hindsight | haerin x danielle | daerin

chapter 14

HAERIN pov

"This is my house," I stopped in front of a silver gate, the streets was dark and cold. I couldn't stop thinking why Danielle even bothered to walk me home

I don't believe the confession I heard earlier either. I just can't.

"So, see you tomorrow?" Danielle scratched the back of her head, "About what I said... I'm serious. I like you, Haerin."

"I already told you that I like—" My sentence were cut off shortly when she chuckled

"I'm not asking who you like, I'm just telling you how I feel."

"Which is weird by the way cuz I don't remember us getting along since last week," I retorted

"We did got along, you're just not aware," She replied, her smile slowly growing wide

I shake my head as I walked up to the house, the lights were on, meaning my parents are home, or one of them could be

"I can't let you in, someone's home." I sighed in disappointment, it's basic manners to let a friend in but I couldn't even do that

I heard Danielle made a little sound, "It's okay, I wasn't planning to come inside anyway, it's surprising that you want me to come inside though,"

I rolled my eyes as I looked back, I thought she's trying to tease me but her genuine smile made me think otherwise, how can someone look that innocent?

"Okay, uhm, you should go. I'll watch you.. leave?" I avoided her piercing gaze

Danielle mouthed 'okay' her eyes were smiling as well and I couldn't even count how many times she looked back with that stupid grin on her face

I watched her leave until I couldn't see her small figure anymore

I walked inside, and tried not to make a sound while entering. I should have been home by three in the afternoon and I'm already four hours late

Hell, I didn't really expect someone would be home. Such a wrong timing.

"Where have you been?"

I flinched on my way up the stairs, I shut my eyes tightly as I turn around.

There he is, sitting like the king that he is in his favourite sofa. My great father, drinking while smoking knowing I have an asthma and it triggers me

"School." I replied as I felt my throat getting dry, I don't know why this man intimidate me so much.

He's never the parent type. I think this is the tenth time I've seen him since I was a kid and whenever he's around, we don't do a father and daughter thing like how I usually see on films

Films are a joke. Families are not suppose to be close in real life, atleast, that's what I think 'cause I live in one

"And who's that girl," He replied as he blew out a smoke, I had to stop breathing

"A friend," I wanted to move but my feet are glued to the ground

"Give me your phone," He stretched his hand

And like a robot that I am, I took it out of my pocket and gave it to him as I inhale a large chunk of smoke from his cigarette

I moved back instantly, "I'm going to my room,"

"Your friends texted, a sleepover tomorrow huh?"

I stopped from my tracks, wanting to look back but also wanting to continue and move forward

"You will not go, you'll study and you won't leave unless it's for school."

I felt a huge lump forming in my throat, seconds later I felt my own face soaking of my own tears

"I'll go study,"

I twisted the knob of my door, and released the breath I've been holding since I talked with him

I locked the door and sat at the edge of my bed. God, that was suffocating.

He will never really ask how I was. Four months away from home and the first thing I hear is all about my academic performance

I lie on my back, I guess I should start studying.

I can't help chuckling, wow, this is all I'm good at.

I am enslaved to my responsibilities like how they are with their job. Do they want me to be like them?

I am expected to push through, to be the bigger person, and to accomplish great things. When a day ends, it ends.

There is no stop, no break, no pause, no stopping. There is no period of recovery, I am not allowed to choose what I want, I am not allowed to rest

Time continues and so do I. I have to exist constantly with no breaks.

How evil.

My dramatic thoughts were shattered when I heard a thud from my window. Or was I just imagining it?

I sat on the chair infront of my study table. I should study.

I flinched the second time when I heard another thud. I slowly raised from my seat and approached the window

I peeked out, and saw nothing. Not until a few seconds later a familiar small head appeared in my sight

She looked up and as our eyes locked I couldn't help but to smile as well when I saw the soft expression and contagious grin she always wear on her face

"I bought some ice cream," Danielle whispered but I could hear her so well

"I'm sorry, I can't go out," I replied back, also whispering

"It's okay I can climb up!" She replied while nodding and giving me a thumbs up

I panicked a bit but it faded just as quick when she put her bag down, her other hand holding two tubs of ice cream while the other climb up the fragile ladder that's on the side of our house

It didn't take long when she reached my room, I grabbed her arms to support her from coming in

"Woah, that's a new experience," That was the first thing she said as she stepped in

"Why the hell did you come back?" I asked, now feeling worried and furious

"I just felt like it," She replied

She then stretched her hand to me, handing me the other tub. It's cookies n cream flavored.

"Ice cream?" She beamed