Kurmara let out a sigh as she tossed and turned in her bed, bored out of her mind. She was forced to be sat in her room and her house for the last week of June and all of July, leaving a week before August would begin. And the worst of it all, it was just Kurmara and Eun alone again since Da-Eun was back in action, but he never came to check on her ever since her teachers told them about the new dorm system being set in as little as two weeks, considering the new term would be starting up soon. "And I'll be back with everyone again..." the teen thought with a groan as she punched one of her pillows repeatedly until it burst, feathers and fluff flying everywhere. She let out an irritated sigh before tossing the empty pillow across her room and flopping back on her bed, fluff and feathers flying up before floating around her back on the bed beside her. The days stretched on, and Kurmara found herself searching for ways to pass the time within the confines of her home. She ventured into her world of imagination, diving into her notebook filled with sketches and designs.
As her pencil danced across the paper, she added intricate details to the hero outfits she had envisioned for her friends. Each stroke of the pencil was filled with passion and love for her companions, the designs serving as a tribute to their unique qualities and strengths. But as Kurmara gazed at the drawings, a wave of melancholy washed over her. Every stroke and curve reminded her of the friends she longed to be with, the laughter and camaraderie that felt like a distant memory. Frustrated, Kurmara closed her notebook abruptly, unable to bear the weight of longing that her drawings carried. She set it aside and moved to another activity, hoping to distract herself from the endless boredom. She turned on some music and began to dance, a lively routine Mina had taught her during their training sessions. The rhythm pulsed through her body, and for a moment, she felt a glimmer of joy. But as the music filled the room, a pang of sadness tugged at her heart. Each step and sway reminded her of the vibrant energy and unity she shared with her friends, amplifying the emptiness she felt in their absence.
With a heavy sigh, Kurmara paused her dance and moved on to the next activity.
She entered the kitchen, determined to experiment with recipes and create delicious treats. As she mixed ingredients and allowed the aroma of freshly baked goods to fill the air, memories of shared meals and laughter flooded her mind. The laughter of Denki, the joyful banter with Mina, and the comforting presence of her friends were conspicuously absent. The flavors lost their zest, and their essence diminished in the absence of those who would have savored them with her. As Kurmara measured flour and added spices, she couldn't help but remember the times when Mina would excitedly show them cooking videos on her phone. They would huddle together, watching in awe as talented chefs demonstrated their culinary prowess. The recipes they discovered in those videos became a source of inspiration and aspiration for their own culinary adventures. In her mind's eye, Kurmara could see the mouth-watering dishes, beautifully plated and expertly prepared. Mina's voice would echo in her ears, animatedly describing the flavors and textures, and her friends chiming in with their own ideas and interpretations.
They would discuss how they could put their own twists on the recipes, infusing them with their individual styles and tastes. But now, as Kurmara followed the recipe instructions alone, the kitchen felt quiet and devoid of the excitement that once filled the room. The absence of her friends' laughter and chatter made her culinary endeavors feel incomplete. Each step she took, from chopping vegetables to sautéing ingredients, was a solitary act, lacking the shared enthusiasm and camaraderie. She glanced at her phone lying on the counter, where she used to watch those cooking videos together with her friends. The screen that once illuminated their faces with anticipation now remained dark and silent. The absence of their voices left an emptiness that even the most delectable dishes couldn't fill. With a heavy heart, Kurmara set aside the mixing bowl and turned off the stove. The desire to continue exploring new recipes waned in the absence of her friend's presence. The kitchen, once a vibrant hub of culinary creativity, now felt lonely and uninspiring. She cleaned up the kitchen, meticulously putting away the ingredients and wiping down the countertops.
A pang of longing surged through her. It wasn't just the taste of the food that she missed; it was the shared excitement, the lively discussions, and the collective anticipation of trying something new. Resigned, Kurmara closed the recipe app and put her phone aside. The joy of discovering new dishes felt hollow without her friends sharing the experience. The kitchen, once a place of connection and laughter, now seemed devoid of life. With a sigh, Kurmara left the kitchen behind, carrying the weight of unfulfilled culinary dreams and the yearning for her friends' companionship. The flavors and aromas that once ignited her passion now dulled in comparison to the absence of her friends. Deep in her heart, she held onto the hope that soon they would be reunited, cooking and laughing together once more. With that longing etched in her thoughts, Kurmara moved on to the next activity, seeking solace and a temporary escape from the endless boredom that consumed her. Undeterred, Kurmara turned her attention to her sewing machine, fashioning new outfits based on her designs.
With nimble fingers and a creative eye, she brought her visions to life. Yet, with each stitch and seam, a sense of emptiness settled within her. The absence of her friends' feedback, their shared excitement, and the joy of collaboration left a void in her creative process.
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Exhausted and disheartened, Kurmara wandered into the living room, feeling the weight of the endless boredom pressing upon her. She plopped down on the couch, flipping through the channels on the TV. Cartoons played on the screen, their colorful animations unfolding before her eyes. But even the whimsical world on the TV couldn't distract her from the ache in her heart. The familiar characters and their adventures only served as a reminder of the bonds she cherished and missed. In the midst of her contemplation, a soft knock echoed through the house. Kurmara perked up, her curiosity piqued. She quickly made her way to the front door and opened it to find her Aunt Da-Eun standing there, a gentle smile on her face. "Kurmara, my dear! I thought I'd drop by and see how you're doing." Kurmara's face brightened at the sight of her aunt, and a glimmer of hope rekindled. "Auntie! I'm so glad you're here. Come in, come in!" They settled into the living room, and as Kurmara remained upside down on the couch, Da-Eun took a seat beside her. "Kurmara, how is Eun doing? Is he adjusting to being back home?" Kurmara, still in her upside-down position, glanced over at her aunt sitting next to her.
She let out a sigh before responding. "I'm not sure, Da-Eun. He's been keeping to himself ever since we got home. Won't even talk to me. Just isolates himself in his room all day." Da-Eun frowned with concern. "He can't shut himself away forever, Kurmara. Especially with August approaching so quickly. He needs to face his emotions and communicate with you eventually." Kurmara sat up, her head spinning slightly after being upside down for so long. She rubbed her temples, feeling the weight of her boredom and isolation pressing down on her. "It's just...every activity I try to do only reminds me of my friends. Drawing, dancing, cooking, everything. And without my phone, I'm feeling incredibly bored." As she voiced her frustrations, a small wave emitted from Kurmara, carrying with it a ripple of her emotions. Da-Eun, sitting close by, felt the wave and reached out to comfort her. "I understand, my dear. It's not easy to be separated from your friends and feel this sense of emptiness. But remember, this is just a temporary situation. Soon, you'll be reunited with your friends, and your boredom will fade away." Kurmara sighed and looked around the living room, feeling a sense of restlessness.
"I just wish there was something more I could do. I've tried to occupy myself with various activities, but they only remind me of what I'm missing." Da-Eun placed a comforting hand on Kurmara's shoulder. "I know it's tough, my dear. But perhaps it's time to explore new hobbies or find different activities that can help take your mind off things. Let's brainstorm together and come up with some ideas. You're a creative soul, and I'm sure we can find something that sparks your interest." Kurmara's face brightened slightly, grateful for her aunt's support and willingness to help. They engaged in a heartfelt conversation, sharing stories and discussing potential activities to alleviate Kurmara's boredom. Ideas flowed between them as they delved into different hobbies and passions. They chatted for what felt like hours, losing track of time in their lively conversation. Da-Eun listened attentively to Kurmara's aspirations and dreams, offering guidance and support every step of the way. They explored possibilities like learning a musical instrument, trying out different art techniques, or even delving into the world of storytelling.
But as the clock ticked away, Da-Eun glanced at the time with a regretful sigh. "Oh, my dear, I wish I could stay longer and continue our discussion, but I must take my leave now. Duty calls, and I have some matters to attend to." Kurmara looked at her aunt, a mix of gratitude and sadness in her eyes. "Thank you, Auntie, for spending this time with me. It means a lot to have someone to talk to and share my thoughts with." Da-Eun smiled warmly, her eyes filled with affection. "The pleasure is all mine, Kurmara. Remember, I'm here for you whenever you need someone to lean on. Even if I can't be with you physically all the time, my love and support are unwavering." They shared a heartfelt embrace before Da-Eun made her way to the door. Kurmara watched as her aunt stepped out into the world beyond their home, a mix of gratitude and longing filling her heart. Once her aunt had departed, Kurmara locked the front door, ensuring their safety and privacy. The house grew quieter as she shut off the TV and dimmed the lights, enveloping the space in a calm and soothing ambiance. She peeked inside her brother's room, only to find Eun lying on his bed, lost in his own world of thoughts.
Kurmara sighed and silently closed his door again, acknowledging the growing distance between them. Feeling the weight of solitude settle upon her, Kurmara retreated to her own room. She changed into her comfortable pajamas and climbed into bed, still holding one of her pillows close. Staring at the wall adorned with her sketches and memories, a sense of melancholy washed over her. She yearned for the connection and closeness she once shared with her friends and her brother. Thoughts and emotions swirled within Kurmara's mind as she contemplated the current state of things. The longing for companionship and the ache of separation weighed heavily upon her. One of her Quirks, the ability to produce a small wave, responded to her emotions, creating a gentle ripple in the air. Sensing her distress, her Quirk seemed to echo her feelings, a physical manifestation of her inner turmoil. Kurmara heard a soft knock on her door, and she turned her gaze toward it, curious about who could be on the other side. Slowly, the door creaked open, and Eun's face peeked inside, a mixture of concern and sadness in his eyes. He entered the room cautiously, tiptoeing as if he believed Kurmara was fast asleep.
Unbeknownst to him, she was awake, her ears attuned to every sound and her heart yearning for any connection. Eun sat down by her bed, his voice barely above a whisper as he began speaking. "Kurmara, I know you're in a tough spot right now. And I... I miss having you around." His voice cracked, revealing the sorrow he had been carrying in his heart. "I miss you, Kurmara," Eun whispered, his words barely audible. "I miss our late-night talks, our laughter, and even our silly arguments. It's not going to be the same without you here. I... I just wish things were different." His voice cracked, and a tear slid down his cheek, landing softly on Kurmara's bedspread. He took a deep breath, trying to steady himself, before continuing. "I know it's tough for you too, being stuck here. But I want you to know that you're not alone. I may not show it right now, but I care about you more than you'll ever know." Kurmara's heart swelled with a mix of sadness and love as she listened to Eun's heartfelt confession. She wished she could reach out and comfort him, to let him know that she understood his pain and shared in it. But for now, she remained silent, letting her presence be felt in the stillness of the room. After a moment of reflection, Eun rose from his seat and gently rubbed Kurmara's head, a small gesture of affection that spoke volumes.
He let out a soft sniffle, trying to hold back tears that threatened to spill over, before quietly leaving the room, thinking Kurmara was fast asleep. Kurmara watched silently as her brother left her room, the door closing gently behind him. She could sense the weight of his emotions, his unspoken words hanging in the air. It was in that moment of solitude that she realized the impact her absence had on him and the pain they both felt in being separated. Tears welled up in Kurmara's eyes as she lay in bed, holding one of her pillows close to her chest. The love she shared with her brother was unbreakable, but the circumstances they found themselves in had created an unbridgeable gap. The longing for their close bond to be restored intensified within her, mingling with the yearning she felt for her friends. In the darkness of her room, Kurmara whispered to herself, "Eun... one day, we'll find our way back to each other. And when that day comes, we'll be stronger than ever." With those words, she closed her eyes, allowing sleep to embrace her, even as her thoughts continued to drift to the friends she dearly missed. The night enveloped her, carrying her into a realm of dreams and possibilities. And though the road ahead seemed uncertain, Kurmara held onto the hope that someday, the bonds that tied her to her loved ones would be rekindled, and their laughter and warmth would once again fill her days.