Chapter 2.1: Fate Over Coincidence (2)

When he went out, a cool breeze brushed his cheeks.

If the nurse knew that Dohyun had come out alone, she would definitely scold him. But it didn’t matter because he came out quietly and planned to also go back quietly. That way, he wouldn’t be caught.

Dohyun walked to the park he often went to.

It was a small park near the hospital where patients often took a walk.

Because of that, no one paid attention to the white hospital uniform he was wearing.

After walking down a small path out of breath, Dohyun sat down and blankly watched the people passing in front of him.

The faces of families with friendly smiles.

A frown that doesn’t like something.

A tired, tired face.

The faces of lovers fooling around and laughing at each other.

Dohyun’s expression changed in various ways according to the faces of the people he saw.

As if changing a mask at will, his expression changed in an instant.

The changing expressions of the boy was a strange sight, but no one noticed it because the lamp next to the bench where he sat was not working properly.

Dohyun’s ever-changing expression stopped at the vibrating sound of his mobile phone in his pocket.

[Mom]

Dohyun’s expression turned cold when he saw the caller’s name on his phone screen after a month of no contact.

Dohyun pressed the blue phone shape and brought his cell phone to his ear.

– …Oh Dohyun, you answered.

Even though she was the one who called, her voice was shaky.

Dohyun calmly replied.

“Yes.”

A moment of silence passed over the receiver.

– Yes. How is your body?

Dohyun, who couldn’t even get out of bed a while ago, knew that his mother didn’t ask because she wanted to know.

Dohyun gave the answer the other person wanted with no expression.

“It’s okay.”

– How are you and Kayla?

“It’s fine.”

– Yes. I’m relieved that you’re doing well. I’m glad you have good people by your side. You’re far away and Mom and Dad can’t be together with you.

To that, Dohyun did not answer.

At Dohyun’s reaction, words flowed from the other side of the receiver like an excuse.

– Mom and Dad are also very worried about Dohyun and want to stay with him, but you know we can’t help it because of work, right?

“… Yes. I know.”

– Yes. Call me if anything happens…

The voice, which was muffled at the end, stopped for a moment, and then continued.

– Then mom has work, so I have to go now, Dohyun.

“Yes.”

– That… I’ll hung up. Be well.

After saying that, Dohyun slowly put the phone down from his ear.

Then, casually, he stuffed it into his pocket, got up from the bench, and continued his walk.

His expressionless face looked the same as usual, but after taking about five steps, Dohyun stood still.

He was in no mood to go for a walk.

I’ll just go back.

As he turned to go back to the hospital room, a man staggered into his field of vision.

Is he drunk?

Since it was dinner time, there were not a few people drinking and walking around.

It’s a common sight, but strangely, he couldn’t take his eyes off the man.

It felt like something strange was pulling him in.

Dohyun moved a little closer to the man without realizing it.

Dohyun’s face hardened a little.

The movement of the man he thought was simply a drunk was strange.

He quickened his steps.

“Excuse me! Are you okay?”

The man raised his head, and their eyes met.

Dohyun’s eyes widened.

The man was an Asian like Dohyun. Besides, his face and neck were completely wet with sweat.

Dohyun said urgently.

“Can you hear my voice? The hospital is right in front. I’ll call someone, so wait a bit.”

“… Don’t call anyone.”

“Yes?”

“Do not call anyone or anything.”

Dohyun hesitated with a puzzled expression.

The other looked like he was about to collapse but still told him not to call anyone, so he didn’t know what to do.

He was so flustered that he forgot he rarely went around being nosy like this.

Ugh. 

The man’s moaning awakened him.

“Then I will support you, so go to the hospital.”

“Okay… uh.”

The man’s words made him feel frustrated.

Seeing Dohyun with a serious expression, the man smiled.

That laugh dumbfounded Dohyun.

“Are you laughing now?”

“No, because your expression is so serious. Ugh… It’s funny because you’re making such a serious expression.”

At those words, Dohyun wrinkled his eyes.

Saying something useless like that while gasping for breath.

Weird guy.

The man smiled once more and put his arm around Dohyun’s shoulder.

The sudden contact hardened Dohyun like a stone.

“What, you said you would help?”

“…Ah yes. Then to the hospital… .”

Dohyun awkwardly grabbed the man’s arm and tried to move his feet, but the man’s words stopped him.

“No, let’s not go there. Oh, a bench over there would be nice. Take me over there.”

“What about the hospital?”

“Just let me take a little break.”

Dohyun didn’t trust the man’s words, but he didn’t think the man would give up easily, so he helped him and led him to the bench.