Unbearable | Jeon Jungkook

three

Distant

"How about this? I want to buy one," Eunhye excitedly pointed out the photo of the novel's front cover saved on her phone while reading the title out loud. "Paper Towns..."

Jungkook's eyebrows rose, "The book is written in English. Learn the language first before ordering the book."

My cousin playfully frowned and retorted, "I can understand English well enough, Jungkook. Of all people, you should be the one encouraging me to learn more about this language."

"Kidding," he laughed it off as he threw an arm over Eunhye's shoulder. "I know you're smart but let's admit it or not, your weakness is English."

"Stop it!"

We are on our way to the mall's mini bookstore at the second floor. It's our last stop for today since time is running and both my cousin and I are supposed to head home before six.

As usual, I feel awkward again. With Eunhye and Jungkook so close to one another, I seemed like I'm an outcast walking on my own in the shopping mall. They chat with me, but honestly I'm the one who always cuts off and ends the conversation quickly because I feel really... upset? Is that the correct word to describe my feelings? I feel left out, and maybe quite jealous of my cousin.

"Hyo, have you read Paper Towns?" She suddenly inquired.

I whipped my head to look at her and forced out a small smile, "I've seen the movie, but haven't read the book..."

Eunhye loves reading. Any genre will do. She's a bookworm just like Soobin and always eager to read stories in English language. She's smart, yes, but like what Jungkook said—her weak point is English. Eunhye is the total opposite of me! She loves books, while I'm in love with make up and clothes. I like English (it's the only subject I get an A, so naturally it's my favorite) and she hates it.

The bookstore here doesn't sell books in English. Only short novels in Korean and mostly magazines full of artists, cosmetics, clothing brands and the like. So, if ever Eunhye would like to buy Paper Towns, she still has to order one from another place or shopping mall.

"Don't buy Paper Towns," Jungkook grabbed his phone from his pocket and seemed to scroll until he clicked. "Buy this instead, baby."

He extended his arm for my cousin to see the screen. I didn't even dare to glance at it; I don't want to ruin their moment and besides, they're just talking about books.

"Fifty Shades of Grey..."

My uninterested expression turned into a surprised one, my lips parting a bit in shock as I immediately stepped closer to them and checked Jungkook's phone. In his screen showed the front cover of the novel.

"Hyori, is the story good? Better than Paper Towns?" Eunhye innocently asked.

I scowled and slapped Jungkook's hand away who only laughed. I sighed, rolling my eyes, "Paper Towns is a hundred times better, trust me."

"So it means you've read Fifty Shades of Grey? What's the genre? And why does the front cover looks so dark? Is it a thriller?"

She kept bombarding me with questions full of innocence and interest but my scowl only deepened. Jungkook was still chuckling by himself and I swear, if I wasn't in a public place I've already kicked him all the way to another planet.