exasperated ；rensung

xvi

After Renjun disappeared inside the building, only then Jisung decided to move from his position and took care of his clothes. He went straight to his home because he wanted to change as soon as possible. Any other minute in that state and he'll lose his mind.

The material of his shirt has become sticky so he walked to his home while holding his bag in his hand instead of his shoulder, so it won't get dirty as well. He regrets turning down the offer of his driver to pick him up. But he didn't want to disturb him knowing he must be accompanying his dad with important matters.

So, he walked and walked. Practically dragging himself at this point. He has never hated walking this much. The distance to his house prolonging further to his misfortune. But he couldn't help but continue his not-so-pleasant stroll.

He made sure to take a long shower the first thing after successfully reaching his room in one piece. After that, he collapsed on his bed. Closing his eyes, he tried to sleep but decided to halt it since he had to study. But something else caught his eyes.

Melon bread, he thought.

He sat down crisscross taking his time to open the sweet treat. It didn't take him long to finish it, finding it difficult to ignore the small tingle somewhere near his heart. Thinking maybe it was just because he was hungry but he knew well what it meant.

He made a mental note to thank him later.

Just thinking about him made a smile to creep on his face. Maybe he should now forgive him.

That night Jisung slept peacefully for the first time.

The next morning came and he was feeling a lot better until his grandmother came into his room.

"Jisung," she smiled dearly to him

In fact, she was the one who get out of bed and he at once hugged her tightly.

"Did you sleep well?" she asked caressing his hair to which he replied a muffled 'yes'

"Do you know what is today?" she asked him gleefully.

"Hmm, no?" still half asleep he closed his eyes momentarily only to open them again.

"It's your birthday, Jisung!" smiling widely, she kissed his forehead but Jisung was tensed. He didn't like what he heard at all. How could she wish him a happy birthday when a few days ago his grandfather and her husband passed away.

She understood his state and replied,

"You know how excited he was for your birthday? He was planning for it for months and wanted to surprise you by a visit. He wouldn't like if I didn't wish you and today he must be the happiest up there," tears pooled in her eyes but her smile didn't fade.

"Therefore, dear please don't go too hard on yourself."

🖤

It has been hours yet Jisung had been locked in his room. He hasn't ate, hasn't answered anyone. Everyone has been dead worried for him. They've tried reasoning the boy to come out. Sicheng and their mother have asked him to open the door multiple times but he didn't.

At last, he finally said something

"Leave me alone, please." he voiced out and all their hearts wrenched at their youngest baby being in such pain. But they left eventually.

Sicheng was dying to talk to Jisung. He was terrified of Jisung doing something to himself. He just wanted to hug his younger brother and tell him that everything will get better but it was not working. Jisung wasn't listening him or anyone else.