Someone Like You

Chapter 11: Heartbeat

Mina froze. I could tell she was surprised. Please don’t think she’s numb; I’m just a coward.

I gave her a sad smile and looked at our hands. "You don’t have to say you love me."

"I’m fine just saying this to you. I’m sorry. Please don’t feel bad, Mina. I’m content with the friendship we have," I said weakly.

"Why me, Nayeonie?" she asked, tears welling up in her eyes. "Out of everyone, why me? I mean, there’s Ji-eun. Why not her?"

I looked away. "Ji-eun is a great friend. She’s like a sister to me. I don’t want to lose another friend."

"But why not me? I’m also your friend. Why don’t you see me as a sister?" she asked curiously.

"You’re different from her, Mina," I said seriously. "You made me feel something different. You light up my world. The way you take care of me, even when I’m not sick. The way you make me smile with the little things you do. The way you get mad and annoyed at me sometimes—it all makes me fall in love with you."

"What can I do now? I told myself not to let you get hurt, but here I am, hurting you instead. I know how that feels," she said sadly.

I gave her an understanding smile.

"Mina? Nayeon? What are you two doing here?" Jackson suddenly asked. "Why are you holding hands? Are you two dating or something?" His tone was slightly annoyed.

"Jackson, no," Mina said, holding his wrist to stop him. "Jackson, wait."

Jackson ignored her and continued walking. "Jackson Wang."

Mina’s voice was firm, but Jackson didn’t stop. I watched them, knowing I had caused this conflict, but they needed to talk. I hid behind a tree and listened, as I was an expert eavesdropper.

"Jackson, Nayeonie and I are just best friends. It’s normal to hold hands," Mina explained.

He scoffed. "Okay, let’s say it’s normal. But the way you look at her is not a best-friend look."

Mina looked confused, and so did I.

"I courted you because I had to. It was a dare," he chuckled. "Remember when I made that cut on your jawline and neck? Ha ha, that dare was fun too."

Mina slapped Jackson, and I flinched at the sound.

"I fucking hate you, Jackson Wang. Let’s break up."

"Go ahead. I’m tired of hearing your stories about your best friend, Nayeon."

I watched as Mina ran away from Jackson, who was smiling widely. I walked up to him and gave him a death stare. "I hate you for hurting Mina," I said before chasing after her.

I found Mina in Jackson’s dorm, packing her clothes while crying. I knocked on the window to get her attention.

"Mina," I whispered.

"Nayeonie," she called through her tears as she opened the door and cried on my chest.

"It’s okay. Let’s finish packing your clothes first," I said, and she nodded.

We left Jackson’s dorm and went to my apartment.

"Oh! I forgot to tell you that Ji-eun is here," I said as I noticed the lights on.

"Ji-eun!!" Mina shouted.

"Yes? Coming!" Ji-eun replied, opening the door for us. "You guys came home just in time."

"Why?" I asked. Mina gave me a smile.

"I’m cooking dinner," Ji-eun said.

Mina’s eyes lit up. "Eggs with ketchup! My favorite!" She looked at Ji-eun and me with a smile.

We chuckled.

"Mina, I forgot again. Ji-eun is sleeping in your room. You can sleep in my bed, and I’ll take the sofa," I said.

"No! You’re sleeping beside me," she pouted.

"It’s fine. I know you still feel awkward."

"Just a little."

"Then I should sleep on the sofa, whether you like it or not," I insisted.

She glared at me, making me rethink my stance. "Oh yeah, I’ll sleep beside you, right? I forgot. I’ll be there later."

A few minutes later, Ji-eun called from downstairs, "Kids, get down now. Dinner is ready!"

We went downstairs and sat at the table. Mina’s eyes sparkled when she saw her favorite dish. "Eggs with ketchup," she said happily. Ji-eun and I exchanged amused glances.

"Let’s eat! Thanks for cooking, Ji-eun," I said.

"No problem," she replied.

Mina ate happily. I insisted on washing the dishes since Ji-eun cooked. After finishing, I took a quick bath, and Mina did the same. I saw her lying down in my bed. I lay down beside her and opened my arms.

She hugged me and rested her head on my chest. "Nayeonie, it hurts."

Her tears soaked my shirt. "Just let it out, Mina."

"I can’t believe it was just a dare. I didn’t know. I only felt how much my cuts hurt. I feel so heavy," she said.

"Don’t worry, Mina. I’ll help you through this, but promise me you’ll stay by my side, okay?" I said, and she nodded. "Great! Then you should start moving on tomorrow."

Her eyes widened. "Tomorrow? It’s still fresh."

"I didn’t mean you have to be over it tomorrow. I just think you should start the process," I clarified.

She didn’t reply but continued to listen to my heartbeat, as she always did. "Nothing’s changed. Your heart is still beating so fast."

"It’s because of you, Mina."

Nyn.