Roses and Thorns (Jinlia)

𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗳𝗶𝘃𝗲 | depth

Book 1, Chapter 5
Depth

WHILE USING one of the sophisticated cameras gifted by Ryujin and her mother, Jisu skillfully captured the graceful flight of birds in the sky, a smile of pure contentment spreading across her face.

“You look like you’re enjoying yourself,” came Chaeryeong’s voice, causing Jisu to turn and find her friend entering the backyard.

With a warm smile, Jisu affirmed, “Absolutely. The quality is beyond what I expected.”

“Must be up to President Shin's standards then,” Chaeryeong remarked, as Jisu turned her attention back to the camera. Chaeryeong watched it. “I guess I'll head out now,” she added, her voice slightly colder than before.

Jisu paused, camera lowering as she turned to look at Chaeryeong with a question in her gaze. But Chaeryeong simply smiled, nodded, and left the backyard, leaving Jisu staring after her in confusion.

──⇌••⇋──

“Jisu, have you and Chaeryeong had a disagreement?” her mother asked later, concern evident in her voice.

“Not at all, why do you ask?” Jisu was genuinely puzzled.

Her mother looked concerned, “I saw Chaeryeong leaving earlier, tears in her eyes. She seemed upset and didn't even notice me.”

Jisu could only speculate, “She might be dealing with something, mom.” The situation was unsettling, but Jisu couldn’t pinpoint why Chaeryeong would be acting this way.

──⇌••⇋──

Lying in her bed that evening, Jisu stared blankly at the ceiling, she felt herself growing restless. The events of the day, Chaeryeong's unusual behavior, and her mother's observations swirled in her mind. Something's wrong... she thought, but she couldn't pinpoint exactly what it was.

She reached for her phone, determined to clear things up with Chaeryeong, but her calls went unanswered, each attempt rejected.

Frustrated and increasingly worried, Jisu decided it was time for a direct confrontation. Upon arrival, she noticed Chaeryeong's room was unusually closed off. Sunset has started already, and Chaeryeong loves to watch it, especially with me. So why would Chaeryeong close the curtainㅡoh shoot.

She hastily placed her palm on the scanner on Chaeryeong's gate and went in. Upon finding Chaeryeong’s door locked, panic surged through her. She raced to find the spare key, unlocked the door, and was met with a sight that chilled her to the bone.

The room was dark, and as she flicked on the light, Jisu’s eyes immediately found Chaeryeong, a blade in hand. Without hesitation, Jisu knocked the blade away, fear and concern evident in her voice. “What are you doing, Chaeryeong?!”

Chaeryeong laughed bitterly, “Why do you care?”

“You’re my best friend! How can you even ask that?” Jisu retorted, her own voice breaking with emotion.

“That's it, eonni!” Chaeryeong yelled back, her eyes filled with tears, “You're my best friend but you acted like that!”

“What the he--”

“That damn camera hanging around your neck made you forget our little tradition of watching a beautiful sunset together!” the veins in Chaeryeong's neck were protruding as she shouted, her index finger pointing on Jisu's new camera. Jisu jerked back because of the gesture, and Chaeryeong got up on her feet.“Do you think I didn't notice it? Ever since you received that thing, you barely use the camera I gifted!”

“Chae--”

“You were neglecting me, eonni! Do you even realize?!”

“Come on, it's just a cam--”

“Just?! Just?! It's everything to me, eonni!” Chaeryeong sure as hell exploded. Her screams broke Jisu's heart, “You mean a great deal to me. The thought of you forgetting the things we have been doing because of new stuff and probably new people scares the hell out of me!”

Jisu stared at Chaeryeong. She wanted to explain herself, but she couldn't open her mouth. She wanted to clarify everything, that what Chaeryeong's been thinking is never going to happen, but she stayed silent. Jisu doesn't know how to respond with words, so she just walked calmly towards Chaeryeong, even though her knees were basically trembling. “Stop getting ahead of yourself, okay?” She embraced Chaeryeong, “I’ll never forget us. Please, believe me,” she whispered, her voice soothing yet firm.

──⇌••⇋──

On Jisu's way back home, her mind was thinking of what she saw when she arrived at Chaeryeong's room. Her best friend tried hurting herself for the very first time in their whole lives, and she was to blame.

Jisu was met with her mother's worry, which only compounded her feelings of guilt. Breaking down, she sought comfort in her mother's arms, a temporary salve for her aching heart.

The aftermath left Jisu grappling with guilt and a deep concern for Chaeryeong. The incident was a stark reminder of the delicate balance between embracing new experiences and cherishing established relationships.

──⇌••⇋──

The next morning, Jisu woke up with swollen eyes because of crying so hard last night, as expected. She rubbed her eyes, Ugh, painful, and eyed the clock.

6:00 AM.

Still early. Her first period starts at 8:00 AM for today's schedule. Chaeryeong's schedule would start at 7:30 AM, so she'd probably go to school first. But she would still prepare early, in case Chaeryeong drops by.

She checked her phone, and the absence of any message from Chaeryeong was a blow. But Jisu pushed through the disappointment, clinging to a thread of hope.

──⇌••⇋──

“Oh good, you're finally awake.” Jisu's mother said when she saw her daughter walking down the staircase, “Chaeryeong's waiting for you. The foods are already served, but she said she wouldn't eat without you.” Jisu’s spirits lifted slightly when she learned Chaeryeong was waiting for her.

“You know, Jisu eonni, I love you. But making my stomach wait will not go unpunished.” Chaeryeong said hostilely. She arched an eyebrow when she noticed Jisu's eyes, “What happened to your eyes?” Chaeryeong’s playful jab about Jisu’s swollen eyes quickly turned into a moment of genuine concern. In response, Jisu hugged Chaeryeong tightly.

As they sat down to eat, the two friends fell into their usual rhythm, the tension of the previous night melting away in the warmth of their shared laughter and conversation. It was a testament to their deep connection, a reminder that true friendship could weather any storm.

Jisu made a mental mission to make a conscious effort to balance her new interests with the cherished traditions she shares with Chaeryeong. Whether it was watching the sunset together or exploring new hobbies, she silently promised to find ways to strengthen their bond.