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.
The confines of my room offered a sanctuary, a retreat from the tumultuous events that transpired last night and this morning.
Aesira's assumption about me intruding into her bed without consent gnawed at my thoughts. Despite the simmering animosity between us, did she truly perceive me in such a negative light? The lingering unease compounded with the simple kiss on the cheek only added to my disquiet.
My phone's insistent ring cut through my contemplation, and I hesitated until I saw Umma's name on the screen. It had been nearly five days since we last spoke.
"Hey, Umma, how are you? How is Halmeoni?" I inquired, hoping for a respite from the emotional turmoil.
"Hello, Kook. I'm fine, thank you. Halmeoni is still in pain, but she's holding up," Umma replied, her voice carrying concern.
For the next half-hour, I engaged in a conversation with Umma, updating her on my well-being, school, and the challenges of staying here. However, the tone shifted when Umma broached the main reason for her call.
"I am going to stay an extra week," she disclosed. "Your Grandma needs more help than I thought."
Dread washed over me; an additional week in this environment meant prolonged exposure to the complexities involving Aesira. Despite the warmth of their welcome, navigating the emotional labyrinth with her proved challenging.
"What do I have to do?" I reluctantly inquired.
"Stay put. I've spoken to them, and they're fine with you staying for the extra week. And next week, you all are coming here to visit," Umma stated, her decision final.
Reluctantly accepting, I sighed, "Fine. But I am looking forward to seeing Halmeoni."
"Halmeoni is looking forward to seeing you and Aesira again," Umma affirmed.
Despite my reservations, the prospect of visiting my Grandma brought a glimmer of anticipation. Aesira and I shared fond memories of baking together during these visits, a tradition we both cherished.
With the phone call concluded, I contemplated informing Aesira about the extended stay. As I approached her room, I overheard her conversing with someone on the phone, my name catching my attention.
"I feel bad for going off at Jungkook this morning, especially after I found out that he looked after me last night," Aesira admitted, her voice tinged with remorse.
Eavesdropping unintentionally, I continued listening as she poured out her feelings to Jennie. The revelation of her improved sleep in my presence and the wistful admission about my changed demeanor struck a chord within me.
"I just wish he didn't change. Jungkook was my everything at one point, and I thought it was the same for him, obviously not," she confessed, her voice carrying a melancholic undertone.
A tender smile graced my lips as I absorbed her words, the term "kookie" holding a trove of memories—an endearing nickname from a shared childhood where our bond was fortified by protective instincts.
I recalled the days when she staked her claim, ensuring no other girl could usurp her place. Despite the intrusion, her vulnerability resonated with me, and a bittersweet smile crept onto my face. The nostalgic reference to our childhood and her acknowledgment of me being "her kookie" reminded me of the innocence we once shared, a bond that time and circumstance had altered.
In those moments of reflection, the intricate tapestry of our intertwined past unfolded, and I couldn't help but feel a surge of warmth at the undeniable connection that had weathered the storms of time.
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!
