Symposium

2: Why not?

Seoul, South Korea

Jungkook smiled at his friends before gulping down the rest of his beer. It's been a while since they all got together like that, in their country, in their home. With most of them shipped overseas or to some high-class boarding school, this was a blessing. For the first time ever, they were all going to same school next week. Before the new semester, all 4 of them finally got together.

He filled his glass again and looked at his friends: Kim Seokjin, or Jin as they called him, was getting into their high class pension this semester. That's how they were able to convince their parents to let them have that party and that Jungkook was able to attend. He was grounded, for some pretty stupid reason too. He had scared his mom to death by not answering his phone for 3 days while he was in Pattaya with some girl. Lee Taemin, was ordering them around like usual. Tonight, he had decided that his life dream was to become a bartender and was mixing their drinks. "With his skills thought Jungkook, I'm sure he's poisoning all of us" ... Jin was trying to get Min Yoongi or Suga to the bathroom to puke. Jungkook shook his head: that guy was supposed to be the oldest and had asked them to call him 형(hyeong. Big bother). What a joke.

-  Jeon Jungkook, 괜찮아? (gweanchanha? Are you okay?) Whispered Taemin to his friend. You don't look like you're... happy.

Leave it to the one of the oldest to always catch on his moods. His friend only used his full name when he was serious. Jungkook's grip tightened on his glass.

- I'm fine Taemin-ah, he said with a smile. Don't worry and drink more he said pouring his friend another glass of beer.

After multiple drinks, the four friends decided to head back, each to their respective house.

- Oh, Kookie saidJin laughing. I'm finally going to see that princess of yours soon!! Can't wait!

- Yeah... can't wait he said under his breath, faking a smile.

His princess? That girl was never his to begin with. He was about to hail a cab when Taemin suddenly grabbed him.

- You're coming with me said his friend, holding on his arm like a girl. I don't want to be alone tonight. Come with me Jungkoook 형 (hyeong. brother)!

And he pouted, and Jungkook finally sincerely smiled. Taemin was never lonely (he had almost 1200 contacts on his phone) and actually never called him 형 (brother) if he didn't want something, as Jungkook was the youngest in their friend group.

- Okay ...but please stop with the pouting. What are you? A girl? You should know by now that it does not work on me.

The two friends got in Taemin's car after debating on who should be driving. Jungkook could never win an argument against Lee Taemin, but he refused to get in the car if he was not the one driving. He drank way less than his friend. Taemin got in the passenger seat, pouting.

- Taemin-ah, you should really let me....

- I'm not drunk Kookie... not yet.... I wanted to drive, and you were supposed to talk.

Jungkook opened a large mouth before closing it. So, his friend could see pass his fake cheerful smile?

- Rumors have it that she is seeing someone her parents picked for her and that she's into him.... Is that why you're depressed? Or the fact that she's not answering to your texts?

- No... I mean... I don't know...

He looked straight ahead, without really seeing the road and clenched his fists on the steering wheel to control the urge to slap himself silly. How could he do that again? The first time he had saw Kim Ye Jin, it was like the world had stop. He had fallen in love in the spot. He did his best to get notice by the girl, but she never even said hi to him. They finally got assign to do a project together and he got her phone number. But she never answered his texts back and started showing interest on one of his friends. He felt a hand on his cheek and turned questioning eyes to Taemin.