Love Wins All (Chaesoo Fluffs)

11. Grounded

The moon hung high in the night sky, casting a pale glow over the quiet neighborhood. Jisoo, her arm still in a cast, crept along the shadowy streets toward Chaeyoung's house. Chaeyoung had been grounded after their escapade at the abandoned factory, and Jisoo missed her terribly. She knew Chaeyoung's father was still angry, but she couldn't bear another day without seeing her.

As she approached the house, Jisoo saw a light on in Chaeyoung's bedroom window. She felt a mixture of relief and nervousness, hoping her plan would work. Taking a deep breath, she walked up to the front door and knocked softly, hoping to reason with Chaeyoung's father.

Mr. Park opened the door, his expression stern. "Jisoo, what are you doing here? It's late."

"I'm sorry, Mr. Park," Jisoo began, her voice earnest. "I just wanted to see Chaeyoung. I miss her, and I thought maybe we could talk for a bit."

Mr. Park's eyes softened slightly, but his resolve remained firm. "Jisoo, Chaeyoung is grounded for a reason. She needs to learn from her mistakes. You should go home."

Jisoo nodded, trying to hide her disappointment. "I understand. Thank you, Mr. Park."

As the door closed, Jisoo stepped back into the shadows, her mind racing. She knew she couldn't just leave without seeing Chaeyoung. She remembered the large tree outside Chaeyoung's window and decided to take a chance.

With her heart pounding, Jisoo made her way around the side of the house, approaching the tree. She assessed the branches, looking for the sturdiest ones to climb. Carefully, she began her ascent, using her good arm to pull herself up while cradling her cast against her body.

The climb was slow and precarious, but determination fueled Jisoo's every move. Finally, she reached the branch that extended close to Chaeyoung's window. She took a deep breath and edged her way along the branch until she was within reach of the windowsill.

Jisoo tapped softly on the glass, hoping not to startle Chaeyoung too much. A moment later, Chaeyoung appeared at the window, her eyes widening in surprise and delight when she saw Jisoo.

"Jisoo!" Chaeyoung signed worriedly. "What the fuck are you doing here?"

Jisoo grinned, feeling a rush of relief. "I had to see you. I couldn't stand being apart any longer."

Chaeyoung quickly unlocked the window and pulled Jisoo climb inside causing the brunette to fall inside. Once safely in the room, Jisoo sat on the edge of Chaeyoung's bed, catching her breath.

"You're crazy," Chaeyoung signed, a playful smile on her face. "But I'm so glad you're here."

Jisoo laughed softly. "I know, but it was worth it."

They sat together, talking in hushed tones. Jisoo told Chaeyoung about everything she'd missed at school and how Lisa had stood up for Jennie. Chaeyoung listened intently, her eyes shining with affection and gratitude.

"I hate being grounded," Chaeyoung signed. "But knowing you'd go through all this just to see me makes it a little easier."

Jisoo reached out and took Chaeyoung's hand, squeezing it gently. "I'd do anything for you, Chaeyoung. You mean the world to me."

They spent the next hour communicating through signs and shared glances, savoring every moment together. Chaeyoung, unable to hear, watched Jisoo's expressive face and hands closely, feeling connected despite the silence. Jisoo shared funny stories about school aka mostly Lisa and reassured Chaeyoung that she wasn't missing out on too much, though they both knew they longed to be together openly.

"I miss you so much," Chaeyoung signed. "It's so hard being apart, especially after everything that happened with Jennie and Kai."

Jisoo nodded, her eyes filled with empathy. "I miss you too. But we'll get through this. Just a few more days, and things will get better."

Eventually, Jisoo knew she had to leave before Mr. Park or Mrs. Park discovered her presence. "I should go," Jisoo signed reluctantly. "I don't want to get you into more trouble."

Chaeyoung nodded, her eyes filled with understanding. "Be careful climbing back down. And thank you, Jisoo. This meant so much to me."

Jisoo smiled, giving Chaeyoung a quick kiss on the forehead. "I'll be careful. I promise. And I'll see you as soon as I can."

"Wait" Chaeyoung grabbed her arm and looked her girlfriend in the eye.

"Yes?" Jisoo asked with a small smile.

"I love you" Jisoo sat there stunned, she smiled brightly and wrapped her arms around her girlfriend.

"Hey Chaeyoung, do you have-"

The door opened allowing Alice to enter, she saw her sister and Jisoo together sitting on the bed.

"You know what? I'm just..."

The door closed causing the two to smile at each other with love in their eyes, Jisoo leaned in to kiss her girlfriend on the lips before backing away.

"As much as I love this, I better get going or else your dad will kill me."

With one last look, Jisoo climbed back out the window, carefully making her way down the tree. When she reached the ground, she glanced up to see Chaeyoung waving from her window.

As Jisoo walked home under the moonlight, she felt a sense of contentment. Despite the challenges and the pain in her arm, knowing she could be there for Chaeyoung made everything worthwhile. They might be separated by circumstance, but their bond was unbreakable.

Back in her room, Chaeyoung sat on her bed, her heart lighter than it had been in days. She pulled out her phone and sent a quick text to Jisoo.

"You're crazy. Thank you for everything. Goodnight."

Jisoo's reply came almost instantly.

"Goodnight, my love. Sweet dreams."

Chaeyoung smiled, feeling a renewed sense of hope. No matter what obstacles they faced, she knew they could overcome them together. And with that thought, she drifted off to sleep, dreaming of a time when they wouldn't have to sneak around just to be with each other.