Between The Bars | A Lizkook AU

1.

*Note: Reminder that ITALICS are for the reminiscing past scenes (flashbacks), while REGULAR font type are for the present scenarios.

.....

Jungkook hangs his head back to the headrest and lets out another frustrated sigh. He's not sure why, but lately he's been feeling more and more annoyed at Ji-Eun. Had she always been this ignorant? Or was it he who covered it up with his own?

Whatever it is, things are clearly not running smoothly as he thought it would be. Even his feelings had changed towards the girl so soon. It's embarrassing to think that only 4 months ago he was so adamant of having her, to a point of ruining his own – and possibly another – life for it. But now...now he's just bored of the whole thing! Why is he even here – why the hell would he agree to pick her up??

The passenger door finally opens and Ji-Eun came in a rush – looking slightly disheveled and undone. Ahh...I can't believe this!

"Sorry, I didn't notice your text,"

Jungkook can't help his sarcastic laugh. "The text I sent you two hours ago? Are you serious?"

"Stop whining – it's not two hours. I was busy," She brushed him off, pulling down the sun visor to look at herself in the mirror. She looked so unbothered, Jungkook wondered for the thousandth time 'how is it even possible that I could leave her for you??'.

"While you're at it, fix your button. Won't take a genius to know how 'busy' you were," He rolled his eyes and starts driving.

"I just bumped into someone –"

"Don't worry bout it," He kept his eyes fixed on the road. "You don't have to convince me,"

"You're so pissy nowadays – I don't think I like it,"

Fucking red light. "Wonder why,"

"Oh, what?" She chuckled. "Just because I made you wait for two hours?"

"You're admitting it's two hours now?"

"So childish," He noticed her crossing her arms across her chest. "You know, there's a lot of things I can complain about you too – but I don't do it,"

"Really? You were complaining just fine on the phone just now, insisting me to pick you up. Oh, and didn't you complain about how I should have a maid in my own house so you won't have to wash your mug this morning? Oh wait...that's like – every damn day!"

"Well, those are just normal things!" Now she's shouting at him. "There's a lot more things I could complain you know –"

"Yeah? Like what?"

"Like...like your clothes –"

"What's wrong with my clothes?"

"It's always in black and it's always too big on you, makes you look like a homeless person –"

Jungkook laughed bitterly before pushing on the pedal again as the light turns green.

"It's embarrassing to go out with you when you look like that. And that stupid ring you always –"

"Don't talk about my ring," His tone is sharp and his look is piercing. She just pushed the button on this one. If she continues, Jungkook swears he will pull over and leave her at the side of the street. She could just walk home for all I care! 

...

"Kooki-ya...please tell me what's wrong," Her palm reaches out to his elbow. Jungkook pulls his arm away.

"Can you stop asking me that? It's annoying,"

She fell silent and he continues to focus on the road ahead. Just man up, Kook! You're a grown-ass man – just tell her already, it has to be tonight!

Jungkook abruptly pulls over to the side of the street. This can't wait anymore. He brought her out to dinner to break up with her but realized how awful his plan was to do it in such a public space. But it can't wait. He's tired of lying around and she didn't deserve it. Plus, Ji-Eun is waiting for his decision tonight.

He turns over to the silent girl beside him. The same face he fell in love with seven years ago but somehow is no longer who he longs for.

"I..." He can do this. Don't mind those kind eyes. Don't fall again. "I think we should break up,"

She didn't respond. The only difference on her face now is the glint in her eyes. He felt the fall in his chest but ignores it. Don't give in. Priorities, Kook!

"I found someone new. I –" Say it. Just say it. "I don't love you anymore,"

He thought he heard a sharp gasp before she turned to face her front, away from him. A bunch of emotions started clouding his judgment but again, he ignores everything. It's a lie. He knew it's a lie, but he had to say it to get her to leave. Say something. Let's get this over with and move on. Yell at me so I can tell you 'it's not you, it's me'. Say something! His eyes wandered everywhere but at her, not sure of what to do. 

"This what makes you happy?" She finally spoke after a minute or two.

"Yes," I guess the shorter the answer, the better.

She nods slowly. Jungkook now felt a stabbing pain in his chest but tells himself that it's probably just his moral conscience - get over it! Minutes passed and they stayed silent. All he could think of is 'what now?'. Should he start driving again? Should they discuss about it – nooo....bad idea! 

But you wanted it to be amicable right? You need to keep her close -

"I'm...I'm sorry I wasn't enough. Thank you for always being there, making me the happiest –"

"Lisa, I –"

"A month and 4 days. That's how long since I've realized something was wrong. I'm sorry you thought you had to wait that long,"

"I didn't –"

"I wish you nothing but happiness, Jungkook. I love you. I always have," With that, she opens the passenger door and walks out.

There were no glances, no recognition of mutual understanding that he imagined she would give. She just left and walks away, farther and farther from his car. He's not sure why...his feet felt like they're desperate to run after her, and his heart felt at lost. But his mind's made up so instead of chasing for the girl that was once his everything, he forced his right foot on the pedal and keeps them occupied on the prize that's waiting for him.

It's just nerves. It'll be gone. Just like her and her belongings tonight. She's not oblivious. She loves him too much - she won't let him suffer with the guilt. Her presence will be gone by the time you go back tomorrow. And Ji-Eun will be with you so you won't have to dwell on things. Yes...it'll be a new life with Ji-Eun.