Those Lazy Days 

After reliving herself for a few minutes, Nara went back to bed and played her favorite playlist, putting her headset into both ears and increasing the volume, with her eyes closed. Taehyung, who just lost his game, wanted to take a break and went to his spot on the bed.

“Where did you go yesterday?” he asked while turning on the television, but after a few seconds she didn't reply. He hit her arms lightly, to get her attention, still no response.

He looked at her, who was dangling her head with the music and took one of the headsets and blew into her ear.

“Ah!” she cringed and exclaimed, “Ah, what?” 

“Where did you go yesterday?” he forcefully repeated his sentence.

“Nowhere you should know…” she responded simply.

“Then, maybe I shouldn't have come for you last night.” He rolled his eyes. Not wanting to make an awkward silence he asked another question, “Do you still like me by the way?”

His question made it even more awkward. Nara stopped her music and took her headset off, she looked at him to see if he’s serious about the question or not. Knowing that he was serious, she sunk and covered herself with the blanket, without moving an inch.

Taehyung looked at her for being such kid, he took the edge of the blanket and pushed it downwards.

“What do you think you’re doing?” he asked, and crossed his arms, “Answer me.” He stated, he’s not really serious about the question he just wanted to know her reaction.

She sighed and sat up confidently, “Umm—No, well—no, maybe—no. No!” stuttered, unsure about her answer.

“So you still like me, huh?” he asked cornering her, so that she wouldn't be able to respond. “Maybe even more than like, love.” he continued.

“I thought that my feelings had nothing to do with you…” she looked down, feeling depleted and punched across the face, because she knows that Taehyung had no interest towards her.

“You’re right, that’s true…” he replied, “Why don't we play a game or something?” trying to brush off the awkwardness.

“I’m just going to go downstairs and sit in the corner—depressed about my new life.” She took a chair as her replacement for her crutches. She walked towards the door step by step and went outside.

Taehyung didn't react much, but he did feel something wrong—well at least that’s what his stomach told him. Nara sat on the couch and hugged the biggest pillow; she sunk her face and closed her eyes.

It's a question that I don't dare to answer. A fact that I don't want to know and reality that I couldn't accept.

“Who do I like?”

“Who does he like—his girlfriend of course, why do I even ask?” questions that she asked herself and answer that she didn't hold is piercing her heart.

“Oh, Nara you’re home!” her dad came and sat on the sofa across her.

“Hi, dad.” She managed to form a smile.

“Where’s Taehyung?” he asked looking for him.

“I don't know—probably taking a shower.” She replied, “Why?”

“I have something to tell you both.”

“A—About what?”

“We’ll wait until he comes down.” He stated and looked at her ankle, “I’ll go and call him, okay? Wait here.” He patted her head twice and went upstairs.

After a few minutes being alone, her dad came back with Taehyung, who was laughing like they are old friends. She wished that Taehyung and her were like that, but she knows that it’s beyond her imagination. Taehyung sat next to her dad and waited for him for him to say his announcement.

“Okay, so the company wanted me to tell you that they want you to be their models for the upcoming event that we are going to make.” Her dad stated without taking a breath.

“What?” Nara blinked several times. “No—dad!” she begged.

“This won’t take long it’ll just be a few shots and then that’s it.” Her dad stated, trying to convince her.

“Dad, please—it’s not about taking a long time or not—“ she stopped, because there are a lot of scenarios and thoughts that’s start to flood her mind.

Advertising means that it’ll be displayed in public and displaying in public means anyone can see. Not just anyone—everyone!

She panicked, because she used to be invisible and she would like to keep herself that way. The one thing she’s scared of is that kids from school will know and made fun of her. Her life has been so hard ever since she got married to Taehyung.

“What is it about then?” Her dad asked, trying to help her with her discomfort. “Honey, you’re beautiful—you have nothing to be ashamed of…” he explained, while patting her head lightly.

“You’re just biased.” She looked down in disappointment, “I’m your only daughter—“

“And that’s what makes you special, I’m proud to show you—my sweet girl—to the world.” He stated.

“I don't know, dad.” She whined.

“Taehyung,” he turned to him, “What do you think?”

“Me—well I—umm, I’m not so sure…” he stutters.

“Dad.” She sat up with confidence overflowing “I think it’s a bit ridiculous, I’m not a model and I really want to stay hidden, I don't really want the whole world to know about me.” She explained.

“Okay, fine. I’ll find someone else, but if I can’t find a suitable model you have to do it…” he stated.

She shook her head, “No!”

They both went to the bedroom and ready to sleep, but before turning off the last light, Taehyung asked,

“Why don’t you want to be a model?”

“Because—it’s not about being a model.”

“Then what?” he asked the second time.

“It’s because I don't want people to know me—I want to stay invisible.”

“Why would you want to stay invisible?” he asked, “You’re beaut—“ he caught himself off guard.

“I’m what?” she asked, with a smile forming on her lips.

“Nothing.” He turned himself towards his end of the bed.

“Did you say I’m beautiful?” she pulled his arms trying to make him look at her.

“No, I didn't” he sighed, “Just forget that I even say anything tonight.”

“Hmm, then again why would you?” she asked while crossing her arms around her chest, “You hate me right?”

He turned around and both of them were looking at the ceiling as if there were stars twinkling and brightened the night.

“I don't hate you—I just don't particularly like you.” He stated.

“What’s the difference?” she scoffed, responding to his unbelievable answer.

“Hate means you intensely don't like that person, like even seeing them hurts your eyes.” He explained.

“Then what does dislike means?”

“Dislike?” he asked himself not sure about the answer, “Dislike means you like some part of them while hate is you don't like every single thing about them.” He replied.

“Wow, wise words. I didn't know you read.” Nara mocked him.

“Hey!” he exclaimed, “I read.”

“So, does this means you like me?” she asked again to make sure.

“You wish!” he replied and turned himself back to his original position.

I do wish for that, Taehyung. You just didn't know.

Instead of saying what was on her mind she turned to her end,

“Good night, Taehyung.”

She realized that it was the first time she actually said goodnight to him ever since they lived together.

That night, Nara dreamt about her and Taehyung. What if Taehyung loved her? He would say good night and hold her hand. She dreamt that Taehyung gavr her a back hug, smiling and telling her that he was proud to have her as his wife. She smiled because her dream was so beautiful and it was like everything she ever wanted. At school where she would put his arms around and show her off to the whole school, things that she couldn't have with Taehyung existed in her dreams.

Tears fell down on her while she was sleeping.

Early in the morning Taehyung was already up, but he was too lazy to do anything so he stayed on the bed and play a game on his phone instead, when suddenly Nara woke up. She stretched her arms and rubbed her eyes a few times.

“Why is your face so swollen?” Taehyung asked while raising an eyebrow.

“What--?” she patted her face and it was a bit swollen around her cheeks.

Did I cry last night? I didn't remember though.

“Did you—“ Taehyung wanted to ask. “Did you cry last night?”

“What?” she laughs lightly trying to rub it off, “Of course not!” she exclaimed. She stood up and took her towel to wash up.

A few seconds later, someone was knocking on the doors.

“Come in.” Taehyung invited.

His mom and Nara’s mom popped out of the door.

“Hey, good morning!” Mrs. Park greeted with a bright smile on her face.

“We have some exciting news for you guys!” continued Mrs. Kim.

“Judging by the look on your face it’s exciting for you.” Nara replied.

“You are absolutely right!” the both exclaimed.

Nara curled her eyebrows, predicting a list of things that both mothers are planning to do.

“Tomorrow, we are going to Mount Yongmasan just outside of Seoul for a family trip!” Mrs. Kim exclaimed with her eyes gleaming at the thought of the trip.

“Isn’t it exciting?”

“Why now?” Nara asked, throwing her towel to the nearest chair.

“Well,” both of the mothers looked at each other and Mrs. Park continued, “Ever since you two got married we’ve never really get to know each other. I don't really know Taehyung and Mrs. Kim doesn't really know you.”

“It’ll be a five-days trip—“

“Three days before summer holiday ends?” Nara exclaimed. “A few day before I go back to that hell.” Nara said to herself.

“I’m sorry?” her mom asked.

“Nothing!” Nara blurted to change the subject.

“Well, go and pack your up your stuff.” She looked around the messy room. “And clean up the room!” Mrs. Kim ordered and left immediately.

“Oh and Nara?” her mother called.

“Yes?”

“The doctor told me that you can walk without your crutches anymore and check up next week.” She announced with an excited smile forming on her lips.