"Goodbye" Is Another Way To Say "I Love You"

Teen And Up Audience.

Kim Rok Soo/Original Cale Henituse.

Angst, Fluff, Flowershop AU. Alternate Universe—Modern Setting.

5749 words

***

Cale Henituse felt life is meaningless, thought that death might be better than life it self.

At least that's what he think, until he meet Kim Rok Soo.

***

He tired.

He tired of living. He tired of everything.

But he can't die. He simply can't. He already promised to live a happy life.

However, what's the point of living if he can't cherish any second of it?

He just sick of everything.

At this point, he alive just because his heart is still beating.

Please, he just wanted to rest.

Cale let out a long sigh, curled inside his warm blanked. He could heard sound of bird chirping from outside of the window. Morning already arrived, but he still doesn't want to step out from his comfortable bed.

A moment later, there was a knock on the door.

Without waiting for his answer, the door opened, let a figure of an old man entered the room.

"Young Master-nim? It's already morning, you should wake up and prepare for school."

Instead of getting up, the red-haired teen pulled the soft blanket over his face. He turned his head in the opposite direction, not wanting to see the vicious smile of the old man who was his personal servant.

"Young Master-nim, you don't want to be late on your first day of high school, do you?"

For the sake of hearing his tone of voice which was getting more and more sinister, Cale got goosebumps and decided to get up from his position. He clicked his tongue, forcing his feet to touch the cold floor. Cale didn't care about school or stuff at all. After all, even though he had done his best, he had no one to present the fruits of his hard work to.

The teen went to the bathroom and got ready quickly. Didn't care about his messy hair or unkempt uniform. Cale stuffed several notebook and pen into his bag, then stepped out of the room.

"Would you like to have some breakfast first, Young Master-nim?"

"No need."

"I understand. Then, I'll ask Mr. Hillsman to get the car ready."

Cale clicked his tongue again. The teen walked down the hall of his magnificent house. This big house feels empty and cold for some reasons. The maids all left as soon as they saw the figure of the Henituse family's eldest son stomping his feet, avoiding him.

'Tsk.'

Everyone in this house considers him as the trash of the family. Disrespectful and rude Young Master, that was how they saw him. They all avoided him, even his own family treated him like a stranger. They're not close, just ignore each other.

His steps were stopped when his reddish brown eyes accidentally caught the giant picture frame hanging on the hallway wall. Family picture. Everyone in his family has brown hair, even his stepmother and step siblings have similar hair. It was only him with fiery red hair, showing the contrast that he was different from the rest.

He really looks like an outsider.

It was as if, even if he left, there would be no one to lose.

Cale resumed his step, trying not to care. In the yard, there was already a limousine waiting for him. He just went up there without saying a word. Hillsman, his personal driver, stomped on the gas pedal, driving the limousine to his new school.

Or you could say, his new hell.

***

Like the previous years at the old school, the stares of everyone there disgusted him. Cale came late, after the opening ceremony was over. He did it on purpose. Well, after all no one would question the behavior of a trash.

All the seats in his class were full, except for one empty seat in the back corner of the classroom. Ignoring the whispers that were directed at him, he stepped over to the empty chair and sat there.

'Tsk, annoying.'

He stared out the window, resting his cheek on the palm of his hand. Cale tried to ignore all the whispers and insults that were directed at him, even so, did they realize that their voices were too loud for him to hear?

'And I still have three years before graduation.'

Cale really wanted to graduate soon, then leave here, from this city, start a new page of life in a place far from all of this. He will let Basen, his stepbrother, to take over his father's company. Right, that sounds like a brilliant plan.

All he needed to do right now was hold on until then.

A woman entered the classroom, introducing herself as their homeroom teacher. She then asked the students one by one to introduce themselves.

Cale actually hated self-introductions like this. Ask students to say their name out loud. Can't he just skip it? After all, he was sure that everyone in this class already knew him, more precisely knowing his identity as trash.

"Cale Henituse, 16 years old."

He only briefly mentioned his name and age, before finally returning to his seat. Cale didn't bother to mention his hobbies and goals like the others. It's not like anyone's interested in knowing it.

The black haired boy sitting next to him stood up as soon as Cale finished his introduction. His reddish brown eyes looked sleepy.

"Kim Rok Soo, 16 years old. My hobby is sleeping, and my dream is to be a rich slacker. Nice to meet you all."

Cale looked at the teen who had now returned to his seat with a dumbfounded expression.

'What kind of bullshit did he just say?'

For the first time in his life, he felt that someone was crazier than him.

The other students laughed at the words of the teen named Kim Rok Soo, finding it funny. However, Kim Rok Soo's face looked serious when he said it, as if he really meant it.

Not much to do on the first day of school. Just an knowing each other and introduction to the school environment. The homeroom teacher re-explain the rules at the school that had been conveyed during the opening ceremony. Her eyes glanced over at Cale, as if observing his reaction.

Of course Cale realized it, but he pretended not to know and just stared out the window.

***

Everyday is the same. He wake up, go to school, dealing with all those shits, then go home, and repeat. Cale stared at his phone calendar, counting how much day left until weekend. At leats he could lock himself inside his room, less dealing with all those annoying people.

A week already passed since the first semester started. There's nothing interesting—

The teen who sat beside Cale yawning.

—Maybe there is.

If there's something, or someone, that stole Cale's interest, it was the raven haired boy who sat next to him. Kim Rok Soo, if he wasn't mistaken. He always has a sleepy eyes, and come as late as Cale did—couple seconds before the bell rings. But that's not it. Cale feel little ease when around him. It's not because love at first sight, it's surely not.

It was because his attitude.

Kim Rok Soo never stare him with judging gaze, nor talked behind his back. Why is he really sure about it? Well, there's a time when Kim Rok Soo's friend from another class come to him.

"Wow, Rok Soo, you sat next to Cale Henituse?"

"So what?"

"Isn't he ... you know ...."

One of his friend whispered to his ear. No need for Cale hear that to know his next word.

"A trash?"

A trash.

Right.

It's always been that way.

He thought Kim Rok Soo would grimmace or show other disgust face, but instead, the teen just frowned at his friend.

"Bad. How could you say that when you haven't know him yet?"

"Well, everyone said that, so--"

"That's not an excuse. Jung Soo, you shouldn't have believe rumors that easily. I will told Soo Hyuk-hyung if you still spreading bullshit like that. Besides, sitting next to him is less troublesome than sitting next to you."

"No, Rok Soo, wait!"

The two teens seems unaware that Cale actually heard all of those convertation.

"—ale."

"Cale Henituse."

Someone called his name, snapped his out of his thought.

Cale raised his head that laying on the desk, turned his gaze toward the guy who called him.

Kim Rok Soo stand beside his desk, poked lightly his shoulder.

Cale frowned.

"What?"

"Well, did you already have a partner for biology class? Everyone already had one, so I wonder if you—"

"I haven't."

"Oh, then let's partnered up."

"... Whatever."

"Cool. Let's talk about the assignment later. I'm sleepy right now."

Cale look with a dumbfounded expression when the raven haired boy go back to his sit, layed his head on the table. It's lunch time, and he choose to sleep over eating? Well, he's not in the position to say that, though. He also didn't eat at lunch time. Cafeteria is a crowd place, and he hates it. He also can't brought lunches from home because there was no one that would make one for him. His family is rich and had a lot of maids, but it was his family, his father's, not his.

Several maids decided to ignores him. Even his personal butler only care less, just serving him enough to fulfill his job.

Cale let out a long sigh. He then remembered the content of the biology assigment that their teacher gave to them three days ago. She asked them to work in pair, brought some flowers to investigate.

He always hate this kind of assignment that recuires people to do something with him. He rather do all of the task alone. When there's a team assignment, usually other student will let his name out from the team list, then report to the teacher that he didn't do anything.

Like how the fuck he could do the task when they even let him out in purpose, didn't tried to talk to him nor invite him to do the task.

So when Kim Rok Soo asked him to be his partner, to be honest he was a little surprised.

No, he was little happy about it.

Just little.

Time flies fast, and now it's already time to go home. Cale was about to drag his bag and go straight to his house, if Kim Rok Soo didn't get on his way.

"Cale Henituse, wait."

"What now?"

"Did you forget about the biology task?"

"... Oh."

Ah yeah, that task.

"Let's just buy one on the way home."

Kim Rok Soo show a smirk, makes Cale feel iffy about it. Why he had a bad feeling about this?

"Then, what about buying from my shop?"

'... buying from where?'

Seeing Cale's confused expression, Kim Rok Soo nonchalantly added.

"My family own a flower shop. If you gonna buy the flower, then buy it from me."

... Wha—

'Isn't this a team task? Why would I the one who buy it? No, isn't it better if he just bring those flowers for free in the first place? It's also for his own grade.'

Cale wanted to said all of his thought, but he decided to shut up after seeing satisfaction on Kim Rok Soo's face.

"... Fine."

'Well, whatever. I had a ton of money anyway.'

"Great. Meet you up this weekend at the park. I will pick you up there. Ah, can I have your phone number?"

If it's his usual demeanor, he would shout and curse at him. But for some reason, Cale didn't act like that. He just ... can't.

No, more precisely, he don't want to act like that. At least not in front of him.

After all, acting like a trash is really pain in the ass.

***

Cale wake up early than usual. He usually wake up nearly afternoon at weekend, but because ha has 'promise' to fulfill, he decided to wake up. He take a quick shower, then wore a simple hoodie with short jeans, before grabbing his phone and wallet.

Ron entering his room, slightly surprised by the scenes.

"Good morning Young Master-nim. I see you've wake up early today. Did you want to go ouside?"

"Hm. I will have breakfast outside."

"Should I told Hillsman to prepare the car?"

Cale clicked his tongue.

"Tsk. No, I'll just walk. It's not far. Can you shut up and stop asking? It's none of your business."

"I see. I'm sorry for disturbing. I hope you had a good time, Young Master-nim."

"Whatever."

Cale ignores Ron's benign smile, walk out of his room with large pace. He added more speed in his step when he accidentally saw his stepbrother. Cale just passed by without even give him a glance. His younger brother also do the same.

Just like a stranger.

"Ah, Basen, good morning."

"Good morning, Father."

Cale could hear another voice from his back, but he pretended not to heard that and continue his step. He tried to ignores them yet he's not deaf. That light chit-chat managed to stab his heart.

'It's your own decision, Cale Henituse. There's no way to turn back.'

A rare bitter smile appears on his face, then dissapeares as fast as it comes.

He wonder when everything started to go wrong.

A long, long time ago, Cale had experienced what a happy family felt like. He has a caring mother and a loving father. Because he was an only child, he grew up being pampered and overflowing with affection.

However, all of that only lasted until he was seven years old. His mother died in a car accident. She was taken to the hospital and treated for several days, but at the end, her life still couldn't be saved.

It was the hardest time for Cale. His father was so drowned in grieve by his wife's death, at the point he necglected his own son. Cale back then could only try to comfort his father, when he also needed to be comforted.

One year later, his father remarried. Words can't describe how broken the boy's heart was when he found out. He feel betrayed. It's only been one year since she left, yet he's managed to find her replacement?

He's mad. He's really mad, sad, and betrayed.

But what can an eight year old do?

He just locked himself in his room. Even when the wedding was held, he only care less. He didn't want to eat nor leave his room. That day, a maid insist him to eat because he hasn't eat since yesterday. Cale was too angry and couldn't control his emotions. He accidentally push the maid, made the maid fall to the floor and the food on her hand scattered around.

Cale really didn't do it on purpose. He was about to apologize, but the maid had already run out of his room crying.

The next day, rumors about his trash-like behavior began to spread. Even Deruth had punished him, not allowing him to leave his room, without hearing his explanation first.

Cale thought, if everyone thinks of him as trash, then why don't he just act like one?

They were the one who call him trash in the first place, so let it be. He will be what they want him to be.

***

Cale was standing under the scorching sun. It was a hot early spring morning. The red-haired teenager looked left and right, waiting for someone.

'Where the fuck is he?'

An hour has passed from their scheduled appointment, but the bridge of Kim Rok Soo's nose has yet to appear. Cale opened his phone again, sent him a message—they had already exchanged numbers last time.

Another hour passed, then a black haired teen could be seen rushing to his side.

"Sorry I'm late."

Kim Rok Soo apologized with a heavy breath. Beads of sweat could be seen running down on his forehead.

Cale's brow furrowed, crossing his arms in front of his chest.

"Why are you fucking late? Need some extra time for you to come up with a logical bullshit as an excuse?"

Kim Rok Soo shifted his gaze in another direction, avoiding Cale's sharp gaze. He answered in a low voice.

"I oversleep."

Seems like he decided to be honest.

Cale let out a long sigh.

"Haaaa, you bastard—nevermind. Lead the way."

The raven-black haired teenager nodded quickly and showed the way.

"It's not really far from here. It's only about a fifteen minute walk. Oh, want to stop by the mini market first?"

"... Whatever."

The two of them finally stopped at the mini market before continuing on to the flower shop.

Cale just waited outside, letting Kim Rok Soo buy a thing or two inside. Cale only slicked his tongue, but didn't protest. Weird. He admitted he felt strange around the raven-haired boy. It's like, even if he acting like a trash, it wouldn't even budged nor affect him.

Kim Rok Soo came out of the convenience store, throwing something at Cale. The redhead nimbly caught it, raising an eyebrow.

"Kimbab."

Said Kim Rok Soo, munching one on his hand.

"I don't know if the taste will suit the tongue of a rich kid like you, but it's delicious althought it was cheap."

Cale looked down at the triangular shaped packaged kimbab in his hand. In all his life, he had never received anything from anyone—except his family, perhaps, because his father always gave him money, just that.

It was his first time receiving something—beside money—even though it was cheap and with his money he could probably buy a dozen of it. But he was kinda happy.

"... Thanks."

He said in a low voice, but Kim Rok Soo still managed to hear that. The teen just shrugged.

"Sure."

They continue their way to the flower shop. It was still closed.

"Please wait a moment. I'll quickly prepare to open the shop."

'Why does he always make me wait? Is he trying to test my patience or something?'

Cale standing outside the shop like an idiot, watching Kim Rok Soo rushly putting the flower pot here and there. He lean on the outside wall, looking at the view of the bustling activity on holidays.

"Miaw."

Two stray kittens came up to him, miawing weakly. The bodies of the two kittens were dirty, but their fur still looked beautiful. One had silver fur, and the other had red fur. They both have brilliant golden eyeballs.

Cale wasn't a animal-friendly type, but seeing their state moved his heart a little. He clicked his tongue, looking at the two cats with a troubled look on his face.

"What? You hungry?"

As if they understand what Cale saying, the two miawned back.

"Miaw."

Cale let out a deep sigh. He took out a handkerchief from his pocket. He put the kimbab he had crushed into small pieces on a handkerchief, then gave it to the two stray kittens.

"You two better leave after eating. Tsk, annoying."

The redhead crossed his arms in front of his chest as he watched the two stray kittens eat. Moments later, Kim Rok Soo opened the shop's glass door. He already looks neat with a black shirt and apron with the name of the flower shop written on it.

"Sorry to keep you waiting. Please come in."

Without being asked twice, Cale immediately entered the flower shop which now had a small sign that said "Open" on the glass door. The flower shop is not too big, but not too small either. The decor is simple and pleasing to the eye. Plants are placed according to type and size.

"So, what flowers would you like to buy? I recommend roses or tulips, as they are easy to carry. Oh, but if we have to write an essay about the flowers that we bring, probably red roses are better. It's easy to write."

Cale stare blankly at the raven haired teen.

'This guy ... he usually quiet but suddenly being a talkative like this.'

Clang.

The bell on the door ringed. A woman with long curly hair come in, looking around.

"Ah, welcome. Cale, you can see around and decided while I serve the customer."

Even without waiting for the red head's answer, Kim Rok Soo already leave him alone, approach his customer.

"... Sigh."

Cale exhaled, kinda pissed but decided to look around. He found different kinds of flowers. Roses, tulips, lilies, bells and many more. It had been a long time since Cale had stopped by the flower shop. The last time he visited was when his mother was still alive.

His mother loved flowers, especially roses. When they went out into town, Mother would definitely take the time to stop by the flower shop, buy a bouquet of roses, either to display, to give to her husband, or even to Cale.

'It's ... really bring back memory.'

Cale smiled bitterly.

Sometimes sweet memories are more painful, because you know they are just memories.

"So? Already decided?"

Kim Rok Soo's voice snapped back him from his thought. The red head sighed, then pointed the roses with his thumb.

"Pack that one."

The raven haired teen turn his gaze toward red roses inside the vase.

"All of them?"

"Do you need me to repeat myself?"

"I won't give you discount."

'... This brat.'

Cale pinched the bridge of his nose.

"Are you going to pack it or not?"

"Right away."

Kim Rok Soo skillfully packed the roses into a bouquet. Maybe this is too much for a school assignment, but Kim Rok Soo is trying to be professional.

Yeah, right.

After a few minutes, Kim Rok Soo came back with a bouquet of roses that had been neatly packed with ribbons and lace.

Cale frowned.

"What the fuck? Do you think I want to propose to someone or something? Just pack it simply."

Kim Rok Soo replied calmly.

"Profesionalism."

Cale scoffed.

"Huh, funny punk."

Kim Rok Soo just shrugged.

"So, what now? You wanna head back immediatelly or stay for a while?"

"It's kinda nice here. Maybe I'll stay for a while."

"Sure, you can head back--wait, what?"

Kim Rok Soo blinked his eyes a few times, staring at the red head with dumbfounded expression.

"I said I'm gonna stay for a while. Didn't you the one who asking?"

"... Well, yes. But I will kinda busy."

"Don't mind me. I just ... want to look around a bit more."

"... Okay. Just call me if you need anything."

"Sure."

Cale returned his attention to the flowers that were around him. For some reason, it really calmed his mind. His hand touched the flower crown, soft and fragile, but beautiful.

Being in this place is really relaxing. He didn't need to hear the whispers and those annoying stares.

"Thank you! Have a nice day."

Cale could hear the voice of Kim Rok Soo who had finished serving the customers. The black-haired teen rolled up his sleeves, starting to position the plants in his shop.

"Hey."

Cale called out, making the latter turn his head. He then pointed to the row of plants in front of him.

"Can I water these plants?"

"Huh? Well, sure."

"Great."

Kim Rok Soo didn't really understand, but he let Cale end up helping out with the flower shop until it was late. Seeing that the sky had darkened, Cale knew he had to go home--even though he didn't want to. He didn't want to go back to that cold and quiet place called 'home'.

"I will close the shop soon."

Kim Rok Soo said, staring at the redhead who slightly flinched. Cale put down the flower that he was arraging.

"... Yeah, you're right."

"Thank you for helping me out."

"It's nothing."

A wave of silence comes, but the atmosphere isn't awkward. Kim Rok Soo scratching his head, thinking about something.

"You know, you can come here again if you want to."

The redhead turn his head toward him. His eyes lightened up, and his expression is slightly changes.

"Really?"

Kim Rok Soo nodded.

"Sure."

"Ahem, then, I'll head back now. Since it was already late."

Cale cleaned up his clothes that were slightly messy from helping Kim Rok Soo with his work. Before stepping out of the door, he turn around.

"See you tomorrow?"

Tried to hide his surprise, Kim Rok Soo just nod his head and answered nonchalantly.

"Yeah, see you tomorrow."

***

After that day, Cale always came to Kim Rok Soo's shop after school or on weekends. They also get more close day by day. And now, Kim Rok Soo had gotten to know Cale even more. He was different from the rumors. Even according to Kim Rok Soo, Cale was actually better than most people he met.

Kim Rok Soo know it wasn't his business, but his couldn't hold his curiousity.

So one day, he decided to ask.

"Why you did all of that?"

"Did all of what?"

Kim Rok Soo stop his activity from cleaning the window, turn his head toward the red haired teen.

"Those trashy thing. I know it's all just an act."

"Well, I am a trash tho?"

But Kim Rok Soo is not blind. He know the guy in front of him was not a trash at all. What kind of trash that give food to stray cat, or helping him with his flower shop? He just ... too kind to be called trash.

"I know it's none of my business, but to me, you aren't a trash. Well, you're kinda rude sometimes but it was doable. At least in my eyes."

He didn't know what got into him to say something like that, but Kim Rok Soo really meant it. People around him seems to be exagerrated the situation. Isn't calling him a trash is little bit too much?

Cale snorted at the latter's words. He fixed the flower vase position, staring back.

"Everyone will laugh if they heard you saying that."

"Why bother? It's not like my life depends on them."

"Pft, yeah right."

It's odd. It's really odd. Cale just know this guy for like several days, but he already feel comfortable around him. As if, they already befriend for a long, long time.

Just in front of him, he can act like his truly self. Without caring about anything else.

***

Ever since he meet Kim Rok Soo, he feels that his monochrome life has become colorful. It's weird. Kim Rok Soo felt more like home than his own family.

For the first time in his life, he was waiting for tomorrow.

***

"Which flower do you like?"

Cale humming softly while watering the flowers.

"Roses. They're pretty, aren't they?"

Kim Rok Soo nod in agreement.

"They are. You like red rose?"

"Why do you think of that?"

"Because your hair color?"

"Mm, nah. I like red rose, but I like yellow the most."

"Why so?"

Kim Rok Soo titled his head, didn't expect at the answer. He started arranging the flower position while talking.

"Isn't yellow rose means goodbye? Not much peoples buy yellow rose from my shop though. They buy it for decoration or when they want to broke up with someone."

"Pff."

Cale couldn't help but snorted.

"You do know a lot about flowers."

"Hey, I owned a flower shop. Of course at least I know this much."

"Well, you know, my mother used to love yellow roses so much."

Cale put down the water pot, touched the yellow rose petals in front of him.

"I once asked why she loved it so much, she said that yellow roses has a beautiful meanings behind it."

Cale never told anyone about his story, but for some reasons, Kim Rok Soo is different. He felt ease and comfortable around him. Even without he realized it, his mouth already spoke the long burried story.

"Yellow roses meant 'goodbye', but did you know that 'goodbye' is another way to say 'I love you'?"

Kim Rok Soo stopped his activity when he heard that. He turn his gaze toward the red haired teen, who currently face opposite from him.

"Love always brings happiness, and happiness usually symbolled by yellow. Then, that means yellow rose also a symbol of happiness. At least, that was my Mother told me."

"It is indeed has a beautiful meanings."

"Right?"

Kim Rok Soo streched his arm, formed a thin smile.

"Yeah. You can bring those roses if you want."

"Ho? How much should I pay?"

"Nah, just take it."

"I thought you like money? Has you changed your mind?"

Kim Rok Soo scoffed.

"Nope, not at all. I still want to be a rich slacker."

"Yeah, I support you."

"Can you at least say it with sincernity?"

"Kim Rok Soo, I hope you can get your dream."

"Hah."

Cale blurted a laugh when he saw Kim Rok Soo's face. He then stare at the roses in front of him. His gaze softened, carresing the petals. He let out a small voice.

"Thank you."

The black haired teen stare Cale's back, have no idea how Cale's face right now. He just shrugged, back to his work.

"Anytime."

***

Today was the weekend, Cale was simply laying himself on the bed. Has no activity. Kim Rok Soo said that the shop was closed today because he was in the mood to slack around. Seriously, Cale felt concerned about Kim Rok Soo's business.

'Hm ... he said he want to slack around, so that's means he has nothing to do, right?'

Cale thinking for a moment, before decided to turn on his phone.

'That's it. Let's bother him.'

Cale: Hey Rok Soo, you free this afternoon?

The reply comes ten minutes later.

Kim Rok Soo: Mm yeah, what's up?

Cale: Care for a coffee? It's on me. Also, I want to return the book that I borrowed from you.

Kim Rok Soo: Sure. Free things is the best.

Cale: Yeah, whatever. Meet you at the park ASAP. I wont treat you if you oversleep like last time.

Cale turned off his phone, smiling brightly as the weather today. He took the book about flowers that he borrow from Kim Rok Soo two days ago from his study desk. Making sure his wallet already inside his pocket, the red haired teen walked to his destination.

He decided to take a walk today, without taking his glamour limousine with him. He just in the mood for walking. The weather today is really warm and nice. He enjoyed the sound of the crowds. He used to hate it, but it changes now. He liked it. That way, he feel more alive.

About twenty minutes later, he already stood in front of the city park gate. He opened his phone, scrolling on social media to kick his boredomes.

Suddenly, a chat notification popped up.

Kim Rok Soo: Where are you?

Cale: In front of the gate.

Kim Rok Soo: I didn't see you, tho?

'Pft, he's on time. He really loves free things, doesn't he?'

Cale scan his surrounding, searching for someone. A moment later, a smile formed on his lips when he found the figure he was looking for. He walked toward that guy, just about to call him, when a car suddenly burst in full speed without control into Kim Rok Soo's direction.

Cale's eyes widened. His legs start running without command, reaching the black haired boy.

"Rok Soo, look out!"

Kim Rok Soo shocked. He feel his body pushed aside, roll over the sidewalk. His head accidentally hit the roadblock, makes he groan in pain of a second. He tried to stay focus on what the fuck just happened right now.

His eyes widened when he saw the scenery in front of him. A red-haired student was lying in the road. Not far from him, there was a car that was abandoned by its owner, have no idea where the owner was running. The chaotic noise filled his ears. Kim Rok Soo feel his heartbeat racing so fast. Ignoring the pain in his head and body, the teen ran over to the redhead.

"Cale!!"

Kim Rok Soo's body felt paralyzed, as if all his energy was drained when he saw his friend's condition. Cale's red hair blended with the red liquid blood that flowed non-stop from his head. The blood continued to flow until it formed small pond around him.

"C-Cale ... Cale! Can you hear me?!"

Cale's head felt so light that he felt like he was floating. The wound on his head was so severe at the point he could no longer feel any pain. Cale tried to focus, staring at the face of the dark-haired man who was shouting his name.

"Cale, please hold on just a little bit longer! Help! Please, someone—"

'I didn't know this guy could make a face like that.'

His pale blue lips formed a small smile. That pair of long eyelashes slowly closed. The surrounding noise began to fade. For some reason, this odd silence felt so peaceful.

"Cale, my dear."

The red-haired teenager immediately opened his eyes. He looked around, and found himself in a flower garden full of roses. There were no annoying whisper, no judging stares, just no one but him and the red-haired woman who sat on the beautiful and tickling grass.

Cale felt his body so light, different from before. He looked down at his hands, then his body which had now shrunk into children's size. He looked at the woman with a childish gaze. The woman opened her arms, causing Cale to slowly start walking.

Faster.

Faster.

He run.

Until he finally jumped into her arms.

It feels so warm and full of longing. Never imagined he could feel this warmth again. The boy began to cry silently. The woman stroked his head, smiling softly.

"... Mom."

Tears that he hold all this time start flowing from his eyes.

The tears when his mother died.

The tears when his father remarried.

The tears when all the peoples insult him.

The tears when all the family but him having quality time together.

The tears when he was alone in this cold heartless world.

He cried. He finally let out all those unspoken pain through tears.

"There, there. You must be tired all this time. Thank you for doing your best. You can rest, sweetheart. Mom will be here for you from now on, and forever."

A soft humming could be heard. A warm gust of wind brushed against their skin, playing with their fiery red hair. Slowly, those curly eyelashes closed with the melody of everlasting lullaby.

He fell asleep in his mother's embrace.

Finally, Cale got the rest he always wanted.

The eternal rest.

***Fin***