To You ? KTH

April 24
Saturday
Year 1

Today's the day of the concert.

I barely slept - from both nervousness and excitement.

Since Mom dropped me off at the train station, I met Taehyung there.

Jiyoo greeted me on the bench, and I joined her as we waited for the others. The silence was pressuring. I wanted to have a conversation with Jiyoo for so long, and it was the perfect the opportunity to do so.

With courage and warm cheeks, I turn to Jiyoo.

I don't get a chance to speak before she does. "Is Taehyung on his way? He works late at the office on Friday's, doesn't he? I should've called him to make sure he woke up..."

I blink as I take in her words.

"I-I'm not sure." I don't know too much about Taehyung's job. "But he'll be here on time!" He was excited about this concert. He wouldn't miss it.

She nods slowly, "I thought you'd know. You two are really close."

I nip my bottom lip. Me? More than her? "T-Taehyung's really kind to me. I'm not as close as you all are, so I'm happy to be included on this trip."

My heart beats wildly as I get the words out. I want Jiyoo to know that I'm not closed off on purpose. I want to be friends with her and everyone else.

"Of course," she says softly.

Awkwardly, I glance at the people passing by, wondering where their trip would be.

"Does... Taehyung talk about us by any chance?" She asks after some silence.

Thinking to yesterday over the phone, Taehyung had told me a little about each of them.

I smile. "Taehyung's always reassuring how caring everyone is. He says your friendship to him means a lot. If it's about you..."

"Jiyoo's really smart! Don't be fooled. She also works really hard even though she probably acts like things aren't a big deal. She's calmer than the rest, but she still has a strong personality. I need to be more like her."

"He said you're really hardworking and strong."

It made me admire her as someone I can strive to be like. How nice would it be for someone to say that about me?

Jiyoo lets my words sink in and smiles a little. "Strong, huh? Maybe that's why he tends to leave me be. If I was the opposite..."

I tilt my head curiously as she trails on. Why was she saying it as if she didn't want to be seen that way?

She shakes her head. "Sorry. He's really kind, right? He's been like that. Always making sure people were included or didn't feel as weak as they were."

I nod in agreement, but then I feel my smile fall. Is Taehyung beside me because he doesn't think I'm strong alone? Is that why he always makes sure I'm included too? Does Jiyoo wish she were more like me for that reason?

Singing  across the station distracts me. Jimin walks in with the others, his arms spread open as he belts out the lyrics to a BI song. Jin tries to cover his mouth, making my thoughts temporarily disappear. This time, I'm not going to bring down the mood!

I grab my bag and join Jiyoo as we walk over.

Instead of standing next to Taehyung, I challenge myself to stand between Jimin and Jiyoo. Jimin welcomes me with a tiny high-five. I smile and tap my hand against his.

"Ugh, it feels so good to get away from my sister!" Jimin throws his head back. "Do you have siblings? Want a sister?" He asks me while trying not to laugh.

"N-no. It's just me." My parents only had me before they divorced.

"I'll do anything to get rid of mine." Jimin grumbles before Taehyung reaches over to smack the back of his head.

"Don't say that."

Jimin grins. "You're only saying that because you also don't have one."

Taehyung drops his hand and shrugs. "Maybe..."

Jiyoo cuts in and passes around the train tickets. While looking at mine, I feel a tap on my back. I look up and meet Taehyung's eyes. He smiles at me and waves for me to come close.

Come here. He mouths.

I approach him in a tiny step, interested. After making space, he turns to continue talking to the group.

I take the empty space next to him, puzzled.

Did he just want me to stand next to him?

"...So we'll check in at the hotel, dump our stuff, get ready and then take the bus to..." Jiyoo goes over the plan.

Taehyung elbows me gently. "Ready for today?"

"I think so!" I whisper and smile.

With his help, I've already learned most of his songs so I can follow along.

As we board the train, Taehyung hums a song for me to guess the title of, just like in class.

"Endless Summer!"

"Correct! Now what should be your prize?" He leans down and whispers in my ear.

I turn to look up at him and he raises his eyebrow. He breaks into a grin and lets out a tiny laugh, pleased with himself. "It can be a treat at the concert."

"Thank you!" I smile, having learned that Taehyung's happier when I accept his gracious offers.

Everyone's taking their seat and when it's my turn, I can either sit with Jiyoo to my left or take the empty seats to the right. If I do, then Taehyung might sit next to me.

But is he doing that because he's worried I'll be lonely? Could there be a chance he's too concerned for me that he can't enjoy the trip?

Biting my lip, I take a seat next to Jiyoo.

"Sorry, do you mind if I sit here?" I ask her softly.

She shakes her head, glancing up behind me. "I- I mean- I don't mind."

I relax in my seat and turn to Taehyung and Jimin getting comfortable in the seats next to me. Taehyung ended up in the aisle seat despite being right behind me.

He pouts, mouthing. "I thought you'd save me from sitting next to Jimin."

"Sorry," I whisper back with a small smile.

He leans forward so he can rest the side of his head against the seat in front of him. He smiles wide. "It's alright. I'm happy you're getting along with everyone."

I nod slowly.

Jimin taps Taehyung for his attention, and I lean back against my seat. Jiyoo is looking out the window with her earbuds in.

As excited as I am about getting closer to her, would that mean that eventually...

Taehyung would leave my side?

I didn't want to think about that... or how lonely I'd feel. For now, I'll make the most out of this trip.

Gently tapping Jiyoo's shoulder, I smile and start a conversation for the ride to Seoul.