AMOUR

Chapter Three

Hana gasped as she rushed towards him and pulled him away from the edge.

"Oh my God! Are you okay?" she asked, helping him up from the ground. She gave him a hand but was surprised to see a familiar face. "Jungkook? What were you doing? Are you crazy? You could've fallen! You idiot," she scolded him, slapping his arm lightly.

Jungkook stood there, looking bewildered. "But I wasn't going to jump," he protested.

"Then why were you standing there, on the edge? Enjoying the view?" she snapped.

"Technically, yes, I was enjoying the view," he admitted innocently.

Hana glared at him but said nothing more. Jungkook seemed on the verge of tears. She sighed and began walking away.

Unbeknownst to her, Jungkook followed with a small smile. When she glanced back, she nearly bumped into him. Hana had to tilt her head up to meet his eyes, a brief flutter in her heart. But his grin annoyed her again.

"Wipe that grin off your face, Jungkook, or I'll do it for you," she warned, turning to walk away once more.

"Wait up!" he called after her, running to catch up. Jungkook wasn't sure why, but that night, Hana lingered in his thoughts.

There was something captivating about her that made Jungkook want to keep her close. Hana had a presence that electrified every nerve in Jungkook.

Jungkook exuded a strong aura, yet he remained innocent and naive despite his age. Simply put, he was approachable. Many had taken advantage of this, but none lived to tell the tale.

It might sound alarming, but Jungkook didn't cause their demise; time and age did.

Throughout his life, Jungkook had seen people come and go. He formed attachments quickly and deeply. Watching loved ones pass while he remained was his greatest pain.

Jungkook felt like a stopped clock. He existed, but time had halted for him.

"Good morning, Mr. Choi," Jungkook greeted as he entered the library, setting a coffee on the counter for him.

"Thank you, and good morning," Mr. Choi replied, taking a sip. He studied Jungkook before asking cautiously, "You seem unusually cheerful. Something happen?"

"Not really," Jungkook grinned. "Let's just say I've found a reason to live again," he said, his excitement palpable.

"That's quite a statement, Jungkook. Is this reason truly worth it?" Mr. Choi inquired, concerned yet pleased to see Jungkook's happiness.

Jungkook nodded vigorously, his smile widening. "I'm sure. Don't worry, Mr. Choi. I'm not a child," he assured. "I've lived longer than you, and I know how things work. I refuse to let those things deceive me. I don't regret any decision I've made," he continued, trying to reassure Mr. Choi.

"I understand, but your father won't-" Mr. Choi began before Jungkook cut him off, sensing someone approaching.

Sure enough, Hana walked in with a smile for Mr. Choi, one of her favorite people. "Good morning, Uncle!"

"Good morning, love," Mr. Choi greeted her warmly, as Hana turned the corner to greet him with a hug.

"Good morning, Hana," Jungkook greeted, trying to make his presence known. His heart sank a little when he saw Hana's smile falter upon seeing him.

"No 'good morning' for you," she said childishly. Hana couldn't stay angry for long; forgiveness overshadowed her forgetfulness. She wanted to show that she was unhappy with Jungkook's behavior the night before, but it was clear she was struggling to convey that message.

Hana grabbed Jungkook's coffee and walked away without a word. Jungkook couldn't help but smile. He looked at Mr. Choi with pleading eyes, but he didn't say a word.

Mr. Choi rolled his eyes. He understood Jungkook's message. "Fine! Go, there was nothing to do at the library anyway," he said.

"Thank you, Mr. Choi!" Jungkook practically shouted. Mr. Choi was about to say something, but Jungkook had already bolted from the scene.

Mr. Choi chuckled, shaking his head. "Kids," he muttered.

"Hana, wait!" Jungkook called out as he ran after her.

"Stop following me, Jeon," she said, quickening her pace. Hana was about to turn a corner when Jungkook unexpectedly appeared in front of her.

"What the? Jungkook! You scared me!" she exclaimed, looking up at him. "How did you get here so fast?"

"I'm a fast runner," he said, a wide grin spreading across his face.

"God! Stop smiling, Jeon!" Hana said irritably. "I could strangle you right now," she teased, her hand gently clasping around Jungkook's neck without applying pressure.

"Go ahead," Jungkook replied calmly. "It's yours anyway." He held her gaze.

Hana momentarily forgot to breathe. She was lost in his eyes, a galaxy of emotions swirling within them. She quickly composed herself, clearing her throat and lowering her hands to her sides.

"That was cheesy, Jungkook. Don't say that again," she muttered, resuming her walk.

"Why are you mad at me?" Jungkook asked, keeping pace beside her.

"Oh, I don't know," Hana retorted sarcastically. "Let's see! Why could I possibly be upset with you?" she mocked.

"Okay, fine, I get it," Jungkook said, though he really didn't. "I know how I can make you less angry," he suggested, grabbing Hana's hand and jogging in a new direction.

"Where are you taking me, Jeon?" Hana asked, perplexed.

"To my hideout," he grinned mischievously as they continued on.