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─ 35. bedtime stories
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ELENA'S POV
My thumbs jerked lazily back and forth due to my frayed nerves as I sat across from Mister Jeon at the dinner table. Again.
Forcing myself to remain focused I listened to Ae Ri and Munjin's conversation about how their day went. But it was hard when I constantly felt Mister Jeon's gaze on my face.
I sucked my bottom lip into my mouth, an annoying habit that I had yet to break, to calm myself.
You're going to make a fool of yourself, kid. The snarky voice was back after a couple days of complete and utter silence. I sucked in a tiny breath and exhaustion and willed my thumbs to stop shaking.
Grow up, Elena. I scolded myself, you've been through worse.
So much worse.
But I would survive.
My heart pounded erratically within my chest.
I balanced my fork between my thumb and my cast, as I carefully pushed my food around on my plate.
It wasn't that the food was bad, it was amazing - out of this world delicious, Mister Jeon had made it himself, a whole authentic korean cuisine...but...I just couldn't force myself to eat very much.
I had been doing pretty well with my appetite, until Mister Jeon showed up.
"Elena? Darling–" Ae Ri stated gently, pressing her manicured hand on my shoulder.
I jerked back, flinching instinctively.
Everyone in the rooms stilled, even Dae - who watched me with sparkling dark doe eyes, dimming once he saw the fear in my eyes.
I flushed and avoided looking at Mister Jeon, who jumped when I did. His eyes saddened when the fork clattered onto my plate after falling from my light grip.
I tensed slightly, looking at him underneath my lashes.
Ae Ri sucked in a sharp breath. "Are you alright, darling?" she asked, eyeing me carefully.
My shoulders slumped and I curled into myself in embarrassment.
"Yes, I'm fine." fine. That's what I've been saying for so long. Maybe now that I've gotten used to saying it...it would be more believable.
"I was just lost in my thoughts." I gave her a bashful smile and ducked my head.
Ae Ri smiled brighter, "Make sure to eat plenty, hmm?" she asked, lovingly cupping my cheek in her hand and giving my cheek a painless pinch.
Everyone soon went back to eating - seemingly accepting my words.
With a shy glance to Mister Jeon - no, Jungkook - I kept reminding myself, it was clear as day he didn't believe my words. But then again, Mister Jeo–Jungkook, had always been gifted at reading me easier than a book.
