Chapter 3: Lost Boy

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The first address In Na checked was Suga's, since it was closest, but there was no answer. In Na even asked one of his neighbors if they had seen him, but it had been several days since he had been around. With no other leads to go on she left for the next boy on the list which was Jimin.

As she started the trek to his apartment she stared up at the night sky annoyed that all the stars were hidden. Everything seemed to have gotten darker since that day, from the people around her to even everyday life.

"Oppa am I doing the right thing?" she muttered to the sky.

"You really wanted me to do this didn't you? Or was that just a fantasy?" she questioned with a hitch in her voice.

Shaking off the tears that were working their way to the surface In Na picked up her pace down the street determined to see through what she started. She was only a few blocks from Jimin's place when she spotted a familiar figure stepping out of an alley and towards the street. At first In Na thought she was mistaken about who it was, but as an on coming car's headlights lit his face she stumbled into action.

"Jungkook!" she yelled.

He didn't reply.

The boy just stood there in the street as a car blared its horn at him to move. What was that fool thinking?

In Na was certain she wasn't going to reach him on time, but somehow she managed to grab the back of his jacket and yanked him back onto the sidewalk. Panting she jumped in front of the boy, grabbed his shoulders and studied his face. It looked like he had been in a fight, the corner of his mouth was bloody and there was a gash on his cheek. Despite his condition the boy looked indifferent, like nothing mattered.

"Jungkook, what has gotten into you?" In Na questioned.

"Noona," he said.

"Jungkook, what happened? Are you okay?" she pressed on.

There was a flash of something In Na didn't recognize that crossed his face, then he brushed her hands off as he stepped away from her.

"Jungkook," she said reaching for him again.

He swatted her hand aside.

"I'm fine noona," he said.

"You just stepped into traffic," she countered.

"It was a mistake. I was lost in thought," he lied.

In Na clenched her hands at her sides wanting to slap the younger boy, but that wasn't going to make the situation any better, so she settled for stomping her foot.

"Don't give me that crap!" she yelled.

Jungkook's gaze widened at her, whether it was for her raised tone or the fact she just swore in front of him for the first time she wasn't sure. Her curse surprised even her, and probably would have stunned Jin. In Na never swore when he was around.

"Noona?" he said.

"Do you know how upset Jin would be if he saw you just then? Do you?" she challenged.

Jungkook's lips pursed together as his gaze darkened at her. "Of course I know! I'm his friend," he yelled back.

"Then why did you do it?" she said.

"Why does noona even care?" he fought.

In Na couldn't control herself as she slapped the boy across the face. The tears that she had been holding back spilled down her face as she stared at Jungkook. He gritted his teeth as he turned back to her ready to shout some retort, but In Na wasn't backing down.

In Na smacked his chest repeatedly as she cried out, "I know you're upset. You're hurt, and lost, but you're not alone you stupid boy. There are the others and me! We're here, so don't be so selfish. Jin would never forgive us if something happened. So you can't go! You can't leave too."

In Na gripped the front of his shirt as she sobbed out her beg. Her hands shook as she held onto the boy like she could keep him grounded if she didn't let him go, or was it to keep herself together. In Na couldn't be sure, not with the raging emotions inside her.

Jungkook stood frozen for several minutes while the girl clung to him crying. There was a breathy peep that left him as he dropped his head onto her shoulder. The action caused In Na's cries to slow as she waited for his response.

"Sorry noona," he sniffed. "I'm sorry, really sorry."

Breathing out the frustration In Na released his shirt front and wrapped her arms around him patting his back. "I know. It's going to be okay," she said.

"How do you know?" he questioned.

"Because it has to be," she replied.

Standing up straight Jungkook pulled away from In Na and turned in the direction she had come from. Suddenly seeming calm and composed he said, "It's late. I'll walk you home."

"Okay," she said.

As they walked the younger boy kept up a string of questions to fill the late night silence.

"Why were you out here anyway?" he asked.

"I went to visit Suga, but he wasn't home. Have you seen him?" she said.

"He's probably held up at that motel," he sighed.

"Can you tell me where it is?" she asked.

"Why?"

"I want to check on him."

"Why?"

"Jungkook!" she scolded.

"Okay, I'll tell you noona," he caved.

"Thank you," she said.

"But only because Jin-hyung would want me to," he stated.

"I know."

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