WARM HUGS [SOOLIA]

Chapter 023

[This photo is not mine; credits to the owner🥺]

>>>Begs<<<

It was late at night when Soobin returned home. He had spent the whole day sitting at a bench in the park to process what he was told in the morning. It did hurt his feelings, but he was much more concerned about how Jisu felt.

He trudged over to the sofa, letting himself plop down as he ran a hand through his hair, overwhelmed by his thoughts that were mainly about Jisu. His eyes fluttered closed as he tried to enjoy the silence of the night.

But alas, it was nearly impossible because Soobin was too distracted despite setting aside a whole day to think about what he learned that day. Giving up, he got up and began to walk to his room to get ready for bed.

Walking past Yun-Jae's room, he paused for a second, thinking that he had heard something from her room. Straining his ears and holding his breath, he tried to hear if there were indeed noises coming from the room.

He tilted his head in confusion hearing soft weeps emit from her room. Frowning slightly, he let his hand rest on the doorknob before turning it silently so as to not catch Yun-Jae's attention.

He peeked through the space he created, the sounds much more clear. It was definitely someone crying, and this time, he could detect it. His eyebrows furrowed in concern seeing his sister trying to muffle her cries with her pillow.

He quickly closed the door behind him carefully, scared that his sister would find out. He let his hand rest on the doorknob as he thought about what he just heard.

It was late at night, and his teenage sister was crying. What could it possibly be? Was it about the guy that she called the other day? All these thoughts ran through Soobin's head as he continued to walk to the bathroom.

Stepping into the shower, he let the warm water hit his back as it helped ease the tension in his body and he could also loosen up his shoulders a bit. It also helped clear his head to think of a solution to help his sister.

Ever since Yun-Jae entered middle school, Soobin always pitied her since she only had older brothers and not a sister to relate to her. It led to Yun-Jae becoming introverted and less eager to share her thoughts too.

Growing up, Beomgyu and Yun-Jae liked to bicker a lot as they still do now, but only Soobin knows this was the reason why Yun-Jae was always hesitant in speaking first. She was afraid that it'll turn into something trivial that they'd end up fighting over.

That's why he always tried to relate to her, and if he had trouble doing so, he just pretended to understand so as not to hurt his sister. But this time, bluffing his way through it wouldn't help. He needed a real girl to help him this time.

Yeji? But won't it be awkward ringing her up since he hasn't really gotten over their one-sided love? Besides, he heard from his father that Yeonjun and Yeji got engaged, so he was still a bit sour about it.

Yeji, out.

Kimi? Soobin cringed imagining the scenario if he were to call her. They weren't even close, and he didn't want to burden someone he barely knew just because he needed a female's help. But still, she was great at advice and was friendly.

Kimi, maybe.

Now, his last option was...Jisu. Honestly speaking, Jisu was the perfect one for this. She had a younger stepsister so she ought to be good with younger people. Paired with her soft nature, Jisu would've calmed Yun-Jae down easily. Yun-Jae was also familiar with her, so it proved to be a valid option.

But the one problem is...Min Jeong specifically told him not to interfere. Who was he to disturb Jisu when she was clearly stressing about her mother's health? What Soobin needed help with couldn't compare to what he needed help with.

Realizing that he's been in the shower for way too long, he turned off the tap and stepped out of the shower, quickly grabbing his towel to protect himself from the breeze that sent shivers down his spine.

He put on his clothes silently, drying his hair with his towel carelessly as he furrowed his eyebrows, thinking about his options over and over again. He had decided to check on Yun-Jae again to see if he really needed to disturb her that night.

It was much more audible this time when Soobin stood in front of her door. Soobin pursed his lips as he rested his forehead on the door, obviously distressed about the decision he had to make.

With a heavy sigh, he took his phone out of his pocket and dialed the number of the girl he wished to speak to. He placed the phone to his ear, hoping that she wouldn't hang up.

"Soobin, I'm busy," Jisu mumbled softly into the phone, the nasal tone in her voice surprising Soobin since she normally had an airier voice. She must've been crying earlier.

"I know, and I'm really sorry but I need your help." Soobin pleaded, holding his breath afterward as he awaited Jisu's answer. He nearly gasped in relief when he heard Jisu sigh before letting him ask his favor.

"Yun-Jae's been crying for quite a long time now, and I think she needs a female figure for this," Soobin mumbled shyly, a red tint coating his cheeks as he asked for the favor, realizing that it sounded so stupid.

"Soobin, I don't think I'm in the position to" "Please, Jisu. I really need your help on this one." Soobin begged desperately, walking away from the room as he felt his hushed voice getting louder.

"You know, Yun-Jae grew up without an older sister or mother. I'd really appreciate it if you could do this for her." Soobin muttered, ashamed that he had to guilt trip Jisu to get her to do what he wanted.

He held his breath as he heard Jisu sigh yet again he could tell she was in the middle of thinking about it. What he said earlier had affected her decision before she let out a grunt of annoyance.

"Fine, send me the address."

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~Viky
🎶☕🌸