Roses and Thorns (Jinlia)

𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗲𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻 | contemplations & broken barriers

Book 1, Chapter 11
Contemplations and Broken Barriers

TODAY MARKED the beginning of the week's midpoint, Tuesday, with ominous clouds looming over the town. Clad in her uniform, Jisu flicks on the TV, eager to see if a typhoon's brewing because getting trapped at the university is a scenario she's keen to avoid.

Thankfully, the weather forecast flashed just in time. While it predicted class cancellations due to the inclement weather, Jisu wasn't sure if college students were included. Disappointingly, only kindergarten to senior high school closures were announced.

She rolled her eyes in exasperation. Typical.

With a hefty sigh, Jisu decides to pack a change of clothes, just in case she got drenched on her way to the university.

As Jisu switched off the television, her phone erupted with a loud ringtone, vibrating insistently in her pocket. She made a mental note to switch it to silent mode later, before answering the call.

“Hello? Who's this, and how did you get my number?” Jisu fired off without hesitation, wasting no time with pleasantries.

“Chill, eonni,” came the relaxed voice on the other end. “It's Shin Yuna.”

“Oh.” Jisu's surprise was palpable. “What's up?”

“Auntie just called off classes because of the crappy weather,” Yuna informed her. Jisu silently cheered at the news.

“Thanks to her,” Jisu breathed a sigh of relief. “Was that the only reason for your call?”

“Not exactly,” Yuna replied swiftly. “I'm standing outside your house.” With that, Jisu dashed to the door and went to the gate, flinging it open to find Yuna grinning at her.

“Get in, quick!” Jisu urged, pulling Yuna inside the house.

Yuna, already in her final year of college at such a young age, having accelerated for how many times, stood before Jisu.

“What brings you here?” Jisu inquired, quickly checking Yuna for any signs of being caught in the rain. Thankfully, she seemed dry. “If you're looking for my mom, she's still not back since yesterday.”

“Actually, I'm here for you, not her,” Yuna clarified with a shake of her head. “Ryujin eonni has filled me in on a scheme. Heard about it?”

“The pretending-to-be-cousins plan?”

“That's the one,” Yuna nodded. “And she's tasked me with--”

“--Looking out for my best friend?”

“Exactly. I just need to pick up some basics about her,” Yuna admitted, offering Jisu a convincing smile.

“And why not just go straight to her?”

“Well, given the downpour, visiting her is out of the question,” Yuna explained. “So, I thought I'd seek your assistance instead. Don't worry, I just need a quick rundown on your friend so we can pull off this plan without a hitch.”