Beat | A Jenlisa Fan Fiction

Chapter 9

Trigger warning: mentions and/or contains homophobia, depression, suicidal ideation, and self-harm

JENNIE'S POV

I had a lot of fun while we were in Busan. Even though I fainted from exhaustion, we managed to still do a lot of things. On our last day, we visited the aquarium in the morning. Chaeyoung was so excited that she practically dragged us all over the place because she loved sea lifeforms. The four of us bought matching keychains as a souvenir. Afterwards, we went shopping in one of the malls there and bought outfits for the holidays. We ate at the mall before heading home.

Jisoo drove first and Chaeyoung sat beside her. We were all tired, so we were quiet for most of the ride. Lisa ended up falling asleep and leaning on my shoulder during our way back home. She felt warm. It reminded me of how she took care of me in Busan and how comfortable it was to lie beside her. I found myself gazing at her again. She had been so worried about me and it was sweet how she actually stayed with me. Lying quietly beside her and knowing how much she cared for me, I felt genuinely happy at that moment.

***

It was now the day before Christmas and I was home for my winter vacation. Lisa had told us that she was flying to Thailand today for the holidays. Jisoo, on the other hand, had already gone back to her hometown while Chaeyoung would also be spending time with her family.

I woke up early to help my parents with the preparations for tomorrow. Despite my reservations about them, I still loved my parents and a part of me was still holding on to the way we used to be. After doing my morning routine, I went downstairs in search of my mom.

"Good morning, darling. Join us for breakfast," my dad said as he motioned for me to sit beside him. The moment I saw him, I felt conflicted. I missed my dad but the way my family talked about the issue with his employee kept resurfacing on my mind.

"Good morning, Dad. Morning, Mom." I approached them and gave them both a kiss on their cheeks like I always did, but this time it felt awkward. I sat down with my head low, avoiding their gazes. I grabbed the plate of eggs and sausages and got some.

"How's school, honey? Because someone told us you've been coming home late and you've been going out more," Mom lectured with a look of disapproval as she was cutting up the food in her plate. "I'm concerned you're neglecting your studies. You know we love your friends but you should tell them to limit your partying."

I flinched at her tone and the insinuation. They should have known me better than that. They knew how much effort I put into my studies and how my grades never dropped lower than an A.

"You know you have to focus because someday you'll run the company. I know that competition of yours is over so you should have more time for your studies," Dad added sternly.

"Don't worry. You know my grades won't suffer. I can manage my time," I said, already wanting to end the conversation. I was agitated. Though I knew where they were coming from, they didn't need to bring my friends into this. I would've stayed home if I didn't want to go out. I focused on my meal, not bothering to attempt to start a conversation.

After eating, my mom asked my dad and I to buy supplies from the supermarket as she started preparing for tomorrow's feast.

Dad drove us to the nearest supermarket and we got everything we needed. As we were heading outside, I spotted a guy near the exit holding hands with—I suppose—his boyfriend. He looked towards us and the two of them started walking up to me and my dad.

"Mr. Kim!" he greeted with a smile and bowed. "Merry Christmas! It's nice to see you."

"Mr. Jang. Enjoy your holiday, my daughter and I are in a bit of a hurry," my dad said as he pulled me towards the parking lot. We got into his car and he started to drive us home.