First Love [Jung Jaehyun Fanfiction]

~Chapter 36~

Jaehyun's POV

I paced back and forth in the kitchen, wrecking my brain to find ways on how to approach Joohyun. For the past month, she has been avoiding me, but I am in no place to complain. All I can do right now is to apologize and hope that she forgives me. I gabbed the cup that was on the counter and took a gulp of the water, slamming it on the table in frustration. I groaned and cursed at myself for not being able to think of anything.

Just then, Taeil walks in and saw me gripping the cup with my head hung low. He slowly approached me and placed a hand on my shoulder, asking me if anything was wrong. I turned around and faced him, letting out a long sigh.

"Hyung, how do I approach Joohyun without her running away?" I asked him, desperate for an answer.

He walked over to the fridge and opened it, casually taking out the carton of milk before replying.

"If you wanna talk to her, do it now. She's alone in her room. When you do, explain to her what really happened. I'm sure you wouldn't fall for Miyeon that easily," he said before giving me a pat on the back and leaving with his milk.

I stood there, thinking about what Taeil had said. He was right, I wouldn't have given up Joohyun that easily. If only she knows... I paced in the kitchen for a while more before finally making my way out the stairs. Taeil saw me and shouted a loud "fighting!" from the living room, giving me motivation. I climbed up the steps, one by one, until I reached the top of the stairs. I stared down the unlit hallway and eyed my room door that was partly open. Music can be heard from inside the room and I approached it slowly, careful not to make any noise.

When I had reached the door frame, I peeked inside to see Joohyun on her bed, smiling at something on her phone. I squeezed my eyes shut and inhaled a deep breath before walking into the room. Her eyes were fixated on her phone, not bothering to check who was at the door. I slowly approached her bed, praying that this time, she would hear me out. When she finally looked up, she quickly sat up, turning off the music and putting her phone aside, eyeing me from head to toe. I wearily sat on her bed but she moved. Not wanting to make things awkward, I spoke up.

"Joohyun, I miss you," I  said it.

I don't know why I had said those words but it had manage to grab her attention. I stared into her eyes longingly, wishing that I could just engulf her in a hug. If only it were that easy. I tried building up from there but I kept getting cut off, the first two times by her, the third by Johnny. He stood there by the door, fuming, I could basically see the smoke come out of his ears. If glares could kill, I would have been dead by now.

From the corner of my eye, I watched as Joohyun stood up from next to me and walked next to Johnny, placing a hand on him arm, calming him a little. She mumbled something to him and looked back at me.

 "You know, now that Johnny's here, why don't you explain it to the both of us?" she said calmly. "He supposedly has a valid reason as to why he did...you know, what he did," she turned and gave a small smile to Johnny.

The both of them approached their beds and sat down, looking at me expectantly, waiting for my explanation. I squeezed my eyes shut again and sighed, brushing a hand through my hair. Clearing my throat, I opened my mouth and started to explain everything.

 "You see, the first day that she came here, she had threatened me. She told me that if I didn't let you go, she would hurt you and the others. I obviously did not want that to happen so I just did whatever she told me to. I did all of that to protect you guys," I said hurriedly.

The both of them were shocked at my explanation and by now, Johnny had completely calmed down, his face had also softened. A tear then slipped down Joohyun's cheek. I hesitantly reached out to wipe it, glancing at Johnny every now and then in case he did not like what I was doing. To my surprise, Joohyun lunged forward and hugged my torso, causing me to freeze on the spot. Slowly, I wrapped my arms around her, noticing that Johnny had a smile on his face.

I was so thankful that the both of them had forgiven me. After a whole month, I don't think I would be able to bear being alone again for much longer. I placed my chin on her head and smiled to myself.

 "Thank you for forgiving me. I swear I will protect you at all costs. I love you," I whispered into her ear and planted a kiss on the top of her head.