Prints and Cameras

twenty three

Chapter 23 - My Home and Comfort was only once felt

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Irene

".. Jihye eonnie" 
I muttered out. That was the only thing that came out of my mouth. I was lost in words, not expecting a fortune. I compulse to drop my bag due to stiffness. I was dumbstruck.

I gawked at Sunghoon who seemed worried with my tone. I tried to call out words but nothing seemed to come out.

"This is embarrassing."
I thought and bowed, saying,

"Excuse me"
I let off in a hushed voice.

I opened the door and left, passing the glass window of Sunghoon's office, seeing him standing from his seat as he tried to follow me.

I don't care, I need some fresh air.

I opened the metal door that was leading to the rooftop. I stopped outside encountering a wintry wind swept across my brown hair with a bold honesty, a rawness that brought one's soul into the gentle cloud-filtered rays.

"If the origins of your hair were the black heavens, if the divine universe were woven into such buoyant threads and placed upon your head, it would explain so very much, like what you need to do right now. Can you explain what happened?"

His voice's my rest. I felt a light feeling in my chest, it was healing me bits to bits. I don't need a thyme, he was already my cure.

The reserved tears in my eyes continued their fall. I took a hold of the railings, catching sight of the enormous buildings in front of me to relieve the pressure.

I closed my eyes as I kept my head down.

"Can you tell me?"
He repeated with his soft, humble voice. My hands that were crumbled into fists loosen their tightness. His voice calmed me. His voice made me feel safe. His voice was music to my ears. How can I deny it?

I wiped my tears away before taking in a sharp breath. I swung my heels around to see Sunghoon not too far from me. Doubt and concern was evident in his eyes.

I didn't come any closer to him, I let our positions stay this way. I want to let this moment go without any tears, pain, fatigue, and exhaustion.

"D-don't come near me. Let me... let me feel how painful it is when you're not close.. let me find out how I can reach you without lifting a single foot."

I sobbed quietly. Our dark dired orbs darted to each other and from those eyes came a sense of home.

The cold wind traveled my skin. It was like a blizzard. My hair flew backward as Sunghoon stared at me with full adoration. I slowly lifted the corner of my lips, running into his warm, welcoming arms.

"You don't need to lift a foot, Irene, because no matter what happens, I will always be the first one reaching out for you"

There is a strong wall protecting me, and it is built of the words you've said to me

I sobbed quietly in his arms. Sunghoon placed his hand on my back, pacing it back and forth. I tightly wrapped my arms around his nape and rested my head on his chest.

His scent has a rich floral scent combination rose with vanilla. It heals my under-threat senses.

"Now, can you explain to me what exactly happened?"
Sunghoon inquired in the middle of the silence.

"Song Jihye.."
I muttered with my quavering voice.

"So you know her? Then, what about her?"

"She was Jay's Fiance and.. a total comfort zone"

Sunghoon immediately stopped his movements on my back. He noticed how my voice went deep down.

He remained silent for a while but soon gave me a response.

"I understand"
He murmured humbly.

"Aren't you going back? I'll drive you home if you don't want to"
I instantly pulled my face away from his neck and replied,

"N-no I'm fine, let's go back?"
I insisted, plastering a wide smile.

"Are you sure you're fine?"
He assured with pleading eyes.

"I'm perfectly fine now, let's go"  
Then my aspect continuous..

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"Song Jihye and Kang Seri, you two will be joining us for our next upcoming event. I'm expecting you to cooperate and do your best"

I rubbed my arms carefully as I listened to Sunghoon. There, I stood at the corner of his office, taking a view of them introducing and supporting each other.

"Will do, Mr. Park. So can we at least get a cup of coffee.. alone?"
Ms. Kang insisted, leaning towards Sunghoon a bit, raising an eyebrow with her flirtatious, creepy smile.

What the hell?

Sunghoon adjusted his tie before clearing his throat. His eyes spotted me seeing a dirty look plastered on my face. He purses his lips, realizing the state.

"If it's related to the assignment, Then I'll wait for you"
He added.

"Oh, it's too much relation! I'll see you later, Mr. Park"

They waved goodbye as they bowed in respect. They walked professionally to the door, Ms. Kang eyeing me from head to toe with a judging look, I chose to shrug it off.

I made eye contact with Jihye eonnie, she gave me a meek smile that I returned. My beam immediately faded as soon as the door banged closed.

"She's flirting"
I remarked, scanning my nails.

I heard him chuckle slightly, making me take notice of him.

"Ugh, Go ahead then! Wait for her at the cafe!"
I ended my sayings with a disbelief peer.

"Why are you shouting? She was just asking for a cup of coffee"
He denied, cracking up. Trying not to let out a laugh. He knows I'm jealous, it was very much noticable and it's annoying!

He understood what's on my mind and it was totally foolish. I'm such a green-eyed.

"Do you think I have no clue about her intentions? She's trying to hit on you! You know what? Forget about that, I'll go and eat my lunch"

I get it, I'm so childish!

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