L A L I S A

I didn't sneak out from the house the next night, and the rest of the few nights that followed. I wished to celebrate Christmas with him but his unusual attitude last night got me baffled. I needed time to reflect; was sneaking out to meet Jungkook really worth it?

Not to forget, Baek oppa. He had been strangely observant lately. I remember the day we were putting up the Christmas decorations in the town libraryㅡ

"Lisa, we need to talk." He said holding the tinsel.

"Yeah sure what is it?"

"I saw you sneaking out from the your room. Not once but quite a lot of times. Who is it?" He spoke with a little strain in his voice.

"I see you like stalking me a lot." I sarcastically chortled.

"Don't twist the topic. Do you even know how scary the downtown alleys are, especially in middle of the night? I say only because I care."

I was caught off guard. Not that he wasn't lying about it, but why did he have to care with all of this?

"Whatever you call it, it's my life and I will do whatever I want, what's with you meddling in my business anyway?"

"You don't understand, its dangerous out there. The world isn't as good as it seems." He tried to warn, grabbing my hand as I immediately pull away.

"Well yes, you're right. The world isn't as idealistic as it seems. You never know that your neighbour might be monitoring your every move, keeping account of every single damn thing you do and has the audacity to question about it." My temper sparked as I shouted at the top of my lungs, grabbing attention of some people and fellow workers around.

I was done with all of this. No one seemed to understand me, what I felt. And so, the rage I had been suppressing within myself finally sprung out, like a blazing inferno wanting to burn down everything in the surrounding.

Baekhyun was dumbfounded, his lips quivered as he had no words to justify himself. Given the number of people now staring at us, his face flushed deep in embarrassment even more. Inwardly, I was seething. And breathless with anger, I left the place, without a second thought.

I have been avoiding him ever since.

I know, he isn't the one to blame for. All he wanted was just a talk of concern, maybe his approach wasn't right. But in no way did I deserve the wrath that day, something which I let go in that moment. I didn't realize that I had been too much of a brat myself. I still wasn't sure how I'd apologize to him for my actions.

I had to make up for it, starting off today. I had to sort things out with Guk. It would be too selfish of me to avoid him like that especially when he was supposed to depart within just a day or so. And if I wanted to meet him, I had to first apologize to Baekhyun.

Which is the reason why I was in front of his door, my heart beating rapidly against my chest in anticipation. Soon after, I was greeted by his pleasant smile, that made me laugh.

No matter how upset he was with me, he never did lose his smile whenever I came to talk with him. And that warm gesture was enough to loosen up some nerves.

"Oppa," I called out though he didn't reply a word. We were seated on his roof, the sun was about to set in. "I'm sorry."

"Are you still worried about that day? If that's the case don't be, it's my fault. I shouldn't have been so...intrusive." He said after a brief pause.

"I shouldn't have let my anger out on you, I may or may not have ruined Christmas for both of us." I urged.

"At least we're talking now, its sorted." The two of us chuckled. "I was just concerned for your safety, you know I wasn't around in town the time you had your accident. Which is why there's always an unsettling thought that runs in the back of my head, hoping you're fine."

"I completely understand, oppa. You know I've been recovering, according to what the doctor says. But somewhere, I really don't feel okay."

"Why? Is something bothering you?"

"Yeah." I held on to the coffee mug as I took a sip. "I don't have a proper remembrance so I feel everyone is hiding things from me. When I try to think about it, I get a heavy headache-"

"You need to give it some time. There's a reason we might be keeping things from you, because we want you to recover healthily by finding it yourself. Till the right time comes, perhaps?" He bit his lip, preventing from opening up to anything more.

"I had a favour to ask." I turned my upper torso to look at him. "I want to slip away tonight, just one time. Just don't let eomma know about it, please?"

"I'm guessing it's something important, because in some hours its gonna be 31st, the last day of the year and I see no reason of you to be this desperate to go out. I won't stop you, though why do you think I would complain about this to your mother?"

"I don't know, but I'm aware that she loves you a lot and possibly even trusts you over me. And today I've known, is the last time I'm about to see....someone." I didn't want him to know about Jungkook, because I wanted to keep things a secret too.

He tittered. "Okay, but can I give you a word of advice in exchange of keeping your secret?" I nodded in response.

"Somethings don't exist forever. Everyone is meant to go one day, so we can't just cling onto things and stop them. If destined, maybe we'll meet them in another life."

━

"Jungkook?" I found him sitting by the bridge, as usual. His eyes were filled with sorrow as he stared at the picturesque mountains and the reflection of moonlight in the river.

He was taken aback by surprise to find me here, because that's what his eyes read.

"L-Lisa?"

I walked up close to him.

"I...I am sorry."

"Oh please, let's forget that. Tonight, is all about us."

"Woah, where's that coming from?" He questioned.

"Lets just say I don't want to go on a bad note."

"Amusing."

"Its 31st today, in 24 hours we'll step in a new year." I put my head on his shoulder.

"Maybe for you, because it'll be my departure."

"Not again." I groaned.

"What?" He asked, unbelievably.

"Not at you coming back at those things again, Guk."

"That wouldn't have been me if you were to leave. You see, I'm a lot better in goodbyes than you, I've had a ton of practice."

"Why do you keep saying goodbyes? Ugh, I swear I hate that word now. Can we please be happy and forget everything, just enjoy the night?" I pleaded.

"Ah, okay. Then a good night it is." He snickered. I clung onto him tightly, when I noticed that his arms felt weak. As if they lacked some muscles.

"What in the world Guk? Are you starving yourself?! I can't feel your arms at all! And how are you even surviving in this hoodie jeez."

"Stop nagging, let me feel the cool breeze while I still have the time." He said with a brink of melancholy in his tone, his poetry had me confused all the while.

"Lali."

"Hmm?"

"If you get the time on New Year's Day, I want you to take a carton in my garage. It has some compositions that I want you to keep safe with yourself."

He was referencing the small clips and tunes he'd record in his free time. Singing was his hobby, a passion. He would cover some masterpieces of the old decades with his guitar, even compose some of his own songs and sing them all exclusively in his one-person audience concert, that luckily happened to be me. Yes, that's how talented he was.

"I thought you were taking them with you? They're so good Jungkook! If in the future, maybe when you have a larger audience you can play the guitar and sing your heart out! Why are you leaving those precious tapes with me?" I retorted, although a part of me did want to keep those recordings for myself, just so that I would hold on to his voice ㅡ as sweet as honey and his beautiful songwriting ㅡ most of which were dedicated to us.

"Yes indeed, although I don't plan to get famous with that. I can't take everything with me even if I want to, Lisa. And rather than throwing it away in the junk or maybe let someone take them away, I want them safe with you. Because probably the tapes will remind me of you, apart from the stars ofcourse."

The pain in his voice seemed very bittersweet to me. It was like he was smiling through these tears, hoping a better life for me. And that's what shattered my heart.

I didn't want him to go.

"Can we please do something exciting together, it's the last day of the year and we can't be mourning for a millennium!"

"What plans do you have?"

"Nothing..." I sulked.

"Hmm...maybe I can take you somewhere you'll like." Jungkook raised his brows with a glint of something interesting.

"And what is that?"

"Its a surprise. Come on, work your legs now!"

"Ugh Jeon Jungkook!" I lazily whimpered before getting off the bridge and following him as he lead the road.

+

A/N: story's about to get over soon!

Let's count the number of people interested for a happy ending? Give a response if you wish this story to end on a good conclusion!

Though I hope you are enjoying reading it this far! Have a great year ahead, happy new year, lovelies!