Learn to Live

Chapter 4: Departure

Choo choo.

Jiyoon made her way down the busy platform filled with people saying goodbye to loved ones and loading up luggage on the train, hefting her large suitcases with her. She looked around hoping to see a familiar face but all she got was blurred faces.

"The train from platform 12 will be departing in 10 minutes" an announcement boomed in the back.

Isn't that where it said my train would be leaving in the email?! Jiyoon thought.

"Excuse sir, could you help me lift this luggage onto the train?" she desperately enquired to the man crouched down near her.

Getting up to look at who addressed him, his eyes seemed to shoot up in some recognition, "Hey Yuri right? We met at that party last week?".

"Uhh no.."

"I mean Hyuna! Somin's cousin right?"

By now Jiyoon was a little hurt that he didn't recognise her despite being in the same class for years. She snapped "Jiyoon? Hwang academy? Same batch?! Come on Taehyung don't you remember me?"

"Ohhh scholar yoon! How could I forget these glasses" he grinned pulling the slightly smaller girl into a bear hug.

Jiyoon tried not to grin but secretly she was thrilled on the inside. Ahh kim taehyung remembers me.

"Soooo... What are you doing here? Don't tell me you're here for the trip?" he asked.

"As a matter of fact I am here for that".Jiyoon straightened up and pushed her glasses closer to her eyes, something she did when she felt superior. "What, you don't think I'm brave enough to come?"

"Haha tbh I don't really know you that well.." he said sheepishly.

Ouch. She winced internally.

A tall slightly older looking guy wearing a green uniform came up to them. His hair was slicked upwards and he had a deep voice. "Hi you must be Jiyoon right? You signed up last minute?"

"Yes that's me."

"Nice to meet you! My name is Kim Namjoon and i'll be your instructor and team leader for this trek. Everyone else is ready to go so Please quickly load up your luggage onto the train as it leaves soon."

"Yes of course" she replied bowing.

Jiyoon Looked at Taehyung and Raised her eyebrows "Well, aren't you going to help me? You know how to be a gentleman and that?".

Tae took a couple steps closer so that their noses were only a few inches apart. Suddenly she felt really intimidated.

"Say please first, I'm not a porter" he growled.

Jiyoon gulped at his sudden change in mood. "Ah okay, please help me Tae".

"That's better," smiling evily he helped her load up her luggage onto the train. "Looks like the train's about to leave now as well. Come on we should get going".

As soon he said that, everything started to feel way too real. Oh god I'm really doing this?! She could feel my anxiety levels rising very fast. Everything felt too loud, too invasive and it all started blurring together.

Taehyung was already on the train hanging on the open carriage door. His eyes widened, "JIYOON WHAT ARE YOU DOING? WE'RE LEAVING!"

Jiyoon just stood there frozen, shaking her head. "I can't do it Tae, i've never been anywhere by myself..."

She's not going to get on this train by herself. Making a split second decision Taehyung jumps out of the train and runs back towards me.

Holding her by her shoulder so she has to look into his eyes, he shouts "Well you've made it this far, haven't you? And now you've got me! I'm your friend aren't I?" he adds in a charming smile at the end hoping it's enough to convince her.

Jiyoon looks up at him with wide eyes, "I'm your friend?"

"Yes of course! Now lets go or we'll both be going nowhere!"

Grabbing her hand and interlocking their fingers they start running towards the open carriage. He jumps on board first and pulls Jiyoon in after him. They both catch their breath as they lay tumbled up on the floor. Tae breathes out "that was fun but let's not risk it next time shall huh?" he smiles down at her nonetheless.

Jiyoon can't help but smile back at how infectious his personality is. She looks down to see that they are still holding hands making her blush.

Agh! What have I gotten myself into?! She thinks.