Book 1, Chapter 14
𝖴𝗇𝖽𝖾𝗋 𝖳𝗁𝖾 𝖲𝗍𝖺𝗋𝗌
Holiday break had descended upon Shin International University, marking the beginning of a two-week countdown to the New Year. Jisu’s mind buzzed with plans and possibilities for how to spend her time.
“Jisu eonni.”
The unexpected voice called from behind, and Jisu turned, surprised to find Yuna standing there alone. Normally, the younger girl was never far from Chaeryeong, especially now that they had confessed their feelings for one another.
“I noticed you left, so I... followed you,” Yuna explained, her tone a little shy.
Jisu raised an eyebrow, a playful smirk tugging at her lips. “No need to worry, I’m not sneaking around with your cousin,” she teased, earning a soft laugh from Yuna. A brief, comfortable silence settled between them.
“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you sooner that I have feelings for your best friend, eonni,” Yuna said, her voice laced with an uncharacteristic sincerity. “Only my mom knows I’m gay and... how I feel about Chaeryeong eonni.”
Jisu’s hand moved instinctively to pat Yuna’s head in a gesture of affection. “It’s okay, Yuna-yah. Just promise me you won’t hurt Chaeryeong’s feelings, or you’ll have to deal with me,” she said with a wink.
Yuna looked up at her, a determined glint in her eyes. “You can count on me, eonni.”
Jisu didn’t respond immediately, instead looking up at the sky, her mind drifting. She silently wished that her mother would take a break from work for once and spend the New Year with her. But she knew better. Her mother had already committed to her responsibilities, as always. Jisu sighed, her shoulders slumping in resignation.
“Is something bothering you?” Yuna asked, her voice soft with concern.
“Yeah,” Jisu replied, her voice tinged with a sadness she couldn’t quite hide. “My mom’s stuck at work for New Year’s. She can’t make it.”
Yuna wrapped her arm around Jisu’s shoulders in a comforting gesture. “I’m sorry my mom has Auntie working on the holiday...”
“It’s okay,” Jisu said with a small smile. “She got a promotion, so more responsibilities.” She shrugged, though the sadness lingered in her tone. “I’m just... not used to celebrating without her.”
Yuna’s expression softened, her voice turning brighter as she lifted Jisu’s spirits. “Don’t be down, eonni! I told her that Chaeryeong eonni and I would celebrate with you!”
Jisu rolled her eyes dramatically. “Ugh, third-wheeling again.”
Yuna’s grin was mischievous as she replied, “Oh, trust me, eonni, you won’t be.”
──⇌••⇋──
“Welcome back, glad to see you,” Chaeryeong greeted with a warm smile, her eyes lighting up at the sight of Jisu. Instinctively, Jisu moved toward her, wrapping her arms around Chaeryeong in a tight embrace, as if it were second nature.
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Roses and Thorns (Jinlia)
FanficIn a world that seemed straight out of a film, Jisu found herself caught in a delicate yet dangerous dance of love. Ryujin entered her life like a rose, beautiful yet fragile, wrapped in the uncertainty of chance. Both women were marked by the scars...
