park jinwoo ; ethereal [ ✔ ]

chapter 14 ; new girl and so close

The weekend went by fast, slamming Monday into my face like a hammer and a nail. I don't think there are any plans Eunwoo has for the group today so I start to get ready at my own pace. I keep letting my mind drift to Jinjin and what all happened which causes me to break into soft smiles and flustered blushes.

I sigh as my phone rings and breaks my joyful thoughts. It's Serendipity and I know instantly it's Bin, but I hesitate to pick it up. My hand hovers over the answer button for a few heartbeats before I press it. I can't avoid him. It's impossible on both sides. "Hey," I try to answer casually but I know it probably sounds awkward.

His voice is soft and husky on the other end, as if he just woke up, "Hey... I want to drive you to school today... okay?" Even though I know I should stop, I can't help the butterflies in my stomach starting to flutter around.

"Alright, alright. Just hurry and wake up so we aren't late," I whisper my words, not able to deny his offer, and I can't help smiling either.

"Mm... Okay. See you soon," he hums deep into the phone before hanging up. Another sigh escapes me as I lean against my dresser a little, imagining his smile and all our memories together. I stare at my phone in my hands and then look up at the ceiling with thought.

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Bin gets ready super fast and before I know it, we're at school. Nobody really bothers us and it's a normal, beautiful day out.

He's walking me to my first period when Jinjin stops the both of us— and there's a girl standing rather close behind him. She's smirking and winking at Bin but when she turns to me, she glares.

Naturally, I'm thinking what the fuck is her deal with me? Then I'm wondering who she is because I've never seen her before. Ever. When I look at Jinjin he's looking stressed and avoiding looking at the both of us directly, particularly me. "This is Jeung Mira. She'll be visiting the school for a few days."

I throw a concerned look his way because he sounds like he absolutely despises the fact that this girl is here. He doesn't notice my look though because he isn't looking at me. At all. Then I turn to the girl as she moves closer to Jinjin, even going so far as to cling to his arm. Her boobs are smooshed all up on his bicep. She's trying too hard, I snort to myself.

Yet a bitter emotion scratches at my throat. Am I actually jealous right now? We aren't a thing mainly because I'm not positive if I like him, yet here I am, feeling bitter.

I watch as she leans forward to speak to me and Bin, "I'm Jinjin's girlfriend!"

I can't help but blink once she says that. Mixed feelings slosh around in my stomach and chest both and I watch Jinjin cringe in response to Mira. She's chewing loud on her gum and smirking. She knows all too well what she's doing.

Jinjin wrenches his arm free from her chest and arms, giving her a slight glare. "You were my girlfriend. That was—"

"Liar!" she squealed as if this was a game to her. She tried to act innocent, caught in her lie, by kind of punching his arm. "I came back and we're together again, aren't we? And after what happened with Taejin..."

I jump in surprise as Jinjin's mood drastically changes when this Taejin person is mentioned. He went from "I can bear this" to "Shut up now before something happens." He didn't even let her finish her sentence because he just turns and leaves. I'm curious what happened to that person if it can change his mood in a flash.

I look at Mira as she smirks at me. I feel that same anger boil inside me from before and I go to finally say something to her but she's running after Jinjin with a whine, calling for him to come back. She gets to him but instead of pushing her away he just lets her intertwine their fingers. My chest stings as I think: Ah... She knows his story and I don't. I can't comfort him.