FORGET-ME-NOT | kth

Chapter 22-Rain

A few minutes had passed, and I was experiencing my first birthday party where the cake-cutting ceremony was given the least importance. The cake was merely there for the sake of tradition and was gone within seconds. Everyone quickly returned to their activities, with alcohol flowing freely.

I was grateful that Taehyung didn't drink. Though I had never seen him drunk, the thought of dealing with an intoxicated person in an unfamiliar place was overwhelming. We stood close together, hands intertwined, while we chatted with Jungkook.

Jungkook was a funny guy, and I enjoyed his company. I couldn't stop laughing as we talked. He had been teasing Taehyung, and their playful banter was quite entertaining. It was nice to see this side of Taehyung, who was being quite savage in response.

However, our conversation was interrupted by Aria, who wanted to introduce Taehyung to someone. He agreed immediately, but not before turning to me with a pleading expression. "Maya, I'll be right back. Will it be okay?" he asked with concern.

"Yeah, of course, please go on," I replied, despite feeling slightly betrayed since he had promised never to leave me alone. He nodded and looked at Jungkook as if silently asking him to keep me company. 

The hand that I was holding is now being held by Aria.

I sighed, and Jungkook's words brought me back from my thoughts. "They are just friends" he said, noticing my reaction.

Was my jealousy so evident on my face, or was he teasing me? "I know," I said, trying to sound casual. "You guys are lucky to have such a great group of friends."

He nodded with a grateful smile. "That's true. I never thought we'd still be close after all these years. I'm grateful."

"How long have you known each other?" I asked.

"Since we were 18. Almost 10 years." he replied, making me think of anyone I had known for that long. I couldn't even remember the names of people I met in school.

"Wow" I said, and he nodded. My eyes scanned the room, but I couldn't see Taehyung anywhere.

Suddenly, two hands grabbed Jungkook by the shoulders. I saw Jimin and the other girl from their group standing on either side of Jungkook, smiling at me.

"Hey, Maya, right? I'm Dodo," she said, extending her hand to me.

I chuckled at her energetic demeanor, like a golden retriever, and shook her hand. "Hey" I replied.

"And you might know me by now; I'm Jimin" he said, and I smiled at him.

"I know, and happy birthday to you" I said, noticing his beautiful smile for the first time.

"Thank you, but my birthday is actually tomorrow, and since no one wants a hangover on Monday, we're celebrating today" he explained.

"Oh" I said.

"Don't you drink?" Dodo asked, and I shook my head.

"No, I don't" I replied, and she nodded.

 I had quit drinking while I was trying for pregnancy. It was a choice that had become more of a habit now, even though the reason for it was no longer relevant. Still, it felt right to maintain some of the healthier decisions I had made during that time.

"I've never seen Taehyung befriending a neighbor before. It's so nice to know he's making friends out there. Nice to meet you" she said, and I smiled.

"Yeah, Taehyung is picky about who he befriends. He won't get along with just anyone. You must be really special to him," Jimin added, making me feel a bit shy.