The Last Boy Scout

44

The cool September breeze ruffles my coconut brown hair as I walk along the side of the clear river. Memories of the deep conversations I shared with Namjoon here at the same park fill my head. I try to shake them off, but a little part of me enjoys the small little details of the way he would look at me with an expression of relief on his face. We would explain the problems and worries we had; Leader and Maknae, and Namjoon hyung would always give a helping word of encouragement and make his rocks skip further than mine.

I pick up a small stone and admire its smooth texture as it lay there, inanimate in my soft hand.

I breathe in deeply. Today is the first day of September, Namjoon hyung's birthday is also in September, as well as many of our comebacks and album releases. Why, out of all months, was I born in September? I could've been born late in August, but the simple thought of that brought nostalgia and a handful of Yoongi's witty remarks.

I rub the pebble between my thumb and forefinger. I place it on the side of my palm and am about to throw it onto the surface of the river, when my phone vibrates. I send the rock flying four times across the water: four members who enlisted already.

I fish my phone out of the pocket of my overcoat. I squint my eyes because the sun is creating a glare in the screen's reflection.

Seokyeon: turn around

I do as she texted me to do, and I'm greeted by a warm, tight squeeze. Her hair smells of sweet tea and the way she holds me there with her petite figure reminds me of the way Jimin would hug me after a long concert.

I pat Seokyeon on the back and quickly let go. She stares up at me and claps her hands. "Happy birthday," she smiles and clutches her peach satchel. Peach is one of Jimin's favorite eyeshadow tints.

"Thank you," I bow and laugh. "How did you know I was here?"

Seokyeon winks. Jimin winks like that all the time. "I know you come here on special days, or just for a walk. I figured you'd be here."

My cheeks feel warmer. Jimin used to-

No. Stop it, Jungkook you aren't helping anything.

"Anyway, I thought I would check to see if you were here on my way home." Seokyeon continues. "I got you something, by the way,"

"What? You di-"

"It's nothing special," she admits. "But I think you'll like it anyway. Here," Seokyeon pulls out a small little box and handed it to me. Our hands brushed for a moment as she placed the gift in my palm.

"Open it when you get back home," Seokyeon grins.

"Why did you get me this?" I wonder. "You didn't have to get me anything,"

"Of course I did!" Seokyeon closes her bag. "You're one of my close friends, it's the least I could do."

One of my close friends, my eyes go wide. Did she just-

"Well, I should be on my way now," Seokyeon bows and starts to head her way.

"Wait," I grab her wrist like I've seen Jimin do before. I didn't care. I pull her into another embrace and hug her as tight as I can, without hurting her. Hugging her made me feel less alone. I enjoyed the me time, but Taehyung was right. I needed someone to be here with me. Everyone close to me is either gone or far away. Seokyeon is the closest friend I have.

"Ah, Jungkook, you're hugging me too tigh-"

"Sorry, sorry," I release her and she just laughs.

"It's alright," she fixes her jacket. "I know you needed it."

I stare at the ground because she is right.

"Hey," she looks up at me again. "If you need anyone, I'm here. Just because I'm a girl doesn't mean I can't do things. Please just talk to me if you need it,"

I almost feel like crying. Even if she is younger than me by a few years she seems so much older, in a caring type of way.

"Enjoy your gift, even if it's just something little I found." She pats my shoulder. "Text me once you have the time to open it,"

"Alright, I'll do that," I smile as she skips back to her car and waves back to me. I can't help but smile and wave back.

Back in the apartment, I place the small gift box on the shiny countertop. What could be inside?

I carefully rip off the wrapping paper that was neatly taped around a small white box. I slowly take off the lid and lift the fluffy object out of the box: it's a brown little teddy bear wearing cute lumber boots that look like the ones I usually wear. It's wearing a white t-shirt and small jeans. My mouth forms into a dumb, wide smile. At the bottom of the box, there's a gold chain with a pendant. I pick it up in my hands and suint my eyes to see what the pendant read; 갈매기 [seagull]. I unclasp the hook of the bracelet and place it around the teddy bear.

At the bottom of the box was a card attached to it. How did Seokyeon have the time to do all this? This wasn't considered a small gift to me. This was so thoughtful. I open the card which had a palm tree on it;

정국 오빠,

생일 축하! 나는이 선물이 어리석은 것을 안다, 어쨌든 당신이 좋아하길 바래요. 우리는 몇 달 동안 만 친구가되었습니다, 하지만 우리가 잠시 친구가 된 것처럼 느껴집니다. 너를 닮았 기 때문에 나는 너에게이 곰을 주기로 결정했다, 외로움을 느끼면 슬프게도 그걸 말하거나 안아주세요. 너를 안전하고 행복한 생일로 바란다.

에서, 석연 <3

I smile uncontrollably. This was the sweetest thing I've gotten as a birthday gift.

There's just one problem...

Does Seokyeon really only think of me as one of her 'close friends' ?

---

Translation:

Jungkook Oppa,

Happy birthday! I know this gift is silly, but I hope you like it anyway. We've only been friends for a few months but I feel like we've been friends for awhile. I decided to give you this teddy bear because it looks like you and if you feel lonely, you can talk to it and hug it if you are sad. I wish you a good birthday and to stay safe.

From, Park Seokyeon <3

{Author's Note: pardon my broken Korean :,D,}