Friends with benefits||𝐴𝑇𝐸𝐸𝑍

♕𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚛𝚝𝚢 𝚏𝚘𝚞𝚛♕

That morning...

Lina attempted to sneak back into the house, knowing that her father was home and probably getting ready for work, but nothing ever works out in her favour.

The light to her father's office brightened the dim hallway and the only way she could get to her room was by walking past.

She concluded on tiptoeing, not making a single sound, as she attempted to creep past silently. "Lina." Her father called just as she ran past. She huffed and slumped her shoulders while walking into his office. Mr Seo gestured to the chair in front of his desk, "Sit. There's something important I must tell you."

"Dad, I have to be in school. I'm already late as it is."

"Just sit, Lina. Don't make me have to ask twice." He ordered through gritted teeth as he tried to remain calm.

She did as she was told, slightly scared if his tone. "What is it?"

"First of all, where have you been? You just disappeared from the dinner last night without warning." He asked, massaging his temples.

"Jennie called me in a panic. She needed me for something." Lina lied. It's pretty obvious why she didn't tell him the truth. "What is this all about? I need to get to school."

Mr Seo sighed loudly, a pained expression painted his features. Lina noticed this and leaned forward, starting to get more worried by the second.

Although she may seem cold towards her father, he was all she had left. "Dad, what's wrong?"

"You may not have noticed, but I've been going on a lot more business trips than usual." He explained.

"I have actually." She muttered.

"Well now it's time I be honest with you." There was a moment of silence, "I haven't been going to Japan for business, I've been going there for treatment and Mr Jeong has been accompanying me."

Lina's heart sank, "Treatment? For what?"

"I have lung cancer." He confessed.

The girl shook her head. No, she refused to believe it. "B-But it's curable, right?"

Once again, she was met with a lingering silence. She tried to tell herself that none of this was real, she was dreaming.

"Yes." Mr Seo replied, but solemnly.

"Why are you saying it like that?" catching onto his gloomy tone; It wasn't sitting right with her.

"The treatment is only available in Japan, Lina. The doctor advised that I stay there since my condition is getting worse."

"What are you trying to say?"

"I'm moving abroad."

A lump formed in the girl's throat, "Y-you're leaving me?"

"Just for as long as it takes until I'm better."

"And how long will that be?"

"I'm not sure."

Lina shifted into denial, "No, this isn't real. I know you aren't leaving me. I'm gonna be all alone again."

"San will be here will you."

"No he won't!" She yelled, "San is leaving too."

"I'm sorry."

"Why can't I come with you? I'll help."

"Lina, you have finals in a few weeks, you can't just abruptly leave."

"I'll take them earlier." To his surprise, Lina took her father's hand as desperation swam in her gaze, "Please, father. I don't wan't to be here anymore, especially by myself. I'm still only a teenager. I promise I will take better care of myself, I promise I'll be a better daughter to you, just take me with you."