Swapped by fate

Chapter 35

Jeongin’s POV

Man, this has been one of those weeks where I can’t stop feeling like everything’s closing in on me. I’m parked at Hyunjin’s place again, which is starting to feel like my second home. It’s kind of like my escape from the chaos I live in. I mean, seriously, home is a constant whirlwind of noise and conflict. It’s like every conversation ends in shouting, and the house just feels like this pressure cooker of tension.

I’m sprawled out on the couch, trying to enjoy the downtime. Nami’s here, and it’s good to see her doing better, with her hair starting to come back. It’s like seeing a flower start to bloom again after a long winter. Seeing her smile again is such a relief. She’s been through so much, and it’s nice to see a bit of normalcy return to her life.

Felix and Jisung are also hanging out. Felix’s optimism is like a breath of fresh air. I don’t think he ever runs out of that positive energy. Jisung’s deep into his music, lost in his own world. It’s a peaceful contrast to the storm that’s constantly brewing at my place.

Hyunjin’s in the kitchen, trying to keep everyone’s snack cravings satisfied. He’s got chips and drinks spread out like he’s hosting a mini-party. “Yo, Jeongin, want some chips?” he asks, holding out the bowl.

“Yeah, thanks,” I reply, grabbing a handful. I’m grateful for the distraction, the kind that helps me keep my mind off the mess at home. “This is just what I needed.”

Hyunjin takes a seat next to me, grabbing some snacks too. “I get it. Sometimes you just need a break from the constant noise. Home can be overwhelming.”

“Tell me about it,” I say, feeling the weight of the words. “It’s like my house is one long, unending argument. It’s exhausting, and I feel like I’m just caught in the middle of it all.”

Felix, who’s been watching me closely, finally speaks up. “You’ve seemed a bit off lately. Everything alright at home?”

I run a hand through my hair, trying to put my feelings into words. “It’s just... rough. My parents are always fighting. It’s like every day is a battle of who can be the loudest. I’m stuck in the middle, and sometimes I feel like I’m not even seen. It’s hard. I come here to get away from all of it, but sometimes I just feel so overwhelmed.”

Jisung, pulling off his headphones, nods in understanding. “Yeah, life can be a real mess sometimes. Having a space where you don’t have to deal with the chaos is important.”

“It’s not just the noise, though,” I continue, my voice growing quieter. “It’s the feeling of being ignored. I’m the middle child, so I feel like I’m always getting overlooked. My older sibling gets all the attention, and my younger sibling’s always needing something. I’m just... here, you know?”

Hyunjin looks over, his usual easygoing demeanor softening. “I get it. It’s tough when you feel like you’re not getting the attention you need. It’s like you’re stuck in this limbo, not quite fitting in anywhere.”

“Exactly,” I say, feeling a bit relieved to have someone understand. “It’s nice to come here and feel like I actually matter. Here, I don’t have to deal with the constant fighting or feeling invisible.”

Felix gives me a supportive smile. “Everyone needs a place where they can just be. Hyunjin’s place is like that for me too. It’s a good escape from all the crap.”

“Yeah,” I agree. “And it’s comforting to know I’m not alone in feeling this way. It’s just... sometimes I need to talk about it, you know? Just get it out.”

Hyunjin nods. “And that’s okay. It’s important to have people to talk to, especially when things get tough. You’re always welcome here to just chill and talk if you need to.”

As the evening goes on, I feel a bit lighter. Being able to share my struggles, even in bits and pieces, makes a difference. It’s good to know that even though my home life is chaotic, I have a refuge here with friends who get it. It’s a reminder that even in the middle of the mess, there’s still a bit of peace to be found, and sometimes that’s enough to keep me going.

This chapter is really short but well, whatever...