Summer season of August [Daerin]

Chapter 35

August 04, 2021

After wiping my runny nose with my hand, a red but not a translucent view appears in my sight.

"That's for leaving your girlfriend behind," Minji said who's standing in front of me while looking so proud of what she have done. I've never been into physical fight ever since and she had me when she locked her hands on my head before smacking my face with her knee.

Actually, I feel guilty for making Hanni leave like that. But I can't take it anymore. I can't pretend forever. After completing the puzzle of Mom and Dad's love story, I realized that I don't wanna end up like them. I don't wanna get tied up with somebody don't really love.

"You're a shit, y'know that? I know she's a shit too but you shouldn't be treating someone else's as how they treat you, didn't Danielle tell you that?! Hanni was walking alone the street bringing her things yesterday and do you wanna hear that so bad?!" Minji pulled me close by grabbing the collar of my shirt, "What on earth...you're nothing but a wimp. How can you do that to her? You brought her here without bringing the responsibility as her girlfriend?" her eyes shows nothing but madness.

I shut my eyes after deeply breathing, "She...she decided to come along..." I whispered but Minji suddenly hit my head.

"You're making an unreasonable reason right now, Kang. Just admit that you're fucked up."

"I'm so fed up, okay? I don't love her." I said despite of the fact that she's dominating right now and she might beat the shit out of me in no time.

Minji is taller than me. I didn't see this coming, I know she's got a point but, I can't let go of my own point.

"You don't love her?" she asked, laughing in front of my face. "So you love fooling people around then?" Minji's grip on my collar becomes tighter that it's making my heart race even more but I shouldn't show her how afraid I am.

"I loved Danielle ever-" with that, Minji bangs her head on mine that made me let out a whimper. My bum falls on the ground as I holds on my forehead, feeling the stinging pain.

"If there's one person that could ever love her for long, it won't be you but me." she said which made my eyes widen, "IF YOU LOVED DANIELLE FOR LONG YOU WOULDN'T HAVE LEAVE HER BEHIND! YOU LEFT EVERYONE BEHIND SO YOU HAVE NO PLACE IN HERE! NOT AT ALL!" she yelled.

She's telling the truth anyways...

I left them behind. Haneul died. She probably waited for me for years. Mom probably missed me so much but she couldn't tell me. Dad probably felt the same.

Until they got used to feeling that way because left them behind. If only I didn't leave Danielle. If only I got the courage to tell her how much I adore her, how much i love her...

"Minji-yah, why are you shouting up-" it's Jiwon. "What the-Haerin! What the fuck Minji-yah?" Jiwon quickly came, she caresses my face, trying to tell me to look at her.

"Can you stop that pity, Jiwon?! Please stop that! Just because she's Haneul's sister you'll treat her like a baby?! She's way different from Haneul!
She's nothing but a dumb person!" Minji shouted which hurt my ego that's why I slowly pushes Jiwon away.

She's right. Minji seems smart and I know that she knows what she's talking about. I am way far from Haneul. I'm out of their league.

"Minji-yah...did you have a fight with Haerin?" a soft and gentle voice behind Minji's back.

Jiwon immediately got up. She seems so caring as a sister.

"What are you doing here, Dani?" Jiwon asked, walking towards Danielle's direction. "Why did you come here all by yourself? What if you doze off while walking on the staircases? I told you I'll peek to see the commotion here, right?"

Instead of answering Jiwon, Danielle finally tap Minji's shoulder after walking pass by her worried sister, "Kim Minji, why are you such a troublemaker? Didn't I tell you to keep that fists cool?" Danielle modestly talks as she holds Minji's hands.

I can see how Minji easily gives in. Minji surely is in love.

I shakes my head before getting up. If they didn't come, Minji might've thrown me off this rooftop already.

"Haerin-ah"

My eyes brightens when Danielle called my name. She's now walking to my direction wearing a bright smile. She look so kind...My sunshine.

"Forgive our Minji, our friends told me that she's a troublemaker ever since. I'm really sorry." Danielle said that's why I smiled at her.

"I-It's fine, I understand where she's coming. It's alright, Dani."

I wonder if she knows that Minji likes her...

"You've got wounds on your face, does it hurt?" Danielle gently touches my forehead that gives butterflies in my stomach.

Dani...I'm sorry for feeling this way and betraying your lover which happened to be my sister. I'm so sorry.

"Dani, keep your hands off that filthy-" Minji supposed to interfere but Danielle lifted her right arm and gestured her to stop.

"Stop being stubborn, Minji-yah." Danielle said. Minji was about to utter again but decided to keep her mouth shut at the end.

"Thank you..." I whispers.

I can see the concrete ground of this rooftop and my falling tears on it. I hate myself. But I wouldn't disrespect Haneul as long as I don't pursue Danielle, right? I'm just gonna be right here. I'm just gonna be around her to assure that she'll be fine because her condition bothers me.

I'm not betraying you, right, Haneul?

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