(recap)why did you do that?
I close the window falling back to the sit rubbing my hands together warming them. aren't you mad? huh! I did that because I am a bad person and I hate them and I am sorry for this mess.
do you take me as a joke? of course, I am mad but I am letting it go because I wasn't physically violated, it was just a show to hurt Eun ae and you're not brave enough to rape me. well, you can count as debt repayment for saving me long ago.
oh! you knew all along!
can I stay with you just for a year? because I am penniless right now, had no place to stay. I promise you I'll disappear right away from you from everyone but until then let me be with you.
you're leaving! oh, that would be great he quickly changes his surprise tone, I am worried here that you would stick with me forever he chuckles turning a U-turn. anyway, I can't predict my dad's actions if I ever chase you out and you heard him earlier, don't you?
I was glad that he didn't question me any further, I thought he would ask why I did that to Eun ae but he didn't.maybe the universe favours me this time, it's out of expectations that Jeong's family would take me in when I ruin their one and only son.
Jaehyun has changed a lot.
.....
(morning)
groaning from the pain, I got up from the bed pressing my throbbing head not able to sleep any further. I took out my painkiller, went to the kitchen to fetch some water.
minutes later, my headache ease a little. I was a mess! the other me on the mirror was not different from a zombie. scratching my frizzy hair I went inside the bathroom to clean myself. after showering I put on the spared clothes that Jaehyun gave me last night. the hoodie is so big that it reaches my thighs and the trouser is out of the question.
yesterday, I was chased out without my belongings not that I care but surviving without innerwear is something that the girls won't ever accept.
talking about this place, it's Jaehyun's new apartment given by his mother on his 21st birthday last week. it has 2 rooms, a living room, kitchen, recording room. this type of apartment will be every college's student dream after finding jobs that particularly come from middle families. but I am here to live for about a year. my family is rich though but my story is different.
tugging up my long pant I went in search of food, we had a doughnut last night, and right now my body couldn't even stand from excessive starvation.
.....
(Jaehyun's POV)
she'll disappear? seriously! she is still weird and why did I save her anyway? gosh, jaehyun messes his hair wondering what made him accept the lies she bought upon.
they were just childhood friends, not actual close pals and her cold behaviour always annoyed him. he didn't get why she disliked Eun ae, sometimes he caught her glare at Eun ae and her smile whenever Eun ae receive less Mark looks so creepy that he started protecting Eun ae.
and even on that day, her face was blank there wasn't any taint of emotion even after being slapped she didn't react rather she laughed out loud like a psycho not giving a damn about the situation. but for a moment he saw her clenching fists when her dad walk out the door without a single word.
it was suffocating seeing those hateful stares on her, there wasn't a single person in the family who defended her, they just keep on murmuring one another while her grandfather yelled at her. something stirs inside him, telling him to help her.
yes! he was out of words when he woke up with just a boxer beside her. he was drinking some juice that night and he couldn't even remember how he ended up on the bed with Maria. right then he knew everything was intentionally done by her.
he was angry but the old man speaking in front of him didn't spare him a chance to form a single word. but every thought of defending his innocence changed the moment she cracks. somehow he could feel her pain through her laughter.
yet he didn't buy all his explanation because saving her, accepting the wrong accusation, his dad's wrath confused him to the point that he believed he had been enchanted by some magic power.
Geez!
he curses under his breath putting on the leather jacket he walks out of his room to meet his buddy.
.....
(Maria)
the kitchen had nothing to cook except Aunt Suzy's kimchi. seriously! it's 10 passes 9 with no breakfast and the lunch timing almost at hand, my weak body couldn't hold any more, I need to eat something now yet dont have a single penny to order foods.
whereas my intolerant headache returned at my worst. I grip the edge of the dining table supporting my body from falling, I've to borrow some money, I need Jaehyun now. with little energy, I attempt to walk with the support from the table but unfortunately, I lost my balance.
falling...
hey!
I was waiting for my body to hit the floor but it never came. like an angel two strong arms caught me saving me again. too dizzy I couldn't open my eyes, Maria! you alright? can you walk he ask? tapping my face lightly.
No!
like that, my body was lifted from the ground, after some steps, my body touches the couch but yet I couldn't open my eyes as everything around me rotated. I clutch my forehead enduring this sickness excruciatingly painful but from the previous experiences, I was less afraid to deal alone.
as a human has the power to adapt, likewise, I was already used to my regular sickness.
sometimes, the dizziness lasted for minutes and with the experience, I could somehow manage to endure without panicking. And after some time, I would be okay, back to normal. slowly and carefully I open my eyes only to meet pitch-black orbs staring at me. my, breathe hitch for a moment when my other hand was tightly held by his warm one. he was here the whole time holding me.
let me go get some warm water, he said going to the kitchen. I grasp my hand together feeling a little sad missing his warmth again. quickly he came back with a glass of warm water and a pair of socks. though it won't fit your feet it will keep you warm he stated not bothering to hand me but helping me instead.
I was shocked for the second time to receive kindness in my 21 years of being alive. and for the first time in my life, something I never hope that I would feel came rushing out in the forms of tears. I don't realise I was crying until the droplets hit my palm, this time I didn't hold it back.
I was wrong to think that I am strong because, in reality, I was weak all along.
all the emotions that I buried inside me broke open, my mom, my dad, my family everything came rushing inside my head making me realise that I was alone and hurt. I cried and cried even louder when he pulled me between his arms offering me his shoulder to cry. his act of kindness breaks me even more.
maybe I was too hurt that I couldn't feel anything towards hatred but kindness easily breaks all the barriers that I built for year's because I didn't know how to adapt as I haven't received it.
....
'hours later'
yo!
slow down, the food is all yours! Jaehyun said handing me water. I am hungry! I told him chewing a mouthful of pizza with two slices of pizza on both hands. can you pass me the chicken wings?
huh! what a weird woman! a minute ago she was crying! he mutters bringing the plate to my side.
will it be okay if I leave you? I ask my friend to meet up. sure! I am alright and I've KFC I replied flashing him a smile, I feel grateful once again thanking God, asking him to bless this gentleman.
ring!...
unknown number!
hello! who is this?
oh! hello miss, Maria, I am m.r Kim your dad's Secretary and I am calling you to inform you that your belongings are with me. if you have time will it be okay to meet up? I'll be waiting at the cafe.
okay, I am heading out now!
my parents at least got some brain to pack my things, I thought I was already forgotten by them. I wonder, what dad would be feeling right now? never! I was just some unwanted kid, he would never think of me and if he does he won't leave me that day.
...
unpredictable!
what with the commotion? he still cares about my expenses but I need it anyway to survive till the day. putting the credit cards inside my wallet I close my eyes taking a rest. it was such a busy day.
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