SUNFLOWERS
Title: Sunflowers
Author: qrn
Pairing: KiWoon
Rating: PG
Summary: He wishes to live happily ever after, together with him.
Author's Notes: Just taking a break from Prisoners... I need to get rid of the whole mental institution-and-experiment thing for a while, otherwise I'll end up in one myself (not that I don't have a lot of problems already) XD This fic marks the beginning of the Petals trilogy, which can be read individually. It might seem a bit rushed, because I did it while trying to do my Banking assignment (which IS boring beyond belief). On another note, I got inspired to write this while listening to Spontania & JUJU's 'Kimi no Subete ni' (it's such an awesome song, so go listen to it <3). Feedbacks & comments are welcome, as always ^^ Enjoy!
It was a beautiful summer day.
Trees swayed gently in the wind, and there were beautiful chirping noises in the air. Butterflies flew among the bush of colorful flowers in full blossom, dews glistening in the sun. I could smell the sweet scent of soft earth around me as I laid myself down on the green, fresh-cut grass.
He picked a sunflower from the garden and gave it to me with a wide, toothy grin. "Here."
I took it with a surprise, sitting up straight. "For me?"
The tall boy nodded. "Yeah!" He sat down next to me.
It was very pretty. "Thank you!"
"It's bright and cheerful, just like you," he added.
I twirled the sunflower in my small hands. I liked it.
He looked at me with those big, innocent eyes. "Smile for me."
I tilted my head. "What?"
"I like it when you smile." He pulled his knees towards his chest. "Always makes me happy everytime I see it."
I blushed.
Then I smiled.
---
"I'm here!"
My head turned to the tall figure peeking from the door. "Dongwoon-ah!" I cried excitedly.
He was still in his uniform, carrying a plastic bag in one hand and a shoulder bag over one arm. Smiling, he walked over to table next to my bed. "How's my favorite hyung doing?" he asked, placing the plastic bag on the table and started delving through.
"Not bad," I said, looking at the bag in curiosity. "What's in there?"
"I brought fruits." He took out a small basket of apples and oranges. "And that book you said you've always wanted to read," he said, handing a sealed, brand new picturebook to me.
I squealed in joy. "You bought it!" I tore off the plastic packaging. "You remembered."
He pulled a chair closer to my bed and sat down. "Of course."
"I like this story." I gazed at the brightly colored front cover. "The character's similar to me."
Running a hand through his auburn hair, he looked at me warmly. "Tell me what it's about."
"It's about a kid who lives in the hospital," I explained. "He can't go anywhere because he's too sick."
He raised his eyebrows. "And then?"
"Well, in the end he gets cured and he grows up all healthy and normal," I grinned. "Isn't that great?"
He nodded, ruffling my hair. "Of course," he smiled back.
"Because I'll get out of this hospital one day and have my own happy ending." I said, hugging the book. "Like him."
"You will," he said, motioning towards a vase of sunflower by the window. "The sunflower is a symbol of longevity."
"Is that true?"
"Which means you'll live forever," he said, poking my cheek playfully. "That's why I like sunflowers."
I stared at the large, yellow petals, feeling happier each minute. "Me, too."
We spent the next two hours talking and laughing about a lot of things.
---
I was reading the picturebook for the umpteenth time when he came over. He didn't bring anything with him this time, and he wasn't in his high school uniform--instead, he was wearing a casual blue jacket over a white shirt and denim jeans. He looked great.
"It's still 6AM," I checked the clock. "You're early."
"Hyung," he called. "I'm taking you out."
I closed the book. "Where?" I asked, surprised.
"It's a secret," he said, holding a finger to his mouth.
"Tell me," I nagged, putting on my white robe.
"You'll find out later." He smiled mysteriously.
"But I want to know now."
He helped me into my wheelchair. "It's a surprise, so I can't tell you," he said, tying a blindfold around my eyes.
"But--"
"Sshh."
After what seemed like a long journey, he finally untied the blindfold. My jaw dropped in astonishment.
"This is...?"
I couldn't finish my sentence--I was blown away by the amazing landscape before me. A large bed of sunflowers were visible from the high hill, resembling yellow gems. Although it was still early in the morning, the sun was shining, and each sunflower sparkled brightly. It was breath-taking.
"Happy birthday!" He kneeled down next to me.
I was too shocked to realize that it was my birthday; being stuck in a hospital could sometimes make you forget many important things.
"Surprised?" he grinned.
I couldn't say anything. It was too beautiful.
"Remember the sunflower garden we used to go to when we were little?" he asked.
I could never forget it.
"I figured we would reminisce about our childhood memories today."
I managed to get the words out. "W...where is this?"
"We're on the hill behind the hospital," he said, staring out to the open field.
"I..." I bit my lip. "...I didn't know there was a place like this." Because of my condition, Mom and Dad never allowed me out of my room.
"You're one year older as of today." He grinned.
"I'm getting old," I said with a laugh.
"That's a good thing," he held my hands in his. "Didn't I tell you that sunflowers bring long life?"
I looked at him. "Yeah."
"Well, it also brings health and happiness," he said, stroking my hand softly. "So you'll live happily ever after."
My eyes widened with delight. "Even until I'm 100 years old?"
He nodded.
"Together with you?"
"That's right."
"Then that'll be my birthday wish," I said. "For us to grow old together and live a happy life for the hundreds and thousands of years to come."
I could see him smiling in approval. "Hundreds and thousands of years," he repeated the words slowly, embracing me tightly.
We remained in that position for a while, inhaling the fresh air and enjoying the exquisite landscape. It was the perfect birthday present.
Then he leaned forward and gently pressed those soft lips against mine.
It was unexpected.
"I like you, Lee Kikwang," he whispered.
I had loved him for a long time.
"I like you, too." I smiled at him.
I wanted to stay together with him as long as I lived.
Suddenly I felt a sharp pain in my chest.
---
I woke up to the loud noises.
Opening my eyes slowly, I turned to the direction of the familiar voices.
The door was opened slightly, and I could see Mom talking to Dongwoon. Next to her was Dad, who had a stern expression on his face.
What happened?
"Do you have any idea what you've done?" she yelled, sounding angry. "You knew he wasn't supposed to be let outside!"
Dongwoon didn't say anything, but kept his head down.
"He could've died!"
I held my hand over my chest. It didn't hurt as much as before.
"I'm sorry," he said with a deep bow.
I cringed at those words.
"You knew how weak his body is!"
"I'm sorry."
No matter how much they scolded him, he could only repeat those words.
"Did you even think, for once, about how dangerous it was?"
He didn't do anything wrong.
Dad spoke up in a cold voice. "We were told that his condition had gotten worse."
It's my fault for having this weak body.
"Maybe we shouldn't have let you come see him at all."
No!
I wanted to go after him, but the tubes and cables tied me down. Through the gap of the door, I could see those sorrowful eyes. Once again, the pain in my chest returned.
And he left.
---
He didn't come visit again after that.
That afternoon was much colder than usual, despite the heater being on. I glanced at my frail, pale fingers. My body felt weaker than ever before, and my head was hurting.
I could see Mom and Dad outside, talking to the doctor.
I wanted to get out of bed, but I couldn't move my legs.
I saw the doctor shaking his head, a forlorn expression on his face. And Mom broke down into sobs.
Sounds of machine beeps and tube drips filled the room.
Dad was seen hugging Mom, tears trickling down his cheeks.
I could feel sweat forming on my forehead. It was getting colder.
The doctor bowed to them, and walked away. Mom and Dad entered the room, their faces in misery.
I swallowed in horror as I realized what was happening to me.
They looked me, wiping their wet, red eyes. Mom leaned her head on Dad's shoulder, weeping loudly.
I gasped, trying to catch my breath, but the pain in my chest was too suffocating.
And he walked in.
He's back.
I wanted to call his name, but I felt a lump stuck in the back of my throat.
He was carrying a bouquet of sunflowers in his hands, and I saw him talking to Mom and Dad.
I couldn't make out what they were saying, and my vision was getting blurry. I opened my mouth, but no sound came out.
He staggered back in shock, dropping the bouquet to the floor. He rushed to my side, screaming inaudibly, but I was too weak to respond.
My eyes started to get warm, and I bit my lips.
It's not fair.
He was shaking my shoulders, then gripping my bony arms tightly.
Please, not now.
I took one last glance at the yellow petals on the floor.
I'll live a long and happy life, I repeated in my mind.
I saw matching tears on his beautiful foreign face.
Together, forever with him...
Then I felt nothing.
I wanted to go back to that summer day.
Author: qrn
Pairing: KiWoon
Rating: PG
Summary: He wishes to live happily ever after, together with him.
Author's Notes: Just taking a break from Prisoners... I need to get rid of the whole mental institution-and-experiment thing for a while, otherwise I'll end up in one myself (not that I don't have a lot of problems already) XD This fic marks the beginning of the Petals trilogy, which can be read individually. It might seem a bit rushed, because I did it while trying to do my Banking assignment (which IS boring beyond belief). On another note, I got inspired to write this while listening to Spontania & JUJU's 'Kimi no Subete ni' (it's such an awesome song, so go listen to it <3). Feedbacks & comments are welcome, as always ^^ Enjoy!
It was a beautiful summer day.
Trees swayed gently in the wind, and there were beautiful chirping noises in the air. Butterflies flew among the bush of colorful flowers in full blossom, dews glistening in the sun. I could smell the sweet scent of soft earth around me as I laid myself down on the green, fresh-cut grass.
He picked a sunflower from the garden and gave it to me with a wide, toothy grin. "Here."
I took it with a surprise, sitting up straight. "For me?"
The tall boy nodded. "Yeah!" He sat down next to me.
It was very pretty. "Thank you!"
"It's bright and cheerful, just like you," he added.
I twirled the sunflower in my small hands. I liked it.
He looked at me with those big, innocent eyes. "Smile for me."
I tilted my head. "What?"
"I like it when you smile." He pulled his knees towards his chest. "Always makes me happy everytime I see it."
I blushed.
Then I smiled.
---
"I'm here!"
My head turned to the tall figure peeking from the door. "Dongwoon-ah!" I cried excitedly.
He was still in his uniform, carrying a plastic bag in one hand and a shoulder bag over one arm. Smiling, he walked over to table next to my bed. "How's my favorite hyung doing?" he asked, placing the plastic bag on the table and started delving through.
"Not bad," I said, looking at the bag in curiosity. "What's in there?"
"I brought fruits." He took out a small basket of apples and oranges. "And that book you said you've always wanted to read," he said, handing a sealed, brand new picturebook to me.
I squealed in joy. "You bought it!" I tore off the plastic packaging. "You remembered."
He pulled a chair closer to my bed and sat down. "Of course."
"I like this story." I gazed at the brightly colored front cover. "The character's similar to me."
Running a hand through his auburn hair, he looked at me warmly. "Tell me what it's about."
"It's about a kid who lives in the hospital," I explained. "He can't go anywhere because he's too sick."
He raised his eyebrows. "And then?"
"Well, in the end he gets cured and he grows up all healthy and normal," I grinned. "Isn't that great?"
He nodded, ruffling my hair. "Of course," he smiled back.
"Because I'll get out of this hospital one day and have my own happy ending." I said, hugging the book. "Like him."
"You will," he said, motioning towards a vase of sunflower by the window. "The sunflower is a symbol of longevity."
"Is that true?"
"Which means you'll live forever," he said, poking my cheek playfully. "That's why I like sunflowers."
I stared at the large, yellow petals, feeling happier each minute. "Me, too."
We spent the next two hours talking and laughing about a lot of things.
---
I was reading the picturebook for the umpteenth time when he came over. He didn't bring anything with him this time, and he wasn't in his high school uniform--instead, he was wearing a casual blue jacket over a white shirt and denim jeans. He looked great.
"It's still 6AM," I checked the clock. "You're early."
"Hyung," he called. "I'm taking you out."
I closed the book. "Where?" I asked, surprised.
"It's a secret," he said, holding a finger to his mouth.
"Tell me," I nagged, putting on my white robe.
"You'll find out later." He smiled mysteriously.
"But I want to know now."
He helped me into my wheelchair. "It's a surprise, so I can't tell you," he said, tying a blindfold around my eyes.
"But--"
"Sshh."
After what seemed like a long journey, he finally untied the blindfold. My jaw dropped in astonishment.
"This is...?"
I couldn't finish my sentence--I was blown away by the amazing landscape before me. A large bed of sunflowers were visible from the high hill, resembling yellow gems. Although it was still early in the morning, the sun was shining, and each sunflower sparkled brightly. It was breath-taking.
"Happy birthday!" He kneeled down next to me.
I was too shocked to realize that it was my birthday; being stuck in a hospital could sometimes make you forget many important things.
"Surprised?" he grinned.
I couldn't say anything. It was too beautiful.
"Remember the sunflower garden we used to go to when we were little?" he asked.
I could never forget it.
"I figured we would reminisce about our childhood memories today."
I managed to get the words out. "W...where is this?"
"We're on the hill behind the hospital," he said, staring out to the open field.
"I..." I bit my lip. "...I didn't know there was a place like this." Because of my condition, Mom and Dad never allowed me out of my room.
"You're one year older as of today." He grinned.
"I'm getting old," I said with a laugh.
"That's a good thing," he held my hands in his. "Didn't I tell you that sunflowers bring long life?"
I looked at him. "Yeah."
"Well, it also brings health and happiness," he said, stroking my hand softly. "So you'll live happily ever after."
My eyes widened with delight. "Even until I'm 100 years old?"
He nodded.
"Together with you?"
"That's right."
"Then that'll be my birthday wish," I said. "For us to grow old together and live a happy life for the hundreds and thousands of years to come."
I could see him smiling in approval. "Hundreds and thousands of years," he repeated the words slowly, embracing me tightly.
We remained in that position for a while, inhaling the fresh air and enjoying the exquisite landscape. It was the perfect birthday present.
Then he leaned forward and gently pressed those soft lips against mine.
It was unexpected.
"I like you, Lee Kikwang," he whispered.
I had loved him for a long time.
"I like you, too." I smiled at him.
I wanted to stay together with him as long as I lived.
Suddenly I felt a sharp pain in my chest.
---
I woke up to the loud noises.
Opening my eyes slowly, I turned to the direction of the familiar voices.
The door was opened slightly, and I could see Mom talking to Dongwoon. Next to her was Dad, who had a stern expression on his face.
What happened?
"Do you have any idea what you've done?" she yelled, sounding angry. "You knew he wasn't supposed to be let outside!"
Dongwoon didn't say anything, but kept his head down.
"He could've died!"
I held my hand over my chest. It didn't hurt as much as before.
"I'm sorry," he said with a deep bow.
I cringed at those words.
"You knew how weak his body is!"
"I'm sorry."
No matter how much they scolded him, he could only repeat those words.
"Did you even think, for once, about how dangerous it was?"
He didn't do anything wrong.
Dad spoke up in a cold voice. "We were told that his condition had gotten worse."
It's my fault for having this weak body.
"Maybe we shouldn't have let you come see him at all."
No!
I wanted to go after him, but the tubes and cables tied me down. Through the gap of the door, I could see those sorrowful eyes. Once again, the pain in my chest returned.
And he left.
---
He didn't come visit again after that.
That afternoon was much colder than usual, despite the heater being on. I glanced at my frail, pale fingers. My body felt weaker than ever before, and my head was hurting.
I could see Mom and Dad outside, talking to the doctor.
I wanted to get out of bed, but I couldn't move my legs.
I saw the doctor shaking his head, a forlorn expression on his face. And Mom broke down into sobs.
Sounds of machine beeps and tube drips filled the room.
Dad was seen hugging Mom, tears trickling down his cheeks.
I could feel sweat forming on my forehead. It was getting colder.
The doctor bowed to them, and walked away. Mom and Dad entered the room, their faces in misery.
I swallowed in horror as I realized what was happening to me.
They looked me, wiping their wet, red eyes. Mom leaned her head on Dad's shoulder, weeping loudly.
I gasped, trying to catch my breath, but the pain in my chest was too suffocating.
And he walked in.
He's back.
I wanted to call his name, but I felt a lump stuck in the back of my throat.
He was carrying a bouquet of sunflowers in his hands, and I saw him talking to Mom and Dad.
I couldn't make out what they were saying, and my vision was getting blurry. I opened my mouth, but no sound came out.
He staggered back in shock, dropping the bouquet to the floor. He rushed to my side, screaming inaudibly, but I was too weak to respond.
My eyes started to get warm, and I bit my lips.
It's not fair.
He was shaking my shoulders, then gripping my bony arms tightly.
Please, not now.
I took one last glance at the yellow petals on the floor.
I'll live a long and happy life, I repeated in my mind.
I saw matching tears on his beautiful foreign face.
Together, forever with him...
Then I felt nothing.
I wanted to go back to that summer day.