The atmosphere in the room shifted as Bora’s eyes widened at the sight of the boy standing before her. Niki was tall, with wavy black hair framing his face and warm brown eyes that sparkled with curiosity. “Who are you?” he asked, his tone a mix of confusion and intrigue.
Bora felt her heart race. “I… I—” she stammered, caught off guard. “I thought you might need some food and clothes. I mean, you’re living in this abandoned house with no electricity and water supply.” She sighed, gathering her thoughts. “I’ve been watching you sneak in through the back door.”
Niki’s laughter filled the room, breaking the tension. “Wait, you thought I was homeless?”
“Uh, well…” Bora chuckled awkwardly, realizing how absurd it sounded now.
“Yaahhh, this is insane!” Niki exclaimed, amusement dancing in his eyes. “But since you’re here with your snacks, come have a seat.”
They settled onto the couch, and Bora recounted her thoughts of him as Atlas, the boy from her favorite book who faced adversity. As she spoke, Niki listened intently, a soft smile playing on his lips.
“Actually, I’m not broke or homeless,” he clarified. “I own this house. I’m just moving in gradually.”
Bora blinked in surprise. “But then why do you sneak in at night?”
“I haven’t fully moved here yet,” he explained, “and I didn’t want to draw attention to myself. I prefer to keep a low profile. Trust me, socializing isn’t my thing.”
She nodded, intrigued. “But where’s your family? Don’t they live here with you?”
“My dad lives far away, but he works hard to provide for me. I can handle things on my own.” Niki’s confidence shone through as he added, “I’ll be just fine. Plus, my butler, Mr. Bang, will be living with me.”
“Wow! You’re really independent,” Bora said, admiration evident in her voice.
“Right?” Niki grinned. “You should learn from me!”
Bora smirked. “So, is your stuff still shifting?”
“Yeah,” he replied casually.
“Are you going to organize it on your own? Need any help?” she asked, her hope rising.
“Nope, the packers will handle everything,” Niki shrugged, seemingly unfazed.
Disappointment washed over her. “Oh. Okay then, I guess I’ll get going.”
“Welcome home,” she added, her voice softer.
“Thanks,” he replied, and then paused. “Wait… Would you like to hang out sometimes?”
Bora’s face lit up. “Yeah, sure!” she exclaimed. “I have a brother and two friends from the neighborhood. They can join us!”
“Oh, yeah. Invite them,” Niki encouraged.
“Can I call them now?” Bora asked, excitement bubbling within her.
“Like, right now?” he replied, amused by her enthusiasm.
“Uh, yeah!” she nodded eagerly.
“Okay,” he chuckled.
As they stepped out of his house, Bora realized the place was still a mess, and quickly suggested, “Why don’t we go to Jimin and Yoongi’s place? I’ll call my Oppa too.”
“Sounds good,” Niki agreed.
---
At Jimin and Yoongi’s house, Bora rang the doorbell, anticipation buzzing in the air. When Jimin opened the door, he greeted her with a bright smile. “Who is it, Chim?” Yoongi called out, joining his partner at the door.
“Ahh!!! Bora yah!! Come in, kid,” Yoongi said, stepping aside for her and Niki.
As they settled onto the couch, Yoongi’s gaze shifted to Niki, eyebrows raised. “Who is this guy?”
“Umm… Hi!” Niki introduced himself, though his confidence flickered slightly under their scrutiny.
“Are these middle-aged men your friends?” Niki whispered to Bora, a teasing glint in his eye.
Bora’s eyes widened. “Shut up! They might hear you!”
“Actually, he’s moved next door,” she explained, gesturing toward Niki. “So I wanted him to meet my friends.”
“Oh, I see!” Yoongi replied, nodding.
Jimin leaned forward. “He moved where?”
“To the next door,” Bora confirmed.
“With your family?” Jimin inquired.
“No,” Niki replied simply.
“Oh my god! So you’re living here alone?” Jimin’s eyes widened in surprise.
“Yeah,” Niki said, shrugging.
“Did you recently buy that place?” Jimin pressed.
“No, my grandpa bought it years ago,” Niki explained.
“Wow,” Yoongi remarked. “How old are you, kid?”
“Eighteen,” Niki answered proudly.
“Guys, are you interviewing him?” Bora interjected, exasperated.
“Chill,” she added, trying to defuse the situation.
“He’s here for vacation, but his parents are busy, so they didn’t come with him,” she continued. “He has a butler, so he’s not living alone.”
“A butler?” Jimin raised an eyebrow. “So you’re rich?”
“Probably,” Niki replied nonchalantly.
“What’s your name again?” Yoongi asked, crossing his arms.
“Kim Niki,” he introduced himself again, this time more confidently.
“Does that house belong to your father?” Jimin asked, piecing things together.
“Obviously,” Bora interjected.
“Oh! Okay, okay!” Jimin’s face lit up with realization.
The four of them exchanged glances, laughter mingling with newfound connections, as the warmth of friendship began to blossom around Niki. Little did they know, this was just the beginning of an exciting summer filled with adventures, revelations, and the bonds they would form together.
