Roses and Thorns (Jinlia)

Chapter 7: Between Fear and Curiosity

Although Jisu was typically sociable, she had opted to stay home this time, too preoccupied with worry over the note she’d received earlier. It had unnerved her so much that she’d gone through the entire house, double-checking that every door and window was securely locked.

“Jisu eonni?”

The sound of a voice jolted her from her thoughts. Was that Chaeryeong calling out to her?

“Hey! Why is everything locked? I couldn’t get in!”

Jisu hesitated. Should she venture out, risking exposure, to open the gate for Chaeryeong, or should she stay put and simply tell her friend to go home?

“Choi Jisu eonni! Hey!”

Alright, decision made. She couldn’t risk the neighbors filing a complaint against Chaeryeong for disturbing the peace.

“Are you okay?”

“Yes,” Jisu replied, swinging the gate open for Chaeryeong, who darted past her toward the house, leaving Jisu to shut it behind them. And there, waiting for her, were three more notes.

Is this the work of a benign admirer or a deranged stalker?

She scanned the area for any sign of the note-leaver, but nothing seemed amiss. With a sigh, she nervously picked up the notes, her heart pounding in her chest.

I apologize for causing you distress. I never meant to worry you, and I assure you, I’m not a stalker or any kind of threat. I believe I’m perfectly harmless... well, at least I hope so.

Oh... you’ve even locked the windows of your house. Did I frighten you that much? I’m sorry, Miss Jisu. I understand receiving notes from a stranger can be unsettling, but I couldn’t think of any other way to reach out to you. I’m not very skilled at socializing, to be honest.

Oops, your best friend is on her way. I better leave now. I hope to see you again. Be safe.

Jisu bit her lip, the fear that had gripped her for hours finally dissipating like smoke. Now, she felt certain the person behind the notes meant no harm.

Remembering that Chaeryeong was waiting for her inside, she quickly secured the gate and hurried back to the safety of her home.

──⇌••⇋──

“So, I already got my monthly allowance from my parents,” Chaeryeong announced as Jisu joined her on the couch.

“And? Did you encounter any issues with the withdrawal?” Jisu asked.

“Not exactly. But after Dad transferred the funds to my account, he emailed me,” Chaeryeong said, hesitating for a moment. “He’s suggesting I move to France to live with him.”

Jisu toyed with her fingers, a pang of sadness tugging at her heart at the thought of Chaeryeong leaving for France. She wasn’t sure how she would cope with it.

“I agreed to go, but only for vacation,” Chaeryeong added, watching Jisu’s expression anxiously. “I replied to his email, saying I’ll stay there for a week or two.”

“So, when are you planning to go?” Jisu asked quietly.

“Hopefully, after the end of the school year,” Chaeryeong replied.

“Alright... Just make sure you’re safe, no matter where you are.”

──⇌••⇋──

Dawn broke gently over the horizon, marking the arrival of 5:00 a.m. Unlike her usual weekend slumber that stretched until 6:30, Jisu found herself awake earlier today, feeling an urge to go for a jog. It was a practice she cherishedㅡcircling the neighborhood every Sunday morning, occasionally joined by her mother on those rare, treasured mornings.

And speaking of her mother...

Before heading to the kitchen to make her usual chocolate-flavored milk, Jisu detoured toward her mother’s bedroom. With a gentle twist of the knob and a cautious peek inside, she harbored a quiet hope that her mother might have come home the previous night. But the room was empty. She sighed, disappointment settling in her chest.

Jisu was well-acquainted with the demands of her mother’s job, especially now that Mrs. Choi was in the running for a significant promotion. Lately, it seemed to consume even more of her time, but Jisu had resigned herself to understanding, silently rooting for her mother’s success.

After savoring her chocolate-flavored milk, Jisu slipped into her jogging attire and continued with her morning routine.

──⇌••⇋──

As Jisu made her way home from her morning jog, she exchanged nods and smiles with the early risers of the village. A handful even offered enthusiastic waves, familiar with seeing her out and about every Sunday morning.

“Hey there, Jisu! That high ponytail looks great on you!” a voice called out, prompting Jisu to turn and locate the source of the compliment. It took her a moment to place the face, but recognition soon brought a smile to her lips.

“Thank you, Miss Yeji,” Jisu replied warmly, pausing her stride to let Yeji catch up. “It's been ages, hasn’t it?”

Hwang Yeji had been a classmate of hers and Chaeryeong’s back in middle school and lived in the same neighborhood. While they knew of each other, they had never been particularly close.

“Drop the formalities, just Yeji is fine,” she insisted with a lighthearted laugh that Jisu found endearing.

“Alright then, Yeji,” Jisu agreed with a grin. “I hope you don’t mind if I skip calling you eonni.”

“Not at all,” Yeji assured her. “And, uh, I hope it’s not too forward, but your eyes are stunning,” she added, a hint of shyness creeping into her voice.

Jisu chuckled. “Of course not. It seems like my eyes are a common talking point, though I’m not quite sure why.”

“If you’re playing coy, stop it,” Yeji teased, her admiration evident. “When you smile, your eyes sparkle, and your smile... it’s just mesmerizing,” she gushed, her wide smile revealing a dimple on her left cheek.

Jisu couldn’t help but notice the way Yeji’s gaze lingered, as though she were subtly checking her out. Was she? Perhaps.

“You clean up really well, Jisu.”

“Appreciate it, Yeji,” Jisu said with a playful tone. “But I’ve got to run; hunger calls.”

Yeji’s laughter filled the morning air. “Of course, wouldn’t want you starving. Hope we bump into each other again. Have a safe walk!”

Jisu waved goodbye and continued on her way home, a warm feeling lingering from their unexpected encounter.

──⇌••⇋──

“Seriously?” Jisu muttered under her breath, her eyes widening at the sight of yet another note stuck to the gate.

Seeing you chatting with that girl filled me with rage. I’d rather not see you with her once more.

Jisu couldn’t help but chuckle. Was this a manifestation of jealousy?

With a pen in hand, she decided to seize the moment and respond immediately.

Enough with the shadows and surveillance. Show some courage and face me, stalker.