Chapter 17: Little Cracks
After i finish the story, Taehyung was already sleeping soundly on my lap while his casted arms hangs on one of Jimin's bolster that he borrowed.
"He's the one who wants to hear the whole story yet he falls asleep in the middle of it," Jimin complained.
I giggled and carefully placed Taehyung's head on a pillow. "Come on guys, story-time's over. There you have it, my pathetic love life about Min Yoongi," I joked. It's a genuine laugh for I haven't told that story to anyone for years. Maybe because a part of me didn't remember it anymore but with Jimin's help, I suddenly remember everything about it.
Me, Jimin and Jungkook left Taehyung's bedroom and shut the door quietly for the ex-playboy had sleep so soundly while in the middle of my story. What impressed me is Jungkook listens to the story so earnestly, like he wanted to know how or why I used to have a crush on Min Yoongi, the most unpopular boys in school (technically he's popular after he dated Taeyeon.)
I yawned. It's almost dawn, I have an early class tomorrow yet these 2 dudes keep on having some serious looks or maybe it's just my imagination. "Guys, I'm going to sleep, if you guys are going to watch the TV or playing games, please keep it down okay? Goodnight.." I muttered and went straight to my room but what I didn't notice is the stare Jungkook had on my back.
After Y/N shuts the door, I waited a few second and went to the couch. I have something on my mind but I felt as if something was up when Jungkook suddenly asks about Min Yoongi. Speaking of that nerd, no bet I really, really despise him. At least Taehyung was my friend but this guy? Even if I asks the cruelest villain in the world would they hate him, they will love him for he looks so... nice.
My eyes were on the TV but I felt the couch dipped beside me. It was Jungkook.
We're not exactly 'best friends' but you can say that we're on speaking terms. It's for Y/N. I'll do anything if it meant she's accepting me as her best friend again. I can feel that Jungkook wants to ask me something but he just stares at the TV, none of us paying attention to it.
About 5 minutes later, curiosity got the best of me.
"Jungkook, honestly I knew it's not because you're curious to know about Y/N’s love life, tell me exactly Kook, why? Why did you ask about that nerd?"
Jungkook looks shocked but he turns to me calmly, looking at me with his wide eyes.
"I ask because..." he trails. I look at him, my attention is now not on the audio of the TV anymore.
Jungkook turns to me. He said what I terrified might be true. It's not because he was curious about who Min Yoongi in Y/N’s life is. But because..
"Because i saw him today. I saw Min Yoongi, at our campus."
"Hey guys! I'm gonna go to class now, if the.. what on earth..?" I trails as I stare at my 3 housemates, wearing outfits like they're going out. I raise her eyebrows, "Didn't you guys told me you didn't have class today? And Tae? Where on earth are you going with those crutches?"
Jimin, Jungkook and Taehyung gave me an awkward smile. It was funny, seeing the 3 of them together, where they hate each other weeks ago and look at them now, like children's who are going on a trip. Might I add they all look dashing, probably because they look mature now?
"Urm.. we're going on a drink but we wanted to take.. uh.. Taehyung around campus! Yeah, he.. asks us too, right Tae?" Jimin nudges him. He yelled an ouch but awkwardly replied, "Yeah! Can't keep on staying home. I need some fresh air too, hahah.."
I squinted my eyes. "And you? You're with them too?" I asks Jungkook. He quickly nodded, "Yep! Urm, I felt bored since I didn't have any classes today, so might as well help Jimin and this troublemaker."
"Yah!" Taehyung yelled. I laughed at their silliness. I look at my watch, 10 minutes until class starts.
"Okay then, be safe, call me if anything, Love you guys," I blurted and quickly run for my class.
"Y/N! Wait! Uh.. what time is your class finish??" Jimin asks worriedly.
I stared at him dumbfounded by that question. "Urm, this noon I guess? Why?"
Jimin nodded. He closes the space between us and held my shoulder, "I'll pick you up okay? Don't go anywhere after class, just stay there and I'll pick you up. Promise me you'll stay there alright?"
I almost laughed seeing how serious he gets but his expression didn't change. Like he's preventing me from something. I calmed myself, Jimin is probably worried about me, maybe he's taking care of me as an act of redemption for what he did so I nodded and felt a tad bit thankful that he wants to pick me up.
"Okay.. I guess? Don't worry Chimchim, nothing's gonna happen to our friendship okay? You're not obligated to do these things just to make me forgive you-"
"But I wanted to. It's no problem Y/N, besides, taking care of Tae is exhausting, i want to spend time with you as well," Jimin laughed.
"I heard THAT!" Taehyung yelled. We giggled. I nodded and told him I'll wait for him after class.
"See ya!" I smiled and waved, rushing to my class in that early sunrise.
"Have you told her you'll pick her up?" Taehyung asked. Jimin Nodded. Jungkook let out a huge sigh of relief.
"There's no way in hell I'm gonna let Y/N met that nerd even if it was 'accidentally,' I'll find many ways to prevent that from happening, even if it seems crazy," Jimin said with face full of determination. Jungkook held his gaze with Taehyung. Taehyung look at him with questioning eyes.
"Jimin, I don't understand why you should do that. If they met, you can't stop that from happening. It will be just like how she met us. Y/N will learn to forget, besides, she forgive ME. I'm not a fool and I'm not ashamed to admit I'm probably the worst crush in her whole existence. But to me, Min Yoongi's story isn't much compared to mine. Besides, Y/N told us herself last night that she didn't mind anymore.. so may I ask why are you so determined to keep her away from him?" Taehyung asks.
Even after so many years, Taehyung might have closed his friendship with Jimin. But he can see that Jimin is hiding something from them. From Y/N herself. Taehyung might be a douche bag in the past, but he's not stupid. He knows Jimin's real personality. There's something Jimin is concealing that he won't tell them.
"I might not know her for a long time, but I can tell that Y/N won't mind much, considering she's forgiven Taehyung, worst guy in her page of life," Jungkook adds. Taehyung glared at him for a moment before return his gaze to Jimin.
"You guys wouldn't understand. You never will. Something happen between us in the past. Something that includes me, Yoongi and Y/N. Something that, something that Y/N knows nothing off.. And it will crack her little heart so much that it scares me.." Jimin trails. Taehyung and Jungkook furrowed their eyebrows. They can see Jimin's conflicted face, fear mixed with guilt.
Taehyung close his distance with Jimin and held him by his shoulder.
"Jimin..." Taehyung called him. Jimin's gaze was fixed on the floor.
"What EXACTLY, are you hiding from Y/N... about Min Yoongi?"
Today was soooooo tiring. After taking care of the 3 boys at home, my assignments were doubled since I haven't got the chance to get it done these past few days. It's like i'm raising 3 sons.
These past few days had been a bit odd. Jimin, or Jungkook or Taehyung will always, always wait for me after I finish class. No matter how busy and tight their schedule is, one of them will pick me up after class or follow me to Mochi's Restaurant to meet Youngji and Jackson. I told them not to do that because one, it makes me feel uncomfortable and two, they act like my boyfriend. Possessive and overprotective boyfriends.
I sighed in relief when I remember Seokjin was nothing like that. He respected my privacy and give me my alone time when I need it. But these guys, they cling on to me like leeches. Speak of the angel.
Jagi, I'm at a souvenir shop here in Sydney, Isn't this koala looks cute?
I giggled. Seokjin's text always made my day. Even though he's busy, he always make time to send me silly pictures of him during his internship.
OMG, that's literally the cutest thing ever. If only it was real, then you wouldn't have it near your face Oppa, kekekeke.
Haha! I'm not as scared as you think Jagi. Who hugs you when there's thunderstorm huh? It's this guy. BTW, got your message yesterday, sorry I haven't been able to reply it. I guess your new housemates are a bit possessive now that they live with you. You okay with them following you everywhere? At least there are people who took care of my sweet Jagi when I'm not there..
Oppa, whatcha talking about. I LOVE YOU! Yes, they took care of me. But I like it better if you do. So please come home quickly. I missed you and this crackhead are making me crazy with them following around 24/7. Wonder what's their problem. COME BACK PWEASEE
I know Jagi, But I'm thankful that they keep following you. That means theyl'll took care of you in my behalf. So no complaining alright? I MISSES YOU TOOOOO, gtg Jagi, I Love you. Take care and eat a lot, I'll be back before you know it, stay strong for another 1 month and a half!
I smiled sadly and put my phone down. Youngji looked at me.
"Seokjin huh?" she asks. I nodded.
She squish my cheeks. "He'll be back in no time, for now, let's eat!"
We ordered a whole menu today, for we haven't hanged in a week. We begin to focus on the group, listening to Hanbin's and Jackson argues about Chicken Noodle Soup battle since Monday. Youngji shook her head while Dahyun giggles, seeing how Hanbin and Jackson gave each other death glares.
"I've been waiting for this day since Monday, Wang. You will NOT, defeat me in the battle of THE CHICKEN NOODLE SOUP," Hanbin announced. Jackson gave him a smirk, "Hah! We'll see about that KIM, I bet when I win, you would have to bring food every day to me and Queen Youngji's castle."
I laugh hard seeing how these two knuckleheads are always having an eating challenge and make the other do something. Dahyun puffed Hanbin's cheeks lovingly while Youngji massaged Jackson's shoulder.
"You can do it Babe, you're a Wang! You can eat ANYTHING!" Youngji encourages him. Dahyun gave Youngji the I'm-watching-you finger and encourages Hanbin also. "You can do it honey! You will not be enslaved by these people!"
I laughed while looking at them with my chin in the palms of my hand. That when my 3 goddamn fine looking housemate arrived. I looked at them surprised.
Jimin sat beside my left, while Taehyung on my right, Jungkook beside him.
"Hey, whatcha guys doing here? I though you went to the clinic for Tae's checkup?" I ask curiously.
Jimin looked at me worriedly.
"Where have you been Y/N? We were so worried! We look all over for you, and as for your question, yes, I have to bring Tae for his checkup but Jungkook was scheduled to pick you up. But then he was held back at class and when we arrive home, you were nowhere to be seen. Lucky I remember you always like this Restaurant, why didn't you text any of us?" Jimin let out a huge worried sigh.
I tilted my head. What is wrong with these guys? Am I obligated to text them anywhere I go? Besides, I notice after the night in Taehyung's room, they've been a little too overprotective to where I am going after class.
"Jimin relaxed. I'm with Youngji. What are you so worried about? Nothing's going to happen to me. I know I told you to earn my trust again but take it easy, I'm not going to run away from you. Relax okay? I'm fine," I told him cupping his face while wiping his sweats. He looks like he just finish a marathon.
"I'm was just worried. Please text us next time ok? Please Y/N," Jimin begged.
Youngji turn to look at Taehyung to avoid this unnecessary silence, "Yeah, you should worry about Taehyung here, he looks like he doesn't need those crutches anymore. I can see you perfectly running from across the street here. Why the heck are you still carrying that thing?"
They turn to look at him.
"Urm.. actually I- urm.." Taehyung mumbled but Jungkook cuts him. "He told us if he loose the crutches he'll have to find a new home since Y/N said to stay at ours only until he gets better. There, sorry Tae, but your legs are fine and I can't lie anymore," Jungkook answered truthfully.
The whole table went silence but then Y/N giggled.
"That's what you're so afraid of? Taehyung, I know you're lying! I saw you running to the showers the other day perfectly. That's why I felt weird but I never said anything about it. Tae.. look at me," Y/N suggest. Taehyung bit his lips bashfully. The secret's out of the bag now. He pretends that he's sick so he won't have to move. That's why he still had those crutches.
"I'm not angry at you anymore. Besides, you can stay there, as long as you pay the rent of course. Please be yourself around me, no more lying, no more pretending, just be the real YOU. Ignore what I said before; I was angry at the time. You're more than welcome in the house."
Taehyung eyes watered a bit. Y/N knew but didn't say a word about it. Now he can be himself and loose those crutches. He gave her a warm hug, "Thannk you, thank you, thank you Y/N! Sorry for lying, I don't have anywhere to go. Please don't kick me out, I promise I'll pay the rent equally, I'm so relief I can lose the crutches now!"
The whole table laugh at Taehyung's funny confession. Y/N burst out giggling seeing how silly he looks. Jungkook smiled but Jimin didn't have the heart to laugh as much as he wanted to. Fear was still eating him.
Jungkook approach Jimin while everybody was busy talking. "Look, if she can forgive Tae. You don't have to worry. If she finds out, I don't think she'll mind much. It's all in the past okay? Besides, she'll been fine. I haven't seen Yoongi for days. Stop worrying much man," Jungkook whispered to him without anyone noticing.
Y/N was in a deep conversation with Taehyung betting on who will win the Chicken Noodle Soup battle between Jackson, Youngji VS Hanbin, Dahyun.
Jimin sighed in defeat. He saw Youngji's weird gaze towards him but smiles awkwardly. Youngji felt skeptical on why Jimin was overprotective towards Y/N but shook her thoughts away. Maybe he's renewing his best friend status with Y/N, She thought.
But little did they know, the reason behind is because of another past.
"Hey Y/N, someone send me this, he told me to give it to you, a new student I guess," one of my classmate hand me a small post it note. I thanked her but felt surprised that i receive a mysterious note. I opened the note and saw a beautiful cursive writing on it.
I want you who makes eye contact with me
I want you who wants me again
I felt strangely familiar with the words. Like I've seen it somewhere before. And the writings.. it seems familiar too. But where? Where did I see it? I quickly put my thought away as I saw Taehyung walking my way. I smiled.
"Let me guess, Jimin make you pick me up?" I asked him. He shook his head giving me his boxy smile, "Nope, I volunteer. Besides, I've been dying to eat that Mango Bingsu you love so much at Mochi's, my treat of course." I smiled, Taehyung's been really nice to me ever since. Like a brother to a sister.
He saw me gripping the small note and peeked at it.
"What's that?" he asked curiously.
I lied, "Nothing, it's some.. urm- lyrics, I scribbled during my boring lecture's."
Taehyung nodded and carelessly believes. As we walked, I remember what the note is about.
Turns out I haven't lied at all. It was a lyric I made years ago. For a boy who i once love.
A few days after I receive that mysterious note, I haven't received anything else. I put it aside, trying not to think of it much. I haven't even told Youngji about it. As for Jimin, I knew he'd freak out and hunt whoever who pulls that kind of joke to me. Sometimes Jimin took it too far, that's why I didn't tell anyone about it.
It was Jungkook's turn to pick me up today. I told them to stop but they didn't listen and keep on waiting and picking me up after class with my (technically Seokjin's) Car. I heard my phone buzzed and reach for it inside my bag pack.
Hey Y/N, sorry but I'm stuck in traffic. Promise you I'll cook dinner tonight, please wait okay?
I quickly replied okay and a smile emoji. I'm not angry. That's why I refuse them to pick me up, It's so much trouble and I'm fine taking the bus home but noo.. they all want to treat me like a princess, a pledge for redemption of the past. These guys are seriously stressing me out. Their kindness are excessive.
Like other days, I waited for them at the Uni's Park. I sat on a bench there, with my legs crossed, eyes focusing on a YouTube video with my earphones on while replying a text from Seokjin. I was constantly watching on how the guy in the video cooks a bowl of rabokki so deliciously when someone tapped my shoulder.
I took one of my earphones off of my ear and turn around.
When I turn to my phone, I saw a figure standing in front of me. I look up, and scan his face.
It's certainly not just any figure, it was him. I stared at him, eyes wide trying to identify am I dreaming or is this reality?
My brain moves faster now. That's how I received the note. That's why the writings look so familiar. And he's probably why Jimin was acting out these past few days. I connect the dots. He looks down at me while I put my phone away. My heartbeat increases. It was that feeling all over again.
And why do I still have these pathetic feelings?
My hands went numb. I stared at him, unable to move when he asked, "May I sit here?"
I blinked my eyes and nodded dumbfoundedly, eyes still on him.
"Long time no see Lee Y/N," he says, smiling sadly.
I stared at him. Is this real? Am I seeing things? My gaze stayed at him for a long time before I too replied-
And that's when I heard those little cracks in my heart where only saying his name makes it happen.
