BECOMING HUMAN

CHAPTER 31

Separating their lips, Aurora's cheeks were red. She couldn't believe she had just kissed Logan. Logan looked at her for a brief second, then glanced away, embarrassed. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have force myself on you like that."

"W-What?!" Aurora gaped, bouncing back a little. "N-No, it's not a problem, I uh—" She rubs the back of her head, a bit timid. "I don't think I've ever kissed a guy before."

"Really?" Logan nearly mocked in awe. "Not even Jungkook?"

"Well, I did but—" Aurora's eyes dullened. "Jungkook's a machine...he's not even real."

Shrugging, Logan responded casually. "I guess it depends on how you see it."

Looking away, Aurora felt a bit embittered by the thought of putting her lips on Jungkook's. She never understood what possessed her to do it, but having that thought being brought up now...it really bothered her. Sighing internally, she lowered her head, closing her eyes.

Logan noticed how disheartened Aurora became from what he had said. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't meddle in your business," He takes Aurora's hand, squeezing it gently. "Whether or not it's your first kiss, it doesn't bother me at all. So, forget about what I said, please."

"...why did I kiss him?" Aurora mumbled distantly.

Logan frowned. He didn't think that his unintentional statement would trigger Aurora.

Holding himself, Jungkook just realized that he's been standing on the shore for a few hours now. He just couldn't grasp the rapid emotions that was racing through his body. He felt sad, but suddenly felt happy; was drowned in depression, but emerged with joy, and then he felt emptiness.

Looking beyond the sea, there was darkness. And within that darkness, was him. He was lost. The more he tried to search for an exit, the more abstract his mind became. He couldn't grasp anything. Jungkook had never experienced such horror, and it terrified him greatly.

Lifting his hand to his face, he noticed that they were pale. He honestly felt sick to his stomach. He just remembered he had a stomach.

Grasping his forehead, Jungkook felt how cold it was. He was clammy and sweaty. He just remembered he could sweat.

Taking his other hand, he wiped his face because there was water trickling down his cheeks, and it was agitating him. He just remembered he could cry.

Overwhelmed with confusion, Jungkook fell onto his knees and sulked once more. What was going on within him? Why did he feel so mystified? And why couldn't he understand his emotions?

Jungkook sniffled, wiping the tears away. Next to him was the package that Aisha had given to him. He didn't realize that when he had left the apartment, he grabbed it and took it along. Jungkook didn't know what else to do at this moment, and so he decided to open the package. But he was afraid. He's never received a gift from anyone—not even Aurora. To have one now was beyond his imagination.

But he opened it anyway.

Looking inside, there was a note. Placing the box in his lap, he held the letter in one hand, and looked inside. Jungkook's eyes lit up. There was a golden bracelet inside with another note attached to it. Lifting it, he read the note.

This is for the girl that you are taking care of. I hope she likes it.

Jungkook blinked twice, lowering the bracelet. Reading the letter in his other hand, Jungkook's eyes widened even more.

I hardly get to talk to you because of how scared I am to express myself...but I really admire you a lot, Jungkook. You look like a man who has been through so much, but covers it up with new beginnings. If it's okay with you, I would like to start a new beginning...but with you...please, let me know.

Confused, Jungkook furrowed an eyebrow. I would like to start a new beginning...but with you? Jungkook's mouth parted. "...she wants to start a new beginning...with me?" Glancing inside the box once more, just to double check, Jungkook noticed another item inside. He puts down the letter in the box and takes up the next item. It was a choker with the initials JK written on the metal coin. Reading the note attached to it, it said:

I notice you don't wear your other choker anymore...I thought that you probably lost it or lost interest in it...so hopefully this one will make you happy and make up for the other one. I hope you like it, Aisha.

Touched by those words, Jungkook's eyes watered up. She really cares about me...

He wiped his eyes. "Aurora cares about me too...but I care about her a lot more." Tilting his head up at the dark skies, Jungkook closed his eyes to catch the breeze that consumed his body. He exhaled, meditating on what he should do.

He knew what he had to do.

Putting everything back in the box, Jungkook began his journey back.