But I Still Want You | Jikook ✓

Chapter 5: I'm a Curse Magnet

Jimin

"Oh, my back," I groan, making the bones pop and crack as I force myself into an erect position, only to slump down again. "Why is it that when I'm older, my posture is so horrendous? This isn't like me at all. Maybe I can train my spine to be straight again. Until then, I need something to help me walk up this hill." My eyes scan my surroundings until I see a large stick poking outside of a blueberry bush.

Excited, I waddle to the bush and set my nearly empty basket down, wrapping my hands around the wood and yanking with all my might. It takes everything I've got, but eventually, the momentum takes me by surprise and I fall onto my butt, groaning. "That was too hard."

I look around for the stick before my eyes land on a scarecrow and my eyes widen. "You? Was that you?" The words make me facepalm as soon as they leave my mouth. Am I really so lonely as to talk to a stick and hay?

It bounces around excitedly as if its whole body is nodding and I scream.

"Y-You're alive?! What the heck?! What is up with me and c-c—agh!" I massage my jaw. Every time I try to verbalize the details of my curse, I feel like I'm choking on my tongue and my jaw locks into place. It's hell.

The scarecrow comes closer, almost as if it is checking to see if I'm alright. It doesn't seem... scary necessarily. But it is quite alarming.

"Go on, you're free now. There isn't any need for you to be around a monster such as myself. I don't expect anything out of you... Unless you could find me a good walking stick."

It bounces energetically before leaving and I sigh. I'm alone again. I should really continue my journey for a means of shelter, but I'm a lot frailer than I was before. My bones ache and my energy no longer amounts to what I once had. Maybe I can just nap and when I wake up, I'll be able to walk on my own again.

I'm just about to drift off when a thud makes me shoot up. Looking around, I see the scarecrow from before, holding a cane.

"Is that for me?" I ask and it comes closer. "Thank you."

The scarecrow bounces and I chuckle.

"Hmm... I think I'll call you Turniphead. But what pronouns...? She?"

Turniphead is still.

"They?"

No movement.

"He?"

Turniphead bounces around me in a circle and I laugh. "Okay, okay, he it is. You wouldn't know where I could stay, would you? I'm homeless and looking for a place to stay."

He does his full body nod and starts to lead the way.

"Hold on, hold on! I can't move that fast! I'm not a youngin' anymore." I giggle, doing my best to keep up. Turniphead is surprisingly considerate for a scarecrow. I actually enjoy his company. Maybe we can be friends.

We march up the large hill until we reach an abandoned cottage that looks like it hasn't been lived in for years. The roof seems to have some holes in it and the floor is made up of dirt, but it suits me. Someone as horrendous as myself shouldn't have such lavish things. Yes, this place will suit me well.

-

Living in the abandoned cottage has been a lot more enjoyable than I thought it would be. I can spend my time how I want and that means I can play guitar and sing in peace. It does get painful sometimes, especially during the cold nights where I am curled up under a thin blanket in a bed of hay. I'm hoping that I can one day afford a bed, because if not, I don't know how long I will be able to move.

This solitary lifestyle isn't as lonely as I thought it would be. It's just missing Hoseok and Jin. I'm used to being alone otherwise, but Turniphead has been keeping me company and offering his scarecrow-related services. Over the time we've spent here, we've been able to farm a little garden that we found behind the house. Even though it offers food, my favorite part of this area has to be the flower garden.

I often spend time amongst the flowers, singing to them and talking to them like I did my hats in the shop. The way they've been thriving is almost magical and it brightens my day to see how the vast array of colors and breeds seem to multiply each day. It's almost like the flowers hear my wishes and work to grant them.

The garden is also my favorite because it has brought a mysterious visitor who comes at dusk daily just to admire and pick flowers. I've been too shy to talk to the cloaked figure because I don't want to scare them and cause them to have a heart attack or die. But I've found myself watching them all this time while remaining hidden, imagining who they could be and what their backstory is. They have become my obsession and I've noticed that they seem most interested in a particular breed of flower, so I've been most focused on keeping them healthy and vibrant. I want to grow a special flower just for them and to give it to them.

Maybe if I save up money and buy a mask from in town, I can give it to them in person?

Author's Note: Old man Jimin is cute. This story is kinda weird because I write it out of order. I have everything mapped out though. The story will definitely be longer than Dance Again. I hope I keep your attention for that long. The story should pick up very, very soon. Last chapter (although it confused literally all of those who commented) was the beginning of the action. It's just that it's a "subplot." The main plot will be picking up soon!

What do you think of the chapter?

Make sure to take care and love yourself as best as you can.

With lots of love,

-BBM