'𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐓 𝐘𝐎𝐔 ‣ jeon wonwoo

009

'BOUT YOU
009

Time had fast-forwarded to December 30th, marking Joshua's birthday and their final tutoring session. In this poignant moment, Isla sat beside Wonwoo, expressing her progress and newfound ability to tackle physics independently. Her accurate responses and just two minor errors had bolstered her confidence.

With a gentle smile, he concluded, "Our last session has come to an end, Isla. You've truly excelled." He affectionately patted her head. As he prepared to leave, he noticed the plushie he had gifted her resting next to her drawing tablet.

A chuckle escaped him, capturing Isla's curiosity. "What's amusing you?" She questions, puzzled by his sudden mirth. He gestured to the plushie, saying, "I couldn't help but notice it's right beside your drawing table." This observation prompted laughter from Isla.

"I placed it there because I was actually sketching it," she clarified, standing up from her seat. A bittersweet smile graced her lips as she continued, "I suppose this marks the end of our sessions." She says, sadness lingering in her tone as she turns her head to the man beside her.

Wonwoo sadly smiled, letting out a sigh before replying, "Yes, this is our final meeting." Silence enveloped the room as Isla silently observed Wonwoo pack his belongings.

"I read your letter," she began, capturing his attention. He tilted his head, prompting her to elaborate. "I'll take good care of myself by eating well and staying hydrated." She assured him. Retrieving her sketchbook, she tore out a drawing and handed it to him folded. "I drew this last night. Please unfold it only when you're in the States," she instructed, making him chuckle.

"Thank you for this. I'll keep my promise," he expressed his gratitude. After bidding his farewell, Wonwoo left Isla's room, concluding weeks of tutoring and interactions.

Emotions welled up within Isla, acknowledging that the time had come to release her grasp on him and embark on a fresh chapter of her life, one devoid of thoughts about him. With a lowered gaze and a resigned sigh, she struggled to stifle her tears. It dawned on her that he had inadvertently left behind the pen he had used during their session. This realization propelled her to seize the pen and swiftly descend the stairs to return it.

Upon reaching the ground floor of her home, Isla unexpectedly overheard a conversation between Wonwoo and Joshua, which caused her to halt in her tracks. Concealing herself behind a wall, she surreptitiously listened in on their dialogue, sensing something amiss.

"So, you'll be accompanying Elyse to the States?" Isla's brows furrowed at her brother's mention of a woman's name. "Indeed, I'll be heading to the States with her," Wonwoo affirmed, settling onto the couch.

Joshua's voice carried a tinge of melancholy as he gently patted Wonwoo's back, entreating, "Take good care of her." Wonwoo chuckles and replies, "Of course, I'll take off her. I love her." This resonated with a weighty declaration of love, causing Isla's heart to sink at the utterance of that powerful word.

Inadvertently, Isla's grip on the pen faltered, causing it to slip from her fingers and clatter onto the floor, capturing their attention. Joshua's voice reached her ears as he called her name, but this time her tears flowed freely, tracing a path down her cheeks.

Casting a final glance at them, Isla hastily retreated upstairs, determined to prevent further conversation. With her bedroom door firmly shut, she collapsed onto her bed, her face buried in her pillow as her sobs consumed her.

This marked a turning point for Isla, providing her with a reason to move forward. The man she had admired for three years now had a girlfriend, prompting a bitter, self-deprecating laugh. "Naturally, he's got his sights set on someone. He's Wonwoo, and in his eyes, I'm nothing more than a child who turns to him for solace."

Isla's tears continued to flow unabated, the weight in her heart proving overwhelming. The sensation of inadequacy gnawed at her as she wept over a young man who barely registered her presence and regarded her as a mere sibling.

"Release yourself from this, Isla. You're only a child and a sister in his gaze."

'BOUT YOU
written by luna