✔️ 40 Weeks [Book 1] | Jeon Jungkook

Week 10

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Please keep in mind that I'm a person with feelings too.

Love you💜

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"Hyun-Ji!"

Jungkook weaved between other students walking to their classes, running towards the frail brunette that he hadn't seen in what felt like ages. Although his heart was still heavily weighted from what happened, he felt sparks of elation in just seeing her face. He slowed his pace as he came closer to her, a myriad of emotions flying through his head. She was finally back and standing right in front of him.

They stood for several seconds, eyes never leaving each other. Hyun-Ji could have sworn she saw tears welling in his eyes before he abruptly grabbed her hand and led her to a more secluded hallway. They rounded a corner and she almost bumped into him when he stopped short and faced her. Before she realized what was happening, he wrapped her in a tight embrace, his cheek resting against her head. For a moment she stood frozen from shock, then quickly dropped her backpack and hugged him back just as fiercely.

The world fell away as Hyun-Ji melted into his chest. His heart was racing incredibly fast. She drew in a deep breath, taking in his warm scent of lavender and cedarwood. He smelled like autumn. Tears pricked her eyes when he began to whisper apologies into her hair. Hyun-Ji began to sniffle and Jungkook held her a little closer, gently swaying their bodies back and forth. It was soothing.

When had she become so small? He loosened his hold on her, afraid that he would crush her delicate frame. Just how severe was her illness?

After a minute, he released her from his embrace but held her face in his hands, looking deep into her eyes.

"I'm sorry, Hyun-Ji. What I said, I didn't mean it like that. I just hated that they were spreading rumors about you."

"Thank you." Her voice was small and airy. "I'm sorry too. I was so sick that day, but I shouldn't have ignored you. I should have given you a chance."

He gave her the brightest smile, feeling the uncomfortable stone lift from his chest at last. She smiled back at him, but then her face became more serious.

"Jungkook? I... I have to tell you someth-"

The bell signaling the start of the first class rang, cutting her off. He quickly looked around to discover the hallways were empty and silent.

He shook his head and returned his attention to her. He was already late so it didn't matter as far as he was concerned. He wanted to hear what she had to say.

"What is it?" His eyes were so full of concern.

She suddenly couldn't look him in the eye anymore. This wasn't the time nor the place to tell him something like this. Who knows how he would react?

"Is it about you being sick? Anything you tell me stays between us," he continued.

Tell him, Hyun-Ji!

"Um... I just..." She faltered.

I can't do it. I can't tell him. He's going to hate me. He'll think I ruined his life.

He nodded, encouraging her to continue.

"I'm... I'm happy that... that you're my friend," she said.

Yeah, he said to himself. Just friends.

He smiled sweetly. "Always."