Lost in a Masquerade

15

Jimin was stirring the rice and beef soup, but all he could think about was the news of Jessica's marriage three months ago.

He was angry at the princess. Although they owed each other nothing, Jimin expected the younger to choose the right path for herself.

Bolting under pressure and agreeing to marry whoever this man was, was like cheating oneself.

Today marked three months since he visited the castle.

When he returned home, he expected to hear from Jessica.

How naive of him to think that Jessica thought of him more than a mere stranger.

As weeks passed, his uneasiness grew stronger, as opposed to what he thought.

Time was supposed to heal pain and fade memories, but it was as if against Jimin's healing. Every night, he would get on the bed to twist and turn until he was in tears of frustration about not finding sleep.

He played flute outside his humble cabin in the evenings to calm his heart, but it only worked for a while. Sleeplessness guaranteed him an erratic mind, aggravated pulse, and sprinting heart, which welcomed him each morning.

It was the first month since his visit to the castle when he first received an invitation to Jessica's marriage. The royal messenger was standing in his yard with an orange envelope. The color was supposed to bring good news, but it really wasn't for him.Last week, he received another invitation to a masquerade ball from Beomsan. How could he get himself to attend any of the events? So he didn't attempt to even open it.The rice soup turned thicker and thicker and when the stirring started deriving a certain amount of force, which was noticeable, Jimin's trance broke and he turned off the stove with a sigh.

"Another meal ruined."

Jimin knew he couldn't get through by cooking again for the evening, so he got around the kitchen island and picked up his wallet from the small dining table where he and Jessica once had dinner.

He was leaving the house soon after to eat at a nearby diner, a place that came to his rescue on multiple evenings when he burned the pan down or simply couldn't get himself to do anything.

He knew he was being depressive, the symptoms were there. Sleeplessness, loss of concentration, and the constant gloomy feeling that didn't allow him to want to laugh or talk to anyone, all indicated he needed to give himself therapy.It was just hard.He tried to find calmness in the fact that he lived alone where no one could hinder his deteriorating thoughts, and he was thankful that he didn't have to talk to anyone about it.Paying the waiter, he stepped out, fixing his hat on his head.

The rain had stopped a long time ago and autumn was closer than it appeared. It was usual in August to see some occasional drizzle that didn't require an umbrella. A hat was sufficient in Jimin's view for non- torrential rains. He preferred to feel the coldness of the water mixed with the air on his skin.

While walking back home, the thought of night made him scowl, knowing he'd have no success at sleep again. But he had to deal with it. As he entered the small yard outside the cabin where a few roses and jasmine plants swayed, he spotted movement and felt a rustle. "Is someone there?" He asked in a loud voice."Park Jimin!" He heard a voice reply in panic. "Help me."Knowing that the voice belonged to the crown princess of Beomsam, a severe kink of happiness zapped through Jimin's heart when he lurked towards the rose plant, but as his heart and legs picked speed, he realized one more thing, the princess was now supposed to be a married woman.The realization had Jimin stop and stare down at Jessica's silk shirt's sleeves tangled in the thorns. "What are you looking at?" Jessica asked in frustration when Jimin didn't take another step.