ghostly ➳ kim taehyung

thirteen; "i was right"

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Almost as though nothing ever happened, everything returns back to normal. 

Chaewon wakes up bright and early on a Monday morning, instantly finding herself sighing in annoyance at Yejun's babyish cries from outside about Subin taking too long in the bathroom. There's a cereal bar and a glass of orange juice on her bedside table, along with a messy note from her mom reminding her to bring her key to school because her parents are going out for a meal together after work. Everything seems, feels, and looks normal. 

But there's a lingering sense of confusion creeping in the back of Chaewon's mind; at this early hour, she still can't quite distinguish whether the other day's occurrence actually happened or that she dreamt it.

Then it all comes back to her in a whirlwind of thoughts. She remembers Taehyung's tragic story and her promise to him. And then everything no longer feels normal. 

❁

"Hey, Chaewon," Jimin greets with his usual smile as he finishes locking up. "How you feeling?" 

"I was right." 

Jimin frowns, pushing his newly dyed hair away from his eyes. "What?" 

"About Taehyung. I was totally right. I knew I was." 

He glances at her sceptically, readjusting his grip on his school backpack. Disbelief is evident on his expression but Chaewon is too preoccupied with the excitement of proving him wrong to notice.

"Chae," he sighs, slowing down a bit despite them already being slightly late. "You can't seriously expect me to believe that you're friends with a ghost, do you?" 

"I kinda expected that. But I'm going to prove it to you, I swear. He doesn't know how to come back and I'm going to help him by falling in love and--"

"Chaewon," Jimin cuts her off. "You sound crazy. Slow down a little."

"Right," she sighs and exhales deeply, before beginning her long tale of what occurred a few days prior. 

❁

Chaewon had totally not considered what she was planning to do concerning Yeongsu, the boy who has evident feelings towards her that she might've even returned. She promised another boy that she would fall in love with him less than forty-eight hours ago, how exactly was she going to explain that to Yeongsu the next time he makes a move? 

"Hey, tutor. I've been thinking, I think I need extra sessions, I don't want to fall behind so close to exams. What do you think?" 

Chaewon looks up slowly from her textbook and quietly sighs. Why does he have to be so good looking? It just makes everything more difficult.

"Um, I'm kinda busy studying for exams too. I don't really have much time to tutor these days."

"But please!" Yeongsu whines and childishly pouts. "You're a good teacher. Better than any of the ones here." 

"I can hear you, kid!" Mr Choi calls from the front of the class where he's sat marking some papers. 

Yeongsu ignores him and drags the nearest chair towards her desk, instantly sitting down beside her.

"Look, I'm sorry if you feel a bit awkward with your dad being there or something--"

"It's not that," Chaewon cuts him off. "I just think we should stay away from each other a little more. Not that I don't want to see you or anything, it's just that I feel as though we spend too much time together. You're at my house practically every few days."

Yeongsu stares at her for a few moments before sighing and making that face that makes her instantly feel bad. 

"If that's what you want, Chae." 

"I'm sorry. I wish I could explain more," she mumbles. "Anyways, that doesn't mean I'm going to stop tutoring you. When's our next session?" 

❁

"Chaewon, can I come in?" A familiar voice asks from behind the door. 

"Yes. It's open!" She calls back and within a matter of seconds, Taehyung has hesitantly walked inside. 

"Hello," he greets and stands uncomfortably near the corner of the room. Chaewon sighs for what feels like the thousandth time today.

"You don't need to be so awkward around me. Nothing has changed -- well, it kinda has -- but still, please don't feel awkward. I'm not mad at you or anything." 

"Nothing about this is normal, though, Chaewon."

"So?" She chuckles. "Life isn't normal, Tae." 

"That was pretty deep," he remarks and then just like normal, they both laugh. 

A selfish part of Chaewon wishes that Taehyung had never told her what he did. She wishes that their friendship and bond hadn't been altered by his dark secret. She wishes he was normal. She hates herself for thinking it but she can't help natural emotions. 

"I got you a present, by the way," he states and for the first time since he entered, Chaewon notices the medium sized box behind his back.

"You can shop?" She asks and he chuckles.

"It's complicated. I'll explain another day."

"Wait, why did you buy me a present?" She asks curiously as he heads towards her and holds it out using both hands, waiting for her to accept. 

"For screwing up your life, making you feel like a crazy woman, the list goes on."

"Don't be silly, it's not your fault you, like, died." 

Before she even has the chance to regret her words, Taehyung laughs and pushes the box towards her slightly. "Here, take it." 

She eyes him suspiciously before retrieving it and carrying it towards her bed where she sits and begins to unwrap it. As soon as the item becomes visible, a large grin covers her face. 

"A perfume maker kit," she laughs. "You remembered." 

Taehyung smiles at her softly. "Of course I did." 

❁

author's note: oh my goodness, sorry I've been gone for so long!

I've been super busy with school and stuff and I just needed to take a bit of a break. 

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and New Years! 

- Anna x