Room 2129 (A 2yeon Fanfic)

Chapter 14: Nayeon

"Umma! Appa!" I rush over to them. Appa's wearing his favorite blue button-down shirt, while umma dons her peach polka-dot dress—her staple for occasions that fall in between formal and casual. They run towards me as well with open arms.

"Nayeon-ah! We missed you," umma cheers as she brushes my hair with her hand. Normally, I'd be embarrassed—a twenty-five year-old woman being babied by her parents— but not seeing them for almost two months? I'll let it slide.

Caught between their embrace, I spot Jeongyeon trailing with a distant look on her face. Ever since we left the café, she's been like that. Weird.

"Umma, appa, this is my roommate—Yoo Jeongyeon." My parents smile at her, and she formally nods, her expression blank.

"I'll go pick up the car," she says. Man, what happened to her while I was auditioning?

***

"Wow, I hardly recognize this city anymore," umma exclaims. She and appa marvel at the buildings we pass by. I can only imagine appa's excitement, since it's his first time here as well. For umma, it's more of a reacquaintance.

"So, how are you, sweetie? Are you eating well here?" Appa puts his hand on my shoulder from the backseat.

"Don't worry about me, there's a nearby market I shop at," I reply, looking at the driver—Jeongyeon—who hasn't said anything since picking up the car. "What about Seo-Yeon? Why didn't she come with you?" I ask, suddenly remembering that Jeongyeon and I have a sister with the same name.

"She told us that by not tagging along, we're now obligated to buy her a souvenir," appa sighs. Umma suddenly hits his arm.

"Your sister's drowning in schoolwork," umma explains. "But she wanted to tell you that she misses you—"

The volume of the radio shoots up to a painful rate, causing me to immediately cover my ears. It takes Jeongyeon a few seconds to dial it down.

"Sorry," she says, unfazed, and continues driving.

***

"Well, here we are," I welcome them to our apartment like I was in a tour video. Actually, I've been secretly wanting to brag that the place I live in looks immaculate. Their eyes wander at different areas, as their open mouths display the fascination.

"Will Yeri be joining us?" umma asks as she brings out food containers. I could immediately tell that she prepared a lot.

"Umma, you're my guests! I should be the one cooking for you," I protest.

"No thanks, we don't want to gamble on your cooking,"she quips. Appa chuckles as well. I admit that my cooking pales in comparison to hers but, hey, I can stand my ground.

"Well, I'll have you know that Jeongyeon likes what I cook. Ain't that right?" I call out to her and...she ignores me, her eyes on the television. Seriously, what is up with her?! "Anyway, Yeri told me that she'll meet up with us tomorrow. She's loaded with work today," I add.

Umma nods and grabs something in her tote bag. "Nayeon-ah, here's the dress I promised you. Would you like to try it now?"

I shake my head. "Maybe after we eat, wouldn't want to spill something on it."

***

I share with them my audition stories, not that there's much to share. They cheer me on, as parents normally do. After all, it's not their money I'm using here in Seoul. What I have with me is every cent I saved working at our shop.

Jeongyeon's demeanor throughout this day's really getting to me. Her silence is unnerving. Not even umma's food could get through to her. I guess I'll talk to her tonight.

But first, let's try on my new dress.

Umma really outdid herself this time—it fits so perfectly! The cut even makes it look like I have more curves. The waist line isn't even tight, stretchy even. All in my favorite color—purple.

Just to throw in a little fun, I strike a few poses in front of the mirror. A set of selfies wouldn't hurt either.

"Get out!" That roar's gotta be from Jeongyeon. Shit! I rush out of my room to find her holding a canvas, and my parents are in shock.

"What's going on here?!"

"I-I just looked at her painting and..." umma answers, trembling.

"Nayeon-ssi, you know how I don't like when people touch my stu—"

"Really? You're acting like this because my mother wanted to look at your paintings?!" I shriek back at her. Maybe it's the adrenaline, or the rage, but I don't think twice and charge towards Jeongyeon. My parents, however, manage to pull me back.

Jeongyeon, in turn, stares at us like a rabid animal being cornered. I know there's something wrong with her, but this?

A torrent of ill thoughts enter my mind. How about I bash that painting into your skull? Nayeon, look, this bitch has the audacity to do that to your umma? Make her pay.

"Nayeon-ah, that's enough," umma pleads with her hand on my shoulder. "Don't do this. I shouldn't have touched her things."

"But umma!" I can't let Jeongyeon get away with this, I can't.

"Remember what I taught you." Umma looks at me sternly. Be the bigger person. I know, I know.

As much as it pains me right now, I help my parents gather their things and escort them out of the apartment. But, before I step out of the apartment I say, not looking Jeongyeon in the eye, "I may not be an artist, but I know this much: writing the words 'FUCK YOU' on a canvas doesn't make it art."

***

"Are you sure you want to stay with...her?"

"Don't worry, appa, she's all bark and no bite. She's actually scared of me," I assure him.

"That girl...I don't know why, but it seems like she wasn't angry at me. Like there's something troubling her," umma remarks. No, you don't have to patronize Jeongyeon. She's always been rude. I should know.

The bus arrives. Before boarding, appa slips something in my hand—paper bills.

"Appa, you don't have to," I say, trying to push it back to his shirt pocket. "I can still manage on my own. Just use this to buy Seo-Yeon something."

Appa just shakes his head as he assists umma in boarding the bus. "See you tomorrow, sweetie. Be careful!"

Okay, maybe I'll buy myself a treat before heading back. I don't think I can see Jeongyeon right now. Who knows what I'd do?

After getting myself a strawberry popsicle, I head back home. Umma's words ring back to me, that maybe Jeongyeon is indeed a troubled soul. To be honest, I've never seen her pleasant with anybody. Maybe it's true what they say about aging, you become more insightful.

"Hey, what do we have here? A little bunny lost in the woods," a figure in the dark says in a hoarse voice.

"Are you lost, baby girl?" A taller figure from the opposite side starts walking towards me.

There are two of them: a short, stocky man and his tall, lanky companion. Escaping would be futile, as they're alreading coming from both sides. Only one thing left to do.

I scream for help the loudest that I can, but the short man's fist comes into contact with my stomach just as quickly before I could catch my breath. The pain shoots up towards my whole body and my nerves stand at attention. Paired with my dysmenorrhea, the only thing I manage to do is curl in a fetal position.

Suddenly, all I could hear are shouting and thuds. What's going on? My eyes wouldn't open. All my bodily sensations focus on my center. Maybe this is the end.