My Dearest You || Rosekook

☘CHAPTER 4

🥀CHAEYOUNG'S POV

When I woke up, the sun’s glare through the window blinded me. It was noon, according to the wall clock. How did I end up sleeping so late? I remembered the pill on my table. I must have taken it without realizing. Who put it there? One of the maids, probably.

I went downstairs and saw Jewel and Kookie playing around on the first floor. I called them and sat on the floor, spreading my arms. They bounded towards me, and I hugged them. Jewel, the golden retriever, and Kookie, the husky, were both incredibly adorable. Kookie’s name made me laugh because it's also Jungkook’s nickname, and he hates being called Kookie. Mom always teases him with that name.

It’s summer, and with no classes, I’m feeling quite bored. The new school year starts in three weeks, and Lisa is abroad, so I have no one to hang out with. I envy Jungkook, who goes out with friends almost every week. I only get out when the family has dinner outside. I help the maids with chores like watering Mom’s garden, feeding the fish, and cleaning the house. It’s a way to stay close to them.

Today, while petting the dogs, I saw Aunt Leah heading to Mom’s garden. “Aunt Leah, can I help you?” I asked as I followed her. “Pauline already finished watering the garden. I’m just going to water the backyard,” she said, picking up the hose.

I followed her to the backyard, with Jewel and Kookie trailing behind. “Let me take over,” I said, grabbing the hose from her. She agreed, used to me taking over chores. I started watering the plants, knowing I’d likely get wet.

The dogs ran around, playing and chasing each other. Suddenly, Kookie grabbed the hose with his mouth and aimed it at me. I chased him, trying to get the hose back. We ended up showering each other, and I laughed loudly when Jewel bumped into a plant while running.

🐇JUNGKOOK'S POV

The noise woke me up. I went to the second-floor balcony and saw Chaeyoung with Jewel and Kookie. They were laughing and playing with the hose, soaking each other. It was amusing to watch Chaeyoung’s loud laughter as the dogs barked and splashed around.

Without thinking, I took out my phone and snapped a few pictures of them having fun. When Chaeyoung lay on the grass, she might have seen me, so I quickly hid my phone. I hoped she didn’t notice. I yelled down to her, “Hey! You’re being too loud!” then retreated to my room to play games. But a thought lingered: Did she remember what happened last night?

🥀CHAEYOUNG'S POV

That man is such a killjoy. I took Jewel and Kookie back to their room, dried them off with their own hairdryer, and changed my clothes. The fun and tiring play with the dogs made me feel better.

Night fell, and Mom and Dad returned from work. They called us into Dad’s study. Mom and Dad were on the sofa, and we sat across from them.

“Rosie, we’re enrolling you at Hera High School,” Dad announced. My heart sank. That’s where Jungkook goes, and I knew he wouldn’t be happy about this sudden decision.

“Dad, we discussed this before,” Jungkook said, clearly upset. I could see his anger and frustration.

“I had a falling out with the school’s director. I won’t do business with him or allow Rosie to attend that school,” Dad said firmly.

“Jungkook, why can’t you let Rosie go to the same school as you? You’ll have separate cars, so you won’t have to be seen together,” Mom reassured him.

“What about you, Rosie? What’s your opinion?” Dad asked, startling me. I was unsure how to respond and felt pressured under their gaze.

I glanced at Jungkook, who seemed to disapprove. I clenched my fists nervously and said, “Dad, I think I’ll struggle to socialize at a new school. But, as someone not originally part of this family, I don’t feel I have the right to oppose your decision.” My hands trembled as I spoke.

“Rosie, don’t say that. You’re part of our family now,” Mom said, but it only made me feel more guilty. I didn’t want to be the reason for Jungkook’s unhappiness.

“No matter what, Rosie is going to Hera High School. That’s final. You can go back to your rooms now,” Dad said, leaning back on the sofa.

“How can you care so much about her when she doesn’t fully acknowledge herself as part of this family?” Jungkook asked before leaving. His words hit me hard. I felt guilty for not being more grateful. Even though they’ve been kind, I hadn’t fully embraced them as my family. It felt like my reluctance was seen as ingratitude.

Did Jungkook really want me to fully accept them as my family?

Standing in front of his door, I hesitated to knock. Taking a deep breath, I knocked and heard him say, “Come in.” I opened the door and saw him playing a game on his computer.

“It’s me, Chaeyoung,” I announced, hoping he would look away from the screen. “What do you want?” he asked, his voice deep and angry.

I leaned on the door, not moving closer. “I’m sorry,” I said from a distance. “Is that it? Then get out,” he replied. It took me an hour to muster the courage to knock, but he dismissed me instantly. I stayed by the door, not leaving.

He lost the game, threw his mouse, and stood up aggressively. He walked towards me, his face inches from mine. I couldn’t maintain eye contact with his intense gaze. I expected him to do something, but he just grabbed the door handle, opened it, and pushed me out of his room.

TO BE CONTINUED...