Roses and Thorns (Jinlia)

𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝘄𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘆-𝗲𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 | friends?

Book 1, Chapter 28
𝖥𝗋𝗂𝖾𝗇𝖽𝗌?

Caught off guard, Jisu found herself trapped in the thick, uncomfortable silence hanging between her and Yeji. The two sat across from one another, and Jisu could sense the unease radiating from Yeji. She fidgeted with her fingers, unable to meet Jisu's gaze.

On the table between them lay a bouquet of roses, a box of chocolates, sketch pads, and drawing materials. The sight of the gifts only deepened Jisu’s confusion. She couldn’t quite understand the meaning behind them.

“What’s all this for, Yeji?” Jisu asked, her voice hesitant.

Yeji hesitated, biting her lip, and for a moment, the only sound that filled the room was the subtle rustling of her fingers. Then, with a long, drawn-out breath, she looked up at Jisu, her eyes flickering with vulnerability.

“Gifts?” Yeji said, her voice unsure, almost as if testing the waters.

“Yeji, what's going on?” Jisu pressed, a knot forming in her stomach. The confusion quickly turned into something deeperㅡan unsettling sense of dread.

Yeji’s gaze met hers, her eyes filled with a storm of emotions. With a shaky exhale, she confessed, “I love you, Jisu. You’re the one who made me realize that my feelings for Chaeryeong had been fading all along. From high school till now, my heart has been yours.” She paused, her eyes closing as if bracing herself for the weight of what she was about to say. “I’ve kept these feelings hidden for years.”

Jisu’s heart dropped into her stomach. “But Yeji, I’m in a relationship. Why are you doing this now?”

Yeji's face twisted in frustration, her body tensing as she spoke through gritted teeth. “If I hadn’t let fear control me, that Shin wouldn’t have gotten in the way.” Her voice was tinged with anger, and Jisu could see the muscle in her jaw tighten as her fists clenched.

“Ryujin won’t take this well, Yeji. You’re already walking a fine line with her.”

Yeji’s eyes locked onto hers, the intensity of her gaze almost suffocating. “Jisu, I love you. I’m in love with you,” she said, her words heavy with sincerity. The confession hung in the air, suffocating Jisu as it settled between them. Her worst fear was coming trueㅡthe fragility of their friendship was now exposed, teetering on the edge.

Jisu’s voice trembled. “Yeji--”

“It’s agony to watch you with her,” Yeji cut in, her voice raw with emotion. “It’s unbearable seeing you give the love I’ve longed for to someone else. Every time I see you embrace her, kiss her... it tears me apart. It hurts.”

“Y-Yeji, I... I am so sorry...” Jisu’s heart broke at the pain she saw in Yeji’s eyes, but she knew there was nothing she could say to ease it.

Yeji shook her head fiercely, cutting off Jisu’s apology. “No, don’t apologize. I just... I had to tell you. I couldn’t keep it inside anymore.” Her forced laugh came out bitter, the sound of it sharp and jagged.

Jisu averted her gaze, unable to bear the sight of Yeji’s smile, which barely concealed the depth of her pain.

“I can’t accept these, Yeji,” Jisu said, her voice quiet but firm, the weight of the moment pressing on her chest.

“Please, just take them. Consider them a gift from a friend,” Yeji pleaded softly. “I know my limits, Jisu. I know where I stand.”

The silence stretched between them, heavy and suffocating. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Yeji stood, the sadness in her eyes impossible to ignore. “I should go now,” she whispered, her voice small.

Jisu snapped out of her daze and stood up as well, feeling it was only polite to walk Yeji to the door. They both moved in awkward synchrony, their footsteps the only sound in the room.

As they reached the door, Yeji stopped and pulled Jisu into a tight embrace. Her tears soaked into the fabric of Jisu's shirt, the warmth of them almost unbearable. “Don’t distance yourself from me, please...” Yeji’s voice broke, and Jisu could feel her whole body tremble.

Jisu hesitated for a moment, caught between her own discomfort and the need to comfort Yeji. Slowly, she returned the hug, her arms wrapping around Yeji as she held her tight.

“Promise me we’ll still be friends after this,” Yeji whispered urgently, her voice strained with emotion. “Say you won’t cut me off. Please, Jisu.” Fear laced her words, a raw desperation that made Jisu’s heart ache. Yeji clung to her, afraid of losing what they had, even after all of this.

Jisu closed her eyes, fighting to maintain her composure as Yeji’s tears soaked into her. She knew the words she would say might hurt Ryujin, but the pain in Yeji’s voice was something she couldn’t ignore. With resolve, she made her decision. “I promise,” she said softly.

Yeji’s body seemed to relax with the relief of Jisu’s words. She pulled back just enough to look Jisu in the eyes, her expression softening. “Thank you,” she murmured, pressing a brief, lingering kiss to Jisu’s cheek before adding, “I’ll head out on my own. Thanks again, Jisu.”

With that, she turned and left, the door clicking softly behind her. Jisu stood there for a moment, her chest heavy, as the silence of the room filled her ears.