Chapter 29: Chapter 29

Rosie's POV

"Give him time, you very well know how vulnerable Jake is when it comes to these situations," Vash mumbled and my eyes study the dejected form of Jake as he and Yohan oppa talks outside the bus.

A long sigh escaped my lips.

The moment those words came out of my mouth, Jake turned his back and hop out of the bus resulting with me calling out for his name in attempts of stopping him.

Thank God Yohan oppa was fast enough to caught on the situation and run for Jake before he went too far.

To add it up, I felt a little bad because I just realized that the boys are having a serious conversation, Josh oppa's red and swollen eyes gave it away. Even Haiden and Rome oppa looked shaken up a tad bit. Jason was quiet the whole time and only Vash had the energy to talk to me.

After telling him what happened, his expression changed and I understood why.

Everyone on this bus knows how Jake stopped talking to Samantha unnie for years after the other decided to study abroad. And though Jake had moved on, we all know he still has issues with scenarios like this.

He is afraid, afraid to be left behind, afraid that those people he cherishes will soon walk away from him. And I understand.

But this is something I need to do, not just for myself but for my family.

Hannah, my cousin, never once called me or sent me a message to convince me to come home. She's older and she had this idea in mind that every person needs ample time for themselves to heal. That's how she always had been.

So once her name flashes on the screen of my phone, I knew something wasn't right. And there is indeed.

She told me my mother was sent to the hospital. It wasn't anything serious. She said that the doctor says that it's due to fatigue and stress but it worries me.

I knew half of my mom's stress was mainly because of my situation. That's why I made my decision. I'm going home.

Being away for three months gave me a lot of time to gather my thoughts, and I think it's high time I face my troubles alone, even though the consequence is to leave someone I cherish the most, Jake.

My heart dropped at the thought of him. The way Jake's lip shivered and his eyes moist made it harder for me.

His face lost all of its colors and my desire to pull him for a hug grew all even more. But he started running...

He turned his back and ran away from me.

From where I was standing, I can see him staring at the ground as Yohan oppa talks to him. And even though he's quite far from me, I knew he was shaking, and it breaks my heart knowing I was the reason for his heartache at this point.

The sound of someone sighing broke me off my trance and I realized that Vash was staring at me.

"A lot had happened this day." he mumbled and my eyes dropped on the floor. "Why don't you go to the room? I'm sure Jake will soon look for you once he's calm down," he added and as much I want to stay and wait for him outside, I know Vash has a point.

Bidding him goodbye, I slowly went back to the room to pack my belongings.

My heart felt so heavy. It wasn't an easy decision and the first thing that camr through my mind was Jake. Leaving him will not only break his heart but mine too.

I've fallen for him deeply and I, myself knows I'll eventually drown from my own emotions.

I love him and it hurts that I am also the person who's breaking him when all he did was try not to break me.

Before I even knew it, tears are now streaming down my cheeks, silent tears consuming ny very sense.

I didn't how long it was but I kept on packing my things. It wasn't that much but the constant wiping of my tears and stopping every now and then made the process twice the time I should need.

Maybe due to my unfocused state, I failed to notice the sound of the door opening, and maybe because I decided to sit on my bed, my body facing the opposite of the door's direction. It wasn't until I felt a pair of hands slipping through my waist that I get to notice Jake's presence.

Without turning my face, just the smell of him melts down every bit of me. Sometimes, it still surprises me how my body can easily recognize Jake just from his touch and his smell.

He pulled me a little closer until his head is resting at the crook of my neck. Even if I can't see him, I was sure he cried, the dampness of his skin tells me that.

"I'm sorry for turning my back on you, babe," he started, his voice was hoarse proving my assumptions of him crying to be correct. "It's just that, hearing those words made me lose my shit in instant. Those words..." he mumbled, stopping for a moment making it harder for me to keep myself all together. "Those are the words I had been dreading to hear, especially coming from you..." he added.

"Jake," I called for his name. I know it's hard for him and I'm starting to hate myself for it.

"I'm scared," he started. I didn't respond. I just listened because I think this is the best thing to do, to listen to what his heart says.

"I'm scared of being away from you, of you out of my sight. I'm scared of the thought of you forgetting me. But then I know I almost lost Samantha noona because of my foolishness before. That's why I'm trying to keep my shit together even though deep inside, I'm on the verge of breaking down."

"I will come back," I told him, hoping that my words will bring him reassurance.

"I know, but it still scares me. Just thinking about losing you makes me lose the remaining sanity I have in me." he pulled me tighter and my eyes closed, the intensity of our heartbeats burning my whole goddamn chest.

"You won't lose me. That's a promise. I just need to do this so I can finally come back to you all healed." I told him. "You've met the Park Rosie that is incomplete, weak and unsure about herself. It is you that got me still going."

My hands held his and pry them open so I can freely move and turn my body pulling him a little until we're already lying on the bed, facing each other.

"I want you to have the real me, the Park Rosie who wasn't broken by a dark past, someone who had overcome an obstacle and is stronger, ready to fight on with love. I want to love you completely..." I told him, my hands cupping his cheeks as he slowly move forward until both our forehead touch, my eyes closed and so were his.

The sound of our slow breathing can only be heard on the room and perhaps, the loud beating of our chest.

"Promise me you'll take care of yourself and that you won't skip your meals." he stated, his voice shaky and I know he's trying so hard not cry and a soft smile escaped my lips. But I didn't dare open my eyes.

"I promise." I whispered.

"Don't go out without a jacket on especially of it's cold." he added. "And make sure not to get yourself hurt."

I bite my lower lip on his last words, tears once again started streaming down my face.

"Yes babe, for you," I answered.

"I will be waiting, Rosie," he whispered, his words heartbreaking and for a moment, I wanted to question my decision.

Am I doing the right thing?

But then I remember my mom.

His hands wrapping around my waist. "I love you, babe, remember that."

"I love you too, Jake, and I will surely be back. I'll hold on to your words that you'll wait for me,"

No, I am desperately praying that he will.

He pulled me closer until my face was on his broad chest, his arms wrapped around my body.

I will miss this.

I will miss him.

Wait for me Jake. I'll come back for you, I promise.

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