Fire and Ice | A TzuKook FF

2. First Impressions

"Finally," Taehyung says as I walk towards him, "What took so long?" I slide into the seat he saved me, noting all the curious glances from the people around us.

"Complications. Apparently I bear a passing resemblance to some student's long lost lover."

"Long-lost lover?" the boy sitting on Tae's other side asks.

"I believe his exact words were 'someone I used to love."

"Choi Juhee, meet Park Jimin," Tae says, as we shake hands, "Jimin, this is Choi Juhee, my cousin, and the new transfer student to our year."

"A pleasure to meet you," Jimin says.

"Likewise."

"So this guy you talked to," he begins, "Did you happen to get his name?"

"No I didn't but -"

"Attention students." The Headmaster's voice carries loud and strong, and the Hall falls silent.

"Ahem - now that we are all seated and present, I have a few start-of-term notices to give you. Dr Lee has asked me to remind you all that there can be no physical contact between students and that no phones should be used between classes in the corridors. Winter sport trials will be held in the second week of term. I would advise anyone interested in trialling for the varsity team to contact the respective Heads of their sport."

At that, Tae pokes me in the ribs, a silent inquiry to which I shake my head.

"Now, before I let you go, I have another announcement to make. As you all know, Bangtan International High prides itself on being the best high school in South Korea. We are a school that caters to only the very best young men and women in the Korean Peninsula. So it is with great pride that I announce that an exemplary student has been transferred to the school to complete her final year of schooling. Please welcome Choi Juhee."

The applause is lukewarm at best. Most of the students look around in confusion. I don't blame them. I am a stranger to them after all.

"That is all. Move off to class please, thank you."

***

The door bangs shut after me, the noise echoing in the bathroom. I needed time to compose myself, time to think, time to focus. I approach the sink, staring at myself in the scratched mirror that was bolted above it. I watch in morbid fascination as a bead of sweat runs down my nose, falling from the tip to land in the sink.

What the fuck am I doing?

"Fuck!" I slam my fist down onto the sink, my voice echoing in the bathroom. "What the fuck is wrong with me!?" My hands rake through my hair as I struggle to control my emotions. I want to hit, to break something as I stare at my reflection. I almost punch the mirror, but I regain my senses enough to control that urge at least.

It's silent now, enough that I know everybody is in the Hall for Assembly. Think. Breathe. Think about ... think about something, anything. My mind drifts, wanders and I find myself lost in the past.

(AN: Flashbacks will be indicated by continuous use of italics)

Jungkook didn't realise he'd been staring at her until she frowned and said, "Hello? What are you staring at?"

"You're beautiful," Jungkook said, without thinking.

"Don't be stupid,"

"Did I offend you?" He felt his heartbeat quicken as blood rushed to his face.

"No," she said, and quickly turned away to look out across the garden. Jungkook watched her turn redder and redder. He couldn't deny his feelings for his best friend anymore than he could count the stars in the sky. He glanced at his watch, the hands ticking over past 7, and he knew that it was almost time for her to go back. His parents had some important business friends over tonight.