From the Books I'll Never Write

• 8 •

Hyunae's eyes widened as they caught sight of a familiar grey sedan parking across the street from the bakery. She quickly placed a hand on Nari's shoulder and quietly asked her to cover the front end, then hastily walked out of the shop to meet the driver.

Jin saw her approaching with a serious expression on her face. Before he could inquire about her demeanor she led him far down the street and away from the bakery.

"Jin, what are you doing here?" Hyunae asked. She looked apologetic.

"I was hoping to see Lily. Is she doing ok?" Hyunae felt her heart break for him. He looked sad, like a child that was being scolded. What she was going to tell him wouldn't be easy for him to hear, nor for her to say.

She pursed her lips together and looked away for a moment. When she met his eyes again Jin felt his stomach turn in knots.

"Lily is," she paused, "she's still healing right now. All of this stuff that happened, it's a lot for her to handle." She searched his eyes hoping he understood what she was trying to say.

Jin looked down and swallowed hard. This wasn't going how he wanted at all. "I just wanted to talk for a minute. To try and get her to understand-"

"I know, Jin. But... Despite my feelings about the two of you I have to honor her wishes. I think you two belong together but she," Hyunae looked away, struggling to find the right words to say. "She asked me to protect her."

"Protect her?" His voice caught in his throat. "Protect her from me?" He was paralyzed by her words. Did Lily find him dangerous? Does she really hate him now?

"That's not what I meant. She is very fragile right now. She's like my sister and I have to do whatever she feels she needs." Hyunae wanted to hug him, anything to ease the pained expression on his face. "Please understand? She just needs time."

Jin took a half step backward, eyes downcast. He felt gutted. It felt like 100 pounds of pressure sat on his chest and he had to force himself to breathe. His eyes were stinging and he blinked rapidly, willing the tears to not fall. Not in front of Hyunae.

She reached out and took his hand gently. "Just give her some time. She's been through a lot."

His eyes remained downcast as he nodded his understanding. He couldn't force himself on her. He was a fool for thinking this could work. This was exactly why Lily asked Hyunae to protect her.

"Thank you." His voice was absolutely hollow. "Please take care of her."

He didn't remember walking back to his car. Part of him wanted to go into the bakery anyway, to hold her close and erase all the pain she was feeling. The pain he caused. He missed her so much it physically hurt. He wanted to console her. Comfort her. Beg her forgiveness. Even if she rejected him he would cherish the fact that he was near her at all.

But a larger part of him loved her enough to leave quickly. He dared not look into the window of the shop in hopes of catching a glimpse of her. If his presence would trigger her then he would do his best to be invisible.

For however long she needed.

_______

Jin wasn't aware he had driven home until he felt his car come to a stop. He gave silent thanks that he hadn't crashed. His legs moved on their own, carrying him up the stairs to the front door. Inside he could hear the game system playing. He mumbled hello and headed for his bedroom.

Jungkook turned to look at Jin. "Hyung! How did it go?" He asked hopefully. "Is Noona coming back?"

Jin turned to face him and simply shook his head.