The Fire Inside

8. Varun's Backstory

"Ok, so how did you guys meet?"

"Oh, is little Julien getting interested?" Maria teased.

"Hey, he seems like he wants to tell us!"

"I don't mind," Varun said.

Jimin chuckled. Maria could easily tease Julien because she was the only one taller than the rest. She watched as Varun sat up on the branch, legs dangling off the side, and looked down to start the story.

"Ok, so let's just say I was pretty content in my life," Varun started.

"Wait, what? Then why'd you leave?" Julien interrupted.

"If I didn't have a reason would I be telling you my life story?"

"Ok, continue."

The girls laughed.

"You guys are totally a thing," Maria said flatly.

"Shut up!" Varun and Julien complained at the same time.

"Couple goals!" Heiwa sang.

"I ship it," Jimin whispered to which Julien was horrified.

"Can I continue my story?" Varun pleaded. He didn't want anymore talk of him and Julien.

"No one cares!" Maria hollered.

Heiwa threw out a leg and hit Maria's waist, "Don't be so loud!"

"So basically, I was born sorta rich."

"Sorta?"

"Compared to others, my family had a lot of money. I had everything a kid could ask for. A dog, pool, infinite number of snacks—"

"You sound like a 5-year-old," Jimin said.

"Yeah, because I was a kid. I think I lived in that house till I was about 15. I left my house, family, and life 2 years ago."

"Why?" Julien questioned.

"Stop interrupting! Let's just say say I wasn't allowed to live like other boys my age. I was homeschooled and except the straight-faced snobs my parents' friends brought over, I never had any friends."

"Still sounds ridiculous, Varun," Maria said.

"Oh c'mon! You know how it was! I told you! I brought a bug home and my parents literally made me take an hour long shower!"

"Isn't that just being overprotective?"

"It was, until I began fighting back. I told them I didn't care what they think and that I wanted to do what I want. They could've responded by saying they're doing what they do in order to keep me safe, but no. They told me I made the family look bad. They compared me to the kids who played on the streets. They called the same kids, animals. All they were doing was playing around and they were being called names by my own parents. I decided I didn't want that as my life. So being one of the smartest kids, not gonna lie, I literally left. Unfortunately I wasn't prepared for what I was gonna see. Everywhere I went was impoverished. It was like I stepped out of a fairytale! But at the same time, I felt free."

"So you left because your parents made you feel like a disappointment and they called people you've never seen in your life, animals?" Julien queried.

"Until I was 12, my parents loved me, but the day after my 12th birthday, they literally stopped talking to me. I didn't like it and I've always been interested about what's outside my little home."

"Huge, you mean," Maria corrected.

"I swear, one more time you open your mouth, imma take your head!"

"Try me, Princess!"

"Go to sleep, please!" Heiwa complained.

"Wait, but that's not the end! How'd Varun meet the rest of you?" Jimin asked.

"Why're you so curious?"

"Because I've told you guys my story and now it's your turn," Jimin said back.

"Wow, miss misfortunate has an attitude," Maria taunted.

Jimin laughed before settling down against Julien's shoulder. She looked up at him and saw that he was slowly dozing off. She cooed at the sight.

"Hold up V."

"V? Nooo! Please don't!"

"What? It's cute!"

Varun facepalmed at the sudden nickname.

"Anyway, V, isn't it kinda stupid to just leave? Isn't that kinda childish?"

"Oh my god! I don't know why I did ok! Whatever happened, happened for the best. I'm not even gonna try to question my actions in the past. I met you girls so I'm pretty content."

"Alright already. Just know that I still think baby Varun was just an innocent little bean who just hated being innocent," Maria smartly said.

"Please don't act smart. I'm not innocent. Never was. Plus just because I'm shorter than you doesn't make me a bean! Jimin would be considered a bean!"

"Don't bring me into your little lovers squabbles!" Jimin complained.

"Hold up. This guy likes your man. He doesn't have anything on me!" Maria raised her arms in a defensive way.

"I'm not gay! Stop assuming my sexuality!" Varun whined.

"Can you guys SHUT UP!" Heiwa screamed, "Some of us are trying to sleep!"

Jimin looked at the undisturbed Julien she was currently leaning against. How in the world did he not wake up after all the arguments? Jimin grabbed his hand and started playing with it. She traced her long fingers and veins that stretched across his strong hands. They radiated warmth and care, which Jimin gladly accepted. She was surprised that everything had gone so fast lately. One second she's happy with her family and the other she's running away and with a new group of rebel fighters. Just thinking about the unpredicted past exhausted Jimin. She quickly pushed the thoughts away before cuddling into Julien with a smile.

"Shh! She's sleeping! We can talk about Maria's side of the story tomorrow. It's not that important right now," Jimin heard Heiwa say before falling into a deep slumber.