A jumble of emotions. I escaped from the space, running home without finishing my research.
Every single word Choi Yeonjun said was irritating, and a part of my heart ached.
We broke up, and you were the one who wanted us to break up. But why did you look at me with such a frustrated expression? Did you start liking me again now? Or did you develop some kind of lingering attachment? You let me go?
"This really pisses me off..."
.
.
.
.
"Choi Yeonjun didn't go to school."
"Oh, why?"
"Damtang said it hurts?"
The space between his eyebrows narrowed. Who am I to be in pain and making a fuss... If I was in pain, I should have been in pain.
"What's wrong?"
He's a very quick-witted guy. He's always been right next to me, checking on my condition.
"...not really."
How would he react if Choi Yeonjun, who is sick, said that he was worried?
'You'll never know what kind of guy he is.'
Suddenly, Choi Yeonjun's words came to mind. What on earth is their relationship? Contrary to my friend's claim, Choi Yeonjun seemed to dislike my partner.
"I'm right next to you. Lean on me."
"Not anyone else."
Someone else? Who else do you think you are?
.
.
.
.
When I came to, it was time to go home from school. I wondered if I'd walked home with my friend. My steps stopped.
"...?"
"You go first. I have somewhere to stop by."
"Let's go together. I have nothing to do, so I have time to spare."
"No, it might take a while. See you tomorrow."
Did he start walking, waving his hand and turning?
"Yeonjun is going to see it."
My steps stopped at the sound of the voice.
"That direction... is the direction of the Fed's house."
"...No. Why would I go to their house?"
"Then why are you going to Gwangju? There's nothing there but an apartment complex."
"....."
I bit my poor lip. A kid who never got sick easily was sick enough to not come to school. It had to be really bad. I didn't want to worry about him either.
But what could I do? He's an only child, and he's probably home alone, sick right now. Knowing that his parents either come home late or don't come home often, it was hard for me to ignore him.
...I know. I'm just an idiot.
"I'll take care of it. It's none of your business."
"....."
What are you so upset about? What does it matter to you whether I see him or not?
"Yeah. What right do I have to hold you?"
"...See you tomorrow."
.
.
.
.
I didn't know what was wrong, so I bought all sorts of medicines and food and arrived at their house. Now that I'm here, I regret it.
...Yeah. What right do I have to...
"No, wait a minute. Is there anything I can't do? Did I say we should break up? Seriously~ I know your parents are so worried about you, so I'm just trying to help! That's all!"
I hung the medicine and porridge on the doorknob. Then I took out my phone and left a brief message. I told them to take the medicine and porridge because they were hanging on the door.
I wondered when I'd read it, so I turned my back to get out of here quickly. The sound of the door opening rather urgently made me turn back again.
"...Is that really you?"
Why does he look like this again? He's got wounds all over him, as if he'd been in a fight. But why is his eyes so relaxed? I grabbed Choi Yeonjun, who looked like he might collapse at any moment.
"What the heck? Why is my body like this on fire again?"
"She's a real heroine..."
"Hey, are you out of your mind?"
Choi Yeonjun bowed his head on my shoulder. I, who had been sulking, pushed him away. Then I dragged him inside the house.
"Why is it so cold..."
The house was chilly. I drew the curtains and turned on the heater. Then, Choi Yeonjun, who kept staring blankly at me, was taken to his room and laid on the bed.
"...Are you going?"
"Shut up."
I brought the porridge and medicine I had bought. I knew he hadn't eaten anything, so I gave him the porridge and told him to start with it.
"I have strength in my arms..."
"Don't be a dog, just eat it."
"huh..."
I quietly watched Choi Yeonjun as he ate, then found some ointment and started applying it to his wound. There wasn't any medicine in the house, but I'd bought some for him because Choi Yeonjun wouldn't take it, even when he was sick. Of course, he wouldn't use it unless I told him to or applied it to him.
Still, thanks to having bought it, I was able to apply medicine to the wound.
"Once you finish eating, take this fever reducer."
I put down the medicine and got up. There was no reason for me to be here right now.
"...don't go."
"....."
I already feel so weird when I see you in pain, but what on earth am I supposed to do if you come out like that?
"I don't want to be alone."
I know you're a lonely person. When you were dating me, you were completely immersed in me. I tried to make sure you never felt lonely.
"Choi Yeonjun."
"Don't call me that... Call me by your original name."
Are you out of your mind because you're sick? You shouldn't be doing this to me right now.
But why are you holding back tears while looking at me? Why are you.
Shouldn't I be the one who wants to cry?
_____
🤔