Folklore | ✔

No Goodbyes

There were no days without sleepless nights passed by since she left. Rona still remembered that day on repeat. Above all accusations and declarations people made, she stood on her ground for justice. One trait her mother gifted her.

Suryeon, who lost a lifetime best friend, helped Rona to find the truth. Jenny, her first genuine friend, stayed by her side through all the worst. And Mari, another adult who always reminded her of the warmth of someone's kindness, also strengthened her.

More so, Seokhoon never left her struggling alone.

In the midst of his study at college, he cared for her and helped her a lot. The promise he swore ever since they got back together still lives on. Laid on the palm of his hands whenever he held her to a warm embrace.

"Stop right there. Don't come near me."

He would never hurt her.

"I've finally come to my senses. I was being childish all this time."

He understood her. The pain of losing a family. He knew it all too well and comforted her.

"I was mistaken into thinking I could do something for you and my mom."

He held her; kept her awake to the harsh reality she was thrown into. He made her strong through all the misery.

"But it turns out I'm not all that different from my dad. My life is more important to me than anyone else's."

He was and will always be selfless. He cherished his own person too much to the point he willingly shared the pain.

But what is this?

"Let's break up."

Where are the words that you solemnly believed?

"I can't do this anymore."

Why do you have to leave again?

***

Four days before break up

"So, you finally get a chance to audition?"

"Yeah. She wouldn't dare to turn down my request in front of reporters and Clark Lee."

Jenny clasped her hands together. She squealed in excitement, hearing Rona's story. She said, "I should have come with you. I want to see Ms. Cheon's shocked face."

The side of Rona's mouth lifted in recall of what happened. More than shocked, that woman almost showed everyone her ugly face. If reporters weren't present back then, the chance of her getting an audition would be none. She couldn't be more grateful for Clark Lee, too.

"Did you already tell this news to Seokhoon?" Jenny asked.

Rona shook her head. Lately, there was a slight distance among them. Seokhoon had been acting strange after Seokkyung's departure to Italy. It was like he was suddenly reminded by something after telling her. His tight schedule due to being a freshman made them lessen spending time together. Although he kept checking on her, Rona couldn't bother him too much with her problem.

"Hm, I think you can tell him. I may or may not hear a door's bell now," Jenny muttered.

"What?"

Rona quickly stood up, then went to open her apartment's door. She immediately met with a pair of black eyes boring deep into her. His tall height which towering her made Rona's vision fall onto his chest before noticing his bloodied hand.

Her eyes widened at the bloody gash on his knuckles. "What is this?" she demanded.

Seokhoon retracted his right hand from her grasp. He shifted his gaze to the side, blocking her view from his reddened eyes. He couldn't reason her with anything if she saw the trace of tears he left behind.