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I walked on the concrete footpath, the sound of my converse the only voice following me. I watched the vendors at some distance as the fresh smell of garlic bread seemed to be filling the place, making me more hungry.

I checked my wristwatch, wondering if my mom would be looking for me or not. If Jia would be crying, calling my name and wanting me to come back.

I sighed, feeling my chest tighten with nothing but anger. It seeped up to my mind, increasing my heartrate.

Doctor Hoseok...where are you?

Please come back, I need you. I need to talk, I need comfort. I want to let it all out in your shadow.

How do I even contact you now...

As I somehow dragged my feet across the garden, I finally flinged my body on a bench, taking deep breaths. The feels of guilt and exasperation were eating me up but I couldn't help but let it consume me more and more.

Doctor... just see me for once.

Please...

"...Hana?

I opened my eyes hurriedly at the plea of the deep voice as I gulped, seeing the familiar boy standing in front of me.

"Oh? T-Tae...Hyeon?"

"Taehyung." He corrected and I nodded, pulling my hood lower so he doesn't see my puffy eyes.

"What are you doing here in this early morning? Is everything okay?"

"Oh, I'm fine. Just came by for a walk." I replied, forcing a smile. I peeped from my hood and saw him wearing a cream coloured sweater and brown pants, standing with a worried look.

"You come to this park often?" He inquired and I replied with a single nod. He slowly walked to the bench, taking a seat beside me with a respectful distance.

I mentally groaned because my stomach was twisting in knots. The grumbling that resounded from my body made him look at me and I tightly closed my eyes, getting up.

"Wait-"

"I'm sorry, I have to leave."

"Are you hungry? I can-"

"N-No I'll just go home now... I have a lot of work to do and my mom's waiting for me and I have-"

"Jungkookie is sick." He suddenly blurted and my whole body paused, contemplating his words.

"What?"

"Yeah. He wasn't able to get an umbrella last night and it rained way too much. He went running all the way home in the heavy storm and got wet. He called me this morning though."

"Is he okay now? I m-mean, his father..."

"I don't know, haven't called him since then. We talked at 5 in the morning."

I felt all of my thoughts flying out of my head at his words. I turned to him, fidgeting with my fingers as I felt my back becoming heavier with an invisible weight.

One more worry added.

"Would you like to go see him?"

"Huh?" I asked absent-mindedly, staring into his eyes which were void of any emotions. Every time I saw him, he had this strange poker face which made him look half angry and half rude. But he was none.

"I actually...haven't informed my mom."

"Oh, it's alright. I was wondering if his father did something ag-"

"Yah, why are you saying this?" I shouted, making him flinch. "You're his friend! Can't you go and look for him? What if he's burning up right now and has no one to take care of him? I don't think his father is the caring kind. What if he needs help?"

"If you care enough, then why don't you come with me to see if he's alright?" He asked, calmly. I pursed my lips, not being able to think of a suitable answer.

Do I care?

His face flashed in my head for a second, that bunny-like smile when he ate three plates of rice cakes alone. That proud face when he told me about his achievements. The shine of his eyes when he held Jia in his arms.

His tearful eyes and bruised lips when he asked me if 'I' was okay, when he was clearly the one hurting...

Yes, I do care.

I lowered my gaze to the glimmering grass, the droplets of water shining like diamonds in the bright sunlight. It gave me a sense of freshness as I shifted from one leg to another.

Then I took a deep breath, pushing every thought aside.

"Let's go."

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"...Taehyung?"

The low tone of his deep voice made me tingle as I stood behind Taehyung, his tall figure towering over mine, which restricted Jungkook from seeing me.

"Jungkookie, are you okay? Is your dad here?" Taehyung asked sulkily and I didn't know what to do. So I remained calm behind him, staring at the patterns on his sweater as we stood at the door of Jungkook's apartment.

"He left at 8. Come in." His voice seemed tired and heavy. I slightly coughed as Taehyung stepped in the house, and finally my vision saw something else in place of his cream sweater.

But what I saw wasn't something very peaceful.

My eyes met Jungkook's, who was standing in nothing but a black towel loosely wrapped around his thin as a rake waist, his upper body completely naked with his hair slickly sticking to his forehead.

"Oh my Gosh!" I quickly covered my eyes, feeling the heat cover my entire face into a deep blush. I heard a 'shit' leaving Jungkook's lips as well, and then only the echo of his footsteps filled my ears, signalling him running out of embarrassment.

I removed my hands and opened my eyes after a while, looking at Taehyung who was smiling for the first time. His mouth formed a semi-rectangular shape as he laughed with his hands on his stomach.

"Yah! Why didn't you tell me Jungkook was taking a shower?" I asked him as I felt the need to punch him in the gut.

Doesn't he know a girl can get more embarrassed than the boy himself?

"I really didn't know, but this was a funny sight to watch." He said as he wiped his eyes and I crossed my arms, pushing my lips out in frustration.

"I'm going to kill you, Taehyung!" A muffled shout came from the locked room which made me smile foolishly. I pinched the bridge of my nose, finally taking in the sight of the interior of Jungkook's house.

It was a beautiful one, the whole floor covered in marble. The kitchen counter and the doors seemed to be shining but the surroundings were spoiled because of excessive amount of empty cup noodles piled up in the corner. I saw atleast 5 black shirts on the large sofa in the living room, and a whole lot of more clothes laying around messily.

Understandable. A boy lives alone here, what can I expect?

Oh, and the whole place smelled fresh and aromatic. It was barely noticeable but I could sense the scent of jasmine lightly hanging in the air. It was sensitive yet strangely addictive.

"H-Hey, how did you come here?" Jungkook's voice brought me out of my thoughts and I turned around, seeing his whole body covered in a big-sized red hoodie and matching red pajamas.

"Hi," I smiled at him, ignoring the fact that how soft he looked at the moment, "Taehyung told me you were ill and I was really worried...so I came by to give a small visit."

"Oh, you were worried? Where did you two meet?" He asked me and I nodded, turning to Taehyung.

"At the park near my house. It was a coincidence, but I'm happy that we did. What happened between you and your...dad?"

His face contorted with a confused expression as my eyes fell to his lips, the bruise that turned darker by the night catching my eye.

"We talked this morning after he was sober. Of course he didn't understand me, he never did. We didn't quarrel but I avoided him... He just gave me a lecture on how he spent thousands on my studies and how I'm wasting my time. I just promised that I'm going to show my best in finals and he asked me to get atleast 95% this time."

"And if you can't?" Taehyung's deep voice asked from behind me and I looked at Jungkook again.

"He'll get me transferred somewhere else. Somewhere where I can't make friends anymore and I can't waste my time."

"Your dad is such an assho-"

"Taehyung there is a girl here."

I blinked at his demanding tone and Taehyung pushed his hands up, muttering a 'sorry'.

"He didn't even apologize for his rude behaviour yesterday?" I asked, frowning.

"Why would he?" Jungkook rolled his eyes, "His ego is the reason I don't see him as a father anymore."

"Don't worry, you can do better. Is your health okay? Have you eaten?" I asked him, changing the topic and he stared at me with equal curiosity.

"I took medicines in the morning. And now that you came here to see me, I'm much better."

"Uh-huh..." Taehyung raised a brow beside me and I laughed at Jungkook's silly glare at his friend.

"I mean, you and Tae. Your guy's presence has a nice effect on me. I was feeling lonely anyway." He smiled at me and I nodded, exhaling a relaxed sigh.

And then I heard my stomach grumble once again.

Not only me, but the two boys near me too.

I let out a frustrated groan because I couldn't contain it anymore. Both the boys didn't react as Taehyung turned around, pulling the handle of the door.

"I'm really hungry, Jungkookie. Are you too?"

"Yeah hyung, me too. The cup noodles didn't really fill my stomach."

I lowered my head, feeling embarrassment hit me right in the guts. I pushed my hands into tight fists, curling my toes inside my shoes.

"I'll go and get something, quick." He shouted and closed the door behind.

I turned around, not knowing where to look. I wasn't brave enough to look at Jungkook again so I gulped, my hand reaching out to hold the knob of the door.

"I should go as well." I said hurriedly as I pushed the door out, ready to run away.

But in another swift moment, Jungkook's large hand covered mine over the knob as he pulled the door back with a thud. The force of his palm pressed the lock button, which made a clicking sound. I felt my back tingle because of the closeness and I blinked momentarily.

"Where are you going?" He voice wavered near my ear and I felt chills at the deepness of it.

"I should b-be going home...my mom must be waiting and I haven't really informed her." I muttered, not being able to turn around.

"Eat something first, your mom can wait." He said, his breath hitting the top of my ear like a gush of cold wind.

"I don't think so." I forcefully pulled my hand away and turned around, my back still pressed against the door as Jungkook removed his arm to rest it on the door, just near my head.

"Why not?" He raised a brow with a childish smirk playing on his lips, "Jia's creative unnie?"

And I felt all the breath knocked out of my lungs. My heartbeat rose as I looked in his eyes, a mysterious glee shining in them. I licked my lips, slowly slipping out of the trap that I was stuck in. The door and Jeon Jungkook.

"What are you saying? Creative? Me? Nice joke." I laughed in bits, the amusement in his eyes growing complex as I felt the earth slipping away from below my feet.

So he did remember Jia...

"I would like to see it."

"Eh? See what?" I asked, trying to look innocent as I stepped away from him, maintaining a good distance.

"The sketches. If Jia could recognise me through them, then that means you've drawn me very well. That's impressive." He crossed his arms and I fought in my brain to find any excuse.

"Ah...t-to be honest, I was just a fan of you back then, I swear. I didn't even know what you were in real life and that you lived here. I loved your songs and since y-you put your picture on your profile so I just... thought about drawing you."

I replied with honest eyes, waiting for his reaction.

"You never told me about your hobbies. This is so good to hear that you were my...fan." he said after a pause and I nodded, smiling a bit.

"The day you sang Still With You on stage, I heard heaven. Your voice is a miracle, Jungkook." I said, looking into his eyes with anticipation.

"That's really nice of you. Y-You like my songs that much?"

"Mhm... I love your voice and I love your songs. They're perfect."

Just like you.

"Ah, stop it. I'm getting shy..." He covered his ears with his hands, the familiar smile adorning his face with his front teeth peeking out of his lips.

I laughed, completely forgetting the time and place. My eyes suddenly fell on the large wall clock in his living room, showing 10:15.

I frowned, remembering that aunt would have left till now. The thought gave me a strange ache in my stomach and I physically felt the pain.

"What happened?"

"Aunt and Jia... they left today. They were to leave tomorrow but aunt didn't tell me, she lied. She lied so that I couldn't change my plans but I really wanted to spend today's day with her. I was very angry at them and myself so I didn't even say goodbye to them...and ran away."

"You ran away without telling them where you were going?"

"I really didn't know where I was going." I replied, feeling the tears stinging my eyes.

If I had my phone, I would've called them, just to apologise for my rude behaviour. But I had no option as I was losing my mind at the moment. Plus the thought of my mom worrying about me...

What if she's really worried? I never really went away without her consent. This makes me scared...

"Jungkook, I'm sorry but I really need to go. My mom would kill me because I am already being so rude. I can't afford to bear the anger she's going to take out on me once I get back."

Jungkook looked at me with a puppy face and I could swear I felt my heart hammering at it. I had no choice but to go back to the hellhole once again.

The same hellhole. Now void of Jia's giggles that made me excited to enter the house for the past two weeks. The same hellhole where I would have to listen to my mom's taunts every now and then. The same hellhole where I wouldn't like to go for myself, but unfortunately, that was my home.

I do not want to go there, atleast for now...

"Now that you've already run away, then stay." Jungkook's voice beamed in the empty area and I looked up, confused.

"What is bound to happen would happen, no one can change it. So you better let that thought out for a while, relax and stay here...stay with me."

Silence filled the room as I fiddled with my sleeves, battling over whether I should listen to him or my mind.

I always used to listen to my stupid brain, so this time, just for once I decided to believe in Jungkook. He was right, I'd get scolded if I return now and I'll get scolded if I get a little late.

So I better stay for a while...

A/N

One moment I'm giving my readers trauma and another moment, butterflies. Such a nice author I am😩

My mom has been very sick for the past few days so I have to do all the cleaning and cooking by myself. This week was tough. Sorry for the delay 😭