I was actually not going to update this story anymore, but I'm gonna continue this because I really want something to take my mind off things that's happening around me!

During the night shift I tried so hard to make a plan to decide on my future. I don't know if my parents would stop supporting me or would adopt a child who would actually listen to them, but one thing I knew was that, I don't want to be dependent on them anymore. The more I depend on them, the more they will try to control me with their money. I had to pay for the art school and the night shift alone would not be enough. At least I don't have to pay for electricity and water bills here. But I knew I can't stay in this place forever and I need to find an apartment. At least I'll stay here until I have enough money.

I had so many homework piling up and the night shift is not making things easy. I try to do as much as possible during the shift when it's not busy but during the weekends I don't have time to breath even. I was so occupied with my thoughts that I didn't realise someone was inside the store until a knock came. I got the beer cans and scanned them in the scanner without even looking up and said the amount.

"Meghan?"

The moment I heard my name, I gasped and looked up almost dropping the beer cans. It was Taehyung and I quickly scanned the entire store to see if there was anyone else. For my luck, it was only Taehyung and he was looking at me confused.

"It's 25 bucks and hi, I guess?" It was more like a question than an answer but I didn't know what to say to him, although I've to make him promise me not to tell anyone where I am. Last thing I want is to Elle to get worried and asking me to stay with her or Jungkook to know and intervenes this space also. I have no issue staying with Elle, more like I would love to stay with her, it's just I don't want to. I don't want to become a burden to anyone anymore.

"Hi, so you're working here?" he asked me and I gave a slight nod taking his, of course, black card. Lucky to have enough money that you don't have to worry about eating expired food. When he didn't say anything, I said looking directly at him,

"Appreciate if you don't tell anyone else?"

Whether he was surprised or not, I couldn't tell because he gave no emotions away, except he nodded adding, "You've my word! But, if you continue to stay here, I might end up seeing you a lot. My parents live just around the corner."

I didn't know what I wanted to do with that part of the information so, I gave a nod again giving his card back. I turned away to carry the card to continue restocking the shelves and he left mumbling a bye. Well, that was awkward. At least I was glad no one else came, but if he lives around the corner, I wouldn't be able to avoid everyone for long.

I continued finishing my assignment, which was a portrait drawing (another one, at least this time not related to BTS) and when I couldn't take it anymore I checked the clock only to realize it was 1 am and Jackson hasn't come yet. I don't know much about the other part-time worker except, his name is Jackson Portman and he studies architecture in Bingham College, which was good one hour away. He was honestly surprised when I said I go to Idol High and I'm sure he must've wondered, why a girl, who goes to a prestigious school works in a convenience store. What he didn't know was that, my parents already paid for my 3 years in Idol High and college fee is the problem because even if I was lucky to get a scholarship, I still have to manage others all the while having enough money to keep buying art supplies.

I packed all my stuff and took one of food boxes which expired one hour ago, just want Jackson came in. He looked beyond tired and he had dark circles. When he saw me, still there he mumbles an apology, "Sorry, I had to finish an assignment and it took longer than I expected."

I just waved my hand gesturing it was ok and went out. I climbed the stairs to go my cramped up room which was barely enough to keep everything, but I was glad I could stay there. I glanced up at the food box and realized today it is rice with chicken curry. Without wasting a second I devoured everything and felt like I was in heaven. It was hard to work and stay active in school, all the while finishing the piling up assignments. But I couldn't give up, if I didn't get good grades, I have to kiss goodbye to getting a scholarship and I might as well agree to go to King's College without wasting time.

It was nearing winter, so it was getting cold and unfortunately I had no flask to make myself hot water. I made a mental note to myself to buy a cheap flask during the weekend market and continued to finish up the portrait.

........

BUZZ.... BUZZ.... BUZZ....

My phone was continuously buzzing near my ear and I almost threw it on to the floor when I stretched my hand. Cursing under my breath, I looked at my phone screen and my heart stopped. Saying it stopped is an understatement. I was already one hour late and I had so many missed calls from my Elle, my grandma and surprisingly a single call from my mom. Completely ignoring my dad's call and Elle's calls, I rang my grandma quickly dressing up. When she didn't answer, I closed my door and ran to the nearest bus stop.

When I made it to school it was the last ten minutes of the lunch break. I know I should have gone directly to meet Mr. White to hand in my assignments but I was starving. Still carrying my bag and my canvas with my, I quickly made it to the cafeteria and spotted Elle. She was talking with some of her friends from music class and at same time I saw that the BTS members were only two tables away from where Elle sat. I had no choice and clearly without wasting my time I made my way towards Elle. She didn't notice me at first, but when she saw me all I saw was anger. She was beyond angry and I won't blame her. But I just had no choice and I didn't want to rely on her, and I knew no matter what I say she wouldn't get that part. Why? Because she can only imagine and try to understand what I'm going through but she would never clearly understand it. The only thing she can do is pity me and help me but right now, it's exactly those two I need. I love my best-friend and I would do anything for her, but I can't expect her to the same for me when I want is money, a happy family and to feel protected.

I smiled at her sheepishly and carried my food tray to the table. I had only ten minutes to spare, which means I have to finish my cheap burger and fries, at the same time making sure Elle won't blow up, I wouldn't bet on it though because she already stood up.

"MEGHAN WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCK?" she dramatically raised her hands, glaring at me. I put the tray on the table and turned towards her, knowing fully aware that He was staring at me,

"I'm so sorry Elle, I wanted to get back to you, but I was late so I thought I might as well talk with you when I make it to school. So, here I am."

She hissed, "I have been best friends with you as long as I can remember but you? What the actual fuck Meghan? Why are you avoiding me and you are not at home even. Where do you stay? I went to your home but no one was there and I had to get to know from your neighbor that you didn't go back yet and what's going on with your parents? Are you going abroad? Why haven't you said anything about your problems? Do you even have any idea how much I was worried?" she only stopped to take a breath and I used that time to quickly hug her and make her sit down. When I knew she finally settled, I could say the only thing that I could say to her for now,

"Elle, you're my best friend too. But you have nothing to worry about! Everything is fine and my grandma called today too and I'm not going anywhere. If I do you'll be the first one to know. I'm sorry for being distant but I found a part-time job and that's why I leave without waiting for you because otherwise I'll be late. So for now you don't have to pick me or drop me."

She wanted to say something back but I gave her a look that clearly said 'drop it' for now at least, and she closed her mouth. Everyone in the table was looking at us, and Anna who clearly realized it was too awkward, got Elle's attention by mentioning some boy band, and letting me finish my meal peacefully.

I tried so hard to ignore but now it was becoming way too obvious that He has no intention of stopping staring at me. I feel like he's trying to put this puzzle together, clearly trying to figure what's going on with me. But, unfortunately for him it's not easy and it seems like Taehyung kept his mouth shut as he promised for which, I was glad.

When the bell rang, I ate the last of my fries and said bye to Elle adding that I have to meet Mr. White before Daniel starts his class. She nodded but didn't say anything, clearly showing she was still mad at me, but I knew what I can easily do to make her talk with me but for now it has to wait because I have priorities to complete. Completely ignoring the existence of His table and His presence, I left the cafeteria and made my way towards the staff office.

I knew I couldn't ignore him forever, now that I'm a part of whatever LY campaign is, but one thing I knew was after seeing him kissing another girl is, if I don't keep my distance and put up boundaries I'll get hurt because even if I don't want to, I'll end up getting into something I couldn't easily get out of. And that's something I don't want now or anytime soon.

I don't know how he caught up with me, but just when I was about to open the staff door, Jungkook stopped me and dragged me across the hallway to an empty class.

"Let me go, what the hell are you doing" I tried to get his hand off from me but his strength cannot be compared to mine. So I kneed his leg with everything I got, it caught him surprise and he yelped in pain, finally releasing my hand.

"Jesus, Meghan!"

I crossed my arms and looked at him clearly waiting for him to speak up, when he just stared at him, I asked what's his problem.

"I wanted to talk to you about the campaign" he said as if it was too obvious. I raised my eyebrow, shifted my canvas so it wouldn't fall off my hand and turned around my heels adding,

"Well, I'm going to meet Mr. White either-way, and he can tell me about it."

Before I could go out he stopped me and said,

"I-i.."

I was getting impatient knowing I'm already late for Daniel's class and staying here means I might as well skip his class, "yes I'm listening"

Suddenly I could clearly see him getting tensed and he looked directly at me and said taking me off-guard, "I wanted to talk about the kiss.. what happened that night."

I really didn't expect him to bring it up and it was something I was definitely ok with discussing. I shifted on my heels and when I realized I clearly have nothing to talk about it without losing my focus, I said turning to face him,

"Well, I don't think there's anything to talk about it. You just helped a friend to get over something. Isn't that what are friends for?"

Usually he remains expressionless but now, something clearly passed in his eyes and I couldn't understand whether it was anger or something else.

"Friends?" he clearly said it as a question, but I got goosebumps because it was cold. He said it as it meant nothing for him. I gave a slight nod but he laughed. Like an actual laugh except, I couldn't find anything funny about it and I couldn't understand whether he was faking or actually laughing.

I gave a shrug and turned to go right when he said,

"I never wanted to be friends with you, Meghan Bartolotti."