blizzard

Part 1

'A severe snowstorm is set to hit us this weekend with temperatures dropping down to -16˚C. It is therefore ill-advised for anyone to leave their houses during this period until the blizzard subsides as the fifth snow-induced traffic accident has been reported this week in our town...'

You have always marvelled at how the weather lady announces such things with such a passionate captivating tone.

'The calculated probability of a city-wide power cut is currently at 72%, so please be well-equipped to stay indoors for the next two days.'

Oh shit. A power cut?

This is not good at all. Not like you have any plans for this weekend anyway, and you wouldn't necessarily mind being stuck inside since you are good at entertaining yourself. But to possibly have no warm water, no internet in the duration of these few days?

You are currently snugly rolled up in the warmth of your blanket burrito, a mug of chamomile tea fitted in your hands, the steam of which evaporates under your chin into a slick coat. Friday evenings have never been eventful for you as long as Jimin doesn't drag you out to some bar with him. As introverted as one can get, you much prefer staying in and watching TV or endlessly browsing the web.

The distinct rattling of keys spins your attention to the front door. Hearing the plunge of the metal into the keyhole is strangely satisfying to your ears. In steps a pink-nosed, frost-dusted Jungkook, all wrapped up in winter apparel thick enough to make him waddle clumsily.

A gust of cold flares inside from the harsh outdoors, stray flakes of snow flying in after him and landing on the rich oak tiles of the foyer. From the couch, you see his silhouette breathe out a visible grey huff. The door behind him falls shut, once again entrapping the warm temperature into the confines of these walls.

You watch your roommate, humming to himself with his black earpods hooked in his ears, as he unties the scarf around his neck. He probably hasn't noticed your presence yet; he's always been a little clueless afterall.

Then he looks up and meets your lingering gaze.

You both jump a little, his humming ceases instantly, eyes scrambling, darting away to your surroundings: the quiet television, the arching lamp, the white powdered window panes. Anywhere but at each other.

Clearing your throat, you greet him softly . 'Hi.' Your thumb rubs at the lip-shaped tea stain on the rim of your mug.

'Um, hi. Good evening, noona.' He dips his head at you, hood drooping lower over his head. You are two years his senior, and despite your supposed familiarity, he insists on formalities.

The weather lady has now been replaced with the anchorman, who is droning on about the car accident this morning. Awkwardness hangs in the air between you, as it always does every time you speak. It's now your turn to say something, you're painfully aware. But what do you say?

'Snow storm.' It is a statement more than anything. As if he hasn't noticed... Nice one. You immediately want to hide your face in the mint furry throw you're wrapped in.

'Yeah. Snow storm.' The rubbery sound of the careless removal of his shoes against the floor is louder than his response. 'Jimin didn't make it.'

Your blood freezes. 'Wait what?! Oh my god! What happened to him?' It takes the blanket sliding off you for you to realise that you've stood up abruptly. Your body is immediately flushed with a breeze of cold, devoid of insulation.

The car accident... It can't be...

Jungkook's attention flickers to the glaring screen as he paces towards you and realises how he must've sounded. 'Woah, sorry, I worded it badly. I mean, Jimin's stuck at Taehyung's because the snow is too thick for him to drive back. And the service on his phone is whack, so he can't reach you. Taehyung told me. Sorry, I didn't mean he didn't make it.' Nervous chuckle. Scratching the back of his head.