Secrets Aren't Lies

Chapter 12

I pull away from Leo and check my phone. No messages. I quickly send him one, telling him that I want to see him. I give him my address to the apartment and put my phone away with slow hands. We begin to hear roars of thunder and the sound of rain hitting the roof of the building. My body trembles with each loud boom of the noises outside.

"Will you be okay, Jiyeon?" Leo talks in a soft tone, looking at me with gentle eyes.

I wipe my tears off. "Thank you." I say with a voice of appreciation. My heavy body just slouches into my chair. "Can you take me home please? I can't take much more of this. I don't want to write any more obituaries, I don't want to write headlines that talk about death and I certainly don't want to go take pictures of the innocent bloody bodies." I state firmly, rising slowly as I grab my bag and slip my shoes back on.

"Of course, we understand." He states and locks arms with me, walking me outside in the heavy rain. We get soaked quickly as Leo waves for a taxi and it immediately pulls over to let us in. Leo gives the driver the address before I could let out a word.

I just lean against Leo's side, my eyelids feeling like they are layered with heavy iron. I almost fall asleep on the ride home, but I manage to stay awake from watching the rain drops drench the windshield. When the driver pulls up to my apartment building, I sit up straight and rub my eyes.

Leo is kind enough to pay the man for me and we climb out of the car, taking my time. I grab Leo's hand, which makes his heart flutter and smile at me, but it's a smile that is meant for cheering me up.

I just squeeze his hand and he guides me up to my apartment in silence. "Would you like me to stay a while?" He asks for reassurance, standing in front of my door as I walk inside, my body shivers from the cold rain water.

"I'll be okay. Thank you, Leo." I nod to him and give him a small caring hug. He kisses my head sweetly and I slowly close the door as he leaves. I deeply sigh and cross my arms across my chest.

I pad across the living room floor in small shuffling steps, just frowning. My tear ducts tingle, just ready to start crying my eyes out from the stress. I change into sweatpants and a hoodie, ready to completely hide from the world.

The sun begins to start setting as I curl in a blanket on the couch, turning on the television. I don't feel like there is anything I can do except face reality. I don't have enough money to move and I couldn't certainly find another job. I sigh again, burying my face in the pillow, letting out an annoyed groan.

The television is just background sound at this point, the muffled crying into my pillow is not wanting me to look at the screen. I have a feeling I just want to stay reclusive for a while. All of this drama is enervating my frail form.

I decide to check my phone an unmeasurable amount of time later, seeing that I still haven't gotten a reply from Ken. I weep a little more and just let my phone drop out of my hand, onto the floor.

My weary eyes finally are pulled onto the tv screen, getting intrigued by the show. I don't pay that much attention as I am already soon asleep from the exhaustion.

My arm hangs over the side of the couch and my legs are curled up. My lips are parted very slightly as I am in such a deep slumber that I don't want to be disturbed from.

Leo P.O.V.

I shove my hands in my pockets grudgingly as I leave Jiyeon's apartment complex. I sigh softly, only thinking about her gorgeous face and I just want to be there for her during these desperate times. 'Is she okay? Did she want me to insist on staying? Damn.' I can't help from controlling these thoughts. I worry so much for her as a friend, and I know that she is going through such a hard time.