The illuminated stage was intimidating, I peered through the velvet curtains, feeling my heartbeat accelerate. Moments passed before I felt the piercing beams of light overwhelm me. The harmonious orchestra complemented the graceful steps of the other dancers.
Feeling anxious, I stepped nervously onto the stage. The adrenaline kicked in and my nerves slowly began to fade. The movement of my feet coordinated with the compelling melody.
The song was reaching its climax and I let the music engulf all my thoughts. The ruffles of my dress continued to flow as I twirled, but suddenly, the orchestra reached an abrupt conclusion.
My eyes searched the stage with confusion. The crowd began to cheer, unaware of the unplanned ending. The bewildered dancers swiftly progressed into a single file before bowing towards the audience. Warm cheers and standing ovations seemed to empower the room and I felt the corner of my lips pull into a subtle smile. I bowed once again- this was all I ever wanted.
Excusing the radiating audience, questioning thoughts began to invade my mind. I desperately scanned the assembly of people. Something was wrong.
Beside the enormous glass doors stood my answer. I eyed his figure as he leaned against the frame, his hands slickly tucked inside his pockets. His piercing eyes almost seemed frightening.
It was Jungkook.
Unfamiliar sensations of panic and anxiety overwhelmed me. Did he see me?
Hoping he hadn't caught me amongst this mess, I quickly began to hurry off the stage, but it was too late. I saw him take purposeful strides towards me.
My breath hitched and I felt goosebumps dominate my skin. Fathoming the idea of being caught, my aching muscles gave in. I stood still, comprehending the shameful situation. His thunderous steps seemed to echo louder and louder. Closing my eyes, my head stooped low as I tried to hide my embarrassment.
I thought he would begin to scream when he arrived but he only took a rough hold of my arm, pulling me away from the chaos of backstage. My face reddened as suspecting glances were thrown in my direction, I felt even more flustered. He roughly pulled me away like a ragged doll; tears pricked my eyes as I kept my head down.
Pushing me to an empty corridor, Jungkook towered over me, his eyes laced with annoyance and frustration.
"Explain." He asked calmly.
"What?"
"Don't make me ask again." his tone getting impatient.
"Why do you have to be involved in every aspect of my life? I already have ignorant parents who are constantly on useless business trips! I don't need your pity or your help! I don't need you!" my eyebrows furrowed as tears began to trickle down my face.
Why did he always have to do this?
Any reprimandation he had in mind seemed to abandon his thoughts- Jungkook had nothing to say. His intimidating gaze softened as he looked down at me, not understanding how he had so suddenly made a 15 year old girl begin to cry so miserably.
"Ara..." he stepped closer but I pushed him away.
"Stop." I sniffled.
I felt something shift in his eyes as indifference started to settle in them. He gulped and stared at the ground. I dried my tears, attempting to manage my uneven breaths.
He looked up at me again and this time, his eyes were bitter.
"It's not like i have to protect you."
His words were only a scatter of mumbles, but they induced a pain of needle-like rose thorns pricking my heart. My vision had blurred once again as tears filled them too quickly. My heart had clenched together like a fist, but I didn't know why this feeling had overcome me.
"Jungkook, what are you saying?" my voice began to shake and my lips were quivering.
The emotions on his face had created a facade of blank resignation.
He answered me with a cold voice, "I'm saying that i'm going to leave you alone from now on- just like you want."
With that, he straightened his suit, turned around and walked away from me.
