Set Aflame

7

"I didn't know you were going to Tae's party tonight."

You nod. "I didn't know you were either. I'm kind of nervous going because I don't really talk to people, but Jungkook invited me and I didn't want to be rude."

Mika is putting an earring in and slipping her shoes on while you stand by the door, waiting to go. Since Mika found out you were going yesterday, you decided to go together.

When she hears you say Jungkook's name, she blushes. "How did you two meet?" She asks quietly. "He sure is a character."

"He dumped a Red Bull into his coffee and drank it," you reply. "And I couldn't just not ask."

Mika laughs. "That sounds like him. I'm friends with him too but we don't talk much. He's funny."

"Yeah," you agree. And hopefully not offended or anything that I freaking kissed him and then claimed to be lesbian.

Seriously. Lesbian. The worst thing you've ever said out of panic. Like, why couldn't you just say nothing? Or tell him you were joking.

What were you nervous about in the first place?

"He works at a coffee shop I go to often," Mika says. "Tae works there too."

"Tae..." You remember Tae from yesterday as the one with the pretty box smile. He's unique. "He was really quiet at first," you say. "Before he started being friendly."

Mika smiles and walks over to you, ready to go. You open the door and the two of you walk out together.

"He does that," she says. "That's his vibe check. If he's friendly with you that means you passed."

You blink. He judged you? And more so, he judged you with little to go off of? Maybe he should have checked again because you are not the nicest, vibiest person.

"Taehyung is one of the best guys I've ever met and I'm so glad we're friends. He's saved me from countless accidents," Mika says, smiling at the floor. This is the most you and her have ever talked and you kind of enjoy it. She's very nice. And quiet. And she doesn't talk too much. And she isn't imposing.

"Do you have friends like that?" Mika asks. "I just realize I've never seen you around people." Almost as soon as this sentence leaves her mouth, she gasps and shakes her head. "I-I don't mean to sound rude or anything, I just-"

"It's okay," you laugh. "Yeah. I do have a friend like that. And my brothers. I miss them a lot."

"Are you going home for Christmas?" Mika asks curiously. You approach the elevator and press the button for it.

"No," you sigh. "I have stuff to catch up on here. But I will be calling them a lot." The elevator opens and the two of you walk inside. You requested an Uber to get to Park Jimin's house, where the party is at. Jungkook sent you the address a couple of days ago.

Mika presses the button for the ground floor and the elevator doors close. "Does... does Jungkook ever talk about me?" She asks. You frown. That was random. "I dunno," you mumble. "I honestly don't think we've talked that much either."

"Tae thinks he likes you," Mika says, then gasps agaain. "I-I shouldn't have said that."

Your fingertips burn, like they usually do when you think about Jungkook.

"No way," you say. "He does not like me. Not like that." At least not after yesterday he doesn't. You press your fingers to your lips. That was the first time you've ever kissed a boy. You don't even know him that well.