Yours Truly

56: Don't talk, Don't leave, just quietly hold me

Sierra's eyes were staring into nowhere. She was clueless whether the heartbeats or not. Lying her head on Jungkook's shoulder.
Lisa kept on glancing. Deep inside she knows, Sierra is a sister to him. But these days, nothing about him feels sweet. Everything just bugs Lisa.
Jennie tried hard to focus on the road. The safety of everyone in this car in her hands. She can't mess up. A blunder on the highway is the last blunder you'll ever make.
Jisoo, on the passenger seat by Jennie was busy ensuring all the boys that they were fine. Absolutely okay. Nothing to worry about. The boys were too engrossed about their safety after Jin's description. Jisoo, swore that if Jin and Hoseok hadn't left early, she would have killed them.
"Noona."
It stung Lisa how Jungkook was holding Sierra's hands rather than her's. Wasn't Jungkook all about "holding hands" kinda love? Wasn't Jungkook in love with her?
Jennie glanced at the sideview mirror. A clear reflection of Lisa, Jungkook and Sierra. But something was odd. Sierra and Jungkook were used to doing this. Everyone was used to seeing this. Everyone, including Lisa. Then why was this odd energy peaking out of her eyes? Jennie quipped,
"Yeah, Jungkook-ah?"
"Drop me and Sierra at my place."
"HAVE YOU LOST IT JEON JUNGKOOK?"
Lisa shrieked, clawing Jungkook's hands. Jungkook huffed. Disgusted, tired. Just wanting Lisa's tantrum's to stop. Jealousy, envy for what? For a man that she doesn't care about? For a man that she ghosts? For a man that annoys her?
"Lisa-ssi, please act civil. Have you seen Sierra? She's turning into a skeleton. She isn't sleeping or eating properly..."
"Ggukie, I sleep and eat well enough. You don't..."
"2 hours of sleeping and eating 1 meal, that too a choco bar, isn't called 'well enough' Si. I'm taking you home and keeping you there till Taehyung Hyung is discharged and ready to live with you again. Get that?"

"Jeon Jungkook, we need to talk."
Lisa cocked an eyebrow. Hands crossed. In the past, Jungkook would felt blood rushing to his squishy cheeks whenever he saw Lisa angry and authoritative. What? Lalisa Manoban looked hot in control. But now, it was just getting on his nerves. These days, he felt like a puppet, tied to Lisa's finger. He didn't feel like a lover much. He sighed, his broad shoulders dropping. He massaged his temples,
"Lisa, I got a lot on my plate already..."
"I don't like you getting so close with Sierra."
Jungkook didn't see the insecurity in Lisa's eyes. The fear of losing Jungkook evidently painted across her face. Jungkook only saw her jealousy. Sarcasm written all over his scoff,
"So now you are picking up on Sierra and me? Great!"
"You think I'm a stuck up?"
"I never said that Lisa!"
"Then why are you getting so close to Sierra? Everyone knows you are my boyfriend and Sierra is Taehyung Oppa's girlfriend."
"And Sierra is my bestest ever friend! She is like a sister to me. Why are you making such a big fuss about it?"
"I am making a big fuss over it? Really? So, if something bugs me, I can't even say? Great! You know what? You never understand me. I fear, you never even loved me."
Jungkook felt a thump in his heart. He used to love her. He used to love her more than anything. He can't be a hypocrite. Not to her. He promised he'll stay forever. He can't just break a promise like that.
He gulped, his vocal chords stretched out of their comfort zone. He tried his best to sound sincere,
"Pranpriya, I'm sorry if I made you feel like that. But, Sierra needs me, needs us. She lost so much..."
"What about me Jungkook-ah? I lost my parents. Jisoo Unnie lost her status. Jennie Unnie lost her bonds. And Rosé..."
Grief was a knife that went in and out one's heart every otehr second. But the thing about knife is, that often, after a certain period of time it goes blunt and rusty. Lisa gulped, as the wind softly kissed her face,
"Rosie lost her life. Sierra has it the easiest. So, stop picking favourites Jungkook. She would be just fine if you decided to do your boyfriend duties. She would be A-okay if you just chose love over friendship. She would be alright even if you hold my hand, lend me your shoulder instead of her."
"Lalisa, didn't you say these 'boyfriend duties' were cringey? Didn't you say that I was just overdoing it everytime I held your hand, or gently leaned in to peck your forehead? Didn't you say I should choose friends over you rather than being a anti-social guy who just clings to you? Lalisa, we both are really tired right now. Go home, calm down, take a shower, have a meal. Then when we both are in proper states of mind, let's solve all the conflicts. Okay, Doll? Text me when you reach home."
In front of Jungkook's eyes Lisa was slowly walking away. But neither did it ache, nor was it peaceful. He felt nothing at all. Worrisomely nothing.

Sierra fiddled with the hem of Jungkook's oversized shirt. Her cheeks felt heated up. Mrs. Jeon smiled. She was a spitting image of the Jeons. She ran her fingers through Sierra's curly, dark locks.
"You are half korean, right my child?"
The scent of fresh rice all around the kitchen. Banchans of all sorts to go with it. And ofcourse meat. Sierra nodded slightly,
"Yes, from my father's side, Ma'am."
Mrs. Jeon chuckled heartily, her hand swatting the thin air. Sierra looked at her, as if she found a halo behind her. The halo of a mother. Mrs. Jeon ruffled her hair,
"Don't call me Ma'am. My Gguk-ah, sees you as his sister. It will befitting if you call me mom. I always wnated a daughter."
Sierra felt her heart take a small tiny leap. Mrs. Jeon swore she saw sparkles in Sierra's eyes. She smiled, embracing her newly found daughter. Sierra felt alive, in the warmth of a mother. She wanted to bawl. She wanted to laugh. She whispered what her hurt wanted to say,
"Eomma."