Ineffable 𓇢𓆸 || Jakehoon

🌸 Chapter 11 🌸

"You know, these days people are comparing themselves to others a lot," I said, swinging gently, my feet brushing the grass. "What do you think about it? I don't know, but I don't feel right about it."

He paused for a moment, looking thoughtful. "Yeah, it's like they don't appreciate what they have. They just want what everyone else has."

"Exactly! It's like they're missing the whole point of being happy," I replied, glancing at him. "I mean, it's okay to admire someone, but when it turns into envy... that's just unhealthy."

He nodded, a hint of a smile on his lips. "Right? Everyone has their own journey. Comparing just leads to dissatisfaction. It's like... why not celebrate what makes us unique?"

I smiled, feeling a warmth spread through me. "That's a good way to put it. I wish more people thought like that."

He leaned back, letting the swing sway. "Maybe they will someday. It just takes one person to start a change, you know?"

I considered that, letting the idea settle. "Yeah, maybe we could be those people. Just by being ourselves."

He turned to me, his expression serious. "I like that. It's about being genuine and supporting each other, not tearing each other down."

I felt a rush of gratitude for this moment, for him. "I'm really glad we're friends," I said softly.

"Me too," he replied, a hint of sincerity in his voice. "No comparisons, just us."

As we sat there, the gentle creaking of the swing mingled with the sound of rustling leaves, and for a moment, everything felt just right.

As we enjoyed the moment, laughter echoing in the garden, I suddenly spotted two familiar figures rushing towards us-Jungwon and Jay. They looked out of breath, their expressions a mix of relief and worry.

"What happened?" I asked, concern flooding my voice as I jumped off the swing.

"Thank goodness we found you!" Jungwon exclaimed, catching his breath. "We've been searching everywhere!"

"Why? What's wrong?" I pressed, glancing at my friend.

Jay stepped forward, his face serious. "While you guys were enjoying your time here, North Korea started a war with us. We got worried sick."

I felt my heart drop. "What? Are you serious?"

Jungwon nodded, urgency in his eyes. "Yes! We need to hurry back. Everyone's waiting, and it's important we stick together."

My mind raced, the carefree moment we had just shared suddenly feeling distant and surreal. I looked at my friend, searching for reassurance. He returned my gaze, his expression a mix of disbelief and determination.

"Are they really attacking?" he asked, his voice steady but filled with concern.

Jay nodded grimly. "Yes. We need to get back and find the others. We can't be separated right now."

I felt a chill run through me. "But... what do we do?"

"Just stick close to us," Jungwon replied, his tone firm. "We'll figure it out together."

As we began to walk quickly through the garden, my mind was a whirlwind of thoughts. I had never expected a peaceful day could turn into such chaos. I stole a glance at my friend; he looked worried, but there was a strength in his eyes that gave me a bit of comfort.

"Hey," I said, trying to keep my voice steady. "We'll be okay, right?"

"Yeah," he replied, his voice low but reassuring. "We have each other. That's what matters."

As we left the garden, the weight of uncertainty hung heavy in the air, but I felt a flicker of hope. Together, we would face whatever came next.