More than Just a Friend | Jikook

Chapter 4: Why Now?

Jungkook

"Jimin, algebra is haaaaaard," I whine, resting my head on the island counter with a pout. "So is everything. High school sucks. I'm just too stupid. I should drop out."

It's only the summer assignment for upcoming freshman and I'm already failing. How am I supposed to wrap my head around all of these formulas? Some of them are so similar, yet so different. Jimin took Algebra I in eighth grade and took Algebra II and Geometry his freshman year—honors for all variations—yet I can't even do this. He's miles ahead, yet I'm not even on track.

He frowns. "You aren't stupid, Kookie." He rotates my barstool so I'm looking at him. Gently, he cups my face. "Intelligence is a spectrum. There are so many types of intelligence. For example, you're really creative and good at sports."

"But that doesn't mean I'm smart—"

"Playing sports requires you to think, no? Drawing requires knowledge the way you do it. Plus, I've done huge puzzles with you. It takes a bit to get you to focus, but once you do, you're like a machine."

I blush, looking at the soon-to-be junior. "Thank you."

"Are you two still working on Jungkook's homework?" Junghyun asks, entering the kitchen to look through the food.

Jimin's face lights up and he backs away from me and I scowl at the newfound distance, my brother ruining everything.

"I have ADHD, asshole." I scowl.

He ignores me and looks at Jimin. "How are you, Min?"

The brunet fidgets, smoothing out his clothes. "I-I'm okay. How are you?"

"A little sad that our summer is about over, but happy to finally be an upperclassman. Do you want to compare schedules?"

"Sure!" Jimin smiles his superstar smile and I glare at Junghyun and start to feel something reminiscent of heartburn in the pit of my stomach as I watch my brother come closer, the two pulling up their schedules on their phones to compare.

"Gym, AP Lang, and lunch." Junghyun hums. "So we can spend some time together. Will you save me a seat?"

"Do you want me to?" Jimin bites his lip, his tone hushed.

Something unrecognizable flashes through my brother's eyes as Jimin bites his lip and I stare at my work, trying to tune them out. Jimin is my friend. Junghyung has never been there for Jimin. But of course I can't do anything with Jimin here because he's been crushing on my brother for so long now.

Not that he deserves Jimin's affection.

"I do. Could you do that for me, Min?"

"Y-Yeah, I can do that, Junghyun."

My pencil snaps and Jimin jumps a bit, looking at me with concern painting his countenance.

"Kookie, are you okay?"

"Just peachy." I stand up and excuse myself to go to the bathroom.

Locking the door behind me, I stare at my reflection, my eyes dark and my face flushed with anger because that's exactly what I am.

Angry.

I'm angry Jimin likes Junghyun. I'm angry he's giving him attention out of nowhere. He used to know his place. When we were younger, he never paid attention to Jimin despite them being the same age, so it'd be nice to be enlightened on why my dear old brother is flirting with Park Jimin, my Park Jimin.

When I return to the kitchen, my best friend is gone, my brother scrolling through his phone.

Irritated, I stalk over to him and snatch the phone from his hand. "Junghyun."

"Yes, baby brother?"

My eye twitches. "Where's Jimin?"

"He went home. Nice of you to see him out, by the way."

"What was that display earlier?" I ask, ignoring his jab.

"What was what?"

"With Jimin!"

"Ah, you see, baby brother," he chuckles, "there's this thing called flirting. It's when—"

I push him. "Don't flirt with Jimin!"

"Why the hell not? He's not your property."

"Because you don't deserve him, that's why!"

Junghyun glowers. "And why is that?"

"Because you've never been there for him! Where were you when he was being bullied, huh? You're in the same grade, yet you never were there! Jimin was called names and so much worse, yet you did nothing. You were a bystander."

"And what did you do, Jungkook?"

My face burns with red, hot anger. Memories of me holding a crying, dejected Jimin flash through my mind. "I was there! I held him when he cried. I made him tea. I told him how amazing he was. I told him there was nothing wrong with who he is. I would hug him to make the nightmares stop. But you did nothing, and now you think you get to finally swoop him up? Why now?"

Junghyun opens his mouth before closing it, exhaling. "You're very fucking possessive, you know that, Jungkook?" He pushes me. "Your best friend is my age, yet you claimed him! Every time you saw Jimin and me talking, you'd pull him away. When I was young, I was lonely. I didn't have friends. You knew that, yet you didn't fucking care."

His hands shake. "You'd cry when you were super young and glare when you got older, as if I were some disease that would infect Jimin. I was never allowed to be near him at the house. All I did was help you set up. I'd prepare for a guest I never got to experience. I'm done caring about your childishness, Jungkook. You're a high schooler now. I refuse to tiptoe around you anymore."

"What's that supposed to mean?" I clench my fists.

"It means I asked Jimin out while you threw your tantrum in the bathroom. It means eventually, Park Jimin is going to be my boyfriend."

Author's Note: Oh shit. Junghyun done did snatched Jimin. What do you think this means for JK?

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Make sure to take care and love yourself as best as you can.

With lots of love,

-BBM