CHARISMA | JJK

07

"this is my middle school." his sentence trailed off into the crisp air.
they stood next to each other, a space was left in between.
perhaps he had a reason to bring her here.

she looked at the building, but soon enough moved her gaze up at him.
he glanced down and grinned at their height difference.

he didn't grin for much longer.

"i used to be–
his voice cracked slightly.

–self serving in middle school.
i didn't speak up. even when..."

soojeong bit her bottom lip.

"even when bullies were harming my best friend. it was only after he transferred that i realised–"

he hung his head.
his soaked hair was dripping like a
poorly switched-off shower head–fitting with the mood of his tale. he moved with the intention to touch it,
but stuffed his hand in his coat pocket instead.

"i realised that people move away if you don't look after them."

soojeong opened her mouth to begin saying something.

"is that why...you're so nice?"

he lifted his head and sucked his lips inwardly.

"mm."

she breathed out.

"i'm still kind of confused...

why do you l-like me?" she asked hesitantly,
but she felt she needed to say it.

jungkook was smiling now,
with teeth and all.

"my admiration of you, soojeong,
is out of your choice to be independent and have your own opinions."

her heart trembled in flattery.
the force impacting her bottom lip became stronger.

"particularly after you kicked me."

"the coolest guy in school." he added, in a whisper.

"in front of everyone." he ruffled her wet hair and she gave him
a look.

"well that's
good enough for me."

she told him and he hugged her.

glancing down at her hands on his back, she admired the bracelet he had given her

and squeezed him tight.

" when i get a job, we get rings.
until then..."