Ch12 - Breathe

997 62 110
                                        

TW - This chapter contains sensitive topics. Please read with caution and note the warnings in the book description.

|| I seriously recommend reading this chapter with this song. It will help convey the emotion in the later parts. ||

•----•

Eight Years Ago
༶•┈┈୨୧┈┈•༶

As I leaned back in my chair, the familiar scent of roasted coffee beans and warm pastries enveloped me, a comforting backdrop to the whirlwind of emotions swirling within

Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.

As I leaned back in my chair, the familiar scent of roasted coffee beans and warm pastries enveloped me, a comforting backdrop to the whirlwind of emotions swirling within. Soobin's laughter danced around the cozy café, a melody that filled the space with a warmth I felt deep in my chest. It was our ritual: hot chocolate steaming before us, the quiet hum of conversations blending with the soft jazz playing in the background.

"You know you could go to plenty of other colleges," I suggested, my voice steady despite the tempest brewing inside me. I wanted to give her options, to encourage her to explore beyond the confines of her current fixation. But as I studied her, I realized there was a stubbornness in her eyes-a fierce determination that spoke volumes. She had made her choice, and it was clear she was set on it.

"No, Jisung, I want to go to this one. Besides, Hyunjin is going there too," she replied, her smile illuminating the dimly lit café. She gazed down at the piece of paper, the college she had been dreaming of, and I felt a pang of envy mixed with admiration. That smile, so genuine and bright, made my heart race and ache all at once. "I still think you're smart enough to get in too, you know."

I chuckled, leaning on the table, folding my arms as I fought to keep my expression light. "You and I both know college isn't for me. I hate school." The truth was, the thought of further education felt like a cloud looming over me, dark and oppressive. But she waved off my words as if they were nothing more than errant dust motes, her focus returning to the paper in front of her.

Silence enveloped us for a moment, the kind that felt heavy with unasked questions. I wanted to voice my concerns, to pry into the depths of her feelings, but I hesitated. Hyunjin was a good guy, someone I'd known for years, and though I couldn't help but feel a twinge of protectiveness over Soobin, I also respected their connection. It was vital to me that she was happy, even if it meant I had to watch from the sidelines.

"Soobin." I broke the silence, my voice soft but steady. "Hyunjin... he's treating you well, right?" I leaned in slightly, searching her eyes for reassurance. I needed to hear her say it, to confirm that my fears were unfounded.

Her laughter rang out, bright and airy, as if the question itself was absurd. "He treats me well, Jisung. You know he does." But there was a moment-a fleeting second-when her gaze lingered on me, probing, seeking to unravel the thoughts I kept tucked away.

Desperate | Hyunsung ✓Stories to obsess over. Discover now