inseparable︱𝐉𝐉𝐊

❥ 𝐦𝐢𝐝𝐝𝐥𝐞 𝐬𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥

꧁‿︵‿︵♥‿︵‿︵꧂

JJ - 13

Middle school felt like a big deal for my parents. But what made it even bigger was the fact that I had to walk with Jieun for the first time. She just started in sixth grade and was at the same school as me. Mom and Dad insisted we go together, and I reluctantly agreed, even though the idea of having my little sister tagging along annoyed me.

Breakfast that morning was the typical spread—rice, kimchi, fried eggs, and some grilled fish. Mom bustled around, making sure everything was perfect, while Dad sipped his coffee and read the newspaper. Jieun, as usual, couldn't stop talking.

"Can you believe it? We're going to the same school again!" she exclaimed as she ruffled my hair playfully. I swatted her hand away but couldn't help but smile a little.

"Yeah, yeah. Just don't embarrass me like you always do," I muttered.

"Why would I embarrass you?" she frowned, shoving another forkful of pancakes into her mouth. "You'll see, by the end of the week, I'll be the most popular girl in school, and it's you who'll be crying and begging to sit with me during lunch."

Mom laughed at us. "You two will have a great time together. And remember to keep an eye on your sister, Jungkook."

Dad took another sip. "Yes, make sure she finds her classroom and doesn't get lost. It's a big school."

"I know, Dad," I said, rolling my eyes. "I survived the first year, didn't I? So will she."

Jieun stuck her tongue out at me. "I don't need a babysitter, especially a babysitter as annoying as you."

"Right," I muttered, finishing my breakfast. "But you're stuck with me anyway."

After breakfast, we grabbed our backpacks and headed out the door. The entire walk to school was all Jieun's endless chatter about how exciting it was going to be. She teased me about everything—my hair, my backpack, the way I walked. Normally, it would have driven me crazy, but today, I was letting her have it.

We heard the familiar sound of a bell halfway to school. Taehyung came speeding down the street on his bike, his face lighting up when he saw us. "Hey, slowpokes!" he called out, skidding to a stop beside us. "Ready for the first day, Jieun? We've already started preparing your casket."

Jieun rolled her eyes at him. "Very funny. Do you want me to start preparing yours for the bike accident you're about to have?"

Taehyung laughed, ruffling her hair. "Touché. But seriously, you'll be fine. Just stick with me."

"Try dealing with her nonstop talking, and you'll regret these words," I muttered.

"Oh, you know you love it," she shot back. "And don't worry, Taehyung. I've got a better sense of direction than you do."

A few steps behind us was Hoseok, running to catch up. He got a bit more chubby over the winter break, always having a smile on his face, but right now, he looked annoyed. "Taehyung, you jerk! Wait up next time! You know I can't catch up with you without my bicycle!"

Jieun had stopped and waited to give him a quick side hug. "Hobi! Taehyung left you behind again?"

"Yeah," Hoseok panted, catching his breath. "One of these days, I'm gonna beat him in a race. Just you wait."

"Keep dreaming. But maybe if you stopped eating all those snacks."

"Shut up!" he yelled, trying to knock him off the bike, but he just laughed.

As we continued walking, Taehyung rode his bike slowly beside us, cracking jokes and making everyone laugh, which was good because I knew, deep down, Jieun was nervous. I started to feel a strange sense of responsibility once we got closer to the front gate.

I glanced at her, who was now skipping beside me, her ponytail bouncing side to side. She was still my annoying little sister, so as much as I hated to admit it, I felt a need to look out for her.

Throughout the day, I caught glimpses of her in the hallways and during lunch. And every time I saw her, she would wave or shout my name, much to my embarrassment. But secretly, I was glad she was having a good time.

One day, Hoseok nudged me during lunch, his eyes following my gaze. "Hey, aren't you going to call your sister to sit with us?"

I thought about it, watching Jieun from across the cafeteria. She was surrounded by a group of kids, laughing and chatting. It hit me then—she didn't need us. That girl was actually right about being popular.

So, I just smiled and shook my head. "Nah, she's fine."

The weeks turned into months, I noticed Jieun making more and more friends. Her bubbly personality and genuine kindness drew people to her effortlessly. I started to feel a sense of pride watching her thrive.

Slowly, I realized I didn't need to keep an eye on her anymore. She was fully enjoying her time there, and that was something most new kids during the first year couldn't achieve.

By the end of the semester, it was clear. My sister was doing great on her own. I didn't have to worry about her surviving middle school.

She was conquering it.