“Hey Mom, just wanted to wish you an early Happy New Year! I’m so excited to catch up before the big day. Love you!”
“Oh, I’m thrilled to hear you’re soaking up the holiday spirit, sweetie. Are you guys in the midst of party prep? How are Chaeryeong and Yuna doing?”
Jisu almost let it slip that Ryujin was there with them, but caught herself just in timeㅡher mom had no idea about Ryujin yet. She shot a quick, slightly panicked look in Ryujin’s direction, then smoothed it over effortlessly. “Oh, they’re great! They’ve totally taken over the kitchen while I’m out here getting the backyard ready.”
She paused her setup, trying to focus on the conversation, but it was hard to concentrate with Ryujin in her line of sight. Ryujin was flexing her muscles and throwing exaggerated winks her way.
You’re going to be the death of me, Jisu mouthed silently, biting back laughter. Ryujin just grinned, flipping her hair dramatically before going back to work.
Then her mother’s voice softened, taking on that tone that always tugged at Jisu’s heartstrings. “Jisu-yah...” she began, regret thick in her words, “I’m really sorry I can’t be there. Iㅡ”
“Mom,” Jisu interjected gently, her voice full of understanding, “it’s okay, really. I get it. You just got promoted to Financial Director at Shin’s Deversoriumㅡthat’s a huge deal!”
Mrs. Choi let out a heavy sigh, burdened with guilt. “I’ll make it up to you, I promise.”
“I have no doubts, Mom,” Jisu replied warmly. “See you soon, love you. Bye for now.”
Before she could even put her phone away, Yuna’s voice rang out loudly from the kitchen. “Woohoo! Look at the lovebirds over here!” she hollered, catching both Jisu and Ryujin completely off guard.
──⇌••⇋──
“Okay, everyone!” Chaeryeong called out, her voice cutting through the chatter of the group lounging in the receiving area. They had just finished their New Year’s feast, followed by a fireworks show that lit up the sky as they shouted greetings into the night. “I’ve got four slips of paper here,” she announced, holding them up for everyone to see. “You’re each going to draw one, and then write a letter to the person whose name you get. But rememberㅡit’s a secret.” She spread out some colorful stationery and pens on the table, setting the stage for their little activity.
Jisu carefully unfolded the slip she had drawn: Chaeryeong.
“Nice,” she whispered under her breath, a small smile curling at the corners of her lips.
A few minutes later, the room was filled with the quiet sound of pens gliding across paper. The quartet focused on their letters, the only noise the occasional rustle of pages and the crackle of the fireplace. Soon enough, they finished their task and reconvened on the sprawling sofa, letters in hand.
Yuna had pulled Ryujin’s name but couldn’t resist scribbling an extra heartfelt note for her beloved Jisu eonni. Chaeryeong, meanwhile, wrote hers to Yuna, while Ryujin’s letter was destined for Jisu.
With a mix of anticipation and curiosity, they exchanged their letters, and the room fell into a hush as they each delved into the words penned just for them.
From: Ryujin
Jisu-yah, the original letter will come your way later. I’ll slip it under your door. Keep an eye out for it.
Jisu carefully folded the note with a satisfied grin, slipping it into her pocket for safekeeping. Her eyes sparkled with curiosity as she reached for the unexpected letter from Yuna, unfolding it with eager anticipation.
From: Yuna
Jisu eonni, let me start this letter by saying: having you as a friend is a blessing. You’re the sister I never had.
Thank you for trusting me with Chaeryeong eonni’s well-being when my cousin launched her scheme. You might wonder how I developed feelings for her, and honestly, I’m just as puzzled. Though, who could not?
Eonni, I promise you. I will cherish her, protect her, and stand beside her through everything that will happen, even when it means going against the world. I know that I am young, and it’s probably foolish for someone like me to say permanent things like these, but age should never define the depth and genuineness of one’s feelings.
I’m not asking you to just trust me blindly, but please know that I will care for your best friend in all the ways that I can. I love her, and if she would have me, a future together.
Wishing you a joyful new year, my dear eonni. Be happy.
Jisu gave Yuna’s back a comforting rub in response to the heartfelt letter.
──⇌••⇋──
It was well past 2:00 AM when Jisu was stirred from sleep by the soft sound of paper brushing against the floor. Her eyes fluttered open, and she quickly got out of bed, hurrying to scoop up the note that had slipped under her door. Settling on the edge of the bed, she eagerly unfolded the message, her fingers trembling slightly with anticipation as she read the words within.
From: Ryujin
Jisu, I might not be the best at expressing myself like this, but I’m giving it a shot. I want you to know that I’m fully committed to our relationship. I know that there are facts that I can’t stand human interaction, but please, don’t make it an excuse to doubt my ability to love, to doubt the feelings I have for you. The thought of you questioning my affections is something I can’t stand. Despite only a couple of months together, I see a future for us. My future with you, my sun and stars.
This is my first time being romantically in love, but I will be a great girlfriend, I promise. I promise I will love you the way you want and deserve, I will prove to you that loving me back is not the worst thing you ever did.
My heart belongs to you. Every fiber of my existence is yours. I will take care of you with all my might, and no one can harm you as long as I’m alive.
I love you, Choi Jisu.
A broad, uncontrollable smile spread across Jisu’s face.
YOU ARE READING
Roses and Thorns (Jinlia)
FanfictionIn a world that felt just a little unrealㅡlike a moment lifted from an old filmㅡJisu found herself caught in something delicate and dangerous. It wasn't just love. It was something more complicated, something shadowed. When Ryujin entered her life...
