Roses and Thorns (Jinlia)

𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗳𝗶𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗲𝗻 | under the tree

Book 1, Chapter 15
Under The Tree

Chaeryeong's heart twisted at the sight of Jisu retreating from them, burdened with sorrow.

Was this the right move? Had she made a mistake?

“What's our next step, eonni?” Yuna questioned Ryujin, her gaze lingering on the trail Jisu had taken.

Indeed, what happened was intentional. Chaeryeong and Yuna exaggerated their affection in front of Jisu because Ryujin covertly enlisted their help after hearing about their sudden confession. Their goal was to get under Jisu's skinㅡand it workedㅡgiving Ryujin the perfect chance to provoke her further.

“Ryu, you're aware that I was reluctant from the start to go along with this scheme,” Chaeryeong confessed, leaning on Yuna for emotional support as the thought of an upset and resentful Jisu made her knees weak.

“I understand, but--”

“Which is why if you're not going to make a move now...” Chaeryeong paused, exhaling a troubled sigh. “...just leave Jisu alone. Leave us alone.”

CHAERYEONG'S NERVES were on edge as she went to Jisu's room to hide after her walkout.

What if Jisu now harbored resentment towards her? What if Jisu was drowning in guilt, thinking she had upset Chaeryeong? What if this incident altered everything between them?

“Chaeryeong eonni...?” Her gaze shifted to the slightly opened door, then to Yuna, who was peeking in. “Come on out, Ryujin eonni is back.”

──⇌••⇋──

Ryujin was lost in her thoughts, her gaze fixed on nothing in particular.

Chaeryeong and Yuna shared a glance, their concern unspoken.

Yuna cautiously made her way to her cousin, each step laden with hesitation, “Eonni?”

Chaeryeong chose to stay back, sensing this was a moment not for her to step into.

But the burning question lingered in the airㅡif Ryujin had poured her heart out, where was Jisu now?

“...So, what went down?” Yuna treaded lightly, aware of how quickly Ryujin's moods could shift.

Ryujin's response was straightforward. “I confessed, as planned.”

“Good,” Chaeryeong murmured, hopeful as she inquired, “And what was Jisu eonni's reaction?”

Ryujin's gaze was cold as she met Chaeryeong's hopeful eyes. “She was taken aback. Didn't outright reject me, but didn't respond to my confession either.”

“Then what's our next move?” Yuna chimed in, her concern for both her cousin's and Jisu's feelings evident. She was anxious to ensure this situation wouldn't mar their friendship.

Ryujin, however, sidestepped Yuna's question, opting for a different subject. “Which room can I crash in?” she directed at Chaeryeong, clearly eager to shift the conversation away.

“Take Auntie's room,” Chaeryeong replied promptly.

“Got it.” Ryujin rose to her feet. “Let me know when dinner's ready.”

──⇌••⇋──

Jisu finally felt her nerves settle and decided it was time to head back inside. She discovered Chaeryeong and Yuna engrossed in a movie, cozying up together like two peas in a pod.