Linked To You | JJK | LJE

Chapter 30

A week passed by rather quickly. Before I knew it, it was already Friday night. I avoided seeing Hyeri at school. I didn't want to bump into Kim Seokjin. I still needed to talk to Taehyung about Hyeri...

...

*rInG*ring*RinG*

...

"Hello?" I asked into the phone.

"Jieun ah..."

"Taehyung Oppa..."

"I'll pick you up tomorrow at 5, okay?" he asked.

"Okay..." I said. I was about to ask him about Hyeri, but then he hung up on me.

...

Taehyung ah...you're acting really different...really...

...

Strange...

The next morning and afternoon, I tried to dress nicely. I wasn't even sure why I was. Was I trying to look for their acceptance? I didn't really need it...but...maybe I'll do this for my mother. I was pretty sure that...my mother would want that...right?

Taehyung came a little earlier than 5. I was dressed in a simple long skirt and a long sleeve shirt.

"Are you ready?" he asked at the door.

"Uh huh..." I said, taking a bag of fruit that I had just bought this morning.

"I'll take that for you," he said, taking the bag.

"Thank you Oppa."

I got into his car and he started to drive. I was feeling kind of nervous because I didn't really know what to expect.

Calm down Jieun...

"Don't be nervous..." Taehyung said, as if he sensed it.

"I know..." I muttered, looking away.

You're fine...you'll do fine...

"Taehyung Oppa..."

"Hm?" he asked, keeping his eyes on the road.

"Hyeri—" I started, but didn't get to finish.

"My parents are strict, and so is Halmeoni. You need to be respectful okay?" he said sharply. His expression and the tone of his voice sounded very harsh.

I felt hurt by his push and his words. Did he not think I was good enough...?

I just looked out the window for the rest of the trip. When he finally stopped, he got out of the car and walked towards the house without waiting for me.

I slowly got out of the car and closed it.

I walked up slowly up to the house. The door was already open. I slowly took off my shoes and went in.

"Where is she?!" someone yelled.

"She's coming, Omma. Don't be such a rush," a woman's voice said.

"People in our family are never late!" another woman's voice said.

"Omma...she probably got lost."

"Taehyung is supposed to pick her up! Where is he?"

"Halmeoni, I'm here," Taehyung said, coming in from another room.

I stopped. They didn't know I was here yet.

"Well then, where is she?! Did she cancel again?!" the older woman's voice snapped.

I wanted to run and get out of here. No...Lee Jieun...you are strong...and you can do it. You can stand up to anyone...you are strong...

"What are you doing?" a voice asked from behind me.