Seraphina's POV
A dull ache throbbed in my left shoulder, a souvenir from yesterday's clumsy grab by Jungkook. I traced the bruise blooming beneath my skin as I glanced at it in the bathroom mirror. Painkillers swallowed with water, then it was off to school.
My parents, already immersed in their work routines, were gone before dawn. I rarely saw them until after school. Jungkook, predictably, waited in the driveway, offering a ride. It had become routine.
"Hey Kookie!" I called out, trying to sound cheerful.
"Hey Sera," he replied, his tone clipped. He leaned in, pressing his lips to mine before we settled into the car.
"I'll see you after football practice, okay?" he said, his voice lacking its usual warmth.
"Okay, I'll see you later." I watched him pull onto the school grounds, a knot tightening in my stomach.
The morning drifted by, a solitary rhythm. Breakfast alone, the library alone – a pattern of isolation Jungkook had cultivated. He’d systematically alienated my friends, intimidating those who lingered too close. Now, I navigated the hallways alone.
I reached for my books in my locker, hoping Jungkook would appear as he always did.
“Hey!” A bright voice startled me. I turned to see a girl slightly shorter than me, her brown hair cascading in soft waves.
“Hey!” I responded, managing a smile.
“I just noticed your clothes – they’re so pretty! Did you get them at the mall? I’m Ashley, by the way, a junior.” Her eyes were warm and inviting.
A flicker of hope ignited within me. This might be my chance. “I’m Seraphina, a senior, and yes, I did get it at the mall.” I glanced down at my tan sweater and blue jeans. "My boyf–"
“Her boyfriend actually bought it for her.” Jungkook’s voice cut me off, cold and possessive. His arm snaked around me, squeezing my shoulder with a familiar, bruising grip.
His face was deceptively calm, but his eyes burned with fury. “And who is this?” he demanded, his voice laced with suspicion.
I braced myself, knowing Jungkook’s reaction to even a single friend. My voice trembled. “Um… Jungkook, this is Ashley. Ashley, this is my boyfriend, Jungkook.”
Ashley extended her hand. “Hey, nice to meet you.” She smiled, her gaze unwavering.
Jungkook hesitated, then shook her hand, a tight, forced smile on his lips. “Nice to meet you too, Ashley.”
Maybe, just maybe, he wasn't as furious as I feared. A fragile hope bloomed.
“The bell’s about to ring. Let me walk you to class, Sera.” He turned to Ashley. “Nice meeting you, see you around.”
“Alright, bye,” Ashley replied cheerfully.
As soon as we rounded a corner, out of sight of Ashley, Jungkook’s grip tightened. We slammed into an empty hallway, my back colliding with a locker. He grabbed the shoulder he’d injured yesterday, squeezing it with brutal force, and I spotted black spots dancing before my eyes.
“How long have you known this Ashley?” he demanded, his voice low and menacing.
“I-I just met her today,” I stuttered, my voice barely a whisper.
“Today?! You know how I feel about you having friends!” He roared, his grip tightening until my vision blurred.
I knew that this was how it would go. "I know, but I'm just kind of fed up on how you won't let me have friends so I'm basically alone most of the time." I argued. "but she seems nice and maybe I wouldn't be so-"
"Bullshit! You don't need anyone but me!" He screamed, his voice raw with rage. "We've discussed this! Ugh!"
Jungkook slammed his fist against the locker, sending a jolt of fear through me. "Jungkook it's just one friend! Let me have at least one person to turn to!"
A surge of defiance, born of desperation, coursed through me. It felt like a reckless leap into the unknown, and I could see Jungkook's anger flare.
“Tsk, meet me after school, and don’t be late to class.” He turned on his heel and strode away, leaving me trembling. I took a shaky breath and tears welled up.
Am I that bad of a girlfriend?
Without a word, I turned and walked towards home. I didn't tell Jungkook I was leaving, I just left.