Sunshine in her Shadows (Rosekook AU)

6

Chaeyoung POV:
"Do you have any rules yourself?", I asked after we sat down at a bench near the food stall we ordered lunch from. I was craving some spicy tteokbokki and everyone knew the old lady at this food stall made it the best.
As I was eating mine.
He said, "Hmm, I don't know, let me think" and praised how good the food tasted.
He was good at eating like me, so he didn't mind a small portion after his lunch.
"Chae", he called me. And suddenly I froze.
Tears formed in my eyes. But I cannot cry in front of him.
I tilted my head upwards and tried holding my tears. One unlucky teardrop gave it away.
"Chaeyoung, are you crying? I am sorry. I didn't mean to hurt you. Did I do something wrong? I won't call you Chae if that is the issue", he rambled panicking
I chuckled, wiping that lone tear, and said, "No Jungkook. You are my friend, you can call me Chae. I ate a piece with extra spice, so the tears. I am fine. Tell me what were you saying?"
"Are you sure?" He asked still looking at me with suspicion.
"I am definitely sure, so what is it that you were asking me?"
"I wanted to ask you why you aren't afraid of those bullies. I mean you were ready to go fight them for me. I am not doubting you or your pepper spray, it's just that they walk around in groups and are not afraid to hit anyone who talks against them. I don't want you getting hurt trying to save me. I am used to them, they leave me alone after pestering me for a while." He said looking at me sincerely. He was being really serious.
I sighed.
"I don't know Jungkook. The worst they could do is hit me. And I am not afraid to take a hit from cowards like them, I will make sure to make their life miserable if they do that though. And I didn't think that far. I usually stay away from all this drama but I consider you my friend. And someone hitting my friend just didn't sit right with me I guess."
He stared at me expressionless until I told him to finish his food.
We ate in silence and walked back to class.
Once we reached our lockers, he suddenly said, "I have two rules too"
I took my books out for the next class and faced him waiting for him to continue.
"I won't ask you about your personal life and will give you space when you need it. But in return, I have two rules for you. Rule number one, you have to be honest with me. Always. If you don't want to answer something tell me that. But don't lie. I will take a 'I don't want to talk about it' over a lie any day. And rule number two, tell me when anything hurts you. You don't need to share any personal details, but if any of those bullies try hurting you or if anyone in your classes tries hurting you, be it physically, mentally, or emotionally, please tell me."
I stood frozen, he stared at me waiting for me to speak.
I tried to lighten the tension and said with a chuckle, "Why are you going to fight them? I am more than capable of protecting myself Jungkook. And what if I get hurt by something personal, isn't that against my rules to tell you about my personal life?"
He looked down at his feet as we walked towards our classes and said, "I may not be a firecracker like you, I may not fight them directly. But I will make sure to stand by you as you heal and if it is personal, I won't ask about it, I will just be by your side until you feel fine again. No questions asked."
I smiled. Genuinely. This guy is something different.
"Fine, I accept your rules. Now go to your class, you are getting late. Bye", I walked in the other direction towards my class.
"Bye Chae", he said and walked away.
Thank God he cannot see my moist eyes.
'Chae', I haven't heard anyone call me that since forever.
I touched the locket around my neck and whispered, "I miss you, Mom"