Chapter | Twenty-one

“This is my room. It’s not that big, but it’s comfortable.” You opened the door and led Luhan in. “I don’t mind.” Luhan mumbled. “You can sit on the bed first, I’ll go get some thick blankets and mattresses.” You turned to go but Luhan held your wrist. “You don’t need to trouble yourself. I’m fine.” There was a moment of silence.

“I’m sorry.” You whispered. “For what?” “For burdening you.” You stood still with your head hanged downwards. “I’m always burdening everyone around me. Omma, Hyunsik oppa, and now even you. I’m tired of being a burden to all of you. A-aren’t you tired of taking care of a burden like me?” “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” “Of course you do!” You yelled at him. Luhan let go of your hand and looked away. “I-I’m sorry.” You cupped your hands over your mouth. “I’ll go get the mattress.” You excused yourself and ran out the door.

Luhan heaved a sigh as his forehead creased.

You jumped down the steps and ran towards the storage room. Your hands fumbled with the knob before you managed to open it. Pushing yourself into the room, you slammed the door shut and leaned against the door. At once, your tears began to spill. You clutched onto your shirt while the other hand was clasping your mouth. Slowly, your body sank down onto the floor.

‘Why? Why am I always troubling them?’ You sobbed silently. ‘Omma, omma has to work so hard just to earn money so that I can go to school, have proper meals and dress nicely. Sometimes she gets sick, but she always overcomes it with a smile. Hyunsik oppa, Hyunsik oppa has always been there for me. I always make him worry and give him so much trouble. When I do something wrong, Hyunsik oppa will scold me, but he always takes the blame. Luhan…’

You sobbed and let out a sharp intake of breath. ‘After facing so much trouble because of me, he’s still here. He promised me that he will always be there for me. Why? Why am I so troubling?’ You hugged your knees. You were calming yourself down when you heard the front door shut. Your ears perked up and your body straightened up. “Who?” Your eyes enlarged and you immediately left the storage room before bursting out of the house.

“L-Luhan!” You shouted and he halted. Luhan slowly turned his head and looked at you. You ran up to him bare-footed. “Where are you going?” “Home.” Luhan fully turned his body so that he was facing you. “B-but you’re injured!” You shook your head. “It’ll heal on its own, don’t worry.” You looked at him as your lips quivered and your body shivered. “Go in, you’ll catch a cold.” Luhan turned. “N-no!” You shouted. “Stop being stubborn.” “I won’t go in unless…unless…” You looked at his back.

“If you don’t want to trouble me, go in Iseul.” Luhan looked over his shoulder. “Stay!” You yelled. “Stay over for tonight. Please?” Your eyes watered.

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