"What is this love you're talking about?" I asked Jungkook, as we swung on the swings in the playground adjacent to our neighborhood.

We were best friends, and we were competitive best friends. We had met when we were children, because our parents are friends. He’s just a year older than me. I’m sixteen, and I was born in May, while he’s sixteen too, but he was born a year before me in September. We always competed against each other in the silliest activities just to one-up each other. For example, we've raced home from school, had eating contests and ended up with stomach aches, had singing and dancing contests where we ended up laughing our butts off half the time, and we even competed in our grades. Each of us strived to get better grades than the other. Whatever one of us did, the other had to do it better.

                   "Whatever it is, I’m sure I'll do better than you. It will be nothing more than child's play." I rose with confidence.

Jungkook smirked at me. "You're on." I watched as he got up from the swing he was sitting on and walked over to a really pretty girl that I had a class with. I couldn't help but roll my eyes at his childish flirting. 

I felt my cheeks blushing, so I looked away. I didn’t know what I was feeling inside, but I ignored it.

Suddenly, Jungkook came walking back towards me with a small paper in his hand. He winked at me. "I got her number and we’re hanging out tomorrow as friends. I’m sure it’ll turn to something more in just four days though, give or take a few."

I stared at him, trying to contain my laughter. I couldn’t believe his bluffing. “Did you just flirt with a random girl you laid your eyes on or something?”

Jungkook looked at me weirdly and laughed. “Of course not! That’s something only you would do. I have chemistry and history class with her.” 

I tried to smile at him, but I was unsuccessful, and instead, I think I looked glum.

I needed to find a potential boyfriend now too, but who? As I pondered over this, I hadn't even realized that Jungkook was no longer standing beside me. I figured that he had left to hang out with that girl, but instead, a few minutes later, he held an ice cream cone out in front of me.

"Take it. I know you're upset that you're losing this game." I took it reluctantly and made a face at him.

He was always this confident about everything. Then again, he had won me in races and eating contests. However, I was always the smarter one amongst us. “I am not losing. Keep dreaming, Jungkook. Don’t worry about me, I will find a potential boyfriend before you make that girl your girlfriend.” I got up abruptly and started to walk away from him, and out of the playground, towards the direction of our neighborhood.

“Wait! Where are you going?” I heard footsteps quicken behind me, but I didn’t stop walking. I felt someone grab my arm and turn me around. “Why’d you just leave? I didn’t even get to say anything!” Jungkook scolded me, and I was confused, because I hadn’t done anything wrong to him except leave him in the playground.

“Um…home? I don’t have time Jungkook, I mean if I want to win, shouldn’t I at least try?”

“Your date’s at home already?”

I rolled my eyes and punched him lightly. “You’re an idiot,” I remarked, but I couldn’t help but smile, as he walked beside me. “Why do you have to be so tall?”

“Why are you so short? Are we competing in our height now too?”

I ignored him and kept walking, because I obviously wouldn’t win the height competition.

I heard his footsteps beside me, and stopped walking. “Stop following me.”

“Stop following me!” he mimicked me. I glared at him coldly. “Why can’t I walk you home?”

“Don’t you have something better to do?”

“Fine, I’ll go home, but stay safe!” Jungkook said, as he crossed the street to the other side in the direction of his house.

The next day, I got a text right after breakfast. It was a Sunday, and on Sundays, I usually hung out with Jungkook, but today, he was busy, so I was in my pajamas on my couch instead. The text was from Jin, one of mine and Jungkook’s mutual friends. Although he was about five years older than me, we always got along pretty well, and since he was in college, he tutored me a few times.

Jungkook told me he’s not hanging out with you today. Did something happen?

I smiled at the heartwarming text. Jin always knew what to say.

Kind of.

I responded. I didn’t know what else to say.

Ding!

Do you want me to come over?

I wasn’t shocked at the text, since Jin had come over a few times before. One year ago, I had actually had a crush on him, but it’s not like Jungkook didn’t know. Did he tell Jin about our competition because he thought that lowly of me? Why would he help me anyway? I shook my head, because I knew that would never happen.

Sure.

I replied to his text, and walked to my room to change into presentable clothes. Jin didn’t live too far away, and it was just a short walk from his house to my house, so I quickly pulled on a plain white t-shirt and jeans, and walked back to sit on the couch again. A few minutes later, I heard my doorbell ring.

                I opened the door, and smiled as I saw him. He was taller than Jungkook, which was horrible, but Jin was obviously the nicer one. Jin smiled at me and greeted me with a warm hello. I welcomed him into my house, and we sat on the couch together. I prayed to God that Jin didn’t know I used to like him. Well, maybe not used to. Sitting on the couch with him made me feel like I still had feelings for him.

                “What happened between you and Jungkook? Another contest?” Jin asked.

                I nodded. “I’m so sick of him teasing me like that. I’m just glad I’ll always have your shoulder to borrow.”

                Jin smiled. “Am I someone who can help you win this competition? Tell me what it is.”

                Did Jin really want to help? “Are you positive you don’t already know what it is?” I was suspicious of him, thinking that Jungkook had told him everything.

                “Yup. I’m sure.” He looked at me in the eye.

                I decided to trust him. “Basically, the competition is to see who can get a boyfriend or girlfriend the fastest.”

                Jin kind of laughed for a few seconds, before he realized that I wasn’t the least bit happy. “That’s such a stupid competition. That explains why Jungkook isn’t hanging out with you today. He found someone else already, didn’t he?”

                I nodded and pouted at him. “What do I do? I’m already losing, and we just started!”

                Jin winked at me, an action that confused me, and made me want to punch him lightly. “You forgot about me.” I felt my face turn as red as a tomato just as he said that sentence.

                “Huh?” I managed to utter out.

                “Use me. I’ll be your potential boyfriend.” Jin smiled, as he looked at me intently.

                He was serious. I shrugged my shoulders, because I was unsure of whether to agree or not.

                “Don’t worry. We’ll just hang out frequently as friends first, so Jungkookie doesn’t suspect anything.” Jin reassured me, as if he knew what I was worrying about.

                “Um…okay.” I agreed. “What do we do first?”

                Jin carried me off of the couch and set me on the floor in front of my front door. “Put your shoes on. We’re going to the movie theater.”

                I swear my face turned red right when I was lifted off the couch, as he put my arms around his neck. After he set me down, I put on my Converse high-tops, and exited out of my house as I locked the door, with Jin following behind me. We walked side by side to the movie theater, watched a comedy, and shared a tub of popcorn together.

Was I technically on a date with my past crush? I couldn’t believe it. I probably would be the happiest girl in the world if he was still my crush. 

After the movie was over, we decided to go to the café in our neighborhood, which had a cute theme, and great desserts and drinks to devour.

Jin treated me to everything we ate and everything we did for that day, and I couldn’t stop thanking him, which felt awkward. After hanging out for an entire day, he walked me home, and I had forgotten all about Jungkook.

“Have a goodnight, and sweet dreams! Let’s hang out again tomorrow!” Jin said, as I opened the door to my house.

“Sure! I’m excited!” I giggled, as I waved goodbye, and closed the door. I checked my phone for the first time that day since Jin came over. I had one text from Jungkook, sent a few hours ago.

What are you doing right now?

                I ignored the text, because I knew if he really did care, he would’ve sent a lot more texts.

                The next day, Jin and I went to the amusement park. There were water rides, roller coasters, thrill rides, and family rides. Jin bought a cup of frozen yogurt that we shared. Although I assured Jin that I could feed myself, he constantly fed me spoonfuls of frozen yogurt, and when I tried to shove it into his mouth, he shoved the spoon back. I just loved how caring he was. He was always looking at me, and in turn, I stared back at him, smiling, like an idiot.

                “WHAT ARE YOU GUYS DOING?!” We heard a voice yell in front of us, and we averted our gaze to turn towards the direction of the voice. 

                My jaw dropped, and so did Jin’s. That voice came from Jungkook. I glanced around for his new friend, and saw her in a line waiting to order food.

                Jin opened his mouth to say something, but he was cut off, as Jungkook came stomping towards us angrily. He grabbed my arm and pulled me away from Jin.

                “WHO TOLD YOU THAT YOU COULD DATE JIN?”

                “You never told me who I could and couldn’t date. We’re not even dating yet anyway. What are you so worried about?” Why was he being so mean?

                “I texted you yesterday and you never answered me. Now you’re here with Jin?”

               I shrugged my shoulders. “It’s not like you’re not here with that girl. This is a competition anyway. It’s not even real. It’s a game.”

                “With you, this might turn into something real. You know how much you used to like him.”

                “Why do you care if it does turn into something real?” I asked, as I ran away from him, towards Jin. 

                Jin welcomed me back with open arms. “Do you need a hug?”

                I ran into his arms and hugged him, staying there for a few minutes. He was just the protection I needed from my so-called best friend. I held back my tears. “Let’s just go ride some more rides.” I pleaded, as I loosened my grip on him.

                Jin nodded, and I held his hand as we walked around the amusement park.

                Jin came over the day after. “Do you want to be my unofficial girlfriend?” Jin asked, as he held out a cute teddy bear and a box of sugar cookies. Cooking and baking was always Jin’s specialty.

                I giggled. “You went through all of this for something unofficial?”

                “…Yes.” Jin blushed. It looked like the most adorable thing ever.

                “Sure, I’ll be your unofficial girlfriend, Jin.” I took his teddy bear as he set the cookies on the table, and grabbed me in a hug.

               We held hands as we strolled around the park. Again, Jungkook was there with his new friend. This time, he saw us, but didn’t even make an attempt to greet us. I waved at him, but he completely shunned me. I lowered my arm, embarrassed. It seemed like seeing me made him have more contact with his new friend. He put his arm around his new friend as they sat at the pond together, playing with a boat.

                I swallowed back tears. Jin put his arm around me as well, following Jungkook’s actions, as we continued to stroll around the park.

                “Do you want to see something cool?” Jin stopped suddenly, pulling something out of his backpack.

                “What?”

                He pulled out something that appeared to be a kite. The kite was pink, blue, yellow, and purple. “Let’s fly this kite together.”

                He held my hand as we walked towards the open grass field, and lifted the kite. There was wind, so the kite was actually flying up into the air. We held hands running around the field, flying the kite. I laughed a lot, and when we finally stopped, Jin set up a picnic on the grass.

                “I made honey rice cakes, fried rice, kimchi, and peanut butter sandwiches. I also brought iced tea. Enjoy!” Jin smiled, as he placed the dishes in front of me. He opened the container of honey rice cakes and put some in my mouth. “How is it?”

                I chewed it slowly, and began to smile. “I love it! You should make this for me more often.”

                Jin was proud that I liked his cooking, and began to eat some himself.

                Suddenly, a foot stepped onto our picnic blanket.

                “Jungkook, stop acting like such a little kid.” Jin remarked, already knowing it was Jungkook.

                “I am not.” Jungkook said, as he kicked the container of peanut butter sandwiches, and all the sandwiches fell out.

                “JEON JUNGKOOK. DON’T YOU KNOW HOW HARD JIN WORKED TO MAKE ALL THIS FOOD? WHY WOULD YOU DO THAT? I don’t know what has gotten into you. You don’t even seem like the Jungkook I know. My childhood best friend, Jungkook.”

                Jungkook ignored my words, and stomped away.

                “I’m sorry, Jin.” I apologized, but Jin shrugged it off, being the understanding person he was.

                The next day, I hung out with Jin again, and we coincidentally met Jungkook and his unofficial girlfriend on the street. Jungkook pushed past Jin and I, with his unofficial girlfriend walking around us. That day, I told Jin to stop being my unofficial boyfriend.

                “Why?” he asked, curiously.

                “I don’t want to ruin your friendship with Jungkook. Jungkook’s losing his cool day by day. I’m so sorry, Jin. The five days are almost up anyway.”

                “It’s okay. I’m too old for you anyway, and I know you love Jungkook. Please, I hope you guys end up dating, and getting married, because you guys are perfect for each other. I’ll still come visit you often and I’ll bring the honey rice cakes you love.”

                I smiled.  But Jin had hit upon something that I hadn’t realized myself, until he said it. He was right. I did love Jungkook. That was why my feelings for Jin had been lost. “Thanks for understanding Jin. And thanks for your good wishes. I’ll be waiting for the rice cakes!” I laughed, as we said goodbye for the day.

                “I’ll text you!” Jin said, as he exited out the door.

                The next day, I decided to go out on a walk with Jin, just as friends. We stopped at an ice cream cart, and Jin left my side to buy me an ice cream cone. I waited at the curb, listening to music.

                That was when my life kind of changed for the better.  I heard faint beeps, getting louder, and I didn’t know what was coming, but I suddenly felt intense pain in my abdominal. I heard a voice yell my name, and then a different voice. The different voice came from farther away, and got louder and louder.

                “JIN, WHY DIDN’T YOU WATCH HER? LOOK WHAT HAPPENED! CALL 911!”

               

                I didn't know how much time had passed, but I woke up to the sights of a hospital room. When I turned my head to the side, I expected to see Jin, but instead, it was Jeon Jungkook, with his head rested on the bed, fast asleep. I tried to get up, but it was too painful. I lifted my hand to his hair, and I kept running my fingers through his hair.

                I quickly moved my hand away, as Jungkook began to move. He lifted his head, and saw me staring at him.

                “You’re awake! Let me get the doctor!” Jungkook exclaimed.

                I grabbed onto his hand, not wanting him to leave my side for even a minute. “Jungkook…What happened?”

                Jungkook half-smiled at me. “Don’t worry. You’re fine now. You got into an accident with a motorcycle, and you had to get your abdominal operated on. You can’t get up yet and you’ve been unconscious for five days. Next time, don’t stand that close to the curb.”

                “And you’ve stayed here, by my side, for all five days?”

                Jungkook nodded. “Jin was here sometimes too. Listen. I’m so stupid. I’m such an idiot. I’m sorry. I should’ve never had that competition with you. I never knew something like this would happen to you.”

                I smiled. “It’s okay, Jungkook. At least I’m not dead.”

                “It’s not a time for jokes. I have something to confess. You’re the one I love. I only had that competition because I thought you would want to pick me. I love you. Will you be my girlfriend?”

                I felt myself blushing. I nodded, smiling widely. “I love you too Jungkook. Of course I’ll be your girlfriend.” Jungkook reached over to give me a kiss on my forehead.

                The doctor came in suddenly, without even being called. “I see you’re awake!”

                The doctor observed me, and told me I’d be able to exit the hospital in two days, but even then, I’d have to use a wheelchair for another two days.

                The next two days passed by quickly, with Jungkook playing games with me, singing to me, dancing in front of me, and just merely being there. Jin came by three times a day with food that he cooked himself, knowing that the hospital food was a nightmare. I couldn’t thank him enough for the food he cooked. Sometimes, he even joined Jungkook, playing games with me and singing to me. It seemed that Jin and Jungkook had stopped their bickering to help take care of me, and Jungkook had stopped being angry at Jin for not watching over me the day of the accident.

                My two favorite songs that Jungkook sang for me were Just One Day and Beautiful, because both of those songs made me feel so flattered.

When you looked at me, you wrapped around my heart

A normal guy like me doesn’t fit your standards

So I wore a “friend” mask

Hiding my true feelings when I’m next to you

Sliding into the comfortable category

                When I was finally admitted out of the hospital, Jungkook was the one who pushed me in my wheelchair, everywhere. He didn’t even seem to think of me as an embarrassment or a burden, and he gave me kisses on my cheeks every day. I began to hope that Jin’s wishes would come true.

                After I was finally able to walk on my own, Jungkook and I went everywhere together, like we used to always do, but this time it was different. We held each other’s hands, hugged, and kissed.

                “Let’s never compete in anything again. I finally have everything I’ve ever wanted.” Jungkook said one day.

                I nodded my head in agreement, but I couldn’t stop giggling at his cheesiness. “Me too.”

                He lowered his head to kiss me on the lips.