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Point Of View
– Third Person –
“Here’s your chopstick.”
Trusselle said after giving the chopstick to Joon.
He sat on the chair next to him, they were about to start a late lunch.
Mr. and Mrs. Ellison had just arrived from overseas.
Silence was reigning letting the utensils chant.
They started taking food, the whole table was full of different kinds of food.
It was really awkward on Joon’s part given that it’s very silent.
He’s uncomfortable because he knew that Trusselle’s parents already had an idea about what was going on.
He was really scared and he didn’t know how to act in front of them. He wasn’t feeling guilty because Trusselle was very important to him but was scared about what they were possibly thinking.
Trusselle stood up and patted Joon at the back.
“Guys, don’t make him feel scared.” he said giving a stern look to his family.
All of their attentions were on him, Joon was looking down facing his food.
“Joon.” somebody spoke.
Atmosphere was getting under pressure.
Joon raised his head catching Trusselle’s dad eyes.
“S-sir?” was all he managed to say, he’s trembling now.
“What makes you like my son?” the response he got.
They remained silent. Joon turned his head to his right to see Trusselle smiling at him. That smile at least made him comfortable, it lessened the pressure.
“When we were talking about his future, I was included.” his answer and looked back at mr. Ellison. “When I lost my mom I got no one to look after me. Until Trusselle does, this family does.”
Trusselle bit his lower lip for hearing those words, he felt so proud and special at the moment.
Yes Joon got a lot of reasons to answer the question of liking their son.
“We lost 70 percent of our clients.” finally her mom spoke.
“Mom?” he sounded so pleading, bothered thinking about Joon’s reaction to that.
“What? I just want to say it. We lost a lot of clients, newspapers and headlines are after us and we’re even on the television now.” her mom added looking at him and Joon.
He reached Joon’s hand to hold it tight.
“But that doesn’t mean I’m upset.” she heard her mom again.
Joon raised his head to confirm what he heard. He smiled finally seeing mr. and mrs. Ellison smiling.
“I don’t want to lose my son and I love my family more than anything else.” mrs. Ellison assured as she stood up approaching him and Trusselle to give them a big hug.
“Mom thank you.” Trusselle said almost speaking under his breath, so grateful.
They hugged back, Joon did more tight.
The atmosphere went light. Everything turned to be on Trusselle’s side and that’s perfect for him.
“We’re really building a family now. I’m so happy.” his dad’s words giving him a proud smile.
“Yeah. In 30 minutes we’ll be there. I want you guys to close the mall right away, let all of the people be out in 20 minutes okay?” were Sandra’s words while having her phone over her ear.
“What’s that?” Trusselle asked, looking at her curiously.
“I ordered them to close our mall, we’re getting new clothes for Joon. That’s my way of welcoming him. I noticed that he’s always doing the laundry at dawn, he always washes his clothes. He only got few, am I right Joon?” she confirmed looking at Joon.
“Is that true? We sleep together right? How can I not know?” he asked also looking at Joon.
Joon nodded sheepishly.
“I knew it, sometimes I can hear some sort of sound when dawn.” her mom agreed while shaking her head.
“If that’s so, let’s finish our food and we gotta go. Sandra’s always giving her employees this kind of 30 minutes pressure.” their dad as he started eating again.
They went back eating, unlike earlier the kitchen was now full of noises.
Joon raised his right hand to reach Trusselle’s lower waist, wrapping his arm around.
He’s feeling so happy, same as Trusselle.
—
23rd day of January.
Trusselle’s competition. Taekwondo.
“Mom where is he?”
Trusselle’s question when he reached his parents chairs.
“I tried to reach him but his number was out of coverage.” his mom’s reply.
He sighed, he’s starting to feel negative now.
“It’s impossible that he’s late. He prepared for this day.” he tried to convince himself.
3 more fights until his fight.
“Son, don’t be like that. He might have run to an emergency at work or probably he’s on his way now.” his dad was trying to keep him calm.
“Correct. Nothing to worry.” her mom agreed.
He was about to make a reply but he decided to be quiet.
This can’t be. He can feel something. He knew Joon and there’s no reason for him to be late.
He went silent, few minutes before his fight. He can’t focus.
Until he raised his head when he heard something that sent him goosebumps.
“I-is it raining?” he questioned himself. “N-no, I’m just overthinking.” he stuttered convincing himself again that all was okay.
It was raining outside, he can hear it.
“Oh it’s raining.” his mom said.
He bit his lower lip. He tried his best to convince himself that it’s not related to Joon.
He took his phone out of his pocket and checked it.
“There’s no way.” he said as he saw that the weather for the day should be cloudy.
“Trusselle, come on. We gotta prepare.” his coach called his attention, he stood up.
He’s trying to get his focus. He shouldn’t be thinking negatively.
They went to the locker room to make himself ready.
He faced the mirror to see himself with his Taekwondo outfit.
He was about to lock his locker when his phone rang.
He rushed to take his phone out of the locker, it was Sandra.
“Hey?” he heard as he placed it over his ear.
“Sandra yeah? I’m about to start the fight. Where are you? Where’s Joon?” he rushed demanding for an answer.
He requested his sister to pick him up from work.
“We’re in the hospital.”
With that answer, he lost his temper and kicked the locker. He knew it!
Sandra was shocked as she heard the loud noise.
He should have rushed earlier when he heard that it’s raining.
“What happened? Where are you guys? Which hospital?” his questions hoping to get a positive answer.
“Y-you don’t have to worry. He’s in the emergency room now and I won’t leave him here.” her sister replied trying to assure him.
He sighed in defeat, he felt useless.
“That can’t be. Why? What happened? How is he? Emergency room? Why?” he threw a lot of questions not even thinking about his words because he was really bothered and worried.
“We ran to goons, he defended me but-..” Sandra failed to finish her words which made him weak on his feet.
Trusselle stepped back to sit to the nearest couch.
“Sandra can you just tell me what happened?” he demanded, almost crying.
This can’t be. He should be protecting Joon in everything but it seemed that he failed to.
“He got hit by a paddle, he’s bleeding. But he told me not to let you know, focus on the fight okay? As we made our way here he kept on telling me that he would really be the happiest person once you win your fight. So please?.. Are you listening?”
Trusselle dropped the call, wiping his tears away from his cheeks.
“Trusselle it’s your time. Let’s do this!” he heard his coach shouting.
He stood up heading to the exit of the room. He can hear cheering from people, he can hear his name.
—
Point Of View
– Joon –
I tried to turn my head to my left in order to rest that part but I couldn’t, it hurt so much.
I still got my eyes closed, I made an effort and opened it but everything was so dark. Was I dreaming?
Sandra? Yes Sandra! Where was she? I defended her, I was supposed to. We ran to some people. Was she okay? How was she?
I tried again and moved my feet but I felt a sudden pain, it was so heartbreaking that it made me whine.
“Ahh..” I squealed demanding for a help.
I ran my hands through the bed, yeah I was lying, making a strong grip as I cried.
“My leg.” I voiced and I knew it, my eyes were wet because of my tears that I can not control.
“J-Joon? W-what happened? Please tell me where does it hurt? What, w-where? Huh?” I heard a voice full of concern and emotion.
I grabbed her hand that’s on my forearm, giving a strong hold.
“Sandra. My eyes are hurting so much.” I cried trying to endure the pain that was completely wrecking myself.
I tried to relax my body, hoping that the pain will go away.
I needed to ask a question, I needed Trusselle. I need my boyfriend.
“Joon I’m sorry. I’m sorry.” and she’s crying.
“N-no, Sandra don’t cry.” I stuttered holding the pain.
She held my hand so tight.
I was looking for Trusselle, I can hold the pain, no I can’t, but.. but I needed Trusselle. I felt so emotional. My feelings were so weak that it hurt me.
“Where’s Trusselle? How’s his fight? Did he win? What time is it? Is he done? Is he doing good? Does he hurt somewhere? I need to go there, we need to go there. We need to support him. Sandra he needs us, I want to go to Trusselle.” were my questions as I started thinking everything about him, not even paying attention to the pain I was bearing.
I was trying to sit up when I felt another hand over my shoulder.
What’s happening? I was crying. I can’t hold myself from worrying and throwing questions. I can’t control my feelings!
“I’m okay. Calm down, I’m all good.” I heard a voice.
It was Trusselle, why did he sound so down?
I ran my hand to find his and held it tight.
“How’s the fight?” I asked and felt another pain, I gulped trying to hold it.
“Trusselle?” I called his attention when he didn’t reply.
“He failed, he withdrew. He happened to rush here.” I heard Sandra.
I shook my head. I knew he would do that. I wasted the whole practice he did for the competition.
“But that’s the fight we have been waiting for.” I said in concern.
“Sandra can you please leave us for a second?” I heard him.
Few seconds had passed and I felt something over my forehead, he kissed me. I needed that.
“I’m sorry I was not able to protect you.”
He whispered.
I stayed silent for a second, why my eyes were hurting?
Until I heard something.
“Why are you crying?” I asked worriedly. I was so emotional that I can’t stop crying.
I didn’t know but suddenly I felt like crying so hard, he’s crying and why? I was in the hospital but I was all good!
“I c-can’t stand seeing you in this situation. I promise, those people who did this will pay for themselves.” he replied and I felt the sudden urge to make a response.
“N-no, don’t do that. I’ll be fine, just stay by my side. Don’t do anything, can you please?” I pleaded trying to convince him.
I knew Trusselle, he’s a no joke when talking about these things. He can kill people under his fist and foot if he would want to.
He didn’t reply and I felt his nose and breath over my neck.
We stayed silent, I pulled my arm to reach his head. It hurts, but I wanted to touch him.
Did you know this feeling? When you’re trying your best to let your will take over the pain.
I can hold this pain.
“I miss you.” I said under my breath.
“I miss you more.” I smiled hearing his reply. “Just take a rest okay? My mom and dad are talking to the doctors of this hospital. You’ll be prioritized. Mr. Hudson is also here, we’re good.” he added, I tried to nod in agreement.
I stayed silent for a second. I felt weird, I just realized that it was still dark. I was no longer dreaming, was I?
“Trusselle?” I started. “Why is it so dark? There’s a bandage covering my eyes, right?”
He pulled my right hand and felt his lips on it. Few seconds had passed and I felt wet over my hand.
“Stop crying, please? I said I’m okay. I’ll be fine soon.” I pleaded convincing him, I can’t stand that he’s crying.
I knew I was being so emotional.
I didn’t understand what was happening or it’s just that, I was already having an idea but I was just ignoring it.
It couldn’t be.
—
Point Of View
– Trusselle –
“Hmm..”
Was all the response I got from Joon when I told him the problem, his current situation.
I raised my head and saw the window glass, the sky was getting darker. I was speechless for witnessing how it changed in second.
It has been raining since I made my way here. But this was different.
I looked back at Joon and saw that he’s crying again, but very silent. Even his eyes were covered, you can see how his tears were falling down.
I felt that mine became aggressive as they slid down my cheeks.
Joon lost his sight, yes he’s blind because of those goons. He got, badly.
“I will never leave you. Please be strong.” I pleaded and moved my face to his shoulder, crying like it will be my last day.
I heard how the rain got heavy, so hard that it was so scary.
I didn’t want to look at the window again, it was a view that you would not ever want to see in your life.
Minutes had passed until I decided to pull my head away from Joon’s shouder.
He wasn’t crying anymore, no emotion. Until I noticed that it’s so dark inside the room.
I took the courage to turn my head to my left and saw how dark the sky was. It was like evening.
I felt scared, not because of what’s happening but because this was all about Joon’s feelings right now.
“Joon? I’m still here, I will take care of you. I will not leave you, I promise.”
I assured and his grip over my hand became tight.
He’s pulling me and I got a tight hug.
“Please just stay by my side, I really need you.” he whispered and I heard how hard the rain was becoming, as it started again.
Good thing we’re in a high class hospital, they got good sound proof. I didn’t want to mention what was happening outside.
But it seemed that I was mistaken with the sound proof. As the sky got darker the sound of the rain got audible and scary, it was like each waves were falling hard intentionally.
I can see from the window how the trees were moving because of the powerful wind.
There was already a very loud sound that came from the sky, oh no it’s a thunder.
I was lying if I would be saying that I was not scared. I can feel how broke Joon was, I promised that I’ll take care of him until he gets his sight back.
—
January 27, Saturday.
22:00
Point Of View
– Trusselle –
“When are they going to take that bandage off of your eyes?”
One of the questions from Joon’s colleagues. His colleagues were here in our house to visit him. I was so thankful that they came to check him.
We were in the couch, Sandra was cooking food for them. Joon was sitting next to me, we got our hands intertwined.
Since the incident I never left him, not even a meter away from him. I made sure to take care of him as I promised, I was so happy for being the one to look after him.
When taking bath I would help him to get in the bathroom and then I will sit outside to wait for him to finish. I always found myself proud whenever I was outside next to the door waiting for him.
I was not able to make a revenge as he told me not to, but my parents made sure to send those goons to jail.
“Still on medication so we don’t have an idea yet.” his reply to the question.
I let him have time and talk to them, I can’t leave him alone with them because I didn’t want to. I wanted to make sure that we’re together everywhere.
“In the first day of your absence, several customers were already looking for you.”
“Right, just like when you took a leave back then.”
“Yeah and I don’t think they can buy frappe if it’s not your signature.”
“Funny. The three girls were looking for their oppa, they even told me that it’s not your day off for you not to be around.”
I heard them saying and I can’t help but to smile knowing that customers were looking for my korean.
“Really? If I could only talk to them personally.” Joon replied.
I slid down the couch and snuggled my face against his arm. I felt sleepy, I didn’t care if his colleagues were watching.
It was a relief that he continued talking to them, I remained silent and made myself comfortable.
He’s getting better, we made sure to make him feel he’s not alone in his situation.
—
Point Of View
– Third Person –
It’s already 10 in the evening, the Ellison residence was so dark and silent.
The road was a little slippery because of the continuos mild rainfall.
Trees were like dancing in the rhythm of the rain, the weather and moving air that sing with the details of it.
“I miss you.”
Was the whisper that came from Joon’s mouth, speaking under his breath through air.
He was sitting on a couch next to Trusselle who’s sleeping, he can feel his breath over his arm.
Joon can’t help but to keep on crying. He can’t just imagine his situation, completely blind and so eager to have a vision of the person he loved.
He’s missing him so much, in a way that he would really love to see Trusselle’s face again.
It was so dark in the living room, he was visited by his colleagues and now he’s alone with him.
Sandra said to wake him up but he refused to, telling them to just let him sleep in their position.
Now they were alone, sitting at the couch under dim light.
Joon felt so devastated the moment he realized that he’s blind but the fact that he’s with Trusselle made him feel strong.
“O-oh Joon?”
He heard Trusselle and he wiped his tears quickly.
“It’s already late. I fell asleep. W-what happened?”
He smiled and ran his hands to find Trusselle’s.
He pulled them to give him a tight hug.
They went silent for a second.
“Did you cry?” Trusselle broke the silence.
“What made you ask?” Joon replied playfully.
“It was raining when I woke up. I’m serious, did you cry?”
He smiled hearing that reply from Trusselle. He can’t lie anymore, it seemed that Trusselle already knew everything about him.
“Can I say something?” he asked still hugging him tightly.
“Sure.” was all Trusselle’s response.
“Trusselle.” he started as he closed his eyes, he leaned the left side of his head, enjoying the warm feeling he’s getting from him. “I think I love you.”
After what he said it was like everything has changed.
The atmosphere went smoother.
He can feel that Trusselle had stopped from doing any move, still hugging each other.
A moment after when Trusselle moved and parted from the hug.
If he can only see how soft Trusselle’s eyes were, it was literally glittering. Sparkling under tears that hasn’t fallen yet.
“Joon.” Trusselle started. “Y-you don’t know how you made me grateful for hearing that.”
With his tone of voice, it’s enough for Joon to recognize that he’s crying.
Trusselle can see how carefully Joon raised both of his hands to reach his face.
“Why are you crying?” Joon was concerned.
“Because I love you too.” he finally broke having his voice cracking as he mentioned those words from his heart.
He rushed and gave Joon a warm hug, making himself feel everything about Joon.
He smiled wiping his tears away.
“Joon you’re my life now. I mean, you know.. Thank you so much for coming into my life.” he stated and played a little as he shook Joon’s body while they were in a tight hug.
Joon didn’t make a reply, he was just seizing the moment. He’s really happy that it made him this speechless.
The hug he’s getting from Trusselle was so warm.
—
Point Of View
– Trusselle –
“You’re making me fall deeper..”
I mumbled having Joon inside my arms.
He just told me he loves me! And that’s already everything for me!
He’s not saying anything but just giving me a so much tight hug.
Until I caught myself shocked because of what I saw, it was like an electricity had run all through my body that it sent me shivers.
I was completely speechless, can’t even think of anything to make a reaction.
My eyes were still at the window, witnessing what was happening under the dark sky.
“Joon?” was all I said when something came to my mind, believing that this had something to do with him.
“Yeah?” was his reply, he’s so innocent.
We were in the Philippines and what was currently happening is very unbelievable.
“How are you feeling right now?” I made a question, making things clear and to confirm everything.
“Pleasure, so deep. I mean I’m so happy, I can’t explain it. You said you love me, do you know how happy I am?” he replied, his words were so real that I can feel them.
“J-Joon am I this special to you?” I asked, raising my left hand to wipe my tears that has fallen quickly from my eyes.
I just can’t imagine what was happening, he’s this happy because of me?
He’s making me cry again, seeing what was happening outside made me feel very special.
“Trusselle! Joon?! Where are you guys?”
I heard someone shouting, it’s Sandra and I knew she’s rushing downstairs.
We parted from the hug and wiped my tears quickly, making myself calm.
“My friend just called me, there’s a snow! She told me it’s snowing outsi-.. O-oh my! O-Ohh goodness, it’s real!”
I was not surprised since I knew it. But no wonder, this was all about Joon’s feelings.
“Snowing?” was Joon’s reaction. “Trusselle is it snowing outside?”
I took his hands and wrapped them in mine. Taking a deep breathe, I turned my head to my left to see the window.
“Yes it is.” I replied and Joon didn’t make any response.
“Oh tell me this is not real.” Sandra said in disbelief. “This is Philippines and it’s snowing, this is very impossible.”
“It’s a history.” was all I said staring at Joon.
He looked so shocked, did he not have an idea about this? Was this really because of him?
“Come on guys, we need to go outside.” Sandra said rushing to the door.
Joon stood up and I made sure to help him.
He’s not saying anything while we were making our way outside. I got my right arm around his waist and my left to his hands.
I was completely speechless once we got outside.
Everything was really beyond.
I can see people in front of their houses, having their heads up staring at the sky. They were also shocked about what was going on, their faces can tell.
I saw how Joon raised his right hand to let the snow touch his skin. He’s smiling in awe regardless of the fact that he’s blind and can’t see anything.
I can remember how he told me yesterday that he’s being strong because he got me, because he knew that he’s safe with me and that I won’t leave him.
Now he’s smiling and I can see how happy he was. If I could only take the bandage off of his eyes to see how beautiful his eyes were at this moment, I would. When he’s smiling his korean eyes were priceless.
I had talked to mr. Hudson, he’ll be trying to see what he can do tomorrow to take the bandage off. I would love to see Joon’s eyes everyday.
“Joon look it’s really snowing. How I wish you can see this happening.” I heard my sister say, she sounded so sad but was astonished as she was having her head up.
I raised my head again to see the snow falling from above. Houses were being covered by them, trees and the driveway were in the momentum as well. Everything was unbelievable.
But all of our eyes were willing to be a witness of this.
Was this all happening because of him? Because of his emotions? If so, I must be very lucky to have him. He’s so significant.
I moved and wrapped my arms around Joon’s body from his back.
“Joon.” I mumbled leaning my chin on his shoulder.
“I had a dream.” he replied quietly. “I was so happy in that dream and I saw snow coming from above. I knew it, this would happen. I just never thought it will.” he added in a soft voice.
And yeah, it’s all about him! I raised my head, seeing the snow shower. Very smooth. Got goosebumps again, confirming that it’s really because of Joon.
I will love this guy until the last day of my life.
“It feels so nice.” I said laughing quietly as the snow touched my skin.
“It does, especially inside your arms.” he replied laughing the same way I did.
We were so happy. This was more than anything.
—
“Breaking news, Philippines is under mild snow fall.”
“Philippines is making its history.”
“Saturday evening, the moment the snow had fallen..”
“What kind of a sign this snow would like to bring?”
We tried to switch television channels and everywhere there’s news about the snow.
“I wonder what’s happening.” my mom’s question.
We were in the living room, watching television.
“It’s already 1 in the morning and they’re still reporting. Usually around this time they are all out.” my dad added.
“Look, Sandra is still outside cherishing the moment of snow shower.” mom said smiling.
“Because it’s really a history. Imagine it’s snowing in the Philippines.” my dad replied.
I let them talk. I got my hands around Joon, he was just smiling. I knew it’s because of my mom and dad’s conversation.
“Do you know how long this snow will last?” I whispered discreetly, he nodded and held my forearm.
“It started snowing around 10 right? Until 4, 3 hours left.” he replied.
I would really love to tell my parents and sister about what was happening but I respected Joon’s secret.
“Anyway, Joon I have talked to our doctor. Mr. Hudson said that he needs to focus on your eyes, he would be needing to stay here for a week for a better treatment.” my dad informed.
My korean was just nodding.
“W-would that be fine?” my mom’s question, Joon nodded again.
He let go of my forearm and raised his hand reaching where my mom and dad were sitting.
“Can I say thank you? F-for taking care of me.” he said in gratitude trying to offer his left hand.
I remained silent, I can see how touched my parents were. This scene was so great.
“Oh this kid, you don’t know how important you are to us now.” my mom cheered and reached Joon’s hand.
My dad stood up and made his way to give him a hug.
My eyes were completely amused, I was so speechless. How could I had this kind of family? I felt so perfect. I can feel the love coming from my family.
They accepted him.
Most important was, they liked Joon.
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