Roses and Thorns (Jinlia)

𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝘄𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘆-𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗲 | the rage of a sister

Book 1, Chapter 29
The Rage of A Sister

JISU PACED back and forth, feeling agitated as she couldn't calm her racing thoughts. Today, Ryujin had mentioned she would come by her house, and now, as the gate squeaked, Jisu's heartbeat quickened. Ryujin had arrived.

As Ryujin forcefully opened the front door, her eyes locked onto Jisu's.

Their gazes met, but instead of warmth, Jisu saw only betrayal and anger in Ryujin's eyes.

“Ryujin--”

SLAP!

Jisu was left speechless, her cheek stinging from the force of Ryujin's hand. She stared at Ryujin in disbelief.

Ryujin had struck her, her eyes ablaze with rare resentment. She was unmistakably furious with Jisu.

“How dare you, Choi Jisu!”

Ryujin's voice boomed, the anger evident in the veins pulsing on her neck.

“What the hell did I do?!” Jisu screamed, tears welling up in her eyes.

Although witnessing Jisu teetering on the edge of a breakdown sent a pang of guilt through her, Ryujin maintained her composure, her posture rigid. She could sense Jisu's discomfort and fear as she cautiously observed Ryujin's clenched jaw and fists. Jisu appeared vulnerable, but Ryujin wasn't there to coddle her.

“Yes, Jisu, what did you do?” Ryujin challenged.

Jisu's lips quivered, and her breath hitched. She swallowed hard, attempting to speak, but she quickly closed her mouth, fearing her voice would crack. Her throat ached from holding back tears.

Seeing Jisu's vulnerability only fueled Ryujin's rage further. The sting of Jisu's betrayal burned within her. “I am utterly disgusted.”

“Let's talk this over, moon of--”

“Don't!” Ryujin shouted, her index finger raised, trembling slightly. “Don't you dare call me that.”

Jisu took a deep, shaky breath, feeling her heart break under the weight of Ryujin's harsh words and tone.

“How do you find the courage to call me that after betraying me?” Ryujin's voice was lower now, almost pleading, as if she couldn't quite grasp why Jisu would do what she did. Then, as tears began to fall, she quickly brushed them away in frustration.

“What in the...” Jisu started to defend herself, but could only muster a bitter chuckle. “You’re being really harsh, Ryujin.”

“Did you even consider how I’d react before you went behind my back?”

Hearing Ryujin say that, Jisu was momentarily paralyzed. Now she understood Ryujin's perspective, but it was a misunderstanding.

“It’s not what you think! I would never cheat on you!”

“I’m not an idiot, Jisu!” Ryujin’s voice erupted. She pulled something from her pocket and flung it at Jisu. “Take a look at these damn pictures, then try to tell me you’re innocent!”

Jisu collapsed to her knees, her functioning hand trembling as she gathered the photographs. The images showed her and Yeji in an embrace, with the gifts just barely in frame. She recalled the moment captured: Yeji pleading for Jisu not to distance herself after confessing her feelings. But how did these pictures come to be?

Ryujin yanked Jisu to her feet with a forceful grip on her shoulder. “How could you do this?!”

“R-Ryujin... you've got it all wrong. Please, just hear me out--”

Ryujin's scoff cut through the air, “Hear you out?” She then seized Jisu's arm. “Save your explanations.”

“I didn’t betray you.” Jisu persisted, her desperation to clarify evident. “I wouldn’tㅡ I couldn’t ever do that.”

“Wasn’t my love enough for you, Jisu? Why betray me?” Ryujin's anger dissolved into raw pain, mirroring Jisu's distress. “It’s tearing me apart.”

Jisu reached out, seeking to comfort, but Ryujin recoiled. The rejection stung deep.

“This is the end for us, Jisu.”

Jisu felt a new level of pain she hadn't thought possible. Words escaped her; all she could do was gaze at Ryujin with eyes full of pleas. Take your words back, Ryujin. Please!

But Ryujin just shook her head, denying Jisu's silent request, before she turned and dashed away.

“Ryujin! No!” Jisu's voice cracked as she called after her, chasing her down. However, by the time she reached Ryujin, she was already getting into her car. Jisu slapped her hand against the car window, desperately seeking just one decent conversation, uncaring if her cries were heard throughout the neighborhood. I can't lose her! I can't... I can't let this relationship end... No!

“Ryujin! Please, open the door! Don't end things with me!”

But Ryujin ignited the engine, her vehicle swiftly zooming out from Jisu's view. In a state of despair, Jisu ran after the car, not stopping to think.

Soon, Ryujin's car was nowhere to be seen.

Collapsing to her knees, Jisu cried out Ryujin's name as she hit the ground.

Reality seemed to warp around her, her grasp on sanity starting to slip.

Then, arms encircled her, providing a protective embrace before gently lifting her up.

Her sobs intensified upon recognizing the person.

“It's going to be okay,” Chaeryeong murmured into Jisu's ear as she led her towards her car.

“Chaeryeong-ah...”

──⇌••⇋──

“Here, drink some water,” Chaeryeong urged gently.

Taking the glass with trembling hands, Jisu allowed Chaeryeong to observe the emerging bruises on her knees and her unmistakable shivers.

“What happened?” Chaeryeong asked, concern etching her features.

After Jisu recounted the ordeal, Ryujin's harsh parting words haunted her thoughts.

“We are done, Jisu.”

Ryujin's venomous declaration replayed in her mind, causing a pain so intense that it bordered on physical ailment.

“Is it my fault?” She sought validation from Chaeryeong, her voice laden with doubt. “Was it wrong to offer Yeji comfort? I just wanted to show her kindness.” Despite her efforts to resist, the overwhelming sorrow was dragging her into despair.

“You've done nothing wrong,” Chaeryeong assured her firmly. “And I swear, I'll make Ryujin regret the way she's treated and shamed you.”