Neighbor|Taekook - Chapter 49: Chapter 49

The next morning, Jungkook woke up feeling better. He took a hot shower and saw that the love bites on his neck haven't faded away, rather turned even darker shade of purple.
I should sort these out somehow... Next time I will stop hyung gnawing on my neck like this...
He ate a big filling breakfast of warm porridge, took his vitamins and then put on his uniform along with the tie. I bet hyung will be surprised that I tied it myself. Full of pride, Jungkook looked at his tie knot in the mirror. It looks better than his! He threw on a coat and put on the same scarf he wore yesterday to cover the hickeys on his neck.
He stepped outside of his apartment  and locked locked the door behind him. Then he lightly knocked on Taehyung's door. That's weird...He's usually not late....
In a while, when Jungkook's patience almost ran out, Taehyung opened the door and greeted Jungkook with a smile. "Feeling okay?"
"I'm better, I think...,"he sighed, ready to complain about Taehyung being late. "Wait, hyung...what's that?"he pointed at his boyfriend's neck.
"We're a couple now," Taehyung tugged at the scarf tied around his neck. It was the same exact shade of blue as Jungkook's scarf.
"Oh God...weren't you the one telling me that we should keep a low profile in order to avoid bullying?"
"Did I?"he asked innocently. "After yesterday, it's time to reconsider certain things. I want to make sure that it's clear who you belong with."
"Take it off."
"Are you telling me to take off my uniform?"he smirked.
"Don't be stupid...The scarf!" it was just the beginning of the day, but Jungkook was already feeling annoyed.
"But it's cooold,"Taehyung whined in aegyo voice, pouting.
"I cannot believe this,"Jungkook sighed and put his hands on his hips assertively. "Listen, I have many scarfs, you can borrow one in a different color. Even take it forever if you want. Actually, how did you find a scarf identical to mine? When did you buy it?"
"I got it as a gift some time ago. I didn't buy it on purpose, I swear,"he giggled.
"That's hard to believe...But whatever..."
"You can always take off your scarf if you're ashamed..."
The idea of Jimin and all the other students in school seeing his bruised neck terrified him more than wearing couple clothes with Taehyung. People would think it's just a coincidence...Besides, we all wear the same uniform. Then aren't we all wearing couple clothes? How have I never thought about it?
"No way, let's go," Jungkook realized how late they were and quickly snapped out of his thoughts. He put his arm around Taehyung's shoulders, pushing him forward with zero care how rough he was.
They managed to catch their usual bus after sprinting to the bus stop, their breath creating little clouds in the icy morning. Once inside, they were sitting comfortably side by side. Taehyung automatically leaned his head against Jungkook's shoulder. The younger one tried his best to remain motionless because his hyung looked so peaceful and adorable that he didn't have the heart to push him off. He looked down, observing Taehyung's features. From that angle, his eyelashes looked even longer than usual. He looks like a sleeping angel... I'm so lucky.
"So, are we good? You're not angry about yesterday?" Jungkook asked carefully, his eyes glued to Taehyung's face, looking for any minor reaction.
Taehyung shrugged,"I already forgot about it, thanks for reminding me,"he said without any obvious emotion on his face.
Shit...
"Okay, sorry....Hmm, so what are you doing after school?"
"I'm busy today,"he answered unbothered.
Seeing that Taehyung wasn't interested in talking, he mumbled,"I should go to the library and work on my assignment."
"Uhm."
"Are you sleeping?" Jungkook peeked at his face. "Come on hyung, we're almost there."
Taehyung lazily opened his eyes and tied his scarf tighter. "Let's hold hands,"he moved his hand, palm up in front of Jungkook.
"No."
"Hold my hand."
"I said no,"Jungkook repeated firmly.
Taehyung's eyes bore deeply into Jungkook's, giving him last chance to reconsider his answer. I will remember this," Taehyung's voice got lower as he drew his outstretched hand back.
"I'm not rejecting your hand, you know. It's just, that the other students will-"
Taehyung didn't let Jungkook finish and in silence climbed over him to get out of the bus, without waiting for him.
"Hyung!"Jungkook quickly took his backpack from the bus seat and ran after him. He caught up to him, even though his hyung was walking unusually fast. "What happened?"he panted by his side.
"I'm going to school."
"Yeah I know that, but you're sulking, aren't you?"
"Who cares?"
He totally is.
Jungkook sighed and tugged at Taehyung's scarf, stopping him. His hand didn't reach for his hand, instead he grabbed the strap of his backpack. "Let me carry it for you."
Taehyung's eyes followed Jungkook's hand, sliding the backpack from his shoulder,"oh, suddenly you're not ashamed?"
"I told you that's not because I don't want to hold your hands or have couple clothes. It's to avoid any conflict in the school. I protect you, remember?"
"Okay,"Taehyung said, still seemingly sulking.
"People will know for sure now. Same scarf, me carrying your bag for you. Are you happy?"
"Hmmm"Taehyung looked at his nails, with his signature pouted lips. He slowly turned his face to Jungkook,"yes,"he grinned.
"You just want me to get in trouble, right?"
"Maybe?"he smiled widely.
"Is this your idea of protecting? Soooo evil..."
Taehyung's face suddenly turned menacing,"no one will mess with my boyfriend here. They wouldn't dare..."
Jungkook got goosebumps from the unexpected change. What was that about?
"I can't figure you out, hyung. One moment you're so fearful and worry about us so much, the next you're so reckless."
"Lately, I realize more and more that life's too short. So I want to live without regrets, freely."
"Okay okay, my boyfriend is bipolar, that's it."
Taehyung stopped,"don't you think it's rude to say such thing, Jungkookie?"
"Sorry..."
"Never assume anything about anyone, okay?"
"Yes sir."
"Good boy. Anyway,"Taehyung took his backpack from Jungkook's shoulder,"the first class is starting in a minute so I have to go."
"Yeah, me too...So, have a nice day hyung,"he moved closer to give him a hug, then stopped himself and just bowed awkwardly.
"You too, baby."
Jungkook nodded with a smile, then turned on his heel to walk to the classroom.
He decided to concentrate as much as possible on the studied topics during the morning classes, but his attention span was too short for that. He got scolded by the teacher for not paying attention during the geography class, as he was imagining doing something with Taehyung, not suitable for school. Definitely not suitable...
The bell announced the end of the class and Jungkook got up from the chair with a big sigh. When will I finally be free from this torture? I can't even feel my ass. So sore from sitting on it for hours... What's the point? I don't remember anything the teacher was saying, I bet I will not understand my notes either and I will have to teach myself everything from the textbooks. I'm just wasting my life here, day after day...
He dragged himself to get lunch and plopped onto a chair at the first available table. I suddenly miss him. Even though he's bipolar...no I shouldn't say that...Actually, definitely bipolar...hmm never mind...he always heals me somehow. His teasing, although annoying, it's endearing and so cute...
Lost in his thoughts almost half of the lunch break was gone. Where is he? He twisted his neck left and right, searching for his favorite brown head of hair. Perhaps not hungry? I should get used to spending time without him, I'm getting too clingy. I cannot believe it. Kinda gross... Come on Jungkook, you can be alone, no problem, you don't need him. Him...
He spotted Jimin sitting with Hoseok few tables away, so he forced his tired body to move and greet them.
Hoseok smiled at him brightly, the moment he made an eye contact with him,"oh it's our maknae."
"Hi Jungkookie,"Jimin looked up at him with dark circles under his eyes.
"Are you cold?"Hoseok asked.
"Uhh, I had a bad fever yesterday...My mom forced me to bundle up."
"How was your trip?"Jimin asked.
"Trip?"Hoseok turned his head to Jimin curiously.
"Kim Taehyung took him to Jeju,"Jimin said looking into his bowl of rice.
"Oh..."the corners of Hoseok's mouth dropped down.
"We're neighbors,"Jungkook added quickly for explanation, looking for an understanding in the eyes of the two older students.
"Besties?"Hoseok grinned.
"Hyung...You know how it is..."Jimin interrupted in a quiet voice.
"How it is? What do you mea-" Hoseok's eyes widened for a second, then he nodded quietly.
What? What how it is?!
"Good luck,"Hoseok said to Jungkook and smiled faintly. "Oh I got to go...forgot something," he stood up, taking his food tray with him and joined Yoongi, who just came into the food hall. Both of them sat down at a table nearby.
Jungkook's eyes followed Hoseok, then turned back to face Jimin. He barely turned his head to look at Yoongi.
"Hyung, seriously...what happened? Are you avoiding Yoongi-hyung?"
"Am I avoiding him?"Jimin rested his chin on his hand.
"You know what I'm talking about,"Jungkook looked into his eyes firmly.
"No?"
"Let me quote you; 'Hyung you know how it is...'"
Jimin lifted his head, shocked,"what did you say?"
Jungkook smiled. I was right.
"Do you...have any idea what you're saying?"Jimin asked with a slight tinge of panic in his voice.
"Yes, it took me too long...But you and me...we're both-"
"Shush! Don't talk about it here,"Jimin was suddenly alert. Hoseok and Yoongi glanced briefly at their table.
"I think I hit the nail on the head."
"Okay, you're not as dumb as I had thought before."
"Dumb?!"Jungkook crossed his arms on his chest,"I'm sorry but you know-"
"You're kinda slow..."Jimin sighed.
"Slow?! Are you going to just diss me now hyung?"
"Anyway...What you said then...you and Kim Taehyung...it's as I feared."
"Feared?"
"I'd told you to avoid him, you didn't listen."
"It's too late now. Besides why are you so concerned? Actually you haven't answered my question, what happened between you and him,"Jungkook's eyes darted in Yoongi's direction.
"He got angry."
"An argument, that's it?"
"It's my fault...He won't listen to me, even if I try to explain everything to him."
"Your fault? What did you do hyung?"
"I might've underestimated him. He's more sensitive and insecure than it seems. You know Yoongi-hyung might look a bit cold at first, but he's very kind, gentle and caring at heart."
"Hmm well I can tell he's a bit blunt, but I have definitely seen his caring side as well... So, are you planning on fixing your situation? Or letting Hoseok-hyung take your spot?"
"Huh?"
"They're very close, aren't they?"Hoseok had his arm draped over Yoongi's hunched shoulders.
"They're just good friends, besides Hoseok-hyung would never..."
"People aren't always as they appear."
"If you want to preach this, perhaps you should focus on your boyfriend first. Then we can talk..."
"I trust hyung."
"Maybe you shouldn't."
"How about maybe he shouldn't trust me instead?" If only he knew...
"Believe me, he doesn't."
What?
Jungkook shook his head,"what happened between you two? He told me that you and him used to be best friends or something."
"I'm pretty sure we still are."
No way, that's my position.
"You don't look like that. Not talking, just nodding to each other..."
"Only he can give you answers, it's not my place to say anything."
"Jeez, this is getting repetitive. Should I hire a private investigator?! By the way, this high school seems to be having a particularly high concentration of gays."
Jimin chuckled suddenly,"strange, isn't it? Even them,"he pointed at another table where Namjoon and Seokjin were having some heated argument over banchans.
"No way..."
"Like a married couple, aren't they? But they're happy and we all try to help each other. Being a minority will always be difficult."
"Do other students know?"
"There's so much gossip going around..."
"So if everyone knows, then why hide it?"
"Let me guess, you haven't experienced the bullying yet. It gets nasty..."
"Some people yelled some horrible things at me and hyung once." Ugh that horrible night...
"Once..."Jimin laughed bitterly,"it happens on a daily basis...if you're not particularly strong and unbothered, it can get to you. So we're all trying to not bring any attention to us.
"Okay..."
"People already know about your and Taehyung's scarves. You like the matchy matchy look, don't you?"
"I don't!"
Are people here spending their time watching CCTV or what? A person can't even walk to school without being gawked at...
"Ah typical Taehyung,"Jimin smiled. "You know, I won't interfere anymore...I just hope you two are happy."
"We're very happy...I think,"Jungkook grinned.
"I see."
"So...we should create some kind of battle strategy, shouldn't we?"
"For what?"
"Getting your man back of course."
Jimin started laughing,"Jungkookie is cute as always... Thanks for help, but I can handle this on my own."
"Let's meet after school and go to the library, okay?"
"I'm not particularly eager to study there, but alright let's meet up,"Jimin sighed with resignation.
The fallen dry leaves from the trees in front of the school building were rustling in the wind. Jungkook waited for Jimin by the school gate after he was done with his classes. Why is everyone paying that much attention to me? Jungkook put his hands in his pockets as other students were crossing the gate. Maybe I'm paranoid but...Oh wait, she definitely at looked me, no stared at me...and that guy too. Wow suddenly I'm not a ghost... It didn't even take that long! I just have to come out as gay and I'm sure I will instantly become popular... He bit his bottom lip in frustration, the sudden attention making him uncomfortable.
"Hungry?"
"Oh, finally! I thought I was going to get burned alive by all those stares."
"Let's eat something,"Jimin smiled and walked past the gate. "Or are you waiting for someone else?"he looked over his shoulder when Jungkook didn't follow him.
"N..no I'm not."
Where is he?
"How about getting roasted chestnuts"
"Sure."
"Has something happened to you Jungkookie?"
"No, why?"
"Is it because of those students staring at you?"
"I don't know..."
"Don't worry, the buzz will die down and they'll eventually get bored. And find another victim...You will witness this cycle often, pretty much every year with the wave of new students. You will get used to it."
"Why should I get used to it? Live like this? Like an alien, some exhibition in a museum or an animal in a zoo?!"
"The less you fight it, the better. Don't waste your energy on this."
"When I see those blank faces staring at me with those stupid empty eyes I have an urge to scratch them out and-"
"Whoah....That's bit much don't you think?"Jimin looked at him concerned.
"Sorry,"Jungkook dropped his head down and took a deep breath to calm down.
Jimin pressed his lips together,"this calls for waffles?"
"Huh?"
"I'm afraid chestnuts won't be enough,"he grabbed Jungkook's forearm and tugged him in a different direction. "There's a small waffle place and their waffles can cure any heartache...I promise."
"I don't have a heartache or whatever,"Jungkook reluctantly followed,"but I am kinda hungry."
"Yeah, yeah, then I have a heartache okay?"
"Yeah you have,"he mumbled.
Jimin shook his head, "I can totally see why Taehyung is so smitten with you."
"He's not smitten!"
"I know him better than you. His eyes don't lie. I haven't seen that look in them since... It's been long time."
"I think I like him more than he likes me."
"Never. Oh, here it is, smells amazing doesn't it?
"Smells expensive,"Jungkook sighed as he was nearly drooling at the thought of eating warm waffles doused with syrup.
"I'll pay,"Jimin offered,"don't worry."
"Thanks,"Jungkook walked inside the waffle place without hesitation. He looked around and then turned to Jimin,"hyung, can I have everything on the menu?" He smiled sweetly.
"Four."
"Four?"
"Four waffles of your choice."
"That's not enough... I didn't want to admit it, but you know, I have a really bad heartache right know,"he clenched his hand over his chest.
"Well we can always go to the library instead of sitting here. Let's not waste time."
"Four waffles sound amazing. Jiminie-hyung is the best,"Jungkook rushed to sit at a table.
Jungkook ordered waffles with few scoops of vanilla ice cream, chocolate syrup, toasted walnuts, caramel drizzle, strawberries and whipped cream. He immediately tucked into the waffle mountain piled in front of him, as Jimin slowly started eating only one plain waffle he ordered for himself.
"Hyung, I think you should eat more,"Jungkook pointed at the sad waffle with a butter knife.
"It's okay, this is how I normally eat."
"Iph it enaph?"
"I'm on a diet."
Jungkook took a sip of the banana milk he ordered with waffles,"why? You don't need to lose weight."
"My face is chubby...And my jawline isn't as sharp as I would like it to be..."
"No way,"Jungkook looked at him critically,"I would say you should eat more!"
"Don't worry, I'm not that hungry anyway."
"Well you know, I don't like my face that much either, but starving ruins your health. So I'm okay with my face looking puffy, I'm sure Taehyungie-hyung likes me the way I am. And I'm sure Yoongi-hyung also likes you no matter what. Besides you're really handsome, hyung. Don't change anything. Just eat more, we need a fuel for our brains, right?"
Why am I lecturing him all of a sudden? He's older than me. Oh well... He looked at his own plate, sighed and put one waffle on Jimin's plate. Why am I so kind? Goodbye perfect waffle...
"What are you doing?"
Jungkook didn't reply, just smiled and nodded. Jimin hesitated but after a while smiled back and started eating. They were chatting and eating for a while, but only few hours were remaining until the evening, so they decided to be responsible and finally head to the library. Jungkook didn't know exactly the way to the library as he has never been in this part of the city, so Jimin was leading.
"The library is in that direction. Not that far...Actually, I like this street a lot, it has my favorite cafes and restaurants,"Jimin said, walking slightly ahead of Jungkook.
"Do you come here often?"
"I used to, but not recently...Here they make amazing milkshakes in summer. Aaaaand in another place...where is it? Oh a bit farther,"Jimin steps got faster. "They make the best choux cream bread here,"he pointed at a cozy looking cafe.
"I want to try. Can we hyung?"Jungkook looked at him with puppy eyes, although his stomach was full.
"Oh,"Jimin grabbed Jungkook's forearm.
"Oh what?"
"Oh nothing,"Jimin pulled him away.
"Wait, stop! I just want to see."
"Sorry, I can't spend more money. Let's go."
"I really just-"he managed to shake off Jimin,"want to see." He ran back to look at the window display of the cafe. "So how does this shoe cream bread look like?"
"I think they don't sell it today. Come Jungkookie it's getting dark already."
"Okay I just-"
Jungkook stooped looking at the display but instead focused on the cafe interior. Maybe they keep the bread inside. Like some sort of secret menu or something. He saw baristas skillfully preparing some drinks and then he saw another cake display.
"Hey hyung, the shoe cream bread looks like a cake? Or is it...is it..."his eyes noticed something he was least expecting. Or rather someone...
There was a table for two, with a small lamp emitting warm light onto a smiling face. Taehyung's face. He was talking to another man.
"Wh...who is that,"Jungkook jabbed the glass of the window with his index finger, pointing at the stranger. "You...you know him hyung?"he looked at Jimin, hoping for some explanation of the scene in front of his eyes. Scene which felt like a betrayal.
Jimin sighed loudly,"I think...his name is Minjae. He's from a different school in Seoul. Anyway, as I said we should go."
"I...I see..."Jungkook only saw the back of the man, but judging from how Taehyung was looking at him, he must've been handsome.
So this is "busy" according to hyung...
"Do you want to go in and say hi?"Jimin interrupted.
"No!"
"Is this...your first time seeing Taehyung with another guy? Your face got so pale suddenly."
"Of course not... And it's not like that...Let's just go before we're seen,"Jungkook quickly crossed the main road to the other side of the street.
Him saying that he has no friends?! That was a blatant lie! They looked like they had met many times before...Getting warm and cozy. For sure that guy is super handsome. And I'm just... His blood was boiling with the unmistakable feeling of jealousy.
'It takes a liar to spot one...' Shit...what if he was actually serious?! Wait am I admitting that I'm a liar? Oh God...all of this seemed too good to be true, what is happening?! Suddenly our relationship seems...not pure. Who's responsible here? You reap what you sow is coming true...Wait that guy...No fucking way...No, no, no...I must never meet him...How much does he know about Taehyung-hyung? Are they close? I have to calm down...It will be okay. His ears were ringing, his breathing shallow. Somewhere in the distance he heard someone calling. It was Jimin's voice. Jungkook turned around and saw him running towards him.
"Thank God you stopped,"Jimin bent down catching his breath. "Why did you run all of a sudden?"
"I ran?"
"I was worried you were going to get hit by a car, pabo!"
"Sorry hyung, I guess I panicked..."
"What happened to you? Is it just because you saw Taehyung with someone else?"
"No..."
"It's not like he was cheating. And he has a right to meet other people, don't you think so?"
"You're right."
"I can tell you love him very much. But love is no excuse for possessiveness."
Jungkook was suddenly embarrassed,"I just panicked, that's all."
"Good news is, you ran in the right direction,"Jimin half laughed, half wheezed,"we're at the library."
"This might be the first time I'm actually excited to study..."he took a deep breath and walked inside the library.
Him and Jimin haven't said a word to each other. They just started studying in silence, avoiding any eye contact. The whole situation seemed kinda awkward to Jungkook. I definitely overreacted, so stupid...And Jimin-hyung had to witness it. Should I apologize again? Or not bring it up anymore?
"I think I'm going to go, I feel sleepy,"Jimin said quietly.
"Oh okay,"Jungkook didn't want to be left alone,"get some rest."
"Will you stay?"
"I think so..." I should find a new study buddy...
"Don't overdo it, okay? Didn't you say you were sick?"
"I feel much better. Yesterday was hell."
"I'm glad you're better,"Jimin started packing his books.
"Actually, there's one thing I wanted to ask."
"Go ahead."
Am I really going to ask him that? Quickly I should think of something else...
"Hyung, you must have a lot of, or some experience with the... intimacy...the intimate act. Be...between two guys to be precise."
"Huh? What makes you think that?"
"Am I wrong?"
Why am I talking about this?! Too late...
"Pffft intimate act..."Jimin started giggling.
"Stop laughing, you know what I mean."
"Just call it by its name, you're not a child."
"I most definitely don't speak like a child. So Jimin-ssi, how much experience do you have when it comes to sex? Sex with men."
"What a random question..."
"Well there's this thing I was wondering about."
Jimin waved his hand to make him continue.
"D...does it shrink?"
"What are you talking about?"
"The...the hole."
"Oh God...you mean..."
"Yes yes, the hole."
"Is yours..."
"Not at all, I was just wondering, I think hyung is just trying to scare me."
Hyung who appears to be a liar...So I should not believe a word he's saying.
"Oh, so Kim Taehyung is not just your neighbor, he's visited inside too..."
"What do you me-"Jungkook realized what Jimin meant and blushed immediately.
"I see, your trip was like a honeymoon. Wow, who would have thought... But back to your question, yes it should shrink back if you're healthy. Unless...there's a fissure. Anal fissure."
"What?!" Jungkook looked at him horrified.
"Yup, it can happen. Be careful and don't let your neighbor ruin your place. Anyway I gotta go,"Jimin stood up, his face looking tired and sad again.
My poor starfish...A fissure!
"Hyung how do I know if I have it?"
Jimin just shook his head and walked away.
How am I supposed to know? Should I check in a mirror? Ah I forgot about the battle strategy...Nevermind, I will think about it when I get home.
He tried to study more on his own. When he decided it was a time for a short break, he strolled into the section of the library with medical books. The shelves were filled with hundreds of boring looking books. Jungkook walked into one aisle, his fingers trailing over the book spines neatly lined on each shelf. He was mouthing the complicated titles to himself. Reproductive system diseases? Could it be there? He pulled out a thick, linen bound book and opened it in the middle. A jarring picture made him slam the book shut immediately. Nope, I should just search online.
He tried to erase the image from his mind. I should just go home, it's late. He stopped at the library bathroom and saw his neck. After Jimin had left, he took off his scarf because he was hot. That freaking scarf. I won't wear it anymore. I don't want. I don't want to have couple anything with hyung. Even this ring...He took a look at his ring finger. Suddenly it doesn't look so pretty anymore. Or maybe I'm seriously overreacting. I don't know anymore. But these stupid bruises...Hmm maybe I can cover them with makeup. That's a good idea. He looked at his phone. Some shops are probably still open.
He splashed his face with water and then returned to his table to pack everything. Outside, the sky was completely black with no stars in sight. He searched on his phone for the closest makeup shop. This one is just ten minutes away, skincare and makeup, I should try it.
The weather felt more like winter and he was glad that he had his stupid scarf on. His mind wandered back to the scene he saw in the afternoon. Does hyung ever smile at me like that? That seemed like a look of love...All of a sudden he wanted to take his ring off. He tried to slide it down his finger, but somehow it couldn't get past his knuckle. Today, the whole universe is against me.
He gave up and noticed that he was almost at the shop. I can hear the music, and the lights are still on, it must be open. But it's somehow awkward...Hello, I'm here to buy makeup to cover the hickeys from my boyfriend...The automatic door open in front of him, startling him.
"Good evening,"the employee greeted him immensely.
Jungkook had no choice and stepped inside reluctantly,"good evening."
The whole shop without a doubt was targeted towards girls. He felt even more awkward even though in general he was interested in cosmetics. He looked around, searching for the makeup section. There were no other customers at this hour.
"Can I help you?"the employee noticed how lost he looked.
"Oh,"he turned quickly. "Ah, yes thank you."
"Are you looking for something specific,"the employee was standing right beside him, smiling.
Why do I always forget that internet exists? I can easily avoid awkward situations like this...Online shopping exists, I should remember it next time.
"Well, I'm looking for..."he finally dared to look at the employee properly. She was a young girl. Probably a part time worker, a student. I have seen her before...
"Yes?"
"Some makeup." Pretty face...Is it her? The girl in the bus? Not from my class, but definitely from my school. He replayed the bus ride in his mind. I got lost because of her...It must be her.
"Are you buying it for your girlfriend?"
"Oh no...for a friend. I...I don't have a girlfriend."
"Do you have any idea what your friend might like?"
"He, I mean she...she has some skin problems. Yeah, she was complaining about that."
"So something to cover them up?"
"Exactly."
The girl smiled and walked to a different aisle. "Do you roughly know her skin tone?"she looked up at Jungkook and he noticed how her eyes were sparkling with the reflection of all the shop lights.
"Sir?"
"Ah sorry, she is...beautiful. I mean, she is like me, the same skin tone."
"I see," then I would recommend this product. She grabbed a small compact. "Would you like to try?"
"S...sure."
She dabbed the cream few times with her slender fingers. "Can I have your hand?"
"My hand?"
"To see if it's a good match."
"It's a perfect match I think,"Jungkook couldn't take his eyes off her.
"The color might look different on the skin. Let's try on the back of your hand, sir."
"Okay,"he pulled up his sleeve a bit and offered his hand. Ah the ring is still there...
"Any girl would be lucky to have you as a boyfriend,"the girl smiled as she looked at the ring, gently patting the cream onto the back of his hand.
"The ring is from my grandma." What the hell am I talking about?
"Oh how sweet. So, as you can see this product looks natural, but covers really well,"she finished applying the cream.
Her fingers felt so warm on his skin and her long shiny hair accidentally brushed against his hand. He pulled it away quickly, then pretended to look at his skin in detail. "I will take it."
"Anything else for you, sir?"
"That's all thank you. Oh, how much is it? Sorry, I should've asked earlier...But I'm just a student."
"I know that."
"Y...you know?"
"Of course."
"You know me?"
"The uniform,"she pointed. "You're a student."
"Ah yes,"Jungkook laughted nervously.
"This concealer is affordable, totally safe for a student budget."
"Thank you,"he followed her to the register.
She carefully placed the compact along with some tissue paper and free samples into a gift bag and tied it with a bow.
"Excuse me, do you..."Jungkook broke the silence.
"Yes,"the girl looked up.
"Do you happen to wear the same uniform as me? I mean on school days."
"Do you think I'm a student?"
"Y...you're not? I'm so sorry! It was wrong of me to ask that...I swear I'm not a pervert..."Jungkook started fidgeting, completely embarrassed.
"It's okay, I'm just teasing,"she laughed, amused by his reaction. "Yes, I go to the same school as you. The same yellow."
I was right.
"You're the transfer student. I have seen you couple of times in the school corridor."
"I don't know many people in school unfortunately, but I somehow remember you, miss."
"I see, it must be difficult. Anyway I hope you will find many new friends."
"I'm trying."
"Well at least you have one friend."
"Who?"
"The lucky girl."
"Oh...yes...But we...we're not close or anything."
"Really?"
Jungkook nodded and took out his wallet to pay. The girl gave him the receipt, the she turned around to get something else.
"Here's our business card, on the website you can see when we have special sale. In case you would like to stop by again."
"Oh...okay. Thank you."
She smiled and bowed.
Jungkook read the information printed on the business card made from a pink pearlescent paper. Then he flipped it. What's this?
"Is this the shop phone number?"he was looking at numbers scribbled at the back of the card.
"No, that's my number."
"You're giving me your number?!"
"Obviously..."
"Oh..."he blushed.
"In case you would like to have a new friend."
"Th...thank you,"he squinted reading her name tag,"Jieun-ssi."
"And your name is?"
"Jeon Jungkook,"he bowed.
"I hope you stop by again,"she smiled.
"Y...yeah, maybe,"he took the gift bag and bowed again. "I have to go."
She smiled again and nodded,"goodbye, have a nice evening Jungkook-ssi."
"Y...you too,"he stuttered.
"Jungkook-ssi?"
"Y...yes?"
"We're closing in few minutes, if you wait for a bit we can grab a dinner together. If you want of course."
"Dinner with me? I'm not sure. Sorry,"he rushed to get out of the shop.
"Then at least..."she called
He turned his head back. Please let me go...
"Call me."
He didn't say anything and just stumbled out, with his heart beating fast. He touched his cheek with cold hands, feeling that his whole face was really hot...Oh my God what happened to me...Do I have a fever again? I need to get home. The street lamps didn't provide enough light to cut through the darkness in the narrow street. He didn't bother checking a map on his phone, he just wanted to walk for a while, to cool his head.
What if hyung saw me with her...Perhaps I'm unconsciously trying to make him jealous...So stupid...I'm just getting myself in awkward situations.
His ice cold fingers were still touching his burning cheek. He smiled to himself, slowing down his steps, his legs feeling like jelly. Do I still like girls? What a dizzying feeling. I didn't feel like this even with Yuki. What's going on? He closed his eyes and sighed loudly.
And then, there was blow from the side, into his head. He was on the ground in a second, his vision blurry. Horrible pain shooting from his temple. Another blow into his jaw. He felt a trickle of warm blood on his cheek. He grunted and felt like vomiting.
"He thinks he has a pussy!"said someone.
"Look at him, squirming like a worm,"another voice.
"So funny...He thinks he's a princess, but he's just a nasty looking worm."
Several voices laughed.
"Oh are you buying makeup, princess?"
"Oh man, look at his scarf. He couldn't look more gay,"someone tugged at one end of the scarf roughly.
Jungkook struggled for air while the scarf tightened around his neck. Saliva and blood dripped from his mouth as he was being choked. He couldn't defend himself, paralyzed by the pain and shock.
"Hey, princess where's your knight? Who's going to save you?"someone was almost whispering into his ear.
"Let him live his fantasy."
"So disgusting."
"Should we take off his pants? I'm sure he wears pink panties."
"Fuck I don't want to see that..."
"I might vomit."
"Come on the air stinks here. We better not catch something from this trash."
Someone kicked Jungkook into his stomach, causing him to curl up in throbbing pain.
"Ss...stop!"he tried shouting, but only spit out more blood.
"He got what he deserved."
Someone approached him, grabbed him by his hair and smushed his face into the cold muddy ground, scraping his skin on the cobblestones.
There was a loud laughter. Jungkook rolled to the side, wincing with pain.
All he saw were figures in yellow uniforms walking away.
His consciousness started fading away. I need help. He tried to use his voice, but even taking in air into his lungs was torture. My phone... He slowly reached into his pocket, his hand cramping.
Police? No... They shouldn't know.
Hyung...I can't call him... Tears mixed with blood on his cheek. Hurts so bad... He couldn't see the screen on his phone well. Where's is he? I need help...What should I do? The darkness was growing around him. His trembling fingers found 'TaeTae' in his contacts.
Then he noticed something in his hand. He was still clenching the pink business card with the phone number written on it. He started dialing. I have to focus...Number after number after num....
The phone slipped from his hand. His mind was slowly shutting down.
Somewhere nearby, he heard heeled shoes click clacking fast on the cobblestones.
Save me.
There was a pair of sparkling eyes.