Who is He?

“W-what do you mean by that?”

I am confused. Why is he mad? Why is he glaring at me? Why is my heart beating this fast. Suddenly a deafening sound echoes in my ear. I flinched and covered both of my ears. There are a lot of voices speaking at the same time. It’s hurting my head.

Damn! Here it is again! I need my medicine!

I tried to open my eyes and take a step towards my bag but the sound in my ears are making it worst. Before I could even take another step, I feel myself getting heavy and I might collapsed but I felt arms hold me on and when I look who owns it, it’s him.

And suddenly, it’s as calm as the morning shore.

He’s just staring at me and I can’t read his eyes. Is he still mad? Is he concern? Is he worried? I don’t really know but then a sudden memory flashes; it was me standing near an intersection and sighting someone at a terrace and playing guitar.

Who am I looking at?

But everything went blurry and I just felt my eyelids getting heavy and everything went black.

I was awaken by some soft rustle sounds near me. The first thing I saw is the white ceiling. I take a seat and forcedly closed my eyes again trying to think what happened that made me fall on this bed. I looked around and I saw someone lying on the other bed on the left side and is reading a philosophy book.

I get off the bed and then knocked the nightstand table that is between our beds. “Hi?” I greeted at him and he just flipped the page. “Good morning?”

He didn’t answer any of those. I bit my lip and sighs. I can’t give up! “Hi, sir? I’m Kang Taehyun. I’m sorry if I collapsed last night… well, I’m not that healed yet… A-and…” I’m getting lost of words! He’s not paying attention. “And… I’m the son of the owner of this c-children’s home. A-also… I’ll be t-teaching here as well… Nice to meet you?”

I bit my lowerlip. It’s embarrassing. I can’t see his reaction because of the thick book that is in front of him. Now, it’s a total silence between us.

I can’t give up!

“T-thank you if you were the one who took me in… and do you want me to treat you to express my gratitude?” I offered in hesitant.

He finally makes a move and it made me feel relieve. He put down the book and that’s when I saw he’s wearing rounded specs. His mullet morning hair isn’t that messy and he’s just blankly staring at me.

“Feeling owed?” he asked and it’s really cold.

“Y-yes! H-how can I—”

“Don’t talk to me. Just don’t. Don’t even breathe near me…” he pauses and I gasp. He’s too brash, isn’t he? “And don’t even look at me,” he continued and completely walks out and shut the door.

“W-what did I even do to him?” I muttered and I heard my alarm rings. “Shit! Gotta drink my meds!” I panicked and look for my bags that are already on the floor.

I smiled a bit.

The kids say he’s gentle and I can also feel that. Maybe he’s just like that to strangers, right? I hope he don’t hate me for acting like a fool last night!

No. I think he hates me so much. The day started and he didn’t even look at me even once! He’s clearly avoiding me as well!

“Kazi!” I called her and she smiles at me. We’re here at the faculty room and since I don’t know what I should really do yet, I tried reaching her out.

“Hmm? What is it?” she responded while fixing some papers on her desk.

“What subject should I teach the kids?” I asked her.

“Actually, I am not the head teacher of the pupils. So I can’t really give you any schedule,” she answered.

“So should I ask Mrs. So?” I asked her.

“Mrs. So is our President and she only entertains external affairs. Who you should ask?” she pause and look at the right corner of the faculty room. “That bear guy,” she continues while we’re both looking at the almost empty desk near the window. “I know it’s unbelievable but he’s actually the oldest teacher in here and that makes us his hoobaes. So you should ask him about your plans. I still need to prepare for my lecture. See you around,” she explains and then stands up but then she pauses. “Good luck talking to a wall.”

I sighs and waited inside the faculty room. The door opens and I heard someone is laughing softly, it was so attractive it made me look at who owns it immediately.

“Thank you Suho, see you later again. Okay?” it’s him. The bear guy, Beom. He’s laughing. He closes the door and his smiles quickly fades away when he saw me standing and looking at him. “Didn’t I told you to not to look at me?” he stated in his cold voice and proceed to his desk where I follow him.

Before I could speak I saw his name on the top of his desk. “Mr. Choi,” I called him. “I’m here to help the children at my out most. So, may I know what can I help in here?” I asked.

“Go home and sleep, maybe?” he answered, as usual in his cold voice and not even lending me eyes.

I pursued my lips. “But you know? We own this foundation. Shouldn’t I have the authority over you?” I raised my brow because I’m kind of getting irritated. “I don’t know why you hate me or what. Or maybe you’re just a loner or so whatever but…” I paused because he’s just flipping pages of some compiled paper.

“Choi Beomgyu…” I called and he stops and stares at me. “S-sir…” I added and look away for a second. “I’m sorry,” I apologized.

He placed the paper and lean on his swivel chair. “Do what you want just don’t disturb me,” he said.

“But I need schedules!” I protested, frowning a bit. “L-like… I gotta know when and where…” I added in my low voice.

I heard him sighs in annoyance and look away for a second before standing up and I lift my head a bit because he’s taller than me. He leans both of his palms on the width of the table and lean forward to me that made my eyes grow bigger.

“W-why?” I stuttered, he’s a bit close to my face.

Our eyes meet and he’s looking at me again like that; like it’s directly through my soul and I can’t read him.

“You’re really like the Kang Taehyun I know,” he whispered, too soft but enough for me to hear it.

“But I’m really Kang Taehyun though…” I whispered back at him and close my lips.

He slowly shook his head and leans back. “No, you’re not him,” he replied that made me confused a bit.

“What do you mean—”

He suddenly cut me off, “You can teach the kids to do physical exercises and activities. Just check the bulletin to know the schedule,” that what he stated. He picked an elementary book and then just went out.

“Choi Beomgyu!” I suddenly called out his name… and truthfully, I don’t even know why.

He stops from walking but didn’t looked back at me. So, I just continued talking, “It’s nice to meet you, Mr. Choi Beomgyu.”

He slowly looks back and I smile at him but he’s just staring at me. Then he shook his head and completely walks away.