chapter 48: Realize
We sat at the edge of the sparkling pool of water. Devon had put the bait on my hook because there was no way I was touching the worms.
Amarisa found a much more challenging way to catch fish. She was waist deep in the water shooting arrows and to my surprise catching a fish or two in the process. If she was aiming to impress the heck out of Jungkook she did. I rolled my eyes. Show off.
The sun was warm on my skin a huge contrast from the darkness of the cave sending pricks up my spine. I pulled off my shoes and socks and stuck my feet in the warm, glassy water.
We were catching today's meal and we'd get some extra stuff for dinner. It was so calming feeling the breeze on top of the high mountains.
I felt my fishing rod tug and I knew I caught something. I reeled in the string and I caught a small fish. I have no idea what type, but I kept telling myself it's a salmon.
After Amarisa had caught enough fish for an entire tribe and I caught my guppy, we headed back down the mountain. Jin showed us how to cut a cactus to extract its juice; which I guessed would be our drink for tonight.
Devon walked beside me. "We are going through the tunnels again, I think I should come with you, in case you're scared."
"I'm fine, but I would like to talk to you." I said looking at my thumbs nervously.
He nodded, then grabbed both of my hands pulling me to a hault to look him in his eyes.
"April.... If you are thinking about breaking up with me...because I've been a jerk lately, please give me a second chance. Yes, I messed up. But you have to understand it's hard watching you and him being so merry when he apparently loves you but I'm your boyfriend. I don't want to keep you from your friends, so can we start over? And you see, Jungkook is happy with Amarisa. Maybe they'll make a fine couple." He said with his eyes pleading. The same look Jungkook gave me when he asked me not to go into Devon's car, but I did anyway.
I sighed. "You've done nothing wrong Devon. I just think it's me. I don't feel a connection with you, I don't understand why."
He breathed heavily, he was getting frustrated. "April, we just met—"
"I think that's the problem" I butted in.
"No it's not" he said through gritted teeth "the problem is Jungkook won't leave us alone" his arm was stretched out pointing directing at Jungkook.
I rolled my eyes and began to rebut when Rapmonster placed his hand on Devon's shoulder with a smug smile. " Everything all right Devon?"
Rapmonster was now squeezing the life out of Devon's shoulder forcing him to nod and we followed the group into the cave.
Jennie walked over to me "What is seriously going on April? Why are you leaving your boyfriend out in the cold?"
I sighed "Jennie, I'm breaking up with Devon."
She gasped. "No! No. No, you don't want to do that." She said. I couldn't see her as we were now deep inside the cave but I could hear the disapproval in her voice.
"April, you and Devon look good together, you and Devon are a couple. Why?"
I sighed. "I— I don't really know for sure." I said quietly.
Jennie grumbled and walked past me. She was upset but it's my relationship not her's.
I saw the speck of light indicating our exit from the cave. We waited five minutes for Jhope to bounce around and take pictures and then we were back at the campsite. The hike had been tiring but now at least I'm ready for brunch.
Jennie stormed toward me. "April, doesn't Devon love you? Why would you break his heart?"
I sighed "But what about my heart?"
She put her hands on my shoulders and pushed me towards Devon as an answer. Okay, I'd ask him, no biggie.
I scratched the back of my head and tapped on his shoulder. "Umm, Devon...I know this is a weird question. Actually a very weird question." Jennie stepped on my foot. I was rambling of course. "It's just.... Do you maybe....love me?"
I asked feeling a rush of humiliation flow in my veins.
His face softened. "Oh April....I..." He sighed and looked down at the ground. "Like you just said, we just met. I like you, but I don't know if....I think I could love you, if you loved me back."
I pursed my lips and nodded. I understand. For anyone normal that's to be expected. But I didn't have to love Jungkook for him to love me. And I don't really believe in love at first sight, but I don't really know if I believe in love either. Sure it seems all good but if it was perfect then why are my parents separated?
Jin was gutting the huge fish Amarisa supplied. Brunch would be ready in thirty minutes. I walked to my tent and went through my notebook in hope to find some recipes I wrote down for fish. I flipped through the pages and I smiled when I saw I stuck the cards and letters from the time I was in the hospital.
I picked up Lisa's and Jennie's card. It was so cute. Next to there's was Jungkook's letter. Huh. I never finished reading it. The nurse had come in and I stuffed it into my notebook, and here it is.
I unfolded the crinkled peice of paper and scanned the words. It read
April,
Thanks for being a great friend and looking out for others. Even though it doesn't seem like it you've taught me a lot. I hope you take care of your health and get well soon. When you get better Jin has his home prepared for you. Don't worry about your house and Alex, we'll take care of them. When you come home I can help you get back to 100%. Because you've helped me so much. Maybe when things calm down and you're ready would you allow me to take you on a date? I know this is sudden and not the time, but whenever you are ready, just tell me. I won't pressure you or ask, and if you don't want to at all it's okay, I can wait.
Anyway, please get better soon. My heart aches everyday you are in the hospital.
-Jungkook
I put my hand over my mouth. I couldn't believe I didn't even finish the letter. I had totally forgotten. I must've seemed like a jerk hugging him, and sleeping with him, giving him hope then running off into Devon's arms.
I mentally face palmed. I got up straight from my tent in Jungkook's direction. We needed to talk. And I needed to talk to Devon.
"Brunch is ready!" Jhope called.
I sighed and sat on a log and picked at a fish.
V and Baekhyun were playing around with sticks while the rest of the girls were seasoning their fish.
I sat on a log uneasily next to Jungkook. I've already had to say two embarrassing things to Devon today, time for another round of embarrassment.
"Can we talk?" I asked Jungkook.
He pursed his lips and looked up at the sky as if he was thinking. "Sure. But it will cost you."
I furrowed my eyebrows "Huh?"
He closed his eyes and tapped his pointer finger on his cheek.
I laughed "A kiss on the cheek?! Jungkook, are you crazy? Infront of Devon?"
He opened his eyes and smiled. "I'm kidding. What do you want to talk about?"
I opened my mouth but Amarisa cut my off " So Jungkook, are you going to the archery meet Wednesday?"
He turned to face Amarisa "I haven't heard of one."
She smiled and put her hand on his chest " I know, my Dad is hosting it. You can be my guest of honor."
He laughed " that's okay. I think I should stay home for a little while. People get too wild when I'm gone." He said cutting eyes at me while I was currently cutting my eyes at Amarisa.
I crossed my arms. "Jungkook." I said trying to get his attention.
Amarisa attempted to go on again but Jungkook turned his head to face me.
"You were saying?"
I tossed my delicious fish remains in the trash and faced Jungkook.
"I'm just going to be honest. That day at the hospital I never finished your letter. I really never knew—"
Jungkook looked at the ground and smiled. "I know. I know you didn't finish the letter. But I guess it's too late now." He said turning his attention back to Amarisa.
I gasped. What was that? Did he just blow me off? I scoffed and watched him carry on a conversation with Amarisa. It was making me mad.
I stood up and grabbed Jungkook's arm. "I'm not finished."
He looked at me surprised. "We can't finish it here?"
I rolled my eyes " Not if you and Amarisa are flirting like crazy."
He cut his eyes and allowed me to drag him away from the group. They could still see us, we were just in a grassy area.
I stopped when we were far enough so they couldn't hear.
I sighed. "What I'm trying to say is—"
"You like me?" Jungkook said smugly.
I crossed my arms. " If you cut me off on more time I'll—"
"You'll what?" He said obviously amused.
He did it again! He just cut me off. This boy...
Before I knew it he pulled me in by my waist and pressed his lips on mine.
I blinked hard and I placed my hands on the sides of his face to create space between him and I.
"Jungkook!" I hissed dropping my hands.
He still wore his smug smile.
"Are you crazy? I haven't broken up with Devon yet!"
Jungkook's eyes widened "You're breaking up with Devon?"
My breath caught. "Umm...I dunno."
He released his grip on my waist and looked into the bushes.
I couldn't believe he did that. If Devon saw that he would explode. It's not like I was upset though. Everything we just did was thrilling and some how I was smiling about it. His deep brown eyes were perfect and—
" April. Do you see that?" Jungkook whispered, his head buried in the foliage.
I made a hole in the bushes to stick my head through to look at what he was looking at.
There was a man next to a black tent and he was starting up a fire.
I pulled my head out of the bushes. "Yes Jungkook it's a man trying to start a fire. So?" I asked my heart still racing. I wish he'd pay attention to the task at hand and stop worrying about others. Well, I guess I was kind of like that too.
I put my hands on my hips. Can't we just go back to what we were doing— I mean talking about?
"April. That's Yoongi's dad." Jungkook said eyes wide.
I furrowed my eyebrows and looked back through the bushes. "Whaaaaat?"
He sighed. "Yoongi's dad. Rapmonster's mom's ex husband. Rapmonster's step—"
" I know, I know. Let's go tell Rapmonster."
Jungkook nodded. We turned towards our camp but we stopped when we heard a man's faint voice yell "Hey! You two! Come here!"
Jungkook and I both looked at each other with wide eyes and froze.
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