First Love

Chapter 16

Is there a book on 'Friend Zone for Dummy'?

How about 'A Guide to Friend Zoning a Crush'?

Jae was browsing through the internet hopelessly. All the time she did, there were tons of guide of getting out of the friend zone and get into the relationship zone. She browsed for the common lines people get when they were friend zoned.

Line 1: "I really like you as a companion, and I don't want to risk ruining our great friendship if we get involved."

Problem: That was technically the same as what she said to Yoongi when he confessed, right? Although she was more snappish when she responded to it.

Line 2: "I'm not really looking for a relationship right now... we should really just be buddies."

Problem: The matter was not raised since the confession. Not once. For her to raise it up would seem awkward since he didn't push her for an answer.

Line 3: "I just broke up with my boyfriend and I need to get back to being myself before being with somebody else."

Problem: She was not good at lying and honestly, she haven't dated for years. Breaking up with a non-existent boyfriend would be comical even for her.

Line 4: "I need some space to be alone right now... let's just be friends."

Problem: That's what they are now, right? That just went back to line number 2. He didn't raise the issue nor push her for the same confession.

In her case, the best book would be 'Friend Zoning Your Crush Who Likes You', Jae thought miserably. People would say she had gone crazy, but that is what she needs right now. Despite BTS' busy schedule, there were always some texts from Yoongi. The 'Love Yourself' World Tour had just started and she hadn't seen him for more than a week. That was in August and it was already the first week of September. He was still in Seoul, that she knew, but until when, she didn't know. There were a day or two that she ignored his texts. Not replying was the hardest thing that she did. The texts he sent were the mundane day to day line – How are you? Eat well and something that goes along the way.

Absence makes the heart grows fonder.

That was true. She was missing him like crazy and those texts were beaming like a beacon. Even the songs that she made lately were too somber and sad when the game reels that she received was anything but. She needed to clear her head fast before it was eating her up. She couldn't be making a heart wrenching song for a happy and cheerful game.

With her earphone on, she started to play on the piano app on her phone at the convenience store counter. It was limited but that was the best she had during the shift. Salary-men and drunks usually came at the early part of her shift and now she was practically free. She was interrupted by someone who put a basket on the counter. She immediately took out her earphones and started to run the items through the register. The customer went out as quickly as he came in and Jae returned to her stool as she opened the app again.

"What are you working on?" a voice suddenly asked. Jae jumped in surprise. It was Yoongi, all decked out in his hoodie and cap, smiling at her as she regained her composure.

"You should stop doing that," Jae complained.

"Stop what?" he asked.

"Surprising me," she replied.

"On this shift, you should be vigilant at all time. How's your arm?" he asked looking at the wound area that was covered by her long sleeved shirt.

"Got the stitches removed and it's healing just fine," Jae looked at her arm and rolled up her sleeve. She didn't expect for Yoongi to take her hand and pulled her nearer to inspect the scar. The keloid was there, still pink and obvious. The doctor did a great job stitching her up. Not that she care that much since she was not in the business that require beauty and perfection. She could wear long sleeved shirt to cover that up. Then again, she didn't care much of what people think.