Can't stand you, Can't live without you

Chapter 9

Jimin's pov

The sun is shining brightly over the orphanage playground. I am surrounded by a group of small children. I'm on my knees, making funny faces and telling jokes, causing the children to burst into laughter.

Me:'Why did the scarecrow win an award? Because he was outstanding in his field!'

The children laugh heartily, their giggles filling the air. My eyes sparkle with joy as I continue to entertain them.

Child 1 says, 'Tell us another one, Jimin-oppa!'

I replied, 'Alright, alright. What do you call a bear with no teeth? A gummy bear!'

The children laugh even louder, some rolling on the ground with glee. My heart swells with happiness seeing their smiles.

Suddenly, the orphanage owner, Mrs. Kim, approaches with a warm smile.

Mrs. Kim says, 'Jimin, thank you so much for your generous donation again. The children and I are very grateful.'

I stand up, slightly embarrassed but smiling.

Me: 'It's nothing, Mrs. Kim. I'm just happy to help.'

Mrs. Kim: 'But Jimin, you're still in high school. How do you manage to donate so much?'

I scratch the back of my head, looking a bit shy.

Jimin: 'I work part-time jobs after school. It's not much, but I save up whatever I can to help out here.'

Mrs. Kim's eyes well up with tears of gratitude.

Mrs. Kim: 'You're an amazing young man, Jimin. The world needs more people like you.'

I smile modestly, looking back at the children who are now playing with a ball.

Me: 'I just want to see them happy.'

Taehyung pov

The Sunday morning sun was warm on my back as I dribbled the ball, Jungkook's shadow lunging at my heels. Jin and Jhope were locked in a playful tussle over possession, their laughter echoing across the empty soccer field. It was our weekly ritual, a way to blow off steam before the week's grind started.

"Goal!" I shouted, the ball swishing past Jungkook's outstretched leg and finding the net.

Jhope came bounding over, slapping me on the back. "Nice one, Tae! You're on fire today."

We collapsed onto the grass, panting and basking in the quiet satisfaction of a good game. Jin tossed a water bottle to Jungkook, who promptly emptied half of it onto his head.

"You know," Jungkook began, his voice laced with a hint of annoyance, "You spend more time with Jimin than you do with us."

Jin nodded in agreement. "Yeah, you guys are practically inseparable these days."

My stomach twisted. I didn't exactly enjoy my newfound friendship with Jimin. It was... complicated. He was the school topper, the epitome of everything I wasn't, and yet, I was drawn to him. He was the only one who dared to challenge me, to push my buttons. He was the reason Wonyoung, had started noticing me.

I took a deep breath. 'Guys, nothing can ever replace the bond we share. Jimin is just a means to an end.' Curiosity etched across their faces.

'Wonyoung,' I explained. 'I'm using Jimin to get her attention. Once she's my girlfriend, I'll cast him aside. Besides, how could I ever forget the torment he's inflicted upon me since childhood? He's the reason my father despises me.'

My words hung heavy in the air as I recounted the countless times Jimin had ridiculed and bullied me. Resentment flared within me, and I vowed that he would never be my friend.