13. New Dawn
Somin and Mia
The sound of an alarm clock pierced the morning silence. Somin woke up abruptly, feeling much better—if feeling sorry for your whole being can be called feeling better.
Yep, it's an improvement.
The mirror didn't lie, both eyes were still a bit swollen and tears instantly filled them up again.
No, I'm not done, let's work harder.
Somin's fake positivity tried to undo the damage of the bitter victim-playing from the day before.
A morning shower brought much-needed peace and the scorching hot water sealed the misery in. Water drops caressed her irritated skin and mixed with her tears.
Is it relieving to know that it's over?
The questions still lingered.
I feel so abandoned.
Sadness made space for confusion which brought the immense feeling of betrayal to the forefront again. Too many emotions washed over her at once.
She drifted away in the warm stream and morning dizziness, reliving her troubled youth again.
...
"Why don't you say something Somin-ah?" a girl in ninth grade yelled as she pulled her hair.
"Are you hungry? Come and get it!" the other girl held her snack above their head.
These instances lead to Somin sitting alone in the corner or using the breaks to wander the school halls. Unfortunately, she wasn't the only part of the Lee family to attend her school. The presence of her older brother didn't help the shy girl at all. Lee Pomchun, her brother, was considered gorgeous, popular, and well-liked.
On the contrary, she was awkward-looking, unpopular, disliked. His presence brought her more into the unwanted spotlight. Other kids questioned why the siblings were so different. Of course, a plethora of mean jokes started to appear with that line of questioning.
From "Maybe she's adopted," to "I heard they swapped the newborns in the hospital."
Yet her older brother was there to stay. At least for the two years of their age difference. Whether other kids liked it or not, the brave boy was there for his sister–when she had a generally bad day or ended up crying in the toilets because of a specific jab. It happened too often in many different ways.
"Hey 'Mun, that sister of yours is playing crybaby again," some classmate informed Pomchun with a disgusting smirk.
Her brother wanted to choke him although he was a calm and well-mannered boy most of the time. Sometimes patience ran out and Pomchun had snapped every now and again. Kids are prone to physical alterations and he wasn't any different when faced with injustice. The young boy had a talent for telling who it was best to slap instead of talking to them.
After such a fight, he ran to her aid, like a prince in a fairytale. Battling a dragon then setting the princess free, locking the girl's bathroom behind him, holding Somin, singing to her.
"What was it this time?" the boy asked.
"I'm too fat and dumb," Somin answered.
The usual.
...
Remembering how much time they spent together before made Somin sad.
I should text him.
After such a long time, they were finally in the same city.
How's he doing?
...
Somin joined Mia for breakfast, "Wanna go to school together?" the pretty roommate asked.
"If you don't mind my sorry ass company," Somin answered.
"I prefer it. You can only make me look better," Mia teased with no ill will and Somin chuckled, feeling the lightheartedness in the statement.
Mia sounded sincere, not at all what Somin had expected. The girl sported a casual black minidress, showing her notable cleavage, and shiny nude stockings. A cute ponytail tamed her long hair and a bag for dance classes was already prepared by the door. A bit envious, Somin automatically touched her shoulder-length hair.
Maybe I shouldn't have cut it. The insecurity attacked her.
She couldn't complain about her own outfit though. Her azure sweater-dress together with her warm black stockings made her feel comfortable and safe.
"Let's work hard, then," Somin smiled.
...
😳 Author's corner 😊
😒 How do you behave when the person you don't like catches up with you? (in the city, library) 😒
...
🎨Illustrations of each chapter are available on my Wattpad acc, AO3 acc -klubickoArt🎨
