???? Chapter 1 ????
"Today is a beautiful day," a voice chirped. "I advise you guys to go out and profit from the sun…"
The boy—
- What are you listening to again? Jungkook’s friend asked, yanking the earbuds out of his ears.
- Shhh. Jungkook mumbled, shoving the earbuds back in.
- Shhhh.
The bus shuddered to a halt in front of the school. Jungkook and his friend spilled out onto the sidewalk, scanning the crowd.
HS: Let’s get inside before they close the gate. I’m so tired of cleaning toilets. People in this school are wild. Eww.
Jungkook chuckled, shoving his phone and earbuds into his pocket.
They crossed the road, heading for the gate. The yard was a chaotic swirl of students chatting and running.
HS: Where are they?
JK: There! Yoongi hyung! Jungkook yelled, spotting a familiar figure.
YG: What’s up? I thought you two would be late again. Tsss.
HS: Almost.
JK: And who was buying kimbap on the way? We almost missed the bus and had to walk.
HS: Shhh. You enjoyed it too, right? Ungrateful brat.
JK: Tsss tsss.
YG: Come on, let’s go to class. I heard there was an announcement. Come on.
They nodded and headed into the building. Jungkook trailed behind Yoongi, observing everything around him.
They entered the classroom and took their seats. As soon as Hoseok sat down, he was already chatting with the guys behind him about football. Yoongi, meanwhile, idly spun a tennis ball in his hand. Jungkook pulled out his book, lost in its pages. He loved reading; it was his escape.
He liked the fantasy worlds, the escape from reality. They fascinated him.
HS: By the way, are you guys going to the volleyball match later? It’s after school. We should go.
- Yeah. I heard there’s a new player on the team. He’s a senior.
- Mmm. I heard he’s really handsome.
- And really pretty.
HS: Are you guys okay? We’re going to watch volleyball, not drool over the players. Plus, no one is prettier than Yuna. Hahh. Yuna…
- You’re dreaming. She doesn’t even know you exist.
HS: Wanna die? Anyway, Kook? Jungkookie!
Jungkook yanked his earbuds out, turning around.
JK: What?
HS: You’re going to take your earphones and step on them if you keep doing that.
JK: If you dare. Whatever. What do you want?
HS: We were talking about the volleyball match. Are you coming with us?
JK: No. I’m not interested.
HS: Come on! Yoongs!
YG: Mmm.
HS: Will you come with us?
YG: I don’t have anything to do, so… Okay, I’m in. But I have to get home early. My mom will kill me if I’m out late again.
HS: Okay. So, Jungkook? Are you sure?
- Come on, Jungkook.
JK: I said no. I’m going to the library. I have books to return.
HS: You and your books. Honestly, you’ll end up alone if you keep this up.
JK: I don’t mind being alone.
HS: Tss tss.
Minutes later, class began. After class, Jungkook left his friend to head to the library, his usual sanctuary.
He entered and walked toward Mrs. Lee, who smiled warmly.
JK: Good morning, Auntie.
Mrs. Lee: Did you finish the two books I recommended?
JK: Yes. They were interesting. Here they are. Thank you. I’m going to look for some others now.
Mrs. Lee: Go ahead.
Jungkook smiled softly and walked to his favorite table. He put down his school bag and began browsing the shelves. Time slipped away easily. Once he started a chapter, he couldn’t stop.
Suddenly, the library door opened, and someone walked in. He looked… stuffed with equipment.
- Oh, annyeonghaseyo.
Mrs. Lee: Hi. You’re back?
- Yeah. Thank you for letting me borrow the book. I really enjoyed it.
Mrs. Lee: You’re welcome.
- I’m not used to going to libraries, but I really like being here.
Mrs. Lee: I’m glad. Where are you coming from? What’s all that?
- Ah, haha. This is my volleyball gear. I just finished a match.
Mrs. Lee: Oh. I didn’t know you played sports.
- Mmm. My parents made me join activities so I’d make friends.
Mrs. Lee: That’s good.
- Anyway, I need to find a book for a school project.
Mrs. Lee: Go on.
The boy nodded, put down his huge bag, and started walking among the shelves.
- Aigo… How am I supposed to…? Ugh…
He looked around and spotted Jungkook reading at a table. He was alone.
- Hey. Hey!
Jungkook slowly raised his eyes and looked up.
- Yeah.
- Can you help me for a second?
JK: …
- Come on. I don’t know where the science books are.
Jungkook stood up.
- There. Follow me.
- Okay.
He led the boy to the science section.
- Wow. You’re such a lifesaver.
JK: How old are you?
- Wae?
JK: You look older than me. Did you ever go to a library before?
- Yeah. I’m 18. So what? And you, Mr. Smart?
JK: I’m 14.
- Tss tss. You’re from our school, right? Your uniform.
JK: Yes.
- I’m a new student. I’m your senior then.
JK: …
- Aren’t you curious about my name?
JK: Kim Taehyung.
- Huh? How did you know?
JK: It’s written on your bag. Kim Taehyung. From the volleyball team.
YG: …
- Anyway, thank you for your help, Jungkook.
JK: You’re welcome. He walked away.
Taehyung giggled.
Tae: He’s so cute.
Later that night, Jungkook arrived home late. His mom had already finished dinner.
Mrs. Jeon: Jungkook? Where were you?
Mr. Jeon: Library, right?
JK: Mmm. Sorry. I lost track of time.
Mrs. Jeon: You’re something else, Kookie. Come wash your hands. It’s time to eat.
JK: Okay. He headed to his room, put down his bag, and opened the window.
He noticed lights flickering in the house next door.
JK: Ah?
He joined his parents downstairs.
JK: Did someone move into the Tak’s house?
Mrs. Jeon: Ah. Yes. Last weekend. A family moved in.
Mr. Jeon: Oh. I wondered why there was a car parked in front of the house.
Mrs. Jeon: I invited them for lunch tomorrow.
Mr. Jeon: You did right.
Mrs. Jeon: Jungkook, you’ll have to stay home tomorrow.
JK: Pfff. Okay.
Mrs. Jeon: Their kids are older than you, but you should get along with them.
JK: Mmm. If you say so.
After dinner, Jungkook wished his parents goodnight and went to his room. He opened his book and settled next to the window, enjoying the cool breeze.
Suddenly, a window across the street opened.
Tae: Hah… Much better.
JK: What is…?
Taehyung took a deep breath.
Tae: Ah? Kiddo?
JK: Hyung?
Taehyung smiled widely, showing his boxy smile.
Tae: Wow. That’s amazing.
JK: …
Taehyung looked up at the sky.
Tae: Look how beautiful the sky is, Mr. Smart.
Jungkook glanced up, then looked back at Taehyung.
He stared at him for a moment, his heart pounding.
JK: What is that?
• • ...............????????????????................. •
- Mr. Jeon?
Jungkook returned to the interview.
JK: Yes?
- You seemed lost in your thoughts.
JK: Sorry. I was just thinking about something.
The girl chuckled, tapping on her laptop.
- So, what made you enter the writing world?
JK: Mmm. I’ve loved reading since I was little. As a kid, I cried for my mom to read me stories. I couldn’t sleep without it. When I grew up, I could read by myself, and I started thinking, why not write my own books? That’s how it started.
- Mmm. That’s talent and passion. This book you named “Love at First Sight.” What is it really about?
JK: A young boy’s first love. A boy discovering this intense feeling called love.
- Ohhhhh. And what about you, Jungkookshi?
- How was it for you, the first time you fell in love?
JK: That was… intense. Way too much, I must say.
- How did it end?
JK: Well, I just think the person you fall in love with is very important. Especially the first one. In my case…
"I think I fell for the wrong person. Unfortunately, I can’t change the past, and it will mark me forever."
To be continued…
So this is the first chapter of my new story. I hope you guys appreciate it. ????