smile crept onto my face. "I love you a lot, Kang Soojin," he added, and I looked up at him, my heart swelling. "Me too," I replied softly. "Me too!" he exclaimed, his eyes sparkling with joy. "That's it??" he questioned, and I burst into laughter, the moment lifting my spirits...."Yes, me too... what else do you want to hear from me?" I said playfully, watching as he frowned in mock disappointment. "I love you too," I said with a smile, and before I knew it, he surprised me with a quick kiss on the lips....I looked up at him, and he met my gaze with the same warmth. In that moment, we both leaned in, pressing our lips together to seal this beautiful moment. Everything felt perfect.
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The next day....I woke up to a phone call from Mr song..."Okay, slow down... I can barely hear anything you're saying," I said to Mr. Song, my heart racing as I tried to process his words....."What I'm trying to tell you is that you have been nominated at the Asian Music Awards... as Artist of the Year," he finally managed to get out. That was it. I let out a scream that echoed through the room...."What? Are you serious?" I questioned, disbelief flooding my mind. I had been an artist for a while, and sure, I had won some awards, but this was different. The Artist of the Year at the big awards? This was huge...."It's true. The news came in earlier this morning," he replied, his voice steady despite my excitement. I took a deep breath, trying to calm the whirlwind of emotions inside me...."You happy?" he asked, and I could hear the curiosity in his tone...."Of course!" I exclaimed, unable to hide my joy. Just then, Minho burst into the room, concern etched on his face.
"Soojin, I heard you scream. Is something wrong?" he asked, scanning the room...."Is that a man's voice? Where are you?" Mr. Song asked, clearly confused...."Uh, I'll see you at the office. Bye!" I quickly hung up, my heart still pounding...."Are you okay?" Minho asked, his eyes searching mine...."I'm okay... I just received some really great news, and I couldn't contain my happiness," I said, my voice bubbling with excitement...."Good news?" he questioned, his eyebrows raised in anticipation...."Yes! You are looking at the nominee for Artist of the Year at the AMAs... the Asian Music Awards!" I declared, watching as his jaw dropped in disbelief...."Really?" he gasped, and I nodded vigorously, my smile growing wider...."I know it's just a nomination, but—" I started, but before I could finish, he swept me into a tight hug...."Congratulations!" he exclaimed, and I hugged him back tightly, feeling the warmth of his support..."Thank you," I replied, feeling a rush of gratitude.
"Well, our Artist of the Year should wash up and come have breakfast. I made pancakes," he said, the teasing lilt in his voice making me chuckle..."I know... the aroma was spreading through the room," I said with a smile, already imagining the fluffy pancakes waiting for me..."I'll wash up real quick," I said, as he left to set the table, my heart still soaring with the news.
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" What are yours plans this weekend?" I asked as we had breakfast.." I have a birthday party to cover.." he replied..." Why?" He asked.." I just thought we could hang out.." I replied.." like a date?" He questioned.." Yeah a date.." I replied with a smile.." Well the party goes from 1-7 so maybe we can do something after?" He questioned..." Okay...let's do something then.." I replied.." Okay what do you have in mind?" He questioned.." I was thinking that we could go to the amusement park...you know lala land....they tend to have this custom where couples go there dressed in school uniforms and like go to all these rides...eat and then take pictures and more.." I suggested..." That sounds interesting..it's like going back to highschool.. remember our amusement park date back then..we never got to properly get on the rides or have fun because the school was conducting a search on students who were dating at the time.." he reminded me.." Right..that was a really difficult time for us.....every one was on tension...all in the names of helping us study better as seniors because apparently relationships are a destruction....well guess what we all passed..despite dating at the time.." I said as we both burst into laughter.." Well then it's settled, we are going to lala land to make up for the date we didn't get to enjoy back then..." I said as we both agreed.
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Arriving at work, I was greeted by a flurry of congratulatory messages from my colleagues. "Do these guys know that I haven't won the award yet?" I thought to myself as I walked into Mr. Song's office. He looked up and smiled, saying, "A nomination is a big deal too... you deserve to be celebrated. That being said, I was thinking of treating everyone to dinner. It can also count as the team dinner." I couldn't help but smile back, feeling a wave of gratitude wash over me. "I'm glad and happy that everyone is excited for me," I replied, letting out a deep sigh.
But then Mr. Song shifted the conversation. "I have other news for you," he said, catching my attention. I sat up, curious. "What?" I asked eagerly. "Do you know the famous writer Park Shin Min?" he inquired. "Yah... I loved her mystery book Untold," I responded, my interest piqued. "Well, apparently her daughter is a big fan of yours, and she wanted to invite you to sing at her fan meet. It's like the entertainment segment of it," he explained.
"Really? Okay, when?" I asked, excitement bubbling up inside me. "Well, over the weekend... Saturday," he replied. My heart sank a little. "Saturday!" I exclaimed, realizing it conflicted with my date plans with Minho. "What time?" I questioned, hoping for a miracle. "The fan meet starts at 7 PM and ends at 9:30," he said, and my spirits fell further. "Well..." I trailed off, feeling unenthusiastic. "It's a good opportunity," he reminded me, and I sighed deeply, torn between my commitment and my feelings. "I'll add it to your schedule then," he concluded as he stood up and left, leaving me in a swirl of confusion.
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" It's okay of you have work then..we can push our date to Sunday.." Minho said over the phone as I sighed deeply.." Why..were you in a hurry to have a date with me..?" He questioned playfully as I laughed softly.." Yah..Iam in a hurry to make more and more memories with you..we don't know when my memory will detoriate even more.." I said as my heart sunk a little.." Listen here soojin... regardless of what happens..I'll always be here to remind you of us..and we have lots and lots of more dates and memories to make..." He replied to me as I got teary eyed.." Okay.....I'll see you later.." I said to him.." Okay...have a nice day...I love you.." he said to me.." I love you too.." I replied as I hung up only to be stunned by Mr song who was standing behind me...." when did you get back?" I questioned.." I love you too...so I was right about hearing a male voice on the phone... earlier." He said.." Well that was..that was.." I stummered.." look here soojin..Iam not against you dating but you have to know how much that can trigger your fans..you are at the peak of your career hence we don't need any problems or destructions.." he advised.." Iam not one to get destructed just because Iam in a relationship..I'll full fill both of my duties.." I replied.." And I trust you in that...so who is it?" He asked.." Huh!" I exclaimed.." I deserve to know atleast.." he said.." Wait a minute..is it the guy from the news last time?" He questioned with a mischievous smile..." I knew it....you guys were something more than just friends...we be careful...I don't have any more variety shows I can use to cover you up.." he said as I laughed softly.." Thank you.." I said.." there is no need to thank me...unlike some delusional fans Iam well aware that people like you as in celebrities can have relationships..it's normal.." he said as smiled.." Well...will you be joining us for the team dinner?" He questioned.." Yes.. Ofcourse.." I replied as we both cheered.
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