Chapter 18 : An ex should stay an ex
Park Tae Chan
A truce with Jung Kook…
What a refreshing feeling.
I smiled to myself as I excited the classroom and headed for the school gates. Despite the stares and hushed whispering, I didn’t feel the least bit bothered.
Why? Because I had a truce with Jung Kook…it was the closest thing to having him as a friend and I was happy enough with that.
I just hoped this lasted for more than a day. Knowing Jung Kook and his temper, he might just abruptly call the whole thing off. Just like the whole slave, tutor thing.
Humming to myself, I skipped the rest of the way out of school only to get hindered by a growing crowd of giggling girls.
Hmmm…the only logical explanation would be either one of Chonseol High’s famous hot stuff was present; hence the commotion.
My heart skipped a beat and I wondered if Jung Kook was the reason why all the girls were making a fuss…I felt hesitant to meet him after we agreed on our truce.
Even today, each time we passed each other in the hallway, he would act nonchalant…yet still managed to give me a small nod of acknowledgement – making me blush endlessly.
What was the matter with me? I was reacting like some lovesick fool.
“Who is he?”
“Isn’t he cute?”
I shook my head to clear my thoughts and perked up my ears to hear the conversation around me. It seems that the commotion this time was not because of Jung Kook or Tae hyung, or Jimin and Sejoon either.
“What is he doing here?”
“Wonder which school he goes to?”
At times like this, I detested my petite height. Even by tiptoeing and stretching my neck, I was unable to even catch a glimpse of the object of the girl’s attention.
Shrugging with indifference, I moved away from the crowd and edged my way out of school. Who cares about the hot stranger they were all talking about. I had better things to occupy my mind with anyway.
Excited squeals sounded behind me and I presumed it was probably because the guy was on the move and they were trailing his every step.
Despite the burning curiosity I felt to see the stranger, I willed myself to keep walking and not end up like one of those squealing girls. That is…until he called my name.
With that voice.
That voice I knew so well.
“Tae Chan-ah…” he repeated.
Tears automatically welled up in my eyes and I grabbed my chest to calm my constricting heart. No way. What was he doing here? What –
I stopped abruptly as he approached me from behind and placed a hand gingerly on my shoulder to turn me around.
“Tae Chan –“ his voice broke with emotion, causing me to finally glance up at him.
“K-kang Jun…”
Jeon Jung Kook
I should’ve moved faster.
If I did, I would’ve been able to intercept their meeting.
Instead, I was left to stand dejectedly in the corner while that good for nothing dude approached Tae Chan and spoke to her.
“Err…Jung Kook?” Jimin said at my side uneasily. I knew he was bothered by the growing buzz surrounding us, but I couldn’t care less.
How could I? Especially when I was witnessing an exchange before me that was killing my insides. There stood the idiot; worming his way back into her good graces… And there she stood, allowing him that privilege – complete with the whole adoring look in her eyes.
“Is that her boyfriend?”
“Omo…he’s so cute!”
“I bet he’s here to protect her from Jung Kook’s clutches!”
I expelled an annoyed sigh and willed myself not to make that last commentator pay. It wasn’t easy, but I decided to channel all those bad feelings into hating Kang Jun instead.
If I had my way, I would’ve probably lashed out to those students around me and marched up to Kang Jun, and showed him he made a big mistake in coming here before dragging Tae Chan far away.
But I didn’t.
Why?
Because she might hate me after all that.
And I really didn’t want to ruin our ongoing truce…
“Oh no…what are you doing?” Jimin called out as I forged ahead towards them.
Hmm…sometimes I really wished I listened to my conscience.
Park Tae Chan
“W-what are you doing here?”
“Can we go somewhere to talk?” Kang Jun gave me a small smile and squeezed my shoulder comfortingly.
Uh-uh. It’s amazing how casual he appeared about the whole thing. It was like his betrayal didn’t happen.
I stiffened at the reminder of what he had done, stepping back to put more distance between us. For a moment there I had grown weak at his familiar face, almost wishing things could go back to the way it was before.
But who was I kidding? Nothing would ever be the same again.
“Tae Chan?” Kang Jun said, looking more hesitant now.
“We have nothing to talk about.” I told him in a quiet tone, avoiding his gaze.
Damn. This wasn’t the time to start crying.
“I need to explain that –“
“Don’t you get it?” I glared at him sharply, willing the tears away. “I don’t have anything to say to you nor do I want to hear your excuses.”
Yes. That’s it. Use my anger as a defence. Anger was definitely a better choice compared to crying. Less embarrassment.
“Tae Chan…” Kang Jun began with less patience this time. His face hardened and he neared me. “I don’t want to lose you. Please don’t let something as insignificant as this ruin what we have.”
“Insignificant?” I hissed in disbelief. “Are you stupid? How can cheating on me be insignificant?”
“I don’t see –“
“I trusted you!” my voice rose a notch and I tried my hardest to calm down. I didn’t want to create a scene.
He sighed and looked at me with tired eyes. “Please. Can we talk about this?”
“She said she doesn’t want to. Do I need to spell it out for you?”
My head snapped in the direction of the voice and I cringed inwardly at the sight of Jung Kook. What was he doing here? And why, oh why did he have to witness everything?
Kang Jun frowned at the intrusion and his lips thinned in displeasure. “This is none of your business.”
“I told you before…when it comes to someone I care about, it is my business.”
Ah, there he goes again. Saying things that he didn’t mean; if only to help me out of scrapes. Although part of me was elated at his words, another part knew that it was all for show.
God. I hope he wouldn’t pull a cliché – we’re dating kind of stunt like in the dramas. It would be outright mortifying!
“Who do you think you are?” Kang Jun bit out angrily.
“It’s none of your business really…” Jung Kook drawled and approached me. “But if you really must know, she’s my hit list candidate turned tutor turned study partner.”
“What?” Kang Jun’s faced scrunched up in confusion.
“And….we’re running late.” Jung Kook waved and did the unthinkable. He pulled me near and draped an arm over my shoulder and neck – similar to a bloody headlock – possessively and steered me away. “Got to go.”
Kang Jun’s mouth hung open in surprise and he instinctively reached out to grab hold of my arm. “Tae Chan…”
We stilled in action and I could feel the heat of Jung Kook’s anger from his stiff posture as Kang Jun’s gaze travelled back and forth between us in bewilderment. I realised then that Kang Jun has never seen me with another guy, so this was probably new to him.
Kang Jun’s grip on my arm tightened. “Tae Chan-ah…please, don’t go. Let’s talk.” He pleaded.
Aware that students were watching (and probably having a field day with the gossip), I extricated myself from Jung Kook’s hold and decided to follow Kang Jun.
I knew that if I didn’t, Kang Jun would continue until I actually sat down and talk to him – and I also knew that Jung Kook wouldn’t let that happen. I’d rather they didn’t start a fight here.
I sighed and allowed myself to be pulled away. “Fine. Let’s talk.”
“Yah!” Jung Kook said incredulously as I turned my back on him.
“I’ll see you later, Jung Kook.” I stated firmly and walked off without a backwards glance.
Jeon Jung Kook
“Yah! YAH!” Jimin tugged at my sleeve with an amused expression. “She said she’d see you later. Why are you so adamant on following her??”
“Why should I let her go with him?” I bit out in frustration.
I was angry. And hurt.
More hurt than angry.
I mean, how could she just choose him over me? Well, technically it wasn’t like she was going to get back with him (was she?) and it wasn’t like I ever had a chance at her heart anyway…but still…
It hurt.
“Because she wants to…shouldn’t you respect her choices?” Jimin responded as he jogged to keep pace with my hasty strides.
“She’s not thinking right.”
“Oh, and you are?” Jimin chided and held me back by my elbow. “Whoa – slow down and think logically.”
“Hyung…” I sighed and stopped. “I’m not about to do something stupid –“
“Really? Then why are you chasing after them?”
“Aishhh…I just want to make sure she’s alright.”
“Huh.” Jimin eyed me in distrust.
“Seriously…”
After eyeing me for a second more, Jimin shrugged and released his hold. “Suit yourself…” suddenly he grinned. “Eeiii…you must really like her, huh?”
Crap. I didn’t plan on being that obvious. “No!”
“Then why are you doing this, huh?” he nudged me in the ribs.
“I just…I just –“
“Yes?...Yes?” Jimin was grinning ear to ear now.
“I’m not talking to you anymore.” I shook my head and hurried away from his laughter.
Park Tae Chan
I sat uncomfortably on the cafe stool and glared at the scene before me.
Serves me right for deciding to follow Kang Jun. Now I have no choice but to sit and stare at the two least people I wanted to see.
“What is she doing here?”
Kang Jun winced at my tone and put back down the mug he was about to drink from. “I felt that…well, it would be better if…um –“
“Oh come on…” Hani finally spoke as she rolled her eyes at Kang Jun’s lame attempt at an explanation. “What Kang Jun-ie here is about to say is that it would be better for both of us to explain our side of the story.”
Kang Jun-ie?
Hmm, this glass of water in front of me is beginning to look like a very tempting weapon.
“You know what? I’m actually really not interested to hear anything.”
Hani chuckled maliciously and leaned daintily across the table. “Then why are you here?”
I blinked my eyes innocently and stared at her. “I didn’t want to create a scene between Kang Jun and…” I smiled as sweetly as I could. “…Jung Kook.”
At the widening of her eyes, I could tell that I had hit a chord.
Ahah! I knew that she had a thing for Jung Kook – I’m not sure what or even how she knew him but, her expression was really entertaining.
Kang Jun’s touch on my hands broke me off from my staring contest with Hani and I abruptly jerked my hand away. Hurt crossed his features and once again I felt my resolve slipping.
Damn it! Why was I so weak?
“Tae Chan-ah…the reason why I’m here is to say sorry. I really didn’t mean to hurt you.” He began in a rush. “It wasn’t planned…it just happened! I assure you that I know now that I made a mistake – she means nothing to me!” he pleaded earnestly.
Oh wow. Ouch.
I watched as various emotion crossed Hani’s face upon hearing Kang Jun’s words and felt slightly sorry for her. Just slightly – not more than 0.2 percent.
She whirled to face him angrily. “Yah, Kang Jun!” she whacked him on the arm. “I can’t believe you’re saying all this now – in front of her.”
He glanced at her with a puzzled expression. “…but…that’s why I called you to come along…”
“I thought you wanted me along as moral support! And – and to prove to her that we belong together!!” she cried shrilly.
I wonder if Hani and Ji Yoon knew each other. They were both similar – delusional and loud.
“Hani…you and I were a mistake. I was weak and…and…” he sighed. “Tae Chan is the one I lov –“
I snorted before he could finish his statement. “I’m sorry, but did you just say love?” I shook my head in disbelief. “Is cheating on the one you love a normal thing?”
Hani folded her arms triumphantly and gave Kang Jun an expectant look, trying to see how he was going to get out of this one.
“If you’re going to act so unreasonable…why did you even follow me in the first place? I deserve a second chance, don’t I?” Kang Jun bit out sourly.
“Unreasonable?” I almost sputtered at his statement. The jerk. “I followed you here not to give you a chance – but to tell you to leave me alone and stop contacting me…what makes you even think you deserve a second chance anyway? You don’t deserve anything – you definitely do not deserve me.”
Wooohhh!
That felt good.
As the words left my mouth, I realised that I meant every word. I guess all this time I was blinded by my feelings not to see what a jerk Kang Jun can be at times – and to think he thinks he deserves chances?? Why, he can very well go to he –
“You’ve changed.” He stated simply but I could see the anger in his eyes.
“Why? Because I grew a backbone?” I retorted back.
“That boy must’ve poisoned your mind.”
“Excuse me?”
“Yes. That must be it.” He nodded as though he understood the whole situation now. “Is he the reason why you can’t forgive me? That you’re not going to give me a chance?”
Since when did Kang Jun join the delusional club?
“Are you even listening to yourself?” I scoffed at him. “Me not forgiving you has nothing to do with him – it has everything to do with you betraying my trust!”
Kang Jun stood up abruptly with clenched fists. “ I will not –“
“Whoa…don’t stand up on my account.”
What the hell was he doing here?? I stared in shock as Jung Kook approached us with an easy expression and pulled out the stool beside me to take a seat.
I slanted a look back at Kang Jun to see he was just as surprised and he slowly resumed his seat.
“What are you doing here?” I hissed under my breath.
Stuffing his hands into his pocket and assuming his bad boy ‘hunching’ position, Jung Kook merely smirked and said. “I told you…we’re late for our study session.”
Jeon Jung Kook
Heh. Trust a worm like this Kang Jun guy to choose a café with stool seating. Was he planning to give everyone here a backache?
I spared a glance at Tae Chan and wondered if she was going to chase me away. I really didn’t want her to – although I knew I wasn’t welcome here – I didn’t want to be embarrassed for the second time.
“What are you doing here?” Kang Jun said with more force than necessary.
“You’ve had your time – now it’s mine.” I challenged him with a raised brow and hoped he got my double meaning.
“I think our study session could wait just a little more…” Tae Chan said through gritted teeth.
Hmph, well it looks like Tae Chan didn’t get my double meaning…but from the evil eye I was getting from Kang Jun, I knew at least he got it.
“No, it can’t wait.” I responded unrelentingly.
“Jung Kook-ah…”
I gave a start at the unfamiliar voice and jerked my head up to see the speaker. Ahh…it was the girl at the event. The girl that Kang Jun….wait a minute – what was she doing here? And had she been here the entire time?
“Eh?” I stared at her and wondered what could she probably want – and why the hell was she calling me so familiarly?
“Jung Kook-ah…don’t you remember me?” she pouted slightly.
I turned a blank look to Tae Chan, willing her with my eyes to help me. Who was this girl and why does she keep claiming to know me?
“This is Hani…” Tae Chan began but immediately clamped her mouth shut in horror. “Why am I even taking the role of introductions here??”
“Oh! That’s right.” Kang Jun suddenly clapped his hands together and pointed at me. “She went to Chonseol High before – don’t you know her?”
I frowned, trying to recall her face – but nothing came to mind. I glanced back to Tae Chan again and I could tell this was news to her as well.
“No, I don’t.”
“You don’t??” Kang Jun sputtered in disbelief.
This Hani girl also shot me an incredulous look.
“I don’t.”
Tae Chan stood up abruptly, catching all our attention. “As much as I am curious about this whole thing…I can’t help but feel this chit chat session is spiralling out of control. I mean, the main reason I am here is so that Kang Jun can do his part explaining and I can do my part of rejecting – NOT to hear a chorus of who knows who and who doesn’t.”
“So…” she bent and hitched up her school bag with a sarcastic smile. “I guess I’m done here.”
“Finally.” I said and stood up as well.
“Oh no no.” she gestured at me to resume my seat. “You should stay and get reacquainted with your ex-schoolmate…”
Weird.
What was Tae Chan’s problem? She couldn’t be jealous, could she?
“I don’t want to.”
“That’s a good idea.” Kang Jun piped up and hurried beside Tae Chan. “You stay with Hani and I’ll walk Tae Chan out.”
I blocked their exit and scowled. “Why should I?”
Kang Jun smirked as though he now had the upper hand. “Well, Hani obviously has a lot to say to you.”
The little twerp was trying to foist that girl on me??
“Well, I have nothing to say…plus I’m not interested.”
Without wasting a second more, I grabbed Tae Chan by the elbow and tugged her to follow me out.
Park Tae Chan
Sometimes I wonder if Jung Kook needed to get his eyes checked.
I mean, it was like he didn’t notice all the pretty girls surrounding him. And though I loathed admitting it, Hani was pretty.
“You really should stay and –“
“Why are you trying to force me into this??” he bit out angrily, still not releasing his hold on my elbow.
“I’m not, it’s just –“
“And why are you even talking to that idiot? An ex should stay an ex…you shouldn’t even spare him a glance.”
“Did it ever occur to you that maybe I need some closure??” I countered back heatedly, pulling out of his grasp.
He sighed and rubbed the back of his neck in frustration. “Fine – you had your little chat. Can we go now?”
“Not so fast.” Kang Jun said as he hurried out of the café and strode towards us. “I’m not done.”
“When will you ever?” Jung Kook muttered under his breath and rolled his eyes.
I ignored Jung Kook and held up my hand to stop Kang Jun’s approach. “I think this is as far as we go. You’re lucky enough I even spoke to you after everything –“
“You can’t be serious in following this guy!”
“Why not?”
“From what I heard…he’s a jerk! Chonseol High’s terror? Doesn’t that mean anything to you?”
“How did you –“ I broke off when Kang Jun reached out to shake me.
“Do you know what he did to all those students? You could very well be next!”
“W-what are you talking about?” I pushed him away and took a step back, sending a confused look to Jung Kook who seemed slightly pale now.
“Hah!” Kang Jun exclaimed excitedly. “Hani just filled me in on what sort of character this rich boy has – and believe me, it’s not pretty.”
“Unbelievable.” I muttered. “You’re listening to Hani??”
“Yes!” He looked me squarely in the eyes. “It just so happens that she was one of his victims!”
“Uhuh…” I nodded slowly. “Which explains why she totally drools over him all the time?”
Kang Jun scowled unappreciatively at my joke. “That’s not the point.”
“Then what is the point, Kang Jun?” I sighed reluctantly and checked out Jung Kook from the corner of my eye. He hasn’t said a word since Kang Jun’s statement…and it was disturbingly strange.
“The point is…Hani was one of the top students in Chonseol High but she not only lost out on her scholarship, she was also expelled.”
“S-so?”
“Don’t you see? This was all caused by HIM!” Kang Jun pointed accusingly at Jung Kook.
I whirled to face Jung Kook and ignored the teary approach of Hani. Damn I hated her even more now – but why wasn’t Jung Kook saying anything?
Fear of my own scholarship and studies intruded my thoughts but I managed to quell them away. Jung Kook wasn’t bad. After everything he did for me…how could I even think that?
Heck, he even went on a date with Ji Yoon to ensure my scholarship remained intact. Tae hyung’s comment that the old Jung Kook is still present floated in my mind and I smiled confidently.
“Probably in the past…but not now.” I stated easily, causing them to stare at me in astonishment. “We have to go now.”
I turned and gave Jung Kook a slight nudge to move, ignoring his look of surprise puzzlement at my actions.
We walked a distance before he finally glanced at me and scoffed in disbelief. “Yaaa…did you just sort of, stood up for me back there?”
I smiled and looked away. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
He shook his head at my antics and smiled. Oh my god. Jeon Jung Kook was smiling. SMILING!!
My heart started pounding at this and I forced myself to scowl – it was the better option to smiling back like a total idiot.
“Ahhh…” he lamented and reached over to pinch my cheeks. “You must’ve really fallen for me!” he teased.
I gasped and pushed his hands away. “I have NOT!”
“Whatever you say.” He chuckled and stuffed his hands back into his pockets, walking away.
Oh no. Was it true? I couldn’t possibly have fallen, right? It was too soon…too fast…too absurd!
“I’m telling you…you’re wrong!” I cried out after him but he continued chuckling without looking back.
Oh god. Please stop that delightful laughing Jeon Jung Kook…or I might just…
I might just listen to my heart.