The spring scent filled the air. The withered leaves were replaced with the new sprout. Spring was the perfect season to start a new. This philosophy was also being adopted by this one group of youngsters. These youngsters first met each other during their church activity. Wanted to give contribute to the community, they started the volunteer activity by giving out donations to orphanages. As they did that, their sympathy grew bigger. It caused them to do more charity and volunteer activities routinely. Their good deeds were heard by the church and more youngsters started to join. It’s already running for almost 10 years and now, it’s open to the public. Anyone feels free to join, it’s not limited to the church congregation.

Every spring, there was a selection for their new leader and management. This new election would be held by the current manager and the members would be the ones who vote for their new leader. It usually took two weeks to prepare it. That made the current leader, and the managers were always extremely busy when the spring started. Not only did they have to prepare for the election, but they were also had to hold their routine volunteer activity.

One of the routine activities run by this group was helping the nursing home and holding an event for children in the treatment center. This week, they were having a schedule in the treatment center. The event they chose today was the puppet show. After the puppet show ended, they asked the kids to make their own puppets by using various kinds of materials such as origami paper, clay, or decorating a doll.

Just like usual, the event ended successfully. The event was ended, but not their task. Now, they should clean the auditorium and put everything back in its place. Later, the board should have a meeting to discuss the election. To avoid working overtime, they were decided to work seriously. Great teamwork was required to be able to work efficiently and effectively.

The current members of this volunteer group were so close with each other. They were so close to the point they could notice if one of them was having a serious problem. Even when that person didn’t say a word. It could be either from the unusual behavior or simply just because they could sense it. Ever since this morning, their work rhythm was a bit distorted. It went smoothly but they couldn’t just ignore the tense atmosphere between two of their members.

“You have a quarrel with Rosie, aren’t you?” Joshua who couldn’t stand this uncomfortable situation any longer decided to take a lead and spoke with one of them.

Jaehyun pretended to be dumb after hearing that question. With an innocent reaction, he said they were just doing fine. This kind of business answer made Joshua raise his eyebrow and chuckle. Seeing a mocking response from Joshua made Jaehyun a bit offended.

“For the first time in two years, I have finally experienced a peaceful time without hearing you two bickering over trivial things. I am happy but I am not used to it. It’s weird. So, please quickly resolved whatever happened between you two. We all miss hearing your bicker,” said Joshua while giving a pat on Jaehyun's shoulder.

Jaehyun was getting goosebumps over Joshua’s warning. Joshua rarely got mad and was well known for his calmness. But for Jaehyun, this type of person was scarier. They didn’t raise their voice to intimidate but somehow it was even scarier. This type of ability also possessed by Chaeyoung, but still, he didn’t know how to face that.

“Jaehyuna. We need to talk,” Jaehyun was jumped in scared when he heard her voice. He looked back and saw Chaeyoung was suddenly standing behind him.

Jaehyun and Joshua exchange gaze, then without being told, Joshua leaves them alone. The other members seem to not pay attention to them. They continued what they were just doing but secretly they set their ears to maximum capacity. Just like the others who noticed they were having a quarrel those two also noticed they secretly listened to them. It made Jaehyun ask Chaeyoung to go outside. They were only going to the corridor near the bathroom which was practically only a few meters away from the auditorium.

“I am sorry,” said Jaehyun while reaching out his hand.

Chaeyoung looked at his hands, then moved her gaze to his eyes. Her eyes showed an uninterested stare that made Jaehyun a bit anxious, but he still hold his hand in that position. Chaeyoung once again looked at that hand, but instead of shaking it, she hit it and tossed it away as a sign that she refuses to shake it.

“I don’t need your apology,” she said coldly.

Chaeyoung attitude really surprised him. He stared at his hand because it was hard to believe what she had just done.

“It’s not your fault. You don’t have to apologize. Even if you should, I already forgive you,” seeing Jaehyun’s surprised reaction made her satisfied. It means, he fell into her trap. Just like the other members, she was also felt uncomfortable with this situation. Since the day they were having a quarrel in the hospital after prom night, they haven’t had a proper talk. They still communicate through group chat, but they never talk about that incident. Finally, they were meet again for the first time after that incident. It will be awkward so she wondered what she should do to apologize to him. After thinking about it all night long, she came up with this idea.

“Huh. That’s not funny. I am sincerely apologizing but you take it as it was a joke,” said Jaehyun while showing a disappointed face. He let out a big sigh, turned around, and walked back to the auditorium.

“Hey, Jaehyuna!” Chaeyoung pulled his arm to stop him.

A giggled sound was heard. While covering his mouth with his other hand, Jaehyun turned around and laughed at her. He was so happy to be able to get revenge over her joke. He knew Chaeyoung was the gullible type, and it was easier to fool her.

“Haah… It’s annoying but at least, it’s better than doing the Barney Song,” Chaeyoung finally able to smile again after finding out it was just a joke.

To make their conciliation official, they were shaking their hands and headed back to the auditorium together.

“Jaehyuna,” called Chaeyoung before Jaehyun opened the auditorium door.

Jaehyun turned around to face her. Chaeyoung took something out of her pocket and handed it to him. It was an old mp3 player. Jaehyun looked at her in confusion. To not make him confused, she quickly told him, it was the thing Naeun left for her. Her parents gave it to her when they organized Naeun's belonging. The recording was addressed to her, but most of the contents were about Jaehyun. So, she thought Jaehyun needed to listen to it. After she handed it, she entered the auditorium where all the members got caught stopping their tasks to eavesdrop on their conversation. Those panicked eyes made Chaeyoung laugh but did not say anything. She just quickly back to her job and pretended she didn’t know about the eavesdropping.

The cleaning task was done which means their activity also ends. The others were allowed to go home unless the board of managers. They still had a meeting to prepare for the election. Calculating from the schedule and the topic they gonna discuss, the meeting would end before dinner time. It made Jisoo, as the current leader decided to treat them to dinner.

“Chaeng, go get Jaehyun. I told him to join us, and he said yes. We should console him after what he went through,” asked Jisoo when their meeting almost come to an end.

Without objection, Chaeyoung quickly left to find Jaehyun. She called him but he wasn't answering. It made her have to go around to look for him. The first place that came to her mind was the gazebo. Just as she expected, Jaehyun was there, sitting alone while listening to the mp3 player. She took off her shoes, came inside the gazebo, and sat next to Jaehyun. Recording no. 37 was shown on the mp3 player screen. Jaehyun took off one of the earphones and asked whether she wanted to hear it. She shook her head and said she already listened to it. Jaehyun smiled then put the earphone back on his ear.

The sky was getting cloudy. It built a heavier sad ambiance around Jaehyun. His ears focused on listening to the voice he missed, and his eyes were fixed on the sky. His concentration once again dispersed because he felt something was touching his hand. He saw a piece of paper was inserted beneath his palm.

“Special offer only for today!!

Rose’s small but strong shoulder is now available for rent!

There won’t be another time. So, grab it fast!

Ps: available for one customer only”

 

Jaehyun chuckled when he read what was written on that piece of paper. His eyes now moved from the paper to the sky. It’s drizzling. Slowly, he leaned his back to the gazebo rails. When he did that, his shoulder touched her shoulder. It made him remember that ridiculous advertisement. He took that paper from his pocket, tore it into smaller pieces, and gave it back to her. She was a bit offended by what he just did, but then she was smiling as she felt a weight on her left shoulder.

“it’s said, it’s for one customer only. So, you don’t need that paper anymore,” said Jaehyun while adjusting his head on her shoulder so that he could find the most comfortable position.

The drizzle slowly getting heavier. It made Chaeyoung remember the time of her first proper encounter with Jaehyun. She was embarrassed when thinking about that again. How come she was crying in front of someone she just met? She secretly looked at Jaehyun. His head was on her shoulder so she was just able to see the top of his head. Now, it’s time for her to return the favor she got from him at this place a year ago.

The screen on the mp3 player showed Jaehyun now listening to recording number 38. Chaeyoung’s eyes were now a bit teary as she moved her sight from the mp3 player to Jaehyun’s wrist. He wore the bracelet Naeun made during their volunteer session. She was the one who gave it to Jaehyun as a token of gratitude for giving a big donation.

“You wear it too. Her bracelet” said Jaehyun. He then put his hand that wore that bracelet next to Chaeyoung’s hand.

Chaeyoung smiled but did not say anything. That recording number 38 was the recording in which Naeun talked about how she felt so happy seeing the volunteer members still wearing that. Although she had no intention to remember the main theme of the recording, her brain unconsciously remembered it. Now, her eyes were fixated on the mp3 player scene. The last two recordings were the saddest. She couldn’t stop her tears the first time she heard it. Now, she was preparing herself. She had to be strong to be someone Jaehyun can lean on.

Number 38 finally ended, and now it changed to number 39. His big hand that was resting near her small hand somehow looked so fragile. It was so painful looking at it that made her hold his little ring fingers.

“Unnie, I used to cry a lot when I got my treatment. It’s so painful that I can’t hold my tears. But, seeing how mom and dad were crying because of me, I never cry again. It is still painful, but I am happy because mom and dad aren’t crying anymore.

“Unnie, I heard that when we are born, if the people around us are smiling, it means they are happy to welcome us. And when we are dying if the people around us are crying, it means they are sad that we are gone. I really hope lots of people would cry for me when I am dying.

“Unnie, will you cry for me? Of course, you will. I saw you crying when Eunsoo passed away. But will Jaehyun Oppa cry too? He is so strong, and I wonder if he ever cries. But, I am worried. Does Jaehyun Oppa is just like me? Unnie, to tell you truth, I often cry. I cry a lot. I just can’t cry in front of my parents. So, Unnie, can you do me a favor? Jaehyun Oppa might be sad. Please tell him that he also can cry. Just like me. Just cry. It’s still painful but just cry.”

The sniffing sound was heard and Chaeyoung could feel the warmness on her hand. He was holding her hand tightly as if he was riding a roller coaster. That recording number 39 was really tear-jerking. Even a mentally strong guy like Jaehyun couldn’t hold his tears. She was glad that she was there for him at the right time. With her other hand, she patted Jaehyun’s head that was resting on her shoulder.

The rain sound was getting louder that drowning the sniffing sound. Once again, Chaeyoung took a looked at the mp3 player screen. It paused. She stopped patting Jaehyun’s head and took that mp3 player away from him. Jaehyun wasn’t doing anything and just let her steal it. Some pieces of tissue appeared in front of him. He smiled, lifting his head from her shoulder then took the tissue to blow his nose. It was his first time crying in front of someone else besides his family. It was so embarrassing that made him didn’t have a face to look at her.

Out of the blue, Chaeyoung uttered some numbers. Jaehyun finally looked at her due to shock and confusion. He asked him why suddenly mentioned random numbers. Chaeyoung smiled and said it was her account number. She should receive the rent payment for the shoulder. It made Jaehyun remember that piece of paper and laughed out loud. Seeing how Jaehyun was able to manage his emotion again, Chaeyoung gave the mp3 player back to him. There was still one recording left, and Jaehyun had to listen to it.

The listening session for the last recording didn’t go smoothly. Sometimes, he had to press the pause button whenever he felt overwhelmed with emotions. It wasn’t easy to listen to it because the recording was about him. The gratitude, the messages, the compliments, the apology, and many other things about Jaehyun were being told in that recording. This recording was so special because instead of addressing Chaeyoung like the previous recording, she directly addressed Jaehyun.

Jaehyun couldn’t remember how many times he paused the recording. The situation and the ambiance were too perfect to make him weak. This overwhelming emotion was too much for him to handle. It was so sad, but he still wanted to listen to it till the end. He took a deep breath before pushing the play button but not a second after he paused it again. His heart couldn’t lie. He was still not ready. It made him take off the earphone from his left ear.

“Jaehyuna,” Jaehyun turned his head when he heard his name being called.

The warmness now covered his cold body as Chaeyoung was giving him a big warm hug. He didn’t expect it all. It’s so awkward, but he didn’t hate it. He felt so weird because magically, all the feeling that he suppressed up till now was lifted.

“Does it will be added to my rent bill?” he was throwing a joke to indirectly thank her.

“Don’t worry, it’s a free service,” she was responded to his joke well.

After a while, she finally pulled out from the hug. She stared at him in the eyes, then showed a warm smile. Seeing Jaehyun was all fine now, she put the earphone back to his ear and gave a nod. He smiled to show his gratitude, then continued to listen to it.

“Unnie, if I am gone, please take care of my beloved Jaehyun Oppa,”

***

“It’s been a week,” said Heejin unconsciously.

“Since?” asked Chaeyoung.

Heejin looked at Chaeyoung with a sad eye but then shook her head and said it was nothing. Chaeyoung just smiled and just let it pass. She wasn’t the nosy type and respected others' privacy. Gladly their conversation didn’t end up awkward because a customer just come in. His face looked so tired, and he just ordered a cup of espresso. Chaeyoung could tell right away he must be a student preparing for a Suneung test. It reminded him of Jungkook. He used to come here to buy a cup of coffee, looking so exhausted.

“She’s right. It’s been a week,” she mumbled those words once the customer left the café.

Chaeyoung took a deep breath and continued working on her job, standing behind the cashier machine, and staring blankly towards the door, waiting for a customer to come in. It’s been a week since Jungkook called off their appointment and never showed up at this café. Not only that, but she was also never bumped into him which made it even weirder. Back before their relationship got better, they often bumped into each other accidentally. Now, she felt like he just disappeared into thin air.

“Welcome!” greeted Chaeyoung when a female student come inside. Chaeyoung couldn’t remember her face, but she felt she met her before. She came closer to the counter and took some time before ordering. Seems like she couldn’t decide what was the best, so she asked for a recommendation. Chaeyoung gladly recommended the beverages that were suitable for what she wanted to drink right now. As the girl speak, Chaeyoung finally recalled where she met her. It was in the cram school when he accidentally met Jungkook. This girl had a distinct voice, instead of her face, she remembered her voice more. Not only because she had Busan dialect, but also the way she was talking was cute.

“Ah, unnie and one ice americano, please,” she forgot to add more to her order.

Chaeyoung smiled and add it to her bill. A few minutes ago, she was wondering why Jungkook hasn’t come to the café. Now, the answer came and showed up in front of her. He must be trying to not make his girlfriend jealous. It’s embarrassing to admit it herself, but she knew she was more than capable to make other girls feel insecure. Regardless, she was felt relieved because she knew the reason he didn’t come here not because he hated her.

“Do you know her?” asked Heejin once the girl whose name was Jeon Jiwon that Chaeyoung see on her nametag left.

Chaeyoung shook her head which resulted in Heejin calling her weird for smiling like she was an old friend.

“Chaeng, are you broken up with him? The bodyguard?” a rise of curiosity came to Heejin when she saw that girl was walking with a boy that seems familiar.

“What are you talking about? We are not dating. He is only a friend,” finally she revealed the truth that she hasn’t spoken up before.

Heejin didn’t even shock when she heard it. She already knew yet she kept teasing her. They might not have that kind of relationship, but she was always so happy whenever that guy was coming. Although Heejin didn’t know what was going on between them, she knew Chaeyoung was sad. She wanted to help her, but she didn’t know what to do. 

The telephone in the café was ringing and the manager pick it up. It was a delivery order, and they were busy preparing for it. Their café now did a delivery but only limited to the area around this neighborhood. The order come from Jungkook’s building and without being told, Chaeyoung took the coffee packages and get ready to deliver them.

After parking the electric scooter, she entered the building, greet the receptionist, and went to the second floor where the staff’s room was. Safely delivered the coffees, Chaeyoung was going back to the café. It was still a class hour so the corridor was so empty. When she was passing through the bulletin board, something caught her attention. She came closer to the poster that was pasted on it to make sure what she just saw wasn’t wrong. It was a promotional poster for this cram school, and guess who was the model? It’s Jaehyun!

Just like any other friend, Chaeyoung couldn’t let this chance slip. Without a second thought, she took a picture of that poster while giggling like crazy, thinking about what she should do with that information. After taking several pictures, she looked at that poster again. It made her giggle even more when she read the cheesy promotional line. She was finally able to stop staring at it when her manager called. She picked it up, and when she turned around from the bulletin board, she saw Jungkook was there looking at her. She was about to wave at him, but he suddenly left without even saying hello.

Seeing how cold Jungkook's reaction was, kind of make her upset. Yet, she couldn’t say anything about it. It’s not like she can complain. Eunha ever said she had to take some distance from her childhood friend because that friend already had a girlfriend. That girlfriend was so possessive that she ever got a warning message. It was kind of scary.

When Chaeyoung back to the café, the manager and Heejin were waiting for her full of hope. They might expect some exciting story because she was coming back a bit late. The expectation that was seen through their eyes made Chaeyoung feel guilty. Sadly, she told them the reason she was late was that she saw an interesting poster.

The next morning, Chaeyoung opened her eyes without any excitement. Recently, she had no friends to hang out with. Most of her friends were busy attending cram school or colleges. She was the only one who did not do anything except do her part-time job at the café. She got a scholarship and now she was still waiting for a university announcement. While she just laying around on her bed, staring at the ceiling, an idea came up. What if she stays with her parents in Jeju? Instead of working part-time here, it would be nice to help her parents instead.

“Noona, do you want to eat your breakfast or not? If you are not coming out, I will eat it!” shouted Jimin from outside her room. Like a zombie, Chaeyoung quickly moved to the dining room once she heard the word breakfast. After finishing their breakfast, Chaeyoung back to her room and sat in front of her laptop. She was busy looking for a flight ticket to Jeju.

Notification of her messengers was beeping. She took her phone and checked on it. Her eyes couldn’t believe what she saw. She got a message from Jungkook. Curious, she opened it right away and was surprised at what she just read. She even wondered whether Jungkook was drunk when sending this message. After a week of not showing up at the café, and treating her like she was invisible, now he asked her to meet up. He said there was something he wanted to return to her.

Because she already read it, it will be weird if she didn’t reply right away. She agreed to meet up and asked him about the meeting place. Jungkook let her decide because he didn’t want to make a hassle for her. It made Chaeyoung think so hard. All this time he was trying to avoid her, then, it must be convenient for them to meet up casually like a friend. That way, his girlfriend won’t get mad and there won’t be any misunderstanding.

“I’ll see you in the playground. Tell me when you arrived. I’ll come and pick it up,” she typed the final draft of her answer after revising it several times. She kept reading it over and over and finally sent it when she felt it was sounded so casual.

The clock was ticking and Chaeyoung just woke up from her nap. She took her phone and see the time. A message just come in right on time. Jungkook said he was already in the playground. She stood up from her bed, rubbing her eyes and face to get rid of her sleepiness. She fell asleep right after she took a shower and now, she looked like she didn’t take one. Didn’t want to make Jungkook wait for too long, she just washed her face, combed her hair, and changed her clothes to comfortable training suits.

By the time Chaeyoung arrived at the playground, Jungkook was sitting on the swing. He then stopped swinging it when Chaeyoung came. Without saying any greeting, Chaeyoung took a place on the swing next to Jungkook and started to swing it. Jungkook was looking so neat and well dressed. It made her think, he must have a date after this.

“Is that okay for you to come here?” at first, Chaeyoung planned to wait for Jungkook to speak first. But, since he didn’t say a single word, she gave up and decided to begin a conversation.

“Why do you think it’s not okay?” his reply sounded so cold. It made Chaeyoung had to stop the swing with her feet because she thought it wasn’t polite to swing it when he talked.

“Not, it’s just. I am afraid your girlfriend will misunderstand us,” Chaeyoung was concerned.

Her statement made Jungkook reflexively look at her but not even reach one second, he quickly moved his eyes away.

“Jiwon is my cousin,” as he said it, he started to kick the ground again to swing the swing again.

Slapped by the fact, Chaeyoung felt so hurt. If that girl was not his girlfriend, then what was the reason he avoided her this past week? Chaeyoung kept wondering what mistake she did. Is that because she abruptly left him at the prom night party? But, she already apologizes. Then, was that because of that dinner coupon? But, he was the one who canceled it. No matter how hard she thought, she couldn’t find what mistake she did to him.

“Ah, right, so, you said you want to return something,” thinking that maybe the thing he wanted to return held the clue, she quickly asked him for it.

Jungkook stopped the swing once again. He took out something from his bag. Chaeyoung also stopped the swing, and her eyes were fixated on the thing in Jungkook’s hand. It was her diary that she lost. She couldn’t remember why it was ended up in Jungkook’s hand. But one thing was for sure, that diary was the cause of their fight a year ago.

Jungkook handed the diary to her, and she took it after muttering gratitude for returning it. A lot of questions were listed down on her mind now. What’s the meaning of the sudden return of this book? It’s not like he just tidied his room and found this, right? Or it was the sign he didn’t want to get involved with her? Or… Did what was written in it make the hatred bloom again that made him sick of her?

“Look, I am really sorry if I ever something do that wrong you,” the apology come out of the blue as the result of her guilt. The blaze of unpleasant memories came into her mind like a wildfire. Her past mistakes resurfaced and were so ready to haunt her. Living as a good girl also made her couldn’t stand knowing someone was hurt by her wrongdoing. It made her feel so anxious.

“Why are you suddenly apologizing?” he was confused at the sudden apology.

Chaeyoung stopped the swing and looked down into the sanded ground. She was too ashamed to lift her head. But, to resolve everything, she had to speak up. She had to know the real reason why he avoided her. That way, she could fix her mistake and work on building their friendship again. Or worse, she would stay away from him for good.

With limited courage, Chaeyoung asked him why he didn’t come to the café for the past week. He also avoided her whenever they accidentally met. The way he responded to her was also as cold as ice. Not only that, but he also lied to reject her lunch invitation. He was sitting alone but he said he has an appointment. Besides, she also saw him buy two sandwiches. Yet, he ate the first one without munching it properly and didn’t even take a bite on the second one. It looked like he didn’t want to stay with her any longer.

“At first, I thought it was because of your girlfriend. Now, I know she is your cousin. It made me feel so anxious. Am I doing something unforgivable? I am so afraid that you hate me and sick of me,” she kicked the sand with her foot while trying so hard to not cry. Crying was her biggest weakness. Whenever she felt overwhelmed with emotion, neither angry, sad, disappointed, she would shed tears.

 “You are right. You are the reason why I am sick,”

The words Jungkook just uttered made Chaeyoung forgot to breathe. She bit her lips and hold the swing’s rope tighter. The weight of her head also felt heavier because she couldn’t lift it and just staring at the thousand grains of sand. Suddenly, the pair of shoes was stepping on that sand. At first, Jungkook just stood up but then he squatted down. He was trying to look at her face, but she kept avoiding his eyes.

“Ah, why does it feel like it become my habit to make you misunderstand me. Since it turns out like this, then I have no choice,” Jungkook intentionally speaks up what’s on his mind to catch her attention. Sadly, it’s not working because she still refused to look at him.

“Would you lend me your hand?” asked Jungkook softly.

Chaeyoung didn’t know what he was trying to do, but she slowly loosened her grip on the swing and eventually reached it out to him. Although she gave her hand, her eyes were still not able to stare at him. She couldn’t see his expression, but she could feel his hand was holding her wrist and slowly pulling it. Finally, her reflex win against her mind after she felt something warm against the back of her hand.

“Hey, are you okay?” she got worried. Out of reflex she got down from the swing and squatted down in front of him.

“I am all fine when I came here. But when I met you, I started to get sick. My cheeks are getting warm, and this too, starting to get weird,” Jungkook then moved her hand to his chest. It was pounding so fast, and it made her even more worried.

“I like you,” those words came out of his mouth without any warning. As he said that, his heartbeat was thumping even faster.

“The reason why I was avoiding you it’s not because I hate you. It’s because I am afraid, I will truly die. Having my heart beating this fast is scary. I don’t want to die because of lovesickness,” he got so shy after he said that. And now, it’s his turn to avoid her eyes.

Like a living detector, Chaeyoung could tell the sincerity from his words. The beating of his heart was no joke as if he just doing a sprint. She heard clearly what he said. But this confession happened just too suddenly. It made her couldn’t say anything in response.

A dot of water suddenly fell on Chaeyoung’s arm. It’s only one at first, but then the second, third, fourth, and so on. It’s raining. Without hesitation, Jungkook pulled Chaeyoung and told her to go up to the slide. As someone who couldn’t think straight after receiving a confession, Chaeyoung’s brain just do as she told. Lucky, they were able to take shelter before it was pouring.

Trapped in the narrow place while it was raining outside made the situation between the two of them slowly get awkward. The one who confessed was embarrassed till death while the one who received it lost their words. Gladly, it was raining. At least, there was a sound. If not, the awkward silence would kill them slowly.

Didn’t know what to do and to kill the time while waiting for the rain to stop, Chaeyoung was looking through her diary page per page.

“This diary, why don’t you burn or throw it?” said Chaeyoung while still looking at the diary.

“That diary is yours, I have no right to do anything to that. If you don’t want to keep it, then you can give it to me,” said Jungkook while straightening his legs.

What Jungkook said truly ease her heart. She then openly talked about her feeling when she saw that diary. She thought Jungkook’s wound opened again and it made him avoid her. Although it’s turned out not the real reason, she still apologized for giving him such a deep scar.

After hearing her confession, Jungkook suddenly feel bad. The trauma she got was just as great as him. He apologized because he didn’t think that far. The reason he gave it back to her was simply that he had to come up with a reason to be able to meet her. That diary could become the solid reason, so he chose to go with that. He didn’t know it can lead to another misunderstanding.

“However, it’s all already in the past. Nothing we can do to fix it. It’s indeed left a deep scar. Not only to me but also to you. Someone I knew told me, you can get rid of the scar by doing plastic surgery. But I won’t do it. Cause every scar has its own history. It helps as a reminder to not repeat the same mistake ever again. So, don't blame yourself for what happened. Because if you do, then I won’t be able to forgive myself too,” just like Chaeyoung who blamed herself for it, Jungkook also felt the same guilt as much as her.

The rain sound and the consolation Jungkook give to her, calmed her heart. It’s felt so nice knowing someone she hurt was fully forgave her. She also just discovered the wise and mature side of Jungkook. This man never stopped surprising her with his charm. Every moment, he kept showing a different side of him that she hasn’t discovered.

The temperature slowly getting a bit chill, and the rain seems to not stop anytime soon. Staying any longer with her was also not healthy for his heart. Before he said something more dangerous, he decided to come down from the slide. Chaeyoung got a bit surprised when seeing his sudden action. She looked down and saw Jungkook was standing in the rain with an umbrella. He then called her to come down. Chaeyoung looked up to the cloudy sky and predicted the rain will last for long. Without another thought, she climbed down the stairs.

“Ah, it feels so awkward,” said Jungkook.

Hearing him speak out what was on his mind made Chaeyoung giggle. She couldn’t see his face, but she could feel how nervous he was. They shared an umbrella but the most side of it went to her and causing his shoulder to get drenched. She wanted to tell him to get closer, but she was afraid he would really die because of a heart attack. That made her just walk in silence.

The distance between the playground and her home was too close. It made Jungkook getting more panic. There were lots of things he wanted to say to her. But this nervousness about walking too close to her made him couldn’t think straight. He was finally able to sort his mind when they reached her apartment.

“About what I said earlier… You don’t have to answer it,” said Jungkook as soon as Chaeyoung climbed the stairs of the apartment lobby. Learned from experience, Jungkook quickly told Chaeyoung what to do in this situation. Back in the day, he also didn’t know what to say if the girls confessed their feeling.

“Well… If it’s okay for you. Can you give me another chance? You know I originally didn’t want to say it. But I have no choice because I don’t want you to misunderstand me. So…,” Jungkook stopped and checked on Chaeyoung’s expression. He wasn’t sure about her thoughts, but he was sure she was waiting for him to finish his sentence.

“I honestly want to know you better. So… Hemm… Can we be friends? Just like you and Taehyungie, Mingyu, Dokyeomie, and… Jaehyunie. A friend that no need to find a reason to hang out,” although he was shy, he still said what he wanted clearly, like a true gentleman.

A hand showed up in front of Jungkook. He looked at it carefully before he reached it and shook it. Once again, Jungkook checked on her expression. She was smiling and said she agreed with it. It was relieving but at the same time, he still felt bothered by one thing.

“Ah, and one more wish. Can you please don’t get burdened with my feeling? Just act as nothing happens. But, if you feel uncomfortable about this situation, you can tell me anytime. I don’t want to make you feel hurt,” he might have not much experience, but he knew that feeling. When you know someone was have a feeling for you, anything you do will make you feel bad. If you were nice to them, you think you give them false hope. Yet, if you pretend not to know, it was hurting even more.

“You say it yourself you won’t resent me,” just like Jungkook, she was also aware of how hard that request was. It made her didn't dare to promise him. The answer she gave was a bit ambiguous, but Jungkook fully understood. That answer itself was more than enough for him to feel rest assured. At least, she won't try to avoid him at least for now.

The rain was still pouring heavily. It made Jungkook a bit worried he would catch a cold. This moment was important but he still had a duty as a university hunter. Sadly he was saying goodbye to her and turned around. Not until 5 seconds, he was turning back again because he forgot one more thing to say. He hoped Chaeyoung hasn't come inside yet.

What Jungkook was wishing for came true. Chaeyoung still standing in front of the glass door. As if she was already predicting it, she wasn't looked surprised when Jungkook closed the umbrella and came over to her.

“Look. I am not lying when I said I want to get to know you better and want us to be good friends. I am also so sincere when I said I like you. So… If I do something that a normal friend doesn't do…,”

“Like what?” she suddenly cut him.

“Ehmm… like…,” Jungkook was too shy to tell her.

“Like purposely hiding your umbrella?” the smirk was shown on her pretty face, and it made Jungkook feel so embarrassed. She caught him!

Like a kid who got caught eating a snack, Jungkook nodded shyly.

“I have no right to tell you what should and should not. But don't worry, I won't hate you for trying to flirt,” a mischievous smile bloomed on her lips.

Like a big bang, his heart exploded in happiness. He was trying so hard not to show it because he didn't want to embarrass himself more. He only smiled and quickly turned back, opened his umbrella, and climbed down the stairs.

“Ah!” he shouted. He turned around again and with a little run, he go back to where she was.

“That diary, if you no longer want it, don’t throw it away. I will gladly accept it,” said Jungkook.

Chaeyoung smiled and promise him she would. She then told him to quickly go home because he was so drenched. It’s so risky because he could catch a cold.

“Fine. But you should go first. I will keep coming back if you stay here,”

“Hahaha, why though?”

“Because… I still have a lot of things to say. Ahh, but forget it. You should come inside. It’s cold,” said Jungkook still with blushed cheeks.

Chaeyoung nodded then waved at him. As he requested, she came inside. Before she climbed the stairs, she looked back and saw him still staring at her through the glass door. Once again, she waved her hand and this time, he also waved back at her.

***

The study group's group chat was becoming as quiet as a graveyard for some months since the last final term test. It almost got forgotten until Dokyeom bring it back to life again. There was an upcoming mock test in three days. It was just a mock test, but most of the students who planned to take the Suneung Test this year prepared it as hard as if it were the real one. The result of the mock test could give a preview of their chance to pass the test. From the result too, they could see in which subject they should improve.

Each one of them was attending a different cram school. Even Nayeon and Dokyeom went to different schools which they thought was the best. Their opinion regarding the quality of cram school might be different, but they were having the same thought when it come to who was the best teacher. That was why when Dokyeom throw this topic on the group chat, every one of them were having one voice. The petition had been signed by all the members, now it was time for Chaeyoung to decide whether she wanted to do what they wanted.

As someone who was lonely and longing to hang out with her peers, Chaeyoung happily accepted that offer. Because Chaeyoung didn’t have to prepare for their Suneung Test, they treat her as a tutor. She refused to get paid but they insisted. After a series of bargaining, they agreed that each one of them should treat her to a meal.

Studying for the Suneung Test required a high degree of concentration and a longer time. Doing it at the café would be a hassle. Unlike the time they were debating about payment, the decision for the venue was made real quick. After telling the situation of their own house, Jungkook’s house was chosen. His house was big, and he had no siblings. As for the time, they agreed to start it early but still feasible. That way, 09.00 AM got the most vote.

The bell on Jungkook’s house was ringing. Jungkook’s Mom quickly walked over to the intercom while wiping her hands on the apron. The monitor of the intercom showed the face of a girl whom she has never seen before. Feeling it would be rude if she just talked through the intercom, she decided to talk to the girl directly. The gate was opened and there was a tall, slender girl was standing behind it. When the girl saw her, she bowed as a form of greeting.

“Good morning, who are you looking for?” asked Jungkook’s mom to that pretty girl.

“Oh, isn’t it Jungkook’s home?” Chaeyoung lifted her head and suddenly felt taken aback when she saw Jungkook’s mom's reaction. She was afraid she went to the wrong house.

“Yes. But, who?” suddenly Jungkook’s Mom felt scared. A pretty girl suddenly appeared in her home early in the morning asking about her son. Although she knew that she shouldn’t doubt her son, she suddenly put up her guard. Did Jungkook do something bad to her? Why did she suddenly come here?

“Hello! I’m Park Chaeyoung. Jungkook’s friend. Jungkook and other friends, including me, are planning to study for Suneung mock test,” feeling nervous after getting stared at like that made Chaeyoung introduce herself with a formal greeting.

It took her a few seconds to read the situation. She remembered Jungkook did asking for permission about studying together. One thing she didn’t expect was there was a girl in that group. She thought it was only his friends who frequently come.

“Aaahhh… Come in! Come in!” feeling bad for suspecting this pretty girl, Jungkook’s Mom quickly told her to come inside.

While they were walking in the entryway, she apologized and said she didn’t know Jungkook had a female friend. Chaeyoung suddenly felt shy. It was a bit embarrassing for a girl to come to a male friend’s house. She regretted why she didn’t come together with others. After they were inside, Jungkook’s Mom was telling him screaming from downstairs that his friend was already there. With a voice that sounded like he was just waking up, he replied and asked his mom to tell them to come upstairs. Chaeyoung was a bit shocked when she heard Jungkook’s answer. Her eyes then locked with Jungkook’s mom’s eyes. She then smiled and said she would wait in the living room instead.

“There is also a living room upstairs. But, it’s okay if you prefer to wait here,” teased Jungkook’s mom. She was then back to the kitchen to prepare the refreshment for her son’s guests. Sometimes, she secretly checked on the girl who was waiting in their living room. Finally, she was able to meet the girl whom her son likes. Not only does she have a pretty appearance, but her manner was also outstanding. The way she chose to stay with her friend’s mom although knowing it will be awkward showed it all. She was the conservative type, and it was the type that she like.

A tray full of cups and jars was ready to deliver. Jungkook’s mom got out of the kitchen to bring it upstairs. Chaeyoung saw it and quickly stood up from the sofa and came over to her, took the tray, and volunteered to deliver it.

Chaeyoung carefully climbed up the stairs while holding the tray tightly. When she reached the second floor, she could see the layout of it. It made her shy because of Jungkook’s Mom’s comment earlier about the living room. She thought there was only Jungkook’s room upstairs, and it was awkward to enter a man's room. That’s why she chooses to stay downstairs. Turned out there was a wide living space upstairs. There was only one room that definitely Jungkook’s bedroom. In the living space, there were several musical instruments. There were piano, guitar, speakers, and other equipment needed to hold a mini-concert.

After putting and organizing the cups and jar on the table, Chaeyoung walked around that living space to explore more of it. There was a rack full of albums. There were several LPs too! She was so excited looking at that collection that she heard the sound of the door’s handle being rattled. Chaeyoung moved her head to the only room in that space. A door was opened and Jungkook who looked like he just woke up, got out bare-chested.

“AAAA!!!” Jungkook screamed when he saw Chaeyoung was standing in the living room. He quickly walked backward and closed his door. He was too surprised to believe what he saw. Thinking he was still half asleep, he rubbed his eyes, and once again, he opened the door and peeked through it. It was really her! He then remembered that he had a study session with his friends. That was why she was here. Shyly, he opened the door and got out.

“What’s that? I thought you are coming back to your room to put on some clothes,” said Chaeyoung when looking at Jungkook who was about to get out and still not wearing any shirt.

Jungkook quickly looked at his body and with a loud bang, closed his door again. Chaeyoung giggled at his silly action. The commotion caused by Jungkook made Chaeyoung hurriedly go downstairs. She didn’t want his mom to have negative thoughts about what just happened. To went downstairs, she had to pass through Jungkook’s door. Before she got down, she knocked on the door and said she was heading downstairs.

Inside the room, Jungkook was crying in silence. He couldn’t face the humiliation that caused by himself. He was looking at the mirror, and once again, feeling so devastated. Not only his face was a mess, but he also didn’t even wear clothes! When he was cursing his own silliness, the knocked sound was heard, and it made him jump in scare. He then heard her voice telling him she was going downstairs. Too embarrassed, he didn’t respond.

Although she said she went downstairs, there won’t be any guarantee that she would come up again. It made Jungkook take his handphone and dialed his house to call his mom.

“Mom, I am about to get a super quick shower. So, don’t let her get upstairs! Okay, thank you, mom. I love you,” said Jungkook then quickly throw the phone to the bed, grab the towel, and went to the bathroom.

As a good mother, Jungkook’s mom fulfilled her son's wish. She kept Chaeyoung busy in the kitchen doing this and that. She even asked her to get the door when one by one Jungkook’s friends were coming. Finally, she finished with all the preparation and asked each one of them to bring it upstairs. By the time they were already gathered, Jungkook was already finished dressing up. Seeing how Jungkook was all neat now made her giggle. Jungkook noticed it and got more embarrassed.

Finally, the long-awaited session was started. They took their own practice sheet, solve it for an hour then compared the answer. The wrong answer they each got will be discussed together. Finished with the first assignment, and after a short break, Chaeyoung then told them to work on the second one. While they were fully drawn to their assignments, the sound of footsteps climbing up the stairs was heard. Their head was automatically moved in the direction of the footsteps and a bit surprised to see Jaehyun showed up with a bag full of snacks.

“We are not inviting a college student,” said Taehyung with sarcasm.

Instead of getting offended, Jaehyun was laughing out loud. He then took place next to Chaeyoung, folded his arms, then made a v sign. All eyes now moved from him to Chaeyoung. She smiled and said, she needed help for today, so she invited an assistant. Their pissed eyes then turned soft when they heard it. Like watching commercials, they then back to working on their assignment. While the others were busy with their work, only Chaeyoung and Jaehyun worked as a tutor that didn’t have a job. Chaeyoung then started to collect the empty plate and cups and followed by Jaehyun they were going downstairs to wash it.

“Oh, you don’t have to do it. Just put it there!” said Jungkook’s mom who had just gotten out of her room after hearing the sound of water.

Both Chaeyoung and Jaehyun were smiling and busy ensuring her that they were okay with it. They would be the ones who felt guilty for stacking up the dishes. Couldn’t leave the guest doing chores, Jungkook’s mom accompany them by peeling the fruits Jaehyun bought. Jaehyun then told Chaeyoung to help Jungkook’s mom and let him finish the dishes. While they were working on their own task, Jungkook’s mom chatting with them.

The first question that she threw was whether Jaehyun and Chaeyoung were dating. Along with that aggressive shaking of their heads, those two gave the same answer. It made Jungkook’s mom giggle and asked which one of them was having a boyfriend or girlfriend. Cheekily, Jaehyun asked her to guess. Surprisingly, she gave the right answer, Nayeon, and Dokyeom. She said it was because they were coming together. Finished with the dishes and fruits, those two came back to where their friends were.

Most of them were finished with the task and now just Jungkook was left. That made them rest a bit by eating the refreshment. Finally, Jungkook finished it and they have started the discussion. After a general discussion, the group was then divided into two. The Chaeyoung and Jaehyun group. Since Jaehyun was the guest tutor, he had a right to pick . He chose Mingyu and Dokyeom as he thought they could be adapted well to his teaching method. Jungkook needed extra attention, Taehyung was having a unique way to study that do not match well with Jaehyun, and lastly Nayeon, he wasn’t that close to her and it will be awkward to teach his friend’s girlfriend.

“Jaehyun, can’t you take me, too?” smelling a dangerous situation made Jungkook ask that question. Working in a smaller circle means he had to either sit next to her or in front of her. Most importantly, there were two other people. What if they heard his pounding heart? What if he did an embarrassing thing that could lead them to be suspicious? Nayeon was especially dangerous since she was quick-witted. He was too afraid of his feeling got discovered by her.

“What’s with you?” feeling offended by Jungkook’s request, Nayeon was questioning what he just said.

The attention from each person in that room now moved to Jungkook. The tension was getting high in that room, and it made him gulp out nervousness. Through the eyes of his friends, he could tell they might think he was having a quarrel with her again.

“HAHAHAHA!” Chaeyoung was laughing out loud because of that situation. That laughter made them even more confused and scared. Clearly, this situation wasn’t funny at all, yet she was laughing as if she just watching a comedy skit.

The eyes who watched her laughing like crazy were demanding an explanation. Without being told she told them that she finally remembered something funny. She then told Nayeon to not get angry at Jungkook. Jungkook might get scared because it’s been so long since they weren’t studying together. As the subject of the conversation, Jungkook couldn’t understand any single thing she said. Not until she told them that all her students or mentee developed trauma because of her. Her teaching method was a bit extreme and it made them scared.

“What? So, you are aware of that fact? To be frank, it’s not only Jungkook. But I also have a deep trauma because of you,” Jaehyun said making all of them finally relax their tense body.

They thought it was a sensitive topic but turned out Chaeyoung found it funny. After Jaehyun’s confession, one by one they let out what made them scared of her. Just like that, the tension disappeared, and they proceed with their original schedule.

“Ah, and for your information, we are now become best friends. Right, Kookie?” Chaeyoung linked her arm to Jungkook’s neck, and it made him awkwardly respond to her statement. Her way of assuring them they weren’t having a bad relationship anymore ease their heart. Finally, both of them could get along well.

The overall study session ended after sunset. It was so exhausting but they were all having a good time. Studying could be fun, and they have admitted it. Jungkook’s Mom told them to stay for dinner. She already ordered food and it was still on the way. While waiting for the food to come, they were resting on the balcony. They originally waited in the living room, but Chaeyoung chased them away. It was because she had to teach Jungkook. Just like usual, he was the last man standing.

Jungkook handed her his assignment and Chaeyoung was starting to check it. While waiting for her to grade his answer, he wrote something in his notebook. He looked around and after thinking the situation was safe, he scooted it over to her.

“Thanks for earlier.”

Chaeyoung took a glance at that paper. After reading it, she pulled out the notebook. Repeating what Jungkook did earlier, she scanned the room then started to write the reply. Once she finished, she scooted it over to him. Next, as if nothing happened, she continued grading the answer.

“If u r being grateful, please do me a favor.”

Jungkook read it and had a hard time holding his smile. Just like before, both of them keep exchanging notes instead of talking.

“What favor?”

“U r not purposely getting the question wrong, right?”

The two of them were too focused on exchanging messages and didn’t realize someone was coming over to them.

“Hey, Jungkook!”

Jungkook has jumped when he heard Nayeon was calling him and already sitting in front of him. Out of reflex, he quickly closed the notebook and nervously waited for the statement from Nayeon. Whether or not she saw what he just did. Gladly, she seems to not notice it. Nayeon came to him to apologize for accusing Jungkook to make Chaeyoung wait on the prom night. Jaehyun just cleared up the misunderstanding and revealed Jungkook actually did a good thing.

Because Jungkook’s mind was already full of anxiety about getting caught, he quickly accepted her apology. Besides, he didn’t mind that accusation, to begin with. Yet, he still appreciated Nayeon’s apology. To break the ice, Taehyung suddenly asked Jungkook to sing the song he sang during prom night. Sadly, Chaeyoung stood up and said Jungkook couldn’t do it because he still had one question left to solve. The others were disappointed but couldn’t say anything.

“If u r trying to flirt by using the wrong answer, u choose a bad way,”

“But I am not trying tough. That idea did come but…,” Jungkook was mumbling, complaining about what she wrote on his last question sheet.

“Did you say something?” asked Chaeyoung because she thought Jungkook was talking to her.

Jungkook shook his head and said he just talking to himself. Chaeyoung nodded and instead of staying with him, she stood up and joined the rest. Jungkook felt a bit envious but couldn’t do anything. After erasing what she wrote on that paper, he started to work on the task.

When Jungkook was concentrating on solving the math question, the others were gathering around the musical instrument. Nayeon suddenly asked Jaehyun and Chaeyoung to sing the song they were supposed to perform during prom night. Dokyeom quickly nudged Nayeon and with his eyes show a direction to Jungkook. As they knew, Chaeyoung wouldn’t let anyone disturb her student.

“Fine. Jaehyun, you play the piano. I’ll play the guitar,” she agreed with Nayeon request.

It once again made the rest got surprised. As if she could read their mind, she said it was Jungkook’s mistake to not get the question right. So, as punishment, he should bear with this torture. What she said was sending a chill to each of them. Chaeyoung was indeed a witch disguised as a fairy. Yet, they didn’t dare to say anything.

Chaeyoung took the guitar, sat on the chair, and started to tune it. Just like her, Jaehyun was playing some melody to warm up his fingers. When they warm up, Jaehyun asked Mingyu to look for the keys to the song. After he found it, he showed it to Jaehyun. Tuning the guitar and piano were done, now they were starting to warm up their voice. Now, the preparation was finished. Chaeyoung started the song by playing some tunes on the guitar.

“SSAEM!! I AM DONE!” Jungkook screamed and rushed over to Chaeyoung while bringing his answer sheet.

What Jungkook did receive a protest from all of them. She was about to sing the first lyric, yet he messed it up. Despite getting scolded, Jungkook was happy and showed a winning smile. It annoyed them even more.

“A teacher shouldn’t abandon their student to play guitar with a handsome guy,” was written on the lowest right corner of the answer sheet.

After checking on his answer, Chaeyoung handed the answer sheet to him and congratulate him for finally getting it right. Followed Chaeyoung, the other also congratulate Jungkook for it. Now, they could hear the live performance of Jaehyun and Chaeyoung. Getting support from their fans, Chaeyoung started to play the guitar. Sadly, what the audience wanted couldn’t come true tonight. Just like before, their performance got interrupted. This time from Jungkook’s Mom. The food was coming, and she told them to head downstairs.

The hungry stomach win over any singing performance. Without being told twice, all of them were heading downstairs to devour the long-awaited dinner. All the food that was served on the table was all clear. Although she was not the one who cooked it, it was so satisfying to see how the kids enjoyed their meal.

After helping Jungkook’s mom clean up the living room and washed the dishes, they were gathered in front of the door and stood in line. Taehyung, as the representative, was saying their gratitude and farewell to Jungkook’s mom. He also asked her to not get bored for having them in her house. She was laughing and said as long as they cleaned up the mess, she would welcome them anytime.

As a good host, Jungkook escorted his guest to the front gate. His eyes were glued to Chaeyoung and even at a slight glance, people could tell he was worried about her. The one who notice it well was Mingyu. So, to not make him worry, he stole Jungkook’s question and asked it to Chaeyoung. Instead of Chaeyoung, Jaehyun was the one who answered the question. He told them not to worry because he would safely her.

Jungkook was a bit jealous, but he was glad because it was Jaehyun. He won’t doubt his words and was happy at least she would go home safely. Jungkook still standing in front of the front gate until he couldn’t see them again.

“Mom! You scared me!” said Jungkook while holding his chest. He was too surprised because his mom was suddenly standing behind him.

“She is that girl, right? Your crush,” asked mom.

Jungkook smiled and nodded. His mom then patted his head and showed a proud smile. She was glad her son was having a good taste in women. It made her want to support his son. Just like his mom who can notice a slight worry in him, Jungkook also could sense it on his mom’s face. Without being told, he knew her concern might be about the guy Chaeyoung was close to. Today, his mom finally discovered who that guy was.

“Don’t worry mom. Just like what you and Dad said, I am trying to snatch that main lead position. As you can see, I and Jaehyun are still best friends. So, don’t need to worry,” Jungkook ensured his mom.

Hearing it from her son directly made her even prouder. This boy was grown into a good man. He was competitive, but he could draw the line. Most teenagers who had high competitive nature like him tend to become ambitious and refuse to lose. Sometimes, it could lead to something unfortunate. But, seeing how he face this problem, she didn’t have to worry about this boy.

“Remember, whoever she chose, you should support her no matter what,” said his mom.

Jungkook nodded. His mom showed a motherly smile, linked her arm to his son and they were heading towards their home.

***

“Where is that new guy?” asked Jungkook to the manager after handing her two packs of lunch boxes.

The manager took it and handed him the money. She said that the new guy was having a night shift today. That was why Chaeyoung had to work during lunch break. Jungkook pouted but he couldn’t say anything. Seeing how Jungkook was sad, the manager promised him that she would free her tomorrow. Jungkook was complaining and said he had a mock test tomorrow. It made the manager reschedule it for when Jungkook was free.

When Jungkook and the manager were making a secret deal, Chaeyoung come over and told her the coffee bean supplier was coming. After telling them, she got back to make the order for the customer. The manager’s eyes were now fixed on Jungkook. The suspicious smile on her made Jungkook feel a sudden chill.

“Yeah, put it there!” told Chaeyoung while giving an approving nod. Jungkook then put the sack of the coffee bean on that rack. It was the last sack he had to put in the storage room. The job wasn’t that hard because they packed it in smaller sacks. But, since the manager couldn’t let Chaeyoung to lifted it, she was asking Jungkook for help. Of course, it’s not free. The manager should grant one Jungkook wish as the payment.

“As expected, great muscles are useful when it comes to manual work,” Chaeyoung gave a compliment to Jungkook as a way to say her gratitude.

Jungkook’s face got all pinkish because of her comments. It reminded him about the incident that happened yesterday. Seeing how the color of his face changed made Chaeyoung’s mischievous side awaken. She heard Jimin was kept complimenting his body because of how great it was. He also became Jimin’s motivation to work out.

“Can you stop talking about that,” said Jungkook shyly.

Judging from his reaction, Chaeyoung could tell he was truly being so embarrassed because of what happened. His reaction also made her feel shy. It sounds like she was a kind of erted girl who goes crazy over a man’s body. Besides, if she said it in the wrong way, it could be considered ual harassment. To avoid any unwanted thoughts, Chaeyoung quickly said she was living with two men. Because of it, she wasn’t too surprised to see a man bare-chested. Besides, when they went to the pool, most of the men also did not wear shirts.

The conversation regarding body made all of them in an awkward situation. Thankfully, the manager came to check on their work. That way, they were able to escape from it. Moreover, the break time was almost over so Jungkook had to go back to his cram school. Before Jungkook left, Chaeyoung called him and told him that she had an appointment tonight.

“Is that dinner plan?” asked Jungkook. Seeing Chaeyoung a bit taken aback at the question, he quickly apologized. Usually, he wasn’t the nosy type. But, hearing he couldn’t walk her home tonight made him upset.

Being asked a question left Chaeyoung with no choice but to answer. She said it was indeed a dinner plan with Taehyung. As usual, at least, every once a month they would shoot for Taehyung’s video content. She was a director, writer, planner, and assistant for this video log. After hearing it was Taehyung and it was about their routine agenda, Jungkook felt relieved. Now, he could go back to the cram school without being worried.

The mandatory class was already over. Usually, he would rush into the café, waiting for Chaeyoung to finish her shift while studying. It’s a bit weird to go home this early. This unusual thing caught Moonbin- Jungkook’s cram school friend- attention. He approached him, asking why he was still there. Usually, he would be the first one who got out of the class. Jungkook felt shy because he noticed it.

“Hey, how about joining the supplementary class with me?” asked Moonbin.

It’s a good idea. Without second thought Jungkook agreed with him. It was the first time Jungkook attended a supplementary class. Ever since the new semester started, he always avoided it. At first, it was because he couldn’t take any more lessons. It will be useless if his body was there but not his mind. It will tire him. But lately, he realized it wasn’t the actual reason.

Lots of things had changed since Jungkook accidentally confessed his feeling. Waking up early in the morning was one of the hardest things to do for him. Now, he would happily wake up and felt sad if he overslept. By arriving earlier, he could say a morning greeting to Chaeyoung. Chaeyoung was the type who followed her schedule. So, she always got on the same bus every morning. It made Jungkook have to ride the bus who arrived earlier than her. Once he arrived, he would wait at the bus stop only to greet her and walked together to their own destination.

The next thing that changed was his coffee time. Usually, he would come to the café to buy a coffee twice a day. During the first and lunch break. After being scolded by Chaeyoung for drinking too much coffee, he changed his coffee time. He only drinks coffee in the evening, during the last break. Although Chaeyoung was happy because it could increase the café’s sales, she still prioritized Jungkook’s health. In exchange, she made him ginger tea. She put it to the tumbler which had the café’s logo on it. So, he could at least promote the café.

The strategy Chaeyoung did was successful. Some of Jungkook’s friends were curious about the café because they always saw Jungkook drink the beverage from the tumbler. Most of them had never seen that café before. So, at first, they thought the reason Jungkook frequently went there was that the waitress was pretty. It made them curious and decided to pay a visit. Turned out their suspicion was correct. But, what more shocking was that the taste of their food and beverage was good. Because of it, now they become regular customers. Their suspicion about Jungkook and the pretty waitress relationship also changed. From being suspecting her as Jungkook’s crush, now they suspected Jungkook as one of their marketing staff. That pretty waitress was his friend, and she was so good at persuading them to buy their goods. Not only that she also successfully made them invite their friends, relatives, or lovers. She even made them promote the café by giving them a discount for posting their picture taken on that café and on their social media.

During Jungkook’s first year at the cram school, he decided not to make friends. It was Chaeyoung’s persuasion to push him to make friends. She gave him a hundred reasons and it changed his mind. So, instead of spending his first, lunch, and last break with Chaeyoung, he spent his break with his friends. That’s why now he often came with his friends to the café. Sometimes, when Chaeyoung wasn’t working during lunchtime, Jungkook would have lunch with her. But mostly, she couldn't. It will be a waste to not meet her during lunch, so, Jungkook always bought her lunch box from the place he had lunch. Eventually, he become a delivery man. The manager kept teasing him, but he didn’t mind it. Seeing her was more important for him now.

Just like taking medicine, Jungkook had to meet up with her at least three times a day. In the morning, in the afternoon, and in the evening until night. After cram school ended, he rushed to the café. He would stay there and study while waiting for Chaeyoung to finish her shift. When he was studying, if Chaeyoung wasn’t that busy, he would sit with him to teach him how to solve difficult questions. One of the regular customers saw them, and she braced herself to ask Chaeyoung to help her with the assignment. Seeing that, the manager took it as their new marketing strategy. The member of the café who successfully collected ten stamps could have half an hour of free tutoring from Chaeyoung. After asking for her consent, and discussing her additional fee, Chaeyoung agreed to that new marketing strategy.

Sadly, that new strategy upset one person. Jungkook suddenly felt robbed. Now, he had to share his personal tutor. Although her new students weren’t that many, he still felt sad. The manager who noticed it also felt bad for him. So, as compensation for becoming the muse of their new marketing strategy, she gave Jungkook a privilege. Unlike other members who only got half an hour, Jungkook got a full one hour. The tutoring session took time after Chaeyoung finished her shift. Since she finished her shift at 17.00, so usually they would go home at 19.00.

The supplementary class that Jungkook accidentally took this evening with Moonbin was on break. Jungkook took this chance to buy an instant coffee from a vending machine. While waiting in line, he texted Taehyung out of curiosity. He asked whether Taehyung could hang out tonight. By the time he sent the text, his turn to use the vending machine came. It made him forget about his text until the class was over.

“Oh, that’s a good idea. Come join us! I shoot my video on Mrs. Park’s café tonight,” after reading the text, he quickly checked the time. It’s already 20.30 meanwhile Taehyung replied at 19.00. Well, there was nothing to lose if he tried to come to the café. He quickly put his book and pencil in his bag and rushed towards the café. He slowed down his pace, organized his breath, and wiped the sweat from his forehead once he was near the café. After he looked normal, he entered the café and looked around. A smile was blooming when he saw Taehyung and Chaeyoung were still organizing the filming equipment.

Casually, Jungkook came over to Taehyung and Chaeyoung’s table. He greeted them and showed a sad expression when he saw the empty plate on the table. Taehyun then smiled and said, the party wasn’t over yet. There was still more order that hasn’t come out. As for the filming equipment, they have organized it because they were about to move to a bigger table.

For the first time after years of being friends, Jungkook appeared in Taehyung’s video content. Alone. He appeared along with other guys before, but never wanted to do it alone. Even when his popularity in its peak, he refused it. After the shooting ended, Taehyung gave Jungkook a big hug. He was being so grateful because he finally allowed his face to make a cameo. Jungkook chuckled and said, he enjoyed it.

“Chaeyoung, let’s go,” said Jungkook after they finished packing their belonging.

Taehyung’s eyes got wary. He thought he heard it wrong but didn’t dare to confirm it. He just followed those two to the bus station. A taxi was coming that way and Taehyung reached his hand out to call it. Before he got into it, he looked at those two and showed such an unusual and meaningful smile.

“Mr. Kim, be careful. Good luck for tomorrow’s mock test!” said Chaeyoung while making a fist with both hands to cheer him.

“Oh, fighting! Our Mrs. Park too. Be careful on your way home. Well, you don’t need to. Jungkookie will keep you safe,” Taehyung was waving his hand before getting into the taxi. He kept the taxi’s window open until he couldn’t see them again.

“Ahahha so cute,” said Chaeyoung when he saw Taehyung make a finger heart and stick it out from the window.

“You seem to like Taehyung a lot,” a grumped voice was coming from Jungkook.

“Oh, you are right. He is very cute. Who on earth won’t like him?” without further thinking, Chaeyoung responded to his statement.

That was the last conversation they had until they got off the bus. This uncomfortable silence causes Chaeyoung to think about what went wrong. Did Jungkook be sulky because she praised Taehyung? Or did he get jealous seeing their closeness?

“Are you sulking?” asked Chaeyoung once they reached the intersection after the playground.

“Oh,” unexpectedly he was being honest.

“Sorry. It was Taehyung’s occasion, so I don’t have any right to invite you too,” feeling bad for seeing him being sulky, she apologized.

“I am not mad at you nor Taehyung. I'm just mad at myself. I was late in reading Taehyung’s text. Because of my clumsiness, I might lose my chance to walk you home,” he could feel his cheek was getting warmer due to his shyness.

Chaeyoung gasped as she didn’t expect the answer at all. Just like him, she also got shy. So, it’s not because she praised Taehyung nor she didn’t give detailed information. All this time, she thought Jungkook only completed his duty as a gentleman and to spent more time chatting with her. Never on her thought he would take this moment as something so precious.

“We are here,” said Jungkook when they stood up in front of her apartment building.

Chaeyoung was looking at him and his face looked a bit disappointed.

“Yes. You are right. Ehmmm… Look, I know you are not mad at me. But I just wanted to say sorry. I promise, next time, I would inform you beforehand,” she said shyly. She didn’t know what she just said was the right thing to do or not. But, she didn’t want to see him disappointed like this again.

He smiled then after saying goodbye, he left home. She was smiling while seeing his back getting smaller and smaller. After he turned right at the intersection, she felt a vibration from the phone. She looked at it and it was a message from Jungkook. He shared a link to the song, Walk You Home by NCT Dream.

Oh

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah

I wish we were a little bit further from the bus stop

My steps unnecessarily get smaller

Every time I see a bench I like

I want to go and sit down

It's so exciting, you're laughing and talking

I walk the path while looking at you

 

We've arrived, goodbye, get home safe, oh yeah, yeah

I'll watch you go inside, so quickly go in

After your pretty back disappears

The moment I turn around, I already miss you

***

The eight hours of battling with the exam paper were finally ended. Jungkook stretched his neck. It was becoming a bit stiff because he was stared down for so long. Most of the participants were coming over to find their friends to discuss it. But for Jungkook, it was just a waste of time. They would discuss it in cram school anyway. The group chat was exceptionally quiet today. Mingyu and Taehyung already had a plan to release their stress. Jaehyun was busy with his campus life. Dokyeom, as expected already had a plan with his girlfriend. Now, it’s only Jungkook. If he wanted, he could ask another friend to hang out with. But this long hour exam drained all his energy. Instead of hanging out, he felt like going home and went straight to bed.

“Excuse me, Oppa,”

Jungkook looked behind as he heard someone seems to be talking to him.

“You, what are you doing here??!!” he was so surprised when he saw Chaeyoung was standing behind him. She smiled and said she came to cheer him up. Last time, Jungkook also came after she was done with SAT test. Now, she was paying back that favor.

The tiredness that was covering his body and soul was disappearing in a second. When she asked what’s his plan today, he lied by saying he wanted to eat something delicious. It will be offensive if he said he wanted to go to bed. She came all the way here, and most importantly, he shouldn’t let this chance slip.

“Shall we go to the buffet restaurant that we failed to go to before?” to not make it obvious he wanted to have a date with her, he brought up their canceled plan.

With sparkling eyes, Chaeyoung immediately agreed with his offer. Without spending more time, they called a taxi and headed to that restaurant. On the way, Jungkook told her that Heejin gave him the same voucher. Chaeyoung looked so betrayed because instead of giving it back to her, Heejin give it to him. Clearly, it was her who give it, why did she return it to Jungkook?

Watching Chaeyoung complaining over Heejin made Jungkook couldn’t hide his smile. He then told her Heejin told him everything about that day. That day, Chaeyoung was so happy and excited about that dinner plan. She even kept looking at the clock to count the end of her shift. When he abruptly canceled the plan, she looked so disappointed and even gave it to Heejin. As if she passed away her sadness if she did so.

What Heejin said was true, but somehow, she felt the way Heejin described it made her look so sad. To defend herself, she told him she already made a menu list. She also didn’t eat much during lunch because she waited for it. Besides, that restaurant was a hot place lately. With that much preparation, it would be a lie if she didn’t feel disappointed. Knowing all her determination, Jungkook quickly apologized for canceling their plan.

“It’s okay. I am glad because you chose Jaehyun over me. At that time, he really needed lots of support. You did the right thing,” she sincerely thanked Jungkook for it.

The depressing topic made the atmosphere being so gloomy. Jungkook quickly changed the topic by asking the tips to eat in a buffet restaurant. Although she knew he was trying to change the topic, she welcomed it and play along with it.

The smell of food made Chaeyoung smile from ear to ear. Because the only had limited time, once she put down her bag on the table, she quickly run over to get her food. Even Jungkook couldn’t catch up with her fast movement. He felt he just sat down and suddenly she was already back with a crazy amount of food. The plates she put on the table made Jungkook’s jaw drop. He confirmed with her whether she can finish it all and without hesitation, she gave a solid nod. Once again, Jungkook couldn’t hide his admiration. How come this slender girl was able to devour all those foods. Even before he eats, he was already full seeing that food.

Seeing how shocked Jungkook's face was, kind of made her a bit shy. In no time, she quickly clarified she brought it for him too. She just practically took everything, so Jungkook didn’t have to stand up to take his food again. Although Jungkook didn’t mind if she eats all of it, he respected her. He thanked her and started to eat the food she already brought.

“That’s not the right way to eat the wrap,” Chaeyoung stopped Jungkook’s hand with a chopstick before he put it in his mouth.

Following her instruction, he remade the beef wrap and eat it. While he munched the wrap, she kept staring at him until he gulped it down. Without being told, Jungkook knew, she was waiting for his comment.

“It’s tasted the same,” he purposely not giving the answer she wanted.

“How come?  I suggested it to my friends, and they were all agreed with me. You are the first one to disagree,” she looked a bit offended.

“I don’t really care about the order of the food and how to eat it. It will get mixed in my stomach anyway,” had years of experience with Taehyung, he surely knew how to annoy a foodie

“Then, you shouldn’t eat because it will become a poop anyway,” got offended, she suddenly turned into a scary Chaeyoung.

“I wonder, whether you are having a twin brother,” after he said it, he took another beef wrap to hide his smile.

“I am sorry, but the transition is not smooth enough,” once again she couldn’t just stay on kind Chaeyoung mode.

“Hahahaa, uhuuuk uhuuk,” Jungkook was laughing, and it made him a bit choked.

After he stopped coughing and drank water, he made another beef wrap with her style. Seeing how he made it using her style made her chuckle and jeer.

“Ah seriously, you and Taehyung are so similar. You two can pass as twins. Taehyung also said the same thing as you when I am commenting about the wrap,” after he said it, he put another wrap on his mouth.

A chill suddenly sent to Jungkook’s body. He stopped munching and looked at Chaeyoung who looked like she was so ready to kill him with those eyes. Sense a danger, he quickly swallowed the food.

“I am sorry, I won’t joke with food again. Also, I am lying about don’t care about the order or the way to eat the food. You see, I eat it the way you teach me,” like a filial kid, Jungkook was admitted to his wrongdoing and apologized to her.

A smile finally appeared again. Jungkook silently breathed in relief after she was back to her usual self. It was such a fearful experience. How come a kind person changes drastically because of food? Certainly, he won’t dare to try this kind of trick ever again, neither with Chaeyoung or Taehyung. Although it was nerve-wracking, Jungkook felt so happy. The fact he was able to throw a dangerous joke, and the way she could express herself freely, means they were got closer and become more like friends. Before, they were just a stranger who just said something that needed to say.

“Aaaaaaahhh so fuuuulll,” said Chaeyoung while rubbing her stomach.

The feastful dinner made their stomach almost burst. To digest all the food down, he suggested taking a walk. Without any doubt, she agreed with him. While they were walking, Jungkook secretly looked at the time. The night was still long and it will be a waste if they were just going home. With that thought, he forced himself to find another fun activity.

“Hey, wanna watch a movie? I already got permission from Jin Oppa to come home late. So, it will be a waste if we just go home now,”

Jungkook put his hand on his heart, hoping it will calm his heart down. He didn’t know why but whenever he was with her, he always experienced a new indescribable feeling. Happy because she had the same thought as him, scared because she spoke what was on his mind accurately, and nervous because it was like he was going on a date with her.

“You don’t want?” because Jungkook didn’t give a response, she asked him again to make sure.

“No, of course, I want. Let’s go,” his mixed feeling successfully destroyed his cool. He answered like a robot, and it made him shy. This overwhelming happiness made him scared to get a heart attack. So, as usual, he took some distance from her and organized his breath. It made them a bit apart by a few steps away.

Because Jungkook was walking behind her, he could see her pace suddenly gotten slower. That made him now standing in his original position. The reason why she slowed down was that she was looking for her phone. After she successfully took it out of her bag, she stopped walking. The contact ID named Americano was calling her. He didn’t know who this Americano was but it made him weirdly feel so anxious.

What Jungkook was afraid of seems to be true. Her facial expression looked not good after she ended the phone call. She looked at Jungkook with an apologetic face. With a voice full of regrets, she apologized because they had to cancel their agenda. Jaehyun just called and he was in emergency. He really needed her help right now.

“Emergency? Is that really serious? Should I come too?” Jungkook started to get worried when he heard emergency.

“Ah, it’s not that kind of emergency. That’s… How I explain it… There is something that happened to him but it’s not something dangerous. He is in a situation where he needs immediate help. So… mm…,” explaining this situation was hard because of the struggle of finding the right word.

“It’s okay. Jaehyun must be waiting for you. We can go watch a movie another time,” seeing how Chaeyoung looked so worried, he tried to suppress his disappointment and showed a cool side of him.

“I am truly sorry. I promise we would go another time. Then, see you later,” she bid farewell then in a rush she called a taxi.

Jungkook took a deep breath. Along with the breath he exhaled, he let out whatever feeling he had right now. It’s disappointing, but he couldn’t complain. Jaehyun needs her more than he now.

“Hah… So, this is what she was feeling back then. I guess, it’s my Karma,”

***