Jeon Jungkook and Kang Aesira used to be best friends back when they were kids, but things changed. He turned into a different person, someone that Aesira couldn't recognize.
Having to see him at school every day was already tough for Aesira . bu...
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
I was comfortably sprawled across my bed, engrossed in the mindless content on my phone when a soft, gentle knock echoed through the door. My attention snapped away from the glowing screen to the wooden barrier that separated my solitude from the world outside.
The door creaked open, and Nari, my adorable little niece, cautiously poked her head into the room. Her voice was barely above a whisper as she uttered my name, "Jungkook."
I shifted my position and responded warmly, "Come in, Nari."
With the grace and determination of a pint-sized general, Nari marched over to my bed. Her tiny hand rested confidently on her hip, and her eyes locked onto mine. I couldn't help but smile, recognizing that unmistakable hint of sassiness. She must have inherited that trait from her sister, Aesira.
"You said you would color with me," she pouted, her eyes brimming with a mixture of disappointment and anticipation. "I've been home for ages, and you're up here."
I mentally checked the time. They had returned only ten minutes ago. "Sorry, Princess Nari," I chuckled, "I'm coming right now."
I had a soft spot for Nari. Though I wasn't particularly fond of children in general, she was the exception. I'd known her since the day she was born, and she had a special place in my heart.
"Good, Aesira is waiting for us," she informed me.
I pushed myself up from the bed, and as soon as I did, Nari latched onto my hand and tugged, urging me to hurry. Her subtle impatience brought another smile to my face as I followed her downstairs. The scene was set on the dining table.
"You sit there, next to Aesira," Nari directed, taking charge.
I noticed Aesira rolling her eyes briefly but quickly masking it with a smile when Nari turned her gaze toward her.
I obediently took the seat designated by Nari, and she settled across from us.
Aesira initiated a conversation, asking Nari about her day at school. Nari responded with a simple "good," her focus already shifting towards the coloring supplies. It seemed she was more interested in coloring than talking.
The conversation naturally faded away, and the three of us immersed ourselves in the calming art of coloring. It had been years since I'd done this – probably not since I was seven or so. If anyone discovered what I was doing right now, they would undoubtedly tease me mercilessly.
Out of the blue, Nari asked a surprising question, "Why do you two not love each other anymore?"
Both Aesira and I looked up, sharing a perplexed expression. Where did that question come from?
Aesira took the initiative, her voice gentle, "Sometimes when people grow up, they aren't friends anymore."
Nari's expression turned melancholic as she pouted, "It makes me sad."
"I'm sorry, little flower," I whispered, "but these things happen."
Nari glanced between us, wiggling her nose in contemplation before returning to her coloring. I shifted my attention to Aesira, who gave me a soft smile, a subtle acknowledgment of the unspoken understanding between us, before returning to her coloring alongside Nari.
"I'm going to get some water. Does anyone want anything?" I interjected, feeling slightly uncomfortable after the unexpected exchange.
Nari responded with a flirtatious tone, "Juice, please. Apple."
Aesira, on the other hand, simply requested, "Water, please."
With a nod, I retreated to the kitchen to fetch the drinks, where Minsi was busy preparing dinner. We exchanged a few words, and I offered to help, though she politely declined. Aesira's dad would be home soon, and he would assist his wife with dinner preparations.
Returning with the drinks, I found Nari and Aesira now settled on the sofa.
"Nari has decided that we're watching 'Tangled' instead," Aesira announced.
"Yay!" I replied with feigned enthusiasm, my smile masking my true feelings.
I despised that movie. Aesira had subjected me to it countless times, and after the hundredth viewing, I was tempted to destroy the DVD. Nevertheless, I sat down with them, handing out the drinks.
"I know how much you love that movie," Aesira teased with a smirk.
Rolling my eyes playfully, I settled in for the impending cinematic torture. Nari snuggled into Aesira's side, and we hit play. Despite my aversion to the movie, I couldn't help but appreciate Aesira's patience and affection toward Nari.
After dinner, I found myself longing to escape from the house. While I enjoyed spending time with Aesira's family, today had pushed me into activities I'd normally avoid. I hated it. I couldn't let anyone think I was turning soft again.
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
✧══════•❁❀❁•══════✧
Enjoying the story? Follow me on Instagram @_girl.imaqueen_ for exclusive behind-the-scenes content, updates on new chapters, and more! Let's connect beyond the pages. See you there!
