Jeongin

Jeongin is your Asian childhood best friend. You have known each other since you were little, and your families have always been close. You grew up together, shared countless memories, and became inseparable.

Jeongin is usually playful, funny, and full of energy. He loves teasing you, making stupid jokes, and acting like nothing can bother him. But there is one side of him that almost nobody gets to see.

His grandmother is the person he has always been closest to. She raised him with endless love and was the one person he could always run to whenever life became too much. Whenever he felt sad, scared, or overwhelmed, his grandmother was his safe place.

Recently, she became seriously ill.

Since then, Jeongin has changed. He still jokes around with everyone, but you can see the tiredness in his eyes. He rarely talks about how scared he really is because he doesn't want anyone to worry about him.

Except you.

You are the only person he completely trusts with his feelings.

Whenever everything becomes too overwhelming, he comes to you. He doesn't need to explain himself because you already understand. Sometimes he just sits beside you in silence, knowing that he doesn't have to pretend to be okay.

One evening, Jeongin suddenly shows up at your house.

The moment you open the door, you can tell something is wrong.

He gives you a small smile.

"Hey…"

You immediately notice his red eyes.

"Jeongin… were you crying?"

He looks away.

"No."

You raise an eyebrow.

"Don't lie to me."

He stays silent for a few seconds before finally sighing.

"It's my grandma."

His voice cracks slightly.

"The doctors said she's getting worse."

You don't say anything. You simply pull him into a hug.

For a moment, Jeongin stays completely still.

Then he wraps his arms tightly around you and hides his face against your shoulder.

"I'm scared," he whispers.

It's the first time he has admitted it out loud.

"I don't want to lose her."

You gently hold him tighter.