from the start | jake sim

8

Seoyun's POV

"So you knew I was adopted?" Jake nodded.

I let out a sigh as I leaned against the chair, "So you targeted me because I was adopted?" His eyes widened.

"Hey, don't make it sound so horrible." He shook his head, "It's only because you became a snob after you're adopted by wealthy family."

I furrowed my brows, "Why? Because I carry luxury bags?" He pursed his lips while staring at me.

"Just to let you know, I paid for most of my bags myself with my own savings, that's why I'm so proud of it." I crossed my arms, and he nodded.

"How did you even afford them?" He asked, "Why do you think I participate in violin and swimming competitions?"

I eyed him, "And it was my uncle that adopted me." I let out a sigh, "After my mom passed on, she wrote in her will that she wants my uncle to take me in. Since we live away from them, it took them some time to find me."

I pursed my lips, "It's true that they're wealthy, but it's also true that they only took me in because of my mom."

"So you're not loved?" I shook my head, "I am, but it's only normal that they wouldn't treat me like their own daughter."

"But by law you are." I nodded, "But by heart and blood, I'm not."

"My uncle is really nice to me though, so I call them mom and dad. Also because they didn't want anyone to know that I'm not their child." I shrugged.

Jake nodded, "What about you?" I asked.

He shook his head, "I was never adopted. I just ran away." I eyed him, "I'm kidding. It was a joke."

"We had the choice to stay in the orphanage or to move out when we turn 15, and I chose to move out." I nodded, "Why?"

"I didn't like the way we were treated. It just felt restrained, and I'd rather be on my own." Jake said, as he looked out of the window.

"Well, I'm here. Thanks for the drive," His voice trailed off as he eyed me, "Mr Park."

"Mr Park." He repeated, before getting off.

I looked over at Mr Park through the mirror, "Don't you want your coffee and cake today?" He shook his head with a smile.

When we got home, I yawned as I plunged into my bed.

I didn't expect anyone to find out that I'm adopted, especially not Jake. It shocked me more that he's an orphan that's raising himself since he was 15, because he seem so cheery.

I pulled myself out of my bed, and walked downstairs to the pool.

I have a competition coming up in a week time, and I really want to do well in it.

The prize money can get me a new bag that I've been eyeing on.

I did my usual warmups before jumping into the pool. "Last round!" Ms Lim said, while cheering for me.

When I tapped the wall, "13 minutes 47 seconds." I got out of the pool, and sat by the edge.

"I need to do better." I said, "But 13 minutes is good, isn't it?"

"It can be better." I said, "Please restart the timer." I said as I put on my goggles.

When she counted down to 1, I jumped into the pool and began swimming.

After an hour or so of swimming, I went to take a nice warm bath. "Oh, good evening." I said when I saw my uncle in the living room.

"How's your swimming and violin competitions going?" I sat on the couch, "It's going okay, but there's definitely room for improvement."

He smiled, "You're really like your mom."

"Speaking of that," He stood up and walked to the dining table before walking back with something in his hand.

"Your hand." I gave him my hand, and he wrapped a piece of bracelet around my wrist.

I looked over at it, "The moment I saw this bracelet, I got reminded of your mom and I know you will like it too."

"I do, it's really pretty." I stared at it as it glistened.

I looked back at my uncle, before pulling him into a hug. "Thank you." He patted my back lightly and I pulled away.

"Take it as an encouragement to do well for your competitions, and an apology for always not being there for your competitions." I shook my hand.

I smiled, "You gave me the opportunity to pursue what I like, and enjoy. It's sufficient."

"You're really like your mom." He said, "She must be so proud if she sees you."

Just then, his phone rang and he went to the other room to take the call.

Jungwon skipped over and sat next to me with his usual smile. "Yes little rascal, what do you want?"

"Noona, why do you always see me as someone that comes to you only when I need help?" I eyed him, without saying a word.

He lets out a sigh, "Alright, alright. I need help with my studies, I'm not doing very well and I know mom and dad would never let me attend dance trainings."

"I'm not doing well on my own either though." I said, "But you're a B grade student, I'm a C grade." I sighed.

"I'll see what I can do." He nodded with a grin, "I'm free on Tuesdays and Fridays, and can we have the tuition in school?" I nodded.

Jungwon hugged me from the side, "Noona is the best!" I ruffled his hair, "but stop messing up my hair! it takes me 30 minutes to get this looking this great." He said, while tidying his hair.

I chucked, "Alright, I'll start doing this!" I pinched his cheek and he frowned.

"Noona, I'm 15 now. I'm not longer a child." I raised my brows, "The last I check, you still require parental consent for most things."

He frowned, "But mentally, I am mature. I'm a young adult in my mind."

I smiled, as I pulled him into a hug.

"And in my mind you'd always be a baby."

10 December 2023

Honestly the ending was so random but I didn't know how to end it LOL