Work Text:
YEJI'S POV
Home has been really rough lately. Though it's not like I'm already used to my parents constantly scolding and beating me up for things and reasons they disapprove of me.
They do it to me for everything I do and have. Nothing will ever satisfy them when it comes to me, as if they don't love me. Well… not anymore at least.
They always compare me to my older sister. What was the point of my existence then if that's all they're going to do? But it's okay. I'm used to it. I grew up with it and it's basically a norm to me now even though it shouldn't. The scars and bruises have always been hiding under my oversized clothes.
One day, my parents went too far because of a certain reason yet again, and it gave me the impulse to not stay at home for a while. But it is my fault. I opened the topic to them, and how was I supposed to know that the topic I spoke of was the one they despise the most? I'm shocked, but not surprised.
I had enough. I need to get out of this hell hole.
(TEXT CONVERSATION - 6:00 PM)
Yeji: Chaeryeong? Are you there?
Chaeryeong: Yeji? Yeah, I'm here. What's wrong?
Yeji: Do you mind if I crash at your place for a while?
Chaeryeong: You know you're always welcome here, right? You're like family in this household already from the number of times you've had your stay here.
Yeji: For a couple of days, can I?
Chaeryeong: A couple of days?! Why? Has home really got you beat?
Yeji: Yeah,
Chaeryeong: Well... okay sure.
Yeji: Thanks. I'll get there in a few.
Chaeryeong: Is something wrong? I know you're always in my house, but, the way you text is different.
Yeji: It's nothing.
Chaeryeong: I'm not letting you in my house unless you tell me, Yeji.
Yeji: Fine. I'll tell you when I get there.
Chaeryeong: Okay. Stay safe.
As I arrived at Chaeryeong's house, I saw her waiting for me by the gate and gave me a hug.
"Yeji. It's good to see you." She said as she pats my head.
"It's good to see you too, Ryeong."
"Come and have dinner with us inside. Don't worry, I told my parents you were coming. Lucky mom made extras."
"Your mom always makes extras regardless of me coming here or not."
"True. Let's get in before food gets cold. Mom doesn't like it when we eat her food cold."
And so we went inside and had dinner.
As we finished, Chaeryeong handed me some sleepwear, but I refused and told her that I brought my own.
As she got ready for bedtime, I lied down on her bed and stared at the ceiling.
I've done the same routine for days now, and Chaeryeong doesn't seem to notice.
*A few days later*
CHAERYEONG'S POV
As I got out of the bathroom, I saw Yeji staring at the ceiling as if she was lost in her thoughts.
I quietly approached and sat on the edge of my bed. I tried patting her to get her attention, but she didn't respond. I didn't want to ask her what's wrong, but then I remembered that she owes me an explanation.
"Yeji?"
"What?"
"It's been a few days. You look down in the dumps. Plus, you still owe me an explanation why you went here with such a gloomy aura."
"I'm depressed, can't you tell?"
I came to the conclusion that it involves her parents, as usual. But what could be the reason for their disapproval this time? I sat closer to her.
"What did your parents disapprove of this time?"
Yeji lets out a sigh before she could even answer me.
"My love for women."
"What?!" I was shocked.
"Apparently it was the worst thing they despise and disapprove of me. They never thought I'd go that far, but I did. I mean…"
I see the tears in Yeji's eyes. I wanted to hug her, but she would always push me away.
"I can't control what I feel! I couldn't help myself... if I tend to love women over men. I just-"
I hushed her. I've heard enough. I didn't get to hug her, but I got a grip on her hand.
"Enough Yeji. It's not your fault. If that's how you really feel, then your parents are jerks. They shouldn't be meddling with your feelings and just support your decision."
"You know they're not like that, Ryeong."
"I know."
We didn't talk for a while. I let her cry out all the anger and sadness she's been bottling up as I comfort her. I waited for her to calm down before I could talk to her again.
"Who is this woman that you love anyway?" I asked.
She placed a hand on my cheek and caressed it with her thumb.
"I'm… looking at her right now."
Me? It's me she loves?
The waterworks were strong. I couldn't help but cry after finding out that it's me all this time. And to be honest, as far as our friendship goes, I… love her too.
"Why me?" I asked.
"Because you're the only one who understands me, Ryeong. We've been friends for a long time. You know everything about me by now. You mean a lot to me, and I don't know what I would do without you."
"I do know everything about you. And…"
At last, I landed a hug on her. I hugged her tight, hoping she won't push me away again.
"...I love you too, Yeji. I've always had! I'm glad to have you by my side when I needed you. You were always there for me. Now, I want to be here for you."
"That's… great…"
I feel Yeji's head go heavy, and hee arms loosen their grip on me.
She fell asleep on me.
"Good night, Yeji. Get some rest, my love."