Wonderwall • ℍ𝕒𝕖𝕤𝕠𝕠

𝟘𝟠

It is undeniably one of life's greatest challenges to yearn for someone who was once a significant part of your life, only to find them absent. The ache of missing that person, the longing for their presence, and the persistent memories and emotions that linger like a relentless disease can torment you to your core.

JongSuk was consumed by an unexplainable sorrow. The ache in his heart had persisted since that fateful night when his father never returned home from work.

The day had left an indelible mark on JongSuk, leaving him bewildered and anxious. Time seemed to slip away in the blink of an eye, turning that one day into years. JongSuk tirelessly searched for answers, longing for an explanation as to why his father never returned. However, all he received was a vague and unsatisfactory response that failed to quell the turmoil of confusion and doubt swirling in his mind.

"Light it up for me," he mumbled, placing a cigarette between his lips.

"JongSuk... I thought you were joking..." she whispered, gazing at his expression. He seemed unfazed by her words.

"Why would he be joking, Suemi? Just give me that!" Hoon exclaimed in annoyance, snatching the lighter from her hands.

"Ah... Hoon!! You... you... actually convinced JongSuk to try your disgusting stuff? I told you to leave him alone!" she said in frustration, attempting to corner Hoon. JongSuk smiled at the sight before him and casually leaned against the wall.

"Stop, Suemi! Do you actually think he convinced me? How amusing!" he muttered, chuckling softly at her. Hoon scoffed at her and quickly pushed her back to evade her grasp.

"It's frustrating that you always see me as the troublemaker! It was actually JongSuk who bought the pack of cigarettes from the corner store!" Hoon retorted back at Suemi.

"What?" she exclaimed in disbelief, her gaze shifting to JongSuk. Her eyes narrowed as she saw JongSuk smiling at Hoon's words.

"Why that expression? Didn't I mention that Hoony and I were becoming good friends? You should be happy, Suemi!" JongSuk said, his grin directed at her. Hoon approached JongSuk swiftly, keeping a close eye on Suemi.

"Yeah... you should be happy! Or do you want us to continue being bitter about liking the same girl?" Hoon said, moving his hand closer to JongSuk's mouth. He lit JongSuk's cigarette and then his own.

"Bonding over cigarettes because of a girl? Pathetic... that's what you guys are... pathetic and foolish!" she exclaimed loudly before vanishing from their sight. JongSuk drew in a breath, the cigarette now half damp from the rain, struggling against him. He couldn't focus, his mind weighed down by unending thoughts.

"Should we go inside? The rain is really coming down now!" Hoon said, tossing his cigarette to the ground. He stomped on it, waiting for JongSuk's reply.

"Just go if you don't want to get wet... I'm not planning on going back to class!" JongSuk muttered, taking a drag from his cigarette. Hoon frowned at his response.

"What's going on with him today?" Hoon wondered, and then it dawned on him. Today was the anniversary of JongSuk's father leaving.

"No... it's okay... I can skip school with you today if you'd like," JongSuk replied, the rain intensifying by the minute.

"Whatever... I just need to get out of here," JongSuk muttered, and without another word, he began to walk away from Hoon. Hoon sighed as he watched his friend leave, feeling a sense of sadness as he could see the dark, heavy cloud hanging over JongSuk.

Time slipped away swiftly at the bakery, with Jisoo immersed in frosting cupcakes for an imminent delivery. The bustling tasks around the bakery demanded her full attention. She found herself falling behind schedule on a special order, causing her anxiety to spike. This level of unease was unfamiliar to her; the absence of Jennie as her assistant was evidently taking a toll on her usual workday.

The thought of having to handle everything alone—baking, decorating, and tending to customers—weighed heavily on Jisoo. It was an overwhelming responsibility for one person. Suddenly, the front door of the bakery swung open, startling Jisoo. With a quick toss of the spatula, she sprinted towards the front of the shop.

"Hello... welcooo-... You again?" Jisoo muttered in disbelief as he walked into the bakery, wearing a blissful smile. She was taken aback by his presence, even though she knew she shouldn't be - after all, he was just another customer.

"Well, I can see you're not exactly thrilled to see me here!" he remarked, standing his ground. The faint awkwardness and displeasure on Jisoo's face were clear. She cleared her throat and swiftly attempted to brush it off, shaking her head at him.

"No... No... that's not it at all! I may be a bit surprised to see you here, but please don't misunderstand... I most definitely welcome you to my bakery! So, what can I get you?" Jisoo replied, smiling as she tried her best to be polite and serve him as a customer. However, she was taken aback when she heard a small chuckle escape his lips.

"I see... Some people are really good at pretending," he muttered under his breath. Jisoo couldn't believe her ears. Though his words were barely audible, she caught most of what he said. Her eyes narrowed, and her posture stiffened.

"Excuse me? Did you just call me a fake person?" she challenged without hesitation. The man chuckled brazenly, looking around casually.

"This is your bakery, right? If you truly don't want me here, just say so. Why keep up the charade if it's obvious you have some issue with me being here?" he stated firmly, causing her to falter slightly.

"What? Ha... I'm sorry, what did you just say? Yes, this is my bakery, but accusing me of not being sincere is really getting on my nerves!! First and foremost, you're a customer... I have to offer you my services in the best way possible..." Jisoo spat out, her face contorted with anger. Her muscles tensed as the unexpected rage boiled inside her.

"Oh... but your expression says otherwise!" he retorted, crossing his arms over his chest challengingly. Jisoo let out a deep, audible breath, clearly exasperated by his words.

"Please do better... Your actions don't match your words!" he stated before turning around and walking away without another word. Jisoo was left feeling utterly bewildered by the exchange that had just taken place between them.