"So you're just gonna keep playing house with Kai? One whisper and I'll expose your little secret. You know what I want, and deep down, you're begging for it."
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"You think I'd ever give in to you? You're just a cocky bully."
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"A bully...
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Chapter one
✶----✶----✶
He loved relationships
Every bit of it.
But when it came to his best friend Kyara.
He detested it.
Jimin sat across from his best friend, Kyara, his eyes drawn to the harsh red handprint circling her neck.
The bruises made his heartache. "Kyara, what happened?" he asked, concern flooding his voice.
She shrugged, a mischievous smile creeping onto her lips. "It doesn't matter. I had the best night of my life!"
Jimin raised an eyebrow, his fork pausing mid-air. "Best night? Really? You mean getting bruised?"
"Yeah! I met him at that bar downtown," she said, her eyes sparkling. "We hit it off instantly. It was like fireworks! We danced, talked, and things just... escalated."
"Escalated? Those marks look pretty serious!" Jimin leaned in, worry etched on his face. "Kyara, are you sure he's treating you right?"
She waved her hand dismissively, laughter spilling from her lips. "Jimin, it was passionate! We were lost in the moment. I don't want to focus on my past relationship anymore. I want to start over"
"Passionate is one thing, but those marks look aggressive," he said, his voice low. "After everything you went through with your ex, you should be with someone who knows how to be gentle. You need someone who cherishes you."
Kyara's smile faltered, and she looked down at the table. "I get it. But this feels different. He's not like my ex. It was just... exciting, you know?"
"Exciting shouldn't come with bruises," Jimin insisted gently. "You deserve better than that. I want you to feel safe and loving, not roughed and wounded."
"Okay, okay! I hear you," she said, a hint of frustration in her voice. "But I promise I'll be careful. Let's change the subject. Tell me is there someone? What about that new girl in your history class? Is she as cute as everyone says?"
Jimin let out a small sigh, grateful for the distraction but still bothered by their earlier conversation. "Well, there is someone... but it's complicated."
Kyara's eyes lit up. "Ooh, tell me more! You can't just drop that bomb and not explain!"
He hesitated, glancing around to make sure no one was listening. "Okay, but you can't tell anyone. I've been seeing someone... a guy."
