Chapter 1
Seulgi’s POV
—Seulgi? —said a voice, that suddenly was repeated by another one.
—Kai?—I replied confused of the darkness, looking for my best friend.
—Seulgi, come here.—trying to follow Kai’s voice, I tried to walk through, but suddenly a pair of arms took me from behind.
—Seulgi, baby, where are you going? Don’t you love me?
The heck is going on in here.
—Who are you? Let me go! Kai!
Fighting against the hug that kept me trapped, I tried to run but it was useless.
—Why are you running from me?
Turning myself to look, I faced the completely stranger that was keeping me away from Kai.
My eyes met with another, at the same time that the man was smiling at me.
—Finally your eyes are on me...
He was a tall man with dark eyes; his nose had a cute dot and his silky skin made his small lips highlight in the darkness.
Without knowing, my hands were already touching his cheeks.
—Seulgi!—Kai shouted...
—Seulgi! Wake up!—opening my eyes I saw Kai shaking my legs, trying to wake me up.
—...I’m awake...stop it...
—We’re going to be late! C’mon, get ready.
—...—he sighed when he saw I didn’t get up.
Suddenly, I was lifted in a carry like princess.
—Kai!
—You’ll be late. Take a shower, Seulgi.
—Don’t wanna! I’ll stink and...—before I could finish what I was saying, Kai already left me in the bathroom.
—You don’t have excuses, get ready now.
Sighing angrily, I got in the shower.
—We were almost late because of someone.—Kai protested.
We were in the subway which was really crowded, in the way to go to school. Because of the crowd, Kai and I were standing up close to each other, something that made me a little bit uncomfortable.
—It’s not my fault that I’m always sleepy.
—Of course is your fault.
—No.—I replied looking into his eyes, trying to win the discussion.
—Yes, because it’s you.
The subway moved violently, making me get back and hit my back with one of the walls of the transport, moving Kai closer.
—Are you okay? It sounded like it hurt.—he asked.
—Y-yeah, I’m fine.—clearing my throat I tried to look elsewhere, avoiding his brownish eyes that were looking from up.
—I’m hungry...Why did you get up late? We could have had breakfast, but now we have to eat at the cafeteria.—he sighed, making the little wind of his breath hit my head.
—Well, talking seriously, you know it’s weird when I wake up late... but I had a dream.
—What kind of dream?
—It was...dark. Like, seriously, all the room was black and I thought I heard your voice. When I was searching for you someone took me from behind, I couldn’t safe so I turned around to look at the person and...
—And what?
—I-I couldn’t see him clearly.
—So it was a he?
—I think so. He was taller than me and, his voice was...manly.
—And you are in love with a dream?
—What-Obviously no! How could I?
—You talk like you have seen a prince of a fairytale.—the subway was opening his doors.
—C’mon, stop fooling around. Let’s go.—I said pushing Kai’s chest to move.
Once we were outside the subway, we were running to get in time to class. When we were finally at the school, I run with all my might when I heard the ring bell.
—Seulgi! You’re too slow—said Kai obviously a steps far away from me.—Want a ride?
—What?
He stopped his little running and kneeled, making me face his back.
Hesitantly, because of my skirt, I got into his shoulders.
—Guys, take a seat. You’re both late.
—Sorry, Mr. Kim.—Kai and I replied at the same time, and took our respective seats.
—Okay, good morning class. We have a new student, let’s greet him.
Mr. Kim approached a guy that was at his side.
Kai and I glanced at each other from our respective seats, he was in the other side from where I was. Mr. Kim knew he couldn’t make a decent class with us together.
And he was right.
Kai and I were best friends since we were kids, as you can say, we are childhood friends. We live in the same apartment due to my parents in heaven situation, and he just said that he would live with me for my safety. But I knew he had familiar problems.
Looking back to the new boy, i had the impression I saw him somewhere.
—Erm, hi... My name’s Taehyung, you can call me V as you wish. Hope we can hit it off.—he smiled.
He had grey hair, silky skin that highlighted his small lips. His brownish eyes were scanning all the class, at the same time his big hands were engaged with each other. He looked really tall and his deep voice made all the girls in the class sigh in love.
Our eyes met for a second, before I turned to look at Kai. He was neutral looking at the new boy, and finally turned to look at me again.
—Well, Taehyung, please take a seat.
Kai smiled at me in a way to communicate me that I was dead because I was the only person without a partner in my place.
I was always the kind of be neutral with everyone but hated too many questions, so having a new classmate wasn’t a good deal.
As expected, Taehyung took a seat at my right side, uncomfortably looking at the desk.
It was obvious that he didn’t know what to do, something that made my heart feel bad.
—Erm, Taehyung? Do you wanna share my biology book?—I said trying to make him vanish that heavy aura of his. He looked at my way with relief in his eyes, and a cute smile appeared in his face.
—Sure. Thanks.
I opened my biology book where we left the other class, and put it in the middle. Because I couldn’t see well, I got close to the book and in consequence, to Taehyung.
—You look quite uncomfortable, Taehyung.
I was really surprised that I kept the conversation on float, but luckily he kept answering.
—Y-Yeah, I feel uneasy being the new one. I mean, I got a new start. New friends, new problems... I really hope I can make friends.—he laughed lowly.
—You will, you just have to wait. By the way, I’m Seulgi.
—Taehyung.—he smiled.
—We’ll start with the human body, class. Now...
—So where are you gonna eat?—I asked Taehyung.
—Mmm...alone?
—You can eat with us.
—Us?—Taehyung asked before he was interrupted by my best friend, who put his arm in my shoulders, attracting me to his chest.
—Hey, what’s up? Going to the cafeteria?
—Yeah, I asked Tae to eat with us.—I replied.
—Tae?—Kai asked, taking off his arm at the same time the three of us stopped walking through the corridor.
—Y-Yeah, w-why not? His our friend now.—I laughed uncomfortably.
I was the kind of girl who didn’t make nicknames or made the name shorter. I didn’t know why I said that, but I just felt like it.
—It’s okay, Seulgi. Erm... I’m sorry but what’s your name?—Taehyung asked Kai.
—Ah, I didn’t present myself. I’m Kai, nice to meet you.—Kai smiled to Tae, at the same time his hand was placed at my hip.—She’s my best friend, she’s like a jewel to me.—Kai placed a sonorous kiss into my cheek.
—Oh, stop it!—I said.—You’re making Tae uncomfortable.—I hug Taehyung’s arm, making a little distance between Kai and me.
—No, you are making him uncomfortable.
I turned my head to look at Taehyung which had a little blush in his cheeks.
—N-No, it’s alright. Let’s go.—Taehyung said making us walk.
Once we were at the cafeteria we took a sit at one of the tables near a window, where the field for sports was visible. Taehyung bought a sandwich, Kai bought spicy chips while I bought pancakes.
—Hey, you will get an stomachache. Eat breakfast properly.—I said to Kai, glaring at him.
—Don’t frown at me, this is all I can get ’cause I didn’t take my money. And why? Because of someone.—Kai replied taking out his tongue to me.
—Just eat from my pancakes.
—But you will be hungry.
—And you too, so shut up and eat already.—I took a pancake and placed it in Kai’s mouth, who didn’t deny it.
—You two are like brothers.—Taehyung laughed at us.
—As you can tell.—I smiled. Kai just cleared his throat, looking at other place while eating the pancake I gave him.
—So...you don’t have feelings for each other like...in a romantic way?—Taehyung asked.
Kai began to cough.
—Kai, are you okay?—I said touching his back.—I’ll go get water. Taehyung, take care of him.
—O-Okay—he replied.
Kai’s POV
I felt like I was dying. So hard.
I didn’t know if it was because of Seulgi’s answer or just the simple question on its own.
—I’ll go get water. Taehyung, take care of him.
—O-Okay—the new boy replied.
Once we were alone, I got close to Taehyung.
—What are you pretending? Asking something like that, from nowhere. Remember you’re an outsider.
—I’m sorry. It just...came out.
—Don’t blurt things like that. You can hurt someone.
—...Are you hurt?
—What?
—I asked if you’re hurt. I mean, if both of you don’t have feelings for each other, why are you mad at me?—Taehyung looked into my eyes with a serious expression.
—I’m not mad.
—Yes you are.
—...And if I was what?
Taehyung laughed.
—Well, it’s just that it looks like if you li...
—I love her, and what?—I interrupted.
I was mad.
Really mad.
Who the heck is he to say something like that? It’s not his business if I like Seulgi.
—I-I’m sorry. I just...
—Let’s be clear on something. Seulgi is mine, she’s my everything. Stay away from her and everything will be fine.
—Why would Tae go away? Are you stupid? He doesn’t have friends here, Kai. Now we’re his friends.—Seulgi interrupted.
—N-No, it’s fine. I think I have to go to... the principal’s office, see you later.
Taehyung smiled and walked out of our sight.
—What happened with you, Kai? You never act like this. Wait... Are you mad?
—No.
—...Yes you are.
—And if I am, what?—I said loudly, attracting other’s people attention.—I-I’m sorry, Seulgi. I didn’t me-
—No, you didn’t. Let’s...talk later.
—No, wait. Seulgi-
—See you later.
And like that, Seulgi walked out of my sight too.
She didn’t finish her breakfast...
I’m an idiot.
—Dammit!
Seulgi’s POV
Why is Kai acting like that? I don’t understand.
He never acted like that before, even when he was feeling down because of his parents.
Kai told me years ago that his parents never cared about what he thought or even him; he was raised to always do what he was told to. When we were at middle school, my parents died in a car accident; they were in a work trip, so Kai fought against his mom and dad to live with me.
When he rebelled against them, the treat to leave him live with me was that he would be excellent in whatever he does, including school so, Kai’s always trying his best. Because the stress was too much, I thought that maybe if we entered to the dance workshop, he will relax more. Kai was always good at dancing, so he got easily engaged to it. I was really realived when he was having fun at it, so we began to have more happy memories.
I hope that he can calm himself dancing today as well.
—Tae!—I shouted to the big figure that was walking vaguely in the corridor.
Taehyung turned himself confused, and before he knew it, was smashed by someone else.
—Seulgi? Are you okay?—he asked looking down to see my face.
—Ah, yeah. I’m fine.—I put a distance between both.—I came by to say sorry. Kai usually isn’t like that.
—It’s fine, I... I have to apologize too. I said something that I shouldn’t to Kai.
—What did you say? I’m sure it wasn’t your intention, right?
—Right.
—That’s it, problem solved. Let’s talk about something else.—I smiled.
—And what do you want to talk about?—both of us began to walk through the corridor.
—Mmm...Why did you come to this school?—I asked.
—Erm...How can I say this?—he seemed troubled, like if he didn’t know if talk or not. He finally sighed and continued.—In the other high school I wasn’t...me.
—You?
—Y-Yeah, like, how I am... My personality with other people wasn’t my real personality. I think I was fake.—he laughed looking at the floor and putting his hands on the pants pockets.
—So you are telling me that other’s people attitude influenced yours?
—I think so.—he smiled with embarrassment.—I never talked about this with anyone because I was afraid people would reject me.
I began to think. So Taehyung wasn’t himself just because he didn’t match with the others. So what kind of people were they? From the few conversations I had with him, I deduced he was kind, shy at first, a good person, funny... Why did the others rejected his true personality?
—I don’t understand why people would reject you... You are almost perfect!
—Almost?—he laughed.
—Yes, everyone has his exceptions.
—And what are mine’s?—he smiled looking at me.
I made my eyes smaller and made myself as if I was thinking.
—Maybe your insecurities, but everyone has it. Even though, I still need to think about it. I just met you today.—I laughed.
—But you are really sharp-eyed, you know. I think you’re a nice girl.
—Hey, I’m better than that!
—Okay, okay, you are.—he laughed.
—Taehyung, what do y-
Before I could finish my question, I tripped on the floor.
—Seulgi! Are you okay?—Taehyung asked trying to reach me on the floor and helping me get up.
—Yeah I...—when I was trying to get up, a pain on my right ankle made me fall on my butt.—It hurts!
—W-Where? We need to go the infirmary but, can you stand up?
I denied with my head. I felt how much I was frowning from the pain... I never hurted myself like this, so I was scared.
—I’m sorry, Seulgi.
For second time on the day, I was carried on someone’s arms.
But this wasn’t Kai’s arms.
They were Taehyung’s.
—T-Thank you, Tae.—I said blushing and wrapping my arms onto his neck, looking away. I was scared that if I didn’t, I would fall onto the floor again.
—No worries.
—She’ll be fine. I already gave her a cold compress and a pain pill, but make sure she doesn’t walk home. She can hurt her ankle again.
—Yes.—Taehyung replied to the nurse, and then looked at me as the nurse went off.
—I’m sorry for giving you so much trouble, Taehyung.
—Don’t worry, I’ll take you home.
—But the classes hasn’t finished. It will trouble yourself, you’re new in the school and-
—It’s okay, Seulgi. I can’t let you go like this to your home.—he interrupted.
After arguing with Taehyung, I ended up being on Taehyung’s car, which he told me his grandma bought for him.
—I wish I could have family like you, Tae.—I smiled looking at the car’s window.—Mine died in a car accident...well, my parents only. The rest of my family didn’t want me with them, in a truthfully way. They just wanted the money that my parents left me.
—I’m really sorry, Seulgi. I don’t know what to say...—said Taehyung with a troubled face, driving.
—You don’t have to say anything, it’s fine. I’m already used to it.
—...if it helps, you can come with me anytime to visit my grandparents.
I was surprised.
—T-Thank you, Taehyung. I appreciate it.
—It’s okay.—he laughed, showing his cute teeths.—I think grandma will like you.
—Really? I never talked with someone else’s family, so I don’t know if I would be of their like.
—Of course you will! But... how about Kai’s family? Aren’t you close to him?
—Erm...—I began to feel uncomfortable.—H-He doesn’t see his family very often, so...
—Ah, okay. Sorry for asking something out of the blue.
—N-No, it’s fine.
We reached my house. It was a not too big white house, with two windows, a chocolate color door and a large garden. It was enough for two people to live.
Kai and I were rich kids but both of us didn’t like to spend money, so instead we kept it for the future.
—You wanna come in?—I asked smiling at Taehyung.
—I think I have to... Just to make sure you don’t hurt yourself again so yes, I’ll come in.
We got out of the car and Taehyung carried me again. I opened the door and entered in the house.
—Do you live here alone?—he said staring at the living room and the kitchen amazed.
—Erm.... Actually I don’t, but do you want to eat something?—I spoke rapidly, laughing nervously.
—No, thanks... So who do you live with?
—Oh my god, it’s getting late. I think you should leave me in my room, just because I can’t walk without help.—I said.
What will he think if he knows I live with Kai? It’s not right to live alone with a guy... I know he’s my best friend but people won’t see it fine.
—Oh, right. But, are you sure you want me to go? I think I should stay with you until your relative comes.
—Relative?—I asked.
—You are living with a relative, right?—he moved down his face to look at me. He was really close.
—Y-Yeah, a relative...—I said looking at his eyes.
He walked through the house to get into my room. When he was about to open the door, I talked.
—T-Tae! I-I’m sorry that it’s so messy inside my room.
—I’m sorry, too.—he said with a serious face that made me feel worried. He quickly laughed at me.—It’s a joke, sorry.
He opened the door, and began to make quick glances with a little blush on his cheeks.
—With your permission.
Taehyung put me in the mattress carefully, and I instinctively took a blanket to cover my legs.
A few minutes passed and Taehyung was staring at my room.
—So...—I said clearing my throat.—What do you do on the afternoons?
—Good question... Do you have a chair near?
—No, just sit in the matress.—I patted in a blank space.
—O-Okay.—he said nervously sitting where I patted.—Erm, so you asked me what I do?
—Yeah.—I laughed at his timid reaction.
—Mmm...—he stared at the ceiling.—I guess I could say that I dance.
—What? Really?—I said excited. He could join Kai and me with the dance classes.
—Is it really weird for boy to like dancing.—he laughed.
—No, I think it’s fine. To be honest, Kai and I are in the dance workshop of school. You should join us.
—I...think I’ll think about it.—he grinned.
We were interrupted by a knock on the front door of the house.
—Seulgi! Open the door, I forgot my keys!—a voice shouted from the outside constantly knocking.
And it was Kai...
Kai was shouting...
And Taehyung was here.
—Is it your relative, Seulgi? I’ll go open the door.
Before I could protest, Taehyung went outside the room.
I heard how the door was opened and that some confused voices were talking. Then, quick footsteps directed to my room were heard.
