'𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐓 𝐘𝐎𝐔 ‣ jeon wonwoo

006

'BOUT YOU
006

Gazing at the textbook on her desk, Isla found herself biting her lower lip while pondering the correct response to Wonwoo's question about the distinction between speed and velocity in physics. "I'll ask you again, Isla. What's the difference between speed and velocity?" he inquired once more.

"I really don't know," she grumbled, running her hand through her hair in frustration and sinking into her seat. "Speed refers to the magnitude of motion, whereas velocity encompasses both speed and direction," he offered the answer himself, closing the textbook and turning his gaze towards the woman beside him.

"You're not quite yourself today, Isla. Is something bothering you?" he asked, a hint of concern in his voice for the younger woman's mood. "Nothing's wrong," she denied, although something was indeed amiss, related to Wonwoo's impending move to the States.

"What's troubling you, Isabella?" He used her full name, moving closer and leaning on the desk to scrutinize her features. "I told you, nothing's bothering me," she insisted, exhaling audibly as she stood up, causing Wonwoo to retreat.

"That concludes today's tutoring session, right? With Christmas approaching, this will be our last meeting before the holidays," she casually remarked, avoiding direct eye contact. "Yeah, any Christmas gifts for me? After all, it's my last Christmas here in Korea," he playfully pouted, causing Isla to frown at the mention of 'last'.

"You're seriously lacking in fun, old man," she whined in annoyance, grabbing a pillow from her bed and tossing it at him, provoking laughter from Wonwoo. "Hey, I was just kidding!" He exclaimed, observing her leave the room with an irritated expression, prompting him to sigh.

"This child hasn't changed at all," he muttered, rising from his seat and beginning to pack up his tutoring materials. While placing the textbook back into his bag, he noticed a note next to his pencil case, furrowing his brows in curiosity.

He recalled Isla writing something on a piece of paper as they discussed the differences between speed and velocity. Intrigued, Wonwoo discreetly glanced at the note Isla had written earlier. A soft "oh" escaped his lips as he read the heartfelt message beside his pencil case.

"Take care of yourself, make sure to eat three meals a day, and stay hydrated. Spend Christmas with your family and find happiness, Wonwoo-shi."

Walking to the terrace to catch a breath of fresh air, Isla felt the wind gently tousling her hair as she leaned against the railings. Her mind seemed incapable of letting go of the events that had transpired during the dinner party a week prior.

They have been meeting discreetly, concealed from her brother's awareness, whenever she encounters issues at school. He discovers her tearfully seeking solace in the waiting shed near their dormitory, anticipating her brother's aid that never materializes.

Wonwoo's appearance was serendipitous; having concluded his shift, he chose to assist Isla in resolving the enigma of her recent troubles. Assuming the role of her elder sibling, he engaged in a conversation with her teacher, addressing the situation at hand.

In the aftermath, Wonwoo treated Isla to a comforting meal, a gesture meant to alleviate the emotional toll of her prolonged tears. "Your brother is preoccupied with exams; his focus is solely on his studies," he disclosed, placing a meticulously peeled shrimp onto Isla's plate.

Amidst her tear-stained eyes, Isla posed a poignant question, her voice barely a whisper. "Does Joshua truly care about me?" Seeking reassurance, her gaze lifted to meet Wonwoo's, whose warm smile radiated comfort. "He does love you, Isla. His absence is driven by his commitments; he likely didn't notice your call," he assured her.

With the passage of time, Isla's sentiments toward Wonwoo grew into something more profound. At eighteen, he stood as a beacon of support, while she, at sixteen, found herself drawn to his kindness and understanding. Regrettably, this marked their final encounter before the encumbrances of life distanced them from each other and their circle of friends.

Fatigued and weighed down by her thoughts, Isla released a weary sigh, realizing that the path of least resistance would be to move forward. With his impending relocation to another country, the likelihood of their paths intersecting appeared slim. "Perhaps moving on is better than staying in the past," she mumbled, pivoting on her heels. Her heart jolted as a familiar face stood across her.

"Move on from what?"

'BOUT YOU
written by luna