The Runaway

That's The Thing - Part 5

"Why is she staring at me?" Yoongi said looking annoyed as he toyed with the food on his tray. 

"You intrigue her cause you just showed up one day and she knows nothing about you.  We are all curious, but if you ask me, she has a crush on you Yoongi."

"What? No! She called me a loser."

"That was then this is now.  You're mysterious and hot."

"What!"  Yoongi's eyes widen in surprise.

Ara giggled watching him look towards Ji-woo and back down to his food when said girl smiled at him. 

"Maybe we can go on a double date?"  Ara added playfully seeing his cheeks turn pink.

"No, I don't like Ji-woo or your boyfriend.  I'm sorry." 

"How can you dislike them? You haven't had a chance to get to know them."

"It's just a feeling I have.  I know toxic when I see it.  He doesn't treat you like you deserve.  Don't make me be his friend. Okay?"

"Alright, but I wish you could be happy for me."

"That's the thing.  I want you to be happy but not with him."

"What about Ji-Woo?  Will you give her a chance?"

"No.  She's weird and blunt and gives me stalker vibes."

"She's just trying to get your attention, but you ignore her."

"Who knew ignoring someone would make them like you."

"Yeah, humans are weird."

"Well, she should take a hint.  Besides you're prettier," he said looking up into her eyes.  "You and Dawson are the only friends I need."

"I just thought you would be happier with more friends."

"I know you are trying to help me but everything is hard for me including getting a job. I got turned down again."

"I have an idea.  Come apply where I work."

"Really! They need people?"

"Maybe. Let's find out after school."

"Okay, It's a date."

"A date?"

"You know what I mean."

"I do. I was just kidding.  Remember when things get tough you have us now. We are family."

💕

Yoongi was happy.  He hoped she didn't think he was merely being flirty.  He was starting to care for her and wanted her to like him too.  The more time he spent with her the better and the more compatible they felt.

Ara waited for him after school wondering what was taking him so long.  When he finally showed up running towards her she was glad all her worries were for naught.  They headed directly to the theater hoping she would bring him luck finding a job.  She had easily avoided walking home with her boyfriend by saying she had to go to work.  

Luckily, after talking to the manager, Yoongi got the part-time job he was looking for and he was all smiles, something Ara wasn't used to seeing so she was glad she had some small part in it.

Yoongi was excited and said he wanted to watch every movie, except for the scary ones.  At the theater, they encouraged the employees to watch the movies on their own time so they could be knowledgeable about them if a customer asked.  Free popcorn and soda was another perk they enjoyed so they decided to celebrate by staying and watching a movie together.  

Throughout the movie, Ara wondered why she felt so nervous.  She looked down at her hand that was right next to his and longed to feel the warmth of his pale hand in hers but nevertheless stopped herself.  The temptation of his nearness made her feel disloyal.  If Jay saw her, he wouldn't be happy.  Ara thought about what her mom taught her, never do something you would be ashamed of doing in front of your mother.

On the way back home, they bought some food to eat, but when they got there Jay was there waiting for them.  Yoongi locked eyes with Jay, the smile on his face dropping the second he saw the other boy.  

Ara greeted her boyfriend with a hug as Yoongi turned his back and went inside without even a hello.  It was obvious to Jay that he had ruined Yoongi's plan to be with his girl.  With a fake grin on his face, he listened to her telling him how Yoongi got a job at the theater too.  

'Just great!'  Jay thought extremely annoyed but hiding the fact from his girlfriend, 'together at home, at school, and now at work.'  How is he supposed to compete with this guy?  He had to scare him off.