Dancing On Thin Ice // KTH

Chapter 21

"CARMELA! OH, MIJA! YOU'RE AWAKE!" 

Aunt Kass screamed as she entered the hospital room with a bunch of papers in her hand. The boys turned their heads towards the charging woman and jumped back as she violently pushed them off Carmela. Her teary aunt grabbed her face in her hands and planted two giant wet kisses on both her cheeks.

"Ay, mi pobre hija... oh, I was SO worried..." 

Aunt Kass hugged her super tight, and Carmela lay her chin peacefully on her shoulder. The boys stood around them, staring at the sobbing woman wrapped around Carmela. Normally, Carmela would've been embarrassed and immediately shrugged Aunt Kass off, but she knew how worried her aunt was and besides, these guys were just her friends. 

"Carmela? We're so glad to see you're okay! It's getting late though, so we'd better head back." 

She heard Hosi softly say and she pulled away gently from the hug, holding her aunt's hand. 

"Okay, guys. Thanks again for coming! It's so good to see you, really. I'll see you again at work!" She smiled widely at the grinning and waving boys. Hosi, Jimin and JK squealed goodbyes while Namjoon, Jin and Yoon waved and smiled. They turned and walked out the door, leaving the room empty and quiet. Carmela slightly saddened at their absence. Whatever, it's not like they're gone forever, Carmela, stop acting like a kid.  

Aunt Kass kissed her again while muttering sweetly but sadly in Spanish, and they grabbed the last of their things before leaving the hospital room. 

When they got out, Tae was leaning against the wall in the hallway, arms crossed. 

"Hey." He said, and stood in front of them.

Aunt Kass let go of Carmela's hand and suddenly jumped onto Tae, hugging him tightly. He was shocked for a second, but then smiled and gently patted the short woman on the back. Aunt Kass pulled away and held his hand, while stroking his head.

"Thankyou my dear Taehyung! You don't know how thankful I am! If it weren't for you..." She sobbed quietly and Carmela was surprised when Tae softly hugged her again.

"It's okay Ms. Kass. Anyone would've helped. I just happened to be there." He said in a deep smooth voice.

Carmela felt her face slightly fall, but she shrugged off her thoughts. He was just helping her. Because she was in trouble and he was a good human being. That was it. What was she expecting? That he... that he cared for her or something? Yeah, as a fucking colleague. But why was she thinking these things? Was she beginning to... NO. Never.

"Mi querido hijo! Oh, you are such a sweet man! You must come with us for dinner! You must!" As soon as Aunt Kass said those words, Carmela choked again and stepped forward.

"Excuse me? Aunt Kass that's not appropriate. He's my colleague." She snapped, and ignored Tae's wondering eyes.

"Yes, but nina, it's the least we can do! How can I just thank him and turn away? No, no. We must do something for him!"

Tae cleared his throat.

"Ms. Kass, I've already told you. You don't need to repay me or anything! Really." He said, stepping back from her.

"But I can't send you off like that, nino! I just can't! You must come! You must!"

Carmela scoffed and took her pleading aunt's hand.

"Aunt Kass, can't you hear him? We don't need to thank him. He did what anyone would do. It's not like he was worried or anything. Besides, he's only my COLLEAGUE after all. Why do I need to care about his ass--"