I was at home, just watching our dance practice videos and also practicing my singing when Joong called me.
"Hey, are you free?"
"What's up? Are you ok?"
"I am. I just... My manager left for the night and Dunk is away at filming. But I really do not want to be alone. Can I ask if..."
"I come over now. Give me about 40 minutes."
Joong agreed and hung up. He did not even have to complete his sentence. I would go down in a heartbeat for this fellow anytime. Him and anyone that was my friend. He did drive me mad, and we had our differences, but it does not mean I do not care about him. I bought some snacks on the way and went down. It was about 9pm when I reached and Joong was just trying to get off the bed when I walked in.
"Where are you going?"
I want to use the toilet, that's why."
"Why don't you call the nurses for help?"
"Earlier when they were doing their rounds, I heard they were severely shorthanded. I think I can manage a toilet visit so did not want to bother them."
I sighed. This was so Joong. He only seems like he doesn't care and is cold but was actually a very warm and kindhearted idiot, I have to say. I put down the things quickly and followed him to the bathroom. I waited outside till he was done and then I brought him back to his bed.
"You have a tag on that says fall risk. So, call them no matter what. Do not be stubborn ok. I know you do not want to inconvenience them, but this is your safety at risk, that's why.
Joong just nodded quietly as he got into the bed. He sat up, looking at the snacks I had brought.
"Hungry?"
He nodded. "My appetite has been ravenous the whole of today. I eat all of the meals given by the hospital, but I still keep feeling peckish."
"You have not been eating well the last few days plus with the fever, your body is probably trying to reset again. It is good to fuel up but not on rubbish. But do not worry, I bought your favorite fruits this time. Should I cut it up for you?"
Joong nodded. I sat on the edge of the bed and cut up an apple for him. He watched me quietly as I did it, slicing it and giving him one piece at a time. He ate it, as quickly as I cut them. Once we were done, I looked at him, wondering if it was enough. His eyes darted towards the other apple on the table. I chuckled this time, unable to hold it in and took the apple. Joong smiled, realizing I was finally starting to warm up to him.
"Why do you always have to make me so worried, Joong? Can't you be less stubborn and also listen to your body once in a while?" I muttered softly as I cut the apple. I could feel his eyes on me. Then he placed his hand on mine, stopping me from cutting the fruit.
"I am sorry, Pond. I just... You know how I just want to do well. I do not feel like I am good enough and so, I just feel I need to work harder to keep up with you guys. I know you guys do not think that way, but it is just my own insecurities... And this is my first solo venture in a manner of speaking. I just want to do my best. And I do not want to let you guys down."
I sighed as I looked at him. "You are good enough. You are doing your best. But if you do not take care of yourself, that is when you are truly letting yourself and us down. Do you get it?"
He nodded, apologizing again for his choice of words the previous day. I just waved it away, saying it was all water under the bridge. I continued cutting the apple and was chatting with him when I accidentally cut my finger. Joong saw it and instantly took my hand and sucked on my index finger to stop the bleeding.
He sucked on it softly for a bit and then let go. It had stopped bleeding. "Go wash the cut Pond and get a plaster. You nag at me to be careful and here you are. Go now." I smiled as I nodded, heading off to wash my finger. I put on a plaster and came back to find Joong happily munching on the apple slices.
"Did you leave me any, you pig!"
Joong smiled as he took the last piece and popped it in his mouth! Argh, that cheeky idiot. I just rolled my eyes at him when he pointed to the table. He had actually left 3 slices for me on another plate. I raised my eyebrows at him for his cheekiness as he leaned back in bed, and I sat next to him on the chair while eating the apples. Joong laid down a little while later as we caught the soccer highlights. He looked at me and murmured sleepily, "Do you have filming tomorrow?"
I nodded my head, saying yes and that it started at 9am. Joong felt bad for me, insisting I should go home and should have just told him earlier. He would not have asked me to come by. I told him it was ok and that I can still go for filming from the hospital.
"But you will be so tired. The couch is not comfortable for sleeping."
"One night of no sleep would not hurt. You are being discharged tomorrow, right?"
Joong nodded. "Who is picking you up?"
"My mom said she will come by. I will confirm with her tomorrow."
"Dunk isn't free? How about your manager?"
"Dunk is going to Chonburi for filming for the next few days from tomorrow. My manager is away on leave for some family issues."
"Will you be fine? Do you want me to come?"
Joong hesitated a very brief second before shaking his head and stressing he would be ok. I nodded though I did not seem too convinced. He did seem like he could do with some company but since he said his mom was coming, I guess it should be fine. My thoughts kept me busy and when I turned to look at him, he was already fast asleep. I stood up, went closer to him to tuck him in and just sweep his hair away from his face. This guy was such a pretty fellow. Just then his phone beeped, and I turned to see the preview of the message. It was from his mom, and it went along the lines of "Sorry son, I cannot come tomorrow. Your si..." I could not see the rest of the message as his phone was locked but it meant his mom was not free. I wondered if he would ask anyone else. I figured I would nevertheless see if I can work something out with my schedule and squeeze in picking him up just to be on the safe side, but definitely not telling Joong for I know he will never agree to it.
This guy was just too nice sometimes for his own good.