destiny | jungkook

4.04.04

It was only the start of spring's bloom but summer had already begun to send signs of it's approach. The sun sent warm comforting rays and the roads were decorated with colorful borders of wild flowers. Thin featherlike clouds hovered a small town and floated beyond the lake lying in its outskirts. Among the grassy fields of this small town were two figures. They strolled side by side; their steps coinciding with the other.

The clock seemed to tick faster every year they grew. Fourteen. At fifteen most children would be "shipped" off to serve the government or train for their "special" role in society. However, considering the smallness and distance of their town from city communities, the government found it unnecessary to equip students from such an isolated location. The amount of freedom they had at hand was a gift they were unaware of.

Sighs occasionally escaped each of their lips, until the girl decided to speak up,

"Jungkook, where are we going?" She asked tugging at the pockets of her cargo shorts. She was dressed casually: a white t-shirt, baggy cargo shorts, and black converse. Effortless, she dressed like one of the boys. Her choices were arbitrary, she had no reason to dress the way she did or say things how she said them. Everything about her was random and odd but that's what drew the boy to her.

"Reese, it's supposed to be a surprise. A Late birthday gift." Jungkook smiled, peering down at his unique friend. He was a tall boy for his age. A majority of the men in their town stopped growing at 5,6. But everyone knew this boy would be much taller, stronger, and braver than the rest.

The corners of Reese's lips tugged into a smile, as she couldn't help it. Her cheeks as pink like the Aquilegia flowers that were soon to be in bloom.

Reese and Jungkook were your typical best friends since birth. They were so close to the extent that if one wanted to run away, the other would have no hesitation to run away with them. Until, a few months before Reese's fourteenth birthday, she made an important decision to distance herself from her friend. She knew, friendship between a girl and boy would inevitably lead to something more. The weight on her chest was growing so heavy it was pulling her down. His smile, his laugh, his eyes, his hair, the way he poked her cheek, the way he held her tight when she would cry; everything about him triggered this growing feeling she was desperate to erase. He was her best friend, that was that. She couldn't put any more emphasis on "best friend"; that's what he was and would always be.

Jungkook grabbed her wrist and began sprinting, sending a wave of exhilaration through the both of them. The two toppled over dry dirt and fields of blossoming white flowers as the heat stuck to their skin. They were happy.

"Yah! Jungkook-ah !"

"Why do you speak so informally. You know I'm older than you. I'm your oppa."

"Funny."

Jungkook laughed as he watched his best friend panting from their little sprint. Reese used to run with him more often, and he was beginning to miss her. They used to be close, but she was drifting away.

"Close your eyes."

"Are you joking me right now?" She raised a brow and crossed her arms across her chest. Innocent and bold. A peculiar combination.

"Just listen to me, for once?" He made a slight pout causing the girl to roll her eyes.

"Okay, fine. But if I die in your arms, you're giving my family your wealth portion." She chuckled at her remark.

"Yeah, yeah. Let's go." The girl squeezed her eyes tightly as the boy wrapped his fingers around her wrist. He pulled her close. In fact, they were so close in proximity that it was enough to rise the blood to his cheeks. Thank goodness her eyes are closed, he thought.

Reese cherished this moment. Despite her shut eyes, she imagined the scenery Jungkook was witnessing alone. She pictured the birds above them chirping sweet songs and the tall grass that itched her legs and the white daisies they had passed earlier.

When they came to an abrupt stop, she imagined Jungkook's wide smile despite his trembling fingers which rattled against her skin. Something he did when he was nervous.

"Open."And she did.

Reese's heart thumped loudly and she pressed her palm against her chest. Her heart was on the verge of bursting. She felt as if they had traveled back in time. She was 10 again and Lily was still alive. Lily was the boy's younger sister who was extremely attached to Reese. Lily looked up to her like a real sister. When the three of them were still together, they spent most of their time playing, giggling, and imagining at an abandoned tree house close to the lake. The tree house was their space ship, their submarine, their time machine. However, after a disastrous wildfire the treehouse was burned and its structure was left in ashes. The three were more than devastated. However more misfortune was yet to come. A year later, Lily had a heart malfunction. Before the doctors could do anything, it was too late. Reese wouldn't stop crying for weeks; her tail was gone. So, to comfort her, Jungkook promised he would rebuild the treehouse again one day. Those happy and heartbreaking memories that were slowly fading were suddenly rekindled by Jungkook's surprise.

"You- dude you actually kept your promise?"

"Yeah," he kicked the dirt, nervously.

"Thank you, I love this gift so much. Jungkook, I'm really thankful." Unable to control her emotions Reese pulled the boy into a warm embrace. Reluctantly, Jungkook wrapped his arms around her small yet strong frame and indulged himself in a moment he knew would not last long.

"I'm really glad you liked it." He whispered.

authors note:

well. this will get better i promise. :))) thanks to all those who are reading and have commented. i love all the feedback!!!