PROMPTS

Petrichor

Rain splattered hard against the hospital windows, drawing my gaze thereto. Lightning flashed brilliantly and a clap of thunder cracked overhead.

Where did my plan go wrong? It was fool-proof. Seri will go home, be safe. Out of sight, out of mind. She will not know how deep my feelings for her have gone. 

I even denied her request for a goodbye hug even though I wanted nothing more than gather her in my embrace that night and protect her for the rest of my life. I had to say no for I wouldn't have had the strength to let her go if I did. 

And now this!

How am I supposed to hold my feelings back now?

I had to hurt her. Deep.

Did you not take the flight?

"I couldn't take the flight."

Why?

"Well, I couldn't go because of the situation."

You should have gone.

"I know, I should have. But I couldn't. Listen-"

Just to send you back home, we all risked our lives. Do you know what that means? 

"I do."

If you do, why are you still here? You made all that effort go down the drain. How much more do you have to trouble us until you feel sorry?

"It seems the anesthesia hasn't completely worn off yet. And that's the problem why you are showing your true feelings. The doctor said you needed a complete rest. I don't want to upset you. So I will leave for now. When you feel better later, you can get mad at me then."

From the play of expressions on her face, I saw how my words stung. She looked at me for a moment, and then left, defeated. I shall never forget it.

I cursed the heavens with every foul and blasphemous word I know. 

I cursed myself for hurting her the way I did. I wish I could take my words back and with it the pain I inflicted on her. But I know I did the right thing. She has to go. She has to be safe.

I was not certain what frustrates me more: knowing I hurt her or knowing that it probably was for the best so she would leave and be safe.

The sky had grown darker, the wind made queer sobbing sounds and the rain continued to pound on the roof. Still no sign of her. Where is she? She'll catch a cold!

"You and your girlfriend must be meant to be. Luckily your blood types matched. If she didn't give you her blood, you could have been in great trouble."

"I told her she would faint if she cried after giving her blood away, but she cried the whole day."

She gave her blood to me! She saved me eventhough she wanted to go home so badly!

A guilty pain began gnawing at my chest as I recalled how she just stood there  looking incredibly sad, while I hurled those hurtful words at her. I have to find her!

Shackled by the IV pole, I stepped out of the ward, in search for her. The wind was cold. It blew in fits. But it was nothing compared to the guilt I am feeling. Where could she be? 

I heard anguished sobs coming from the outside. The sound came again, the cry of someone in deep pain. I knew it was her.

There, alone in the pouring rain and the wailing wind, I heard her pour her heart out.

It's over. I could no more deny it if I tried. My heart is hers as I know hers is mine.

There in the rain, I bent my head down to hers and brushed her lips softly with mine. 

My gaze landed softly on her closed eyes. I captured her mouth once again, relishing the sensation, my lips teasing hers. 

We kissed and it felt right.

- The End -

Author's Notes

*Credits to the owners of the images used in this story.

Here it is, my D9 (Rain) entry for #CLOYTOBER 2021.

When I first watched #CrashLandingOnYou, I wondered why Ri Jeong Hyeok acted the way he did. I came to the conclusion that he was not really angry at Seri but at the circumstance they were in. He was so determined to keep her safe. He was trying to keep his feelings for her because of his arranged marriage with Seo Dan. But she ended up staying.

Thank you again, dear readers, for reading and sharing your thoughts. I appreciate them very much!

Stay safe and healthy. Be kind to all kinds.