Learn to Live

Chapter 2: Life goals

From what Jiyoon remembered Jimin and his friends were the type of people that probably didn't even know she existed or even if they did acknowledge her existence it was just to sweet talk her into giving them homework. They were too loud, too energetic and getting good grades were never really on their minds. However they were the type of students, not the type of people, she secretly longed to be like and be around. Unfortunately Jiyoon didn't really fit in. She failed most social situations where the number of people exceeded four.

Suddenly Jimin noticed her standing awkwardly on the side and his face lighted up in recognition. "Oh my god it's Jiyoon! Do you remember me Jimin? Park Jimin? The one and only?" he said excitedly.

She tried to hide the surprise in her face but it was palpable. " Ye, yes of course I remember you Jimin, but I'm surprised you remember me!" she managed to stammer out while shifting her glasses.

He laughed at her shocked face while adding sheepishly " Well who could forget a ner- I mean someone as smart as you?".

Great. That's what they remember me as.

At this point her mother decided to interrupt the conversation. "Oh so you two are classmates of Jiyoon?" she said, a little unimpressed.

The younger one who she didn't recognise piped up this time "I'm actually in the grade below so i'm just graduating this summer."

"So what are your plans now? Have you even thought about what colleges you want to go to? "

The two boys exchanged a glance. " Well I'm not sure auntie, probably just go to any college that'll accept us... do something like contemporary dance or art" Jimin shrugged.

Raising an eyebrow she remarked "Haven't you given any thought about the future? Or at least which subjects will actually help you get a good job? My daughter here is Studying medicine at the top college in Seoul."

Jiyoon cringed internally.

They both laughed politely before saying " Yeah we were never that keen on studying to be honest, but of course Jiyoon right here always had her head down and nose in a book it's no wonder she's going to become a doctor" he smirked. "I mean Jungkook here got 4/100 in his english test it's a wonder he even graduated!"

"Hey! That was once and I'll let you know I always excelled in sports, art and music!" Jungkook exclaimed. Turning towards Jiyoon's mother he added proudly " I'm gonna try to give media studies a shot".

Jiyoon could tell her mother was judging them for their life choices and she couldn't help but agree. Growing up in an Asian society meant that most kids were geared up from the start to pick a limited number of careers. Either a doctor, engineer or lawyer. These 'guaranteed' you for success or at the very least a decent job. On the other hand she was jealous at their freedom of choice that they could actually study a subject they enjoyed; that they wouldn't be stuck with a career that made them miserable.

Suddenly Jimin changed stance and addressed Jiyoon, breaking her away from her thoughts. "Hey the 3 of us are all going on a trekking trip this summer! The guys from school! You remember Kim Taehyung? V? and now you've met Jungkook as well. " He waved around a flyer excitedly while speaking.

Jiyoon racked her brain at the mention of his name. Kim Taehyung. Aka V. What kind of person names themselves after a letter? She thought, shaking her head.

But of course she couldn't forget someone like him either. Someone so full of life, always the life of the party, constantly surrounded by people, making people laugh... He was really the opposite of her which made her secretly intrigued about him from the start. However, nearly every girl in school had fawned over him at one point and Jiyoon was determined to not be one of them. Even if he did have beautiful chocolate brown hair...

"Well anyway it was nice meeting you Jiyoon, auntie" Jimin said while bowing and snapping her out of her daze.

"Yes nice to meet you" murmured Jungkook, also bowing.

"Yes.. it was nice seeing you boys" Jiyoon's mother managed to say.

Jiyoon waved at them as they exited the store.

"Well at least they have good manners, but I'm glad my daughter isn't doing anything like that!" Jiyoon's mother said once they were out of earshot.

"Muuuum!" exclaimed Jiyoon in slight annoyance.

As the mother daughter pair were wrapping up their shopping to leave, Jiyoon noticed something on the floor.

She picked it up and saw that it was a flyer. Reading it over, she secretly pocked it in her jeans.

Maybe I will have an adventure this summer, she grinned.