Withered (Michaeng) ✔️

Chapter 41: Your Love

Mina and Chaeyoung are packed, waiting for the driver sends by his father to take them to the airport for their flight to Jeju Island. As they board one of the private jet own by the Son's and take their seats, they are talking about the resort island with its magnificent view of nature and what Mina might expect when she gets there. The girl hasn't been to the place---just because she doesn't like to go out, a homebody---not like Chaeyoung who usually forced by his father to follows him for work out of the town or country, so Jeju Island isn't a strange place for him. Plus, they have a branch office on the island.

The flight takes an hour and a quarter long. Now, that the plane has taken off and shortly the Captain announces that they'll be landing. As they depart the plane and walk down the hallway, Mina texts her mother informing that they already arrived safely. Since the girl never separated anywhere far from her family, her mother is really worried though they still inside the same country.

Chaeyoung first settles their luggage before they drive off to the private villa. He glances to his side and witnesses Mina staring out the window for the whole ride. A smile form on his lips as he can see her reflection, her eyes are sparkly and awestruck admiration shown on her face. As they get further into the woods, Mina rolls down the window and inhale a big lump of air before releasing it slowly. There's a smell of damp leaves and she could hear the rustle of roosting bird and eerie noise.

Chaeyoung park the white Toyota RAV4 Hybrid in front of the wooden villa then look at the girl, she has her eyes closed sinking into her seat. He takes the opportunity to stare at her face, admiring her feature then put his hand inside his pocket, brushing the small box with his thumb. He sighs and lay back, deciding not to interrupt her sleep and just wait until she wakes up.

It doesn't take long when the girl moves a little and soon awaken by the sound of water splashing from the stream. Her eyes search for him when she realizes she's alone in the car with his brown coat works as a blanket to cover her from the chilly wind. She sighs in relief when she caught him from the wing mirror walking towards the car.

"Oh, you're awake" Chaeyoung states the obvious then sticks his head into the passenger's window, bending a bit as his chin rests on his folded arm. Mina glares at him, upset that he's leaving her alone. The younger smiled apologetically before pulling his right hand that he hides behind his back, revealing a bunch of daisies. Mina scoff and involuntarily smile then take the flowers. She doesn't forget to pinch his cheeks for punishment while Chaeyoung gladly accepts it with a chuckle.

He opens the door for her and helps the girl to get off the car. Mina looks around, it's cosy beneath the canopy of yellow to brown and red. "Thank you," She says, smiling at him. Chaeyoung nods and smiles back before he walks behind her, lightly pushing the girl to get inside the house while skipping on his track. "Come on, hurry. Let's eat after we unpack. You haven't eaten anything since on the plane."

Mina roams her eyes trying to decide where she will put everything. She hangs her coat, skinny jeans and maternity dresses in the wardrobe and lined up her shoes---sandals, ballet flats, and sneakers- underneath her clothes. She doesn't bring a lot as they'll go shopping in the town. It takes her half an hour to nearly finished unpacking, the only things left are her books. She wanders all over the place, searching for a bookshelf but sees nothing. That's when her eyes caught a floor mirror that stands in the corner of her bedroom.

She walks closer and stands before it. Staring at her own reflection triggers the insecurity inside her. In this society, she often feels painted in the background, and it doesn't matter for her. She enjoyed being unnoticed and blended in the crowd because that's who she is, the girl hates to be the center of attention. She seeks for space and privacy. But, it's different now, the image of a young girl carrying a child is not acceptable in this community and in a blink of eyes, she becomes the talk of people.

She isn't that numb and fully aware of the disgusted look people thrown at her. She tries to ignore it and does it perfectly but, it still spark the anxiety in her, it still hurt to be called 'sluts', and listen to those rumours that aren't true. They don't even know anything, yet they judge me. She thought.

It's all about the idea of becoming a mother at an early age and Mina unsure if she can or even ready to be a mother but one thing for sure, she loves her baby more than anything. It's true that her stupid self almost aborts the tiny life inside her but now, she's thankful it isn't the case.

Mina caresses her bump and examining herself from head to toe. I grew uglier and fatter. She thought. The girl shakes her head and sigh, chuckling at her own weird thinking. Why is it even important? She never feels so low about herself and how her image on the mirror crashing her self-esteem. But, she just wishes that there's someone....

"You look gorgeous"

.....that can make her feel better about herself.

Mina raises her head upon hearing the sudden compliments. She watches Chaeyoung swing his legs towards her. The guy smiles and stands behind the girl, slowly place his hands on her shoulder and gives it a gentle squeeze. He peeks over and their eyes meet, staring at each other via the mirror.

"And beautiful inside," He adds pertaining to the inner beauty. Mina just smiles but it's that kind of smile that doesn't reach her eyes. Chaeyoung catches her expression and quickly step forwards, standing in between the girl and the mirror, blocking her from seeing her reflection. With a joyous look, he reaches out and cups her cheeks gently, made her meet his gaze.

"At the core of your heart, you are perfect and pure. No one and nothing can alter that."

Mina lifts her hand and resting it on his, bathed in the guy soft words as she feels the warm touch of his hands. Chaeyoung smiles softly and pulls her into a hug, cradled her head against his shoulder while stroking her hair. She snuggles closer as she buries her face into the crook of his neck. Her hands snaked around his waist and she relaxes against him with a contented sigh.

"I'll bring your book to the library" He says when he sees the boxes near them labelled as 'Pengu's books' are still unopened. The girl nods then pull him closer, indicating him to stay still.

"Later" She whispers. Chaeyoung smile and they hug for a few more minutes.
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After they arrange their things, Chaeyoung suggests that they go to a nearby restaurant for a bite to eat and she agreed. As they hit the small yet fancy restaurant, he pulls a chair for her to sit on before settling down in front of her. Mina just goes along although she feels something off and weird, eyeing the younger then smile at him. When their food arrives, Chaeyoung takes her plate and cut the steak into smaller pieces beforehand it to the girl and says,

"Eat well"

She stares at him, narrowing her eyes as he already digs his meals. Mina plants her gaze somewhere and mumbles a 'thank you' whereas Chaeyoung only nods, eyes locked on his food. For some odd reason, the silence is uncomfortable and awkward for Mina. She steals a glance at him and the guy keeps his head low and eat, not minding anyone or anything. She clears her throat to gain his attention and she succeeds as Chaeyoung lift his head.

"You're being extra generous today. Something good happens? Or.." Mina smile and leans forward, smirking at him "Do you want something from me?" She playfully asks just to tease the cub but Chaeyoung stays still, not even affected by her jokes and just stare at her.

"Yes," Chaeyoung mindlessly answers. His voice firm that causes mina blinks and pulls away, she breaks their eyes contact when she feels his intense stare.

"What is it?"

Your love.

- to be continued-