Try-Hard, Sin Harder

7. The Lion and the Lamb

 "So, what did you guys want to talk about?"

 "You," said Jimin. "There were a couple of things we wanted to ask since we didn't get a chance to on Saturday." 

 "Alright, then. Ask away." 

 We turned down the corner of the street, slipping through the crowd of people as if they were water. Odd, I usually would have to push myself through. I noticed that some people seemed to be purposely moving out of the way to let us pass, and each had the same look of uncertainty and fear splayed across their faces. Jimin turned my attention away from the crowd by leaning over and whispering in my ear. "Ignore them," he told me, and stood up straight again. "You met Taehyung while he was trying to steal from the convenience store we passed a while back, that much we know. What we don't know is why you would go out of your way to spend the last of your money on him." 

 I took three more steps before I answered. "I'm not sure." 

 "You're not sure?" Namjoon inquired. 

 I nodded. When it was followed by silence, I let out a sigh. "When I first saw V in the convenience store, he had this strange look in his eye. It was as if he were trying to figure me out; trying to predict my next move. He was defensive, and there was no trust in his gaze. I knew that he had very few people in his life that he relied on, if any at all. I think I just wanted to show him that he doesn't need to think everyone's out to get him. So, I bought him the candy and the doll." 

 "And when you injured your leg, you just let him bring you back to his apartment?" Jimin asked. 

 "Not exactly," I replied. "it was more like I didn't have another option. From where we were in the park, it would have taken too much time for me to make it back to my apartment and wrap my leg up myself. I couldn't walk by myself, and I was worried trying to go alone would only make the damage worse. On top of that, V was so persistent in repaying me for what I'd done, I didn't want him feeling like he owed me anything." 

 "Then Jin found you, fixed your leg, and made you breakfast?" 

 "Then Jin found me, fixed my leg, and made me breakfast," I echoed. "Now I feel like I owe him, too. He went above and beyond to help a complete stranger." 

 "Well," Namjoon said. "didn't you?" 

 "I don't see how buying some candy and a doll for someone is really helping them," I answered. 

 "You'd be surprised." Jimin let out a sigh, stretching his arms above his head as we crossed the sidewalk. "I hope you got all of that," he said to Namjoon. 

 Namjoon placed a hand on his chest in mocked insult. "Of course I did, my memory is flawless. I'm a certified genius, you know." 

 "More like certified narcissist and pain in my ass," Jimin grumbled. 

 I laughed. "Seems like you two are pretty close." 

 "Close isn't the word I would use," said Jimin. "Is this your apartment?" 

 "Yes," I replied. "feel free to come in." 

  They followed me through the gate, and up the stone steps to the first floor. Suddenly, I felt very self-conscious about wearing a skirt, and silently cursed myself for not changing into the clothing I had in my backpack. When I glanced over my shoulder, Jimin's eyes were glued to the floor and Namjoon was staring off at something down the road. He seemed almost bored. I released the breath I didn't know I was holding; at least they had the decency to look away. Quickly, I bounded up the last step, and turned right. 

 The apartment door next to mine was wide open. A man stood leaning against the stone bricks making up half of the wall, the warm spring air rustled through his hair as he sipped from the mug in his hands. Since our apartment building was not enclosed like most others in the area, he didn't have to do more than step outside his door to get some fresh air. He noticed us approaching from the corner of his eye. "Afternoon, Ji," I greeted him.