The month of January came and went, Jungkook was grounded for a week for ditching his classes when his father got the call since he has not been able to hang out with his friends and play games, it was a slow week. February was finally here, and his punishment was over, but his father gave him a warning that he will lose his phone, television, computer and video game if he receives another call from the school again for unexcused absences.

 It was a chilly February morning, Jungkook was in a green jacket, white t-shirt with black joggers and a red beanie. Heading to his first period, they have been preparing for their first project with a partner, Jungkook hates group project but he was hoping he would be partnered up with Jimin, but it was highly unlikely. Things between Jimin and he have been casual, just exchanges of hi in the classroom and that would be the only interactions between them throughout the whole day. Jimin spends most of his time with his friends so Jungkook has a hard time approaching him, the last thing he wanted was to be the center of attention at school and that is what will happen if he approaches Jimin in front of his friends. Sighing, disappointed that things are not going his way, he opens the door, forgetting to take off his beanie as it was prohibited to wear any form of headwear unless it was for a religious purpose. He locks eyes with Jimin, he blushes, besides Jimin was Liam and Sasha but Rachel was nowhere in sight, Jungkook did not want to get his hopes up that she was absent, maybe she is just late. He smiles at him and Jimin smiles back, he takes a seat, hoping she is absent, it would be an opportunity for him to partner up with Jimin for their first art project.

The tardy bell rings, Jungkook glares at the door, Mrs. Jasmine stands in front of the class as she usually does, she takes attendance, and hands out the guidelines for the project, Jungkook picks up the paper. His eyes scan the paper,

“Everyone is going to get a topic for the project and the guidelines are the same for each topic because it’s up to you guys to pick which painting technique you want to utilize, this is an advanced art class so I except effort, not perfection but effort, the more work you put into the project the better the grade. Of course this is a two people project, no more, no less, I’m letting you guys pick your partner but I expect you guys to pick someone you have not work with, it’s fun that way and I’m sure your ideas will also be fresh,” she says, she turns over to Jimin’s table, “This goes for you guys, you’re not allowed to work together on this project.” Jungkook looks at Jimin, they did not seem to care whether they worked together, they were laughing at the teacher’s comment, “Do your research, you have to write a three page essay that will be followed by your painting to truly show that you understand the topic, everything you need is in the guideline, follow it and you will get a good grade, don’t wait the last minute, this project is due on February 12, you have a week to do it. Okay guys, once you partner up, come up and pick your topic by getting a slip of paper from the box.”

Picking partner with people you have never worked with has always been an awkward thing, Jungkook hated it, kids were looking and staring at each other, Jungkook looks over at Jimin’s table, he is not far, all he must do is call him and ask him to partner up. But how can do that when his heart’s beating so fast, he can barely breath, he curses himself, telling himself to get his together, he inhales, and clears his throat, fearing and anticipating Jimin’s answer, before he can say something, Jimin turns around,

“Hi, want to be partners?” Jungkook breaks out into a huge grin and nods his head so quickly, it would fall out if he shook it any harder, he scratches the side of his neck, embarrassed,

“Okay,” he replies, Jimin smiles,

“You want to go pick up the topic? Asks Jimin, Jungkook nods his head, getting up, holding in his scream, he wanted to congratulate himself, he still could not believe he is going to be working together with Jimin, this meant, they’ will be alone and hang out after school, well maybe not hang out but either way, he is looking forward to it. He approaches the teacher’s desk,

“Who are you partnering up with?” she asks,

“Jimin,” he replies, 

“Hmm,” says Mrs. Jasmine, smiling, “I’m looking forward to seeing just what you guys come with, go ahead pick your topic.” Jungkook smiles, putting his hand in the decorated pink and blue box, it was full of small little pieces of papers, he ruffles through them, picking up a paper, he looks at it, unfolding it, he reads it out loud,

“Impressionist painting,” he says, the teacher writes it down and walks back to his seat. The teacher went over Impressionist art when they were learning about  different styles of painting, impressionist art is exactly what it sounds like, it is when the artist seeks to re-create their viewer’s general impression of a scene, it is associated mostly with French artists of the late nineteenth century, such as Edgar Degas but Jungkook was more familiar with Manet, even though he is more into drawing more than art, he is looking forward to learning more about Impressionist art especially since they have the chance to create one from scratch. He sits down, handing the piece of paper to Jimin,

“Impressionist art?” says Jimin, he chuckles, “I might’ve been asleep when we learned this, I don’t remember it at all.”

“Well, it’s a good thing we have a week to do it,” replies Jungkook, chuckling,

“Hmm,” says Jimin, “I think it’ll be fun though.” Jungkook nods his head, agreeing with him. After everyone was done picking their topic, Mrs. Jasmine continued the class by showing a project from one of her student from her class last year who received an A, telling them that they can come to her with any question but since it was not an in-class project they have to do everything after school. After she was done explaining the project and providing examples, she went on to the next lesson, crafts, since it was not a college course, she ensures them that they would not be going deeply into crafts, just basics, the kids cheered and clap, if it was up to them, they would just be drawing.

The bell rings and Jungkook puts his notebook in his backpack,

“Hey,” says Jimin, Jungkook looks up, Jimin smiles,

“Let’s exchange phones so we can contact each other easily.” Jungkook’s eyes widen, surprised,

“Exchange numbers?” he says, making sure he heard right, Jimin nods,

“It’ll be easier for us to get together after,” he puts his hand out, Jungkook smiles, taking his cellphone from his pocket, he hands it to him, his fingers lightly brushing against his, sending a shock throughout his body, making the hair on his arm stand and butterflies in his stomach. He chuckles, feeling shy, he clears his throat, watching Jimin dial numbers and his phone start to ring,

“There,” says Jimin, handing him the phone, “It’s Jungkook right?” Jungkook shakes his head, nervous and screaming on the inside, I got his number, I got his number, Yes! This day could not get better.

“Jimin,” calls his friend Liam,

“Huh?” says Jimin, looking at his friends, “Oh, I’m coming,” he turns back to Jungkook, “I’ll text you.” He picks up his backpack, walking towards his friends, leaving Jungkook stunned, he shakes his head, putting his arms through the backpack strap and quickly gets up, walking to class.

Jungkook was in a good mood, he could not stop looking at Jimin’s number, still feeling like it was all a dream and he would soon walk up to find out it was not true. He went through all his classes, talking with his friends and participating in Physics which stunned the teacher because even though he was passing Physics, he hated it and never participated unless he was called upon by the teacher. After getting their lunch, they find an empty table and sit down. The lunch today was mini cheeseburgers and fries with brownies on the side, Jungkook was not in the mood in the morning to pack his lunch and his sister was feeling sick, so he must settle for the school lunch, but he was too excited and too hungry to care. He opens the plastic bag with the miniburgers, taking one out and taking a huge bite of it. He opens his blueberry flavor Gatorade, he brought from home and gulps it down, half-way, his eyes on the table where Jimin usually sits with his friends, it must be good to be a senior, it seems like they all have regular tables unlike the others who must hunt for a table to sit at every day. He smiles, from cheek to cheek as soon as he spots Jimin walking with Bambam, he stares, checking him out, Jimin was not dressed any different from his usual style, but for some reason he looks mesmerizing, Jungkook could not stop ogling at him, maybe it was the yellow shirt exposing his white t-shirt, walking as he was on a runway, posing for a picture. Yugyeom snaps his fingers, Jungkook turns to look at him, annoyed, 

“What?”

“You’re going to get a fly in your mouth dude,” Yugyeom says, teasing him, with a smirk, telling him he knows why he is staring, Jungkook guffs, continuing eating his sandwich,

“We can go sit with him if you want,” teases Yugyeom laughing, Jungkook glares at him, giving him the what the ? Look, Yugyeom bites his lips, smiling,

“Sorry,” he says, “I forgot.”

“Sit with who?” asks Crystal, looking at them confused, they glance at each other, simultaneously shrugging their shoulders,

“What?” demands Crystal, “You guys keeping secrets from me?”

“Nah,” says Yugyeom, “I was just being stupid that’s all, it’s nothing.” She sighs loudly, annoyed, she glares at Jungkook, angry, he understood why she was mad, but he is not ready to tell her about his crush on Jimin. He has no idea how she would react, he never even told her he is attracted to guys, even though they are good friends, he still cannot forget the fact that they use to go out, she is his ex-girlfriend and there is just so much he is willing to share with her. After a few seconds, she picks up her plate standing up,

“Keep your little secrets,” she says angrily, “I don’t even care.” They watch her silently, stunned, Jungkook knows she can be demanding and stubborn but she was angry, which confused him, why would she get mad at not knowing what they were talking about? It was not like her. She tosses her plate in the trashcan, heading towards the exit,

“Where are you going?” shouts Yugyeom but ignores him, walking out of the cafeteria, Yugyeom guffs, looking at Jungkook, who shrugs his shoulder, what’s her problem?

“Do you think she is on her period or something?” says Yugyeom, making Jungkook laugh, as usual always making stupid comments. They go back to eating their food, but Jungkook could not help but be concerned about her, she usually does not act out, maybe something is wrong at home? Maybe she had a fight with her parents or something? Whatever it is, must be important if she is that angry.

After school, he saw Yugyeom, but he was alone, he asked him where Crystal was since they had the eighth period together. Yugyeom told him, she had practice, Jungkook says they should and wait for her since she seemed angry today. Even though Yugyeom did not want to stay, he still dragged him with him to the Gym. They open the door, the Gym is separated, the North Gym which is the large gym where assemblies and games are held with bleachers and the South Gym is the smaller one where a small class usually ends up being in, it had no bleachers mostly just basketball courts, usually used by the weight training classes. The smell of wood and pine sol fills the air, and the sound of basketballs bouncing echo inside the vast room, there were kids playing basketball but Jungkook could not see any volleyball net,

“I thought you said she had practice?” he says, looking at Yugyeom,

“That’s what she told me,” he replies, defensive, Jungkook sighs, cursing himself, realizing that the girls’ volleyball team never practices on Thursday and Friday, Crystal must’ve just blabbered that out not wanting them to know. They approach the girls playing on the court, his eyes scanning them, looking for her. Yugyeom punches his shoulder, slightly,

“There she is,” he says, pointing to the center to the girl in blue basketball shirts and white-shirt, dribbling the ball and making a shot. Yugyeom and he both smile, glancing at each other,

“Wow,” says Yugyeom, “She good, I never knew she liked playing basketball too.” Jungkook nods his head, he did not know either, it seems like there are many things they do not know about Crystal even though they are friends.

Yugyeom calls out to her, she stops, staring at them, she says something to her friends, but they could not hear, Yugyeom was still waving at her as she walks towards them.

“What’re you guys doing here?” she says, “Shouldn’t you be home by now?”

“Well, you said you had practice, so we came to watch you,” says Yugyeom, Jungkook nudges at him with his elbow, smiling,

“Anyway, that was a nice shot,” says Jungkook, “Thinking about joining the team?” Crystal guffs,

“No way,” she says, “I just do this after school for fun sometimes, I’m swamped with volleyball.” Jungkook nods his head,

“Well, since you guys are here, want to head home?” says Crystal,

“Well you have to give us a ride,” says Yugyeom, “I told the driver to leave.” They burst out laughing, Crystal shakes her head,

“Whatever, let me grab my backpack,” she heads to the bleachers and picking up her backpack. They watch her as she goes to says bye to her friends, heading back towards them.

They drop Yugyeom off first since he lives further away from them, Crystal and Jungkook are not neighbors but their houses are not that far from each other, it was a twenty-minute drive. Silence fills the air, with music blaring from the radio, Jungkook glances over at Crystal who glances over back him, they smile and turn forward.

“So, are you okay?” asks Jungkook, suddenly, Crystal turns to look at him,

“When was I not okay?”

“Well you seemed to be pretty pissed of during lunch,” he says.

“Yeah, I was but I’m over it,” she says, facing forward, “You and Yugyeom have always been closer than You and me, of course, you're best friends,  you have things you don’t want me to know.” Jungkook looks at her puzzled, she still seemed mad at someone who claims to be not mad, he sighs,

“It’s not important,” says Jungkook, “I…”

“Then why don’t you tell me?” she says, interrupting him before he could say something else, she seems serious,

“It’s not…” says Jungkook, “I just don’t know how to say it.” She sighs, clearing ,

“Can I ask you a question?”

“Um… yeah.”

“Did you break up with me because your gay?” she asks, softly, Jungkook stares at her, lost of words, he never really thought about it, of course, he broke up with her because he was struggling with his attraction towards his sister’s boyfriend, dealings with feelings he did not understand before.  He broke up with her because he did not want to lead her on, it was unfair. This is the first time she asked for a reason, he knows he has to give her a reason but how could he when he hates putting a label on himself. He has no problem with his feelings, he is not about to go and flaunt them all over the school, he just liked his privacy. He never could comprehend the whole “coming out” concept, to him, his uality is no one’s business but his, he has always told himself, he owns no one an explanation so why come out? He randomly told Yugyeom about his fling with Mike and the crush he had on his sister’s boyfriend, Yugyeom never asked him if he was gay, Yugyeom never asked anything except listen to him. Jungkook sighs, he knows Crystal and Yugyeom are two different people, he had a relationship with her, they were together for a whole year, the least he could do was at least give her some kind of an explanation to why he ended things.

“Yeah,” he says, clearing his throat, “I ended things because I was struggling with my feelings, it would not have been fair to you.”

“Hmm,” she says. Both silent.

“Was the thing with Mike before or after our relationship?” Jungkook stares at her, not sure what she is asking,

“What?”

“Did you guys get together before or after our relationship ended?” she says, her voice, strain but quiet, Jungkook guffs, surprised, angry and puzzled,

“You know I’m not that kind of person,” he says, eyeing her,

“Sorry,” she says, “I… just…sorry, I’m just not sure what kind of person you are anymore,” she says. Jungkook turns away, shaking his head, disappointed that she thinks he is capable of cheating on anyone.

“And what? you think, I was messing around with Mike while I was dating you?” he retorts, pissed, “Is that the kind of guy you think I am?” She was quiet, Jungkook looks away, he hates how she sometimes would say without thinking. 

The rest of the car ride was quiet, both staring forward, they arrive at Jungkook’s house, he thanks her for the ride, grabbing his backpack and getting off the car before she had a chance to say anything. He walks into his house, no one was home, as usual, he exhales, walking straight to his room.

“How can she think I'm that of a type of person?” he mutters to himself, he has been in many relationships even though they never lasted long, and some were a pain in the , he would rather break up with someone than cheat on them. Disappointed that one of his close friends can think so badly of him, pissed him off. He tosses his backpack on the floor, sitting on the bed, he runs his fingers through his hair,

“Aish!” he shouts, frustrated and annoyed. His phone beeps, he sighs, “What now?” he opens the phone, he quickly sits, it was a message from Jimin, he smiles, not believing his eyes, he quickly opens the message, it read,

“Want to stay after school tomorrow to start the project?” Jungkook laughs, his heart racing with excitement, he quickly replies,

“Sure, I’m free tomorrow,” hitting the send button, feeling giddy with excitement, he wanted to shout, all his worries muted and his mind in million places, he lays back on the bed, anticipating Jimin's reply. The phone beeps, he quickly opens the message, it read,

“Okay, see ya tomorrow.”

“See ya tomorrow,” he writes and sends it.

“, why can’t Tomorrow be here already!” ​​​​​​​