[✓] Solace | JAEMIN

⇝4.2

Ara was in the backseat of her car, heading to a huge, expensive mansion. Her eyes were on her phone, staring as the minutes passed by on the clock. 

A tired sigh left her lips as she leaned back with a dull pain in her chest. 

Mr. Jhang: We're almost there Miss Park.

Ara: Yeah...

She closed her eyes and took another deep breath as the car came to a stop. 

Ara: I'll call you when I'm done, Mr. Jhang. 

Mr. Jhang: Alright.

Ara: Thank you. 

She got down and watched the car drive away. The guards opened the doors and a well known butler stopped in front of her. 

Mr. Kang: Ms. Ara, such a pleasure. Mrs. Park is waiting to see you.

Ara: I'll see her myself, Mr. Kang. You don't have to take me to her.

Mr. Kang: But-

She gave him a small smile.

Ara: I know that she is in her garden. Probably taking care of her roses. I shall see her myself. I just need to make a quick call to... Daesung first.

He finally nodded in defeat and went back to his duty, leaving the gate open for her to walk in at any moment. The moment she was left alone she turned to her side to find a male there, leaning on the boundary wall.

Jaemin: Oh you noticed me. 

Ara: I thought you would leave me alone.

Jaemin: Unfortunately I'm not allowed to do that anymore, Ara. 

Ara: What?

Jaemin: Don't worry, you won't notice me that often.

Ara: I just did.

He faltered at that but shook his head.

Jaemin: Doesn't change the fact that I'm not leaving now. 

Ara: Jaemin-

Jaemin: You can't change my mind. Heck even if I wanted to, I can't.

She stared at him but he didn't back down. Sighing, in defeat, she nodded.

---

Ara: Fine. But do not interfere.

Jaemin: Sure...

She turned away and walked in. 

Jaemin: I won't... not until something else interferes

Jaemin stood with his hands in his pockets, observing the female walk towards the huge gardens. An eerie, cold feeling draped over his shoulders. He rolled his shoulders and brought his hands to the front, cracking his knuckles.

I can sense something...

---

Ara felt her lips tug into a smile as she moved forward silently and covered her grandmother's eyes.

Ara: Guess who?

Her grandmother laughed and leaned into Ara's embrace.

Mrs. Park: My favourite grand-daughter?

Ara: Tsk.

She moved her hand away and gave the elder a proper hug.

Ara: I'm your only grand-daughter. 

The elder laughed and put her tools down.

Ara: Looks like the roses are doing well.

Mrs. Park: Yup... always reminds me of your-

Ara: Grandpa... yeah. I know.

Mrs. Park: And soon it will be reminding me of-

She stopped abruptly and turned to Ara.

Ara: You can say it. We all know its the truth.

Mrs. Park: You're not scared?

Ara: Oh I am... I definitely am...

She glanced forward and saw Jaemin leaning on the trunk of a tree. He furrowed his eyebrows in worry but Ara managed to let out a soft sigh and looked away from him to the roses in front of her.

Ara: But I need to accept it... again...

She tuned back to her grandmother with a small smile.

Ara: You should too.