17. Taemin (1/2)

(OST- That Winter Story by The One)How everything fell apart so soon I have no idea.We had finished practicing that night or should I say early morning for my comeback. The time read three thirty three in the morning. I was walking to my car which I had parked at least a block or two away in an underground car park. The company had organised us to use their facilities under a confidentiality agreement that no one but the staff that worked in the building would know we were there and anyone who blew a whistle was fired immediately.“Hello Taemin.”

I froze. Chills came down my body like I had been in a blizzard in the end of September. Glancing around it was still dark so I didn’t notice anyone at first. But then a shape moved and I jumped. They came closer and I recognised the face as long nailed hands pulled down the black hood.It’s her.No, why is she here? Why is she standing there watching me like that? Thoughts like that ran through my head.She smiled and chuckled, I didn’t know what to do. “It’s been a while hasn’t it?” Her voice sounded sarcastic. “I guess it must be luck that I would happen to meet you like this on the street in the middle of nowhere.”Luck or was it a nightmare?Sooner or later I would have to say her name and so I did. “Jiyeon… H-how have you been?”

“Do you hate saying my name?” She said cynically. “Because there’s a member in a girl group with my name do you hate her too?”

“Who said I hated you?” I said trying to stay calm. “Why don’t you leave please?” I had no reason to argue with her but she stayed where she was.Her hand went to her sleeve and rolled up the fabric. I saw the white link around her wrist with the circular face. Why was she still wearing it? Even though things were over with us?

She caught my eye and then revealed the watch entirely. “Still surprised that I wear this right?”“You should have thrown it out.”

“But it is the only thing that you ever gave me; aside from disappointment and hurt.”

“I told you that I was busy!”

“Lies,” I jumped at this. Jiyeon’s eyes were filled with venom even though I was being honest. “I know you Lee Taemin. You would lie about your mother’s age if it meant you looked like a filial son. You can’t fool me.”

I had enough. Turning I made it look as though I was planning to leave. “We’re finished, don’t come to me again.” I felt my heart be struck like it was a dull gong when something tugged my arm causing me to stop. I didn’t have to look back to know it was her hand.“Taemin, as mean as I may have sounded you know it’s because I don’t know how to love tenderly.” She began, “that’s what I’ve realised these past few years and I want to be with someone who can, even if they can’t give me things.” It didn’t take long before I realised what she meant.

I freed my arm, not facing her still. “Jiyeon, I cannot. I am sorry… I have a girlfriend.”

When I did glance back I could see a scowl darkening her face. How I had found her so pretty once upon a time I have no clue. Jiyeon spoke with an edge to her voice.

“Fine, you had your chance. Just know that this time… You won’t get rid of me so easily.”

It was then that her phone ran and I high tailed it out of there. Turning around a corner I grasped my jacket, panting and confused. What was she talking about? What did she mean that I wouldn’t be rid of her?  Why did I have such a bad feeling about it?Ω