To Dethrone the King | JJK ✔️

20

KANG BYEOL POV

Disappointed is an understatement. I'm more-than-disappointed with him.

"You're such a fucking liar, Jeon."

"Don't be a sore loser, Kang. I told you I didn't cheat. Is it so hard to believe you suck?"

I slam down his controller on the coffee table, making him flinch. "I want a rematch," I glare at him.

"But you're gonna be sad all over again and I'll have to deal with sad Kang all day," he pouts like a kid.

I feel the heat rise in my cheeks, immediately standing up. "O-okay, fine."

He gets up in quick reflex, helping me walk. "You can't do that yet, Kang."

I roll my eyes at his babysitting persona. "Don't baby me, Jeon. I've got these, okay? It isn't the first time I've been put in one either," I knock on the crutches and foot cast.

They're all his, kept from previous sports injuries when he used to play rugby as an extra-curricular activity.

He sighs, reluctantly sitting back down. "Plus, I feel so used..."

He looks up at me confused now. "Huh?"

"I know you're using me as excuse for three days off school, Jeon. You can't pull a slick one over me," I make hand gestures of unmasking face, him quickly giggling catching on.

"Alright fine, I admit that's partially the reason why I'm here. I'm genuinely worried you can't get around, you know," his voice softens at the last part, letting me know there's truth behind his joke.

My phone's been blowing up the whole morning but I haven't had the heart to talk to our friend group. I just feel like I soured their mood that day and I feel really bad about it.

Haru:

Hoseok told me you have a 3-day home stay with Jeon.
Was it that serious?
I'm coming over after school. You better open the door.

I sigh looking over. "Did you tell them?"

He looks away from his game for a second before turning back to play. "Only a little, just that your leg..."

"Okay thank you," I breathe a sigh of relief. He shrugs, killing people here and there on screen.

A knock on the door startles me, hauling myself with the crutches to get it. "Haru, it's really—"

"What are you doing here?"

I look over at the blonde girl now, eyeing me suspiciously then at my cast. "U-uhm, I just—"

"I'm taking care of her while her leg's messed up as you can see, Cho," Jeon's cold voice cuts through the atmosphere.

"Really? Because it seems as if you're playing games while she's perfectly capable of walking herself out still."

I look at her stoic gaze on me and see a lack of compassion in her eyes. I know I dislike being pitied on, but I hate being treated like I'm less than anyone. I'm about to open my mouth when Jeon shuts his game harshly.

"Is it so hard to empathise, Kim Chohee?" he growls frustratedly.

To my surprise she starts tearing up. "Kook, I came b-because I..."

I grow uncomfortable as she starts breaking down. Jungkook shifts in expression, now looking conflicted. "Kang, I..."

"J-Jungkook, you... you promised," I plead with him.

He looks away now, fists balled at his sides.

"I'm sorry."

Everything begins to crumble around me.

His words, the kiss. It never meant anything to him. He has a girlfriend, and I'm an idiot for thinking I ever meant something to him, even as a friend.

No matter how differently he can treat me, how he's able to show care for me,

I'll never match with Chohee.

"Tell your mom thanks for taking care of me the past few days. I'll be back in my own home now," my voice cracks.

I give his girlfriend one last glance at her gorgeous irritated face and struggle to let myself out. I hear heavy footsteps behind me not wanting to turn back.

"Byeol, please!"

"Don't." I snap back. His eyes widen at my tone.

"Don't call me that," I breathe out shakily. "Go back to your girlfriend, Jeon."

"Please, listen—"

"No, Jungkook. I keep giving you a chance only to be let down over and over again. Don't make promises you can't keep. You get everything you want, for fuck's sake. You don't know how to give back because you've only had yourself to think about. These past few days have been the best time of my life even though I was nearly assaulted, you know why?"

"Because for the first time in my life," my tears begin to flow and I have to take a deep breath. "I actually felt like I had... someone."

He stops in his tracks, and the look on his face says it all.

"I know why you kissed me; it's okay. I know there wasn't any meaning behind it and it worked. I owe you one really, but once my favour is repaid I'll get out of your hair."

"You said you'd wait for me!" He shouts suddenly, inching forward cautiously.

"You s-said... you promised you'll wait for my explanation," he starts tearing up. "If you hate people who break their promises you can't break yours."

I swing the crutch at him. "Are you fucking serious? You break your promise to stay with me and expect me not to break yours? How selfish can you be!"

I open the door to my house now, not waiting for his response. "You don't get to control me! I'm not some object you can use for a bit and put away for later. Just because you're king above everyone else doesn't mean you get to rule over me. Leave me alone, Jungkook. I mean it this time, forget I ever asked you to stay with me. I don't need a repeat of my parents happening to me again, one time was more than enough."

"Byeol!" He panics.

"Goodbye, Jungkook. Have fun with her." I slam my door in his face.

I've never needed anyone and I don't need him now. But why does my heart tell me I do?