Waterfalls || Yeonbin

chapter 26: pink

Continuing on July 21, 1940

I heard the back door slam, snapping me out of my thoughts. I tried to stop him, but he walked away from me before I could say anything. I just want to help him calm down a bit, getting a little frightened from how badly he snapped. Every time I was going to try and calm the situation, he just started yelling again and I couldn't get through to him. And I feel like that wasn't my battle to fight. He must've had so much anger built up that he just broke, and it seemed like he needed to let it out. He must want me to go and comfort him, aware of the things his father said. Even though I'm not entirely sure who this Natasha person is, it was clearly a person Soobin wasn't fond of. I took a few steps towards the kitchen to go get him, but Mrs. Choi stopped me.

"Yeonjun-ssi..." She called out, making me halt in my place. I turned around, seeing the unhappiness in her eyes, "Just give him a minute alone."

I huffed, wanting to ignore what she just said in order to go comfort Soobin, but I eventually decided to listen to her. I walked back to the middle of the parlor, taking a seat in the chair Soobin was previously sitting in. I turned my head to her, noticing how she was already looking in my direction, "Has he ever burst like that before?"

She shook her head, "He never stands up for himself. Always silently takes everything."

I sighed, bringing a hand up to comb my fingers through my hair. I felt so bad for him. I have no idea what he's thinking right now and I'm nervous to find out what it is. I suddenly felt Mrs. Choi gently grab my hand, surprising me a bit as she said, "Thank you for being there for him."

I gave her a little smile, nodding my head as I said, "Of course."

"You two are together, aren't you?" She asked, making me go still.

I felt my lips parting, avoiding her eyes. I remained silent as to not say something to give us away, but I don't know how I could've made this situation any better. This is all my fault. I should've listened to Soobin when he told me not to meet his parents this morning. I now understand how he didn't want me to get caught up in all this, knowing I would try and protect him at all costs. Me doing that gave us away, something I hadn't thought of originally.

"I won't say a word..." She added, making me finally turn to her. She pursed her lips, seeing where Soobin gets his dimples from. Her thumb rubbed my hand a bit, soft and gentle as she said, "Just promise me that you'll protect him."

I was terrified, not knowing whether to trust her much or not. Although, she's actually been really sweet and kind to both of us today, and the fact that she knows anyway doesn't give me much of a choice. I nodded, replying, "I promise."

She gave me a little smile, pulling her hand away from mine to pick up her teacup again. She held onto the saucer, hesitant to bring the cup up to her lips as she said, "Bring him a glass of milk. It helps to calm him down a bit."

I nodded, quietly saying, "Yes, ma'am." Before she finally brought the cup up to her lips in order to take a sip. It was awkwardly silent as I stood up, pausing for a moment before I walked into the kitchen.

Mrs. Choi didn't stop me from walking away this time, hurrying to grab a glass out of the cabinet and the glass bottle of milk out of the refrigerator. I poured the milk for Soobin, hoping that his mother was right about how this helps to calm him down. I quickly put the bottle back when I was finished, walking with the glass in my hand to the back door. I took a breath before I cautiously opened the door, seeing Soobin sitting at the bottom of the steps, resting his feet on the grass.

His head was in his hand, his elbow resting on his knee. He didn't turn to me when I opened the door, making me hesitant to say, "Hey, Soob..." I paused, thinking he would respond, but he never did. I sighed, walking down the steps to sit down next to him. He wasn't crying, but he still looked upset; now noticing how he was playing with the fabric of his trousers. I pouted a bit as I sat down, saying, "I brought you some milk." As I held the glass out for him.