People Like Us [BTS Jungkook Fanfiction]

제 16 장 : 아프지마

JI POV

After walking home early that day, I realized that my emotions have been more scrambled and my condition has been worsening. I wasn't doing well in school and I only smile when needed. It wasn't something that I wished to happen and I want to change it. But the feeling of wanting to change has been swallowed up by anxiety and pain. I was far too hurt by the constant hateful comments people gave me.

I couldn't do anything about it. I was weak and I wanted to change. I wanted to become strong. But I've lost all my strength..

JK POV

Jung Ji may not seem to know but I actually notice that she's changed. She isn't the usual and cheery Jung Ji I know. She's been keeping a straight face more and more and she barely laughs. I want to know what's happening to her. I wanna help her. I'm her bestfriend aren't I? She needs me and I have to take action.

I pick up my phone which lay beside me on my bed. I searched my contacts for her name and pressed it. I waited for her to answer the call.

JJ : Hello?

JK : Hey J. It's me..

Jj: Oh..hey Kook. What is it?

Jk: I know youre not okay. What's happening Ji? Please tell me. I'm your bestfriend, aren't I? You can trust me.

Jj: I'm sorry, Kook. Not now.

She then hung up. I don't understand why she won't tell me anything. I want to help her with whatever is bothering her. Her grades have been dropping because of this issue she has too. I need to see her.

I sighed, stood up and walked to Namjoon hyung's room. I knocked and waited for him to open up. I had to ask him how I could help Ji. I can't just leave her like that. I can't just leave her broken and troubled.

Namjoon hyung then opened up and said, "Hey maknae. Do you need anything?" I nodded, frowning a bit. He moved aside and let me in. We sat down and he told me to explain. I explained the situation and he looked worried. "That's not good. Have you tried talking to her?" "Awhile ago. On the phone because I couldn't find time to meet her since we're busy with the comeback." He shook his head. "Go meet up with her this friday. You have to talk to her properly. She should open up that way." I nodded and thanked hyung. He smiled and told me to sleep and think about it tomorrow.

I went back to my room, only lie awake with a troubled mind. I couldn't sleep with my bestfriend like that. Who knows what she might be doing to herself? All I could hope for now is that she isn't self-harming and that she's still taking care of herself. I took a deep breath and turn around. I try to find a comfortable position to sleep in but to no avail. I'm really worried.

***

Days have passed, it's friday. Ji and I have agreed to meet at the cafe near school. She was skeptical about our meeting at first but she agreed nevertheless. I couldn't stay still as I waited for her. She has to come, I thought. And she did. She came a few minutes after the waiter had served our drinks. I waved at her as she went in the cafe. She gave me a small smile which I knew was forced. Her eyes revealed everything. I knew I had to force whatever is bothering her, out of her. She wasn't exactly an easy person to open up.

She sat in front of me and took a sip from her coffee. "So, why did you invite me here?" She casually asked. I bit my lip, "Ji, we have to talk. As in talk." She looked at me confused, "Is this about that phone call? If so then I should get going. I'm perfectly fine, Jungkook." "If youre perfectly fine then you wouldn't avoid me and go, Jung Ji. I'm serious. I know something's happening and you won't tell me. Please..I can help. I want to help. I'm your friend, Ji."

She sighed, "Jungkook, as much as I treasure you as a friend this problem of mine something that does need you to be involved. I don't want to burden you anymore." She stood up, attempting to leave. But I wasn't letting her go just like that. I immediately grabbed her hand and pulled her towards me. "Ji, don't go. I don't care if this problem of yours will be a burden or whatnot. I want to help you. I'm not just letting you leave like this..broken. I need the old cheerful Ji back. Please Jung Ji, let me help." I looked at her with pleading eyes, desperate to help her regain her life. She looked away and thought for awhile, "Just this once. Okay, Jungkook? Just this once." I gave her a soft and genuine smile, "Fine. But I make no promises that I'll only help you once because no matter what happens, I'm your friend. Always will be." I pulled her into a hug and nuzzled my face into her neck, smiling.
***

It's currently 6:47pm. Ji and I have been discussing her problems and I was shocked when I heard about it. But I really wanted to help her. So I decided that I'll put a stop to this on monday but for now, she needs rest. We're in Bangtan's dorm and luckily the hyungs aren't that noisy so she could actually get some rest here. She hasn't been sleeping much lately since she's troubled and bags have been appearing under her eyes.

I led Ji to my room and told her to go lie down and get some sleep. She obeyed but said, "Kook, can you..not go? I..I have.." I looked at her confused, "what is it?" "I might have another nightmare. Can you stay?" She said, mumbling the last parts although I caught what it was. I smiled, "Sure." I sat down on the edge of my bed and watched her get comfy under the sheets. She mumbled, "Could you stay beside me?" I chuckled and nodded at her innocence. I couldnt resist the smile that tugged on my lips, she was being as cute as ever. I made my way next to her and lay down. I gently caressed her hair and said, "Go on and sleep. I'll be here when you wake. I'll protect you." I couldnt stop the words as they flew out of my mouth. I didnt regret them though, it made her smile and hide under the sheets. She mumbled a small thank you. And I heard her soft breathing turning into soft snores as she dreamt away from the harsh pain of reality that she was facing mainly because of me.

I didn't want her to get hurt because of me but she wants to risk it. She wants to risk everything, even her happiness, just to be friends with a mere k-idol like me. It's like she knew my struggle; not having friends because I was always too busy and I had no time for them. She didn't care though, she even made time for me even if she was tired. She wanted to support and be with me, every step of the way. She wasn't that type of person who just comes and goes. She was a person of her word. She was loyal and caring. And I knew that I could never find anyone like her again.

I just wished that I'd be able to keep her..that I'd be able to make her safe. But i knew that it was impossible. That someday, these ties would break and drift away. I just hoped that it'd last..I just hoped..because that was all that I can do.

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