Seraphina’s POV
“What’s wrong, sweetie?” My mother asked, her brow furrowed with concern. “Your eyes are puffy.”
“It’s nothing, Mom. Probably just allergies,” I assured her, though the lie tasted like ash in my mouth.
A knot twisted in my stomach. What would Jungkook say when he learned I’d left school without a word? I hoped he wouldn’t come looking for me, or I was truly, irrevocably screwed.
“Alright, honey. Oh, and Jungkook is coming over for dinner today. You can rest until he comes.”
The words felt like a sentence. Of all days, why today?
“Okay, Mom.”
We arrived home, and as soon as my head hit the pillow, darkness claimed me.
“DON’T COME NEAR!” I screamed, clutching an imaginary knife. I stumbled backward, my spine slamming against the wall. “Sera, calm down. I promise I won’t hurt you,” a voice soothed. I looked down at my trembling hand, slick with sweat. “NO! YOU LIAR! NO!”
I jolted awake to Jungkook’s calm voice. “You finally woke up. Did you have a nightmare?”
I launched myself off the bed, landing with a clumsy thud.
“Oww… uh, hi Jungkook. How long have you been here?” I asked, heart hammering against my ribs.
“Half an hour,” he replied, his gaze assessing. “Are you okay, though? You fell pretty hard.” He chuckled softly.
“Yes, I’m fine,” I managed, forcing a smile. “Let me see if you’re hurt anywhere.” He said.
As he reached for me, his hands brushed against my shoulder, and I flinched. The contact felt like a jolt of electricity.
“What happened?” Jungkook asked, worry etched on his face.
“I-It’s nothing. I’m fine,” I repeated, my voice trembling.
Jungkook pulled down my sleeve, revealing the bruise blooming on my shoulder, larger now than it had been that morning. “Oh no… Sera… did I do this?” He asked, his eyes dark with concern.
“Uh… yes, from yesterday and today. But you don’t have to worry,” I lied, trying to sound reassuring.
“Sera, I’m so sorry.” He pulled me into a tight embrace. “Let me make you feel better.”
Jungkook began to massage my shoulder, ignoring my protests after the first five minutes. I was desperate to reassure him I was fine. After twenty minutes of kneading, he stopped.
“Feeling any better?” he asked softly.
“Yes, much better,” I whispered, letting my head fall against his lap. He stroked my hair, then leaned down and kissed me.
“I’m glad you’re feeling better,” he said, his voice a low rumble against my ear.
My mother opened the door, her gaze softening as she took in the scene.
“Awe, you two are so cute,” she cooed.
“Momm,” I groaned, shrinking back into Jungkook’s embrace. Jungkook chuckled, a sound that sent a tremor through my heart. It wasn’t often I heard him laugh so freely.
“Sera, I’m going out with your dad for a while. We’ll be back soon,” she said, kissing my forehead.
Ugh. She had to leave me alone with this… man-child.
“And Jungkook, you can stay as long as you’d like,” she smiled.
“Thank you,” Jungkook replied, his eyes fixed on me.
“Well, I’ll be heading out. Food is on the table. You better eat, Sera. You haven’t touched anything since you got home,” my mother said before closing the door.
She was right. I hadn’t eaten a thing. “Let’s head to the kitchen to get some food,” I told Jungkook.
We walked to the kitchen and ate my mother’s meal in silence. I glanced at Jungkook, watching him push food around his plate, his expression unreadable.
“Why’d you leave school early?” Jungkook asked suddenly, shattering the quiet. “I was standing outside for thirty minutes waiting for you.”
The question caught me completely off guard. I knew he’d ask eventually, but I hadn’t prepared an answer.
“I… uh… What?” Jungkook yelled, his voice laced with frustration. “What happened to your phone? Did it magically stop working?”
“No, I was just kind of tired. I kind of forgot,” I mumbled, looking down.
The truth was, I hadn’t wanted him to leave school. I knew if I told him I was going home, he’d follow.
My vision blurred, and a tear slipped down my cheek.
*Stop crying, Sera!*
I wasn’t expecting Jungkook to react like this. I heard footsteps approaching, strong arms wrapping around me.
“Awe, baby, don’t cry,” Jungkook cooed, his voice softer now. “Next time, just tell me. I thought you were avoiding me.” He said with a harsher tone. What the hell?! This man boy is so weird. It’s not that hard to choose an emotion.
“Come on, let’s watch a movie,” Jungkook said, pulling me toward the living room.
“Okay,” I said, forcing a smile.
Of course I loved Jungkook, but sometimes it was best for me to avoid him, to protect myself.