~Chapter 05~

“As the cloud reveals my home, my family and I celebrate this new year, creating fresh memories. Today marks my final day at school. Dad promised to send me to the finest college in Franklin. Juulen, also known as Jeon, and I are getting ourselves ready for the bittersweet farewell. School has been a treasure trove of memories and lessons, the pinnacle of life's stages. I love my friends dearly, forming unbreakable bonds. Though at times I felt unworthy, heartbroken about my close friend from the early school days who left to Australia, but was a close one to me and the two buddies I gained at 12, only to lose them later, made me consider solitude. Yet, I have Jeon, my brother, by my side. Time to head to school. Goodbye, dear diary”.

Jessica closed her diary, adjusted her beautiful uniform, and called Juulen to join her in the car.

“Jeon, why'd you give our friends the wrong answer, huh? You're 15, man, act smart!”

“Hey, cut me some slack, Jess! I'm no genius, just a regular guy,” Jeon retorted.

After a heated argument, they finally arrived at school. Mr. Andrew, the old man who seemed even older now, left them with his usual “rock the day” and disappeared. Jessica entered the school, only to be greeted by Kuhu and Zoro, running towards her in tears. Zoro sobbed, “Jess, I'll miss you like crazy! Promise to keep texting us.” Kuhu chimed in, “Don't you dare forget us! Visit us often.” Jessica couldn't hold back her emotions either.

Just then one of her classmates said, “ oh uncle will not let her wander like that kuhu” Juulen defended his dad, “Dad isn't like that! He loves Jess more than anything. She gets more attention because she's a girl, and I'm cool with that. Even if she gets low grades, Dad praises her, saying, 'You've killed the paper.' She takes it positively, but I know it's because of her weird answers.”

The classmates, shocked, muttered, “Weirdo.” while some laughed at the thing her dad said her.

Jessica, embarrassed, turned to Juulen, “Can you keep some things secret? You only haven't mentioned how I poop!” Laughter filled the room. So, Jess and Juulen had a blast at school, making memories and taking pictures with their classmates. The whole day was just fun and games. After some emotional goodbyes, they headed home.

Back at home, Jess spilled the beans to her dad about everything. Her dad, impressed, said, “Wow, you've killed many papers. Your grades from the last 11 years have been top-notch, above 75! Unlike Mr. Jeon, who couldn't even score 10 out of 100. Haha, he totally bombed that paper!” Laughter echoed through the house.

Later, Jessica, Jeon, and Mr. Andrew enjoyed a nice supper together.

The night was upon them, Mr. Andrew, Jessica, and Jeon all tucked into their beds, grown-ups now with separate sleeping spots in the same room. Jessica on one side, Jeon on the other, yet both connected with their friends on their phones. Juulen shared his tough day in the common group, expressing, “hey guys, it's juulen, well today was a very bad day, i miss you all, the day was indeed sad. But i bet we got many memories.”

Zoro, in response, said, “yeah juu, that's so heartwarming, ask jess to join us! I asked her to chat us tonight!”

Jessica chimed in, “Aha! ima here 24x7 dudes. Friends are my everything, i can even sacrifice my food for them.”

Kuhu teased, “yeah yeah, according to her, food is so important to her, so she means she can sacrifice that importance for us hahaha.”

Zoro then shared, “ guys! Did y'all know? The school gave us the admission cards to their high school? According to me, I am going to this high school itself, it's a good place with many memories, what about you guys?”

Everyone responded, “yes, me too,” thrilled at the thought of reuniting for the upcoming year. Laughter filled the space as they chatted happily until 1:00 am, banishing the day's tears with joyful conversations.

Jessica and Juulen woke up late the next day, and Jessica, still in bed with her eye mask on, remarked to Jeon, “juu! After many years we got a peaceful sleep nah? What should we do today? We have a whole month left to go to the high school.” Not receiving a response, she opened her eye mask, checked for Jeon and found he had left her coffee and gone downstairs. After enjoying her hot coffee, she hurried downstairs.

While running through the corridor , her shirt caught on something, causing it to tear and almost leading to a fall down the stairs, but Jeon arrived just in time to catch her, there was a little smile on Jeon's face and also Jessica's, it was a romantic atoms. After a few minutes, they sat at the dining table, engaging in light conversation. Jessica suggested, “Jeon! Or Juulen whatever, I'm very bored today, let's do something fun? I'm not used to staying home like this... Hmmm... Dad! Why don't we go shopping? We have to get stationaries too! I just want to kill time.”

Jeon responded, “oh why are you troubling dad? Remember he gave me a credit card? I have added my savings cash in it. I'll take you shopping. I'll get you everything you want.” Overjoyed, Jessica hugged Jeon tightly, causing a slight blush from him.

Mr. Andrew said, “ Aghm.... You forgot to ask permission from me?” and Jeon added, “Dad! Don't worry, we'll get you hotdogs,” making everybody laugh. Their house was the most beautiful and clean one in their area, a huge place. Jeon was chilling in their swimming pool while Jessica, all set and ready, shouted at Jeon, “What the hell are you doing in the pool, Juu ?” Jeon replied, “Ahhh, I'll come in a few minutes.” Jessica got annoyed since Jeon kept saying “a few minutes” repeatedly.

So, she grabbed a bowl full of mud and dust and poured it into the pool water. Jeon reacted, “Ewww, how could you disgust the water like this?” Jessica retorted, “I know it's already disgusted by your 3-day unbathed body. So that's not a big issue. Anyway, I know you'll throw away the water once you bathe. And come faster!” She then headed downstairs. Jeon, hanging on the pool steps, said, “Eewww! She hasn't changed a bit in these 10 years!” and walked away grumbling.

As Jeon and Jessica stepped into the vehicle, Jeon's gaze fell upon Jessica, who was engrossed in her headphones. “When will our little madam stop listening to songs, huh?” he inquired. Jessica, in a fit of anger, retorted, “Hey, you Jeon, you little rat! Do not belittle them, alright. They are my favorites. Maybe you hail from Korea, but they outshine you in looks!” Shocked, Jeon responded, “What! I must inform Dad. What do you mean by 'they'? How many have captured your heart?”

Jessica sighed, “Oh... They are singers, my beloved idols. They are Korean, and their voices are simply divine.” Jeon pondered, “Hmm, I too aspire to join a music company in Korea. It's my dream, you know?” Surprised, Jessica questioned, “Oh really? I've never heard you sing...” Jeon chuckled, “Only the fortunate few have been graced with my golden voice, hahaha.”

Playfully, Jessica teased, "“, come on, you're so exasperating. Why not impress me with a few lines?” Jeon quipped, “If it's for you, the melody will lose its charm.” Their annoyed scolds and teasing continued until they arrived at the mall.

They arrived at the mall, and Jessica, filled with enthusiasm, ran uo for the comic book section, her haven of stories and adventures. Meanwhile, Jeon, knowing Jessica's love for comics, seized the opportunity to search for his own treasures. After some time, they reunited, hands occupied with bags of newfound treasures. Jessica, thoughtful as ever, treated them to refreshing bobas before going on a grand shopping spree throughout the mall.

Upon returning home, Jessica eagerly shared her finds with her father, showcasing a stock of stationery, household items, and, of course, her beloved comic books. She even surprised Jeon with a charming bunny t-shirt, a gesture that warmed his heart. In return, Jeon showered Jessica with gifts, including her favorite Ramen, a rare find in the USA, and exquisite clothing that delighted her.

However, Jeon held back two mysterious bags, promising to reveal their contents at the perfect moment. Jessica, caught up in the excitement of her other gifts, didn't bother into the hidden surprises, buzy with the joy Jeon had already brought her. Mr. Andrew couldn't help but beam with happiness at the sight of Jessica's happiness. The day was filled with shared laughter, thoughtful gestures, and the promise of delightful surprises yet to come.

Mr. Andrew, with a mix of love and concern, called Jeon to his room, expressing his desire for Jessica's eternal happiness. “Jeon, my boy, I find joy in Jessica's smile. I entrust you with the task of keeping that smile alive,” he said. Jeon, understanding, replied, “Dad, I respect your wish. I hold no rejections or complaints. Your love for me is just similar to how much Jessica gets from you.”

Reflecting on time passing, Mr. Andrew shared his hope for Jeon to care for Jessica in the future. “Son, as I grow older, there may be things that can happened unexpected to me.” I trust you to be her support, as you were today, he said. Jeon, taken aback, interjected, “Dad, how can you speak of such things? Jessica's sorrow would be deep. I can't bear the thought.”

Mr. Andrew, with acceptance, acknowledged life's course. “Jeon, we all journey to God eventually. I know your love for me. Jessica has made many requests, but you've never asked for anything. What is it that you desire?” Jeon, after a thought, replied, “Dad, I have a wish, but the time isn't right. I'll share it when it's appropriate.” In a light moment, Mr. Andrew teased Jeon about gold coins, sparking laughter between father and son, specializing their precious bond.

In the cozy kitchen of their home, Jessica and Jeon usually whipped up delicious suppers together. However, on this particular day, the mouth watering aromas of takeout filled the air, a welcome change from their usual routine.

Mr. Andrew's favorite dishes adorned the table, a treat for the family. Jessica, known for her love of spicy ramen, indulged in her fiery delight, tears welling up from the intense spice.

Concerned for her well-being, Jeon, with a gentle tone, advised, “Take it easy and savor each bite. It's too spicy for you.” Jessica, with a determined spirit, retorted, “It's all part of the fun, my friend! I won't back down!” Despite her discomfort, she bravely finished every last morsel, only to find herself in a state of unease after eating the highly spicy food.

That night, after everyone had finished their supper, Juulen hurried from Mr. Andrew's room to Jessica's side, his heart filled with concern upon seeing her weakened state. “Jess! What's wrong? Why are you so cold?” he questioned, his worry clear in his voice. Jessica, mustering a reassuring tone, replied, “Juulen, I'm okay! Just feeling a bit weak from the unexpected spice overload. I'll be fine.”

Juulen, unable to shake off his anxiety, embraced Jessica tightly, expressing his deep care, “Just stay like this, let your body warm up. I can't bear the thought of anything happening to you. You mean everything to me, i mean, you are my sister, and if anything were to happen, I wouldn't know how to go on. I warned you about the spicy food... you can't...” Jessica interjected, “Juulen! What are you blabbering !? Don't worry. I'm truly fine. And I'm hugging you because I know it comforts you, not because I can't refuse.”

Juulen, lost in a whirlwind of emotions, slowly returned to the present moment, his heart filled with a mix of concern and affection for Jessica.

The next day, Jessica woke up feeling really good and wanted to thank Jeon, but Jeon quickly guided her to the bathroom, locked the door from outside, and said, “Jess! Hurry up and freshen up. I've put everything you need in there.”

Jessica replied, “Okay, but what—” before Jeon cut her off, saying, “Just do it! Trust me!” and then he left. Jessica gave a puzzled look and continued washing as usual. Later, Jessica emerged from the bathroom wearing a beautiful purple dress and wondered why the dress was so fancy. As soon as she stepped out, she noticed flowers scattered all around. She hurried to check the living room, and as soon as she opened the door, rose petals rained down on her, making her very happy.

Suddenly, she heard Jeon singing one of her favorite K-pop songs in English, with Jessica joining in at some parts. Mr. Andrew was happy by Jessica's radiant smile. They all shared a splendid time... After the melodic tunes and rhythmic movements, Jeon expressed, “Happy birthday, Jessi! Recall those two parcels I refrained you from checking on earlier? They were the gifts and preparations. How do you find the adornments?”

Jessica enthusiastically exclaimed, “Oh my goodness, Juu, you're extraordinary! The decorations are truly awesome!” as she enveloped Jeon in a warm embrace. Jeon seemed momentarily lost in contemplation. Following the embraces, they eventually approached the confection. Jeon had invited all of Jessica's companions, and Jessica was very happy after the assembly.

Subsequent to the conclusion of the celebration, at dusk, Jessica approached Jeon, embraced him, and uttered, “Juu, this surprise of yours will forever linger in my memory. While I have received surprises from Father in the past, this time, as Father would say, you bombed it.” They both shared a moment of laughter. Jeon responded, “It's a mere treat. I would go to great lengths for you.” Jessica inquired, “What's with this sudden showcase of significance, unlike other occasions?” Jeon pondered briefly and replied, “Hmm, the reasons include me.”

Following a pause, Jessica suddenly recollected something and inquired, “Juu, how did you know my favorite decorations, colour, flowers and even the melody!?” Jessica was taken aback momentarily as Jeon presented her diary. She remarked, “At last, its speciality has expired.” said Jessica meaning that her diary was read by someone which was supposed to be personal! Subsequently, they jumped to their normal conversations.

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