Login 10: Nosebleed

<>

Time 1:45 PM

Jae sat on his bed, looking out the window, as the warm sunshine touched his skin. If one saw him at that moment, one might think how peaceful and tranquil Jae looks, but unknowingly inside him was pitch black and full of void.

Jae closed his eyes as the memories, one by one, started coming back; hitting him like a wrecking ball. He wanted to die, "why can he?!" he shouted in his mind as he felt an unbearable pain, not from his body, but from his heart. When he was getting beaten up; on the dirty floor at a dark alley; on a country that nobody will even care if he suddenly disappears; at that moment, he felt finally at peace. He will finally get to leave this world that abandoned him and was glad that all the unbearable pain would finally ceases to exist. He was ready to die, but it was like fate was playing a cruel game on him. He woke up and was horrified to find himself on a hospital bed, still alive.

Jae opened his eyes starred down on his miserable self and let out a humorless and pained laugh, thinking what a joke his life was. His hands form into tight fists, gritting his teeth as his eye turned glassy from unshed tears. His body ached, but his heart ached even more. He was betrayed of his trust, his hard work all coming to waste; his dreams, shattered right in front of his eyes as he looked straight into the eyes of the people that he once trusted, treated him like trash.

His heart felt like it was being shattered into tiny little pieces, only to be put back and shattering it again, like a never ending cycle. Now he finally remembered why he drowned himself in alcohol that night; it was all a futile attempt of numbing the excruciating pain. But not only was the pain not removed, it was intensified even further. He couldn't take it anymore.

His body screamed in pain as he got out of the hospital bed, but he didn't care. He lumped towards the window of his room and slid it open. The gentle breeze touched his face, as his tears slid down his cheeks silently. His heart beated faster and faster as he started climbing on the windowsill. But as he was climbing, a voice spoke "I wouldn't do that if I were you" making him halt completely. He turned to the source of the voice and saw a young man standing at the entrance of the room.

"I don't know what you went through, but don't give up just yet" The young man said.

Jae heard the empathy on the young man's voice, like he completely understood what Jae was going through at that moment. The young man's voice was like a small light, spreading its light on his darkness. Jae had a strange feeling rise up in him that he hasn't felt for a very long time. The feeling of finally being understood and that someone cared.

Jae's legs suddenly gave up on him, he slumped on the floor then started sobbing.

Jae heard the young man walk over to him, then sat right next to him quietly, offering companionship.

Jae didn't know how long he cried, but after letting it all out his entire body felt exhausted. He leaned his back on the wall, as he panted like he had ran for miles.

"Feel better?" The young man asked.

At that moment, Jae was surprised because he actually felt better.

"Sometimes, its better to just cry it out than holding it all in. Crying is not a sign of weakness, so it's okay to cry" The young man said with a hint of sadness in his voice.

Jae felt that the young man really understood him, and for a very long time, he felt at peace.

Both of them just sat on the ground in comfortable silence as the time passed by. The sun was already setting when the young man stood and offered a hand to Jae. Jae gratefully took his hand, as he slowly stood up. His body felt so weak and heavy, that he couldn't walk properly, so the young man had to support him. The young man carefully helped Jae, walk to the bed and slowly helped him sit.

As soon as he sat, the door of the room slid opened as a nurse entered. She was socked when she saw Jae already sitting up.

"Hmm.... can't wait to get out of here?" The nurse smiled, teasing Jae as she checked his condition.

Jae held his head down as he blushed embarrassingly.

After the nurse assessed Jae's condition and confirmed in her chart that everything was good, with a nod the nurse delivered the good news with a big smile "You are really lucky to have survived last night. Your body is healing really greatly, but you still need a lot of rest in order for you to fully recover. With that saying, you can be discharged today!"

"That's great! Thank you so much Ate!" The young man said gratefully

"No problem! You can just check out on the counter on the first floor" The nurse informed before leaving.

When the nurse left, the young man turned to Jae "Oh... by the way, your things were handed to the police station this morning. Some of your stuff were stolen though, I'm sorry"

When Jae saw that his suit case was in one piece, he felt like crying again. He already accepted the fact that everything that he possessed when he came to the country, was already gone. So he really wasn't expecting for some of them to return unharmed.

"Thank you!" Jae thanked the young man, bowing in gratitude. His voice was still hoarse from crying, but he still wanted to show how grateful he was.

"No need to thank me." The young man said as a slight smile appeared on his face "Oh, and this" The young man then handed Jae his wallet

When Jae saw his wallet, he was extremely over joyed as he took the wallet "Thank you!"

Jae opened his wallet and wasn't surprised that all his money was all gone, but he didn't care much for that. Jae checked all the pockets of the wallet and let out a sigh of relief when he saw that all his IDs and his only savings card was still there. He was actually surprised when he saw his savings card, because he was really sure that he won't be seeing it ever again.

"Thank you so much...." Jae started thanking the young man only to realize that he didn't know his name.

"Nico. My name's Nico" Nico introduced himself.

"Thank you so much Nico!" Jae bowed again, he then extended his hands to Nico and introduced himself "by the way I'm..."

"Jae. I know" Nico said, taking Jae's hand and shook it.

"How did you?" Jae was really surprised when Nico knew his name.

"I took a quick look in your wallet, sorry about that" Nico said, ruefully "I promise I didn't take anything. Plus I only looked to confirm if you really are who I thought you were"

"You know me?" Jae was even more surprised

"Uhhhh... yeah! You're kind of a celebrity" Nico said

Jae could only let a self deprecating laugh when he heard what Nico said. "Celebrity? More like a joke" He thought to himself.

When Nico saw Jae's change in expression, he immediately changed the topic.

"You should probably change before we leave. I brought an extra slippers for you, I didn't know what your feet size was, so I hope this is okay."

Jae felt like his heart was being gently squeezed as he said "Thank you Nico! I really am!"

"Your welcome" Nico replied "I'll take care of your form on the first floor, I'll wait for you there okay?"

Jae could only nod, as his heart continually get gently squeezed.

"Okay" Nico nodded, but when he was about to leave he turned to Jae remembering that he was still recovering "Can you change by yourself? do you need help with anything?"

"I'm all good, I can do it by myself" Jae replied

"Okay" Nico nodded before leaving the room.

Jae proceeded to change his clothes and throw his old one on the trash bin, and by old ones, meaning his pants which was the only clothes that he was wearing. He put on a simple cotton t-shirt, which proved to be more challenging with all his fractured rib and bruises all over his body. He was already tired with just putting his shirt that he almost didn't want to change his pants. Unfortunately he has too, since his pants was really covered in dirt and mud. He changed into a more comfortable jogging pants, which was more easier that putting on his shirt. After changing his clothes, he immediately went to the first floor, since Nico already took his suitcase once he got his change of clothes.

When Jae arrived at the first floor, he looked for the front counter and saw Nico there, signing some documents. As Jae walked over to the front counter, he felt people starring at him. He wasn't new to people starring at him, but this time it made him uncomfortable. Jae put out the mask that Nico gave him earlier as he continued walking to the front counter.

Nico just finished signing everything when Jae arrived.

"You good to go?" Nico asked when he saw Jae

"Yeah" Jae replied with a quick nod

"Let's go" Nico said, as he took the bag of prescribed medicines on the marble counter before dragging Jae's suitcase, while carrying his backpack on his back.

Jae really felt embarrassed when he saw Nico carrying all his belongings. He tried getting his suitcase from Nico's hand but Nico refused to give it to him, stating that he was still recovering and that he wasn't allowed to carry heavy stuff, apparently that also includes pulling heavy stuff as well.

Jae could just let out a sigh of resignation, as he quits his attempting and just followed Nico out of the hospital.

Nico checked his watch for the time and saw that it was already 18:00 PM (6:00 PM) and the sun has already set.

"Do you already have a place you're stay at?" Nico asked Jae as they stood outside of the hospital waiting for a cab.

"I actually just arrived on the country yesterday and went straight to the bar" Jae said, his voice full of shame.

They both waited for a couple more minuets before the cab arrived. When the cab arrived, Nico went to the back of the cab and tapped it a couple of times before the driver opened the trunk. Nico placed Jae's suitcase on the trunk before gently shutting it. He then went to open the passenger's door then and got in. But when he saw Jae still standing outside, he frowned.

"What are you waiting for? C'mon" Nico called Jae

Jae snapped out of his trance, then immediately got inside the cab. Nico gave the address to the driver before they started moving. Nico's attention was on his phone the whole cab ride, so the whole ride was spent in silence.

<>

Time 7:57 PM

The drive took about 45 minutes, before arriving at a modern apartment complex. Nico paid the cab driver before getting out of the cab and taking Jae's suit case out from the trunk. Jae followed Nico's lead quietly as they both entered the apartment complex.

The interior design of the building was so amazing that Jae couldn't help but be marveled. They continued to walk down the hall and rode an elevator to the 4th floor. Arriving at their floor, Jea followed Nico out of the elevator and walked down the hallway again and stopped at door no. 26. Nico unlocked the door and entered the apartment.

"You can stay here in the mean time, since you said you didn't have anywhere else to stay yet" Nico said as he walked over to the living room, which pretty much occupies the most of the house. The ceiling was high, and there was a small open second floor that Jae's guessed to be Nico's room. The apartment was modern, very functional and easy to live in.

Nico lived in one of those minimalist houses, that's becoming more and more famous these days.

Nico walked over one of the walls, then pulled down a bed. "You can sleep here", Nico said as he grabbed some sheets on the dresser nearby and placed them on the bed.

Then he saw a small part of Jae's shirt being drenched in blood.

"Your wound seemed to have opened. You can clean it in the bathroom. you can also take a bath while your at it, the nurse said that it's okay for you to take a bath already." Nico handed Jae a clean towel and a bag of medicines "Clean your wound with this first before putting bandage on it okay?"

Jae starred down on the medicine in hands, and just stood in place. He wanted to thank Nico again, but it seemed like saying thank you again and again would already void the meaning of it,.

Nico saw Jae's mixed emotions, and just said "Go, take a bath, that's not much". Nico gently turned Jae's body then gently pushed him in the bathroom. "You can use my stuff there so, don't worry about much and take your time" Nico said before closing the bathroom door.

Jae's stood in the middle of the bathroom, still stunned and bewildered by all that's happening. It was all happening so fast that his mind couldn't catch up in time. Everything was just so overwhelming that he didn't know what to feel anymore. He felt things that he never thought he would feel again. He was grateful, happy, excited, joyful but he also felt uncertain and doubt if everything that was happening was actually real.

He remind standing for a couple more minutes before taking off his clothes. He hasn't taken a bath since yesterday that he arrived in the country, so he's been really needing one badly.

Outside in the living room, Nico sat on the couch, switched on his laptop and immediately logged in on Rampage. The rewards from the Hunt yesterday has already been delivered, but he actually forgot about those until he was reminded by Joseph who was non-stop nagging and asking him what his rewards was, at the cab. Joseph hasn't opened his rewards yet since he was waiting for Nico, so they can opened it together.

<>

8:23 PM, Philippine time | Asia Server

As soon as CherishedSong was loaded in, a private chat popped up from SavageGentleman.

"Hurry up and open up your reward box! *Impatient Emoticon*"

Nico rolled his eyes and smiled as he saw Joseph's greetings to him.

"I'm on it, your majesty! *Sigh Emoticon*"

"Hurry! *Shouting Emoticon* *Fast Ageing Emoticon*" SavageGentleman sent again.

Nico was about to open his reward box when the door to his apartment flew open and a raging Allyson walks in.

"Sorry Kuya something came up, I'll see you tomorrow!" Nico sent in the private chat, before shutting his laptop.

As that moment, Joseph wanted to bang his head on the table over and over again. He was gripped his hair before rubbing his face with both hands. He waited for Nico all day so they can open their rewards together, but alas he was ditched once again. He didn't want to open his reward box yet because he was actually nervous and afraid that his expectations will be shattered by not receiving a JGD, so he wanted to wait Nico, so if Nico also didn't receive one he would someone to share the feeling of disappointed with; or if Nico did receive one, that would at least ease the pain that he would feel.

Jospeh could just let out a sigh of exhaustion before logging SavageGentleman out.

<<***>>

"Where were you and why weren't you answering my calls and texts!" Allyson asked, raging as she towered over Nico.

"I already replied didn't I?" Nico retorted back

"You!" *Smack* Allyson swiftly smacked Nico behind the head

"Ow!!! What was that for!" Nico complained, as he rubbed the back of his head

"What was that for?! You freaking replied after 3 hours!" Allyson but all shouted at Nico "Do you know how worried I was?!"

Nico really knew that it was wrong of him, not replying back to Allyson immediately or at least giving her a heads up on his situation.

"I'm sorry A" Nico apologized sincerely

Seeing Nico apologize, Allyson couldn't stay mad at him for so long.

Allyson could just let out an exasperated sigh before lifting the bags that she has been carrying "Why did you ask me to bring too much food, are you having a party or something?"

But before Nico could answer, the door to the bathroom opened and out walks Jae, with only a towel wrapped around his waist. Droplets still still dripping down his body, making it glisten. One bath can truly bring so much wonders.

"Ja-Ja-Jae?" Allyson said breathlessly as she stood, stunned as her eyes widen in shock.

Nico turned to Allyson and said in a very nonchalant way "Allyson, you're nose bleeding"

Allyson was confused as to what Nico was saying. She thought that Nico was playing a prank on her, but when he placed a finger under her nose, her eyes widen in horror as she realize that she was in fact nosebleeding. She ran to the kitchen in a mad dash, leaving Jae with a big surprised question mark on his face.

"What is this?" Nico asked, waving at Jae's half naked body.

"Sorry, I forgot to get a change of clothes" Jae explained. He was pushed in the bathroom by Nico, so Nico had no further complaints.

"Okay" Nico said in understanding "You can change in the bathroom, or else my best friend would would die of blood lost, if you change in front of her."

Jae blushed at Nico's statement, and just nodded. He quickly took out a change of clothes from his suitcase then hurried back inside the bathroom to change. Just as Jae closed the bathroom door, Allyson came back, pressing an ice pack over her nose.

She starred at the bathroom door for a few minuets before turning to Nico who's starring at her in a cool manner but there was twinkle on his eyes.

"Please tell me I'm not seeing things and that was real?" Allyson said, shock was still apparent in her voice.

"My dear you are not seeing things. You saw right, that was your darling Jae Ahn" Nico said as a smile started spreading on his face he watched Allyson's swift changes of expressions. From disbelief to shock to confused and so much more.

*Smack*

In a flash, Allyson smacked Nico on the back of the head again, making Nico almost topple down.

"Why didn't you warn me before I came?!" Allyson said through he gritted teeth. She was mad as heck at the moment.

Before Nico could explain, the bathroom door opened once again. Jae walked out, now wearing a gray sweatpants and a cotton white fitted t-shirt. His hear was still damp with, making his hair shine almost.

Allyson once again starred dumbfounded at Jae, her jaw hanging open.

"It's not polite to gawk at people" Nico whispered at Allyson's ear as he gently closed her mouth. His eyes twinkled with mischief as he moved over to Jae and guided him to the kitchen.

Allyson glared at Nico, but Nico was already heading to the kitchen with Jae.

"Here, you haven't eaten anything yet" Nico said as he sat Jae down and placed bowl of Bulalo in front of Jae.

The appetizing aroma filled Jae's nostrils, making his stomach rumble. Jae took the spoon, and tentatively took a sip of the soup. As the warm soup filled his taste buds, his eyes widen, as he took another spoon full of soup.

When Nico saw Jae, enjoying the soup, he was relived. He heard that Bulalo is similar to Korean bone marrow soup, so he specifically told Allyson to bring this specific dish.

Jae finished his bowl of soup in record time. He starred at his empty bowl wanting another serving, but he was shy to asked for another. Nico saw Jae's silent plea and filled his bowl once again with soup, but with meat and veggies this time, while he also placed a bowl of rice in front of Jae.

Jae's eyes brightened as he ate. He went through serving after serving, like his stomach has some kind of black hole. Allyson entered the kitchen not too long after Jae started eating, and she was greeted with Jae's cute face, stuffed with food.

All her pent up anger from a while ago suddenly vanished and was replaced by sweet, warm, fluffy feelings. Allyson sat in front of Jae, smiling sweetly as she watched the hungry Jae wolf down his food.

Nico sat beside Allyson and ate his Lasagna, he also watch Jae in disbelief.

When Jae was finally full, he noticed that both Nico and Allyson was watching him, and started blushing beat red from embarrassment. He didn't even noticed that he ate too much, making him worry that they would think of him as a glutton.

"Th-thanks for the food" Jae politely thanked for the food.

"No problem! I can always make you more anytime" Allyson said.

Indeed Allyson was the one who cooked Jae's Bulalo and Nico's Lasagna.

"We haven't been introduced properly. My name's Allyson by the way." Allyson introduced herself

"I'm-"

"Jae, I know!" Allyson said loosing all her composure "OH MY GAD! I can't believe you're actually here! OH MY! OH MY! KYAAAAAAAAAAAAA!" Allyson fanned herself, trying to calm her self but as she continues to look at Jae, her heart kept beating faster and faster instead.

"I actually cooked for my baby Jae! KYAAAAAAAAAA!" Allyson squealed like a fan girl, then she realized that Jae was starring at her with a strange mix of amusement, confusion and... sadness?

"You have to forgive her, she's been a fan of yours since you debuted" Nico said as he cleans the table.

Jae was extremely shocked when he heard what Nico just said. He actually has fans? How was that possible? He thought to himself. He always has the shortest screen time in promotional videos and music videos. He was always located at the back of the group, whenever they perform live. He himself acknowledges that he's not the best at singing, dancing or rapping. His looks were also wasn't bad, if fact he could be considered as one of the most handsome members of Hysteria, but he was being over shadowed by the others with their charm and charisma, which Jae lacked severely. So how was it possible that people will actually fancy him and become his fan. It was like a foreign language to him that he could barely understand.

"Sorry about that" Allyson said, much calmer this time. "I just never would have expected to meet you out of blue, and at a strange way as well, so it's a little bit over whelming on my heart."

"It's okay" Jae said politely, although he though that Allyson was the strangest human being that he ever met.

"By the way, how did you end up here?" Allyson asked. She actually wanted to ask it much earlier but she couldn't get the perfect timing to ask.

Hearing the question, Jae's head hung low as if the gravity weighted on him a hundred times more. As much as possible he didn't want to recall what happened, but that was obviously just foolish thinking. He knew that sooner or later, he will have to talk about what happened.

He was about to speak when Nico beat him to it.

"Are you sure you want to hear it? Or rather do you have the time for it?" Nico asked, while placing a cup of tea in front of Jae, and a cup of coffee in front of Allyson.

"Oh I got plenty of time" Allyson said as her hands hugged the mug of coffee "C'mon spill"

"Okay" Nico nodded, then began recalling the event that happened

It took about a hour and a half to tell the whole story and surprisingly Allyson stayed calm through out the story. Nico made sure to leave out things that he knew were sensitive topics, like Jae trying to take his own life. Nico told the story clearly and with out a hitch, so when he finished, he let Allyson take a moment to take it all in.

The room was quiet for a moment before Allyson nodded calmly "Okay, I get it. So, do you want to do it today or tomorrow?"

Jae was confused as too what Allyson was saying, but Nico has known Allyson for a long time, so her killing intent didn't escape him.

"We are not killing anyone Ally" Nico said with a sigh. He knew that it would turn out like this if he told the story, but he still had to explain it to her sooner or later. So it was better to tell her now, than him learning that Ally went to jail for murder later on. At least now he could talk some sense into Ally.

"Why not, aren't we going to be doing the world a favor if we wipe those people on the face of the earth?" Allyson said in a calm manner, but her voice emitted a very strong murderous aura that made Jae shiver.

"This girl is serious?!" Jea's mind screamed in surprise.

"No we are not going to do anything, and you young lady are going to stay seated on your chair, without murdering someone, or else Jae will be sad" Nico said, like he was talking to child

When Allyson heard what Nico said, her face contorted in an ugly way. Her hands gripped the mug so hard that it almost shattered. Allyson glared at Nico as she breathed heavily.

Nico had to do it. The only way for her to not do anything crazy was to mention Jae.

Jae saw how angry Allyson was, and only realized that she was angry because of what happened to him. She was so furious that she was willing to commit murder for him. He wasn't dumb to doubt further that Allyson is truly a fan of his at that moment. His heart expanded as a warm feeling spread all over his body. He always envied the other members of Hysteria when their fans gathered around to adore them or defend them. Some of their die hard fans were even sending them gifts, always leaving Jae left out with nothing. Now, he only had one fan, but he felt extremely happy that he felt like he was soaring through the sky. But of course he also didn't want for Allyson to do anything crazy for him, so he decided to speak up and help Nico out.

"Allyson I know you're mad, but please don't do anything crazy on my behalf. I would never forgive myself if anything were to happened bad to you" Jae told Allyson with a gentle voice.

Allyson instantly relaxed when he heard what Jae said. Her heart screamed when she heard that Jae cared for her. She wanted to do back flips and somersaults at that moment, be she willed herself to stay calm.

"Okay, if Jae said it, I won't do it" Allyson said

Nico shot a look at Jae, extremely impressed by his soothing words. Nico calculated correctly, Jae didn't disappoint at all, in fact he passed will flying colors. He though that he was going to be killed by Ally if Jae didn't speak at the right moment.

Allyson let the issue go, but there was one more thing that she wanted to know.

"So Jae, what are your plans moving forward?"

Of course Allyson knew the news about Jae leaving Hysteria, even before Nico did.

Jae was taken a back by the question, but he decided to answer honestly "I- I actually don't know"

"That's okay, I'll be always right here by your side, supporting you all the way!" Allyson said reassuringly. Other fans might waver once their idol was gone, but Ally was different. Once she became a fan of someone, she will always be a fan of that someone. Plus, she finally got to meet Jae in the flesh, and talked to him personally. She didn't know how all of this will last, but she will still give her all in supporting Jae.

"Thank you" Jae said sincerely, which made Allyson's heart burst with pure joy.

"I'm still practically a stranger to the both of you, but you guys helped me so much already. I really am thankful" Jae stood and bowed with all sincerity "I know I'm being greedy by asking you this, but can I stay for a few more days until I can find a proper place for myself?"

"You can stay here at Nico's as long as you like" Allyson answered instantly, which surprised Jae.

"What she said" Nico echoed Allyson with a smile in confirmation. Nico had no problem with Allyson making decisions and offers without his consent, because that was his intent all along.

Jae teared up before, bowing once again "Thank you! Thank you so much!"

Note:

Bulalo -*is a beef dish from the Philippines. It is a light colored soup that is made by cooking beef shanks and marrow bones until the collagen and fat has melted into the clear broth.*