Roses and Thorns (Jinlia)

𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝘄𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘆-𝘁𝘄𝗼 | worry

Book 1, Chapter 22
𝖶𝗈𝗋𝗋𝗒

The classroom had emptied, leaving only Jisu and Chaeryeong in a quiet, reflective solitude. With the graduation ceremony for the Fourth-Year students of Shin International University just a week away, a buzz of excitement lingered in the air.

Jisu had learned that Yuna, who was pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Business Management, had earned the highest honors in her class. When she shared the news with Chaeryeong, the younger girl could hardly contain her excitement.

Yuna’s exceptional academic performance made it impossible to overlook her for early graduation. Despite her youth, she was on the brink of becoming a college graduate, her achievements marking her as one of the university's brightest stars.

──⇌••⇋──

Yuna had recently discovered a hidden gem of a new restaurant and was eager to share the find with her friends. Today was the day they had all agreed to try it, and now they were simply waiting for Yuna’s arrival at the university’s exit gate. Unfortunately, Ryujin couldn’t join them, as she had been tasked by her mother with overseeing the preparations for the upcoming Graduation Day.

“Hi there!” Yuna greeted them with boundless energy as she appeared, her trademark bright smile lighting up her face. She walked over to Jisu and Chaeryeong, giving Jisu a warm hug and affectionately kissing Chaeryeong on the forehead. “I bet you’re both starving by now,” she said with a playful grin, “so let’s head out!”

──⇌••⇋──

As they waited for their food to arrive, Jisu plugged in her white wired earphones, immersing herself in her playlist. The music blared at full volume, effectively drowning out all other sounds. So when Yuna suddenly yanked out one of the earphones, Jisu jumped, startled by the interruption.

“I’ve been trying to get your attention, eonni,” Yuna said, her arms crossed, her tone playful but curious. “I saw Auntie talking to you a few days ago. What was that all about?”

Across the living room, Jisu’s mother and Ryujin were engaged in deep conversation. Had Jisu been holding her camera, she would’ve captured the moment as a cherished memory.

“Miss Choi,” President Shin greeted, her voice smooth.

“Hello, President,” Jisu’s mother responded with a polite nod.

“May I ask who confessed first?” President Shin inquired, her eyes flicking between the two.

A smile tugged at Jisu’s lips as she thought back to how Ryujin had gone to great lengths to confess her feelings. “It was Ryujin,” she answered, her voice fond with the memory.

“Hmm,” President Shin mused. “So, are you just returning my daughter’s feelings because you know you’d get in trouble if you didn’t?”

Jisu’s expression shifted to one of disbelief. “President?” she asked, her tone a mix of surprise and confusion. “I’m sorry, but are you suggesting my love for your daughter isn’t genuine?”

“Absolutely not,” came the quick, firm response.

“Well, it certainly came across that way,” Jisu replied, still taken aback.

Sensing the tension, President Shin quickly explained, her voice softening. “I was merely being cautious. The last thing I want is for my precious daughter to suffer heartbreak from someone who doesn’t truly care for her.”

Jisu’s earlier frustration softened at the genuine concern behind the words. “President,” she began carefully, “it might be premature for me to say this, but I can see a future with Ryujin by my side. I would never intentionally hurt her; doing so would be like destroying a part of myself.”

“That’s reassuring to hear,” President Shin murmured, her gaze drifting to her daughter, her expression unreadable. “Just know this: if anyone ever dares to hurt my familyㅡespecially my daughterㅡI am capable of things beyond your wildest imagination.”

Jisu couldn’t help but shiver at the warning, recalling Mrs. Shin’s actions after her husband’s death. The gravity of the woman’s words wasn’t lost on her.

“Try to see it from my aunt's perspective,” Yuna offered gently, after listening to Jisu’s story. “Given everything they’ve been through, her reaction makes sense.”

Jisu nodded, understanding and empathizing with the protective stance that had driven the conversation.

Before they could continue, a waiter arrived, setting a large tray of food on their table, interrupting the moment.

“Just stay safe, okay?” Yuna said, her voice tinged with concern.

“Hah, I’m practically invincible!” Jisu replied with a lighthearted grin, hoping to ease the tension. But instead of laughter, Yuna gave her a soft smile, her eyes filled with both affection and a quiet, lingering worry.