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

Chapter 21

Jimin's point of view

I never anticipated that a normal day in the cafeteria would spiral out of control so quickly. As I strolled through the noisy rows of tables, a wave of giggles washed over me. Instinctively, I glanced around, my brow furrowing in confusion. What’s going on?

Shrugging it off, I headed toward the food line. My stomach rumbled, and I could almost hear it protesting my late lunch. Just as I grabbed my meal, I spotted Tae sprawled across at his usual table, fast asleep amidst the chaos. Typical idiot never did know how to manage his time at school.

I made my way over to my group, only to find them huddled together, a look of glee plastered across their faces. Rosé was scrolling through something on her phone, her fingers darting over the screen as she whispered to RM and Suga. Their discussion immediately evaporated upon my arrival, replaced by an odd silence that sent my heart racing.

“Hey,” I said, trying to sound casual as I sank into my chair. But my friends’ gazes were fixated on me, their eyes widening when I caught them staring. Unease gripped my stomach.

“What’s wrong with you guys? Why are you acting so weird today?” I finally blurted out, feeling exposed.

“Nothing, Jimin,” RM replied a little too quickly, his tone laced with a hint of mischief.

Before I could launch another question, Rosé leaned in, her expression shifting from normal to serious. “Are you dating anyone, Jimin?”

I nearly choked on my food. “W-What?! Why are you suddenly asking me this?” My voice had risen, an incredulous flush creeping up my face.

“We thought you were our best friend. There are supposed to be no secrets,” Rosé shot back, anger bubbling beneath her facade.

“Ugh, stop it, Rosé. Just ask him directly,” Suga said, rolling his eyes while expertly twirling his noodles around his chopsticks.

“Okay, Jiminah, I’m asking you again. Are you seeing anyone?” Rosé’s tone was more serious now, eyes piercing through me.

“Umm… no! I don’t have time for that kind of thing. Honestly, I’m caught up in my studies. I barely go out, you think I have time for relationships?” My voice carried defensively, but as soon as I finished, the mention of “time” sent a little shiver down my spine. Was that an acceptable excuse?

“Okay, then explain this.” Rosé shoved her phone in my direction, her brows furrowed.

Staring at the screen, my heart dropped. It was a photo of me, mid-laugh, arm slung around Wonyoung at the convenience store “What the heck?!”

“I can’t believe my eyes,” Rosé said, snatching her phone back. “Now tell me, Park Jimin. What is this?”

“I… I accidentally met her…” My voice faltered. “Ugh, leave it. So what?”

“So what? You said you’re not dating?” Rosé retorted, her voice raising in frustration.

“She’s just a friend, guys…” I muttered, my confidence evaporating into thin air.

“Doesn’t look like friends to me! Look at you two hugging here, and in this one, she’s leaning on your shoulder. Friends don’t behave like that!” Rosé exclaimed, pointing at the screen as if it were evidence in a court trial.