What awaits after a storm ?

"And Cut! Perfect Mr.Kim and Mr.Lee''-  director Choi's voice cut through the silence of Ahopsan Forest.

We were shooting at the ages old bamboo forest of Busan. With the chilly breeze of winter frequently gushing by, the forest stood still and steady in silence. We were still sitting on the green lushes when Lee Soo Ho said - "Hyung!'

"Hm?"- i was looking at the clear blue sky of  winter. Birds were chirping in trees and sometimes flying here to there.

With  bit of a hesitation he spoke again -"Did I do good?"

He looked down at the grasses entangling them between his fingers. He seemed like a little kid waiting to be acknowledged. I smiled at him as I replied - "Yes, Soo Ho. Hyung is proud of you."

His hazelnut eyes were gleaming in happiness with his cheeks getting red. He smiled widely. His bright and jovial smile. I shifted my eyes to the sky again. The chirping of the birds were echoing through the hollow forest.

"Hyung, there's a famous  makgeolli place around here. I was thinking if you would like to come with me?" - He asked occasionally taking glimpses of me.

"Why not? - i replied while vaguely looking at the bamboo trees in distance.

Jungkook's face emerged in my mind.

How many days has it been? Almost ten days have passed but he hasn't contacted me yet. With his thoughts there came along that inexpressible agonizing pain in my chest.

"Hyung, why are you still sitting on the ground? You will catch cold. Mr.CEO will again scold me."- Joon ki's whine startled me a little. I looked up at him and smilingly said - "Nothing. Is there anything else left in my schedule? Or...""Yes there is. For both of you. GQ wants to publish an exclusive interview with both of you. I told you about it last night hyung. We can't cancel it. Mr.Choi will be there too. Get up or you will catch cold."

Soo Ho got up and spread his hand towards me.I smiled at him as I got up myself. He withdrew his hand and ruffled his hair.

The interviewer was asking all sorts of questions. Mr.Choi and we were providing her with pleasing answers. Then she asked a question to Soo Ho - "Who's your inspiration, Mr.Lee? Who made you choose acting as your career?"Soo Ho's face beamed as he pointed his finger towards me. "Taehyung hyung has always been my inspiration. His acting made me fall in love with this career. So here I am sitting next to him and giving an interview. I am so lucky!"

Soo Ho's answer filled me with happiness.I patted on his shoulder and smiled. As the interview ended, we headed for the Makgeolli place. My phone started ringing when we reached the bar. I told him to go inside and order. My heart was skipping beats.

What if it's jungkook?

Jimin's name flashed on the screen.I picked up the call.

"How are you? It's been a week since we talked. So I just wanted to check on you buddy." - jimin's voice soothed me. "I am fine Jimin-ah! Just finished with shooting. I am at a makgeolli place now."- i replied.

Telling him about my current situation will only make him worried.

"Jungkook has been drinking a lot these days. Yoongi met him two days ago. He said Jungkook is really in a bad shape. Why don't you give him a call? You know him. He would come running to you if you just once..." - Jimin sounded worried."He probably wants to be alone. I am a nuisance to him now. I shouldn't just..." - as I replied to him, i could feel that agonizing pain coming back.

"Okay buddy. Just give it some time. Can you do me a favour? I left some things at my apartment there. Can you pick those things up for me? You can spend the night there if you want. Those things are important and I haven't got time to go back yet. So..." - Jimin said hesitantly.

"Okay I will. Listen, i am gonna hang up now. I gotta go. " - I saw Soo Ho waving his hand at me. I cut the call as I entered through the door. The old lady sitting on the cash  welcomed me with a smile.

"Hyung , you know I have been nominated for "Best Actor of the Year" this year?"- Soo Ho chugged down the whole drink as he spoke. He poured some on my bowl. "That's great. Congratulations."- i replied. Makgeolli's sweet, astringent taste was spreading across my tongue.

"So if I win this award, will you grant me a wish?" - he put his face on his palm as he looked at me. "It depends on what you want hubae."- i poured him a drink as I spoke. He smiled and said "We will see."

As we finished drinking, i bade him goodnight and rented a cab to go to jimin's apartment.

Jimin's words kept lingering in my head."Why don't you give him a call?" -

I punched the passcode and stepped inside. I threw myself on the couch and looked at the hollow ceiling above my head. I took out my phone and dialled his number.

It kept ringing for a while before he picked up. He was silent. I couldn't hold my tears anymore. Perhaps the alcohol was getting me.

I screamed - "You idiot! I love you. I fucking love you!"

He listened and then cut the call.

Sheer sadness embraced me as I hid my face in between my knees. I burst out in tears.

How could you Jeon Jungkook? How could you do this to me!

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Word notes-

Makgeolli - Korean rice wine

Ahopsan Forest - 400 years old bamboo forest in Busan. Lee Min Ho's the king was filmed here.