Killer Cruise

Epilogue

3 years later:

"Darling, your father and I are going to step out for a moment, you'll be okay on your own right?" My mother asks, her hand gently patting mine on the counter of our tattoo parlour.

I smile and nod, it was nothing new, they never left for too long anyway, being alone made me antsy. My eyes kept on straying to the ceilings, double checking for vents eventhough I know there aren't any.

They wave goodbye before flipping the sign from 'open' to 'closed'.

Returning to my phone, I mindlessly scrolled though my chat with Taehyung. It's been a long time since I last saw him or any of them, three years since the cruise, but we kept in touch but meeting up proved to be rather difficult, regardless my crush on him only grew.

His work kept him busy though, sometimes it would be a few days before I recieve a reply but I'd always get one, texting was a little rough at first with the both of us relying on google translate but it became easier.

He had nightmares and so did I, both starkly different but all centred around that cruise, sometimes he'd randomly call me, gasping, usually midnight in whatever country he was in, telling me about his nightmares, he says my voice calms him down.

I call him sometimes too but it's not the same as when I could hold him, my entire house is filled with lavender oil diffusers but it's just not the same.

I miss him too much, he'll always hold a special place in my heart, a really big special place. Needless to say, I've fallen down the k-pop rabbit hole since our encounter, admittedly at first it was only to see them, even if it were just an album promotion, it put me at ease knowing they were out there living out their lives because thats the hardest part isn't  it?

Returning back to how we were, continuing on with life despite how scared we are, despite everything they've gone through and seen. Sometimes it makes living too difficult to do. Remembering to be calm seems near impossible at times, yet they do it. I couldn't be more proud of them, of each and everyone whos been through something rough and still gets up everyday to try and live life the best they can.

I still struggle at times, I can't attend their concerts, the static from speakers and screaming from the crowds sends my senses into overdrive. Any vaguely blood-like liquid sends Atlas into hysteria. Hannahs aunt is... well in a better place. Lynnes doing well in physiotheraphy and Liam, I'm sure he's floating around with a halo somewhere, judging my life decisions.

Lorraine calls sometimes, she came over to get a tattoo once, she's even come to me for advice, but I never heard from the police or her about the case. Whenever I bring up the book with our details my question is always brushed off. Somethings are best left unsaid I suppose.

Upon returning my attention to my phone again I find a text from Taehyung, odd, he's supposed to be on tour now, he's usually extra busy during then.

Animeboy: pink, white or red?
Me: purple
Animeboy: -.-
Me: what is it for?

No reply, eventhough it's been seen, perhaps he had to go. I send a text to Lorraine before putting my phone down, opting to adjust the music playing in the shop instead.

The shop is empty anyhow, so of course, I blast Taehyungs latest song, an absolute masterpiece might I add. I hum along to the song as I make my way to the other wall, adjusting the many drawings of tattoos we had to offer stuck on the walls.

The bell tinkles, signaling someone entering, its way too soon for my parents to be back, so with my back still facing the door "Sorry, we're closed,"