The Magic Shop: A BTS Short Story Compilation

Part 7: Erasure

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"Is it really you?"

There are over fifty million people in South Korea and somehow, the guy you met randomly at a book cafe also turns out to be your online friend. Coincidences like this do not exist in the real world. There must be a tear in reality that allowed you to slip into the world of fantasy. What if this is W: Two Worlds?

"It's really me, noona. Look--"

Jungkook makes a few taps on his phone and shows you the screen. It's showing his Mobile Legends profile. True enough, he speaks the truth.

"I... Um, I don't know what to say."

You can't quite meet his gaze. Lulled by the safety of anonymity, there were so many things you told Jungkook's online persona, which you never would have been able to tell him face to face. Some of them outright lies. Just like that time, in a group chat, when the topic turned to relationships and you claimed to have had a few. Your excuse? You didn't want to be lame online as well as offline. Besides, it's common for people to lie online, right?

Since then, excluding Jungkook, the rest of the guys in your team started going to you for relationship advice. For once, you felt needed and useful. Surely, if a lie made you happy it can't be that bad?

Next to you, Jungkook sighs. "I... I think it's time for me to go."

"Wh-why?" Surprised, your eyes snap back to his face. Something akin to disappointment resides in his features. Your brows furrow at the sight. Is he disappointed in you? When you notice his downturned lips, your chest tightens with inexplicable guilt. "Is there something wrong?"

"Nothing." After a quick glance at his phone, he adds, "It's late, so I better get going so you can rest."

But it's the weekend, you want to say, but seeing his cold expression, you chicken out.

"I see. Then..."

You stare at Jungkook, willing him to say something. Instead, he gets up and walks to the armchair where he left his jacket and bag. You're left utterly confounded by the turn of events. One moment you're basking in the glow of each other's presence, now he's rushing to leave you alone. There was a misunderstanding somewhere. You're sure of it. But why doesn't he just tell you?

When you see him shrugging on his jacket, you stand.

"Jungkook-ah..."

"Yes?" he says, still focused on adjusting his clothes.

"I..." You wonder if you should take a step forward and bridge the distance, but uncertainty paralyzes you. If he wants to leave, then who are you to make him stay? Mutual liking doesn't necessarily give you rights. "I'll walk you downstairs?"

"No need, noona. I'll be okay." The smile he gives you is brief and lacks its usual spark.

You teeter in place as if tiptoeing an invisible line. "Are you sure? I can--"

"I'm sure."

Although he says it gently, his tone is firm, leaving no room for further argument. Biting your lip, you watch as he makes his way past your tiny kitchen to your apartment entrance. You follow behind making sure to keep some space between. When he pulls the door open, you say in a small voice, "Take care on your way home."