Love Is Gone: Park Jihoon

Prologue

Prologue

"I'm afraid of him," my best friend Hua looked at me as she offers water to calm me down.

"You don't have to be afraid of him, Lilac," she laughs as she gently taps my back.

While we were on our way home, one of our school's varsity players, Hua, and his friends stopped by. She recognizes them when I don't. I'm a new student at their school, and they teased me like that varsity player because they noticed I was new.

In any case, I don't like him. He's terrifying because of his body.

"I apologize on Treasure's behalf; they teased you to Jihoon because he was talking about a new student and they assumed it was you." Hua finally got her banana milk from the vending machine.

"But it was you; our school isn't as big as others, so we all know who the newcomers are; they didn't expect you to be that pretty, Lilac," she winked as she sipped her drink.

"Stop teasing me!" Hua laughed continuously.

"It was fun teasing you! They're a bunch of nice guys; I'll introduce you to them tomorrow because it's getting late and you need to get home by five." I nodded and drank all the water she gave me. We left the chairs and table where she said she usually goes after she finished her banana milk.

"Nice to see you back here; how was it in Japan?"

The wind blows gently against my face. I miss having this kind of freedom, which I don't usually have.

The sky is a kaleidoscope of yellow, pink, purple, and orange. I enjoy watching it until it gradually turns grey and blue, indicating that night has arrived and the end of the day is approaching.

When I get home, I'll paint this cinematic scene.

"I had a good six and a half years with them; the people are nice, and I got along well with them."Hua looked at me and came to a halt as I smiled at her.

"Do you have a problem? Why do you walk so slowly?" she asks as she approaches me, and I motioned for her to stop.

"I enjoy taking in the scenery," I told her directly, and the cold wind blew again.

"Lilac, I know how much you enjoy the view, but it's almost five o'clock! We can walk here again tomorrow if you want, but please don't take the shortcut because I know you love it here."

"I'm just wondering why they bought another house when your house next to ours is perfectly fine?"

I can't answer my best friend's question because I don't know the answer. Since it's been six years and we're still close, maybe it's time for me to ask some questions.

"How about you, Hua? How are you? It's been a long year of waiting, but we finally got a chance to communicate! Even if it wasn't consistent," my tone became shaky with my final words.

Hua clutched my hand tightly as we swayed it together. This is something we frequently do, especially when we are singing one of our favorite songs. I long for our childhood!

"It was tough not seeing you every day. Your voice will wake me up because you will crash our door while I was asleep. Your hair looks so smooth and silky that even if you won't take a bath, I bet your hair would not be messy. Your pale skin and your signature scent, I missed that. Your presence, specifically."

It was a challenging ride for me too, Hua. I can't believe I survived without you by my side for six years.

"When I was missing you, some of our classmates asked me why you left, and I told them they should have asked you rather than me because I don't know what you did there, and oh, before I missed, Jihoon was also our classmate before you opted to leave, and he started asking me about you." Hua winked at me.

"That's when I met him and his friends; they were like family to me, which is why, if you give them a chance, I'll meet them all tomorrow with you if that's okay; but since you told me you're afraid of Jihoon, maybe I'll cancel that plan tomorrow and we'll just eat somewhere."

Treasure? I've never heard them before. Hua just mentioned a few names to me. Among the twelve guys, Jihoon was her best friend. She also told some stories about the treasure members, Jihoon being their father and Hyunsuk being their mother. Hua also shared some of their posts, and I must say that they all grew as quickly as the ones she sent me a year ago.

When I saw our house, I waved in front of Hua. Maybe it's time to get to know some new people? I'll let them into my life, but I'll set boundaries because they're new to me. I'm hoping I'll feel safe and comfortable with them.

"How about we meet them tomorrow in your favorite place?" I suggested, and her eyes widened.

"Hey, Lilac! Is that real?" she exclaimed, and I nodded.

"Of course, see you tomorrow!" I said, taking my hand in hers and hugging me.

"I assure you, you will not be disappointed and sad to meet them! See you tomorrow and take care!" Hua was overjoyed as she said her goodbyes.

"I am here!" I yelled as I opened our door.

Before entering our home, I removed my shoes and cleaned my socks. Only a few of our belongings remain in our small garden in front of the house.

"I am home!" I uttered again as I searched for the switch to turn on the light.

I gave a bitter smile.

There was no response.

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This chapter is now edited. Enjoy reading!