chapter two

As mentioned earlier, this school revolved around the idea of ‘teacher pressure’; it’s almost like a gun to the head. That’s how it worked when it came to the premises of most teacher’s lessons. If you got the answer wrong, they’d pull the trigger.

The only enlightening thing about this period’s English class was that Tae Ni had Jimin’s company. Believe it or not, there’s a reason to why he has a fan club a lot like Taehyung’s. He surpassed academics and sports as much as Taehyung did, but he wasn’t as socially participated to the school’s society.

The teacher stoked in her high heeled shoes, clucking its way to the other end of the classroom and back as she spoke her lecture. If you could view the class from up the front, the apprehensive and anxious look on the faces was determined straight away. Sweaty hands was another side effect to almost every class.

“Jimin. I’m sure you’ve read the book and understood its context.” The teacher picked on. No reply as given, but Tae Ni’s heart was beating of concern for him. At the same time, there was nothing to worry about. As long as he was confident and the slightest bit right to his answer, he’d be fine. Right?

“The author of the silk road thought that his positive thinking strategy worked well after all. Why is that?” The teacher tilted her head to Jimin as he remained seated next to Tae Ni. Everyone in the class turned their head to face Jimin, and only a few girls were about to cry.

“The author was disappointed that there were no pilgrims in Darchen. He tried his self-help programme on positive thinking to keep up his spirits. It seemed to work very well because he soon met Norbu and they could do the kora together.” Jimin answered.

“Correct.”

The imaginative weight on Tae Ni’s shoulder’s lifted as Jimin turned his head to face her. The look of concern was much more of a content expression. He chuckled softly as he noticed her stiffness earlier. He rubbed her back for a few quick seconds.

“Why are you the one worrying when I’m the one she picked on?” He whispered, and thank goodness no one seemed to notice.

“Sung Hai, I assume you also understand the context of the book.” The teacher picked on another student. He wasn’t all an exceptional student at Skydale College. He just happened to be good at soccer, that’s all.

“Can you explain the reason for the following statement? The title of the book is the silk road.”

“Mrs. I read the book last year. Why should I need to go over it again?”

“If you read the book last year, you should very well know the answer to this. If not, why not stay back a year? Ever thought of that?”

“It’s called the silk road because the author couldn’t think of any better name.”

“Marvellous effort Sung Hai. Maybe you could share your wondrous ethnics in detention. How ‘bout it?”

Bang goes that gun.

● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

“Poor Sung Hai.” Tae Ni sympathised.

“Yeah… well… He sort of got a taste of his own medicine.” Jimin bubbled as he paced to the school’s soccer field once again with Tae Ni. The sun beamed, exceeding hotter heat than this morning’s weather. It was a lot warmer and the breeze seemed to no longer run.

As they walked the sunny atmosphere, Jimin noticed the emptiness on the green outskirts of the field.

“I guess since Sung Hai is in detention, his playmates decide to abandon the soccer game. You know what that means.” Jimin spoke as he turned to face Tae Ni, determined yet she didn’t seem to get his point. He smiled before running to the soccer field on his own.

“Let’s have a game Tae Ni~”

Tae Ni contemplated on the idea. She wasn’t all a sports person, but she didn’t hate it. Moreover, she was better at other things than competitive activities. So Tae Ni came up with an excuse.

“Um… I don’t know how to play.”

“Just kick the ball while I try and block your shot.”

“Is that it?”

“Why? Do you want to play an actual professional game?” Jimin raised an eyebrow, almost challenging. Tae Ni instantly shook her head to decline. It didn’t take long for Jimin to persuade her into playing a fun game with him. It wouldn’t be all bad.

She stood at the centre of the soccer field and began to dribble the soccer ball along her way to the goal post. Jimin, who seemed to have readied himself to protect the shot, was amused by the way Tae Ni tried to contribute in playing with him. To all honesty, he didn’t think she’d join him.

Making her way to the goal post, she seemed to have enjoyed her lone skill in dribbling the soccer ball along the grass. Few feet away from the goal post, she stood her ground getting ready to kick. The strike of the swing, Jimin managed to catch her kick.

“At least let me have one goal and pretend you missed to catch it.” Tae Ni bubbled before giggling to her little negotiation. Jimin rolled the ball back to Tae Ni as she challenged to score a goal again. The more Tae Ni felt intense about the little game play, the more Jimin was entertained by her persistence.

Time seemed to pass by as laughter filled the soccer field from their little fun game. As Tae Ni attempted to kick for the umpteenth time, its direction made notice of three boys walking towards the soccer field.

One of them swiftly pointed the toes of his foot up to stop the ball from rolling before picking it up. Tae Ni didn’t know what to expect since Taehyung was part of the trio. Jimin walked closer to Tae Ni as they watched them get closer to where they were standing.

“Hey. Tae Ni right? I’m Taehyung… I’m in your math class.” He introduced himself.

Before Tae Ni could respond, Jimin intervened. “Yeah. She knows who you are.”

“And who might you be?” Taehyung tilted his head as he slid his hands into the pockets of his pants.

“Jimin.” He responded.

“Well… this is Hoseok and Jin. We were just wondering if we could join your little game.”

Tae Ni and Jimin turned to look at each other, considering their offer. Jimin would’ve read her mind to note that this might be a delightful moment for her. So, in the end, he agreed upon it.

“I’ll go be in Tae Ni’s team.” Taehyung turned to glance at her as he smiled softly before gesturing to get on with the game.

Without saying anything, she took the centre position once again and began to dribble the ball across the field. Jin and Hoseok came dashing at her causing her mental state to panic.

“Here! Pass here!” Taehyung called out. Tae Ni hesitantly kicked the ball to his standing point as he dashed for the goal. Tae Ni not knowing what do to, started to run towards the goal post. Initially, Taehyung would pass to her if he was cornered by the other team mates so she figured why not stand near the goal post and wait.

Just as she predicted, Taehyung passed the ball to Tae Ni. Willingly, she swung at the ball towards the goal post.

This is the part where victory music plays and everyone cheers.

She paused to take a moment and think about what she had done. She jumped in the air, celebrating her first goal before running to Jimin and attacking him with a hug. She circled her arms around his neck and yanked him closer to her. He responded by wrapping his arms around her waist, hugging her back.

“Did you purposely let me score a goal?” Tae Ni asked.

“Can we keep it a secret?”

Breaking the hug, the trio came to the two figures pretty content with the game they just had.

“Nice play Tae Ni. You did a good job.” Taehyung praised. Tae Ni could feel the radiating heat on her face causing her to momentarily stutter.

“O…o…oh. T…thank you. You did a good job too.”

“Tae Ni, you’re pretty good a soccer. Do you play often?” Jin inquired as Tae Ni shook her head as a reply.

“Really? You should play more often then. You can be an all-star female soccer player.” Hoseok complimented.

As if on cue, the bell for next class sung throughout the school.

“Well… I’ll see you in math class Tae Ni. It’s nice meeting you both. Good game play.” Taehyung bid farewell as Tae Ni continued to huff and puff from the intensity of the friendly soccer game.

The heated weather seemed to get the best of Tae Ni and Jimin as they headed to class, happy that they agreed on the decision to play soccer. Instead of walking to class, she skipped in glee, not even thinking about next austere class.

“Are you that happy? You should thank me then. I’m the one that let them play.” Jimin stoke upon confidence.

“Thank you Jimin~”

● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

The breeze of a late afternoon came to settle on the town, bringing that calming nature to the setting. This was the time of the day where Tae Ni and Jimin unwind and gab on about anything that came to mind. Almost like a heart-to-heart manner conversation, just without the deep and ethical moment of truth.

They ended up sheltering temporarily at their favourite chicken store. They were well known customers to the vendors of the store, therefore they didn’t mind giving free service.

“So how did you feel about today’s game?” Jimin asked.

“Despite the fact that you pretended on missing the catch, I feel very good about myself.”

“Even after Taehyung came into the game?” Jimin raised an eyebrow.

“What are you trying to point out?” He let out a chuckle before sinking his teeth into the golden cooked chicken. Tae Ni sighed before mirroring his action and savouring the flavour. Much of their day convinced them that even though the teachers may be a bit obscene to their teachings, having a shot at something may as well enlighten their day.

Tae Ni couldn’t help but feel wondrous of her future English classes. Would Taehyung talk to her during class? Would he avoid her and act like nothing happened? Are they now considered friends? She couldn’t help but feel a bit self-doubting. Jimin watched her in the trance of deep thinking as he continued to claw his teeth into the chicken.

Just as he was about to speak, the bell of a new customer entering chimed the store. A bunch of girls from their school was very much attentive when they saw Jimin. Giggling and whispering their way to a table close to Jimin’s, Tae Ni couldn’t help but tolerate the soon-to-be migraine.

Minutes in the store passed by as Tae Ni and Jimin spoke over the strident cackling from the girls merely behind them. The shade of the sky began to cast a shadow over the town, calling the night young.

Just as Tae Ni and Jimin stood up to leave, the lady landowner of the chicken store intervened their departure. Handing a small white folded note to Jimin, she spoke softly.

“That girl over there asked me to give you her number. Pretty prestigious huh?” Slowly but steady, Jimin accepted the note as Tae Ni seemed to notice that the girl behind her watched this little intervention.

Great. Just great.

Exiting the store, Jimin took a moment, as he walked, to view the girl’s number written on the paper.

“Can you imagine me having a conversation with her through electromagnetic waves?” Jimin babbled.

“You mean a phone?” Tae Ni bubbled wittingly. Continuing to walk to their humble abode, Jimin folded the paper in half before putting it in his pocket.

“Do you think I should call her?” Jimin wondered. Tae Ni contemplated the thought as well as pictured the impending possibilities if Jimin dated her. Although, she couldn’t really have a theory on it since she didn’t know the girl.

“I don’t know. If you like her, go for it.” Jimin nodded, agreeing to take in her recommendation.

Their walk inched closer to their apartment as the chilled air began to kick in.

Getting to know each other better and better was a frequent custom, including their small trip from the chicken store to their journey’s end. They say when you are having fun, time flies by pretty swiftly. Since laughter would fill their conversation from time to time and they were merely intrigued into every conversation, this idea might just be the slightest bit correct.

There wasn’t much left of a circuit until they reached their residence. First was the lobby, then the elevator and the tedious hallway consisting of their neighbouring units.

“6am usual?” Jimin asked as he fiddled with his keys unlocking his unit’s door.

Tae Ni turned her head and smiled to respond. “As always.”

First thing Tae Ni was welcomed with was almost a housewarming greeting.

“Hi honey. How was school?”

If anyone talked Tae Ni’s mother for a certain amount of time, they’d verify instantly that she’d be intrigued by almost anything they’d talk about. This was a good trait about her. Any sociable or non-social person could easily talk to her mother. It’s a God-given gift.

“School was great.”

“Why? Did something good happen? A boy?!” Almost eager and enthused by the conversation already, and it just begun.

“Could you wait until I finish my sentence before you may jump to any conclusion?”

Tae Ni’s mother squatted down onto the couch as she took Tae Ni’s hand gently, gesturing to sit next to her.

“I played soccer… and it was actually fun.”

“I’m proud of you honey! Did you score a goal? Who were you playing with?”

“Y…yeah. You can say that. First it was just Jimin and I… but then… you can say we made new friends.”

“That’s splendid to hear~ I’m glad to know there is the brighter side to your school. Ah~ Dinner is ready.”

Making their way to the kitchen of the resident, the meal’s aroma incited and attacked Tae Ni’s nose and appetite. As she stepped foot in the kitchen, first thing she spotted was her father arranging dinner’s set up.

“How’s my little delicate sunshine?” Tae Ni’s dad jested in an absurdity custom. In other words, it was weird.

“Delicate sunshine?” Tae Ni echoed before her mother made her way to her husband.

“I like it. It’s wonderful~” Her mother sang.

“Okay… My stomach is about to die on me.”

“What? WHY?! Didn’t you eat?! Why is your stomach about to die on you? Why is it failing you? Huh? Did you even bring lunch? You didn’t bring your lunch. You know how I know? Because the lunch your mother made was left on the counter.” Tae Ni’s dad jumbled a series of questions into one that form a lecture of some sort.

“Y…you didn’t… don’t you like the food I make you?” Tae Ni’s mother was on the verge of tears.

“I LOVE YOUR FOOD HONEY! TELL HER YOU LOVE HER FOOD!” Tae Ni’s father yelled out.

“Mom… it’s not like that. I left my keys this morning when I went to the rooftop with Jimin. I couldn’t get in since you guys were at work. I love your cooking mum.”

“Honey. Don’t listen to her lies. I read on the internet that if they explain too much, it means they’re lying.” Tae Ni’s dad hugged his wife, blocking view from his daughter.

“Are you lying to me Tae Ni? Is there something you want to tell me?” Her mother sobbed.

“Mom… I love you. I love your food… DAD! WHY’D YOU SAY THAT?”

“I’m funny aren’t I? Just wanted to lighten the mood before we eat dinner.”

“Yeah. Way to go dad. Mum is on the verge of crying.”

“Don’t cry my loving wife. You know we love your food. So let’s eat it.”

Forgot to mention. Though Tae Ni’s mother may be of a really sociable person, the downside to it, was that she could get dramatic at most cases.

Tae Ni had to live with this all her life. Splendid isn’t it?

● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

“My mum was about to cry.” Jimin fell down laughing until his stomach felt like it did 200 sit ups.

“So wait… does your dad legitimately research that kind of stuff?”

“I don’t know… He said he was joking in the end.” By the time Tae Ni finished recapping over the little event that happened before eating dinner, she herself realised how funny it was.

Once again at the rooftop, waiting for the peaks of yellow to rise was almost a habitual sense to them. It was a beautiful feeling, almost energizing.

Tae Ni decided to hear Jimin’s story. “How was your evening?”

“Same, same. Parents are on late shift so I just did my homework and video game my way into the night. It’s a sanctuary if you ask me.”

“Please tell me you ate dinner.”

“Of course I ate dinner. My parents left me those bags of frozen vegetables that you just put in the microwave for 3 minutes. And plus, we ate chicken. That counts as dinner.”

“Speaking of chicken… are you planning of calling that girl? Tae Ni questioned. Turning her head to glance at Jimin, still eager to know his answer, he was solely glimpsing the outskirts of the scenery in front of him. Wanting him to respond to her curious attribute, she continued to give him an intent look. Seconds later he only shrugged his shoulders.

“I don’t know. Probably not.” Tae Ni regarded his answer and joined him to watch the scenery. As they sat in silence, not the awkward kind, Tae Ni rested her head onto Jimin’s shoulder comfortably as the sun inched closer to wakening.

“What do you want to do on this fine Saturday Tae Ni?”

“How ‘bout we think about it later?”

● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

Striding a Saturday’s walk, Jimin and Tae Ni ended up by the green estate of playgrounds and soccer fields; a park as one would call it. Gentle winds and temperate weathers is one could ask for when your off for a walk.

As Tae Ni and Jimin walked alongside each other, they couldn’t help but fantasize about their adventures on the playground, or their appetite for ice cream. Unfortunately for them, a lot of kids younger than their years occupied most of what the playground provided – including the swings.

Seeing the various activities they can do, Jimin decides to ask for the first ambitious agenda. “What do you want to do?”

“I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream?”

“You want to scream for ice cream? Have fun embarrassing yourself screaming for ice cream.” Jimin joked.

“Yah!” Jimin cracked a chuckle before ruffling her head. He took out his wallet from the backside pocket of his pants and flicked through his noted cash, taking out a five dollar note before handing it to Tae Ni. Before she could leave to buy the ice cream, Jimin gripped onto her wrist rather swiftly.

“Get me the banana flavoured ice cream.” She nodded before skipping off to the ice cream truck of colours and appetizing dreams. Thankfully, the line wasn’t too long, but it seemed to be time consuming in noticing the service they were providing.

Minutes passed and she persisted to wait in line for the ice cream. Normally you would just stand and look around due to boredom and have low expectations in seeing anyone you would know. But as of Tae Ni’s case, it happened to be the opposite.

A familiar figure came towards the line as she continued to contemplate on whether or not it was who she thought it was.

“Tae Ni?” A voice audited as the figure came soon to a clear.

“T…T…Taehyung?”

“Didn’t expect to see you here. It’s nice seeing you again.”

author's note : Hiyo~ I do hope you are enoying it so far. I'd just like to say thank you for those who have already commented, subscribed and upvoted. :3