Love Lust & Lies

Chapter 13

"JaeSu," JK said again, "what are you doing here?" The frustration on his face was evident, as his brows pinched, as we stood next to her in the hallway.

"Oh, well after we got off the phone," she began but JK's mom cut her off. "I asked her to come here. You and your girlfriend are getting ready to leave and I wanted help with Hana." I didn't mean to shoot such a nasty gaze at his mother, but I couldn't help it. I had a name, she knew it, and the fact that she refused to say it right now, annoyed me.

She saw my irritation and subtly smirked, which annoyed me even more. "JaeSu, dear, thank you for coming. I'm sure Hana will be so excited to see you," Mrs. Jeon said coming to give JaeSu a hug. Rubbing her back she ushered her into the room where Hana was waiting for me. I hated this moment; it felt so degrading. I know that JK wouldn't stand for this, but he just let it go. I couldn't blame him, it's his mother, and how she's acting isn't necessarily new.

He just apologized to me, I know how he feels, but I hate how his mother is making me feel right now. I haven't done anything to deserve this. She's acting like I'm some dirty rag that she's trying to get rid of.

"Mrs. Jeon, if Kennie is here to sit with Hana, I can go," JaeSu finally spoke up. Her voice almost apologetic as she looked over at JK and I. I know she didn't mean for her gaze to spark any kind of attention, but I couldn't help but to notice her eyes lingering on mine and JK's hands as she walked away.

It's not something that I would have noticed before, but my senses are heightened right now.  I know that JK told me that it was him who had feelings, and it was her who rejected him, but as I looked at her staring at our intertwined fingers, something tightened in my chest.

"Nonsense, they are going to the store, so you're definitely needed," Mrs. Jeon reiterated as she kept pulling JaeSu into the house. I felt JK's hand become a bit clammy. I knew he was getting frustrated the more that his mother kept persisting that JaeSu stay. Before I could stop him, he looked at his mother and protested.

"Mom, Kennie was never going to the store. You know that." His voice was stern, sterner that I would have even expected. He was growing tired of her interference, and he wouldn't stand for it any longer. "If you need help, Kennie will be here. JaeSu, I'm sorry you came all this way, but would you want to stay for dinner?" JK offered to his friend. Almost visibly seeing her anxiety melting away, she happily nodded her head. "I'd love to stay for dinner, especially if you're cooking," she smiled at him.

I know they have been friends all their lives, but something about the way that she said that, again really annoyed me. I didn't let it show. I couldn't be that person. I couldn't let him see that I had a problem with someone that he cared about so much. "Great, it's settled then. JaeSu, want to ride to the store with me?" He asked her, forcing me to stay with Hana. I honestly loved this plan. He was really sticking it to his mom right now. And while I shouldn't be at odds with her, I hated how she was treating me, especially not knowing who I truly was.

"Yeah, that sounds like a plan. Want to take my car? It's right out front." JaeSu asked already digging into her purse for her keys. JK smiled and nodded, as JaeSu finally loosened Mrs. Jeon's grip on her arm, making her way to the front door. "Okay, I'll be in the car then when you're ready." She said as she left, leaving the door to swing behind her.

JK still concerned about me, turned and cupped my face. He searched my eyes for any sign of worry, he didn't want to leave me, but he knew that I could take it. He was so caring, he always made sure that I was okay, no matter what the situation. Silently we had an entire conversation. Kissing the tip of my nose, I smiled. "I'll be right back, okay?" he said. Shaking my head, he kissed me on the forehead and then took off out the front door, leaving me to shut it behind him.