HER || [Chaerji]

{1}

*phone rings*

< "Oh Seonju, is there something wro-" >

< "Miss Lee!!" >

< "Why shouting?" >

< "I-It's about Mr Lee... H-He's..." >

< "...What's wrong with my father?" >

< "M-Mr Lee... He's... d-dead." >

< "W-What...?" >

.

.

.

A tear slipped out of the girl's eye, running down her cheek as she was in disbelief at what she was informed in the phone call.

Trembling hands, shaky breaths, creasing eyebrows, and heart aching.

•=•=•=•=•

Chaeryeong's POV

I'm at the funeral. My father's funeral.

"I'm sorry for your loss..."

"Please accept my deepest condolence, Miss Lee."

"Thank you all for attending... Please allow me to excuse myself for a while, sorry." I let out a small smile and slightly bowed before leaving the place.

"Miss Lee!"

I halted, turning back to where the voice came from. "Yes, Seonju?"

"Miss Lee, where are you going to?"

"Just outside. To get some fresh air."

"Do you want me to accompany you, Miss?"

"You don't have to, Seonju. I'm fine by myself." I gave him an assuring smile.

"But it's dangerous out there, Miss Lee. We're all still in danger. Especially you, the daughter of Mr Lee."

"I'll be fine by myself. Really."

"B-But—"

"No more buts. I just need some time, alone. Please, give me a bit of space. I'll be safe, trust me." I said, to which he creased his eyebrows, and was still hesitant about whether he should really let me go all alone. But at last, all he gave was a soft sigh and a few nods as responses.

A soft smile to Seonju once again then turned back to where I was supposed to be going, and I left the place to go out. I need fresh air. Staying at my father's funeral was too suffocating.

I went to the bench that was just beside the bushes I saw and sat down. My eyes slowly closed, deep breaths in and out, trying my best to relax.

There were birds chirping on tree branches, and some were flying in pairs. Some were still hatchlings, getting fed by their parents.

Parents...

Why would such a thing be happening to my father? Why—

"Chaeryeong!" someone called my name which made me snap back to reality.

"Oh h-hey, Jisu unnie. Sorry I didn't notice you there..."

"Oh, it's fine. Are you okay? You seem exhausted..." she sat beside me as she talks.

"Not okay at all... I can't believe my father— I— I don't know what to say anymore..." my eyes watered and tears slowly started to fall onto my cheeks.

"I'm so sorry to hear that, Chaeryeong-ah..." Jisu unnie hugged me tight, patting my back lightly for comfort as I let out sobs and cries into the crook of her neck.

"W-What can I do now?? E-Everything is b-becoming a total mess, and I f-feel so str-stressed..." I stuttered out.

"It's alright, Chaeryeong. You know I'm always here for you. I will help you, always will."

"T-Thanks for that, u-unnie..." I sobbed once more.

We both became quiet after all, only a few of my soft sobs could be heard between us. I was trying to take small rest, but then I felt her lightly gripping the back of my shirt.

"Jisu unnie? I-Is there something wrong...?"

"Chaeryeong, I don't think it's safe out here... Let's go back," she whispered and patted my back a few times again, signalling me to get up.

We then walked back to the funeral, I noticed how Jisu unnie was furrowing her eyebrows, being very careful of our surroundings.

"Seonju," she called for my butler.

"Yes, Miss Choi, is there anything I can help with?"

"Please be aware of any suspicious people around here. Those that appear to be wearing black hats."

"Yes, Ms Choi. We will."

Seonju bowed to both of us, then he left to inform the bodyguards that were guarding the place. Jisu unnie and I went inside the car. I looked at her in confusion and asked, "What happened back there?"

"I just sensed something wrong."

"Did you notice anything back there?"

"I saw a very suspicious someone, but I'm not sure about it. Still, it's best to be aware of everything and everyone around us. We have to keep you safe, Chaeryeong."

"I see..." I responded.

"Chaeryeong-ah."

"Hm?"

"You have to be careful these days, not everyone can save you when a sudden incident happens. You have to always be careful of your surroundings and—"

"Yeah, I know, unnie. You don't have to worry much."

"How can I not worry??! Your father was murdered even though there were more than ten bodyguards! MORE THAN TEN!" her volume increased, to which I was shocked, I gulped.

"...I-I'm sorry, Chaeryeong. I'm just... very worried that you'll end up—"

"I understand, unnie... It's okay."

"You have to be safe, Chaeryeong-ah..." she pulled me into a hug.

"I will be safe, trust me."

"I know you will. But still, as how the investigator said, your father was shot to death at a close distance. That murderer must be very well-trained and strong to defeat all the guards. You have to be really, really careful and aware of all things."

"Don't worry too much, unnie. I can take good care of myself, I'll stay careful."

"Good," she said and I smiled softly, and she hugged tighter.