solace - NCT PARK JISUNG

CHAPTER V

JUNG JIWOO

Jisung looks at me with a blank expression. Come on, it's not that I don't like eating. Eating alone is depressing.

"What, are you gonna come up with a whole new diet for me? I've been living just fine. My body is used to it." I feel my stomach rumble, but thankfully, it's not loud enough for him to hear.

He stands up and walks past me and I watch him warily. He walks toward the pantry and I panic. Knowing it's too late, I just watch as he examines its contents. He closes it after a few moments then moves on to the fridge.

"It's..." he opens it. "..empty."

He closes the door and looks at me with pity, which I hate. I'm fine.

"Stop looking at me like that." I refill my glass and down it quickly, trying not to let the image of his face bother me.

"Jiwoo, it's just concerning," he says.

I grip the glass tightly. "I-"

"How about you go get ready and we get some breakfast before meeting the others?" he suggests.

I'm so tempted to tell him to get lost, but at the same time...

My stomach makes a louder sound. I close my eyes in embarrassment. "Sure," I murmur. "Give me 10 minutes." With that, I put down my glass and head up to my room.

I don't breathe until I'm alone in the bathroom. I lean on the door for support, trying to calm my racing heart.

"It's just concerning."

Doesn't concern mean... he cares?

I beat my chest with my fist. Is care supposed to hurt?

--

Minutes later I stand before my door, mentally preparing myself for the day. I admit, I found the idea slightly intriguing, but now that the day has arrived, not so.

It's fine, I tell myself. I packed my earphones, phone, and power bank.

I grip the strap of my backpack with one hand and unlock the door with the other.

When I see Jisung, I stop halfway down the stairs. He's seated in the living room, on one of the couches that no one ever uses. His eyes are closed and his head is rested. I've never seen someone so peaceful in this house.

As if he senses my presence, his eyes open. I look away and continue walking down. I feel my face get hotter and just pray he didn't notice me.

He gets up when I reach the bottom of the stairs. "You're a Totteham fan?" he sounds surprised.

I nod and look at the shirt my uncle gifted me on my last birthday. It's their away jersey.

"My older brother is a big fan of theirs as well," he tells me.

I smile. "Smart guy."

He smiles back. "You ready to go?"

I nod and he starts moving. He exits first while I spend a bit more time looking for a pair of shoes. I settle for a pair of Nikes and follow him outside.

It's a sunny day so I wince at the sudden attack of brightness. With a hand for shade, I walk up to him. I hear him chuckle and look up. "What?"

He shrugs. "Nothing. What do you wanna eat?" he starts walking and I keep up.

"Anything? I like coffee. That's a breakfast thing, right?" I lower my arm and stick to frowning.

"I hate coffee," he tells me. "But sure, it's a breakfast thing. I know many areas around here that sell because Jaemin hyung loves coffee."