the rebound

eight

"Did you ever hear that story about the old man who died by accidentally hitting himself with a baseball bat?" Jennie blurted happily as she walked down the street with Taehyung, balancing herself on the edge of the city sidewalk. The latter raised an eyebrow. She had always had the habit of saying the most random things whenever she thought of them.

"No, I didn't. Care to elaborate?" It was cold and it felt like snow was coming soon. They were free of school for Christmas break and were making their way to a restaurant to celebrate with some other friends.

"Well...I forgot the rest." An adorable gummy smile brightened Jennie's face, and inevitably Taehyung returned the sentiment. They had quickly grown close again and next to her, there was no way he could fall into a bad mood.

Except when one person came around.

"Irene," Taehyung nodded when she stopped in front of them. He felt Jennie shift awkwardly next to him.

"Hey. Can we talk?" Irene crossed her arms across her chest to warm herself, shivering slightly. 

"Go ahead." Taehyung said blankly, shoving his own hands in his pockets. 

"I meant...in private." Irene motioned to Jennie, who bit back a retort for Taehyung's sake. She started to walk away but Taehyung held her back by her arm.

"No, she's staying. Tell me now, we have somewhere to go."

"Okay," Irene sighed. "Okay. I want to get back together, Taehyung. I didn't mean any of the things I said, and I-"

"So you're back to break my heart again after a few months?"

"No, I'm being honest here. I know I hurt you but I want a second chance."

"Really? Then I think it's time that you realize that not everything's about you. And a few nice words won't make me take you back after what you did, Irene."

"But-"

"Leave us alone." He said coldly. Irene's expression soured and she took a step forward.

"Listen, don't pretend that you have someone new." Her eyes lingered on Jennie for a moment before moving back to Taehyung. "You know you still love me."

"Why are you doing this?" Taehyung's breath hitched but he wore a disgusted expression as he looked down on the girl. "Have you always been like this? Was I a fool for falling for you?"

"Stop saying things you don't mean, you still love me!"

"Maybe I do, but that doesn't mean I won't move on!" Taehyung spit out. "I'm not staying for a person who manipulates everyone, including me! Hell, you've turned into someone completely different." 

His voice cracked slightly and Jennie took his arm quietly.

"Tae, let's go."

"I can't believe you're doing this," Irene called after them as they walked away. "Making me into the villain, huh? You'll fucking regret this!"

Taehyung and Jennie walked faster, letting her voice fade out into silence. It remained like that until they were a few blocks away, near an empty park.

"Listen to me. She's not worth it," Jennie held both his hands carefully, looking up at him. He wiped dry tears from his face.

"I know." He muttered. "But that doesn't make it any easier to get over her."

Jennie frowned and wrapped her arms around him, letting him rest his chin on her shoulder.

"You'll manage to do it, I know you will. Just hang in there until you do. I'm here, Tae." She whispered soothingly, patting his back.

"I know you are," he pulled back slightly, locking his sad gaze with hers. "And that's why I love you."

Not wanting to think, Taehyung cupped her face and pulled her into a kiss.

It was a kiss that had never felt so right for Jennie, even if it was for all the wrong reasons. She closed her eyes as he moved his lips against hers, remembering the words he had said about Irene during one of their late-night talks a few weeks back.

"Maybe I'll fall in love again. But I'll never love anyone as much as I did her." Taehyung had muttered with a sad smile.

And now, remembering that, Jennie felt the tears in her eyes but simply held them back, deepening the kiss by pulling him closer to her.