Strawberry Milk | Pentagon Kino

Chapter 41

A Sad Christmas

[third person pov]

A few days had passed since Seorin was told that they would extend their stay. Yet she still hasn't told Kino about this.

It was finally Christmas. Kino who just finished helping his mom with baking, was all excited. Not knowing about the change of plans, he was really excited to greet and see Seorin in a few days.

He waited for Seorin to go online so that he can video call her and show her the cookies they baked. Which is her favorite, chocolate chip cookies.

Kino sat on his bed and brought out a book to read while patiently waiting for Seorin.

Seorin realised that it was a big mistake that she didn't tell Kino about their extension as soon as possible. She didn't want him to get excited and expect her arrival in a few days. And so she decided to call Kino and tell him now.

When his phone rang, Kino jolted, almost tossing the book and answered the call.

"Hi Seorinnie!" he cheerfully called, making Seorin's heart break into pieces.

"He must be so excited" she sadly thought.

"Merry Christmas! I was waiting for your call because you might be busy." the latter said. Seorin forced a smile so that Kino won't notice, but he noticed the hint of sadness in her eyes.

"What's wrong? Are you not glad I called?" Seorin immediately shook her head and waved her hands. She let out a deep sigh, making Kino worry.

"I'm sorry I'm telling you this only now," she paused and pursed her lips as she looks down, avoiding eye contact. "Our family's stay here will be extended, for another week."

Kino's lips parted as he muttered an 'oh'. He was shocked and a bit confused but forced a smile anyway.

Seorin frowned, sensing that Kino is disappointed. And the only person she's blaming is herself.

I'm so stupid. If I said this earlier he wouldn't be sad and disappointed this Christmas. I'm such a fool.

Silence filled the room and no one dared to speak. The excited Kino holding the cookies he baked felt drain. While Seorin felt the urge to cry for hurting and disappointing a boy who doesn't deserve to be hurt.

"You baked cookies?" Seorin started talking to lighten the atmosphere. Kino, still not looking into her eyes nodded.

"Yeah, I baked them with mom for Christmas."

"They look yummy."

"Yeah."

Silence once again filled the atmosphere. Kino was still shocked while Seorin had a hard time striking up a conversation. The silence broke when Kino said he had to do something.

"Okay. Once again, I'm sorry," Kino smiled faintly.

"I miss and love-"

*toot*

"you." she continued despite Kino ending the call.

Him cutting the call made Seorin's heart shatter into a million pieces. She felt like she was punched in the stomach. Tears were threatening to fall but she quickly wiped them away and looked upwards, shaking her head, refraining the tears to fall.

Kino dived on his bed and faced the ceiling with an emotionless face. He didn't understand what he was feeling that time.

Was it sadness? was it anger? or was it disappointment?

He felt his chest tighten while he took deep breaths. He was really shocked indeed. He covered his eyes and found that they were wet. He realized he was crying.

His sister, Minju, knocked on the door and asked if he was alright. He looked at her with a frown and shook his head.

Minju who softened at the sight of his crying brother opened out her arms for a hug. Kino kept silent, not telling anyone about the news he heard.

He locked himself in his room until it was dinner time. He was called by his parents. And despite crying for a few hours, he regained his cheerful self and went downstairs.

Downstairs, he saw Hongseok and Jinho, both who's family were overseas. Minju invited them to celebrate Christmas, and to talk to Kino as well.

They ate various of delicious dishes prepared by Kino's mom including the cookies they baked.

And when the clock ticked 12, everyone was greeting each other a Merry Christmas.

Kino had fun celebrating with his family and Hongseok and Jinho. But another frown formed on his lips when he received a text from Seorin.

PaboSeorin♡:
Merry Christmas Kino <3 i'm sorry about what happened earlier :< i hope you have a merry christmas today even without me by your side. I miss and i love you! xoxo

Even though he was really hurt by the sudden news, he can't help but smile. Especially with the fact that Seorin greeted him at exactly 12:00.

The party was just starting and drinks were being served. Some of his close cousins came to celebrate with them.

It was kind of getting noisy so he dragged both Jinho and Hongseok into his room, with a bottle of soju in his hand.

"Minju mentioned that something's bugging you." Hongseok started. Kino opened the bottle of soju and started drinking.

"Hey aren't you too young-"

Jinho was cut off by Hongseok's glare. As if he can read Hongseok's eyes saying 'just let him drink for now.'

He rolled his eyes and also opened his bottle of soju. "Care to tell us what happened?"

Kino who's eyes were glossy because of tears, nodded and opened his arms for hug. The two approached him and hugged him, while patting his head gently.