Page 52 of Obsession of the Egoist
“Mio, if you have problems with Tobias, solve them with him. Grow up.” Yugo glanced back at the desk, seeking signs that the envelope had been opened.
“But…”
“Go!”
“Fine…” Mio’s barely audible whisper brimmed with hatred. Giving Yugo a long stare from under his colorless eyebrows, he stomped out of the office.
When his lean figure disappeared from his field of vision, Yugo said in a low voice. “Greg… When the hospital room is assigned to Kuon, put a guard to it.”
“Got it.”
SITTING ON A MEDICAL BED IN A HOSPITAL ROOM,Kuon crumpled the linens in his fists. The fabric crunched under his fingers. During the last three days, he’d undergone all kinds of checkups and now waited for his surgery.
His phone vibrated, and the familiar music Kristina put as her ringtone filled the air. His hand flinched, ready to reply, but he stopped it the last moment. He’d been intending to accept her calls or ring her back for three days but hadn’t. All the check-ups and his crowding thoughts had been overwhelming, and Rick was constantly around. The idea of explaining to Rick about Kristina spiked his anxiety.
The music died, and through the darkness, slithery worms of fear made their way back into his head. A million ‘what ifs’ circled in his mind, and Kuon regretted letting Rick go home to snatch some things. Trying to chase them away, he fumbled for the remote control. Music and relief flooded the room as soon as he pressed the button. Listening to the drumming, he relaxed his shoulders and sucked in a deep breath, calming his nerves.
The door opened with a barely audible screech; Kuon turned the TV off. The familiar scent of the woody and spicy cologne and tobacco touched his face.
“Yugo?” Kuon’s heart sped up. It’d been almost two weeks since Yugo visited. Many times Kuon wanted to call him, but he’d realized that he didn’t know Yugo’s number. Asking Rick to search his phone for the incoming calls didn’t feel appropriate.
Kuon licked his lips. He wanted to ask where he’d been and if he was okay. Why hadn’t he come? But the words refused to form.
“You’re like a service dog,” Yugo chuckled. He approached, and the warmth of his skin washed over Kuon’s cheek. For a second, he anticipated the touch, but Yugo stepped back. “It’s for you.”
Was it my imagination?Kuon thought. When something landed on his lap, he frowned, “What’s this?”
“Contraband.” A smile in Yugo’s voice made Kuon lift a brow. Feeling the warm box with his fingers, Kuon opened it, and the scent of cinnamon baked goods washed over him.
“You aren’t supposed to bring food here… You know that I can’t eat before the surgery, right?” Kuon said, unable to stop his smile. For some reason, this small gesture made him happy.
“Arrest me.”
“I really should!” Kuon chuckled but instantly lost his smile. Since yesterday morning, he hadn’t been able to eat. Whenever he took a bite it stuck in his throat, making him feel sick. Putting the box aside, Kuon heaved a sigh, the lump in his throat that had disappeared for a moment, formed again.
“Kuon…” Yugo’s voice sounded weird, and Kuon strained his ears.
“What?”
“You aren’t going to do anything stupid again, are you?”
Kuon touched his face, wondering if confusion was written all over it. “Of course not.”
“You’ll be fine. Just don’t fuck this up, okay? Doc said your prognosis is high because of the compatibility.” Kuon frowned. Yugo acted odd. Listening to the emotions coming from the man, Kuon couldn’t help wondering what was going on. Then Yugo added in a familiar, demanding tone, “Don’t fuck this up, or I’ll be pissed.”
Hearing Yugo moving away, Kuon asked before he managed to stop himself, “Where are you going?”
The steps halted.
“Why?” Yugo’s voice dropped to a lower tune. “Could it be that you miss me? Want me to stay and hold your hand?”
“Phht, as if. Go away. Next time bring me coffee. It’s shitty here.” Forcing out a short laugh, Kuon bit his lip. That wasn’t what he wanted to say. The darkness thickened whenever he was alone, and now, more than ever, he needed a distraction. He wanted to sense someone’s presence by his side, to hear someone speak, even if it was nonsense. To know that he wasn’t alone, that there was someone who would chase the darkness away. Kuon clenched his fist as the words refused to form.
Yugo waited for a long moment before he said, “Got it.”
Taking a seat on the windowsill, Yugo watched the doctor fold his arms on the desk.
“There is nothing to worry about, Herr Santell. I’ve already explained to Herr Leiris this morning that the trauma of this surgery is minimal. It can be performed on an awake patient, but to ensure the complete immobility of the eye, it’s better if the patient is asleep. After the surgery, he can go home and have his first check-up tomorrow.”
