Straight Circle | Winrina

CHAPTER 10

I never wanted to be the cause of her suffering. I am aware that the only way to make her feel better is to accept her sexuality but my parents won't forgive me if I do this. Sighing deeply, I fall on the couch and stare at the chimney. It's almost two in the morning but because of the jet lage, my mum must be chilling with her friends. I grab my phone and decide to call her. After a few seconds, I can hear her sweet voice through the phone.

"Jimin? Are you okay?" she asks me with a worried tone.

I scrape my throat and shift uncomfortably on the couch. It's been a few years since I called her. We don't call each other often because she likes to see me in person and the last call we had wasn't cheerful.

It was chaotic and awful.

I recall that I was crying all the damn time and had blurted out words that can freak out anyone.

"I-I'm fine. I just... I just wanted to talk to you." I say in a small voice. "How's France?"

I miss my mum but I'm glad she's taking some time to enjoy herself.

"Great! I have been eating croissants all day! And you? Are you having fun in Santa Monica?" she asks me but I can feel that she's afraid that my answer would be negative.

"Yeah, we went to the beach this morning. The girls played the prisoner ball game. It was fun," I smile to myself thinking about all the happy moments I had in the beach.

"Jesus, they are too reckless. Kids these days are oblivious and mindless. I heard a kid was bitten by a shark last month because he didn't follow the rules, can you believe it? If Krystal wants to do crazy things, let her but don't follow her."

I bite my lips while listening to her scolding the girls for swimming in the sea. She already met Krystal who had several ear-piercing and a heavy makeup. That didn't left a good impression in their first meeting. Even though I keep telling her that she doesn't have a bad influence on me, every time I speak about Krystal, my mother always pointing out every little thing that she does.

"Mum, swimming is not a crazy thing." I sigh and I can hear a little gasp escape from her lips.

"I don't like your tone! She's racking your brain, I knew it! You should stop hanging out with her," she says to me.

I roll my eyes and runs a hand through my long brown hair. I won't stop seeing Krystal, she's been my longest friend and above all, my best friend. We went through thick and thin, and yet, she never left my side.

"You don't mean it. You lowkey like her even though she loves to annoy you."

In the beginning, my mother had a hard time liking Krystal. As time passes by, they learn to appreciate each other because Krystal is a good friend and my mother wants me to be surrounded by people who care about me. They got along after I went to the hospital and from time to time, Krystal invites them in her apartment for dinner once in a while.

"This kid... I'm still waiting for an invitation," my mother growls and I chuckle lightly.

"I will tell her so you better purchase the nicest dress you can find in France."

"Great! Did you buy your dress already ?"

"Not yet. I'm counting on tomorrow to find one," I smile.

I'm relieved that the atmosphere has soothed. I don't want to argue with my mother because I love her and life is too short to be in bad terms with her.

"Is Krystal's wedding the reason you wanted to call me ?"

I clench my jaw and look at the fireplace for comfort. Since Minjeong and I last talk, I have this strange feeling in my stomach. I left her room before she says anything and now this unknown spasm in my body is bothering me.