RED

CHAPTER 20

It's almost 8 PM when Donghyuck stirred awake. He let out a big yawn and rubbed his face, stretching his limbs along the way. His senses slowly flicked active and his energy cruised on his body.

The smell of food immediately trickled his empty stomach, motivating him to get up and look around.

It took a few seconds for him to remember what happened earlier– head immediately craning around to look for the girl.

Donghyuck only saw how the place is– though not the same size as his unit, the space is still enough for two people to freely move around.

"Oh you're up.", Gayoon showed up from the kitchenette, "Come here and eat."

Donghyuck looked at her first, trying to read her as she place the utensils on the dining table.

Next, he focused on the subconscious feeling inside him, trying to figure out her current strongest emotion.

Donghyuck was confused at first, cannot feel anything.

The first thing he could ever think of is the punishment for failed bonds. It made him snap to her again and walked towards her.

"What's this?", Donghyuck spoke, "Why can't I feel anything?"

Gayoon only looked at him in confusion.

Donghyuck shut his eyes tight and took a deep breath, "I can't feel anything."

"What do you mean?"

"I can't feel you!", he exclaimed and grabbed her hand, "Have you given up... too?"

Gayoon's eyes widened, "I didn't?", she pulled her hand away, "If I did, I wouldn't even cook for two."

Donghyuck then looked at the prepared foods then at the utensils– all served for two.

"Sit down and eat."

Though Donghyuck remained standing, eyes directing at nowhere.

"Was it hard?"

Gayoon looked up at him

"Getting along with me. Was it hard?"

"What do you think?", Gayoon mumbled, "You're burning me everyday, Hyuck."

"I didn't know what to do."

"Then at least be nice?"

"I am so used on this kind of life. Of this freedom.", he sighed, "You can't expect me to change that easily."

"You can if you want to.", she retorted, "If you really care about me, that is. No matter how hard it is to leave the life you once embraced, you'll do your best to correct it all and show that you're trying– I would see it, Donghyuck. By then, I could help you. Not bringing me around and shove your tongue inside one's mouth in front of me."