Chapter 96: Stalker, Orchestra, and Zoo part 9

The next morning, having risen at dawn as usual to assist with the zoo's tasks, Geon left the zoo. With his face hidden beneath a hat and mask, he headed towards the NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital. Alighting from the taxi, he sighed upon viewing the hospital's exterior.

"I hope Haiey is okay."

Entering the hospital, Geon checked Hailey's room number in the lobby and approached her room, where he saw Eminem sitting outside on a chair. After a moment's hesitation, Geon approached Eminem, who, with his arms crossed and looking down, lifted his head to see Geon.

"Oh, you're here? How did the show go?"

Geon replied awkwardly.

"Yes, how is Hailey doing?"

Eminem sighed.

"I'm not sure yet. The wound on her neck is just a superficial scratch, they say it'll heal with some ointment, but she's been shockingly silent due to the psychological impact. She's improved a lot over the last few days, though. Initially, she would scream even if a nurse approached her. Now, at least she doesn't startle when I come close. She just won't speak."

Feeling guilty, Geon said.

"I'm sorry for all this."

Eminem leaned back while sitting and responded.

"Honestly, I was resentful at first. But then, Snoop came and talked to me, said it wasn't my fault. From what I've heard, you're a victim too. So, no need to feel sorry."

Geon peered through the window in the door to the room.

"Is Hailey awake?"

"Yeah, she woke up a while ago and had breakfast."

"Can I go in to see her?"

Eminem looked conflicted for a moment, then got up and peered through the room's window at Hailey before saying.

"Sure, go in. But call me immediately if anything seems off."

Geon nodded, knocked on the door, and opened it. The room was a single, with only one bed. Hailey was sitting on the bed, looking out the window, showing only her back to Geon. Approaching the bed, Geon hesitated before finally speaking.

"Hailey.. it's me."

Hailey's shoulders twitched slightly before she slowly turned to look at Geon. The Hailey he saw after days wasn't the bright and beautiful girl he remembered. Her pale, exhausted appearance bore a sad smile as she saw Geon. Unable to continue, Geon faltered as Hailey spoke with a cracked voice.

"You're here. How was the performance?"

Geon stood, looking down at her.

"Yeah.. I've been wanting to visit, but I heard you weren't ready to see people. I came too late, didn't I?"

Hailey shook her head.

"No, I only came to my senses yesterday. Even if you had come earlier, I wouldn't have been able to meet you."

Hailey, seeing Geon hesitate, tapped the bed beside her.

"Sit here."

Geon looked troubled for a moment before carefully sitting beside her. As Geon looked out the window Hailey had been gazing at, he listened to her deep sighs and looked at her profile.

"Kay, listen.."

Geon waited quietly until she hesitantly began.

"I liked you a lot. No, I still do."

After a pause, she lowered her head slightly and continued.

"But right now, I'm struggling too much to get closer to you. I know I should reach out to you quickly so I don't lose you, especially since you don't see me as a woman yet, but I don't think I can do that now."

Geon, looking at her sad profile, lifted his hand to gently touch her disheveled hair. His hand paused near her head before he withdrew it, unseen by Hailey, who looked down before lifting her sad eyes to Geon.

"Listen, if I get better, and you're still alone by then, can I come to you?"

Geon, seeing her sad gaze, nodded quietly, and a smile appeared on her face.

"Don't turn me away later, saying it's too late. Promise me."

"Yeah, Hailey. I promise."

"Thank you. It's time for my check-up now. Can you call my dad?"

"Oh, sure. I'll come again."

"No, don't come anymore."

"Huh? Why?"

"I want to get better quickly and come to you. I want to focus on my treatment until then. So, please don't come."

"Ah... okay, Hailey. I'll wait."

Geon stood and walked towards the door, pausing to look back at Hailey. Wanting to say more but unable to find the words in the face of her sad smile, he turned back and left the room. Outside, Eminem asked him.

"Why did you leave so soon? Something happened?"

Geon shook his head.

"No, nothing. It's time for her check-up."

"Ah, right. It's the check-up time. I'll take her, so don't worry and go. See you next time."

Watching Eminem enter the room, Geon walked away with a sad smile, pausing to look back at the room from the outside before leaving the hospital. Pulling out his phone, he saw a call vibrating on the screen.

'Detective Jeffrey'

Answering the phone, Geon said.

"Yes, Detective. Hello?"

"Ah, Kay. It's Jeffrey."

"Yes, Detective, I remember. How is Sabrina?"

"I called to tell you, Sabrina has given up her appeal."

"Her appeal?"

"Yes, despite facing serious charges including attempted murder, she hasn't hired a lawyer and admitted to all charges. It's quite unusual. In such cases, people usually hire lawyers to reduce their sentences, especially someone from a prestigious family like Sabrina."

"Hmm... I see."

"When I asked her, she talked about you. It seems she felt a lot from your conversation when she was arrested. While she seemed to feel guilty, there was also a sense of relief in her expression."

"Yes..."

"A trial is coming up soon. Since you're not directly involved in the crime and we have secured all the evidence, there won't be a need for you to attend the court, but please visit the police station to complete the paperwork."

"When should I visit?"

"Just make sure to come before the trial begins. I think visiting within the next week should suffice."

"Thank you, detective, for your hard work. I appreciate it."

"Not at all. Oh, and Sabrina is likely to receive a sentence of at least three years. Considering the charges include attempted murder and stalking, compounded by the fact that it occurred after 8 p.m., she will also face enhanced penalties for being a special offense."

"Understood, detective. Thank you for letting me know."

"See you at the police station then."

After hanging up, Geon stood still for a moment, sighing deeply. He then hailed a taxi and headed to Juilliard. Upon entering the school and removing his hat and mask, he was once again swarmed by students. Feeling uncomfortable, Geon made his way through the crowd to Professor Sharon's office and knocked.

"Knock, knock"

"Come in."

As Geon opened the door, Sharon, who had been sitting on the sofa drinking tea and reviewing documents, stood up in surprise.

"Kay! My goodness! Are you okay? I was worried."

Sharon rushed over to check Geon's body here and there, making a fuss. Geon weakly smiled and said,

"I.. think I need some consolation today, Professor. Haha"

Sharon looked into Geon's eyes with a serious expression, then turned around and said,

"When you're feeling down, herbal tea is perfect. Take a seat; I'll show you my skills."

As Geon sat down on the sofa, Sharon moved to the tea table to make tea. Glancing at Geon seated on the sofa, Sharon cautiously asked,

"You mentioned Eminem's daughter, right? Hailey, was it? How is she?"

Geon, rubbing his forehead as if it ached, replied,

"I just saw her. She's okay, but it seems it will be difficult to see her face for a while. It's a mental issue, so treatment might take some time."

Sharon brought the tea and sat opposite Geon, saying,

"Try this. It's made from 'lavender'. It's good for stress."

As Geon quietly sipped the tea, Sharon continued,

"Falling in love is very simple, but falling out of it is terribly difficult. Is Hailey feeling that way?"

After taking a sip of tea, Geon shook his head,

"Not really. But I guess over time, without seeing each other, feelings will eventually sort themselves out."

"Did you have feelings for Hailey?"

"Um.. not sure. We were just close friends of the opposite sex, I guess."

"That's understandable. Love is something no one knows when it will start; it's just the loss of an opportunity."

"Yes, Professor."

"What happened to Sabrina? Professor Leontine was also worried."

"The detective said that she would be severely punished for attempted murder."

"Hmm, it's sensitive since she's our student, but that's a relief. A severe punishment means a long imprisonment. Over time, her feelings for Kay might also settle. The deepest love can turn into the fiercest hatred, just like the finest wine turns into strong vinegar. If she gets out too soon, those unresolved feelings could harm Kay."

"Do you think so? The detective mentioned that she confessed to all charges and didn't appoint a lawyer."

"That's fortunate, then."

Sharon set down her tea cup on the table, saying,

"Kay, there will come a day when you will love again. Don't put all your heart into love. Love can end in pain, like Sabrina."

Geon looked a bit sad as he said,

"I read in a book once, 'Love starts with a smile, grows with a kiss, and ends with tears.' At the time, it didn't resonate with me; it just seemed beautiful. Although it wasn't my experience, seeing Sabrina made me realize love isn't just beautiful."

Sharon looked at Geon for a moment, then smiled,

"You've grown, Kay. Not as a musician, but as a person. Now, the best prescription is to focus on something else."

Geon weakly laughed, asking,

"You're not going to give me homework in this mood, are you?"

Sharon laughed,

"Of course. It's a professor's job to help students find solutions in the areas they struggle with most. As I said, the best solution for Kay right now is focusing on learning something new."

Geon chuckled,

"I guess it's about time for a mission anyway. What is it this time?"

Sharon sat on the sofa, arms crossed, saying,

"Actually, Kay, you might not know since you've been away for concerts

, but a mission was already assigned to the guitar department students last week."

"Oh, I see. I'm a bit late then. What's the mission?"

Sharon smiled,

"Complete the blue note."

Geon raised his eyebrows slightly,

"The blue note? You mean the blues guitar scale?"

Sharon laughed and nodded.