Jensoo- Love Inevitably

Clouded Mind

JENNIE'S POV

"That's it, I give up." I sighed, finally letting out my frustration as I took out the new batch of undercook French macarons from the oven and laid it down on the island counter together with the other failed ones that I had already baked earlier. It was my third attempt for the day and unfortunately, not a single one that she made was decent enough to be eaten. The first one was over baked, with its shell that's very dry and crumbly and had a bitter taste in it. The second one looked perfect, but sadly the shells were hallow when I snapped it in half. And the third one, oh well, it was undercook that I can see it slightly wiggle as I took the tray out from the oven.

I stared at it for a long time, biting my thumb as I contemplate on what the hell did I do wrong this time. Did I overmix the meringue? Did I get the the recipe wrong? Did I miss a step? Did I forget something?

My train of thoughts were suddenly interrupted when I heard a calm voice spoke from behind.

"I think you are overdoing things Dear, that's why you kept doing it wrong." Ahjumma Jung said with a concerned look while she assess me like she already knows what's been clouding my mind these past weeks. She gave me an emphatic smile and took my hand, gently ushering me towards the stool on the kitchen island.

"Here. Sit for the meantime and let me serve you some tea to ease your mind while we talk about what's bothering you."

"I'm getting worried everyday Jennie. You seemed a little off ever since you returned from your vacation in Jeju."

"Are you really okay?" Ahjumma Jung asked warily as she carefully pour some tea in my cup. I can't help but smile at her, feeling all grateful for her thoughtful words that somehow gave me comfort knowing how much Ahjumma cares for me.

 She has always been like that..

She's like a caring mother who's always after my happiness and welfare and I'm eternally grateful for the unconditional love that she's been giving me ever since I was a kid.

" I don't know Ahjumma.. I've been thinking a lot lately." I finally confessed looking down at my cup and the old woman took her glasses off and held my hand.

"You'd always been an overthinker when it comes to the things that matters to you the most." she uttered calmly and my eyes darted at her, looking both amazed and touched at how she clearly knew me well.

"It's a person Ahjumma." I muttered meekly, turning my gaze back to my cup and I can feel Ahjumma smiled knowingly.

"I know.. It's her right? Your most favorite person in the world, Kim Jisoo." she said more like a statement rather than a question and I felt my cheeks burn with utter embarrassment.

"How did you know-" I was halfway from what I was about to say when Ahjumma suddenly said something that instantly warmed my heart.

"I just know.."

"You looked exactly like that the first time we went to Jeju when your Mom brought you on one of her business trips. You were only three that time when you met this cute playmate of yours and you were never the same after you guys parted ways. You even said she's your favorite person in the world and I believe you, because I was there. I saw how happy you were that day." 

"And when we left Jeju, you looked exactly just like that right now. You can't tell if you're happy nor sad."

"You just kept silent for days. Smiling for no reason and crying at the same time and your Mom and I knew that you're thinking about that kid that you played with in Jeju."  she narrated with a reminiscent smile and I can't help but feel my heart swell with happiness.