Chapter 8

                                    

                                          
"I'm not going back. I'm never going back to that place. She's crazy, okay?".
Mark looks at me disapprovingly. "And why not? Look, Taehyung, you're like my brother, okay? And I don't wish for anything other than for you to be happy. But I really believe that talking to - what was her name? Dr. Song? - I really think it's gonna help you.
"Think about it in the long run. You talk to her for a few weeks, see if it helps and if it doesn't, I promise you that you can stop. Okay? Just give it a few more weeks. For me. Please?".
I really try not to fall for his puppy eyes. I really do. But they're just so cute. He's just too cute.
It's like Dr. Song has disappeared from my mind, and all that's left is a debate about whether or not I should be taking therapy. It's the latter that I finally give in to.
"Okay! Gosh, fine! But don't give me those eyes. They're just too- Ugh, stop it already!".
I lightly punch Mark's shoulder and in an instant, his eyes are normal again. "Thank you! I think it will do you good". And he smiles as he grabs my hand, both of us heading out for lunch.
—
A few weeks pass. I go see Dr. Song twice a week - Mondays and Thursdays. Did I mention Thursdays are the absolute worst?
It's pretty weird to open up about what happened two years ago to her. But at least I can open up. She was there, she should know that what I'm saying isn't all made up. She lifted the ban of ever mentioning that place again the second time I saw her, but made it clear that the conversations should revolve around me - not her.
So in a way, it was actually pretty good that I got her as my therapist. I can't deny that she is good at her job. The nightmares have occurred less frequently lately, all thanks to some medication she gave me last week.
Of course, I was hesitant at first. I was convinced she actually gave me drugs - to either drug me and take me back or kill me or something. By no means do I trust her. She could still be working for them - if they exist - and I could be her next victim.
That's why I don't tell her everything. She could easily be reporting back to them. I can't let her do that.
I open up the curtains and am blinded by the sun. The sky is a bright blue, and the trees' leaves have just started turning an orange tone. Summer is over and autumn is on its way.
Given today's weather, I have no doubt today is gonna be a wonderful day. I'm going to see Mark, and he's finally going to introduce me to some of his friends.
My dark circles have started fading. That's for sure why Mark feels like he can introduce me. I'm no longer his other friend that just happens to look like some drug addict. Maybe I can actually make a good impression and not embarrass him.
I grab my coat and head out of my small apartment. The cool air feels fresh. Somehow, it all feels like starting fresh.
Not forgetting, of course. But maybe... moving on?
It's a five-minute walk and I see Mark standing with two people a bit away. They're in the middle of a conversation, one of them laughing so much it looks like he's gonna choke.
I close in warily, can feel my heart beating in my chest from the nerves. Once I'm about ten meters away, Mark spots me, his face lighting up instantly. He smiles brightly at me while nudging his two friends. The one who had been laughing stops and tries to appear serious.
Once I'm by them, Mark greets me with a quick hug and introduces me to them. I learn that their names are Johnny and Yuta.
The rest of the day passes by quickly. Of course, I'm quiet at first, but Mark and Johnny have a way of easing the tension and at the end of the day we're all getting along really well. I can understand why Mark is friends with them.
It's close to 10 pm when I'm stepping into my apartment, exhausted from the long but fun day. The sun has begun setting and the sky becoming darker. In contrast to this morning, my apartment is dimly lit up by the limited amount of light that shines through my windows.
I quickly turn the lights on, not being very fond of the dark, and walk over to the fridge in hopes to find something to eat before heading to bed. Much to my disappointment, it's almost empty, and I make a mental reminder to grocery shop after work tomorrow.
In the end, I just make myself some tea and sit down in front of the small TV I got myself last year.