Can't stand you, Can't live without you

Chapter 15

"Jiminie, please eat the cake... you didn't even touch it," my sister, Hana, said, looking at me lovingly with a hopeful smile. Taking a quick glance at the untouched slice of cake in front of me, I felt a mix of guilt and reluctance. "Sorry, noona..." I mumbled, finally caving in and taking a small bite. I was trying my best to move past the incident that had cast a shadow over our day of bonding with my sister, but it seemed like fate had other plans as Taehyung unexpectedly approached me, triggering unwanted memories.

"Jiminie, you zoned out again? Is something bothering you?" Hana asked, her eyes filled with concern as she sensed my distraction. I tried to muster a smile to assure her that everything was fine. "Noona, I'm fine. Just a bit anxious about the results coming out tomorrow," I confessed, hoping that she wouldn't see through my facade.

Hana reached for her coffee, her comforting presence putting me slightly at ease. "Don't stress too much about academics, Jiminah. No matter what, you always work hard, and success will follow," she reassured me, her words like a soothing balm to my worried mind.

Curiosity got the best of me, and I couldn't help but ask, "What are your plans, noona... I mean, don't you want to get married and settle down?" Hana paused, her expression thoughtful, before responding, "No, Minnie. We're both so focused on our careers right now. Marriage might just complicate things further... Aliyah is incredibly ambitious, and we have big dreams to chase."

As Hana's words trailed off, I noticed a hint of vulnerability in her demeanor. "Noona, are you... crying?" I inquired softly, my heart clenching at the sight of her wavering composure. I reached out to gently touch her hand, offering my silent support as she collected herself.

Me: Noona, I can sense something is bothering you. Did you and your partner have another argument?

Hana: Oh, Minnie, it's not that. We're actually doing really well.

Me: Noona, please don't hide it from me. I can tell something's not right. Can you please talk to me about it?

Hana called the waiter over urgently to pay the bill, wiping away a tear discreetly. She settled the check quickly and stood up abruptly.

Hana: Jiminah, let's go.

Me: *You quietly got up and followed her, feeling a sense of concern.* Noona, I'm sorry if I pushed you too much.

Hana: Minnie, it's not you. You never make me uncomfortable.

*The car ride was silent as Hana drove towards the countryside, leaving you wondering where she was taking you.*

Me: Noona, where are we going?

*After an hour of driving, Hana stopped at the beach.*

Hana: *She turned to me with a bright smile,* Remember Minnie, we used to come here all the time.

Me:Of course, how could I forget? This place holds so many memories for us both!

*Excitement filled my voice as Hana chuckled mischievously and dashed towards the beach, kicking off her expensive heels as she ran.*

Hana: *Laughing, she beckoned me to join her,* Come on, Minnie, let's make some new memories here today!

Me: "Noona, wait! Be careful!" I shouted as I chased Hana down the sandy shore. She was always so carefree, especially when we were at the beach. She quickly made her way into the water, and I hesitated for a moment before deciding to follow her, stopping at the shoreline.