Twenty

Author POV

Layla and Hoseok walked into her apartment with the boxes from her car. They dropped them off at the small kitchen table and crashed on the couch. Layla laid her head on Hoseoks shoulder and took a deep breath. "I need sleep," She groaned. "But I also want to eat."

"Its 10:30 and night, silly." Hoseok said as he nuzzled his head against hers. "Noodles?"

Layla perked her head up and grinned. "Please?"



She placed her hand on his shoulder and pulled him close, lightly kissing his lips. His hands cup her face as he deepens the kiss, getting a light moan from her. "Hobi..later."

"Fine," he laughed. "Show me what you have."

They moved together in sync in the kitchen. Layla handed him a pot, he filled it with water, she dumped the noodles in and he seasoned them. They laughed and giggled; Layla laughed even more when Hoseok let the water boil over and he responded in a clumsy panic.

They finally sat down in front of her television, each with a bowl of noodles and a glass of green tea. Layla grabbed the remote and flipped through the channels until she paused on a movie that she hadn't seen in so long. She spaced out replaying the last time she seen it over and over in her mind until she was in her own world;

Not a world with Hoseok.

A world with Jackson.

Flashback

"Baby," Jackson said from the couch. "Wanna watch The Notebook?"

Layla sat down in his lap and snuggled against his chest, then pulled the quilt around them both. She pressed her lips against his chest and turned to the tv.

"Sure," she smiled. "I think our love story is a little less dramatic than Allie and Noah's."

He laughed back then kissed the back of her head. "I couldn't imagine ever being without you. When I get back, do you want to plan the wedding? I don't care where. America, China, even Korea if you want to. I just want to be married to you."

She turned her attention away from the tv and looked up at Jackson. "I would love to, baby." She pressed her lips to his and got lost in him.

His smell.

His touch.

She loved Jackson Wang. She needed him more than she needed air to breathe. He was it for her.

They melted into each other, the blanket getting lost somewhere between the floor and the couch. Jackson picked her up and wrapped her legs around his waist, then carried her to their room; kissing her slowly and softly.

He loved her with his whole heart.

End of flashback

Hobi watched as Layla cried silently to the movie. Every kissing scene bad her sob more, but he didn't want to bother her. He could tell this was about Jackson, but he didnt feel like he had any right to say anything. He wanted her to stop crying and to stop being sad, but a part of him knew she needed to feel this way.

She needed to properly mourn him so she could let go. She needed to find love again.

He wanted that to be him.

The movie ended, but Layla stayed on the couch and stared at the end credits.

"Hey," Hoseok said as he lightly touched her.

"Hmmm?"

"Its 1 AM. We have to leave at 6."

Layla sighed and stood up. "Okay, come on."

Hoseok raised his brow. "I thought I was sleeping on the couch?"

Layla grabbed his hand and pulled him up. "I kinda just want to snuggle up to someone and fall asleep. Please?"

He nodded and followed her into her bedroom. She turned on the small lamp by her bed and walked into the adjoining bathroom. Layla stripped from her clothes and put on a pair of soft shorts and a black tank. She brushed her teeth, took out her contacts and then walked back into the bedroom.

Hoseok was standing awkwardly by the bed and had his bag in his hand.

"Bathroom free?" He asked softly.

Layla nodded and walked over to the bed, then sat down. She grabbed the stuffed Mang on her bed and hugged it close.

She was feeling small.

She just wanted to close up and hide.

She never thought that seeing that movie would push her back into the mind set that she thought was far behind her.

No matter what, she'll always think about what could have been. Still, she doesn't think Jackson is really gone, but deep down she knows that everything she had planned will never be.

She didnt notice Hoseok come out of the bathroom until he sat beside her, pulling her onto his lap.

She let Mang fall beside her as she nuzzled into his chest; breathing in his minty breath.

"I'm sorry, Hobi," she began. "It just hits in waves and I can't stop it."

His fingers circled her back and then he pulled her closer. "Don't apologize, baby." He kissed the top of her head. "I'm here. I will stay here for as long as you need me."

"Thank you, Hobi."

Unknown POV

"Are you sure this is her place?" I asked. The muffled voice over the phone confirmed it. I took a pin out of my pocket and stuck it into the lock, quickly opening the door.

It was dark inside. The only light illuminating the dark apartment was from a small lamp by the couch. I slowly closed the door and walked as softly as I could, making no noise and being sure to not wake her up.

I make my way into her living room and notice the boxes by the couch. She must not have moved much of her stuff yet. I kneeled down by the boxes and stilled when I came face to face with a picture on her small coffee table.

My breath catches in my throat as I slid my fingers across the frame. Tears threatened to fall from my eyes, but I held them back.

She hasnt forgotten.

She never will.

I stood up and faced the next hallway. I slowly slide into the darkness and walk by the open bathroom door.

I come face to face with a door that was cracked open. This must be her room. My hand stills on the door knob, but I push the door open anyway.

I see her.

She's still just as beautiful as I remember.

I tiptoe into the darkness and make my way to her.

She's not alone.

The anger bubbled inside of me, but I held back. She didn't forget but she moved on. Her hair is splayed out on the other guys chest.

She held him. Arms wrapped around his waist, cheek pressed against his shoulder.

She looked happy.

That's what I always wanted for her.

The man moves his face and I instantly recognized him.

It's Hoseok.

My heart shattered right then.

I slowly backed away and accidentally knocked over a bag in the corner. I watch as Layla sits up and runs her eyes. Hoseok rolls over onto his stomach; obviously not hearing the noise I made.

I held my breath praying like hell that she doesn't see me.

She squints her eyes and jumps; holding her chest.

Oh no.

Please don't say it.

"J-Jackson....?" She calls out.

I don't move.

I dont breathe.

I dont blink.

She starts uncontrollably sobbing and looks to Hoseok, shaking him violently. Her attention is away from me so I slip out her door, run down the hall and escape out of her apartment as fast as I could.

I left my heart with her.

I didn't need it anyway.