"Again," Jimin clenched his jaw, staring ahead with contempt. Namjoon turned to Taehyung expectantly, awaiting his report with stiff shoulders.
Taehyung was silent, gulping and looking pale.
"Taehyung?" Namjoon called out, prompting the aforementioned to blink away a daze. He nodded, looking over his shoulder at the dreaded south wall and back to Namjoon.
"Six."
Namjoon grew silent, wiping away the sweat on his forehead with the back of his hand. He massaged his temples, nodding and sighing.
"Six," he muttered, looking up with a glare at Mara, "Six," he repeated.
Mara looked down guiltily, but she didn't apologize, even though she really wanted to.
"Let's just get them down and burn them or something. They could be plagued with disease," Jimin snapped. Namjoon acquiesced, but he didn't seem too happy about it. Neither did Taehyung, but the lad had gone quiet and solemn, as if disturbed by what he'd seen.
"I don't understand how they're getting passed you like that," Namjoon chided, "Aren't you supposed to be on nightwatch?!"
Taehyung was left speechless, and he tried to conjure up words but he came up empty handed. Mara was surprised at his lack of rebuttal, and he looked to be just as surprised at himself as Mara was.
"I don't know," he ended up mumbling.
Namjoon scoffed, "I don't know."
It was disgust and perturbation that pervaded the group that day as they cut down the severed human limbs that hung from the walls of their fortress. Mara couldnt help the nausea as she aided them, refusing to let Jimin handle it on his own and subsequently giving Namjoon the benefit of saying she was of "no help."
Next day, only three, but it wasn't any easier for the group, and Mara was really starting to get antsy. Whatever kind of offering they were making in exchange for her was beginning to get on Namjoon's nerves. He said nothing in regards for the first two days, but the more it happened, the heavier the burden lay on Namjoon's shoulders.
"It's an inconvenience at the most, but it could escalate to something else. I just don't want to start anything," Namjoon stressed, sighing in frustration and receiving a squeeze on his shoulder from Jin. The two solemnly talked in the privacy of the office, having laid out the events of the passed few days, responsibilities and chores on their to-do list. Namjoon sat at his office chair while Jin leaned on the table beside him.
"I know it's difficult to keep us at peace with everyone else, but sometimes you have to draw the line somewhere," Jin advised, "And if they didn't take your threat seriously, then what else are they not afraid to do?" He suggested with concern before standing over the window, looking down at everyone as they calmly worked away.
"We wouldn't be having this problem and you know it," Namjoon pointedly looked at Jin, who looked back at him with sigh.
"It's been a problem and you know it. We would've had to deal with them sooner or later," Jin calmly negated, an exhausted look on his face, "I'd rather deal with them now."
"You think so?" Namjoon raised a brow, "Cause they've been a nuisance but they've never left heads and limbs on our doorstep."
Jin shrugged, "They're just early Christmas decorations. Nothing wrong with celebrating early."
Namjoon paused, turning away for a second as his lips twitched upwards. He then pursed them, "Not funny."
Jin quietly laughed sitting back besides Namjoon and looking down at him with a smile. The latter returned to gaze, but a frown quickly spread on his face. This caused Jin's smile to falter, and the atmosphere grew somber once more.
"Those limbs didn't belong to living people, I know that much," Jin commented. Namjoon appeared unsure, sharing the doubt in his face to the other. Jin pensively looked around the room, as if rethinking what he'd just said.
"Did Mara ever tell you what she saw in that cave?" Namjoon darkly asked.
"...No. She only spoke to Jimin about it. But he told me something about...people nailed to the wall," Jin looked uncomfortable, "And if that's right, then I can't imagine what her nightmares must be like."
Namjoon looked skeptical, "And you believe her?"
"What do you mean?"
He shrugged, "I mean, you said if, yourself. Everybody embellishes their stories to make them a little more dramatic. Scary and threatening, even," Namjoon gave a pointed look, "And wasn't she severely malnourished. Couldn't she have been...I don't know, hallucinating?"
"Why would she threaten anyone? If anything, it's a big warning to never go into that cave," Jin argued, "Plus, she told me she was driven to starvation by those people after she first saw that man."
Namjoon eyed Jin, "She was looking for trouble, then. What idiot goes into a cave they know nothing about?"
Jin shook his head slowly, "I don't know, man. But these woods we're in are not friendly. Those ugly energies are something else."
Namjoon scoffed, "Don't tell me you believe in that."
"Until you see it yourself, you'll never be convinced," Jin eerily whispered, eyes far away in thought while Namjoon simply leaned back into his chair, arms crossed and stern as ever.
"It's really weird that all he wants is Mara. Nothing else but her," he mused, gaze shifting as if to find a reason why. He mulled over the fact as Jin suddenly reached out to Namjoon, looking him in the eyes.
"That's why I'm worried about her. From what Jimin said about the other day, I don't think they want to kill her," he stressed, "Jimin said that they mentioned Mara having to become something."
Namjoon studied the worried look on Jin's face, "Sounds to me like a cult," he muttered.
"I don't want you to get into her head and make her think she has no other choice than to go with them if she gets kicked out," Jin scolded, narrowing his eyes at Namjoon, "You haven't been the most welcoming."
"I don't want her taking advantage of our kindness-"
"Our?" Jin humorlessly chuckled, "You've been everything but kind."
Jin stood from the table, now looking out the window when catching a glimpse of Mara from below. She smiled at someone, a healthy glow on her face as she sun shined down on her. Her wrists didn't appear as thin, nor did she, and her clothes fit her more snug. She seemed a lot happier at that moment, distracted from whatever nightmares were outside the walls. Jin's face fell.
"If you let us vote on whether Mara gets to stay or not, and if we lose the vote," Jin hesitated for a moment, "I'll accept the loss. But I'll still do my best to make sure she leaves with plenty of things to take care of herself."
Namjoon sat silently for a moment, eyes never leaving Jin's and arms never uncrossing. Jin was pleading for someone he did not know, for a girl he could only vouch for to a certain extent. Sure, all those things mattered but there was still Jimin's experience with her, one Jin refused to dismiss.
"I still don't know why you dislike her so much. She's just a child," Jin whispered sympathetically. Namjoon gave him a look, and Jin squeezed his shoulder knowingly, "Let go of all the past misfortune. It only makes the bad luck cling onto you for longer."
Namjoon slowly stood up from his chair, indecipherable expression on his face, "Fine."
Jin nodded in relief.
"You've got a day left. We agreed on a week to recover," Namjoon reminded, "So you should be ready to vote by tomorrow. Don't count on mine."
Jin was left alone in the office as Namjoon excused himself, walking out without another word. His footsteps grew faint until Jin finally saw him exit the lodge and come in sight of the window he could see from.
Large boulder.
Tree that's been knocked over-wow that's..huge, I wonder when-
"Mara?"
The girl snapped out of her thoughts, blinking over at a an expectant Jimin. He peered over his shoulder at her, a small smile on his face before turning back to the front. He guided the horse as it trotted through thick brush, carrying the two friends and the autumn sun on its back. The sky wouldn't begin to darken until several hours, but the three—Jungkook, Jimin, and Mara—hurried to their destination.
The girl who had been too preoccupied remembering every landmark she could distinguish had lost track of the conversation she'd been having with Jimin, his words muffled out by louder thoughts. They had been traveling for fifteen minutes, but to a dazed Mara it felt like an eternity. The view was wonderful, with bushes of bright flowers and tall pine trees paving the way. It was like second nature to Jimin, and thus she trusted his knowledge of the path. However, Mara couldn't help be wary, especially since their run in with what Namjoon liked to call: the locals.
"Always daydreaming," Jimin remarked, earning a sheepish smile from Mara.
After helping out with picking vegetables and herbs from Jin's garden, she was instructed, along with the rest, to deliver the groceries to a pair of survivors that resided just a thirty minute horse ride away. The small group had traded various times with Namjoon, and thus the mutual agreement to exchange resources whenever they could had begun. That day was one of those days, and without even a glance of acknowledgment, the girl was assigned to Jimin and Jungkook. It was a step forward, surely, from not being allowed to do anything to being given a task.
Speaking of, Jungkook had been quiet for the remainder of the travel, taking charge of two out of three heavy leather bundles that hung at either side of him. It had been a few days since Mara had spoken to Jungkook after the altercation with Taehyung, but he seemed fine and even joked around a bit, albeit not with her. Regardless, she was just glad he was fine. He seemed to get over things quickly, and the girl secretly wished he would talk to her again.
"I'm memorizing the path, okay?" Mara mumbled.
"I know it perfectly," Jimin chuckled.
Mara shrugged, and though he couldn't see it, he seemed to know, and Jimin mimicked her gesture.
It wasn't long before a fenced in cabin came to view, it's green and brown colors blending in seamlessly with the forest. In the fencing that spread out around the cabin were long and thin speared tree trunks that had been pointed outward. Black stained the wood which was most likely from freaks that had stepped just a little too close. Though they hadn't built a wall like Jimin's group had, it seemed to hold up just fine. Vines rose from the ground to hug the outside walls of the cabin, the porch railing looking more like a bush with all of the entangled growths. The home seemed old, but regardless it looked sturdy. The windows weren't boarded up, but they were pitch black, presumably covered from the inside. There was no one in sight except them, but Jimin nonchalantly approached. Upon reaching the gate, the boy kicked the aluminum cans littered all around the fence with his boot, a muffled clinging resounding.
There was a silence that ensued in which the winds picked up, the branches of countless trees swaying in the chilly air.
Mara watched as the screen door creaked open, a pale hand pushing it open. It wasn't until a head poked through and a smiling man began to exit that the confusion left Mara.
"Wah! My favorite people!"
An older man came from the shadows, dressed in heavy looking gear and bearing weapons in his holsters. His intimidatingly bulky appearance and tough walk was completely shadowed by his warm smile. Despite being strangers, Mara felt a certain relief at the safety his aura provided. He seemed like a force to be reckoned with, and probably was.
"What? I thought I was?"
Just when Mara wondered where the last person was, their voice entered the picture before he did, calmly walking out of the cabin. He was dressed in more casual attire than his counterpart, tattoos pouring out from under his sleeves . His shoulder length hair stunned the girl, and she couldn't help think that it suited him well. He looked younger, almost Jimin's age, and when looking upon the rest, he too smiled brightly.
"You guys got here just in time!" The older spoke, approaching the gate and opening it welcomingly. Jimin prompted the girl to climb off the horse, and she did so quietly, afraid to draw attention to her new presence. Jimin followed suit, as did Jungkook, and both men lead the horses towards the gate.
"Did you have plans?" Jimin asked, shaking the hands of the strangers. Jungkook approached with his own smile, eyes glinting with mischief when looking upon the younger of the other two strangers.
"You're lucky we take walk-ins. We're fully booked for the weekends," the older joked, eliciting a chuckled from Jimin, who then glanced at Mara. He did a double take, which lead the others to acknowledge the girl as well. Mara shrunk back timidly.
"Oh right! This is my friend Mara," Jimin introduced, his grin encouraging her to come forward. She stepped away from behind Jimin, offering a shy smile.
"This is Dong-Seok," he pointed to the oldest one, who extended his hand convivially. Mara shook his hand with a growing grin, stunned by his radiating happiness. The crinkles by his eyes reminded her of her father, and a bittersweet pang befell her.
"And this is Evan," Jimin pointed to the other, the younger extending his hand out with a friendly smile. He was not shy, neither of them were, but Evan had a very boyish nature to him, and she could tell especially after his greeting.
"Aye! Nice to meet you. Haven't seen a girl around here in ages-" he shook Mara's hand, receiving a quick elbow and glare from Dong-Seok. Evan hissed, replacing a grimace with a grin.
"Sorry. That sounded weird," he apologized, still energetically shaking Mara's hand. The girl tried hiding a smile, but seeing as he wouldn't let go, it only made her want to laugh even more. She couldn't help but develop an affinity for the two, even before getting to know them. They were very good at first impressions.
Mara slowly pulled her hand away, and Evan took the hint, a short and hearty laugh leaving him, "Right. My bad."
"Evan's still learning how to socialize," Dong-Seok teased. He turned to Evan, chuckling at the younger.
"I'm perfectly normal," Evan commented.
"I wouldn't say normal," Jungkook piped up, laughing when Evan caught him by the wrist, bringing him in for a harmless, playful tussle. The two wrestled off to the side, their laughter and smiles contagious to an awestruck Mara. Her eyes were trained on the wholesome sight between two young men.
Is that what it's supposed to be like?
"Namjoon said you had a few things to trade?" Jimin began to converse. Dong-Seok firmly nodded, extending his palm and inviting them the rest of the way in. The horses were lead over to a post, where the rope was tied and they were left to graze. Meanwhile, the leather bundles were unlatched from their clips, carefully brought down and opened Dong-Seok. He inspected the contents of the bags, nodding up at Jimin. Dong-Seok seemed relieved, his gaze lingering on an oblivious Evan, who still joked around with Jungkook. The aforementioned smiled to himself, turning to Mara and Jimin.
"Perfect. I've been having trouble with my crops for a while," Dong-Seok softly spoke, "So I'm glad to have this while I trial-and-error the planting." He offered a grateful shake of Jimin's hand. Jimin nodded.
"Jin added a few extra seeds and some written notes with helpful tips," Jimin commented.
"Im speechless. Thank Jin for me," Dong-Seok praised.
"Of course. He says you still owe him a visit," Jimin commented, and though she knew nothing of their past and the history they had with Namjoon's group, she could tell it was a friendly one. At least it appeared so.
Jimin and Dong-Seok began to chat, their conversation flowing effortlessly. They seemed to get carried away, and they enjoyed doing so in each other's company. There was an alleviation in the atmosphere, one in which the air didn't seem cold but rather fresh, and the sun wasn't too bright but rather pleasant and enveloping. The trees were a warm green and the leaves that did fall ranged from red to yellow and brown. There was a lightness amidst the chaos ensuing elsewhere, and everything else felt irrelevant.
The auras of the gentlemen she had just met were refreshing, all compared to the grim and cold nature of Namjoon and those who always opposed Mara at every chance they could take. Here, she had met no resistance to her presence, no condemning attitudes. Or maybe Mara was in her feelings now that she was reminded of her father, but of course, it was a jumble of feelings up in Mara's brain.
The girl hovered over Jimin and Deong-Seok, preferring to watch and listen than to talk and make a fool of herself when realizing she didn't have much to say. Instead, she watched the way her friend comfortably conversed with Dong-Seok. She watched how carefree and lively Jungkook was when talking to Evan. She didn't feel left out, not quite. Though she wanted to talk to them both and laugh at what they laughed at, she was too shy to be the center of attention.
Mara felt a poke at her calf, her brows furrowing and body freezing. The girl peered down, face immediately softening and a glow emitting from once tired eyes. The culprit, a brown furred Australian Shepherd with warm brown eyes, peered back up at her. It stopped its soft pants, but resumed after a slight tilt of it's head.
"Oh...my God," Mara whispered, wholeheartedly in awe of the dog's beauty.
Mara hadn't seen a dog in ages, and though there were strays every now and then, they always ran away skittishly. They never came up to her and bravely poked at her legs, certainly not a stray. Mara kneeled to the ground, disregarding the dirt on her jeans and gently petting the dog's soft fur. The pup leaned into her touch, and the wag of its tail told that it enjoyed her attention—her love. She had never fallen in love so quickly before.
The girl seemed to be in her own world, one in which her only responsibility was to pet dogs.
"Her name is Nokia."
Mara pouted, reaching for the collar and noticing that, indeed, her name was Nokia. The name had been carved messily but lovingly into a thin bronze tag, which hung from the black collar. Evan crouched down to their level, and Mara offered a smile before turning back to petting Nokia.
"Why Nokia?" Mara softly asked.
Evan chuckled, "Cause she's indestructible."
Mara felt a pang in her heart, not of sadness or pain, but from cuteness overload. Nokia stared back at Mara with the same doe eyes the girl had. She allowed Mara to grab her paws to pet them gently, and she allowed Mara to delicately grab her head, scratching behind her ears to Nokia's delight.
"That's the greatest name for such a good girl," Mara cooed.
Mara noticed that she had not only been joined by Evan, but a now quiet Jungkook had also crouched beside Evan. Mara glanced, looking away immediately when noticing he was looking at her as well. With both boys' attention on her, the girl began turning a light shade of red.
"How long have you had her?" Mara asked, hoping to get a conversation going to keep the awkward silence from ensuing.
"For a long time. Maybe two years? Give or take. Im terrible at keeping time," Evan sheepishly grinned. Mara nodded, smiling, "Me too."
"So she was a stray?" Mara again asked.
"She used to be a service dog. I don't remember for what but...I found her wearing her little red vest. No owner, though," Evan lamented. Mara's smile slightly fell, but she gave Evan a reassuring look.
"You gave her a new purpose. Dogs always love to be given a second chance."
Evan gazed at Nokia, an affectionate expression spreading across his face. His eyes squinted, and he reached out to pet his dog.
"I think so too," he happily sighed.
Mara made eye contact with Jungkook, this time not looking away until he did. He looked troubled despite his often playful and dismissive front. She offered a smile, but he slowly looked away without returning it. The girl didn't blame him.
Were we friends? Or maybe acquaintances? The latter is most fitting.
The thought saddened her. She wanted friends very badly, but things took time and she knew that better than anyone.
After collecting the trade items from Dong-Seok, the trio tied their bundles of supplies back on the horses and bid a hesitant goodbye. Time had gone by too fast for Mara's liking, and before they knew it, they were heading back to camp. She wanted to stay for a while, especially after finally striking up a lovely conversation with Evan. Jungkook was quiet, but he listened and often chuckled at some of Evan's replies. This calmed Mara, and she hoped he wouldn't be too upset that she had taken some of Evan's attention away from him.
By the end of the visit, she had made a new friend by the name of Nokia. Mara laughed to herself at this, remembering fully well how Evan had called her "friend" as he waved goodbye.
Don-Seok and Evan were very good at first impressions, but phenomenal at leaving lasting impressions.
On the way back, Jungkook had began to talk a bit more. She would catch him smiling to himself, and the girl wondered about the thoughts running through his head. She wanted to see through his eyes someday. She wanted a day in the shoes of every single one of them for one day, just to see the world from their perspective.
Maybe thats why I'm so opposed to Namjoon. Maybe I haven't been putting myself in his shoes.
Mara rejected the idea a bit too quickly, but it lingered in the back of her head for the rest of the day.
Once back at camp, Jungkook resumed to doing his own thing, separating from the rest to do who-knew-what. Meanwhile, Jimin reported back to Namjoon, dropping off supplies to both him and Jin, who had been waiting alongside the leader for their arrival.
"They never disappoint," Namjoon commented, patting Jimin's back and heading off with the bundles, Jin hot on his heels.
Mara and Jimin were left alone by the stables. While he was preoccupied by returning the horse to its stable, Mara gained the courage to speak. Her heart had felt so heavy, and any ounce of happiness derived from that day had been stunted by the guilt that ate away at her. Mara called out to Jimin, and she did so nervously. The knot in her throat was growing, and she wanted to cry, but the moment wasn't about her—at least not yet.
"Jimin."
"Mara."
Jimin smiled back at her, and upon noticing her saddened expression, his face fell.
"What's up?"
"The day I told you I was going to the pharmacy. I lied."
Jimin paused, his back turning stiff at her words. He resumed, and once he was done he turned to face her, attention now fully on her. He was silent but attentive, and she took this as her cue to speak once more.
"I had gone to the warehouse. I thought maybe I could do something for you," Mara cleared her throat, feeling her heart beat out of her chest.
"I didn't know I would find Taehyung. I didn't know he was your friend. Not when he pointed his gun at me at me and told me to leave. I couldn't have know, but I'm so sorry for keeping that from you," the girl pinched the hem of her shirt tightly. She didn't know what to do with her hands, but she forced them down to keep them from wildly gesticulating.
"I thought it would be best to not get your hopes up. I thought I was doing you a favor. It ended up being the worst disservice I could've done for you at that time," Mara remorsefully spoke, "I wish he'd told me his name back then. I would've brought him straight to you. But things happen for a reason, huh?" Mara chuckled, but it was dry and forced, barely able to come from her mouth before she stopped.
Mara nervously watched Jimin. His eyes were glossy, but he wasn't crying, no. He was staring right at her, or more like right through her. He was trying to figure her out, scanning her eyes for her true intentions, perhaps. His silence was torture for Mara.
"Why did it take you so long to tell me?"
Mara felt her stomach drop at the disappointment in Jimin's face. She said nothing. Mara shrugged.
Jimin shrugged as well, and this time not playfully mimicking her but doing so as if insulted by her response.
"That's it?" He shrugged again, "That's what you have to say?"
I fucked up. I fucked up. I hate this.
"I just didn't have the guts to say it. I didn't want to lose you as a friend," Mara clarified, her voice trembling as she felt Jimin glare daggers into her. She hated every second of this, but she knew it was necessary. Mara made a mistake and it was time for her to come clean.
"You didn't have the guts to say it or you didn't want to ruin your chances of staying here?" Jimin snapped, his own tone surprising him as he blinked and looked at the ground, looking back up after taking a deep breath.
His words were like a slap to the face. The person who knew her best out of everyone was beginning to question her intentions. That had not been the aim when deciding to tell Jimin the truth.
"Do you want me to leave?" Mara asked, gaze intently on Jimin. His gaze softened.
"Of course not. I'm just so disappointed. Not even because of what you did," he paused, sighing, "But because Taehyung had to tell me before you did."
Mara froze, and she suddenly felt stupid. His hurtful words also didn't make sense.
"So you knew already?" Mara asked.
Jimin nodded.
"Oh."
"Next time, just be straight up with me. I hate it when I'm the last to know something that involves me," Jimin muttered, still sounding upset. He scolded her with tired words, but Mara still felt the disappointment from afar.
The wind whipped through her hair, but she stared expectantly at Jimin. After she got her truths out, she was hoping Jimin would take his cue to tell her what had happened the day she woke up alone, without him. Instead, he began to walk away. Before he could get far enough, Mara called out to him.
"It's your turn," Mara stated. This caused Jimin to halt, his head turned to her and confusion lacing his words.
"What?"
Mara's gaze shifted between each of his eyes, almost in disbelief. Jimin blinked, and he turned to face her once more with a knowing look.
"Oh, right. I'm really sorry for hurting you back there. Jin told me I left a huge scar on your stomach," he frowned at himself.
Mara sighed in her own disappointment. She shook her head, "Not that."
Jimin was taken aback, "No? Then I'm not sure what you mean-"
"How do you not remember? How do you not know?" Mara guffawed, staring in disbelief at Jimin. Jimin stuttered for an answer, also completely confused by her demands. Mara was growing impatient. After finding out that Jimin knew what she had confessed about, she was hoping he would know what he'd done, as well. Instead, he was unable to remember one of his own betrayals.
"I'm sorry...I don't ...I don't know what-"
"You and Taehyung left me for dead on that bus. Knowing full well I was there. And you refused to help me," Mara snapped.
Jimin chuckled, but it was humorless, befuddled.
"What on earth- What are you talking about?"
"Taehyung said you two saw me on that bus the day we got separated. I get it if you saw me as a lost cause but...can you at least admit it to my face?" Mara exclaimed, already tearing up again in desperation. His confusion frustrated her, but she ultimately wondered why he denied it.
"What bus- Mara, I genuinely don't know what you-"
"I thought you had died that day. I thought they'd eaten you. You were screaming, and I still hear your screams in my nightmares sometimes. I was hurt and I got onto that bus and laid on that roof ready to die. I laid there helplessly, and I passed out thinking I wouldn't wake up again. Meanwhile, somehow someway you were still alive. Somehow someway Taehyung was there a-and," Mara covered her twitching lips, "And you left me."
Mara wiped her tears, sighing, "And I'm really tired of crying all the time. I just feel so...frustrated with you and with Taehyung and with Namjoon. They're so mean to me and I don't know what I did to deserve it?" Mara sniffled, wiping her nose with her sleeve and cringing.
"Ugh. I sound like a child. But I had to get that out. Before I leave, you gotta know the truth and I deserve the truth from you too," Mara looked straight at Jimin.
"You had promised to take me with you if you'd found your friends, and if you couldn't, that was fine, but why make a promise you wouldn't be bothered to keep," Mara stressed, "This whole time I thought that my only real friend was dead," Mara spoke with a trembling voice.
Jimin went silent, blinking in a daze as if a realization dawned on him. Mara stared back, wondering why he was so keen in his denial. She understood that that had happened several months back, but something like that was not easily forgotten.
In a daze, Jimin murmured, "I'll...I'll talk to you later."
Mara's face fell, and she watched the back of Jimin's head as he walked away. Jimin's face had fallen short of expressive, and without further explanation, he had turned his back to her. Motionless, heartbroken, Mara stood in the night, by the horse stables, wishing she'd instead stayed silent. The wind dried her tears, and she stood there for a while despite the cold, wishing to regain composure before going back inside.
"Ya!"
Mara closed her eyes, sighing at the voice that called out to her. She opened them again, hearing his footsteps approach and drying her face before slowly turning.
"What's up?" Mara nonchalantly spoke, but the snot in her nose gave it a nasally pitch, causing the boy in front of her to stand still.
"Uh...why are you outside alone?"
Mara shrugged, clearing her throat, "The air feels nice."
Jungkook frowned, "It's cold as fuck."
Mara nodded, "I like it."
They stood in silence, and Mara awkwardly looked around. Jungkook hadn't stopped staring, stern gaze analytical of her words that didn't seem to match her expression. After not talking to her the whole day, it came as a surprise that he had so nonchalantly approached her. Not that she was complaining, but she had hoped for better timing.
"I'm bored," Jungkook stated.
Mara blinked, looking up at Jungkook, who had softly spoken to the wind. Dumbfounded, she nodded.
"Um. Okay?"
"I have a board game," Jungkook muttered, "Everyone else is too busy being assholes. So come play with me."
Mara blinked, completely thrown off by his casual demand, as if they weren't basically acquaintances and he hadn't just caught her crying.
Mara stood silent in thought before she ultimately sighed.
"No no, you can only draw the card after you move your piece."
Mara facepalmed, "Ugh. You're right. I forgot."
"It's okay, dummy. Now you know," Jungkook quipped, blowing at the dice in his hand and proceeding to roll. Mara did as she was told, and the game continued, both sitting in Jungkook's room as they played a board game he had suggested. The events prior to the random request had been momentarily forgotten, and Mara found herself distracted from the frustrations of life. She'd found it easy to get along with Jungkook once he got the courage to talk to her. Even when he'd rudely snapped at her those few days ago, Mara understood his grievances all too well now.
"You got along really well with Evan," Jungkook suddenly spoke up. The long haired Canadian (she surprisingly found out) popped up in her head, and she chuckled.
"He's very nice. Both of them were."
Jungkook snorted, "Evan is usually super awkward at first. I'm surprised he talked to you so well."
Mara looked at Jungkook and at the small smile on his face, "You two seem like really close friends. I haven't been here for long but I haven't seen you get along like that with anyone else."
Jungkook shrugged, "Everyone here is too serious. It's tiring."
Mara rolled the dice again, moving the piece and grabbing a card accordingly. She was glad to have gained some kind of insight to what kind of person Jungkook was. For him to offer board games when things go tough? It definitely eased her mind a bit. She hadn't enjoyed much of her teen years, but every little moment she indulged in fun little things like board games was relaxing and even nostalgic.
"Yah! You can't do that!" Jungkook exclaimed, eyes wide and pointing at Mara hands as she continued with her turn. Mara drew back, eyes equally as wide as she gasped.
"Wait, really? I thought you said-"
"No, you can, it's just that you're winning!" Jungkook groaned, leaning over the board with disbelief as he studied their game. Mara sat back with relief, a small smile widening on her lips.
"Really?"
"Mm. Beginner's luck. I'm gonna beat you, though, that's for sure," Jungkook remarked, smirking as he looked up at Mara.
The girl laughed, "That's if I let you."
"And who says I'm not the one letting you win?" Jungkook raised his eyebrows, a challenging smile on his face and arms crossed over his chest. Mara's smile fell, and she pouted.
"Are you?"
".....yes."
"Liar!"
Jungkook laughed, his nose crinkling and eyes squeezing shut.
Jimin approached Taehyung, staring blankly at the back of his head. Taehyung turned around almost instinctively, as if feeling Jimin's stare on his back.
"Hey," Taehyung warmly greeted, reaching out to the other's face. Jimin leaned away from his touch, pushing it away with his hand. Taehyung's face fell, and he blinked.
"What happened? You okay?"
"If you dont help me convince Namjoon to let Mara stay, Im leaving with her," Jimin deadpanned, "And I'll never see you again."
Taehyung froze, clearly caught off guard, "What-Why are you talking like this?" He reached out for Jimin's hand this time, but the latter snatched it away.
"You know, there's something I really hate about liars," Jimin muttered, "Especially when they call themselves my friend."
Realization seemed to dawn on Taehyung, and he directed his hard gaze at Jimin, who stared back with intensity.
Taehyung stiffly nodded, "Okay," he crossed his arms almost nonchalantly, "But Namjoon's hard-headed. I can't promise anything."
"Sure. But you'll do it for me, right?" Jimin blankly asked, "Or are you gonna let me leave?" He challenged Taehyung with narrowed eyes, and the latter gave in almost immediately.
Taehyung frowned, sighing, "Of course not. You know I love you."
Jimin's eye twitched, and he ultimately nodded, visibly upset, "Okay."
He turned to walk away, but Taehyung grabbed his hand before he could make it out of the room. Jimin stopped in his tracks.
"Why are you being like this all of a sudden?" Taehyung dejectedly asked, hurt flashing across his eyes. This caused Jimin's tough exterior to deflate, and he approached with anguish. His qualms sat impatient at the tip of his tongue.
"You told Mara we left her on that bus to die," he claimed.
Taehyung turned rigid, expression hardening, "I did what?"
"You heard me. Taehyung, did you really do that?"
Taehyung paused, stone-faced and opting for silence.
"Oh my god! I can't believe you lied to me. I can't believe you would do something like that," Jimin's voice fell to a disbelieving whisper, "Help me make things right. For her. For me."
"I thought I was doing that," Taehyung muttered, "I thought I was doing you a favor by getting rid of your baggage. She was a lost cause-"
"Don't come at me with that bullshit. I was a lost cause to everyone and yet you still looked for me," Jimin argued.
"You're different-"
"How?! I was near death, fighting to stay alive. You can't sit there and tell me she didn't go through the same thing!" Jimin whisper-yelled, approaching Taehyung and looking him in the eyes. They were glossed over, desperately trying to see passed Taehyung's apathetic front.
"Why do you care about her so much?" Taehyung softly asked, "Why am I the bad guy for caring about your safety? She would've dragged us down. I saw how bloody she was. I just didn't think she would make it and I wanted to lessen the damage it would do to you. Is that so bad?"
Jimin deeply sighed, looking down and shaking his head, "No. I just wish you would've been honest with me."
"Knowing you, you would've wanted to go back to save her," Taehyung smiled, "Cause you're just that noble."
"I want to give her the same fighting chance she gave me," Jimin pursed his lips.
"I care about her. And I want to keep her safe."
Jimin turned and headed to his room with clouded eyes, concerned about what he'd tell Mara, about what he would do to convince Namjoon.
Taehyung watched Jimin go, lost in thought.
——
Long shlong. We've got a bit of drama brewing and some new characters. I absolutely will not say where I got these names from. 🗿
Word count: 6, 490
-wethenaive