Love Triangle

6

In the Gym

After an intense workout session that lasted for what seemed like an eternity, we finally reached the end. Physically drained and exhausted, I couldn't wait to change into something more comfortable. Beads of perspiration trickled down my forehead as I made my way towards the changing room. Amidst the post-workout hustle and bustle, a familiar voice called out to me, cutting through the noise and capturing my attention. It was Jimin.

Jimin rushed over, his breath slightly labored from the exertion of the workout. "Hey, wait for me outside the building, alright?" he requested, a hint of excitement and eagerness evident in his voice. I nodded in agreement, appreciating the opportunity to catch my breath and take a short break before heading out. With a wave, he darted back towards the group of friends he had been exercising with, leaving me to finish my preparations.

Exiting the gym, I found a comfortable spot on the nearby wall, a place where I could rest and wait for Jimin. The coolness of the surface provided a welcome respite, soothing my fatigued muscles. Time seemed to pass slowly as I observed the flurry of activity around me—people streaming out of the gym, exchanging words and laughter, their energy contagious.  Lost in my thoughts, I was jolted back to reality when I heard familiar voices approaching. Rose and Yoongi, two of our mutual friends, emerged from the gym, engaged in a conversation that immediately caught my attention. Their animated discussion revolved around an incident from the previous day. Curiosity piqued, I strained to listen, hoping to unravel the mystery that seemed to surround my newfound friend.

 "Who was the girl you hugged yesterday?" Rose asked.

"What? When?" he asked, trying to make sense of Rose's accusation.

"Yesterday evening in the park, I saw you hugging some girl as we were leaving the restaurant," Rose said. 

Yoongi halted in his tracks, seemingly taken aback by the revelation. "That was my cousin, are you jealous?" he clarified, a playful smirk tugging at the corners of his lips. His tone carried a touch of amusement, hinting at the underlying playfulness of their conversation. Rose's jealousy, however, was not easily appeased. Frustration etched across her face as she retorted, making her emotions known. "Yes, I'm jealous!" she declared, her voice laced with a mix of irritation and vulnerability.

Yoongi quickly reassured her, emphasizing his loyalty and devotion. He vehemently denied any intention of infidelity and made it abundantly clear that she was the only one who held his heart. As their exchange continued, I couldn't help but feel a surge of warmth witnessing their unwavering love and affection for each other. Their playful banter and genuine connection were a testament to the strength of their relationship. Finally, their conversation turned to the hypothetical scenario of encountering the most beautiful girl in the world. Yoongi's words dripped with sincerity as he assured Rose that even if such a girl were to cross his path, she would remain the epitome of beauty in his eyes. Their foreheads touched, creating an intimate moment between the two, and my heart swelled with a mixture of joy and longing. Their bond was undeniably special, and I couldn't help but wish for a love like theirs.

"I love you," Rose whispered, her voice filled with tenderness. Yoongi reciprocated her sentiment, their lips meeting in a gentle kiss. It was an incredibly cute moment, one that exuded love and affection. With intertwined hands, they continued their journey together, leaving me in awe of their profound connection. As I watched them disappear into the distance, a pang of longing and admiration washed over me.

Suddenly, a chill crept through the air, reminding me of the fading daylight. I glanced at my watch and noticed that it was already 6:37 PM, the sky darkening with each passing moment. Determined to fend off the encroaching cold, I rose from my spot, brushed off my pants, and began walking, hoping to generate some warmth through movement. By now, most of the people had dispersed, but Jimin was nowhere to be seen. Just as my concern started to grow, the gym doors swung open, and Jimin emerged, slightly out of breath. "Sorry for making you wait. I had to take a quick shower," he explained, his words punctuated by heavy breaths. 

"No worries," I reassured him, appreciating his effort to catch up and the fact that he hadn't forgotten about our plans. "So, where are we going?" I inquired, masking my growing excitement. Although I tried to maintain a composed facade, my heart was racing with anticipation.

"Well, let's grab something to eat first, and then we can go wherever you'd like," Jimin suggested, a warm smile illuminating his face. The prospect of sharing a meal together, followed by an adventure of our choosing, brought a genuine smile to my lips. "Sounds great," I replied, falling into step beside him as we made our way towards the city. Our school wasn't far from the bustling center, and the vibrant energy of the urban landscape beckoned us forward. We indulged in a quick meal at a nearby fast-food joint, savoring the simplicity and convenience it offered. With satisfied stomachs and renewed energy, we strolled leisurely through the streets, immersing ourselves in the sights and sounds of the city. The evening air grew colder, and I regretted my decision to wear a thin sweater. Shivering slightly, I rubbed my hands together, hoping to generate some warmth. To my surprise, I felt something draped over my shoulders—a familiar scent engulfing me. I turned to see Jimin, a soft smile gracing his face, having placed his own hoodie over me. Grateful for his thoughtfulness, I thanked him with a smile of my own. The cold wind blew, and I instinctively snuggled deeper into the warmth of his hoodie, relishing its comforting embrace. The fabric held traces of his fragrance, and I found solace in inhaling the familiar scent.

As we continued our leisurely walk, the conversation shifted towards a more personal tone. Jimin's voice was filled with genuine concern as he asked, "Why were you feeling down yesterday?" Surprised by his perceptiveness, I hesitated for a moment, unsure of how much to share. "It's not something you'd be interested in, and I don't really want to dwell on it," I finally responded, my voice tinged with a mix of vulnerability and hesitation.

Understanding the delicacy of the topic, Jimin respected my boundaries. "Alright, then. Shall we sit down?" he suggested, pointing towards a nearby bench. I nodded in agreement, appreciating his willingness to change the subject and give me a space to open up at my own pace. As we settled onto the bench, we delved into a myriad of conversations, ranging from the trivial to the profound. It felt as though I had known Jimin for an eternity, even though our friendship had only blossomed over the past few days.

In the midst of our engaging discussion, my phone chimed, signaling the arrival of a message. It was from my mom, asking about my whereabouts and urging me to return home. Realizing the lateness of the hour, I reluctantly informed Jimin, "I have to head home now." He smiled warmly, assuring me, 

"No problem, I'll walk you back." Grateful for his company, I returned his smile and said, "Alright, thank you."

Together, we boarded the bus, and after a short ride, we disembarked. Taking a brief detour through a narrow alley, we found ourselves standing in front of my house. The atmosphere turned slightly awkward as we faced the imminent farewell. Unsure of what to do, I stood there, feeling a mix of emotions and longing. "Well, I guess I'm home," I stated, breaking the silence.

Jimin's eyes met mine, and for a fleeting moment, time stood still. It was as if an unspoken connection passed between us, leaving both of us yearning for something more. "Goodbye then, and thank you," I murmured softly, my voice barely above a whisper. "You're welcome," he replied, his eyes shimmering with a hint of sadness. With a final wave, I turned and entered my house, leaving behind a bittersweet goodbye.

Once inside, my mom stood in the hallway, her expression filled with curiosity. "What's that you're wearing?" she inquired, her eyes fixed on the hoodie that clung to my frame. As the realization struck me, I quickly slipped into my slippers and hurried back outside. Searching the surroundings, I realized that Jimin had already left. Disappointed, I reentered the house, finding my mom waiting for an explanation.

"It's a hoodie... that isn't mine," I mumbled, feeling a mixture of embarrassment and regret for forgetting to return it. I made my way to my room, carefully draping Jimin's hoodie over a chair. Tomorrow, I promised myself, I would return it to him at school.