Our Story Was BitterSweet

CHAPTER 4

 Unspoken Connection

Chapter 4

Tae-Yeon sat at his computer, completely immersed in a video game, his competitive nature propelling him to victory. However, luck was not on his side, and he expressed his deep anguish when he lost the game. His exclamation echoed downstairs, attracting his mother's attention.

"Would you mind getting up for a moment, young man?" his mother said, her voice laced with frustration. "Help me with my laundry!"

Tae-Yeon sighed as he realized his gaming session would have to be halted. He went downstairs, where he saw his older sister folding clothes. Their relationship was riddled with sibling rivalry and bitterness, as the siblings traded eye rolls.

Tae-Yeon's attention was drawn to the sound of someone shouting his mother's name while they worked on the wash. When he turned back, he noticed Ji-Eun standing at the doorway, looking little uncomfortable and unkempt.Ji-Eun's eyes widened as she recognized Tae-Yeon. His hair was messy, and he appeared unprepared for her arrival. "Oh, hi, Tae-Yeon," Ji-Eun said, her voice slightly trembling. "I... um... brought some chicken cuisine for your family."

Tae-Yeon's mother, overjoyed by Ji-Eun's appearance, kindly praised her. Ji-Eun reddened and immediately excused herself, exiting the home. Tae-Yeon's mother grinned mischievously at him as he finished his clothes."You didn't even say hi to your crush?" Tae-Yeon's mother taunted, her eyes twinkling.Tae-Yeon sighed, attempting to concentrate on the work at hand. "Mom, I'm doing laundry here!" he said, an embarrassed tone in his voice.

"Aigo!" his mother shouted, pretending to be innocent. "She looks so pretty right now. You should have at least said hello."Tae-Yeon rolled his eyes, yet his cheeks were flushed. His mother and elder sister looked on, their laughter suppressed, quietly appreciating the unspoken bond between Tae-Yeon and Ji-Eun.Tae-Yeon proceeded with the washing, folding clothes alongside his sister, and couldn't help but think back on his time at Sung-Chul's Chicken Restaurant, especially when Ji-Eun sat next him. His heart beat faster, and a small smile flickered on his lips.

He spotted his mother and sister exchange knowing glances out of the corner of his eye. They recognized the underlying sentiments that existed between Tae-Yeon and Ji-Eun, even if Tae-Yeon was afraid to admit them openly.Tae-Yeon's affection for Ji-Eun grew greater with each passing day, and he found himself wishing for more moments of connection and shared laughter. And, despite his efforts to conceal his emotions, his family saw straight through him, offering quiet encouragement and support.

Tae-Yeon's heart was filled with a fresh feeling of resolve as he finished the washing and returned to his gaming session. He was aware that the path ahead would be fraught with uncertainty, but he was eager to take the first step, eager to embrace the prospect of something great with Ji-Eun. 

Outside

Tae-Yeon and Sung-Chul met in front of a convenience shop, where Sung-Chul was wearing an apologetic attitude. 

"Five minutes late" Sung-Chul stated looking at Tae-Yeon's tired face. "Sorry, I did the laundry" SUng-Chul chuckled while Tae-Yeon gave him a small punch at the shoulder.