'𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐓 𝐘𝐎𝐔 ‣ jeon wonwoo

008

'BOUT YOU
008

Isla freezes in her spot upon hearing Wonwoo's words, her heart racing. Awkwardly avoiding his gaze, she moves her head to the side and responds, "No," she lies once again, mentally cursing Wonwoo's behavior. His actions manage to make her heart flutter every single time he comes near her or speaks to her.

"Hm, I see," he playfully chuckles, opening the gate and stepping out of the household. "Merry Christmas, Isabella," he greets in advance, offering her a warm smile. Isla gazes up at him with admiration in her eyes.

After clearing her throat, the woman speaks, "Merry Christmas too, Wonwoo." She returns his smile before watching him walk away after bidding goodbye.

As he departs, Isla shuts the gate behind her and leans against the metal gate, releasing a sigh. "How can I possibly move on from that man?" Her voice carries a tinge of sadness as she heads back indoors due to the cold breeze brushing against her skin.

Sinking onto her bed, Isla gazes at the ceiling, her heartbeat echoing in her chest. Memories of his fingers lifting her chin flood her mind, causing Isla to emit a soft whine. She rolls to the other side of the bed, burying her face in the pillow and letting out a muffled scream.

"He only sees you as a sister, Isla," she says to herself, her expression becoming somber as she recalls his words likening her to a younger sister. "After all, he pretended to be my brother back in high school." A sigh escapes her lips as she gazes up at the white ceiling.

"Wonwoo-ah, what are you doing to me?" Her whisper is laden with confusion and longing. Fatigue begins to wash over her, prompting Isla to close her eyes and drift off into dreamland.

"Merry Christmas!" Isla exclaimed joyfully, raising her glass of wine in a cheerful toast with her family. A bright smile adorned her face as she relished the festive atmosphere. "Another Christmas to cherish with my wonderful family," their father chimed in, his affectionate gesture of planting a kiss on his wife's hair evoking laughter and playful giggles from the gathered family.

Joshua interjected with a playful jest, feigning a gag in response to their parents' amorous display. "You two are quite the romantics, it's almost nauseating," he teased, adding a touch of exaggerated disgust to his tone. Isla couldn't resist a playful comeback. "Oh please, you're just envious since you've never had a girlfriend," she teased, her mischievous expression causing Joshua to respond with a mock frown.

Amidst the lighthearted banter, Joshua took a moment to tattle on Isla. "Mom, Isla's up to her mischievous tricks again!" He playfully snitched, earning more laughter from their parents. "My two darlings, let's set aside the bickering and enjoy this," their mother suggested, handing them a pristine white envelope that instantly piqued their curiosity. Their eyes sparkled with anticipation as they accepted the envelope with synchronized gratitude. "Thank you, Mother!" They chimed in unison, bowing respectfully as they held the precious envelope.

After dinner, Isla sat in front of her desk, placing the box that her brother handed her before she heads up, informing her that Wonwoo delivered this to their household earlier this morning so she can open it later at night after the celebration.

Unable to contain her curiosity any longer, Isla grabbed a pair of scissors and carefully opened the box. Her gasp of surprise echoed through the room as her eyes fell upon the plushie nestled within. It was the same one she had admired in a department store window during a previous outing, and now it lay before her as a cherished surprise.

With the plushie in her hands, Isla noticed a letter that had slipped out of the box. Frowning slightly, she set the plushie down on her lap and picked up the letter, reading its contents in a hushed, contemplative manner.

Dear Isla,

Time has flown by, and it's been a while since our paths last crossed. Three years have brought remarkable growth in you; no longer the crybaby who once playfully aimed a pillow my way, almost shattering my glasses in the process.

I couldn't help but notice your unwavering gaze fixed upon the plushie during our recent excursion. Your eyes spoke volumes, revealing your heartfelt desire to embrace the plushie and nurture it in your care. Thus, I made it mine at the crack of dawn after our delightful dinner gathering.

The tides of change are upon me, and I'll soon be moving on. Our final tutoring session is slated for December 30th, just before the arrival of the new year and your brother's birthday. Following our academic endeavors, a celebratory drink awaits, marking what might well be our last meeting before our paths diverge once again.

You're like a little sister to me, Isla. The moment I saw you crying in the waiting shed, it shattered me to pieces, watching you attempt to call your busy brother. That's when I decided to cover up for him and be your brother for a short period. 

This Christmas, my heartfelt wishes accompany you. Remember to nourish yourself with three meals a day and keep hydrated. Take care, our lovely Isla.

— from your brother who isn't actually your brother, wonwoo.

'BOUT YOU
written by luna

author's note !
I enjoy writing 'bout you sm, this might be the most heart-fluttering book I've ever made  ＾＾ what's your opinion about the book? hehe, I'd love to see you all give me feedback! (>.<)