To The Stars And Back (Completed)

48: Last Words

Kabababa 'ko palang ng eroplano, nilanghap 'ko ang simoy ng hangin na dala ng Seoul. Namiss 'ko 'to bigla kahit ilang araw lang naman akong nawala. Kasabay ng pag langhap ng hangin ay ang mga ala-alang dumapo sa aking isipan. Ala-alang dala ng lugar na 'to sa akin at sa amin ng mga kasama 'ko.

I heard Minji taking a deep breath while waiting for our luggages carried by their manager. “Back to work. Busy na naman tayong lahat, hay.”

“Minji-ya,” i called. Pagka lingon niya ay lumapit ako para bigyan siya ng mahigpit na yakap, na sa tingin 'ko'y ikinagulat niya dahil hindi agad siya naka-react. “We all did the best we can do.. Blaming ourselves shouldn't last forever.”

“Eonni, uri museun yaegi haneun goya?” (What are we talking about?) she asked at niyakap na ako pabalik.

I felt a lump in my throat, “You did your best. I saw that ㅡ we all did. So just be happy.. free yourselves from regrets and everything that's stopping you from becoming happier.”

“Seriously, eonni — eonni!”

She was about to let go of the hug to check up on my face when Mr. Seo pulled me away from her sa mismong pag labas namin ng boarding bridge. Ang diin ng hawak niya sa pala-pulsuhan 'ko at madaling madali pa sa pag lalakad na parang may importante kaming pupuntahan.

Kahit sina Minji kanina ay gulat na gulat na makita akong bigla na lang mahatak ni Mr. Seo, pero sa halip na humingi ako ng tulong sa kanila ay pinigilan 'ko pa sila na bawiin ako. Ayaw 'ko lang mapag initan sila.

He threw me inside a van and slammed the door. As soon as he sat next to me, he gave me a slap and it heated so fast. Ramdam 'ko na agad ang pamumula ng pisngi 'ko. Take note, he's wearing two rings in his hand which made it more painful.

“What were you thinking?! Wala akong kaalam alam nasa ibang bansa ka na pala?! Bakit hindi mo sinabi sa akin, ha?! Shin Ho Jin-nim and that Seungtae punk knows but i don't?! You really are trying to get on my nerves, are you?!”

“When i found out you collapsed and was confined in a hospital, i went to your room and the nurse said you're going to airport?! Yah! How many times do i have to tell you to never mess up with my job?!” he growled.

I glanced to the rear view mirror, nag tama ang mata namin dalawa ng driver pero inalis niya rin kaagad nang tingnan rin siya doon ni Mr. Seo.

I bit my lower lip nang makaramdam ako ng tulo ng dugo na papunta sa labi 'ko. I knew his slap will give me a scar. “Mr. Seo..” my voice is shaking. “I'm an idol.. y-you can'tㅡ you shouldn't hurt me in the face — ” i earned a punch in my stomach for just talking.

I suddenly felt dizzy after getting a punch from me na napaupo na lamang ako sa sahig ng van habang humahanap ng kakapitan sa driver's seat. Tomorrow is the tribute. I shouldn't feel weak or look sick to anyone. Kung hindi ay baka i-kansela nila ang performance 'ko at humanap ng iba.

He pulled my hair and point his index finger to my face, “Yah. I'm older. I can do anything i want with you! If i want to fuck you, i will! You're nothing without a manager and your agency, remember that! You bitch.”