Paper Cranes | Park Jimin

18: Stoplight

Her weak body lying on the hospital bed was something I couldn't get out of my head even after a week had passed. During the days that had blurred by and the times that Jimin and I had been together with each other as per usual, I feigned knowledge about Chaerin.

At least because of that, our interactions were still normal. And at least from Jimin's perspective, nothing was wrong.

"Stop spacing out," I chided myself, hitting my head on my palm repeatedly and swept my fringe out of my forehead as I placed my focus back to the lecturer in front.

Mr. Yun was going over about proper element placing and visual distractions while writing down on the board for better understanding. His words entered one ear and left through the other, and evidently, there was no use for me to listen.

So instead, I just copied what was on the board and jotted down whatever he said. At least most of what I could catch, thanks to Mr. Yun talking in a regular speed.

When class was finally over, I sped out of the hallways. If it weren't for the deadly slap on my back, I wouldn't have noticed that Hira had been calling for my name whilst trailing behind me.

"I have a feeling you should confront Jimin about this. It sounds definitely like he's cheating on you," Hira stated, making weird scary noises as if we were going to enter a haunted house.

"And I have a feeling that you missed the point that Jimin and I are not a thing," I retaliated.

She chuckled. "I'm just saying," she emphasized. "That if it bothers you so much, you should talk to him about it. Simple as that!"

"It doesn't bother me, okay?" I gave her a pointed expression.

"Keep telling that to yourself then." She caressed my hair, her eyes mocking me as if I were a pitiful child. "It's okay, I understand that after accepting your feelings, this next step is taking a toll on you."

I blew a raspberry, rolling my eyes. "I couldn't really tell if you're teasing me or trying to lift my spirits."

"I'm doing both!" she enthusiastically declared.

"Yah!" I shrieked, pulling away from her and rubbing the arm she had just slapped. "What was that—" I stopped on my tracks. "...for?"

"What? Did you feel the air get knocked out of your lungs just at the sight of him?" I elbowed her and she laughed. "You're so defensive."

I opened my mouth for a comeback when she stood in front of me.

"Well, I'm heading the other way. I'll see you around then." She waved her hand at me dismissively. Glancing over her shoulder, she raised her arm and swayed it in the air. "Hey, Jimin!"

I buried my head on my hand when she yelled his name so loud that it also probably caught the attention of the people around. She was doing it on purpose and I was so tempted to squeeze the life out of her.

When I lifted my head back up, Jimin was already approaching us. Hira waved dismissively at Jimin.

"See you two around! Bye!" She smiled at me sinisterly then ambled away. I inhaled through gritted teeth. She better not show me her face for the meantime or I swear I'd let her wear Yoongi's trash bag clothes before hurling her to a bin.

"Is she in a hurry?" Jimin asked as we both watched Hira disappear into the crowd.

I shrugged. "Who knows."

Immediately, I started on my heel, and Jimin followed beside me. I concealed the frown about to form on my face.

"What about you? What were you standing there for?" I was pertaining to where he initially stood before Hira called for him.

"I was actually waiting for you," he proudly said, the corner of his lips tugging up. "You're heading home right?"

I simply nodded in response.

We went past the gates, and now we were out in the streets. Jimin and I walked in silence and I took my time to admire the afternoon weather. The transition from autumn to winter slowly commencing.

It was rather calming as if nature was enticing my spirit to drift into the breeze and float freely out of my body.

But a strong force pulled me back to my senses. I gaped at Jimin, perplexed and my eyes fell to where his hand rested.

He freed my arm and sighed, shaking his head. "Red light," he said, and when my eyes landed on the stoplight, my mouth formed into an 'o'.

Slightly embarrassed, I hugged my arms and mumbled, "Sorry."

Jimin chuckled, closing the gap between our sides and messed with my hair. Thankfully, the green light flashed and we continued our walk.

"Is anything wrong? You sound so deflated, but I couldn't tell if you're just on the other side of yourself. But it also doesn't seem like it," Jimin voiced out.

I halted, turning to my side so I was facing Jimin. I blankly stared at him and pulled on the straps of my backpack, as if they'd be my life support for what was to come.

"Do you miss her?" I blurted out. I couldn't hold it in anymore.

Jimin squinted his eyes quizzically. Then his eyes rounded, getting my point.

I forced a smile out. "If you're going to ask how I know, then I'm telling you that it doesn't matter where I found out."

He seemed at loss for words. Like a dog caught for ruining the carpet. His mouth parted, but closed shut a second after.

"It's cool." I mentally laughed. Of course it's cool. Why would it be not? I wheezed a breath out, watching it rise in visible puffs. "I wish she wakes up soon."

"I'm sorry," was all Jimin said. But it humored me. Why did he even have to apologize? "I don't know what you're thinking but—"

He was silenced by my chuckle.

"You don't need to explain," I assured him. "Just make sure you don't confuse your feelings for Chaerin when you're with me." I laughed at how my words sounded so absurd and foolish.

Jimin gave me a hard gaze, and my insides shivered. The seriousness ensuing alarmed me.

So I held two hands up in defense.

"Kidding!" I exclaimed, smirking mischievously at him, and he looked taken aback. "That just sounds like something cool to say right now."

Forthwith, I whirled away and walked straight ahead, keeping myself composed.

It was so ironic how I couldn't let it go, yet after getting to the point later on, I just did. But then, jokes are half meant true anyway.