Two Worlds Apart [MiChaeng Fanfic]

3

"Mina-ya! Come on, you have to eat more. You are all skin and bones already," Sana said while shoving me the plate of jokbal.

"If you don't want it, then I'll have it," Momo said as she was about to point her chopsticks to the pig trotters until Dahyun slapped her arm.

"Ya! You had so much already! Mina-unnie needs to eat," Dahyun said.

It's always been like this. Them persisting and encouraging me to do normal things again, as simple as eating properly. They, too, have noticed my weight loss which is why they would alternately send food to my penthouse weekly and one or two of them would guard me as I finish my meals. Little did they know that once they left, I am back to my withdrawn self. Food has not really been appetizing to me anymore ever since she left as I just resort to bottles of soju and wine. Well, that's what I thought -

"Mina-ya, we know you have not been eating properly when you're alone. We are all so worried about you, please don't neglect yourself," Jihyo, my close friend who is like a sister to me, said.

I grab a piece of jokbal and shove it to my mouth, following up with a piece of korean chicken and bottomed them down with water.

"There, that's what I'm talking about," Jihyo beamed at me.

"Here, have some more, unnie," Tzuyu said as she placed a piece of beef in my bowl.

They are all watching me eat, each pair of eyes radiating with concern and worry. For the past year, I have worried them so much. They always check on me to the point that they would alternately call me without missing a day or barge into my penthouse and take care of me despite their busy schedules. They are afraid that I'll attempt to take my life again after those numerous failed attempts.

I realized that it's okay to give them what they want to see, which is to see me cheerful and healthy. "Please give me another bowl of rice, Nayeon-unnie," I said. She quickly and happily passed me the bowl. "And also, do you mind if I finish this?" I asked, pointing to the plate of jokbal.

"Yeah, yeah of course!" Jeongyeon said.

Their worrisome eyes turned into beaming ones. I am glad to see those again, just like the old days...

I have never eaten this much ever since she passed. But I just want to appease my friends-turned-into-sisters' requests. And tonight, I did, and will do so until the end of the night, because I already made up my mind - I will get over Chaeyoung.

Maybe it is because of my fourth bottle of soju or the ridiculous, drunken acts my cousins, Momo and Sana, are doing, but I am laughing so much. Without knowing my true inner feelings, a normal person would perceive me as a crazy, happy drunk. I am crouching on the carpeted floor, laughing and slapping the soft surface beneath me as I watch my friends doing crazy acts. They are all dancing and singing like there's no tomorrow. We are all wasted, but the happiness and relief on their features cannot be erased. I feel that they are glad that I finally allow myself to be happy once again, and to give in to the idea of moving on.

"I love you girls!" I screamed as I raised my bottle of soju. They all turned to face me. Shock and amusement are written in their faces. Then all of them hurriedly come to me and hug me tight. I can feel their love and care through their warm embrace, and I feel very lucky to have these girls by my side.

---

I am not sure how it happened, or who carried me, but here I am in Chaeyoung's bed once again, which was ours before. I feel kind of sobered up now. I checked my phone for the time.

2:17 AM.

A heavy drop of tear escaped my eye, as I feel the pang of reality again. Then I remembered what I promised myself earlier, which is to move on from her.

I let out another drop of tear again. This time, I told myself that this will be the last time I'll cry for her. She doesn't want to see me this lonely either.

Tomorrow, it will be a new start for me.

I smile sadly and hug my teddy bear as I put myself to sleep.