Thank You || JinLia ff

Part 9

Lia POV

Yuna, Yeji and Chaeryoung wanted to go to the arcade again. How much free time do they have? I hate to be that annoying friend but I had to reject them again.

"C'mon Lia! You never come with us!" Yuna cried.
"I'm sorry guys, I can go out with you guys every weekend, but weekdays are difficult! I have to cook dinner because my parents come home late!"
"Fine then, weekend."
"Thank you for understanding."
"It's okay Lia, we were just teasing you! We know you have stuff to do and besides, go walk home with Ryujin! Bye!" Yeji teased again.
I just glared at her with confusion and walked away.

To my surprise, Ryujin was the one that asked if it was okay to walk home together.

"Is it okay if we can walk home together Lia?" She said softly.
"Yes of course, I was actually just going to ask you now." I laughed.
"I would also like to treat you to some tteokbokki if that's okay with you."
"It's perfectly fine but you don't need to."
"I want to find a way to thank you."
"Okay then, let's go." I smiled.

Even though Ryujin and I only recently met and had our awkward moments, I felt very comfortable around her. But I was unsure if she felt the same way. Yes, I was the only person she talked to, but still, she has a rough life, I don't blame her for being uncomfortable.

She bought the tteokbokki for us and we sat down to eat.

"This is really good!" I said in delight.
"Mhm, it's one of the only places I enjoy eating at."
"I can understand why, it's really good."
"Mhm!" Ryujin smiled brightly.
"Hey Ryujin, I need to ask you something."
"Go ahead."
"But it might make you completely hate me or avoid me, and I don't want that."
"How can I ever hate, tell me Lia, it's alright."
"Do I make you uncomfortable?" I just blurted it out.
Ryujin looked at me for a good few seconds before she took a deep breath and answered.
"You don't Lia."
"But I feel like I've asked you so many questions about you know, sensitive topics and I hug you without permission. I feel like intruding into your personal space."
"I actually like that though. I've never felt uncomfortable around you. If I didn't want to talk about my family, I wouldn't have told you anything to start with. If I didn't feel comfortable around you, then I wouldn't be here eating tteokbokki with you. And I also really like your hugs. They make me feel... happy." She smiled and looked sincere.
"I'm glad you feel that way. You know I really like you." WHAT DID I JUST SAY.
Her eyes grew wide and she stopped eating.
I panicked internally but appeared calm on the outside. "You know, you're a really good friend." I quickly added.

And to you readers, that was not a confession. That was me just appreciating Ryujin as a friend.

"Me too, I really like you too, you're a great friend too." She said as she looked down to continue eating. "Thanks for being by my side Lia."

"No problem." I smiled. At least that wasn't awkward and she didn't take it weirdly. Right?

As we continued walking home, I stopped for a second and asked Ryujin for her phone number. She agreed to give it to me and we parted ways and entered our houses. She was way more relaxed today as she didn't have her parents staying over. I really liked seeing her happy.

"Hey Lia dear, how was school today?" My parents asked me as I entered.
"It was pretty good, oh, you guys are early today?"
"We decided to come as early as possible today, to spend some time with you."
"That's so nice of you guys, thank you, I love you both."
"So, have you made any new friends?"
"I have, actually, she's our neighbor. Her name's Ryujin."
"That's nice, maybe we can invite her family over for dinner one day."
I immediately started tearing up.
"Why are you crying Lia?" My father was concerned.
"Ryujin doesn't really have a family." I went on and explained the abuse and pain she's been through and how she's had a terrible life so far.
My parents were heartbroken too.
"You know Lia, freshen up and invite Ryujin over for dinner." My mother suggested.
I nodded.

I saw Ryujin through my bedroom window and opened it. She looked so relaxed, it was refreshing.

"Hey, my parents are inviting you over for dinner Ryujin!"
"Wait, really? Why would they want me over for dinner."
"I just told them that you're my new friend." I smiled.
"Okay then, I'll be there then."
"Come in like an hour."
"Okay, thanks Lia." She smiled.