Never before had Jungkook anticipates his Monday to come so quickly. He dreaded Mondays! He would curse at the early morning alarm as his first class starts at 8.30am. Who is even fresh for a lecture at 8.30am?! The lecturer, that's who!

But no, not this Monday. He had been waiting impatiently for that alarm to ring. He even got up a few times before that to check if the clock's really ticking – that's how impatient he was! He had spent the entire Sunday with Lily on his mind and by the end of it, he's determined to know or at least see her once again. Actually once will definitely not be enough but he can't worry about that now.

He's prepped himself to be friendly with her – practicing in front of the mirror on how to greet her warmly, say thank you for fixing his hand and give a charming smile or two. He practiced all night and the only reason he stopped was to sleep so he won't appear with eye-bags in front of her. Yes, the girl got him conscious as hell and he's not even sure why!

On the way to his faculty, he thought of ways to find her. Maybe he could walk over to the Language department – see if he'd bump into her? But then he might bump into Yeri – who's probably the last person he wants to see at the moment! He's used to the hallways at the department, sending Yeri to her classes or waiting for her after. He knew a couple of familiar faces at the department already but none of which he's well acquainted with. Who could he ask for help to find Lily?

He got to the class earlier than most students. Before taking his usual spot at the back row, he saw a girl at her desk, writing something on a baby pink notebook. An idea popped in his mind. Maybe Chaeyoung can fill him in on some things! Carefully, he approached the girl. He never spoken to her directly before. They were assigned to a group project once, but everyone basically had their own roles to carry out so there weren't much interaction between the two.

He cleared his throat. "Hi, Chaeyoung right?"

The girl looks up to him questioningly, but has a small smile curved on her lips. "Hi,"

"Hi um...do you mind if I sit here?" He pointed to the seat beside her.

"No, not at all,"

"Thanks," He hanged his backpack at the back of the chair and took his place. Silence. Awkward...

"You're early today," Chaeyoung said casually, her eyes are back to her notebook.

"Y-yeah...made it in time for the bus," He scratches his non-itchy head. You won't know anything about Lily if you keep acting like an awkward fool! "S-so...how's your weekend?"

"Ugh, boring! I thought I'd have a good one but people can be jerks sometimes, ruined my entire mood and weekend!" She pouts. Jungkook had no idea what she meant but nods slowly anyways. "I mean, some people can be really heartless you know? Like they don't even think about the efforts you put in for them,"

Jungkook chuckled at how her sentiments hit so close to home. It's probably bad for him to think this – but he felt a little better to hear someone else also had a rough weekend. The universe wasn't only unfair to him. "Yeah, I know..."

"Right?!" She shrieks and Jungkook jumps a little in his seat. God, it's too early for this sound! "Like, you keep giving chances to people and they don't even appreciate it," She motioned her hand mid-air, and Jungkook noticed red marks of scratches on her right hand.

"That looks painful, how did you get those?" He muttered out.

Chaeyoung looks to where he pointed. "Oh this? My friend's cat got extra aggressive,"

"Oh..." She looks like she's used to it. She didn't look the type that would be fine with scratch marks on her hand though - look at those prettily manicured nails!

"Yeah, I help look after them some Fridays if she didn't have time to go back and feed them. Imagine that – I got cat scratches on Friday and this jerk blew me off the next day. Talk about bad luck huh?"

Friday? Could it be Lily? "Um...is your friend from the uni as well?"

"Yeah but she's not in our department. She's in Language. Lisa. Her 3 cats are a bit hyper, especially at night," She rubbed on it a little.

So her name's Lisa and not Lily? Maybe Lily's a nickname Mino calls her by? They must be really close then. Is Mino and Lily like Yeri and Gugu? The thought doesn't sit well in his chest. Chill, Kook. Mino said it himself that Lily's like his sister. But how does Lily – or Lisa – feels about Mino? Could he be the guy she was referring to? The one she liked for a long time? Maybe Mino never realised it? But they seemed friendly that night and they must've talked to each other all the time since they work together, so it can't be him.

"Jungkook?" 

"Language?" He blurted out in panic. Shit, he must've spaced out with all the questions in his head that he didn't realize if Chaeyoung had said something.

"I know right – who studies Languages? I kept asking her that and she would just laugh at me like it's the funniest question ever!" The image of Lisa laughing at the park came into his mind. He wouldn't mind asking her that every damn time if it means he'll get to see her laugh again."It's just an added-on subject to get extra credits. I took English last semester cus it's the easiest for me. It's been my first language when I was in Australia,"

"Australia?"

"Yeah, I only moved back here last year. I speak Korean with my parents most of the time and since I'm here, I speak it all the time," Wow, this girl talks a lot! "Anyways, how's your weekend? Wait – I don't think we've ever spoken to each other this much before," She leaned back, staring at him suggestively. 

"Uh y-yeah," He chuckled. "Never too late in making new friends right?"

She nodded slowly, recovering the earlier friendliness shortly after. "I always thought you're one of those emo-loner type, sitting quietly at the back...avoiding chit-chats and what-not...no offense,"

"None taken," She's right. He is that type – minus the 'emo' part. But the drive to get to know Lily pushed him out of his comfort zone today. The effort he's been making for the past few days for this girl he barely even knew, is amazing!

"Anyways, I can't say I don't deserve it. Lisa already warned me like, so many times. She was right, I should probably give up by now," What is she talking about? She's like an adult version of Emily – diverting from one topic to another so quick – "Hey, you're a guy! Maybe you can give me some advice on...you know, the minds of you people,"

"You people...?"

"Men," She squared up her shoulders. Jungkook muttered an 'oh'. So it's a guy problem?

"I could try,"

"Okay, so how do I tell if a guy is serious or not – like if he's just toying with me or if he really likes me,"

Jungkook took a moment to think. Not that he knows 'all men', but throughout the entire time he was in love with Yeri, he'd do anything for her. "Has he made any move –"

"Okay, it's like this. I know this guy. We've been friends for a long time. Like probably five or six months," She calls that long? Okay... "So when I knew him, he had a girlfriend. Then they broke up and he reached out to me so I helped him get through it, you know? We got really close during that time, but after that – after he got over the ex – he started ignoring me. Like, he'll reply my messages a day or two late. He always takes rain checks whenever we're supposed to meet. I don't know what's up with that, it's really annoying! Then he'll call me up at some random-ass timing, asking me out again – only to bail on me at the very last minute! It's frustrating, you know? Cus I really like him but Lisa said he's just toying with me – quoting 'only when it's convenient to him'. The thing is, I know he's not like that...he wouldn't do that,"

Jungkook kept nodding. Lisa is a smart girl - that confirms it!

"Okay, have you told him about...you know...your feelings?"

"No?" She frowns. "I'm a girl, I don't wanna be the first to admit," He nods again. That's...understandable.

"Okay...but he probably doesn't even know that you like him. If he really is the type that wouldn't do those things that will hurt you – intentionally – I'm sure he'll come clean if you were to talk to him about it. And maybe after that you can decide for yourself, whether all these troubles are even worth it,"

"You sound a lot like Lisa – she said that too!" Jungkook smiled at the thought of him and Lisa having something in common. "But...I don't know," Chaeyoung sighed as she leans back to her chair. "It's probably gonna be really embarrassing if he didn't feel the same way. Then it would be awkward between us. Like...what if he doesn't wanna be friends anymore?"

She sounded like a little child, making Jungkook feel bad. "Well, you have a new friend now. So...you win some, you lose some, right? I think the right people will just find a way to be in your life than those who don't,"

Wow, he's so wise he can't even believe himself! Is it from the revelation of Yugyeom and Yeri's betrayal that got him being mature like this, or is it the fact that he found a new interest just at the right time? He can see the sparkle in Chaeyoung's eyes as she smiles brightly at him.

...

Jungkook fastens his pace when he saw the familiar face coming up on the staircase opposite him.

"Jungoo,"

He fixed his eyes on the floor, determined to not acknowledge the guy.

"Yahh," Yugyeom held on his arm, stopping his tracks. He's so not in the mood for this shit right now. Jungkook turned to face the guy nevertheless – because he's that type of friend. "Are you really gonna ignore me forever?" His tone reflects frustration, but his eyes are showing fear.

"Listen – I know...can we talk, m-maybe later after...I could come by –"

Jungkook just stared at his stuttering friend. His most trusted friend. He noticed how Yugyeom's hair had grown longer – has it always been that long? His mother will not like it. She always said Yugyeom has a naughty-looking face and he has to keep a short hair to look trustworthy enough. He can't help but smirk at the thought.

The memory of Yugyeom's mother's loud screams every time they came backsoaked or with dirt on their clothes – caused either by playing after school,jumping in rainy muds or getting into fights with other kids. Yugyeom wouldalways be scolded and blamed for it, even if some of those ideas came from Jungkook himself. 

His mother had always been a bit protective on Jungkook, worried that Yugyeom might get him in trouble with his own parents. It might be because Yugyeom's father worked for his dad. But Jungkook never thought of it that way. Yugyeom's family has always been like his second family. The guy's mother had probably fed him more than she fed her own son.

"I-I wanna...you know...explain,"

He could see the guilt on Yugyeom's face but he couldn't tell why. Is it because he regretted his choice of being with Yeri – even when he knows how much Jungkook loved her, or is it because Jungkook found out? One thing's for sure, is that Jungkook couldn't find it in him to forgive the guy who's now looking more and more like a stranger to him. Not yet.

"Not now. No –" Jungkook shook his head and walked away.

...

Lisa basked in the warmth of the sun. The classes are always so cold – even colder in the morning – that her fingers are starting to numb. She sat on an empty bench in front of the Visual Communication Design department building, waiting for her friend to come out. She wonders if her lucky stars are still around the corner...that the universe will work on her favour and let her see him today. They always come out around the same time every Monday and Wednesday. Her eyes focused towards the entrance, trying to catch a glimpse of the handsome face she'd been crushing on.

I hope he's alright now. She could still remember how her heart raced when she saw his face and more at the blood on his hand the other night. She really wanted to know how he got injured like that, but stopped herself from asking when he didn't seem to want to talk about it. Whatever it is, it must've upset him badly. Was he in a fight? He never seemed like the type who'd purposely get in one, so who provoked him? Was he injured anywhere else? The questions ran through her mind like a bursting pipe as she cleaned the wound on his knuckles.

She hoped she didn't cross any lines. As much as she likes him, she's aware that he has a girlfriend. A very beautiful one at that too! That's why she didn't say much that night. She's been staring at him and falling for him slowly, only from a far. And she's fine with it. Girls like her don't get guys like that. She knows it very well. It was just a little crush. Okay, probably more than a little but no one has to know about it!

She knew a couple of things about him. His name is Jungkook. He lives somewhere around her neighbourhood. He likes to paint - or maybe collects painting materials. He likes to read comics and hangs around the National Library by himself. His girlfriend is in the same department as her, although she never spoken to the girl. Well, she never spoke much to anyone from her department. Unlike her best friend, Chaeyoung - who's enigmatic persona draws everyone in almost instantly – Lisa is more of an outcast here.

She still remembers the first time she met him. On her second month uponentering the highly prestige university, she had accidentally bumped shoulderswith a pretty girl at the hallway of Department of Language & Literature.At that point, she'd learned the basics of some Korean words, like 'hello','excuse me', 'thank you', 'sorry' and sorts. She also memorised how to ask forhelp in case she needs any. 

She apologised to the girl after, although the girl wasn't so much hassled while Lisa's folders and books fell across the floor. She then heard the girl saying something in a snarky tone but Lisa couldn't understand any of it. The next thing she knew, a pair of hands was helping her picking up a few of her things and handed it over back to her. She looked up to see the concerned and apologetic face. His dark brown eye pierces through hers and Lisa's gaze fell on his slightly-parted, thin lips. His black hair emphasises the sharpness of his face, as his jaw tensed while looking at her.

Their faces were so close from another, and they sat there for what felt like an eternity – well, for her at least. He's the most beautiful man she'd ever met! Granted, she hasn't met a lot of men in her entire lifetime but in that moment, she could somehow felt the how ground shifted and he was the only one existing in front of her! But of course, his girlfriend called for him a few seconds after. He managed to mutter a 'sorry' with a small smile before both of them walked away. When Lisa stood back on her feet, she saw his head turning and glanced at her again briefly. Safe to say she didn't get much sleep that night!

Already used to being alone with names that she didn't understand at that point being called behind her back – a 'Southeast Asian foreigner', a 'poor slut', an 'anorexic monkey whore', and a few more that she came to know after a time – it's good to find someone who are still considerably well-mannered. There might be a possibility that his girlfriend would fill in the rumours about her to him, but Lisa didn't care. All that mattered was the pureness of his actions at that particular moment.

It might be a petty thing for some, but helping a stranger when you don't have anything to do with the situation meant a lot to her. Well, yes, his girlfriend was involved. But still, he could've just walked away with his girlfriend without hesitation. She used to believe that courtesy and common-sense are extremely hard to find among the students here, but after the incident, she realised that she shouldn't generalise. She remained positive with everyone she comes across, instead of keeping by herself.

Sure, she still doesn't have any friends in the university aside from Chaeyoung – but things are getting better for her. She could ask without getting nervous or shy. She decided that people can look at her in any way they want. They can like her or not like her. She'll just mind her own way and not pay attention to all the hate. Of course there are days when it's too exhausting to hear, but she'll remind herself that there's always that one person...

She noticed him more and more after that. She didn't know who he was before and would only see him randomly by fate. She'd seen him on his motorbike, ready to leave the compound but stopped abruptly to give way to students waiting to cross the road. She'd seen him on the street near her apartment – walking out from an art supply shop, helping the owner carrying a few large canvases out to display up front. There was that first time she saw him at the National Library, reaching out to get a book from a high shelf for a much shorter girl – who turned out to be a stranger to him. She'd seen enough – but not as much as she liked to – to know how kind-hearted and reserved he is a person.

So naturally, she began developing a crush on him. Then came that evening as she was waiting for Chaeyoung coming out with a group of people from her department, when she saw him in the bunch. When they dispersed, Lisa heard a guy calling out for 'Jungkook' and the handsome guy looked back. That's how she came to know of his name. Chaeyoung confirmed later on that those are all her project members, so Lisa knows he's studying Visual Communications Design.

So this became her favourite time of Mondays and Wednesdays – whenever she waits for Chaeyoung outside the building. Of course, she's always happy to see her friend – but also because she gets to see him. She never spoke about her little crush to Chaeyoung, scared that the girl might make a big deal out of it. Lisa knows her too well by now – who knows what the blabber-mouth will spill!

"Lisa-yaaa!!!" Chaeyoung's loud voice broke her chain of thoughts. She spots her friend running towards her from the building entrance, but her eyes immediately diverts and caught on someone far behind her. The guy stood still, looking at their direction. She's not sure whether he's looking at her or someone else. Lisa felt conscious all of a sudden. She lets down her hoodie and fixed her bangs. When she looks back up, he's already walking towards the parking lot. Lisa felt awkward, but more embarrassed that she got flustered over it. Of course he wouldn't remember you!

Chaeyoung huffed, catching her breath as she sat beside her. Lisa laughed a little and hands over a bottled water.

"Water can wait. Oh my God – I don't know wh – why I ran. I got a bit excited I think,"

"Oooo something happened?"

"Yes! Oh my God, you wouldn't –" Chaeyoung breathed in deeply, calming herself. "I think there's this guy in my class – I think he likes me!" Lisa raised her eyebrows.

"Oh did he confess? Tell me everything!" Lisa turned her body and full attention to the girl.

"No, no. But he never spoke a word to me before and suddenly today he was sitting beside me and asking me questions and helping me about Chanyeol –"

"Wait – you told him about Chanyeol? Chae, why would you do that? What if he thinks you're into someone else, then he wouldn't make a move,"

Chaeyoung took a moment to think about what Lisa had said, her face forming a slight frown.

"Well...he was still okay with me after that whole topic though. He even sat next to me again in our next class –"

"Ahh...okay, that's good! Aww...I'm so happy for you! It's about time you move on from Chanyeol –"

"Wait, I'm not gonna like, date him or anything. I think I need to talk to Chanyeol about...you know...us! Jungkook said I should let Chanyeol know about how I feel –"

"Jungkook?" Was she daydreaming too much?

"Yeah, that's the guy – the one who sat beside me!" Lisa's heart fell upon hearing it. He was looking at Chaeyoung then. Wait, does that mean he broke up with his girlfriend? "I think I'll clear things off with Chanyeol first. If he doesn't feel the same way, at least I have a back-up,"

Lisa didn't like the idea of her friend treating Jungkook as a back-up, as if he's a second choice. Not that Lisa knows any better, but he deserves more than that.

"Chae, that's not nice,"

"No, I didn't mean it like that!" Chaeyoung gasped when she noticed Lisa's frown. "I mean, he looks like a nice guy – not really my type...actually I never paid much attention to him before, you know. He always seemed a bit anti-social...always quiet. But I've heard girls talking about him before and I must admit, he is good-looking...okay fine, he's much more handsome than Chanyeol but –"

"Chae," Lisa cuts her off, feeling uneasy to be hearing her best friend talking about her crush like this. Should I tell her? Clear everything out before it's too late? "I think...maybe..."

"Are you okay?"

Lisa looks down to her knotted fingers. If Jungkook likes Chaeyoung, there's really nothing much she can say right? It's not like she ever has a chance with him anyways.

"Just think hard about what and who you want okay? Then decide," Lisa sighs.

"Of course I will poopoo! It's not like I'm gonna jump into things anyways. I have to talk to Chanyeol first. And I barely even know the guy, so –"

...

Jungkook felt miserable. He's been beating himself up for how many days now. He should've smiled to her when he had the chance to last Monday. At least a fucking wave! Instead he walked off like the coward that he is. His nerves took over when he saw her pulling down the hoodie, looking cute as hell as she pouted and fixed her hair! Sitting by herself at the single bench under the shade of trees, her long legs reflects the golden tan under the sun light – she looked exactly like the ideal girl he kept hidden in his mind!

What's really frustrating is that he had spent the next four days after to be closer to Chaeyoung in hopes that she'll reveal more about Lisa – which takes up all of his energy for nothing when the girl didn't even mention Lisa once! He tried paying close attention in case Chaeyoung mentions Lisa again, but she never did. Well, you could have known everything by now if you weren't such a pussy to just get straight to the point!

The girl's a sweetheart – she really is. But she's a bit too talkative for his liking and most of the time, Jungkook found himself confused as to what she was talking about! The last time Lisa's name popped up was the very next morning when he purposely asked if the one he saw she was running to was indeed Lisa. To which she answered 'yes' and told him they always meet there after both are done with their classes. Then she went into something about a snack from the vending machine in the Language department. So what was he supposed to do, just bring up Lisa's name out of the blue again and again? Yes, that's how you get information, you dumbass!

He groaned in frustration at his own inner voice, knowing damn well that it was right. He missed those eyes so much – those damn eyes that have been haunting him day and night. He knew those eyes from somewhere before but where? It's still a mystery to him and he's getting more and more annoyed! Even more now when he couldn't catch her anywhere! He even left the same time as Chaeyoung last Wendesday to see if Lisa's waiting at the yard, but she wasn't. Is she okay? Did her schedule changed? 

Jungkook wanted to kick himself from behind for every questions popping in his head. Why are you acting like this? You don't even know the girl, why are you so obsessed with her? Jungkook gave himself an answer to that. Plain and simple – he's curious. He wanted to know why she looked so damn familiar but he can't pin-point from where. He wanted to know how she knew his name. He wanted to know why she's working in a bar while attending Yonsei University. And where did she come from? Who is Emily to her? Where did she saw the fucking rainbow-coloured butterfly because he can't seem to find it anywhere online?! And who the hell is that guy that she likes and how did he get so lucky?? How do I be that guy that she likes?!

What the hell – I need a walk! Jungkook grabbed his keys and stomps out from his room.

"I'm going out," He muttered to Jimin, who's sitting at the couch watching television.

"Wait – I thought we're going drinking? When are you coming back?"

Aahh the fucking plan with Taehyung – he completely forgot about it! He really didn't feel like drinking tonight. Jungkook ruffles his hair in annoyance and out of habit.

"Probably late. Can I not join this time round? I'm really not in the mood –"

"Oh, but we planned this just for you! It's too late to cancel now, Tae's already on his way here. He cleared out his Friday date night with Jisoo just for you, he'll be so mad –"

Wow, leave it to Jimin to guilt trip him into going. "Friday night?" Is there a bell ringing in his head? The bar! "Okay, I'll go! But can I pick the place?"

"Uh...I guess?"

"I'll get ready now!" Just like that, his spirits jumps back up.

...