Two002 (1/1)

Two002I always wondered how someone the same age as me gets a best friend two years older than her. I met mine through dancing and music, Iri barely had a social life. But then I remembered that they were neighbours and childhood friends. We were both in the same school, in the same class. And while I tried my best to make friends, she didn't even give it a chance. I know her parents were killed and she's living with her aunt now, so that must have fucked her up real good. She moved high school in the middle of her second year. But I'm being insensitive, she probably has a lot going on, it's just that Jimin is the only one privy to it. I remembered trying to make conversation with the new girl only to be glared at and almost stabbed. Note to self: never talk to Crazy when she is cutting something up. Now here I am observing her sullen figure from where I sat. I almost want to curse at the teacher for assigning me to sit directly behind her. I couldn't concentrate, her presence just bugs me that much. She looked tired, probably didn't get much sleep at all. Not that I cared. Why would I?The teacher must have asked the students to pass the notes from front to back, it was why she even bother to turn around in the first place. I muttered a thanks, never expecting to get a response. Which I never did get except a look of contempt from her. Oh yeah, I hate her so so much. ~I got a message from Hoseok assembling the team to practice. I texted saying I'll be there in 10. The studio was in a walking distance, I want to grab myself some bread before going there. Surprise, surprise, she was there again staring at Jimin like he was a god with her back against the floor-to-ceiling mirror. I rolled my eyes at her and dropped my bag unceremoniously beside where she sat. She jumped in her seat and glared at me, I glared back. "Hey!" I felt a slap on my back, "Play nice you two!" Jimin chided. Iri reverted her gaze back to him and nodded obediently. Remember how I said she's pathetic? I rest my case. ~Practice was never a chore to me, I like dancing and I love the music we create. A few years back, seven of us had the same dream, we wanted o create something we could all be proud of. We do underground, we do gigs. Some of us dance, sing and rap and try to earn enough to produce something without being puppets for mainstream music corporation. Yoongi was the most passionate in our mission, I guess you could say we were all infected. We had a battle in two weeks, Hoseok, Jimin and I were chosen to compete. Winner gets three million won, so we have to win. After we finished off practice, Seokjin suggested some place to eat. Taehyung enthusiastically chimed in, thanking him for his generosity. The older male rolled his eyes but said nothing else, looks like he's treating us tonight. ~After we ate, Namjoon wanted to stroll by the river. Yoongi rather died but complied anyway, because although he may have chronic party-pooperitis, he cares for us, his brothers. I walked with Taehyung who was spouting out nonsensical nothings. I nodded not really paying attention but to the couple in front of him, Jimin had his arms around Iri's and was whispering something to her. Her body shook, maybe with laughter? Again, will never know. Seokjin being our sponsor for the night, bought us beverage while we sat by the concrete and watch the river in silence. I opted for coke, Jimin had to force that option onto Iri. She pouted but accepted nonetheless. The girl couldn't do shit without Jimin wiping her ass for her. The silence was ling but comfortable. We all share the same goals and we knew we would do anything to achieve it. But for now, all we needed was the calm before the chaos. ~It was Hoseok who told us it was getting late. By then all the beer packs and cokes have been consumed and all that's left was empty cans. Seokjin being a good samaritan, threw them away before we left. I felt a tap on my shoulder, it was Jimin. I didn't see his leech anywhere, that was a shock. "Kook, can we talk?"I shrugged and said why not. We walked by river, lagging behind the group. I spotted Iri trailing quite some ways from the others. Jimin probably told her he needed to talk to me. Not for the first time, I wondered why she even bothered to join us if she wasn't going to make the effort to mingle with us. But we said nothing, and truth be told most of us have gotten used to her weirdness. I said most. "What do you want to talk about hyung?" I asked genuinely curious, usually not even heaven or hell could separate them. Except maybe this time and that phone call. I still wondered about that. He looked reluctant to answer, that must mean something was wrong. But what? "Kook-ah, I'm leaving."There was a pause, "Come again?" I asked not really sure I was hearing right. "Not forever," Jimin shook his head in amendment. "but it is for a couple of months and-""Why.. are you leaving?" I interjected. This was news, probably the hyungs hadn't even heard about it yet. "I got in." He smiled albeit a little forced. "The programme that Namjoon recommended, he said I could learn more about my dance if I joined. I didn't think I would get in but-""Namjoon-hyung knows?" I interrupted again, he didn't look pissed just sorry. "It was a long shot, I mean it's really hard to get in. Hoseok-hyung graduated top of his class and you went to America for training. I just wanted an experience that I could put my name to." He elaborated. So Jimin really thought a lot about this. But wait, "What about Iri? I mean I'm happy for you but you would have at least thought about what would happen to her if you were gone." I asked with trepidation, I do not want to imagine what crazy she will be if he was gone. "You know unless she's going with-""She's not." Jimin pursed his lips with furrowed brows. "I told her after I got accepted, she didn't take it well."I resisted the urge to roll my eyes, "Obviously." I deadpanned.  "That's what I want to talk to you about." Jimin was never one to fidget, but seeing him now, being nervous, rubbing his hands agains his jeans, made me curious. "Jungkook, you need to be there for her. I know she can be difficult," I tried not to snort at his description. "but she is my best friend. And as much as she denies it, she grows fond of you guys. I won't be gone long, just four months." He licked his lips nervously, "I'll be back before she knows it."I stared at him incredulously, he can't be serious. "Hyung, I can't-""You know I would have asked Taehyung, but I think he has a little crush and you're in the same class with her." Jimin rounded his arms around my shoulder. "Don't shut her out no matter how much she tries to do it herself. I know she will, I've been there.""Hyung..." I said slowly. "I don't think I can do it."Jimin gave a small smile, "Just try...""When are you leaving?""... The day after our battle."