Sing For Me

*****

Eunha began to open but she immediately felt a hand come up to her face as a voice shouted, “Don’t tell me about it!”

The petite girl sighed. This same thing has been going on ever since the music video for Yuju’s collaboration with Jungkook came out which means they’ve been reenacting the exact scene for two hours now as they sat on the couch of their living room, scrolling through their phones while they wait for their Sowon-unnie to finish cooking their dinner.

“I didn’t even say anything,” Eunha finally complained after Yuju pulled her hands away.

The taller girl looked at her friend with a pout. She was right about not saying anything, but she thought that it would be better to play it safe and stop her before she could decide to spill something she doesn’t want to hear. Since six in the evening came, she’s been too cautious about what the members would say because she doesn’t want them telling her of the comments people made on the newly-released music video featuring Jungkook and her. It’s not that she’s afraid of what people has to say. She’s just not ready to hear their comments. She’s not ready to know how much they hated her for doing a collaboration with one of the most loved Korean idol of this century.

“You didn’t even know what I was going to say,” Eunha added. She gave Yuju a pout of her own which caused the latter to give an apologetic look.

“I was thinking you’d try to tease me and read a comment.”

“I’d never do anything you don’t want me to.”

Yuju gave a deadpan look and replied, “You used my bath bombs when I told you not to.”

“Yeah, except that one.”

Eunha gave a cheeky grin while holding a peace sign up with her hand. It lasted for a second before she returned to being serious once again. She cleared and fixed her expression.

“Anyway, as I was saying, I could assure you I won’t read a single comment to you no matter how good it is.”

“Thank you,” Yuju said in relief before she plugged in her earphones back to her ears and continued watching the video of an adorable puppy barking along to a Taylor Swift song.

The two both returned to their relaxed positions on the couch and silence engulfed them for a minute before SinB came to the living room shouting, “Yuju-unnie! Have you seen the comments?! Man, they’re crazy!”

Hearing the unknowing younger member, Eunha immediately sat straight up and waved her hands to prevent any more words from coming out of the other’s mouth but SinB was slow to understand.

“Yuju-unnie! You should definitely read the comments!”

“Please stop!” Eunha mouthed while frantically signaling SinB to keep quiet. The latter turned to look at her and Eunha felt at ease but only for a moment because soon after, SinB ran to sit beside Yuju before pulling out one of her earphones. Her actions caught Yuju by surprise and she flinched a little before she looked at the person who just sat beside her.

“Yeah?”

SinB was grinning from ear to ear, looking like an excited puppy. Eunha would have been pleased seeing such a cheery expression from the group’s main dancer but knowing what’s going to happen next, she couldn’t help but feel doomed. She tried reaching out to silence SinB but her short arms and her slow enough reflexes did not permit her from doing so.

“Someone just posted a comment about the kiss.”

Trying to calm down to prevent herself from hitting SinB on the head, Eunha slumped on the couch. She was a second too late. Yuju heard and SinB just had to choose the taboo topic out of all the options she could have went for.

“Someone also said something about the part where the two of you held hands.”

“Oh, God. Help SinB’s dear soul,” Eunha thought when she saw Yuju’s lips slowly curving to form a frown.

*****

“Ahh, hyungs! Nice timing! We were just about to hit play. Here, take a seat and join us.”

Namjoon scrunched his brows. They have just arrived at the dormitory after a meeting with their producer and the sight that greeted them upon emerging through the door was way out of the usual. Jin isn’t in the kitchen, cooking dinner for the seven of them. Jimin isn’t bothering Jin. Taehyung isn’t locked up in his room with his games. Hoseok didn’t have the television blaring on to some international music channel. The maknae isn’t on his phone and his beloved earphones are nowhere to be found. Instead, the five of them were huddled together in the living room floor with a laptop in front, connected to the television. Something was definitely up and the other two weren’t informed about it.

“What are you idiots doing?” Yoongi bluntly asked as he threw aside his shoes and replaced them with a pair of house slippers. In his face, a clear expression showed how he is so done with the rest of their group’s members. He didn’t even have to say anything to give the others the idea that he doesn’t want to give a damn about whatever they’re doing.

Namjoon would have stifled a laugh while looking at his hyung but thinking it would be rude to do so, he cleared his throat and tried to compose himself.

It was Taehyung who answered excitedly, evidently unaffected by Yoongi’s demeanor.

“We’re going to watch Jungkookie and Yuju’s newly-released music video.”

At the mention of the GFriend member, Namjoon almost facepalmed himself. This was one of Jungkook’s most awaited day. The youngest member had been so hyped the entire week and Namjoon had not been free from his unusually lively attitude. Jungkook had constantly knocked on his door these past few days, asking if he did alright in his recent collaboration. Being the considerate one he is, Namjoon had to give the same answer over and over again. “You did exceptionally well,” he would say. That’s why he couldn’t believe he forgot about THE DAY. He felt utterly stupid for failing Jungkook. He even remembered making him a promise that they’d countdown until the video’s release together.

Yoongi, on the other hand, retained his expression but inside, he was swelling with pride for the maknae. Throughout the week, he may have acted like he wasn’t that interested with Jungkook’s blabber and apprehension but if he were to be honest, he really does want to give their maknae a big pat on the back for taking another step, both in his career and in his relationship with girls.

“You guys in?” Hoseok chimed, flashing his pearly whites while he wriggled his eyebrows up and down.

“Wouldn’t miss it for the world,” Namjoon exclaimed before rushing over to take the space beside Jimin after throwing his backpack to a corner.

“Whatever,” Yoongi said in reply, acting disinterested but decided to sit beside Hoseok anyway.

*****

“Uwaaa! Our maknae has really grown up!” Jin spoke as he patted Jungkook on the back before he held him close by the shoulder. He had been the most enthusiastic one throughout the whole four minutes of watching and immediately after the video ended, he couldn’t help but let out his overflowing enjoyment.

Hoseok, next in line to Jin in terms of excitement, continued to create his weird whooping sounds until Taehyung decided to join which left Yoongi in between two hyper beagles that threatened to leave him deaf before the night ends.

Jimin and Namjoon were grinning as they watched the others in amusement.

“Would you idiots shut up already?” Yoongi hissed at the two beside him, only to be ignored.

“Yah! He even kissed her!” Jin said, still reminiscing the parts of the music video he found the most entertaining and probably the best ones to tease Jungkook with.

“Our Jungkookie was so bold,” Jimin added as he decided to take part in teasing the maknae.

Jungkook was silently remaining still on his seat, not bothering to comment nor defend himself. Rather, he opted to have his furiously blushing face serve as his reply. He doesn’t even need to tell them anything because he has nothing to hide anymore anyway. The members knew of his affection toward Yuju and now was the perfect opportunity for them to make fun of him for it. He predicted that ages ago so to say he prepared himself for it would probably be fitting in the current situation.

“I am so taking a screenshot of Jungkookie’s kiss and I’ll have it framed for documentation purposes,” Jin said before laughing his infamous windshield wiper laugh. Hearing him, Jimin also burst out in laughter along with his hyung.

“Aw, c’mon guys. Let’s give Jungkook a break,” Namjoon finally butted in on the chaotic mess one can call BTS. He tried to grab Hoseok and Taehyung away from disturbing Yoongi while also giving Jin and Jimin a look that tells them to stop laughing. It is during moments like these that he would fully realize how stupid it is for him to accept the responsibilities of being the group leader because currently, all Namjoon wants to do is to throw in the towel and let the members do whatever they want with their life but seeing the obviously mentally-battered Jungkook, he had to do what needs to be done and that is to save the maknae (and probably Yoongi as well).

*****

“She’s not moving.”

“Did she pass out?”

“How would I know? You go and check.”

“What if she suddenly turns aggressive and bite me. You know how scary she could be when she’s at her limits.”

“Give her some pork. Maybe that’ll help.”

“We don’t have pork in the fridge. I ate the last batch.”

“Oh.”

The five members of GFriend continued to whisper to each other as they crowded together by the kitchen’s doorway, keenly watching Yuju who is sprawled on her belly on the living room couch, her long hair making it hard for the five to see a glimpse of her face. Unbeknownst to them, Yuju could clearly hear all that they were whispering to each other (if it can even be called whispering).

“Eunha, you’re our best bet,” Yuju heard one say, definitely the voice of her Yerin-unnie.

“What am I going to say?” came Eunha’s reply. It was evident in her tone that she does want to approach Yuju but is also too hesitant to do so. Yuju reckons it might be because they know she’s not one easy thing to deal with when sulking.

“SinB was the one who started all these,” Sowon’s voice rose from the whispers the others were making.

The subject of the newly-brought up topic raised her arms up in defense saying, “I didn’t know then! Besides, I already said sorry and unnie accepted it…kind of.”

“She didn’t reply to your apology.”

“Silence means yes.”

The maknae who was silently listening to her unnies point fingers at each other finally released her impatience with a sigh that caused the others to turn their heads to her. When she saw that they were ready to listen to what she has to say, she took another deep breath and began. “Are we seriously going to fight about who’s going to Yuju-unnie? In case you’re not aware, we could just make it fair for everyone and go up to her together.”

Had she not been in a not-so-happy mood, Yuju would have laughed at the level of savageness their maknae just gave to the four other members. She had a point but the way she said it was too amusing not to be noticed.

There was silence on the part of the four who just got told off by the maknae. It was long before Sowon, the more rational one among them, spoke once again.

“I wonder if you’re really in the age you say you are or you’re older than me.”

There were murmurs that came after a while. Now, they were actually making whispers that are inaudible to Yuju, unlike the ones before. She has no idea what they were talking about but she’s sure they have something going on, something she may or may not like.

Not a few seconds after the whispers died down, Yuju could hear the sound of the members’ faint footsteps. She can’t see but she knows they took off their slippers and decided to walk barefoot for if they hadn’t, she’d be clearly hearing her Yerin-unnie, dragging her feet like she always does.

As she listens, Yuju was contemplating on whether to let them know that she had been awake all this time or to pretend that she fell asleep and was unaware of them approaching. She was still in the middle of making a decision and the footsteps were already growing louder, quickly diminishing her time to go with one of her options. She estimated about five seconds before the members could reach her place and she was still indecisive but for whatever good she might have done today, the Heavens seemed to have took pity on her because right before any one of the five could do something, her phone which was left on the floor near her suddenly blasted “Navillera” which caused both her and the others to experience a mini heart attack. She did forget she had the phone on its highest volume.

SinB and Yerin immediately made a run for it, leaving the other three behind, surprised and unknowing of what to do especially when seconds after the phone rang, Yuju hoisted herself up from the couch and quickly retrieved her phone out of shock. She didn’t even bother to check to see who the call was coming from.

*****

“Hello?”

…

“Yuju?”

…

Jungkook held out his phone to check if Yuju did answer his call or he just misheard things with his hyungs being their loud selves in the living room. The maknae has separated himself from the other members as soon as he got the chance and he hid himself by the fridge. He was safe from their teasing for now but one thing he couldn’t escape is his Hobi-hyung’s voice, singing the collaboration song at the top of his lungs.

The green part of the screen tells him that Yuju has indeed picked up but when he returned the phone by his ear, there was still no voice from the other line and right when he was just about to call her out again, the call ended, and he was left with nothing but the silence of his phone.

“That’s weird.”

Testing his luck one more time, Jungkook pressed ‘call’ again.

*****

Yuju’s face panicked when she saw that Jungkook was calling her the second time around. She no longer cared about the members who stood there looking at her, confused, for her mind is already in red alert upon seeing the name flashing on her phone as it continued to play ‘Navillera.’

“Aren’t you going to answer that?” Eunha finally spoke up as she took little steps toward her roommate slash best friend.

Yuju looked up to meet Eunha’s gaze and just by making eye contact with her, her brain just hatched an idea, a brilliant one if she were to say. Without thinking twice, she shoved her phone to Eunha’s hands and said, “Answer it for me and tell him I’m not around and I left my phone at the dorm.”

Despite not getting what her friend was saying, Eunha opted to obey and did just what she was told to do. She stared at the phone’s screen and when she saw the name that flashed on it, she looked back to Yuju who only ushered her to go on, which she did without much of a choice.

“Hello?”

…

“Oh, Jungkook-ssi.”

…

“Yeah. This is Eunha. Yuju’s not here and she left her phone in our room.”

…

“I’m sorry. I don’t know where she went. She kind of just left in a hurry without any word of where she’ll be.”

…

“Of course. I’ll tell her you called when she gets back.”

…

“Okay. Goodbye, Jungkook-ssi.”

Eunha released a long sigh after she handed the phone back to Yuju who also released the breath she was holding as the call went on.

“What was that? Why didn’t you want to answer him?”

Yuju blinked. Why? She can’t exactly give an answer to that. In fact, now that Eunha mentioned it, she just might ask herself the same. Why did she not want to talk to him? Is it because she was nervous right after seeing the cheesy music video? Is it because she doesn’t want to hear his comment on their collaboration? She’s quite not sure what it is, really.

“I…don’t know,” came Yuju’s reply as she looked down to play with her phone. Her reply was the most honest one she could give. She really has no idea why she did what she did, and she was hoping someone from the members has the answer for her but when she tilted her head up to meet their gazes, they all had the same puzzled look. She guesses they’re just as muddled as her.

*****

“Yo, Jungkookie! We’re going to eat out since Jin-hyung didn’t cook for us! Are you in?” Jimin yelled from the doorway to the kitchen before Taehyung arrived and pushed him aside.

“We’re having patbingsu after,” Taehyung added.

Jungkook stopped staring at his phone and faced his hyungs. They were wriggling their brows at him, hoping to get an approval only to be met with a shake of the head, coupled with a low ‘Sorry.’

“That’s too bad. Take care of the dorm then. The five of us are going out.”

“Five?”

“Yoongi-hyung is already asleep in his room so you also might want to keep it down unless you want World War three to happen,” Taehyung explained while secretly eyeing the phone in Jungkook’s hands. He may not be that of a genius like his Namjoon-hyung but it doesn’t take much for him to connect the dots- Jungkook not coming, Jungkook holding his phone, and Jungkook looking all desperate. Unless there’s something new going on with their maknae, Taehyung is sure a certain girl is the answer to the puzzle piece.

“Right,” Jungkook replied without staring directly at his hyungs. Rather, he had his eyes back to his phone’s screen to see if he got a call back or even just a text.

“Want us to bring you back some banana milk?”

“Sure.”

Realizing Jungkook’s attention is impossible to catch as of the moment, Taehyung patted Jimin on the back and gave him a look which the latter got right away. They left without a single word and Jungkook didn’t mind nor did he even notice.

*****

“Hey,” the text read.

Yuju glared at her phone as if doing so would ease her dilemma of whether to reply or not. It has already been ten minutes since Jungkook sent her the text and here she was, still undecided on what to do.

“Just tell him ‘hi’ or something.”

“Will that be alright?”

Eunha set aside the magazine she was reading and rolled to her side so that she was facing Yuju’s bed. Her face changed from the usual cute one to something akin to that that speaks ‘You have got to be kidding me.’

Yuju raised her arms up in defense. “What? I was just asking if saying ‘hi’ would be enough. I mean is that how you reply to a text sent ten minutes ago?”

Eunha’s eyes rolled and she took in a breath for her to compose herself. Her patience was growing thin. Don’t take her the wrong way. She’s not mad at Yuju. She’s just annoyed at how dense she is. Even a child could tell why Jungkook called and it isn’t even the first time this happened. Eunha was aware that the BTS member had been calling-  or trying to call- Yuju these past few days but being pessimistic, Yuju kept her phone on silent on purpose for her to miss his calls. Her reason?

“He’d be weirded out by me if I were to make a conversation,” Eunha could remember how her best friend’s exact words went when she asked about it. She almost facepalmed at that moment but she saved it for another time. She knows she’s going to have to do it sooner or later anyway with Yuju having an unchanged mindset when it comes to Jungkook.

“I don’t know what to do with you anymore,” Eunha stated, all hope escaping her as she stared back at Yuju who was looking at her like a lost puppy.

“Why? I didn’t do anything.”

Another deep breath was what Eunha did and she questioned if Yuju is as mature as people thinks she is because right now, for Eunha, Yuju is nothing but a child who is trying desperately to deny herself from realizing reality because her own closed mind is safer.

“Give me the phone.” Eunha’s voice was flat. It was void of any cuteness she often has. She rarely uses this kind of tone, but desperate times call for desperate measures. If Yuju isn’t going to do anything, then she might as well do something.

“What?”

“I said give me your phone,” Eunha repeated for her best friend, every word uttered with much emphasis and clarity that there would absolutely be no way for Yuju not to understand.

Hesitation flashed in Yuju’s eyes but the fear growing inside her as she stared at Eunha’s stern form was overpowering everything so, gradually, she stood up from her bed and walked over to her best friend’s bed before handing over her phone.

Eunha accepted the device and immediately pressed the power button. When the screen lit up, she typed in the password Yuju has been using for ages now. She doesn’t even need to ask because obviously, her best friend still has BTS’ debut date as her code. She is a er for the group after all, not to mention their maknae, who is also the reason for everything she’s doing now, if she may add.

“What will you do?” Yuju asked, trying to take a peek at her phone in Eunha’s hands.

“Making things right,” was all Eunha said before she shut Yuju up by placing her index finger to her lips. The messenger application was already opened, and it is time for her to do her magic. The last thing she needs is Yuju distracting her from properly formulating the message Yuju would be sure to thank her for.

“Please don’t do something stupid,” Yuju begged as she slumped herself beside Eunha.

The latter glanced at the former’s direction. Her previous serious state was no longer there. She was back to the fluffy and cute Eunha people know. She gave her best friend a wink and replied, “When did I ever?”

*****

Jungkook blinked for the second time. He was contemplating on whether what he’s seeing is just a figment of his imagination or it really is part of reality. Why? Well, it’s because there on the screen of his phone is the notification of a new message. From whom? It’s not hard to guess considering he’s only been trying to contact one person this past hour.

“Should I open it or not?” Jungkook mumbled to himself. His hands were holding the phone tightly as if his life depended on it and his eyes were glued to the device’s screen. It had been around a minute since he received the reply, yet he still is on the mental battle of whether to read the text or not. He was afraid that if he does open it, he might get a reply that says she’s annoyed at him or something because if he does think about it, he left her eight missed calls and three texts all bearing the same content: ‘Hey.’

“Oh, to hell with this,” he cried out before tapping the phone’s screen to open the text. It was do or die anyway. It’s either he reads the text and bet on his luck or suffer from the curiosity all throughout the entire night for not reading a single message.

Jungkook’s eyes skimmed through the screen and as he began reading the first line, his brows furrowed until it slowly disappeared while he read the rest of the text. His once puzzled look was erased from his face and was replaced by the grin he obviously couldn’t contain.

*****

Yuju’s eyes widened in bewilderment upon seeing what Eunha sent to Jungkook. If crazy sounds too harsh, then she’d label her best friend as mentally ill. Yuju couldn’t believe she had the guts to send the text to Jungkook. Not only does it spell out trouble for her, but it also is multiplying her embarrassment by a hundredfold.

“Why did you do this?!” Yuju asked in desperation as she glanced back and forth from her phone to Eunha.

The smaller girl smiled proudly to herself and replied, “Someone has to do it.”

“By someone, you mean you.”

Eunha shrugged her shoulders before returning her attention back to the magazine that was left forgotten on the side of her bed.

Yuju was about to say something more but seeing Eunha pretending to be occupied by some article about nails, she opted to shut instead and type in a message to explain to Jungkook that everything was just a misunderstanding.

It was in the middle of her carefully organized message when a notification popped up on Yuju’s screen before a new message appeared on her conversation box with Jungkook.

“Will be there in ten,” it read and reading his reply, Yuju felt her soul escape her body. She could not believe what she’s seeing. He’s basically agreeing to Eunha’s wishes which means he’d be there, at the playground. He’d really take the time and effort and even risk being seen just to meet up with her.

Yuju might sound rude but she can’t help but also think how similar Jungkook was with Eunha in the level of craziness.

*****

“Hello. This is Eunha. I’m sending you this text because Yuju is too stupid to contact you herself. I would just like to let you know the truth that she never went out and what I said a while ago were all lies. My best friend is just acting all weird (and dense) today so I ask that you forgive her. She really does want to talk to you. Trust me. She’s dying to make a conversation with you, but she’s just scared that you might find her unfit to your liking, so she opts to ignore you instead. Don’t worry though. I’ll be doing both of you a favor. Get yourself ready and be at the playground near our dorm. You know where that is, right? If you don’t, well, it’s not hard to find. Good luck.

P.S. Yuju might take her time but she’ll be there. I promise. 😉”

Jungkook reread the text for probably the tenth time as he rode on the back of the taxi on his way to the said meeting place. After receiving the message, he remembers how fast he was to stand up and change his clothes. According to his records, it was, by far, the fastest time he took in dressing up. He even felt like running a race when he sped up to run out the door and hail himself a taxi.

Jungkook could only shake his head and laugh at himself as he recalled how rushed he was just because of some text that gives him the chance to see Yuju. He couldn’t fully fathom how smitten he is by a girl that he even forgot to bring a scarf with him when it’s below ten degrees outside.

With the taxi coming to a halt, Jungkook snapped out of his thoughts and fixed himself as he took in a breath. His nerves were starting to go frantic and he could feel it showing as his hands began to shake.

“Relax. You’re not dying. You’re just going to see Yuju,” he told himself a multiple of times in his head while he walked his way to the playground. As Eunha said, it was just near their dorm and he saw that she really wasn’t lying because as soon as the taxi dropped him off a couple of meters away from GFriend’s place, he could already see the outline of a secluded playground up ahead.

He got to the place two minutes earlier than he expected so it wasn’t a wonder for him to see that he arrived first. There was no Yuju in sight.

Jungkook sighed. He realized that it wasn’t even assured that Yuju would come. Eunha only told him to come here. She didn’t mention any word about Yuju agreeing to meet up with him. She only told him what she thinks Yuju’s decision would be but Yuju could be unpredictable. She could opt to stay in their dorm instead and continue ignoring him.

He slapped his forehead upon occupying one of the vacant swings. He slowly pushed himself with his feet and the swing began to sway, enough to distract him from the realization he just had.

He didn’t know how many minutes had passed or how long he has been swinging himself while humming a sad tune that perfectly couples his lonely state. He took another glance at his wristwatch. Ten fifty, it says. That means he’s now been out in the cold for twenty minutes or so. His bare hands were already starting to go numb and his nose, although he can’t see it, is probably already growing red. He could even feel his lips starting to chap and the fact that he forgot to bring a scarf did not aid in his situation.

Jungkook breathed out heavily for the nth time and immediately, he saw the traces of his frosty breath before it dissipated into thin air. Thinking how much of a struggled it is to wait in this weather and how he’s enduring it all just to see Yuju, he could only laugh at himself. He never knew he could be this desperate.

He hung his head down low as he leaned over to rest his elbows on his knees when the swing came to a stop. Carefully, he rubbed his palms together to ease the cold, but his action could only do so much. He was still freezing and going home would probably be his best option for now if he doesn’t want to pass out from the extreme cold but somehow, he doesn’t want to do that because deep in his mind, he’s still holding on to the little hope that tells him Yuju will come. He may sound crazy but he’s perfectly aware of what he’s doing, and he tells himself, “Longer. I just need to wait a little longer.”

*****

Yuju isn’t sure what in the world she’s doing. She can’t fully explain why she’s out here, hiding behind a tree while staring at the lone figure seated on the swing. She arrived at the playground fifteen minutes ago and she swore that as she walked her way to the said meeting place, she had mustered all the courage to talk to him. What she’s confused about is the fact that when she saw him from a distance, all those confidence seemed to have left her and she was back to her usual awkward state. Hence, she decided to take another route. She didn’t go home. That would be a waste of time and effort, but she hid. She hid herself from him.

Yuju slid her back along the tree to take a seat on the grass below her feet. Her legs were already tired from standing for so long that she knows if she stands any longer, they would give up on her. In her new position, she could no longer catch a glimpse of Jungkook as her back was now facing his direction. Plus, she behind a freakin’ tree. Of course, she can’t see him. She reasons that such a position would help her. She won’t have to see him as he leaves. She won’t have to see his disappointed face for being stood up. And now that she thought about it, she questions herself if she could ever see him face to face in the same way ever again. He’d probably loathe her for wasting his time and for making him wait in this freezing weather. The idea may be hard to bear as she does want to remain friends with him, but she reckons it might be for the best. She isn’t worthy of being his friend anyway.

A sigh escaped her lips. She also just realized that she owes Eunha an apology when she arrives back at their dorm. Her best friend did so much for her, yet she wasted it all because she’s too much of a coward.

“Nice going, Yuju,” she sarcastically whispered to herself while letting out a bitter smile. All the thoughts in her head were swirling back and forth, making her see how stupid she was for hiding behind a tree, but she accepted it all. She accepted the fact that she is and will forever be stupid as long as the events of tonight will remain in her memory.

She leaned her head against the trunk of the tree before she allowed her eyes to shut themselves. She needed to relax her mind. She has done too much thinking for her liking and it’s starting to cause her head to ache. She figured she should at least compose herself before she heads back home. She’s sure Jungkook had long been gone by now anyway.

Minutes passed, and she felt her energy returning to her as she rested. The cold no longer affected her the same way it did a while ago. Her hands were numb, but she could still feel and move them. Cautious of the time she wasted sitting idly on the ground, she slid up the sleeve of her coat and checked her watch. It was already a few minutes past eleven and she thought she spent enough time outside and she now needs to go home if she doesn’t want the members to grow worried although that would have low chances of happening considering Eunha is assuming that she’s with Jungkook as of the moment.

She snickered. “So much for promising Eunha that I would not let her efforts go to waste…”

After stretching her limbs, Yuju gradually stood up from the ground and dusted herself. She adjusted her coat and brought it tightly to hug her cold frame more. She was in the middle of taking a step when her phone blared for another time tonight. She reminded herself to replace her ringtone with a calmer one since ‘Navillera’ surprises her too much. She wonders why she even thought of setting the said song as her ringtone.

Slow with her movements, Yuju inserted her hand into the pocket of her coat to fish out her phone. It’s probably her Sowon-unnie calling. She always does it whenever any of the members aren’t home after eleven in the evening.

The song continued to play and Yuju felt herself growing impatient as she struggled to untangle the phone from being tied to the frayed threads of her coat’s pocket.

“Wait a minute,” she hissed before she finally succeeded in untying the threads and retrieving her noisy phone but before she could answer the call, she heard footsteps from behind and a voice that sounds too familiar called out her name.

“Yuju?”

Like that of a horror movie, Yuju turned around almost in slow motion. She knew who was behind her but she was still praying that she could be wrong, that it could be someone with the same voice as his. Of course, it would take a miracle for that to happen because as soon as she was fully turned, she was met with the image of Jungkook, standing a meter or two away from where she was. His expression was something she couldn’t decipher. It was sort of a mix of relief, joy, and something else she couldn’t point her finger at.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t know you were here all along. If I had, I would’ve-”

“No,” she cut him off which caught him confused at what she was trying to say. She saw the shift in his expression and she fiddled with her fingers when she realized what she just did. He was waiting for her to continue but she doesn’t even know what else to say. Should she tell him that she doesn’t want to talk? Should she not say a word and run off back to their dorm? Should she start a conversation? There were so many things she could do but her body seems to be frozen that no matter what she decides to do, she can’t carry it out.

“Are you okay?” Jungkook asked with concern upon looking at Yuju’s frantic state. He took a step closer to her and he couldn’t help but feel a bit of pang in his chest when he saw her take a step back in return. Thus, he opted to remain where he is to try and keep her with him for longer.

“I’m fine. I just…uhmmm…it’s getting late.”

Jungkook could tell something was up. She was avoiding him, and he doesn’t know what he did wrong for her to be like this toward him. He tried so hard to think back of any possible thing he might have done wrong to her while he waited a while ago, but his mind can’t come up with anything, so he wonders if it was because of something he did or something she did.

“I know but can we talk for a while? I just need a few minutes,” he pleaded. He knows that if he can’t talk to her now, he might not have the chance to ever talk with her again, given the fact that she seems wary of being with him.

Yuju looked around, averting Jungkook’s gaze. She was contemplating on whether to agree with his request or not but the thought of making him wait made her guilt bubble inside her. She wasted his time. Plus, the weather had not been kind to him either. She even noticed the absence of a scarf around his neck and the sweater he was wearing doesn’t even look all that thick.

“Okay,” she mumbled but it was loud enough to reach Jungkook’s ears and he grinned in triumph. Had he been confident enough, he would have thrown a fist in the air.

“Thank you.”

*****

Yuju sat quietly beside Jungkook. Upon coming to a decision to talk, the two of them took the nearby wooden bench. She sat on the corner of the seat first and she expected him to sit on the other side to leave a good distance between them, but she was caught by surprise when he perched himself near her. He was so close that when he finally settled in the seat, his shoulders brushed against hers. She could even feel the warmth emanating from his body and saying she doesn’t like it would be lying to herself. She also couldn’t deny the fact that she was growing more and more intoxicated by him as she takes in the sweet smell of his perfume whenever she inhales.

“So…” Jungkook began. He was nervous, but he tried to act like he wasn’t. Now was the time he could impress Yuju. He figures he has no room for messing up. Also, he decided to be open with his feelings, if ever fate permits, and he gains enough courage to confess.

“So…” Yuju mimicked the same shaky voice her companion had before her.

Jungkook swallowed the lump in his throat and he bit his lips as he quickly arranged his thoughts. If he wants to tell her everything, then he would need his statements to be comprehensible. He would need her to understand right away. That would save him from further embarrassment.

“Have you seen the music video?” he asked, and she hummed in reply which he took as a yes.

“It was nice. Director-nim did a really good job,” Yuju said, looking down on her hands that rested atop her lap.

“He did,” Jungkook seconded. “I think the success of the video was also because of you. You did great with your acting and singing,” he added before throwing a glance at Yuju’s direction. She was still looking down, but he could see the blush beginning to tint her cheeks upon hearing his complement. Seeing her cute flushed expression, he smiled.

“Thanks. I could say the same to you.”

Yuju lifted her head up to stare at Jungkook since it would be rude for her to talk without looking at him but when she faced him, she immediately regretted doing so because what she was met with was his smiling face and his mesmerizing eyes that she couldn’t help but ogle at. He was flashing her his bunny teeth and she knows she’s a er when it comes to him looking like this. She could even feel her face heating up a hundred times more than it already is and the butterflies in her stomach were going wild. She couldn’t contain all the giddiness she was feeling that she found herself reciprocating his smile with her own.

Seeing her beam at him, Jungkook felt his insides jiggle. She was too cute for him to handle. Thus, he faked a cough just to have a reason for him to avert her gaze for he knew that if he stared longer, he might do something he’d regret later.

“Anyway,” he began to speak one again. “The comments left by our fans were really something. Have you seen them?”

Yuju nodded. After SinB’s mistake and Jungkook’s missed calls, she found herself reading the fans’ comments. There were a few that hated on her which didn’t come out as a surprise given Jungkook’s worldwide popularity, but she also saw that most of the comments were quite good. They praised both of them for singing and acting well. Had it been the usual, the negative comments would have lingered in her mind but oddly enough, she found herself thinking again and again about the positive ones especially those that said something about them looking good together.

“I’m grateful that they appreciated our hard work,” Jungkook said as he looked up at the clear night sky. “They also think we have the right chemistry.” He gave a laugh after to prevent her from catching on to the real meaning behind his words. He was trying to imply something, but he doesn’t want her to get it so soon. He reckons he has to work on it gradually for her to be caught off guard and overwhelmed by a sudden confession.

“R-right,” Yuju stuttered as she went back to facing her lap. Hearing the words from Jungkook felt better than just reading it from other people’s comments and somehow, she hoped they really could be something more although she’d probably have to spend a thousand coins wishing in a well before that happens.

“I was thinking though…the collaboration…that was your favor for me, right? For the accident back at the steak house…”

Confused at why he suddenly brought up the topic, Yuju glanced at Jungkook. He, all the same, was looking up at the sky and she just can’t help but find him more attractive that way with his hair disheveled from the blowing wind and with his eyes shut to savor the cold winter weather. Seeing him this way, Yuju felt like she doesn’t deserve to be in the same presence as him. He was just too perfect for her. That’s why the thought of them ever being together would be nothing but a wish that would forever be left unanswered.

“I think so, yeah.”

Jungkook opened his eyes and tilted his head to Yuju’s direction. He stared intently at her and he was grateful at the fact that she was already gazing at him because it allowed him to make direct eye contact with her.

Yuju was caught off guard when Jungkook suddenly decide to look at her and she swore she felt her breath hitch and her heart skip a beat at his action. She didn’t intend for him to catch her staring at him but that is exactly what just happened, and she knows she can’t reason out no matter how badly she wants to.

“But you don’t have a choice anyway. When your CEO informed you about it, you can’t really say no, right?”

She pondered for a moment. She wasn’t sure where he was going with his words, but she realized he did have a point. She is under the company’s commands. Whatever is requested of her, she has to obey. It’s how their industry works.

“Exactly.”

Jungkook contained the grin that threatened to come out as his plan was going all too smoothly. “Then, the collaboration didn’t really count as you, paying back the favor you owe me.”

“Oh.”

Now that he mentioned it, the idea just sank in to Yuju’s mind. He was right after all. The collaboration was all planned by their companies. It was bound to happen whether she liked it or not which means to say that she still is indebted to Jungkook because of that single pitcher of iced tea.

“I haven’t thought about that until now,” she mumbled. “Is that why you were trying to contact me though? Do you need something?”

Jungkook grinned. He’s not sure if he’s taking advantage of the situation and if what he’s doing is a good thing or not but he’s too overjoyed at the now to just let it slip. Besides, he once read a famous philosopher’s words that say that the greatest pleasure is the greatest good. He may not be much of a philosophical person but right now, he’s sticking with the said idea. He’s ultimately happy now so he may be doing the most righteous thing.

“I do.”

Silence engulfed the two after the bold reply. Jungkook was mentally preparing himself before he speaks the truth while Yuju just doesn’t know what else to say.

A minute passed with them not uttering a single word. They just listened to each other’s breathing and let the blowing wind ease the awkward silence.

“So, what’s the plan?” Yuju finally said, no longer able to bear the quietness between them.

“Oh, yeah. The favor…uhmmm…”

Jungkook scratched the back of his neck. He swore he felt confident a few minutes ago so he’s wondering why he’s being all shy now.

Yuju stared with much curiosity bubbling in her head. She can’t think of anything Jungkook might ask of her.

“Actually…It’s not really a favor for me. I think my fans will appreciate it more.”

Yuju’s brows scrunched. She couldn’t quite get what he’s saying but she’s willing to do whatever it is anyway as long as it doesn’t involve bungee jumping or anything that triggers her fear of heights.

Jungkook took Yuju’s silence as his chance to explain. “What I’m saying is-”

“YAH! CHOI YUNA!”

Both Jungkook and Yuju turned their heads to the direction of the voice that interrupted their conversation. There, a few meters away, stood Sowon with her hands on her hips and her face bearing the stern expression of a mother waiting for the right time to reprimand her child.

Yuju gulped when she looked down at her watch and saw that it was already almost twelve. She didn’t even notice that time went by so fast. She was too occupied by Jungkook beside her that she forgot she had to be home before her unnie comes looking for her which is definitely the case now.

Yuju flinched with every step her Sowon-unnie takes toward them. She could feel the intensity of her anger just by looking at her walking. She knows she’ll be in big trouble once she gets back. She could already imagine it, her enduring the nagging up until her time to go to bed. Her Sowon-unnie isn’t much of a talkative person but when it comes to scolding the members, she’s a complete blabbermouth.

“I don’t care if you still want to talk with Jungkook-ssi or not, but may I remind you that it’s already nearing twelve AM and we still have an early schedule tomorrow,” Sowon began her sermon as soon as she stood towering over the two on the bench. Yuju put on an apologetic look while Jungkook felt like he’s also under Sowon’s control just by hearing the tone she was using. He, too, made an expression of remorse despite not being the object of Sowon’s anger.

“Sorry. I just…”

“Save your excuses for later but right now, we need to go home.”

Sowon tugged at Yuju’s arm and she pulled her up to her feet before she turned to face Jungkook who remained quietly seated. “I’m sorry, Jungkook-ssi but Yuju needs to go right now. I hope you understand.”

“Yeah. It’s fine. We were just about done with talking anyway,” he lied while faking a laugh.

Yuju noticed the way Jungkook was trying to make it sound like he was alright when in fact, he might still want to talk more with her. She has to admit. She also wants to spend a few minutes with him more but considering her unnie is here right now, staying longer might not be the best idea.

“I guess I’ll see you then,” Jungkook said, addressing Yuju who was staring blankly ahead.

“I guess so.”

Jungkook was the first one to leave after giving both girls a bow and as he walked away, Yuju silently wished she could stop him. She was already having good feelings about where their conversation was going but it just had to be cut off. It’s not like she is mad at her unnie for coming to get her. She just wished she arrived later, when Jungkook could finish all that he wanted to tell her, but she figures fate has its own ways anyway. She just has to go with whatever is given to her no matter how annoying it is for her. Now that she also thinks about it, had she shown herself up to Jungkook earlier rather than sitting behind a tree, they would have finished their conversation and maybe even have a few more minutes to spare.

“I really am stupid,” Yuju thought before she turned around to follow her Sowon-unnie back to their dorm.

*****

Yuju was finally able to release a sigh of relief the moment her Sowon-unnie walked out of their room. Eunha found it convenient to put on her earphones to prevent herself from hearing all the nagging while Yuju, on the other hand, had to suffer but she tells herself she deserves it anyway. She was aware of her Sowon-unnie’s rule of not going past eleven thirty in the evening anyway, yet she still disobeyed. She knows she is worthy of the nagging. Thus, she tried to bear with it until it ended. Fortunately for her, her unnie was already sleepy way before she began so she ended earlier than usual.

“Is the coast clear?” Eunha asked, removing one of her earphones while looking at the closed door of their room warily.

“Yeah. She’s finished.”

“That was faster than I expected.”

“I know. The Heavens must have heard my plea for help,” Yuju joked which earned her a chuckle from Eunha.

“You still need to tell me the details tomorrow,” Eunha said as she wriggled her brows at her best friend. “I need to know everything.”

“Yeah, yeah. There’s nothing interesting to say anyway. We weren’t able to finish conversing with each other.”

“That’s a pity.”

“I know,” Yuju agreed before she reached out to turn off the lamp. Eunha didn’t further reply which gave Yuju the impression that she probably went back to listening to music on her phone so without anyone else to talk to, Yuju covered herself with the sheets and retrieved her phone from her bedside table. It has been a habit of hers to always check her social media accounts for anything interesting right before going to bed. However, right before she could even open her private twitter account, she found a message notification on her messenger application. Curious, she tapped on it and to say she was surprised would be understating it because right on screen is Jungkook’s name along with a new message he just sent her a few minutes ago which she may not have noticed as her unnie was still reprimanding her then.

“The favor,” it says along with a link on the bottom. She clicked on it and her phone immediately loaded into the news site she knew too well since she often visits it for updates on the music industry. The internet connection was slower at the moment, so the page was taking its time in displaying everything. When it did, Yuju was caught in mild confusion. The link Jungkook sent her was that of the article written weeks ago, the one about his fans wanting him to get a girlfriend because they’re concerned about his health.

“What’s this?” she whispered to herself while she scrolled up and down the article, trying to figure out what he meant but when she remembered the caption above the link he sent, she let out an audible gasp.

Hurriedly, she returned to the check the message again and her mind somehow came up with something although there’s also this huge possibility that what she’s thinking may be wrong. She was about to type in a reply to ask him to clear things out for her, but another message popped out before she could press ‘send’ and she stopped to read it. When she did finish reading the short text, she felt herself having the urge to scream despite her not wanting to disturb their neighbors who are already sleeping by now. Instead of screaming then, she went with squealing while muffling herself with her pillow to prevent any unnecessary noise.

Yuju checked her phone once more to see if she wasn’t imagining things. She also pinched her arm to assure herself that she isn’t dreaming because her reality now is just too good to be true.

*****

Jungkook smiled as he stared at his phone. Yuju still hasn’t replied but he’s sure she already read his text. He could feel his guts telling him she did.

He rolled to lie on his side while still holding his phone close. He could tell he’ll have a really good sleep tonight and maybe perhaps until Saturday, when he meets Yuju again for the date he promised her in his text.

*****

The last chapter everyone and it's actually quite long, longer than usual because...why not? Hahahaha. I hope you enjoyed it. I really had fun writing this story despite the fact that it always takes me so long to make updates. Leave a comment below to tell me what you think about this story. Also, I have a oneshot idea in mind but I still may not put it in words this week or the week after because I'll be busy then but I promise you, I will post it...soon.