ITZY | JinLia / Chaerji One Shots

Friends? [Chaerji]

Pain.

It was all 13 year old Yeji felt. She came to the play ground to escape her home. Her parents were arguing again and she needed some air before returning back. Unfortunately a couple of rascals came before her. They were the rich kids from the rich neighborhoods, and they knew Yeji's parents had financial problems, making her the perfect target to bully.

They'd pick on her, and beat her up until she coughed blood. It was a nightmare for the poor girl every single day. She'd wonder to herself why she was even born the first place. She was used to getting picked on and get beat up. But who cares about her bruises? No one. Her parents could care less if they lose their daughter, and Yeji knew that. That's what made her cold and emotionless. 

"Stop that!" someone yelled. Yeji was relieved someone came to her aid, someone who actually cared to step up from the bullies. The kids turned to the persons direction with a smirk. They approach her slowly, clearly trying to threaten her away but she didn't budge. She just stood there with her arms crossed and an intimidating look.

"Or what?" Said one of the bullies. The girl looked unfazed. She just laughed at the bullies attempt to scare her away. She looked younger but very mature for her age. "You know, I could get your dad fired at any second. That means losing the only source of income your family has. And you only have yourself to blame if you starve. So better stop with your crap and leave the poor girl alone" She said. All of them looked scared. Like she was a queen of some sort and they were her Hench men. Without a word, the bully signaled his friends to leave Yeji alone. They ran somewhere far to give these 2 space. Yeji was alone with a girl, in a playground, at night.

"You okay?" the girl said. Yeji couldn't trust anyone so easily after her fathers betrayal. Instead of answering she just nodded and dusted herself off. "I'm Lee Chaeryeong. I'm 12 years old and from now on you will be my friend" . 'So she's younger?' Yeji thought. Yeji just chuckled at the youngers attempt to befriend her. Chaeryeong was confused. "What's so funny?" the younger asked. "Friends? It doesn't work like that princess. Plus I could've defended myself, I have a black belt"

Chaeryeong sat next to the girl and caressed her wounds. She was gentle with them and kept on touching them. "But you didn't fight back" Chaeryeong said. "You knew if you fought back, your family would be in a position you don't want" She continued. Yeji just let out a deep sigh. Yeji has never felt so understood in her entire life. Her mom was already working 2 jobs to keep this family together, her dad wasting all the money gambling. She didn't wanna be another problem they have to deal with.

"What about you Lee? Aren't you rich too? Why don't you pick on me? Why are you so nice to me?" Yeji said. Tears were visible from her eyes but she was trying hard to keep it in. Yeji was showing her vulnerable side to Chaeryeong, something she doesn't do with anyone. Chaeryeong approached her slowly pulling her into a hug. "Because I understand you Yeji. I understand your problems with your parents, I have them too. It's okay, I'm here, just cry it out"

They sat there in silence, holding hands. Chaeryeong was leaning against Yeji's shoulder while caressing her hands with her thumb. It was rather comforting than awkward. Everything was going smoothly until they heard a sound.

.

.

.

.

'Shit! My stomach' Yeji thought to herself. Her stomach started to grumble and Chaeryeong clearly heard it. She removed her head from Yeji's shoulder and asked her. 

"When did you last eat?"

"Hmmm... I don't know 2 days ago?"

Chaeryeong grew concerned for her friend. 2 days? She can't even imagine skipping a meal in a day. 

"Why don't we eat? It's dinner time already"

"Chaeryeong I don't have money"

"Don't worry. My treat!" Chaeryeong grabbed Yeji and ran to the nearest restaurant they saw. It looked too fancy for Yeji so she was quite nervous. 

"Chaeryeong don't you think this is too expensive?"

"Don't worry about money. I'll pay for it"  

Yeji looked at the clock on the wall. It was already past 7. 

"Chaeryeong-ah, your parents might be looking for you. After eating let's go home?"

"My father is a busy man. He's always out. And my mom..."

Tears were building up in Chaeryeong's eyes. Her mom is clearly someone she values dearly, and the reason why she's crying seems too personal for Yeji to ask why. Yeji just held into Chaeryeong's hand and squeezed it tightly.

"I'm not gonna force you to tell me why you're crying. Let's just enjoy the evening Chaeryeong, and I'll take you home safely"

Chaeryeong has never felt this much comfort in her life. The only reason why she knew who Yeji was, was because she started to notice her in school. Truth is, Chaeryeong is often lonely. She doesn't have any friends because she's shy. Yeji was the only person that ever caught her eye. Yeji was viewed as lower class, she only got in school because of her martial arts skills. She was cold but intelligent, but Chaeryeong found her beautiful.

That was the moment they knew that they needed each other. They finally found what they needed most. Comfort and Understanding. And they found it with one another. Both of them are young, but they endured the most painful things in life. It's unfair. No one should ever go through this.

After Eating for a while it was time to walk Chaeryeong home. If Chaeryeong was being honest, she didn't want this day to end with Yeji. This was the happiest she was ever since her mom's death. The walk didn't last long, and they arrived at Chaeryeong's house in no time.

"Alright, I guess this is it"

"Yeah..."

"I'll get going now-" Before Yeji could finish, Chaeryeong pulled her hand into a hug. Yeji hesitated, but hugged back.

"Thank you for making my day Yeji"

"You made mine better Chaeryeong"

"So I'll see you tomorrow?"

"Of course. Playground, after school"

They broke the hug and Chaeryeong waved goodbye to Yeji. Yeji walked home with a smile to her face, she didn't care if she died that night. All she can think of is Chaeryeong. Chaeryeong was the same. She can't think of anything else but Yeji.

It was like 2 souls destined to meet that were meant to be together.