Seolli's a quiet classmate Kim Taehyung always noticed but never had the courage to approach. Fate leads them to the same college and Taehyung tells himself things will be different. He'll take the steps to reach her heart. All she has to do is stay...
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September 21 Thursday Year 1
When I get out of class, I check my phone and I get a flutter in the pit of my stomach as I read Taehyung's text.
Can I walk you home?
Apologizing to those that bump into me, I step out of their way to reply.
You don't work today?
Taehyung: I took a few days off to study for the midterm.
Taehyung: Want to meet in the lobby? I have something for you.
I'll be there!
I clutch my phone close to my chest as if the text message would disappear.
I should get to the lobby first so he doesn't have to wait.
When I step into the lobby, my eyes fall on Jungkook.
He's wearing his leather jacket today.
He was leaning against a pillar with his headphones closed off in his own world, oblivious to how much he stood out. If he removed an earbud, he'd be surprised by how loud the looks were all around him.
Taehyung and Jungkook are very similar to how they attract attention. The difference is that people seem to leave Jungkook alone while people flock toward Taehyung.
Noticing me, Jungkook pulls out his earbuds and waves me over.
Before I reach him, Jungkook's already rocking back on his heels. "Guess what?"
"Hm?"
"I have my motorcycle back."
I gasp and clasp my hands together. "They were able to fix it?"
He has a starry look on his eyes, and I know it's because he feels complete again. When my dads motorcycle broke down, he kept it in the garage and spent all his afternoons in there for months, grieving.
He leans in close and whispers, "Wanna ride today?"
I almost nod, but then I remember that Taehyung wanted to walk home together.
"S-sorry, I'm actually walking home with a friend today. Sorry."
Jungkook stuffs his hands into his jacket pocket and winks. "Who's your friend? Both of you could probably fit."
A tiny laugh almost excapes me at the thought of us three on his motorcycle.
"I'm not sure if he would..."
Jungkook tilts his head back. "He?"
I nod.
He checks his watch, as if unbothered, and asks, "What's his name?"
"Taehyung."
He snaps his eyes at me and smiles. "Gotcha! You told me his name."
He pokes my side, and I turn away, letting my laugh spill. Jungkook had discovered my most ticklish spot.
"Do you like him?" He asks, continuing his pokes. Almost like siblings would, we end up in a tiny tangle of arms - one poking and the other trying to block it.
In the end, Jungkook withdraws and I hestitate to answer the question.
Of course, I like him.
"Well, sounds like I need to leave now. Best advice, Lili... Don't mention another guys name when you're with one."
I widen my eyes and he gives me a sloppy grin as he spins around.
What did he mean?
I watch as Jungkook swiftly walks out of the lobby. Entering the lobby, is Taehyung.
Taehyung lifts his eyes from the ground and connect with mine. The corners of his lips tug upward, but then, his eyes latch onto Jungkook.
My heart beats faster with the speed it happens.
Did he see me talking to him? Why did I feel like I've done something wrong?
Jungkook keeps walking, and I fail to catch what his expression is.
Taehyung's face is stiff, his smile faltering. He averts his gaze, as if he didn't want to look at him anymore.
I've never seen Taehyung make that face before.
Was it just my imagination?
Taehyung's face lights up again as he steps closer.
He holds the box up on his palm.
"For me?" I whisper in awe, taking it in my hands.
"For you." He confirms while running a finger underneath my bag strap to gently take it from me so I can open the box.
"T-thanks!" I blush, taking the lid off. Inside was a carefully wrapped up brownie and movie ticket vouchers.
While I read it, he steps closer to read with me. "I earned it at my work, and wanted you to have it."
Did he carry this around all day, waiting to give it to me?
Tears sting the corner of my eyes. Over the past days, Taehyung and I felt a little distance. It feels like all the doubts and worries were all in my head after all. I felt so silly.
"D-Do you want to go to the movies... with me?" I lose my breath just asking.
