Stigma #3 » k.th ✓

twenty

warning: manipulation, curse words, violence

Fastforward to entering second year of highschool, being a sophomore. Jimin had gained more confidence than he ought to have; pretty much due to his weight loss. I didn’t care. I loved the way he became more confident and a bit more aggressive when it comes to approaching things in his life ahead. Basically, he was more attentive in class, more actively participative in school events and managed to ward off bullies from others and himself. That’s how he got popular.

I was unbelievably satisfied with what he was doing in his highschool. Meanwhile, though, as much as I was extremely happy for his successes, I felt like I was being casted aside. I made sure not to be or else I'd be the only one miserable, so sometimes I would try to enter other school events such as the talent show or be a judge of some sports events to be recognized myself.

Somehow it didn't work for me the same as it worked for him. Eventually, I gave up, thinking it wasn’t meant for me. Standing by his side, being his loving girlfriend and all that endless support and comfort I had given him--it seemed more than enough for me back then. Just the two of us against the world.

"Hey," I came by to his house one time. He was having his car fixed in their garage. His parents didn’t know me well since he rarely ever invites me over, unless we plan on sleeping together when my parents are at home. Saying he prefers going out and bullshit.

"Oh, hey, baby," Jimin pulled me by the waist, thus with me ending on his lap as he kissed me. "You’re right on time. Why don’t we go see my friends inside, hm?"

"Y-Your friends? I thought this was supposed to be a date. You know, just the two of us?" I laughed with a nervous, embarrassed tone when he mentioned friends. For all I knew, they were just there for him just because of his popularity and money.

He still dragged me into his house only to show those friends he was talking about, being the ones who used to be in a group with Park Minho. "Are you kidding me?"

"No, they liked sticking around with me more. Minho treated them like trash, like he did with me. But that’s all in the past now. We have each other, isn't that right?" There were three of Minho’s ‘ex’-friends who raised up their glasses and 'celebrate' being friends with my boyfriend. Jimin had another thing coming if he thinks they’re really true as they say they are. I excused the both of us to his room.upstairs to have a talk. I sat on his bed and patted the space beside me where he should sit.

"Jimin, I don't think befriending those who bullied you before is a good idea. You could be falling into a trap and be exposed by Minho. Remember what happened to your other friend? Taeyang, was it?"

"It's actually Taehyung, but who cares? I didn't think we were that close, anyway." Remember, Jimin probably closed his mind for opinions that time since he had absolutely no friends. Maybe even upset he didn't seem to click on with you, Tae. "People can change, Clara."

"Do you want to go down that road with me?"

"Why? Is there a problem? Again, as usual?" With that rebuttal, I was infurious. Trying to point a finger at me for having feelings and the way he asked was degrading, as if I always complain in whatever he does.

"You’ve changed completely, Jimin. It's you. Not me. Ever since you lost weight and became popular, it's always been about you. I never managed to keep up with you or even have dates without encountering some of your club members or so-called friends—"

"So you’re saying I shouldn’t be in a club or have friends?"

"No! I'm saying I don't feel like I'm your girlfriend anymore and it hurts to even say it. I feel like I lost my place to be by your side. That you value your time more when spending it with others than with me. You always reply late to my texts, sometimes you never even call me back when you tell me you will, sometimes even running off and forget to have lunch together with me. We haven't been spending as much time together and sophomore year is about to end. Your parents don't even know I'm your girlfriend!"