Ice Cream | NoMin

Chapter 21

"I'm sorry, you have to witness that."

Jaemin was currently sitting and his arms were resting on the counter table. His mother was preparing him a snack and at the same time, apologizing for what happened earlier. Of course, she felt bad for his son to experience that. Those type of conversation is only for adults to solve and not involve their children.

"I've known her ever since I transferred school and she's the first friend I've made since she's also the one who approached me. We were fine at first and she doesn't care about our ranks to be honest."

So, it seems like Jeno's mother and his parents really knew each other back then. They are not just classmates but they were all friends at all.

At first, it's just a hunch for Jaemin but turns out that they are all related at all. This is surprising.

"Maybe, her parents pressure her so much to be an achiever and become the rank one or else. I have no idea what the consequences are since she's not telling me anything. I just found out everything after graduation. And I also didn't know that she had a huge crush on your father. I swear." His mother continues before placing the food in front of Jaemin.

"If I only knew, I wonder what will happen today." She heaves a deep sigh and looked at Jaemin, forcing to smile. "I heard everything, why does she think you knew where her son's whereabouts?"

"We're friends." Jaemin sighs too. "But his mother told him not to befriend me. We didn't talk for almost six years because of that and inside those years, we've always been classmates. Despite of that, Jeno still tried to be friends with me knowing that his mother won't allow it."

Jaemin glanced at his mother and saw her smiling at him. "This Jeno that you're talking about, do you like him? Is he the one?" She asked and Jaemin didn't hesitate to nod. That shows how proud and loud he is and no one can stop him. If only, can Jeno hear it.

"Even if you saw how his mother feel towards you?"

"I believe, she can still change." 

"Really?"

Jaemin could only flash a smile. He felt unsure, but this wouldn't stop him from believing that Jeno's mother would change how she looked at him—hopefully. Jaemin really wanted to be close to the people Jeno loved, and he was that dedicated to being part of his life.

"Jeno is really nice. It's my fault that he got scared of me during our first meeting. That incident wasted years that should have been our time to be happy, but it's not too late. I hope you can meet him, Mom."

"I'm dying to see the person that my son likes so much as well." She then smiled and Jaemin does too.

Jaemin couldn’t stop thinking about where Jeno might be. Ever since he found out Jeno was probably running away from his mom, the worry wouldn’t leave him. Did Jeno have enough money to take care of himself? How long did he plan to stay away?

Jaemin would feel so much better if he at least had an idea of where Jeno was or if he was doing okay. But that’s the problem—he didn’t know anything. Not where Jeno went, not how he’s surviving, nothing. It was driving him crazy.

All Jaemin can do is wait, waiting patiently for Jeno to come back. As much as it frustrates him, there’s nothing else he can do. The only thing left is to hope that Jeno is safe and that eventually, he’ll reach out.

--

"Still nothing?" Giselle asked Renjun and Donghyuck, her voice full of concern. Both of them shook their heads, signaling that their friend was still unreachable. It's been three days and still no news for their friend.