~ Together by a String ~ (Jiyoo)

~23~

"But-"

"Nuh-uh, no buts. I don't want you to go, but you need to. I promise I'll text you goodnight and give you a lot of kisses tomorrow."

"But I'll miss you.."

"I'll miss you too baby. Come on, I'll send you off."

I barely managed to get Minji to leave. She was whining and pouting the whole time which made it even harder for me to let her go for tonight. But in the end, she left after hugging and kissing me for 10 minutes straight.

I went inside to wait for the elevator because my feet were killing me and encountered Kazuha who was about to leave the hospital. She happily waved her hand when she saw me and greeted me with a smile.

"Hey Yoohyeon! Were you outside with Minji?"

"Yup, I was. I just sent her off. Are you leaving the hospital tonight?"

"Yeah, the doctors said my health was better and found me a good therapist. I'll live with my cousin and her girlfriend for now before I return back to Japan."

"Oh really? I'm happy everything is well with you. I might get released from the hospital tomorrow."

"Ah, that's great! But can I ask you something?"

"Sure, is it serious?"

"I'm not sure but... Do you hate me?"

I was taken aback by her sudden question and waved my hands to dismiss her accusation. I did feel jealous earlier today but I never had any ill intentions towards her. I thought that I maybe seemed a bit off and that probably came out wrongly and she thought I didn't like her.

"I don't! You probably misunderstood me, I don't hate you at all, I'm actually happy Minji finally has another close friend."

"Thank god! I was scared because you looked a bit mad today. I didn't want you to think I had feelings for her or something like that, she's just a very good friend! I'm really sorry.."

"Don't be sorry, it's not something bad at all! I actually like you- not in that way! You seem very bright and fun so I can definitely see us being friends as well- only if you want to!"

"I-I'd love to! Ah, I was so worried today. I'm happy we cleared it off."

"How about I give you my number too so you can also call me if you need anything. What do you think?"

"Really? That's awesome, thank you!"

Kazuha got very happy and hugged me. I was slightly surprised but didn't mind it because we were friends now. She handed me her phone and I typed my number in it, but saw a number I recognized from somewhere. I raised an eyebrow and pointed at the screen, making Kazuha lean in and look at what I was aiming at.

"I think I recognize this number from somewhere. Is that someone you know?"

"That... Oh! Yeah, that's my cousin's number. Do you maybe know her by any chance?"

"Maybe I do. It's really similar to my cousin's number as well but I'm not fully sure. Is your cousin Korean?"

"She's Japanese but lives in Korea for some time now. It would be so funny if she's your cousin as well."