(The Chaesoo Prequel to Make You MINE)
Perfection has a price.
When Roseanne Park moves with her family to start a new chapter of her life in South Korea, it begins like something of dream.
Yet how quickly the dream soon descends to a nightmare whe...
"I guess it's all a little overwhelming... I don't know if I'm ready to leave everything behind. Starting at the academy, it just doesn't feel the right time." I admitted quietly.
"You're not alone, Rosé. It'll be incredible, you'll have the time of your life. Anyone would dream to have this opportunity. Maybe I'll even get accepted there one day too! Well... if I improve my grades first." Lisa smiled sheepishly making me chuckle at her sincerity.
"You always know how to make me feel better."
Comically, she shrugged with a smug grin. "Hmmm... I guess that comes with being an amazing cousin who just so happens to get you a little celebratory gift."
From the pocket of her denim jacket, she handed me a small, navy box wrapped with a golden ribbon around it. Inside beyond the crisp, delicate tissue paper lay a small, silver locket attached on a thin chain. The outside of it had a symbol of a rose but inside a personal message had been imscribed.
"Even on those darkest days, the sun always shone brightly in her eyes."
"I saw this quote on the locket at the mall and I thought of you." She stated, a humble gift that showed her sweeter side that seemed so rare since her father's passing last year.
Feeling the cold silver against my fingertips, I carefully placed the locket around my neck watching as Lisa beamed with pride.
Throughout the years, she'd always been there for me. There was no sense of judgement, never a bad word to be said. My cousin had a difficult life back in Thailand and it was fair to say she didn't always make the best decisions but when it came to me, she never failed to be there. She always cared that little bit more than other people did and I knew no matter what, I could rely on her in times of need.
"Thank you, it's beautiful. I'm sorry if I've ruined the party tonight. Sometimes I just feel weak and need space; I wish I could be stronger like you."
I felt another tear run down my face as Lisa gently wiped it away. "You're so much stronger than you think you are."
I let out another heavy breath. "Lis, what if it all goes wrong? What if I don't fit in? What if the café fails? What if I fail and can't end up getting into to YG music college? We should probably just stay here... it's easier."
And it was then she said something that I knew I'd remember for the rest of my life.
"You're destined for great things, Rosé. Much bigger than here so don't ever be worried. Don't ever let anyone deny you your dreams or make you feel in any way inadequate. You've got this, I believe in you and I'll always be here."
Instinctively, I wrapped my arms around her in a tight embrace. Hearing her chuckle, she hugged me back giving me the confidence I needed to know everything would be okay.
Pulling away, she took my hand as we headed back towards the direction of carefree laughter and noise behind us. "Come on, let's go back inside. Everyone's had way too much to drink and the karaoke's started!"
The rest of the evening was like a fairytale but filled with such simplicity. Talking to distant relatives dancing with Lisa and playing loud party games.
Before long, the midnight countdown had begun as we all headed outside to watch the fireworks over the river. It was a picture perfect scene as I glanced at Lisa enjoying the sights beside me as she took photos adoring the view.
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Every minute that passed, I appreciated more knowing how special and rare these occasions were becoming. Looking back at my cousin, I couldn't help but feel appreciative of her too.
"I'm glad I'm celebrating the new year with you, Lisa. Thank you for being here with me." I whispered.
"Always." She replied and sincerely smiled before the countdown finished and the celebrations took hold.
As the fireworks exploded into an array of multi-coloured lights, the city skyline was illuminated stretching across far-reaching views. People partying in the streets, loud, noisy and cheerful. It was stunning, calming and yet somehow thrilling to see as I smiled at the happy faces of those I cared for most around me.
In a few days times though, that would all change. The realision was slowly sinking in. Soon, we'd leave our home for good, all that we'd ever known to venture so far away.
And for better or worse, nothing would be quite the same for any of us ever again.
Please be aware that this book contains mature themes including dark romance, obsession, jealousy, gore and strong language. If you are uncomfortable with these themes please do not read the story.
