CABANA

C E R O

The words cut Jungkook's heart like a knife.

"I have a business trip to go to the weekend of your birthday," his father told him. That would be the third one in the past couple months.

Jungkook really didn't understand. Why couldn't he postpone the trip until after Jungkook's birthday? Why did he always have to leave?

After hearing the news that he'd become all too familiar with — yet still unaccustomed to — he stormed out of the house. He didn't care what the consequences would turn out to be. He just didn't want his family to witness his emotional pain.

The fourteen year old found himself sitting down on the tire-swing in front of his best friend, Dalrae's house.

He pulled out his phone, informing her that he was sitting outside. A minute later, she happily came out to greet him, only to see a glossy eyed Jungkook.

She frowned and sat beside him supportively taking his hand in her own. The boy hadn't said anything and yet she still comforted him. Seeing him hurt always made her heart sting.

The two sat in silence, Jungkook shedding a few tears, for five minutes before Dalrae finally spoke up.

"What's bothering you Kook?"

"It's my Dad," he croaked, telling her the whole story of how his father would be leaving once again.

Dalrae squeezed his hand. "That really sucks. I know how much you were looking forward to having him here."

Jungkook only nodded, staring down at the millions of green spikes sticking out of the dirt.

"Wanna go down to the basketball court tomorrow? Get your mind off of things?"

The boy with raven hair nodded once more. Basketball always cleared his mind. Calmed him. Made him focus on something different.

He gave Dalrae a smile, making her return his favor with a fond one.

The two sat there for a while more before it became late and Jungkook was forced home by his closest friend.

When he returned he was met with a lecture on how running off like he did could be dangerous and yada yada. He didn't pay much attention to his parents words.

He then ran upstairs, falling asleep excited for the next day.

•~•~•~•~•

Jungkook made a mistake.

He told his other friends, Yuto and Wooseok, where he would be going with Dalrae and of course, they invited themselves.

The boy with raven hair could tell she was not happy about it for some odd reason, but she let it slide anyway. Jungkook was upset and needed all the support he could get, right?

Well, Dalrae only felt comfortable around Jungkook, so she decided it would be best if she sat out while they shot at the hoops. The three agreed and laughed, having a good time while Dalrae sat alone on the bleachers.

She grew extremely bored and hungry. "Hey, guys! Wanna come eat some Subway with me or something?"

"Just get us some chips, could you?" Yuto shouted back, although it didn't exactly sound like a question. More like a demand, sprinkled with a harsh tone and topped with an eye roll.

Dalrae looked at Jungkook, searching for any sign of annoyance with his friends. None. She scowled and turned away. Was she really letting herself be treated this way because her best friend needed comfort?