My Neighbour || 김태형

Chapter 10

[Ri Hyun's POV]

"Isn't it? Just look at me, Taehyung. Everything I've been through, I couldn't even help myself," I subconsciously wrapped my arms around me, letting a tear fall. "I'm so embarrassed of my own family situation that I couldn't say anything to my friends. I'm broken and useless, I can't even take care of myself!"

"That's because you're not giving yourself a chance to change, Ri Hyun! You're not looking at things the right way! There are so many people who are willing to help you yet you pushed them away! You—"

"How do expect myself to see things the right way when I no longer trust myself! It's too hard Taehyung! I can't do it!" I argued back, my tone rising in frustration. "You won't understand."

I stared at the wall straight ahead of me, not able to look into his eyes.  But I saw his eyes turn a shade darker at my words, his face contorting in pain. A long moment passed and he finally got off the bed, the intensity of his stare burning holes through my head.

"Yeah, I don't understand, neither will I. But you can't keep pushing away the people who are trying to care for you Ri Hyun. We're all trying to help you but it's only up to you if you want to help yourself." He said quietly, his voice thick with emotion.

"Don't like me," I choke out, feeling my own body heaving with emotion as I cry. "You can't like me."

"You're not broken Ri Hyun, you never was," He turns away, his back facing me. "And it'll be my decision if I want to like you or not."

I shut my eyes inhaling deeply, forcing myself to stay calm. I wasn't able to listen to what he says when even I doubt myself. The image of my father's face flashed through my head and a sob forced its way through my mouth, breaking the silence in the room.

Taehyung stayed silent for a moment before he headed for the door. He didn't slam the door like I expected him to but it broke me further, seeing the amount of hurt flashing in his eyes.

~•~

Jaerin:
Everything okay? Why aren't you in school?

Ri Hyun:
I'm taking a break for today. See you tomorrow :)

I quickly placed my phone on my nightstand before pushing myself off the bed, running down the stairs for brunch. I slept all night without my alarm and woke up at 11. The night before I had spent the entire night tossing and turning, Taehyung's words ringing through my ears over and over again on a loophole. Eventually as the sun began to rise again, I managed to drift off to sleep.

Mrs and Mr Kim went off to work and Taehyung was at school, I walked into the kitchen and noticed a packet of cereal and a carton of milk placed on the counter. I shuffled over and saw a note next to it—

Remember to eat.

A thick lump formed in the back of my throat as my eyes went over the three words over and over again. I instantly knew Taehyung wrote it but I shook my head, not wanting to cry again.

I spent the entire morning studying and school was over before I knew it. My emotions were scattered all over the place and I desperately needed someone to talk to.

"Hey Jaerin?"

"Hey~"

"I uh. . .just want to talk for a bit. Can we?" I bit my lip, running a hand through my hair as I waited for her response.

"Of course."

"Meet me at the cafe nearby your house."

"Okay! See you there!"