collateral damage 🔞 - COMPLETE

•eighty-two•

~~~~~Jeongguk

She's asleep again, and I just can't keep my eyes off her. After eating the warm broth, and some of the crackers, she held her stomach and ran to the bathroom, throwing it all up. She's warmer than is normal, and I am concerned. Is she getting sick? Collecting some towels and a cool basin of water, I sit back on the bed. The dried tear tracks are the first thing I wash away. A thin sheen of sweat paints her forehead, and I place a washcloth there.

When I think she's comfortable, I put everything away, and lay next to her, holding her to my chest. She's sleeping so soundly, which actually surprises me. Normally, my actions would cause her to stir awake, but she's just snoring cutely while I can't seem to calm my own mind. I understand why she reacted the way she did to my mother's awful words, and I'll do anything to help her understand that it doesn't matter to me.

I was on the phone with Yoongi Hyung when she found me on the balcony. Her surprise at my smoking the cherry flavored cigarette, made me chuckle at first. Unfortunately, she found it just another example of how she's 'ruining my life' when I explained that I'd started smoking them occasionally while she was at the clinic. All her anger was only directed at herself, and she ended up heaving over the toilet again. I had to carry her weakened body to the table and hold her on my lap while feeding her the broth... It literally only stayed in her stomach for minutes before she threw it all up... Another round of guilt hits me at how I feel like a failure... We're quite a pair...

My phone vibrates on the nightstand, and I grab it, trying not to disturb her. The text from Jimin illuminates our surroundings, and I just stare at her for a minute.

[Hey... How is she?>

<Sick... She's been throwing up.🤢]

[Oh no!! Something she ate?>

<Not sure... Probably the stress. I hate my own Mom right now.]

[Don't say that Jeongguk. Haerin doesn't want you to hate her.>

<How am I supposed to feel? My own mother called her those names. She made Haerin think it's best to leave me.]

[We'll figure it out. Is there anything I can do? Do you need me to come there>

<Not yet... I'll let you know. Thanks Jimin.]

[YW... Take care of her.>

Throwing my phone back on the night stand, I pull Haerin closer. Her hands fist into my shirt, and I can't stop the smile. She's clutching onto me and I just caress her hair and back. I relax into the bed and try to settle my restless thoughts. I'll find a way to fix this...

~~~~~Naeun

As the sun filters into the room, I crack my eyes open to see Jin sitting against the headboard. He looks so handsome with his messy hair, and I feel happier than I ever have. A sudden realization that I could lose him, hits me hard. I promised Haerin that I would go with her if she needs to leave, and that would mean never seeing Jin again. My heart aches at the thought, and I bury my face in the pillow.

"Hey Nana... You came home late. Is everything alright with Haerin?"

"Ummm... Not sure. She's quite upset. She believes she is ruining Jeongguk's life and relationships..."

"That's ridiculous... She was the victim..."

"I know... But his mother hates her, and she feels responsible for their being apart."

"Nana... You don't believe that, right?"

"Of course not!"

"Then help her understand... You're her best friend... Her sister... She'll listen to you."