x
436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1rIQeJJRcm
HOSEOK436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Od8AFIZxr
436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsZN8zurZwL
"Scouts behind target, status?"
436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1nQRRPPnok
"Hundred meter mark, clear."
436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiG3RWfmP3O
"Sixty meter mark, clear."
436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCacZZbGUwb
"Thirty meter mark, target in sight, clear."
436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFbvDEiWQjo
I turned nonchalantly to see the last woman who had spoke in my earpiece down the straight path we were on. She had a partner. But not a romantic partner. A work partner meant to feign a significant other. The man and woman were mid-conversation, their regard for each other resembled that of a real loving couple. They were good.
436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiyWVrJi8Zf
Target in sight indicated that Seokjin was in view of the personnel who called it. Also an indication that I hadn't needed to voice my update, much to my relief. At some points, the bends for instance, made it difficult -not mention awkward- to suddenly pull away from the group to whisper my status to the voices in my ear.
436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3eryI71rja
The voices made this hike less than ideal.
436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVGGNJHnfXO
No, it was irritating as hell.
436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnV3wDy583k
The constant concourse of robotic tones repeating the same crap was more monotonous than a text-to-speech app. The past four hours felt like I had two songs of different genres playing in each ear. Nothing made sense until I ignored one. I'm sure I popped at least two veins today.
436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡktEJJBjMN8
My eyes wavered toward a shy Yurim. Her timid body wrapped around the broad shouldered white knight.
436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoxDjKqkuRW
And maybe there were other reasons why I found myself to be slightly irked...
436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHDLF1ytMcp
She didn't seem particularly excited with the prospect of being carried by any of us. But the difference in her composure with the two guys was an interesting observation. Annoying but interesting. Now, as Seokjin carried her, there was a tension in her limbs and muscles. Like she was insecure about something. On Yoongi's back, her body had looked limp in comparison. Though she kept her face a safe distance from his. Had she gotten used to him already?
436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAt7fFUICDh
"I picked this for you."
436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEI60HE1zKH
My eyes cut to my best friend and her temporary steed. Seokjin carefully pulled a flower from his pocket. I saw him pick it during the hike while we were split up. The flower petals were purple which faded to white at the tips. The middle sprouted orange, fuzzy stamens that reminded me of the balls of yarn Yurim had piled in her room last year. She and her mom took on a crocheting job to help fund some repairs they needed for the business. I wasn't useful when it came to the crocheting, but I pedaled Yurim like hell to have them delivered in time.
436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkgP9n0W21J
One night after making all the deliveries, we stopped for ice cream to treat ourselves. Yurim broke down that day. It was the first time I saw her cry. She unloaded all of her concerns and frustrations. That girl worried too much for her own good sometimes but it was the moment I was waiting for since I met her. At first glance I pitied her. Seeing a hoard of concerns swimming behind her tired eyes with no one to tell them to.
436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwYBxe87zsm
I don't know why I went through the trouble of earning her trust. Then again, it's not like there were many interesting students at school anyway. I just knew that everyone should have at least one person in their life they felt safe enough to crumble in front of. Someone they didn't have to keep it together for. Even gang members have a sense of brotherhood that nurtured their familial needs. Sure, there's no crying and hugging involved but everyone had their different languages.
436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAcgmRSXG71
It was amazing that a single flower brought so much meaning and memory. Which was why I picked the same exact one before throwing it away just so the prince could get his moment.
436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1BmTbn81Yj
"Really?" She responded. I could practically hear her blushing. "It's pretty." Yurim spin the flower by its stem, watching the petals spin like a pinwheel.
436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWXSgLTHNFw
"Very pretty," Seokjin nodded. "Now we're both holding pretty flowers."
436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4FHuLlyu6j
Aiiiish, I cringed.
436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcTnmtIIOuG
"Psst."
436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBc2SgxOYzt
I looked to my side where the sound was. Minju marched beside me, her eyes also investigating her sister. This girl's curiosity and tenacity was beyond what was normal. She was everything a guy hated in a girl. Nosy, bossy, selfish, obsessed with gossip, clingy, manipulative, etc. But, as Yurim said, she was still young and had some time to grow out of those qualities. In the beginning of our friendship, my patience was infantile.
436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDODXB4pdPH
Eventually, while being inspired by Yurim's patience, I found harmless ways of annoying her without leaving my cheery persona. It was safe to say that I now saw her as a little sister.
436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvttlhgqRlF
"Oppa." She whispered.
436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgqXGgKFy7o
"Mm?"
436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgTAy9iLklD
"Does Yurim and Yoongi know each other?"
436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOyXVYSFV77
What should've been an immediate answer hit a snag in my brain. We were all classmates, so yeah, we all knew him. With the friends he's had and their recent harassment aimed at her, one could say they were enemies. But that's clearly not what Minju was seeing. Neither did I see any truth in telling her that.
436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIdotL1gDda
I knew Yoongi had differences between himself and his friends regarding her but there was something else. There was something I didn't know. I could feel an absence of information about those two that scratched at my nerves. Why did he feel different?
436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy2ZbwcFqaa
"We all go to the same school." I told her.
436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO2qYHQnwq0
"I thought so. Oppa, I have a serious question and you have to answer me honestly okay?" Minju spoke even softer. The gears in her head turning.
436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEZGRvXD9qE
I chuckled knowing the most ridiculous things usually left her mouth after she thought too much. "I can't wait to hear it."
436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd3klQ9p9ra
The younger girl cupped her hands around her mouth and whispered, "is Eonni secretly a harlot?"
436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkFvnuUNKp6
My fingers twitched but remembered this was Minju. I chuckled, "ya, I should pull you by your ear all the way down this mountain. How could you even think that about your sister?"
436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWhu1ayOe33
"Well, how else could someone boring like her catch all these guys' attention?" She shrugged. "There's no way she doesn't have some secret life of some kind."
436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi9a60pcbE3
I shook my head at her ridiculous theories. "Your sister is just different. Different can be...refreshing for some guys."
436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2KzwCjEATM
I just didn't expect them to find her so damn soon.
436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsdHuK5JJD2
"I'm different." She proclaimed, still deep in thought.
436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNOXMUcx9ux
I grimaced and patted her head. "Sure you are."
436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGTZSmfyGEU
After five minutes of putting her suspicions to rest Hyeji called her over to help her assist Jimin. Those two, Hyeji especially, spoiled him rotten with their care and attention. I smirked to myself at the guys distress. He'd lost my respect ever since I over heard him mention Yurim being naked at the hot springs. What business was it of his to talk about her like that?
436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡim7MaXZj6S
Gradually I swaggered to the back of the group toward Yoongi. Everyone was perfectly distracted enough for me to check in on him.
436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtT1gpNY6ug
The guy was fuming, never letting his eyes off Yurim and Seokjin for more than ten seconds. He reacted to Seokjin better than I expected, though I figured he knew it would work against his favor if he didn't tolerate him. For a moment I thought he'd take a swing at the taller guy for sure. No doubt rough around the edges but his restraint was impressive thus far, I'll admit.
436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTRFiYYQRJ1
"You'll burn a hole through her back pretty soon." I said.
436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHk0xQm9F9k
Yoongi blinked away from them to me before relaxing his surveillance. "More like his face."
436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzP76lDRPr8
"Jealousy never won anyone's heart, you know."
436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx7Pwd9jxUV
"Who said anything about winning anyone?" He defended.
436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW3wBmbRc7R
It's all over your face, you idiot.
436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhWA3wZxIOl
"I just needed her to know that I'm not tryna hurt her like the others."
436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTgBMoMUk1l
"And does she?" I inquired.
436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNL7JaO35rq
"If she doesn't by now, she's an even bigger idiot than I thought." He flicked a look at her again. The guy's body language and tone communicated irritation, but I sensed a genuine concern over the prospect of not being understood by her. I smiled mischievously. I had to test him.
436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRldLYnzu2b
"Which would make you the bigger idiot for trying so hard to win her over, huh?"
436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjsJsNn8z9I
Yoongi glared over at me. "Are you tryna start a fight?"
436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIqF869Rr4S
"Hoseok-ah, don't lose focus. You're on the clock." Heejae warned in my ear. I ignored her.
436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgk1ApWgCN7
I laughed. "Fine. Enlighten me. Why else would you care about what she thinks?"
436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDcmS7umJ4A
In my ear, Heejae asked everyone for their statuses again but I didn't let the voices distract me from the conversation. I didn't know what I was looking for just yet but my gut told me to push him.
436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtc9NLblrlk
The loner turned his eyes to his feet. The look said he knew his answer clearly, he just didn't want to share it. The annoying itch returned as I recalled the missing information. Did his answer have something to do with that part I didn't know? The longer he refused to answer, the itch became more and more annoying.
436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVPnwl6pSk9
"Come on, it can't be that complicated." I goaded. "Don't tell me it's like those dramas where the guy says, 'I made a promise years ago and I plan to keep it.'" I exaggerated with a theatrically deep voice.
436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAR3SPx7SyD
"Hoseok-ah, do not push him. Are you hearing me?"
436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJSirAOkSpI
I caught a twitch in his eye and jaw muscle. His chin dropped slightly but he didn't respond. Was I getting close? Even though I may have been a step closer to finding out what I was missing, his lack of cooperation was starting to tick me off. I needed to know once and for all.
436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ7cEVKZGpf
I played a incredulous face. "Wait...am I actually right? You two knew each other before? Wow, who knew Yoongi was the hopeless romantic type-" A rough tug cut me off.
436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRWNU32i32N
"Ma'am the angry one has Hoseok by the shirt. He looks hostile, should we step in?" The scout behind us reported hastily but calm as Yoongi stabbed his raging and unforgiving eyes into mine.
436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmY7XBgUkIT
"No he probably deserves it. What's the status of the other kids?"
436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDTAjctuV7W
"They're unaware."
436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEg8cxlKlHc
"Good. Interfere only if Seokjin steps in."
436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTulpCftOBJ
"Understood."
436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmHVSaQuRfj
Seeing many eyes like his in my past, I only returned them with careless acknowledgement. Perhaps a little sprinkle of amusement as well. Deep, angry wrinkles formed around his nose as he spoke in a low tone.
436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbXeR3OwRCw
"You're really pushing your luck. How well do you think you'll keep up your clown act once I punch that smirk off your face?" He threatened.
436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbBLKRBt0tU
"De-escalate, kid."
436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvS3QLiEfuA
I scoffed. "You think I can't take a few punches? You think I haven't cracked a smile while choking on my own blood?" Yoongi's furrowed eyes blinked and searched my face for any sign of a bluff.
436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQrIqmUfRXi
"That's not de-escalating."
436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡteHKQ7sdJD
"Yoongi, I don't hate you so I'll let you know right now. I'm not a prideful guy but I'm always a step ahead. You'll lose it and take it out on me and you know what I'm gonna do? I'm gonna take it because I can. And whatever progress you made with her today will have gone to shit. No one loses but you." My heart raced with excitement. I haven't played this game in a long time. The grip on my shirt remained tight, his eyes considering my words.
436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTDj8sjcLLh
"The girls are stirring. They're bound to notice the two left behind."
436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKGm43O9mdY
"Hoseok-ah! If your friends see you two and Seokjin feels inclined to jump in, we'll be forced to step in. And there's nothing you'll be able to do to keep Yoongi from being blacklisted. You know what that means right?" Heejae warned.
436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2knpPiDNyW
We all waited in anticipation. I hoped he wouldn't be stubborn enough to make the wrong choice. If he did, maybe I trusted him prematurely. I turned my eyes to its corners. The girls were giggling loudly, getting Yurim's attention. She worked to look over her shoulder. Only then did I begin to feel nervous. Whatever he decided, if he took too long, the choice will be made for him.
436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgcZCHZGRji
My shirt fell in a wrinkled bunch below my neck. The fabric stretched. Yoongi stepped back, his hostility disappeared but he still regarded me with calm suspicion.
436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKzbySkGsCO
"He released him."
436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKE5j0JWIq2
"What are you?" He asked finally.
436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl2DArC3EIH
"How do you two really know each other?" I retorted. An answer for an answer. That's what the deal was.
436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKAY4oA6WZS
"HEY! WHAT ARE YOU GUYS DOING ALL THE WAY OVER THERE!" Minju called to us. Everyone stopped to turn and look at us. I gave them all a big smile and waved,
436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw9b03Vj4ie
"WE THOUGHT WE SAW A BEAVER! WE'LL CATCH UP!"
436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuzc2biOg30
They waved back and continued walking on. Though Seokjin observed us a little longer, mainly Yoongi, before turning back. When all had returned to normal, I looked at the guy next to me who had been watching my bubbly mannerisms I had just displayed to everyone. He reeked of caution.
436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ92Tp9XsmbE
I chuckled. "Don't look so serious. Come on. Sharing time ends when we catch up to them."
436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUDcBdrma6x
436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfFhKWiaQ4E
Just as the hypnotizing swing of a pendulum, my red meshed shoes swung in and out of view. Every step had a natural numbing affect on my mind where thoughts wandered without direction and arrangement. Most times this relaxed flow of thought was a recipe for disaster and I avoided them. But I couldn't stop thinking about what Yoongi told me.
436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYopYb0TRAg
Middle school.
436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTyJKCFb2Bf
They'd known each other then.
436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxWDfK6jUAu
I wasn't convinced that he told me everything, but I didn't exactly bare my soul either. But I got what I needed.
436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoqZxvRpXNu
I had to laugh at my initial jealousy when he told me. So she was acquainted with him before me. Big deal. Wasn't I the outsider who moved into this town only two years ago? It's not surprising.
436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiRXd11qtEt
Still...
436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1MHff5VzJN
I've had this childish perception of us being our own little world. Life with the gang wasn't terrible. Or at least I didn't think so then. I had a place I belonged to and people who actually believed in my abilities. I thought I'd never find a better situation.
436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5SBqcUgv0o
And then I came here and met her. A weird, intellectual yet dense loner. Yurim, my uncle, and even Heejae were my family now. They all believed in me too. But it wasn't the same as the gang. It was a different kind of happy. Like it would last longer. Maybe even forever. I wanted her to last with me forever. Even if we stayed friends, I was okay with it.
436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWsEQDxj0fm
However, that lie was easier to accept when no one was looking at her.
436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvbJ7ZZxcCs
"You're quiet." Yurim whispered in my ear. A shiver rattled down my spine, pulling me from my trance into high alert. I almost forgot I was holding her.
436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnOAUfwfT9o
I tried to meet her eyes over my shoulder, but caught a glimpse of her lips instead. Quickly, I blinked away and decided looking forward was safest.
436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT1Cfx3AfFd
"Mm?" She noticed my hesitation. "Are you okay? Am I too heavy?"
436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZLea5X7V1v
I smiled. Her worry was endearing. "How can you be too heavy? If a gust of wind came, you'd end up on the other side of the world." I joked. "Besides, I've carried you lots of times."
436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTZFLSEsMa5
"I had to be sure. What were you thinking about?"
436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ92N3Nu7ItK
"You." I smirked.
436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH5JyaCCQki
One of the perks of being best friends was I could say bold things and she still wouldn't know that I loved her. What's funny is how it was also tragic for the same exact reason. And by funny, I mean it sucked.
436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqL8wDuP5iN
"Me? Why?" She asked, curious.
436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLxpOUbo1fz
"You and Yoongi." I paused intentionally.
436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8vRukwAlfA
"Me and...? W-why? What's there to think about? That's weird. Why would you think of us? It doesn't make sense, really." She rambled nervously. A subtle disappointment weighed on my chest. Yoongi made known the possibility that she had forgotten their middle school encounters. I hoped that was the case. If it wasn't, I wondered why she never told me about it.
436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ZNZw9Z89B
"I was just hoping he took good care of you while we couldn't be there." I lied.
436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF5bvyDWhVP
"Oh, that." Yurim chuckled with relief. "Seokjin-shi was concerned about that too. But I guess you could say he...took care of me. Even though he was annoying about it."
436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRtnMswvVRE
"Seems different lately doesn't he? Have you noticed he hasn't been around his friends much?" My mind craved to know her thoughts but I needed to be careful about it. She wasn't just anyone I could push to the point of insanity to give me answers.
436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Kgwz9OpeC
It took a few seconds but she finally responded. "No. I hadn't noticed."
436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGRfuTgxGJG
"Seems like a good sign, huh? What do you think?"
436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡENoCPjtI00
Yurim hesitated before giving a weak chuckle. "You're always looking for the good in people, aren't you?" She embraced me tightly, the sides of our warm faces pressed together. I clench my jaw, once again resisting the urge to turn and graze her jaw with my lips.
436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTpyhdzA8Hs
For a moment I forgot that I had just lost any chance of gaining her thoughts about Yoongi. It didn't matter anyway. She redirected the question and changed the topic. She didn't want to talk about it. And me being a hopeless case, didn't dare push her.
436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4dV4BVumeg
YURIM
436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ08x3dOdxTL
The afternoon sun beat down upon the gravel outside the main building. Luckily we sat on a bench under the shade of the over hang. Hoseok and Seokjin sat at either side of me. My dad's old pair of crutches between me and Hoseok. The fresh air was preferable after another one of dad's worried lectures.
436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDhp7JIFjZq
Even my mom began to question my recent injuries recently and grew more concerned. I lied and assured her I've just been clumsy lately. Even then, her eyes held a look of doubt, as though she was making a mental note to keep a close eye on me. My chest ached with both guilt and dread for making them worry, for lying about the things happening at school recently, and just being a mess in general today.
436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu2tN869LXo
I took a deep breath of the guilt free air. The thick white clouds drifted overhead beneath a blue sky. The trees rustled in the winds creating a chorus of fluttering leaves. Absent of parental concerns. Absent of poisonous school bullies. Absent of danger. Nothing but the sound and natural beauties of life surrounded us.
436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDcmM5zwn6Y
Only when I was able to take in the peacefulness of my surroundings did I notice that I had been twisting a piece of thread in between my fingers.
436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsy5DseTEvp
I looked down at the bandage around my hand. I must've been picking at it subconsciously because part of it already began to shred. The shredded threads I found entwined into a single rope between my thumb and index finger. The bandage itself gave a strange feeling. It was like an extension of the person who put it there. A palpable reminder that he was here.
436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs19X6RTDoq
Was, being the ultimate word.
436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtRBacA9JD5
No one knew when Yoongi left. He was just gone. The last time I saw him, he'd stayed behind in the lobby as Hoseok and Seokjin took me to my room. When I came back out to escape my parents, he was nowhere to be seen. Clearly, he didn't know manners enough to let someone know he was leaving. Forever rude miscreant! At least Jimin said goodbye!
436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrWCDUVO1N5
Jimin's mother's assistant picked him up several minutes ago. They went to get his rash checked immediately. I'm surprised Seokjin didn't go with him. I chanced a look at his hands which were resting on his knees. His fingers drumming one at a time in a repeated sequence.
436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiFg3XU2seX
"Do you have a plan for getting to school?" Hoseok broke the silence.
436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdgkBqZ7Zda
"Huh? You're still going to school?" Seokjin asked. "Aren't you going to let yourself recover first?"
436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ16m4W7OPdj
I cringed. "I can't. I've already had enough absences this year. And no, there's no plan," I looked back at Hoseok. "Walking to the bus stop isn't hard--even on crutches. I'll be fine." My friend considered my words but still appeared to be troubled about something.
436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi6s0aBS9R0
"It's not that we're worried about." Seokjin was leaned forward, his foot pushing the gravel absentmindedly with his shoe. "It's Namjoon and his friends."
436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlD5Taq5BwQ
Bile churned in my gut. I almost forgot about those guys. Those three horrid faces were etched in my brain.
436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxFffeny7gY
"You're more vulnerable now and something tells me they're not going to let you slide just because you're injured." Seokjin explained gently.
436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOdnaZipX9a
"Right..." I acknowledged my peril.
436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUw1EW49LRu
"Hoseok-oppa." We all looked at Minju who waved Hoseok towards her. "Dad needs your help with something."
436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG7TNpnuvSV
"What is it?" He got up. Despite asking, Hoseok followed her away without an answer. "Ya, disrespectful kid, are you not gonna answer?" He muttered before disappearing into the building.
436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpabHdD3Z7B
Silence floated between me and Seokjin. The air was stale with solemnity from our previous discussion. But it didn't last long. The sounds of nature intensified again, cleansing the air. Even the sprinklers contributed to the peaceful music surrounding us. The silence went from solemn to peaceful and safe.
436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSP1H4J6cD7
Birds whistled. I looked toward them. Tiny brown birds with yellow streaks on their bellies. Just one looked as though it'd be cozy in my the palm of my hand. There were at least seven fluttering from branch to branch on a nearby tree. They moved in harmony with each other.
436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHQ95QqBXZc
A sudden strong breeze blew one away from the flock. The dainty ball of feathers disappeared into a bush with soft thump. I gasped before it popped out of the hedge. It hopped up the tree little by little. I smiled with relief when it joined the others, curing my short lived anxiety for the adorable creature.
436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEKg4xHxS4J
"Happy ending?" Seokjin asked. I met his eyes, startled to find an intrigued expression with no small amount of amusement mixed in. Embarrassed, I shied away. He'd been watching my reactions.
436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcpHyuB3iXi
"Yes." I nodded. "I didn't expect to get so invested."
436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjWO7traT2F
"Neither did I," he gave a meaningful smile.
436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPO0mVMa8NM
I chuckled before his meaning hit. When it did, my mind buffered for an embarrassing moment. Heat flooded my cheeks. My stomach did multiple flips, making the butterflies there dizzy. Slowly, my face gained mobility. A smile crept out which I tried to bite back. I should say something. This is where someone in my place says something!
436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5VjknzyP7I
I searched my mind for something witty and flirtatious. Something. Anything! Conveniently, the file cabinets in my brain turned up empty. All I could do was sit there and hope he didn't think I was stupid. A gentle breeze made long strands of my hair float around my face. It even carried traces of the fresh scent of detergent from Seokjin's clothes. Only reminding me he was here, with me, while I was in my head.
436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡflmBVAcDrd
"What are you thinking about?"
436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6UT24CZF7O
I grimaced, hesitant to further embarrass myself.
436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIOk4W9D7QE
"Come on now, where's my brutally honest date?" He raised his eyebrows. My smile faded a little.
436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqu8I0SfR0k
Too honest. That has always been my defining feature all these years. Yet I was lying to my own family about being a target at school. It's the kind of thing I never thought I'd do. What was also concerning was the feeling that there was more I wasn't being totally honest about.
436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmtXGSgSQSq
I felt false.
436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsxSXc9Iazq
"Um..." I tested my voice first and cleared my throat. "I was thinking about how hard it is to think of something to say." I admitted. It's was embarrassing but I wasn't going to make a habit out of lying.
436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSbdp8HeSFt
Seokjin's head tilted to the side. "Not everything needs a response. Sometimes silence does more to express ourselves than words. Try not to overthink the small things." He smiled and my shoulders felt lighter. And my vision brighter. Not even the summer sun could melt away my cares as well as Seokjin's assuring words and kind smile. "People should live simply. So don't push yourself to do something just because you think it's expected of you. I don't want being with me to feel like a chore. It isn't...is it?"
436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2NyigJ44RF
Quick like lightning, my hands shot up, frantically waving, "no, no, no! It's not! I like being with you!" A part of his eyebrow twitched.
436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvZbd8Mwi4X
"Good." He smiled. A moment passed. "Actually, during the hike- before he got bitten by something, Jimin was just suggesting that we all go the Summer Carnival together."
436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwv16moMILg
"The Summer Carnival? Isn't that close to finals?"
436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfyid9rjiFS
Seokjin shrugged. "Just before. Which isn't too bad. It could give everyone a chance to relax before they take the test of their lives. The moment we get to prove our worth." He continued snidely. It was initially a wary thought to risk a distraction before the most stressful period of high school. But I supposed he had a point.
436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOM4mWLHkNP
"All of us?" I guessed he didn't really mean everyone who went hiking.
436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0MRHII17EB
"Don't worry, Hoseok was excited about the idea too." He answered. I gave a small smile, my fingers fidgeted the thread of the cream colored bandage again. "Unless...you'd prefer just me and you." He leaned in closer, touching his arm to mine. My chest burned at the added warmth. The scent of his clothes and now his hair were carried in the gentle breezes around us. The faint cherry blossom scent suggested he brought his own necessities.
436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjMs0KY4Vee
"Well," I squeaked before clearing my throat. Why did this make me so nervous? We've been alone before. It wouldn't be anything new.
436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoKuvgKUEa1
Seokjin's plump lips drew back to reveal his perfect teeth. "Just kidding. It'd be rude to leave our best friends behind."
436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡliTWzTVVgz
I chuckled nervously. "Oh, right..."
436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBKEch8J6Oa
"Besides, we could always sneak off together if we need to." He looked away with half of his devilish smile in full view. Goosebumps had risen along my arms. My cheeks were inflamed. Why was he saying these things? I rubbed the bumps on my arms away, doing my best to seem indifferent. Though I wasn't confident I was doing a good job of it.
436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzmipt4RJ38
"Hm? You're not cold, are you?" He asked, observing my attempt to hide my goosebumps. "Wait, why is your face red?"
436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ9MQ8mHVba
"What? Red? Are you sure? It may just be the heat. My skin is pretty sensitive to heat you know. It's Summer after all." I babbled anxiously. Turning my face away from him.
436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlYV30IimgV
A black car then pulled up onto the property and parked in front of us. I tried to get a look at the driver but the windows were heavily tinted. It was impossible.
436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡloczwOnUaf
"That's me." The boy next to me announced. His voice losing some of its playfulness from earlier. "Good things really do come to an end."
436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdH1XMNaQhW
"As do they begin anew." I countered encouragingly.
436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB6fzf154gM
He smiled while shouldering his bag with his belongings. "I guess I'll see you at school." I nodded in agreement. I was really lucky to have people to make school better despite what's been going on. "Oh! I almost forgot. I think I accidentally deleted your number. Could you send me a text or something?"
436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5TSp4HjZWc
"Oh. Okay." I immediately took my phone out to look for his number.
436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW9x1JLUjPB
That's when I felt something soft peck my cheek. A flurry of fireworks went off in my body. It seemed to happen in slow motion yet it was over before I had time to process what had just happened. As he walked toward the vehicle, the spot under my cheek bone tingled and buzzed with electricity. By the time I came to, he'd stepped into the car with a last wave towards me.
436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU5bCdZmK2I
I blinked out of my shock to waved back. A tremor persisted in my hands. My legs felt weak. If my face was red before, it must've been hellish now.
436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeJ6hYeO2p2
He kissed me.
436Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVoYdlHsp2b
Kim Seokjin kissed me!
ns216.73.216.94da2
