HEIST • jjk

018

GAIA

Sitting by myself in the house. Again.

I set down my pencil; lyrics were no longer coming to me.

The sky was grey and overcast, somehow fueling me to go outside and find inspiration elsewhere.

My leather jacket was quickly pulled off of my chair, as I slipped it on and tucked my charged phone into my backpack, rushing out the door and sliding my headphones over my ears.

The sounds of Juicy by Biggie Smalls surrounded me as I clicked 'play,' a reminder of the eye-opening conversation that I had with Yoongi two weeks ago.

It had been about a passion for something that we both shared; music.

We both liked old jams, especially classic rap and hip-hop songs. I was surprised when he announced that he liked Kanye West, as he was a current favorite of mine.

It's all good, baby baby.

I took a different route today, far away from the plaza filled with cheap restaurants that were just opening acts for the grocery store.

Instead, I strolled over to Main Street, deciding to spend the day there.

Uh, damn right I like the life I live,

'Cause I went from negative to positive.

I reached the coffee shop where Yoongi worked, but decided not to go in. That boy was fascinating, now that I knew him, but it wasn't my place to distract him from his job.

The smells emitting from a nearby Cinnabon shop seemed to fill my body at that moment and I quickly rushed over and bought one, devouring it quickly the sticky-sweet glaze, stretchy dough, and and rich Korintje cinnamon.

My favorite little garden shop caught my eye and I grinned, immediately running to it and through the doors, inhaling the aroma of earth.

"Why, this is new, my dear! I was starting to think you'd forgotten about me!"

I looked around to see the store's old, wrinkly owner sitting behind his desk.

"How could I forget you?" I joked with the elderly man, running over to give him a hug.

"Is there anything that I can help you with, dear? It would be my pleasure." He asked, smile lines appearing on his soft, brown face.

"Well, I've found myself with a strong desire to get another String of Hearts plant, so I will. But, don't trouble yourself; I know exactly where they are." I beamed, taking off in search of the plant.

I came back in two minutes and pulled out my wallet. He shook his head almost instantly.

"Give him a new home, dear. Don't pay me any money, just make sure that he's taken care of properly. That will be enough." He said, quietly, holding my outstretched hand between both of his.

I smiled and bowed my head.

"Thank you so much. I hope you have a wonderful day." I replied, walking out, a new beginning in my hands.

The music shop was approaching and I rushed inside, instantly relaxing at its familiar scent of old books and orange peels and piano keys.

The shop sold everything from flutes to vinyl, earbuds to xylophones.

I ran my fingertips across stacks of sheet music, hearing the doorbell chime every few minutes or so.

I was examining a shelf full of speakers when I heard the doorbell ring and felt a presence beside me.

The man kept sunglasses covering his eyes, but pushed them above his forehead to see better.

I laughed.

"Yoongi, why are you wearing sunglasses? It's cloudy." I rolled my eyes.

He looked shocked as soon as I spoke, but calmed down when he saw that it was me.

A shrug shook his shoulders.

Yoongi picked up a medium-sized speaker and stared at it for some time, reading its specifics and then flipping it over, his eyes widening before he placed the machine back on the shelf.

"What's wrong?" I asked, watching him closely.

He shook his head, turning away from me and walking to a different section.

"Wait!"

Yoongi finally turned around and leaned in close to me.

"I, um, can't afford it." He whispered.

"Oh."

He shrugged again and faced the door, lifting his arm to push it open. I rushed over to him, placing a hand on his arm.

"If you really want it, I'll buy it for you."

Yoongi shook his head.

"You don't have to."

I gave him a knowing look, walking over to the shelf, plucking the box off and buying it quickly.

After he watched me, mouth open, I stepped to him and slipped the bag handles in between his fingers.

"T-Thank you." He stammered. I smiled in response, but the cashier ruined our moment.

"You forgot your receipt, sweetie!" She called out.

"Oh, thank you." I said, rushing over to her and taking the piece of paper in my hands.

Yoongi was waiting for me by the door and I stood next to him, soon leading the way out.

"I hope you and your boyfriend have a nice day!" She hollered.

"Oh, we're not-" I began, but the door cut me off. Yoongi was blushing pink.

Abruptly, I felt vibration in my pocket.

Mom: Gaia, where are you

I quickly typed 'Main street and going home soon' and tucked my phone into my backpack.

But, something felt different now.

Yoongi had been watching me.

That was clear from the guilt and confusion on his face.

/ questions /

what's your favorite 'old' song right now? if older music isn't really your style, what's you current favorite BTS song?

Billie Jean by Michael Jackson or My Philosophy by Boogie Down Productions.

can you keep plants alive?

Yes. I get so addicted to mothering my plants that it's pretty weird. They're like my little green (or whatever color they are) children.

/ VOTE / COMMENT / FOLLOW /

with hope, lo