Parallel Lines

Chapter 11

LIA POV

It’s been 2 weeks.

Two weeks since that incident on the rooftop, since Ryujin and Yuna’s parents died. Two long weeks since I last saw the both of them. Even if I wanted to see them, I couldn’t. They went away to Switzerland, where they held the funeral, it’s where their parents wanted to be buried according to their will. To become well known in their careers, Ryujin’s parents scarified a lot of family time. They had little to no break, it was after all the entertainment world, always changing, and if you don’t want an opportunity to slip through your fingers, timing was important. Ryujin understood all of that, even when she was younger, that’s why she admired them so much. I can still remember how her eyes would sparkle every time she spoke of them. 

I tried to call Ryujin a few times, but she was too busy and the time difference didn’t help. But what should I tell her? That everything’s going to be okay, will it? That I, I can't imagine what you're feeling, but I am here for you. Is that enough? Are words ever enough? Nothing I say will change what happened. Sometimes words of sympathy only gets people more hurt.  I just want to see her, hug her and let her share her pain with me.

Another week had passed, and classes still continued, but here I am staring at the window… barely listening to what the teacher is saying, until I saw a car parked just outside the gate. 

And there she was, Shin Ryujin, walking towards the school building. I immediately stood up and excused myself. I wasted no time finding Ryujin. She didn’t tell me she was coming back so this was a surprise. 

As soon as I saw her near the lockers, I quickly lunged myself towards her. Oh how I missed her, this was the most we’ve been afar from each other. But she was silent the whole time I was hugging her, so I let go of her and cupped her face.

She was calm but her eyes were devoid of emotion. 

“Sorry… can we talk later, I need to go to the faculty… I have a lot of schoolwork to catch up on.” She just took my hands off her face and then left me.

Days went on, Ryujin and I still haven’t talked properly. How could we, when every time I tried to get a look at her, she would avoid eye contact at all costs. Ryujin is hurting, with everything that’s happened it’s totally understandable. But it also hurts that she’s blocking me out. I’m not insensitive, I know she’s been avoiding me, my heart ached at the thought and tears just flowed from my eyes. This isn’t fair. I’d do anything for Ryujin. She has been there for me ever since we were kids, why can’t I be there for her.

“When you’re at a low moment in your life and you still have to interact with people… it’s quite tiring” Chaeryeong suddenly spoke up, I forgot she was here at the club room.

I wiped my tears as I piled up the papers in front of me, it’s almost the end of the school year I had a lot paperworks to finish, I needed to make sure that the next council president won’t have any issues.

“People grief in different ways Lia… but what’s important is to always make them feel that they’re not alone.” Chaeryeong continued

“How can I?! She keeps locking me out, she won’t open the door of her heart and I can’t find the key.”

“Okay a bit dramatic but I’m gonna level with you… If you can’t find the key then just break the damn door!” Chaeryeong slammed her hand on my table, I was shocked by her actions. “She needs you, she just doesn’t know it. So stop sulking here and go to her, I texted Yeji… they’re at their club room, Yeji’s coming here so you can be alone with Ryujin, so go!”