The Broken Girl At Table 9

8 - Finding II

"Sit," I commanded as I brought Jeongyeon inside my living room.

"Why do we have to be in your house, Nayeon?" Jeongyeon grumbled but nonetheless situated herself in one of the couches.

"I'm tending to those ugly wounds whether you like it or not," I glared at her before going into the kitchens to get the materials I needed.

"Wait, are you skipping classes right now?" Jeongyeon asked as I emerged back from the kitchen.

"What do you think," I grumbled as I sat beside her, "And you're skipping too, you know."

She looked down as she spoke, "You know you don't have to do any of this,"

I sighed, seeing her like this is painful and I badly want to know everything about her and what happened to her today, why is she beat up like this? Who hurt her? What does this have to do with Mina and Chaeyoung?

I slowly reach out and gently held her face to meet her vulnerable eyes, "I know that," I softly replied, "I just don't like seeing you like this, hurt and vulnerable."

Jeongyeon's eyes were searching mine as she stared at me and I was once again trapped in the endless pool of warm brown. I've seen countless of beautiful faces, especially in our annual family gala and to some business meetings, but I could say I have never seen someone as beautiful and attractive as Yoo Jeongyeon. Even with her battered appearance right now, I still can't help but admire her.

"Thank you," She said in a soft tone, "For finding me,"

"You're welcome. You know, I wasn't even sure if I could find you," I began dabbing an antiseptic to her lower lip.

"Why are you even hiding from Mina?" I asked just as I gave her an ice bag to put on her bruised eye and cheek.

"I don't want to see her choose between Chaeyoung and I," She answered which only made me more curious.

Jeongyeon chuckled when she glanced at me, "I know you're curious, it's written all over your face. You can ask, Nayeon,"

I looked at her in surprise, "I can?"

"Yes, we're friends now," She confirmed and I can't help but grin at that.

"Well, first off," I cleared my throat, "What's up with you, Mina and that Chaeyoung kid?" I asked.

"What?" I asked when I saw the look of surprise she's having.

"I thought the first thing you'd ask for is how I got these bruises," She stated.

I couldn't help but press the cotton a little harder on her bruise making her wince, "I know you won't answer me, so what's the point in asking?" I grumbled and I must've been mistaken but did I just see her look grateful?

"Now answer my question," I told her.

Jeongyeon nodded as she sighed, "Chaeyoung is my step sister," She finally voiced out, "Same mother, different fathers."

I paused as I stared at her in surprise, "I-wow,"

I'm speechless, just how complicated can her life get? I mean, she likes Mina, her best friend, who also likes Chaeyoung, which turns out to be Jeongyeon's step sister. Fucking complications.

"Yeah," Jeongyeon let out a humourless chuckle, "My life sucks, right?" I remained quiet.

She continued, "My biological father is dead, while Chaeyoung's dad is a temperamental dick that hates me."

"I don't really like their family that much," It didn't escape me how she didn't call them her family.

Honestly, I don't know what to say, I didn't know she had it rough like this. It made me see Jeongyeon in a different light, the mystery, the sadness she carries and her aloofness now all made sense.