Life Lessons [Park Jimin]

Chapter 15

Jimin

When Yeji closes the car door behind her, it's like a bubble pops and I realize that this was probably not a good idea. We didn't actually do anything wrong, but other people might misunderstand. If Yeji tells her friends, things could get out of hand really quickly.

I tug at my hair, frustrated with myself. Why did I say yes to watching the movie together? It just slipped my mind entirely.

Today is the anniversary of my parents death so I went to the theater to distract myself from the loneliness. Yeji helped with that. A lot. But still, I should have said no.

I let out a long sigh as I step into my apartment and take out my phone. I don't want to make things weird between us, or make her think that I saw tonight as anything special by making a big deal of this, but I have to make sure she doesn't talk about it. My job is at risk. Her job is at risk. If the school is suspicious of us, they won't let her tutor for me. And she needs the money.

Jimin: Hey, this is kind of awkward, but maybe you shouldn't tell anyone about tonight. Other people might think it is concerning that a teacher and student watched a movie alone together, even though it was just a coincidence that we were both there. We could both get in trouble with the school if people misunderstand.

I sit on my couch, my foot tapping nervously as I wait for her reply. My phone buzzes a few seconds later.

Yeji: Yeah of course. I'm sorry I put you in that position. I wasn't thinking

I'm glad she understands, but I feel bad that she feels guilty. I'm the one in the position of authority. It's my job to make sure lines aren't crossed.

Jimin: Don't worry about it. I'm the one who should have turned down your offer

After waiting around for a while longer, I realize that she isn't going to reply and stop staring at my phone. Is she going to act weirdly around me now? I really hope not... I like the friendship that we are starting to develop.

I'll just have to wait and see how things are after school on Monday.

My thoughts get cut off when my phone starts ringing. At first, I hope that it is Yeji, but when I check I see a different name.

"Hey Hoseok-hyung, what's up?" I answer.

"Jimin-ah, I'm sooo sorry. I just realized what day it is. Are you doing okay? Do you want me to come over?" he asks.

It's sweet that he remembered. And had he called a couple hours ago, I would have taken him up on his offer. But now I just kind of want to sleep.

"I'm hanging in there. I'm gonna go to bed soon so you don't have to come over," I tell him.

"Are you sure you're alright? You've never made it through this day alone without getting trashed," he says, concerned.

"I wasn't alone all day. I went out for a bit and it helped," I explain.

"Really? With whom?" he asks.

"Just a... friend of mine. You don't know her," I say. It's not technically a lie. Yeji and I spend a lot of time together so I guess we could be considered friends.

"A girl? Does that mean you are actually straight?" Hoseok sounds surprised.

"Yes I'm straight, but I am not romantically involved with this girl," I sigh, stressing the second part.

"Well until you are romantically involved with a girl, I won't believe you," he laughs. This is what happens when all four of your best friends are gay.