I'll always be here

Arizona was alone in his room, reading his robotics book when he heard the doorbell ring. He checked the time, wondering if Luella decided not to take her extra culinary classes anymore since she's here.

  She's the only one he's expecting.

He decided not to go to school today, knowing he wouldn't be able to face Areum after what he'd done the previous day and he won't be able to avoid her beautiful eyes either. So he preferred to stay at home and miss her while moping in guilt.

Arizona walked downstairs, running his long fingers through his already dishevelled hair.

   He reached the door and flung it open, expecting no one but Ella, but then...

    Her beautiful smile that never fails to make his heart beat weirdly came into view, her green eyes sparkling at him, "Hi!"

    Arizona blinked, "Hi... Hi." He stammered. To be honest, she's the last person he'd expected to be here.

   Areum smiled in admiration. He looks so much different.. First of all, he's not using his glasses. He's wearing a big sized sweater over joggers and his usually arranged and neat hair was all over his face, framing his twinkling blue eyes. Gosh... How can he be so beautiful?

     Noticing he's just been gaping, Arizona quickly said, "Oh. Come in."

  "Thanks." Areum smiled, entering the house. Wow!It's so lovely. So fancy and unique.

   "Sit. Do you want a drink?" He asked as she took her seat, placing her bag beside her.

   "Hmn. Ok."

Arizona nodded and walked off. Geez... Be calm, Arizona...

   Areum smiled as he brought back a tray  which held 2 cups of chocolate milk. She beamed, collecting one from him.

  He sat down, opposite to her. "Areum. Why are you here?" He asked, sounding as polite as he could so it won't seem he's still mad at her. He's realized he had no right to be. She can hang out with whoever she chooses. He shouldn't be bothered about that.. But he is...

    Areum stared at him, "I didn't see you at school. And i was worried since Ella won't tell me if you're fine. So i decided to check on you myself. Sorry for coming over uninvited though."

   Arizona quickly said, "oh! That's totally fine. Thanks for checking on me." He smiled. Areum nodded and the two feel into an awkward silence, sipping their drinks.

   "Areum?"

"Yes? "She replied, looking up at him. He has a sober expression," I'm so sorry about yesterday. I shouldn't have yelled at you like that. I'm sorry. "

  " That's okay, Ari. I understand you weren't in a good mood initially. "Areum smiled.

He smiled at her," You always understand me. "and it warms his heart.

Areum giggled with a blush," Hmm. But what actually happened? I sent you a message telling you i won't be able to come. "

   Arizona's dark brows creased," Really? I didn't see that. "

" But I did. And it marked read infact. "

Arizona brought out his phone, wondering if he'd actually seen it and forgot. But...

   As he opened the chat room, a frown fell on his face.

    {you deleted this message}

     He didn't. He didn't even see the message. Then his mind flashed back to the moment Luella had picked up his phone. Did she do it?

      He put the phone aside, looking up at Areum, "I think I'm having problems with my phone..."

  "... Let's leave that" She smiled, guessing something else had happened , "Are you okay now? You were exclusively angry yesterday? What was it about?"

      Arizona shook his head, "It's nothing."

     Areum raised a brow, "You sure?"

Arizona smiled, "Yeah."

       Areum nodded, looking around, "Your house is so lovely."

   He smiled "Thank you. Should I show you around?"

    Areum beamed," Please do!"

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      Areum's silvery laughter filled the lab. Arizona had taken her to his laboratory and she was actually fascinated, seeing his different robots, 

         Areum smiled, "Do you ever use them? Or you sell them? Is that why you are so rich?" She teased,wiggling her brows at him.

     Arizona chuckled at her silliness and said, "No. I just build them."

   "And keep them here?" Areum gaped at him.

   "Well, they are experiments." He replied, thinking it's not a big deal.

   Areum rolled her eyes, "Why didn't you join Robotics at school? These are amazing. You seem better with these engineering stuff than art."

      Arizona smiled, "You think so?"

Areum said,grinning at him, "Yeah. What do you want to be? Your dream career?"

    Arizona leaned against the wall, "Well. A roboticist when i was younger."

      "And now?"

Arizona stared thoughtfully before smiling, "An Engineer ."

    Areum smiled " That's so cool."

Arizona smiled at her, "Being a musician is also cool. Is it just a singer? Or a sing-song writer ."

   "A sing-song writer. I write my own songs."

   He smiled at that." Song writing is beautiful."

    Areum nodded dreamily, "I know right. It's like pouring out all your feelings and emotions on a piece of paper. Isn't that magical?"

    Arizona stared at her beautiful face, "It is."

    Areum smiled, "What do you do when  you're alone? Like, when you feel like you're in a kind of void ."

   Arizona looked around, "I write."

     Areum stared at him, "Write what?" Arizona shrugged, "Anything."

She lit up excitedly, "Like songs?"

   Feeling his face flush, Ari looked away.

"Oh! can i see? Can I see?!"

   Arizona deadpanned, "No".

She pouted at his reply. A smile fell on his face, seeing her cute pout.

   "So, how about you? What do you do?" He asked. She sighed with a smile, "Well. I sing and maybe play an instrument."

   "Like?"

"The piano. Mother got one for me. She's always wished to hear me play it. "Areum said, her voice lowering sadly.

    Arizona thought,'now, that's a mother. '

" So, have you? "He asked her.

Areum said poignantly, " I wish. But she passed away few years ago. I never got to. "

   Arizona blinked," Oh. Sorry about that. "

Areum smiled, but it wasn't her usual happy smile," Yeaa. It's okay. I'm fine. "

That's obviously a forced lie.

    Arizona noticed but let her be. He didn't want her to be overwhelmed and sad.

  " How about you? How's your mom? "Areum asked, pushing the heaviness aside.

    Arizona smiled forcefully," She's good."

"You're lucky. You'd better love and cherish her now, before it's too late to do so."  Areum smiled at him and he felt his heart squeeze painfully. His jaws clenched as he looked down.

  How can he love her? She's the worst!

Areum noticed his reaction. Concerned, she placed a hand on his shoulder, moving closer to study his face, "Are you okay?" Maybe they're not in good terms.

    Arizona nodded, "Yea. I'm fine. I'm fine."

    Areum felt he just said that to keep her from worrying. She nodded and patted his shoulder "It's okay."

     Arizona smiled, feeling like he should just cry... Cry in her arms while hearing her comforting words and  seeing her heartwarming smile. He just wants her liss ...

     Like she read his mind, Areum moved closer to him and threw her arms around his waist.

    At first, he was surprised but as he felt her face bury into his chest comfortingly, he gave in and wrapped his arms around her.

      The hug was very warm and heart racing. They could both feel each other's heart pounding against their chests.

   "It's okay, Ari. I'm here. I'll always be here. Anytime you need someone to talk to, a shoulder to lean on,don't hesitate to reach out to me. Okay?" She said, patting his back. Not that she was expecting an answer though, but she'll always listen to him and comfort him. Anytime.

     Arizona hugged her tighter, "Thank you."

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