March 30
Tuesday
Year 1

Search | How to connect with a friend group

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1. Get to know one person at first.
2. Ask group members about themselves.
3. Suggest activities to do together.
4. Say yes to all invitations.
5. Don't get discouraged!

After reading the Google suggestion, I nod to myself.

That's right. I can't get discouraged.

Besides, after this weekend, Taehyung and I really have become friends. Isn't that a start to becoming closer to everyone?

Then, I can help Jiyoo become closer to Taehyung.

With a deep breath of courage, I step into the room, my eyes checking to see if anyone in Taehyung's friend group is here.

Taehyung looks up from his laptop as I walk in, his face lighting up with the rise of his eyebrows.

I feel a squeeze around my heart, suddenly nervous. It's only been an hour since our Good Morning text exchange, yet I feel like I've forgotten what it's like to talk to him.

A big yawn followed by a loud, "Kim Taehyuuuunngg!" makes me jump. I turn around to see Jimin storming into the room, eyes locked on Taehyung.

With a groan, Taehyung ducks his head down and fluffs his hair as if wanting to bury himself and hide. It doesn't look like anyone could hide from Jimin, though.

"Oh, hey." Jimin gives me a toothy grin in passing. I straighten up to wave back.

Jimin takes the spot next to Taehyung and hounds him with a light shake of Taehyung's arm. I decide to make my way over, curious about their interaction. 

Jimin looks at me and spreads out his arms and legs. "Uh-uh, you can't sit next to him today. He's being punished."

I tilt my head. Punished?

Taehyung snaps his head up at Jimin with a frown. 

At the same time, I bite my lip, my eyes traveling between them. 

Clearing my throat, I tell them, "It's okay."

"No, Jimin-" Taehyung sighs, closing his eyes and pressing his palms onto the table as he stands up. He's interrupted by Jimin once again, who yanks him back down by his shirt.

My eyes widen as the shirt lifts up from the pull, revealing Taehyung's abdomen.

Taehyung flushes and covers his stomach before taking a seat. "Dude!"

I look away and take my seat in the row in front of them, the heat also coming up to my face.

Jimin howls from laughter. "You two- You two-" He attempts to get the sentence out, but can't due to his laugh.

"Ha. Ha." Taehyung mutters sarcastically.

"What's going on with you fools?" Jiyoo asks as she walks in with Jin and Karin. Her eyes land on me and I freeze. I'm in their spot!

I swivel my head around, deciding to scoot down more when Jiyoo takes the spot next to me. "You're fine," she tells me cooly in a quiet tone.

Karin and Jin take the seats beside her. I still feel a little tense, worried that I ruined their routine. Even a little thing for someone could be a big thing for another.

"Nothing." Jimin and Taehyung respond to her at the same time.

Jiyoo looks a little taken aback, and I remember what I overheard in the bathroom. She felt that she and Taehyung weren't close at all. Could she also be feeling a little left out?

I sit up a little to try and explain to her what happened, but my throat closes up and my heart thumps wildly in my chest.

However, the moment passes and Jin's talking to Taehyung about the sequence of events at the party.

I sit back in my seat and take out my things for class, giving them their privacy.

"Oh... Where's my pen? " Jiyoo mumbles, rummaging through her purse.

Now's my chance to talk to her! I lean to the side and unzip my front pocket to take out a pen. 

"Here!" I offer her my pen. 

She stops and lifts her eyes to the pen, blinking in surprise. "Thanks..."

I smile as I pass it off to her.

She turns to smile at me as if she realized she hadn't. It didn't matter because I knew she was grateful anyway.

Mr. Jung begins to lecture, but I can't concentrate since I'm proud of being helpful. When Jiyoo returns the pen, I can always offer to help her any time.

During the lecture, I feel a gentle tug on my hair. I turn only a little bit, thinking it's a breeze of some sort until I see my strand lifted behind me.

Turning more, I catch it slip from Taehyung's fingers. He leans back into his chair and smiles softly as he rests his chin on his crossed arms.

"You're so far away," he mouths.

A smile spreads across my face, and I give a little shake of my head.

He nods slowly with a slight frown.

My eyes flicker over to Jimin, who's too busy on his phone to witness our interaction.

Playfully, I place a finger over my lips, signifying we should be careful.

Something flickers over Taehyung's eyes, and he gives me a grin.

I turn back around to pay attention to the lecture, not minding how a strand of my hair is delicately played with Taehyung's fingers.

I was afraid that if I sat away from Taehyung, that I would become alone again.

But this makes me realize that Taehyung can't disappear so easily.

With this, I can move on to the other things on my list and become friends with everyone.

I'm so happy.