Roses and Thorns (Jinlia)

𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝘄𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘆 | questions & assurances

Book 1, Chapter 20
𝖰𝗎𝖾𝗌𝗍𝗂𝗈𝗇𝗌 𝖺𝗇𝖽 𝖠𝗌𝗌𝗎𝗋𝖺𝗇𝖼𝖾𝗌

Ryujin fought to steady her trembling hands, but the effort was futile. The shake in her fingers betrayed her turmoil, and Jisu didn’t miss it.

Ryujin’s fists clenched tighter, her nails digging into her palms as though the pain might ground her. Alarmed, Jisu moved closer, abandoning the distance between them. She rested her left hand gently on Ryujin’s shoulder and wrapped her right hand around Ryujin’s trembling fist, giving it a comforting squeeze.

“It’s okay,” Jisu whispered, her voice soft but steady, though it did little to stem the tears streaming down Ryujin’s faceㅡa rare, heart-wrenching sight.

“My parents trusted him,” Ryujin choked out, her voice breaking under the weight of her grief. “How could he betray us like that? How could he just take my father away? My dad was nothing but kind to him!”

Jisu’s heart ached as the depth of Ryujin’s pain unfolded before her. She began to piece together what Ryujin had been carrying all this time. The betrayal had left an indelible mark on her psyche, festering into the posttraumatic stress disorder that continued to haunt her.

The nightmares began after her father’s death, stealing away what little peace her nights had once held. Then came the flashbacksㅡsharp, intrusive memories that dragged her back into that terrible moment. She became hyperaware, every loud sound a threat, every sudden noise a trigger. Anger and mistrust became her armor, isolating her from the world and severing her ability to connect with others.

Jisu understood nowㅡRyujin’s solitude, her aversion to people, her quick temper. It all stemmed from this wound that had never healed. She had built walls around herself, shutting out the world in a desperate bid for safety.

“So,” Jisu began cautiously, “your plan to reclaim some normalcy is to host a grand event here at the university? To officially reveal your identity?”

Ryujin gave a small nod, her expression a blend of determination and uncertainty.

“You’re sure this is what you want?” Jisu pressed gently.

Ryujin’s voice dropped to a murmur, as if she were trying to convince herself as much as Jisu. “I can’t say I’m completely sure... but it’s now or never.” Her eyes met Jisu’s, and for a moment, they were raw and unguarded. “I’ve worked hard to find the courage for this. If I don’t do it now, I may never find it again.”

Jisu’s lips curved into a soft, reassuring smile. “You’re brave, Ryujin. Braver than you think.”

──⇌••⇋──

Jisu and Chaeryeong easily located their seats in the front row, the ones reserved specifically for them.

As Jisu scanned the packed auditorium, a wave of unease washed over her. The sheer number of attendees wasn’t just surprisingㅡit was overwhelming.

“This is way too crowded,” she murmured to Chaeryeong, her voice tinged with worry. “I’m scared this might be too much for her.”

Before Chaeryeong could respond, the lights dimmed, and the crowd hushed. A single spotlight illuminated President Shin, commanding the stage with her signature poise.

“Welcome, everyone,” President Shin began, her voice ringing clear across the room.

Jisu’s stomach churned as she anticipated the reactions that would follow. Soon, the classmates who knew Ryujin as “Choi Jin,” her so-called cousin, would learn the truth.