Chapter 49
Ling Yao's injuries were finally improving under Su Rui's meticulous care. Although it would take some time for him to fully resume training, he could at least take care of himself and his pain was greatly alleviated. The company's urging calls were becoming more and more frequent, hinting at the fierce competition in the debut group and that they wouldn't wait too long for anyone.
Su Rui knew he had to go back. He had already missed a lot of school classes, and his grandmother needed someone to take care of her. On the day of departure, Ling Yao seemed to have calmed down a lot. He didn't rush Su Rui to leave like he had last time, but just silently helped him pack his luggage, which was not much.
"Go back and study hard. Don't worry about me." Ling Yao's voice was still a little hoarse, but his tone was a rare gentleness in recent times. "I can do it myself."
Su Rui nodded. She felt a great deal of reluctance and worry in her heart, but she could only repeat it in a series of reminders: "Remember to take your medicine on time, don't rush into rehabilitation, and be sure to tell the company if you feel unwell..."
Ling Yao listened, not showing any impatience, but simply responding with a "hmm." When he walked Su Rui to the door, he suddenly reached out and hugged him tightly. His movements were quick, but the hug was tight. "Be careful on the road," he whispered in his ear, then quickly let go of his hand, turned back into the house, and closed the door.
On the return flight, Su Rui's heart still clung to the cramped dorm in Seoul. It wasn't until he set foot on the familiar grounds of South City, back in his and his grandmother's little house, that the sense of unreality slowly faded. Fatigue from the journey set in, and after a quick wash, he began packing.
A few changes of clothes, toiletries, and the old notebook he always carried with him, the one he used to study Korean. When he picked up the notebook, a white, unmarked envelope slipped out and fell to the ground.
Su Rui was stunned for a moment, then bent down to pick it up. The envelope felt like there was something inside. He opened it with suspicion, and inside was a folded piece of letter paper.
Unfolding the letter, Su Rui saw Ling Yao's familiar yet somewhat sloppy handwriting. Her heartbeat inexplicably began to accelerate.
【Su Rui:
By the time you read this, I should be back to training full steam (though I might still be lame for a few days). You must have gotten home by now, right? How's the weather in South City? It's raining again in Seoul, which is really annoying.
I wrote this letter mainly to say to you...I'm sorry.
I'm sorry I've been acting like a jerk lately, losing my temper with you. When the pain hit, I couldn't control myself, and I was upset. Everything I saw was off-putting, and I just yelled at you. I know you were scared and hurt. I didn't mean what I said, so don't take it personally.
And thank you. Thank you for staying here quietly, running around for me, making those incomprehensible hand gestures with the doctor, cooking me those bland porridges, and... massaging my waist every night. I know it's tiring, but you didn't even tell me when your hands were sore.
Su Rui, you probably don't know this, but when you sit quietly beside me, I feel less panicked. It's like the sky is falling, and there's someone there to carry it with me. Although I always think you're stupid and nagging, in reality... you're more reliable than anyone else.
I've said a lot of awful things and done a lot of things that were too much. Sometimes I even hate myself. But you never really left.
You are the most important person to me. Really.
If I do something stupid again, you can throw this letter in my face. Although I may still be stubborn, I promise that I know it in my heart.
Study hard and take good photos. Don't be so stingy. Instead of buying me a gift, eat more good food. Wait for me... wait until I make a lot of money, and I'll buy you the best camera.
Ling Yao]
The handwriting on the letter paper was a little blurry in some places. I don’t know if it was due to sweat dripping while writing or something else.
Su Rui read word by word, her fingers trembling slightly. By the end, her eyes were completely red, and tears rolled down without warning, hitting the letter paper and soaking the ink.
He seemed to be able to see Ling Yao's awkward look as he wrote those words. The clumsy honesty and hidden apology made his heart feel more sour and swollen than any sweet words.
All the grievances, worries, and exhaustion seemed to have found an outlet at this moment, but were gently wrapped up by the heavy dependence and confession in the letter. He realized that all his efforts and patience were remembered by that seemingly indifferent and irritable person.
He clutched the letter tightly, as if it were a rare treasure, and cried uncontrollably. His tears contained heartache and sadness, but more than that, an indescribable feeling of being deeply moved and blessed by being cherished.
He carefully folded the letter and put it back into the envelope, then placed it together with the photo sticker in his wallet and placed it over his heart.
Outside the window, the night in South City was gentle. Although they were still far apart, the clumsy confession hidden deep in the luggage was like a warm light, completely dispelling the haze of separation and connecting the two hearts more closely.
Su Rui knew that no matter how difficult the future would be, he would stay with this person and keep going.
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