Stigma #3 » k.th ✓

thirteen

After a couple of days, I see her again. I’d been trying to avoid her all this time and yet we managed to cross paths again. But the difference is, we went past through each other, without saying a word nor looking at each other. It felt awkward to try and make up now. If this is what she wants, then she’s getting it.

Later, the bus stops at where she usually comes, but she shook her head and whispered something to the driver. With an ‘OK’, we were off to the next unlikely stop anyone would make; the gasoline station. She smiles at the driver, a little hint of looking sideways before she slowly approached the said place.

Out from the shadows came an indescribable man. He had his cap on so I couldn’t clearly see his face. The stranger hugged Clara as tight as he could, as if they’d known each other for so long. Don’t tell me, a jealous boyfriend? I shake my head at how petty he seems, trying to keep his girlfriend away from other men. Just before my ride could turn to the next stop, I could’ve sworn Clara was holding on to her face. Was she crying?

♠

OK, I know what I said and I said what I meant, but really, how can I ignore the fact that maybe she wasn’t really happy with her relationship? Wait, no, let me rephrase that. I’m more worried of the sight I saw; that she might possibly be crying. Why, though? Oh, who cares? Here I am, caring again. Then complain why I keep getting hurt later.

“Oh,” I exclaimed when I felt the ball lightly fall on my head, rising up, I see Yoongi. “was I that spaced out?”

“Yeah, basically,” Hyung spun the ball right on the tip of his pointing finger and challenged himself not to let if fall off from it. “It’d be impossible for you to think about other stuff when it’s obvious it’s about her.”

He was right.

“Still contemplating whether or not I should help her.”

“It’s really none of your business, y’know? If she doesn’t want to get bothered by you, then don’t.” But then they’d later complain why we didn’t bother to help them and stuff even though that’s what their actions are literally telling us to do.

Well, can’t say I never felt like doing that on someone to see if they care. Maybe she wants me to care? Ugh.

“Kim Taehyung, score!” I look at across the gym, only to see Jimin smiling by himself as he approached us. “Oh, thought you’d be here by yourself.” His mood was suddenly changed into something I couldn’t easily read.

“This is Yoongi-hyung, he’s—”

“—in my class. Hi.” Jimin tried his best, but I knew how forced the smile on his face was.

“Oh. He’s in my class, too.”

Yoongi replied with a hesitant nod. “See you later.” He leaves, probably sensing he should.

Jimin then sits beside me, letting the heat engulf his senses. He leans his head back and took in the air. “What’s up with you nowadays? We haven’t really been hanging out, you know?”

“I’m doing alright.” This is your chance, ask him! Then again, did I not promise Clara—er, rather, declared I wouldn’t be asking about their past relationship? Besides, what if Jimin rejects the idea and just changes the topic like I imagine he would do. “I, uh, actually met a girl.” Great, great, give him some hints to think about.