Stigma #3 » k.th ✓

seven

Start of classes. Since I enrolled myself as undecided, my schedule is pretty hectic. They included Philosophy, Social Sciences, History, Psychology; even Music—just the general subjects they think I’d be suited for. I went up to the first room, the one on the third floor.

Then I wondered in my seat, would it be so wrong to sit in a room with a bunch of students who already have an idea of what they plan to work as in their future? It’s making me feel down on myself, like I haven’t found out my purpose for in my life. Nothing seems to interest me, other than taking care of Lisa.

“Is this seat taken?” I look up to see a guy around my age, placing his hand on top of the desk. Sure, why not? He’s just a guy. Now I won’t have to worry about the girls trying to flirt their way to me.

“No, go ahead,” The conversation has been initiated. I faced him sidewards, holding my hand out. “I’m Kim Taehyung. You can call me Tae.”

He stared weirdly at the positioning of my hand and reluctantly replied. “Yoongi.” He grabbed my hand to do a different handshake; one that’s usually done by people who are close to each other. Does this mean, I don't have to be formal all the time? “What are you majoring in?” Ah. The most anticipated question to be asked by strangers.

“I–I’m undecided.”

He just chuckles like it was the most unusual thing to hear. “Let me guess, parents and their controlling ways got to you?”

“N–No,” It went from major to family that quick. I couldn’t keep up. “I just haven’t really thought about mine yet.”

The smile on his face faded. He rubbed his nose before he hesitantly apologized under his breath. “Sorry. I thought you were the same like someone I know..”

I shook my head, gesturing it was fine. It’s not like he tried to belittle me on purpose. Plus, he apologized. That should be enough. “What about you, though? What are you majoring in?”

He shrugs, kicking his feet up on the table as he leaned on the chair, just enough to rock himself along with it. “I want to pursue music, but my parents were completely against it. Said I wouldn’t make money out of it and blah, blah, blah. In a way, we’re on the same boat.”

At least you have parents who care. Not that I was mad at him for being ungrateful to his parents, but sometimes I look at people with their complete family and then I think of stuff like how does it feel like to have a family? A real family who protects and loves each other unconditionally. I’d want Lisa to have her own family. I want to make my own, too, of course.

“See ya,” Yoongi took off with his bag on his shoulder while I couldn’t eay anything since he seemed like he was in quite a hurry himself. Meanwhile, I looked at my phone to check the time; looks like I have three hours before the two subjects start today. Where should I go hang out?

♠

“You’ll never guess what happened, Tae!” That was Jimin. Surprisingly, he found me inside the cafeteria without texting me. I was trying to eat my yogurt in peace, but he seemed persistent to tell who he met.

“Her name is Lisa Manoban!” I tore my eyes away from the food to listen in on him.

I chuckle nervously, “Wait, what? That's the name of the girl you met at the party?” I have nothing against Jimin, or a friend dating my sister. But I completely doubt that Lisa would go out with him. Jimin went on and on how meeting each other is fate. I’ve had enough. “Good luck with that.”

“What do you mean?”

“Lisa’s a scholar.”

“How do you know that?”

Oh, shit. I better not blow my cover. I began contemplating what I should think of as a calm reply to him, so that he doesn’t go all, I like her or something. I remembered seeing the list of scholars by the school building. Even though that was a lame excuse, I’d have to, if I want to protect her reputation.

“Let’s just get to class . .” With that, I was already on my way to confront Lisa about this. She can't afford to have any distractions coming her way. Without that scholarship, we'll be bound to pay the full tuition—which we can't afford as of now.

I pulled her by the wrist before she enters her classroom.

“Ora—I mean, Kim Taehyung, what—”

“Listen, Lisa, I don't want you going near that guy, you hear me?” I sound like an overprotective prick, but I have no other choice.

“But he seems sweet and kind to me..”

“Don't tell me you like him already? You two just met once. That’s not what you call love.”

“Would you just-” She stopped talking to make sure no one was listening in their conversation, before she continued. “Jimin and I are friends. Nothing more, nothing less.”

“Oh, I don't think so.”

“What do you want me to do, ignore him?”

“Yeah, exactly.”

“You're unbelievable.”

With that, she entered her stubborn self into class. I watched their actions discreetly. Lisa ignored him like I told her to. Again, I have nothing against Jimin. I want him to be happy, I want her to be happy, as well—but I don't think the combination will be a good idea.

♠

Jimin decided to hang out with me all day while I practiced playing; not that I needed to practice. Just a stress reliever from what almost happened, maybe. If I hadn’t told Lisa to do that, Jimin might have taken the chance and kiss her or something more. I don’t know exactly what happened with his past girlfriend/s and that’s what scares me more. Not knowing which side was wrong in the relationship.

This time, he felt completely miserable after seeing her having a ‘rough day’ like he assumed it was the reason Lisa acted like that.

“Maybe.” was all I could think of in response. It’s not like I can explain the whole situation to him and then make him still assume we don't have any relations with each other.

After a few moments of silence with just the sound of dribbling and hoop-shooting, Jimin and I headed home. Only I took the bus while him in his own car. I was tucking my card inside my pocket after paying for my fee when I saw the same girl from the party climbing up. But then she saw me and her smile faded. She turned around and probably took another bus. Why is she avoiding me? Did I do or say something wrong?

I don't think so.

Whatever the case, it'd be better this way. No one to talk to and just simply enjoy the music by myself while I go off to my part-time job as the ice-cream man at the mall. As long as I get paid the minimum wage for working there half the day after school hours, I'll be fine. Lisa will be fine. Nothing will go wrong financially for both of us.

♠

a/n: ideas just keep rushing in. can't wait for more tae x clara interactions soon akdnaksn

posted FEB 26 2018