Stigma #3 » k.th ✓

eighteen

a/n: this chap will mostly be italicized
since it's in the past. and will be in
clara's point of view without tae
interrupting the story.

trigger warning: bullying

♠

Clara's Backstory with Jimin

Like I said, I saw him. He was all by himself in the field. So I took the opportunity to get to talk to him. Ask him what's wrong. Hopefully, become his friend or let him rely on me. Something like that. I was thoughtlessly approaching him by sitting down beside him, not once have I ever doubted of his intentions. He had this aura that makes me feel like he's a completely sincere person. And that made me feel comfortable around him.

"Hello." I greeted him first. He couldn't look me in the eye. You may find it cute at how shy he was, but it was more than that. I saw the bruises and some scars on his forearm, mostly visible on his face. He was nearly crying that day. I could tell by the way his lips trembled. Subtly, I decided to pull out my handkerchief and wipe those almost fallen tears from the corner of his eyes. He still couldn't raise his head to look at me, then. But it was okay. I didn't try asking him about it, either.

When it comes to situations like this, you should simply be there for them even if they don't plan on opening up their experience.

"My name is Clara." My introduction was as simple as that. I wanted to let him take the stage and try to converse with me. Instead, I receive my handkerchief back and got walked out by the guy. It was discouraging at first, so I kept a close distance with him. Too far to be noticed but not too close to be mistaken as a creepy stalker, in case anyone ever tries coming near him to punch him in the face.

It was a friday when I was finally approached. He was fidgeting with his bag's strap when he did, while I was fixing my locker. "Oh, what is it? Do you need help?"

"J-Jimin. Jung Jimin." He suddenly blurt that out. I'm pretty sure it was about a week or two before prom night. Which, I think is a pretty good timing.

"So, want to have lunch together?" It was so different back then. Every question I asked would seem like a math exam he's obligated to answer correctly. Even just by asking his favorite flavored cake. I didn't get to see you hang out with him as much, so I assumed you weren't that close. Until he mentioned about a guy saving him from Mingyo before.

"Ah, that's right. Jung Jimin, from here on out, I want you to be completely honest with me. Tell me your problems. Learn to slowly open up to me. Because this, I promise you, we'll have the best time of our highschool together! Am I correct?" He wasn't confused nor hesitant. Rather, he stayed quiet and collected. As if in too much shock of all this happening in just one day.

"OK, clearly, I went over my head," Or so I thought. Jimin smiled and he laughed for a whole minute; it was like hearing a baby laugh for the first time since he was born.

That's how it all began.

Everyday from that day, I would look for him at the entrance of the school doors, so we could get to classes together. It was normal for me, seeing him as one of my only friends. He seemed distant at first, but the more we got to spend time talking about our common interests and personalities, we became even more drawn to each other. He liked dancing, he liked performing on stage and most definitely, laughing at every joke I would crack to avoid the uncomfortable silence between us. There was never a quiet moment.

Two months later, things were changing. I could sense it. We've only known each other for that short of a time, but he was always ready to take one step ahead of me; waiting for me out of the classroom to get lunch together, buying me my favorite bread from the cafeteria, sometimes he would even drag me to the back of the school just to get the right amount of a peaceful surrounding. Jimin knew how much I hated the crowd and noises, so he would bring his earphones where we can listen to the music with ease. Most on my playlist came from his suggestions.