A/N I'm sorry for the looooooooooooooong wait, but I hope I make up to it with this one shot~
Lina's POV
It's a new day at school and I tried to get there early, wanting to avoid the group of girls swarming over this group of guys called Bangtan. They look so stupid, mimicking a voice of a 5 years old, twisting their hairs in the fingers and acting all dumb infront of them. Sure, the guys were handsome, I'll give you that. They're handsome and their jerks. Especially the youngest one which was unfortunately the same grade and, odds are never in my favor, the same class as I am.
"Lina!" Nikki waved from the other side of the girls lining up as they waited for the jerks to arrive. I ran towards her but I was a second too late as I was caught in a stampede, getting knocked over by the girls waving and screaming at their cute voice for the attention of their oppas.
"That hurts." I muttered, looking at my scraped knee. "Damn it."
"Yah. How many times have I told you not to hurt anyone!" a guy said and soon enough, a pair of hands helped me up. I looked at the guy and saw it was Jungkook.
"Are you okay?" he asked and I nodded.
"Yeah, thanks." I muttered before bowing at him then the guys behind me before limping my way towards Nikki who met me half way. She walked me to the infirmary.
"What happened to you dear? So early in the morning and you managed to hurt yourself?" our school nurse asked as she helped me sit down.
"You wouldn't believe what's happening in this school, Miss Young." Nikki shook her head as I kept my mouth shut. I looked at her and shook my head.
After some minor treatment, the nurse dismissed us and reminded me to be careful next time before Nikki and I ran down the halls because in 5 minutes, we'll be considered late and will have to kneel and raise our arms outside the room as a punishment. We're in our luck because we made it in time in the last second but we got scolded for running down the halls. Obviously, she just wanted a reason to get mad at us which was so irritating, but she couldn't have let us do the punishment because we made it in time. A few minutes later, the door swung open and Jungkook stood, holding the strap of his backpack at one shoulder and muttered a Sorry, I'm late before making his way towards his seat. Even the teacher was swooning over Jungkook which disgusted me. She smiled like an angel and let him to his seat without even telling him not to do it again, like as if she was hypnotized. What is it with him, making all of the girls like that besides me and Nikki?
I rolled my eyes, getting my notebook and doodling some random notes when I felt someone staring at me. I look to my left and Nikki was in her own world, resting her cheek in her palm. She would have looked like a normal, bored student in class, but I know her better. She literally has an earphone under her sleeves and she's listening to music right now. Her bobbing of her head was a confirmation for that. I looked to my right and my classmates were also minding their own business. I looked at my back and saw Jungkook looking at me, and when I met his gaze, he smiled at me. I just stared at him with a bored face before facing forward, not even amused at his "Enchanting" I quote, smile.
Class ended and I got ready to make my way to the cafeteria when someone knocked on my desk, gaining my attention.
"Hi Lina." Jungkook smiled and all the other girls gasped.
"Uh, Hi." I said, standing up and walking away from him when he caught up and walked beside me.
"Do you want to have lunch with me?" he asked and I shook my head.
"I'm having lunch with Nikki." I said, walking out the door with Nikki beside me.
We walked down the halls and talked about random things when Nikki felt uncomfortable with all the glares and whispering around us and I had to do something about it.
"Quit it, Jungkook. What do you want from me?" I snapped, looking back, facing Jungkook who's been following us since we left the classroom.
"Just a lunch with you." He shrugged.
"Will you leave us alone after?" I asked, irritated.
"Yes." He smiled.
I mumbled a few things but when Jungkook didn't hear a no from me, he walked up to my side and smiled.
"I want a lunch with you alone though." He smiled and I shook my head.
"If there's Lina, there's Nikki. Take it or leave it." I narrowed my eyes at him and he smiled.
"Don't worry. She won't be alone." He chuckled and out of nowhere, Taehyung and Jimin walked up to us and smiled.
"Hi Nikki." Jimin smiled and Taehyung waved.
Fudgecake. Nikki likes Jimin. How can I forget?
"Can we have lunch with you, Nikki?" Taehyung asked and Nikki darted her eyes from me to Jimin to me then back to Jimin. When she didn't answer, Jimin had his arms over her shoulders and now I lost Nikki. Jimin only had to smile before walking away with Taehyung and my bestfriend.
"Now, can I have lunch with you?" Jungkook asked with a kiddy smile and I sighed in defeat before walking to the cafeteria with Jungkook beside me, wearing a victorious smile.
.
.
.
"What do you want with me?" I asked as I sat on our table, hating all the stares I've been attracting since I'm hanging out with Jungkook.
"I don't know, be my girl?" he asked and I looked at him wide eyed. I was definitely not expecting that.
"No." I answered flatly. "You have a lot of girl swooning over you. Just pick from them." I rolled my eyes.
"I mean come on. You're the only girl who's not swooning over me, and I like that." He said, pushing out his tray away from him as he looked at me. "Give me a month to prove you."
"Prove me what? You don't have to prove anything." I scoffed, looking at him disgusted.
"Just one month. Get to know me, I'll get to know you... Then I'll ask you again. That's the time you can reject me or give me a chance." He said, and I shook my head and sighed.
"I'm guessing you're not taking a no for an answer?" I asked and he smiled.
"See? You're getting to know me really fast." He smiled and I buried my face in palms, not knowing what else to do.
.
.
.
The next days were seriously annoying. Nikki would feel very uncomfortable but Jungkook wouldn't leave us and act as if nothing was wrong, like as if we've always been hanging around. He'll sit with us during lunch and all the other girls would be on the next table as one tried their luck, approaching him as they caress his hair and shoulders but when Jungkook would give no response, they'd just scoff and stomp away. I'd look at him, wanting to puke everytime all these girls touch him and him not even reacting like as if he was used to it; in which I was right.
He'd always be with different girls every single time before that day when I've been a victim of a stampede and suddenly he wanted to go out with me. I couldn't help but think that something was fishy, but he was just too persistent that I couldn't have done anything even if I wanted to.
"I'm sorry, Nikki. Don't mind him. He has his own world." I rolled my eyes, waving my hand in his direction but he held it and just smiled at me.
"Please don't mind me, Nikki ssi." He smiled, taking in my hand and not releasing it. I tried to get away from his grip but he didn't even budge as he ate his sandwich with one hand like as if nothing was wrong.
"I think I'll just message it to you." She said and I nodded, sighing and giving her an apologetic look but she shook her head and gave me a smile.
"Hwaighting." She just said and I chuckled and nodded.
"Mm. Hwaighting." I whispered, looking over to Jungkook who was engrossed in his phone as he scrolled through something while holding my hand in the other.
What's the catch Jeon Jungkook?
Why are you being like this?
Could you actually like me?
Or is this some part of your game...?
.
.
"Don't follow me home." I said, stopping when the stop light turned red.
"I wanted to walk you home. I mean, I feel bad seeing you walk home alone..." he shrugged, placing his hand in his pockets.
"Please. I'm sure you told Park Jimin to walk Nikki home." I rolled my eyes, crossing my arms across my chest while he just smiles at me.
"I wanted to walk you home." He repeated, grabbing my hand as the red light turned green and we crossed the road while I tried a futile attempt of getting his grip off me; which was ofcourse, a failure.
We walked to my house with him trying to ask questions to make a conversation, but I answer it with a sentence or less, ending it abruptly. He'd bite his lower lip and I don't know whether he's getting irritated, running out of questions or he just doesn't know what else to do.
I stopped when I saw that among all the houses, ours didn't have the lights on.
"Is no one inside?" he asked.
"That can't be... they should be home." And just then, Jaerim went out of the house with Soeun crying on his back.
"Noona! Our electricity got cut." He sighed, going towards me and handing Soeun who was still crying.
"Hey, don't cry. Eonni is here Soeun ah~ Look look." I cooed, swinging her in my arms. Soeun was 3 years old and Jaerim was 8. I was 17 and our father left us when I was just 7. That was what Jungkook wanted to know, but I never told him.
"Where's mom?" I asked Jaerim and he sighed.
"She went out saying that she'll solve it." He said and I grabbed my phone, missing out Jaerim looking Jungkook weirdly.
"Mom! Pick up damn it." I muttered.
If she starts asking help from people, our debts will just increase and my part time job and her job won't be enough and one of us will have to stop schooling. She has to stop.
"I'll carry her for you..." Jungkook said, seeing that I was struggling to keep Soeun in my arms as I try to reach my mom. I hesitated, but he insisted, holding out his arms and Soeun reached out for him. I let him take her when Jaerim tugged on my uniform.
"Is he your boyfriend?" he asked.
"Do you think I have time for a boyfriend when I have you and Soeun to worry about? Including mom? If I don't reach her in time, I'll have to give up school." I sighed. Jaerim shook his head.
"I'll just stop. I don't like going to school anyway." He said and I smiled sadly, pulling him into a hug.
"No you won't stop even if you don't like it. You have to study hard and have a better future."
"We won't even have enough for your college. How will I go to college?" he asked and I looked at him, almost crying.
"I will do something about it. You'll definitely go to college you lazy ass." I said and he laughed, hugging me back.
I didn't know what Jungkook was thinking, but he stayed with me until Soeun fell asleep in his arms and he carried her up to her room.
"Where's your mother?" he asked in the living room after making Jaerim go to bed. I sighed, sitting beside him on the couch, defeated.
"She went back to our grandparents."
"Why would she leave you at times like this?" he asked and I shook my head.
"I don't know what she does, but she comes back with enough money to pay all the bills but it doesn't last and she'll start making debts again that I'll have to pay. That stupid bastard didn't even leave any financial support when he freaking has 3 responsibilities." I said in gritted teeth, suddenly remembering that worthless man.
"I know how it feels. My father left too when I was five. It must be hard on you." He sighed, looking over to me while I had my arm over my eyes, sighing every now and then. "The only difference in our situation was that I was the kid, Soeun, and you're my hyung."
"Our fathers are jerks huh?" I scoffed and he chuckled.
"Idiots actually. It's their loss. They just gave us a motivation to succeed in the future and be better than them. I'd want to rub it into his face once I've become a better man than he is."
"Really?" I asked, amused at his words. "Then start with you, not being late because of those different girls every single day and be serious with your studies."
"For one, I don't entertain them. I tried getting them off of me, but I just got tired and let them do what they want, but I never took it too far. They never had anything from me. And second, I don't get a grade lower than 89." He said, matter-of-factly and I was stunned.
I guess there were things I didn't know about him... things that I've been wrong about him.
I made a way to get the electricity back, but no one was there to look after Soeun but Jaerim and I still had to work. The days when my mom was gone and I'd been working, he'd tell me that he'll be the one to look out for my siblings. I thought he was joking, but my heart melted when I came home and saw the three of them on the couch with Jaerim's foot on Jungkook's shoulder, his read resting on the pillow of our couch. Soeun managed to snuggle into Jungkook's arms and Jungkook hugged her tightly. I'm guessing she's been crying over mom leaving again... I was thankful to him for being there.
After I've prepared dinner, I softly placed my hand on his shoulder and he woke up from my light touch.
"I'm sorry, I fell asleep." He said, rubbing his eyes as the other arm was still holding Soeun.
"It's alright. Are you hungry?" I asked softly and his eyes locked with mine for a moment before he smiled.
"Yeah... kinda."
I slowly took Jaerim's foot off of him before laying Soeun on the couch, careful not to wake her up before following me to the counter where I prepared a simple meal for him.
"I'm sorry, it's all I could afford." I shrugged and he shook his head and gave me a warm smile.
"Thank-you for the food." He had his first bite, giving me a thumbs up before eating quietly, cleaning up the plates and bowl in no time.
"Well you didn't have to wash the plates clean." I joked and he laughed.
"Couldn't help it. Looked so simple yet tasted to delicious." He commented. I tried to hide my smile but to no avail, it managed to fight it's way up to my lips.
"Shut up. Go home now, it's getting late." I said, taking his plates to the sink before walking him to the door.
"Lock the door properly alright? You have my number. Give me a call if something's wrong." He reminded and I gave him a thankful smile before nodding.
"Take care on your way home." I said and he smiled, waving before walking down the street. He waved one last time, motioning me to close the door now before he walked towards his home.
I carried Soeun to her bed and woke Jaerim up, asked him if he wanted some dinner, but he just shook his head and went to his bedroom. I didn't notice I was smiling all these time until I was in bed and I couldn't stop thinking of Jungkook.
Maybe I was wrong.
Maybe he wasn't a jerk after all.
.
.
.
It has been a month since then and Nikki was asking what I would tell him if Jungkook asks today. It's been a month after all and he told me he'll ask again. My face flushed when I thought about it and Nikki gasped, knowing what will happen if he does ever ask.
"Well somehow he managed to break your walls huh?" she smiled and I couldn't help but laugh. I had no words to say because it was true. He broke down the walls and let himself in my life.
I couldn't help but smile until we noticed three huddled figures on the corner. I noticed Jungkook's bag and was about to say Hi when Nikki pulled me back, her eyes settled on the guys talking with him.
It was Jimin and Taehyung.
"How's it maknae?" Jimin asked. "I don't think you should do it."
"Oh come on, what's gotten into you, Jimin?" Taehyung said. "So, did Lina say yes? Pay up if you hadn't got her to be your girl."
What's going on?
"Shut up." Jungkook answered angrily.
"Hey, a bet is a bet. Oh well... the day isn't over. I guess I'll ask you again tomorrow." Taehyung shrugged
What did I just hear?
"A bet is a bet"
Fck you Jungkook.
I ran away, tears blurring my vision. Nikki shouted after me but I didn't look back. I didn't stop. I want to get out of here, even just for today. I want to-
"Lina wait." Jungkook caught up with me, hugging me from behind.
"Get away from me! Don't touch me!" I cried out, struggling off his arms.
We were by the gates already and I heard the bell ring, signaling the start of classes.
"Lina, listen to me." He lets go and faced me towards him but I just slapped him across the face and shouted at him.
"You played me, Jungkook. You made me a fool!" I shouted and he hung his head low.
"Slap me more. I deserve it." He said and I cried harder, clutching onto my chest as I looked away from him.
"How could you do this to me?" I asked softly. "What did I ever do to you!" I shouted at him but he didn't flinch, instead he looked at me, his cheek red from my hit with his eyes tearing up as well.
"You made me fall inlove with you for real, that's what you did." He answered. "I'll admit. It all started with a bet, but everything changed, Lina. Everything changed when I started loving you." He took a step forward and I took a step back. He looked at me, his eyes showed his was regretful and he was hurt.
"Lina... Believe me. Those times we shared together were the happiest time of my life. Knowing you better in this month made me want to protect you and be with you. I want you to lean on me when things get rough and I want to take care of you and your siblings. Everything we had, those past months... it was all true." He told me, once again taking a wary step towards me and when I didn't take a step back, he brisk walked towards me and took me in his arms, embracing me tight. My hands fell to my side like as if they were jelly and I had no control over it. We stayed in silence until I felt warm liquid on my shoulder.
"Jungkook?" I asked softly and when he didn't respond, I placed my hands in between us to pull him away from me slightly with the intention of wanting to see his face. He hung his head low, dropping his hands down to his sides as his tears rolls down his cheeks.
"I'm sorry, Lina.. I'm sorry." Jungkook answered. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry." He wouldn't stop apologizing until I took him in my arms and pulled him to me.
"You... don't lie to me ever again." I said and he hugged me tight and nodded.
"I won't. I promise." He reassured, not letting go of his grip, keeping me in his arms.
Jimin and Nikki appeared out of nowhere and smiled at the both of us.
"Well look at the maknae finding something finally right in his life full of wrongs." Jimin said, startling the both of us but that didn't make Jungkook's arms leave me.
"Hyung." He smiled. "How did you know the words to explain what I'm feeling?" he asked, smiling down at me before returning back his gaze to Jimin and I noticed Jimin taking Nikki's hand in his.
"Cause I found mine." He smiled, looking at Nikki.
Nikki and I giggled and when the teacher shouted after Jimin and Jungkook. It took us a second to realize that our guys were dragging us out, running for their lives, taking us with them. It helped that we were already by the gate when the teacher found us but Jimin and Jungkook were well known in the faculty staff after getting into all kinds of trouble, so they were recognized easily. As soon as we were far enough, Nikki and I were panting while Jimin and Jungkook looked behind, checking if we were caught or anything and when the cost was clear, we all laughed.
Jimin draped his arm around Nikki's shoulder while Jungkook took my hand in his. His eyes still showed he was sorry, but after a reassuring squeeze in the hand I gave, he smiled and took me in his embrace.
"In my life full of wrong, I know I'll never be a guy worthy of you, but I'll do everything to make you happy, Lina. I swear." He whispered with a shaky voice. I returned his hug and smiled.
"Everything?" I asked.
"Everything," he breathed out, holding my shoulder in arm's length, boring his chocolate orbs into mine.
I could see Jimin and Nikki smiling at us as they watched while a happy grin formed in my lips.
"Then don't you dare break your promise to my sister and show your ass up in the house later." I joked and he laughed a little before taking my cheeks in his hands as he plants a soft kiss on my forehead.
"Whatever you say, princess." He smiled.
"And Jungkook?
"Hmm?"
"Sorry for slapping you..." I said, caressing his cheeks and he laughed a little before bending down and patting his cheek with his index finger.
"A kiss would make it feel better. It still kinda stings...." He muttered and I scoffed. When I realized he was serious and was still waiting, I held onto his shoulder and quickly gave a peck before walking away, obviously embarrassed. Jungkook caught up to me and took my hand in his with Jimin and Nikki right behind us.
We walked hand in hand, skipping school for today as we have our dates in our uniforms, just like those in movies and books. Everything felt surreal and if it wasn't for Jungkook not letting go of my hand, I wouldn't have believed it was real. My life wasn't perfect either and I'm also in rough spot, but with Jungkook beside me, I wouldn't have to worry anymore.
All people knows the Jungkook that was a jerk alongside the arrogant Bangtan, but I know better, and he's more than just that. He's perfectly imperfect. A piece of art. There was a hidden Jungkook behind all those front and I'm glad that I was the one he let in.