"Jungkook..." Her small voice is pleading to be heard and her warm palm is rubbing the anxiety, surfacing on his chest. "Don't cry,"

"I...I'm not...of course, I'm not," He lied.

Lying on the bed with her, he tightened his hold around her back and shoulders but careful enough to not hurt her already-delicate body. It should feel like a dream to be this close to her again...to care for her, but he can't help but stare at the reality that's knocking on his doorstep. It's too soon...I haven't got enough time - barely any time at all! This is so unfair...

"You can stay here, you know..." He shifts with the panicked realization. Looking into her weak eyes, he began muttering, "I can take care of you. I'll move there - to Heulg, near you! We can work it out - just you and me. We - we'll eat together - go to the river - whatever you want to do, I'll be with you! You just have to stay - please...please stay,"

"I..." The glints in her eyes began showing. "I can't," His heart fell. "I don't have anything to look forward to here...not anymore,"

"Not even me?" His cheeks are already wet from the overwhelming fact-of-the-day he received from Bam earlier, but now it's soaking. Why can't I be as important to her as she is to me? Why can't I be a...a 'purpose'?

Lalisa stretches her neck and kisses him dearly. Her palm brushes from his cheek to his neck, as if she's trying to wipe all of his despair away. But it won't be enough...it can never be enough!

"I have to go back...cus of you. Cus staying here like this hurts you, Jungkook-ssi. And I don't wanna hurt you," She cries. "You...you keep trying to save me and it hurts me too. It'll keep going in circles and I -"

"Hey..." He hushed her because her cheeks are turning red and her shoulders are heaving much harder than before. "It's okay..." He repeats the same persuasion - perhaps for himself too - while hugging her face close to his neck.

He was right to take his time at the dinner table earlier. There are 6 clear, liquid bottles on the tray with a few syringes by the bedside table and it broke his heart to know just how many times she had to be injected to become this passive, soft-spoken person. No wonder she looks pale and weak...how do I get back my little monster?

It's weird that there is only two timelines in his mind. There is 'before Lalisa'...and there is 'during Lalisa'. He never thought that there would be an after. Perhaps because she is still here, in his world. Or perhaps he was too adamant on being in her world.

"Everything has a beginning and an end...you should care of what's in between...how it'll affect you," He recalls her words by the river.

He doesn't know what will happen after. Or what will become of his good nature. At the end of this...it's tomorrow. Ridiculous to think that 'tomorrow' is only 3 hours away. He probably has more until the sun comes up. He doesn't know how he will exactly feel but one thing is for sure, he knows that it will be a lonely, constricted place once again - where everything is 'safe'...and colourless.

"Jungkook..."

"Yes?"

"Do you think that if you and I meet...and I'm not as different...as fucked up and mad...would you still do it all the same?"

"No..." He didn't need to think that hard. "It wouldn't be the same, Lisa. I wouldn't have gotten out of my way for you...I did it because you're you. You're different...and I love you because of it," He braves himself to say it.

She shifts closer and holds him even tighter. "Thank you...for loving the mad me,"

"I'm mad too, remember? Probably not as mad as you, but I'm sure with more practice, I'll get there,"

She giggled in between her sniffles. This is the most gentle form of her that he has ever gotten to see...and it makes him want to cry and scream to the sky but he can't. He couldn't make himself move for what he wants anymore...because her well-being is more important. He can't be selfish...not anymore.

"Lisa..." He called and felt her hum. "When you're tired...and you can't sleep...where do you go?"

"The drugs help...and I'll imagine being under a tree...with red and blue leaves, slowly falling...swirling around me,"

"Then can I be there with you? When you can't sleep - with or without the drugs...can you imagine you're lying there with me, with red and blue leaves around us...dancing freely...wildly...like you?"

"You underestimate yourself a lot, Jungkook-ssi...and maybe I'm to blame for that too,"

"I just wanted your time...a little is okay. A lot is very much appreciated,"

"I'm sorry..." It's the first time that she's ever apologize so genuinely, and the sad sound is filled with regrets. 

It makes him wonder what exactly is she sorry for. For constantly keeping him on his feet? Or for giving him a chance, only for it to be so short-lived? 

"You owe me no apologies, Lisa...my life's been bland until you came in sight. I don't know how to go on from here on out...knowing what I know now...and seeing what you've allowed me to see. If anything, I should be the one apologizing to you. Maybe it would've been better for you...if I was never in the picture. Then you wouldn't feel this much pain...and they won't have to numb you so much,"

"Jungkook...can you promise me something?"

"Hmm..."

"Promise me...that you won't stop searching. For what it is you're looking for...what's right or wrong...and what's out there,"

"I won't...I promise..."

"Promise me that you'll make it to the ruins at 25...watch the sunset when it glows,"

"If I promise you that, can you promise me you'll come too?"

She looks up to him and he thought he saw a hint of wickedness coming back into her eyes. Just a hint. "Run...I'll run to you, Jungkook-ssi,"

. . .

Halting the wheelchair to a stop, Jungkook walks around it and kneels before Lalisa. 

"Wait...just wait for a few more..." He smiles and with her own weak one, she nods.

He knew that she's trying her best to stay awake - forcing her consciousness to stay alert within this carelessly busy environment. He likes to think that it's because she wants to see the last of him, be it in seconds even, and he can't feel bad about it. 

A few feet from them, Mrs Manobal, Bam, Amy, and their other housekeeper, Chelsea, are standing patiently. Jungkook was introduced to Lalisa's father, Mr Brüschweiler, when they first arrived at the departure lobby earlier, and the man has informed him what awaits Lalisa in their slow walks to the Check-In platform before he left to the restroom.

The thought of Lalisa being kept in a rehabilitation centre doesn't sit quite right in Jungkook's chest, but he can't say that he knows any better. Her father was assured that she'll have the best care of psychotherapy in there, and they're allowed to visit her every day so he knows Lalisa won't be so lonely...or angry. 

"Guk," He turns to find both his mother and father, walking towards them. 

It's a surprise to see them here. He informed them that he'll be here to send Lalisa and her family off but he didn't think they'll be coming along. Are they worried I'll jump on the flight too? Jeez...

"Mrs Manobal...this is my eomma," He grins politely when the two women meet. "And appa,"

"Ahh...hello," With a warm, friendly smile, Mrs Manobal dips her head. "I told Jungkook to let you know how sorry we are to cause so much -"

"No, no - please don't -" His mother stopped the woman from bowing again. "He did the right thing by helping, really," Really?? "If anything, I'm the one who should apologize for my son's stubborn actions -" Again, I prefer 'committed'! "He must've bothered you a lot for the past few days,"

"No, don't worry..." Lalisa's mother giggled shyly. "I understand...I hope you do too. We were all young, once before..."

"Yes...I guess you're right..." His mother gives a lingering, smiling stare towards him - probably saying 'See, I'm not such a bad mother, aren't I?' by the looks of it! She then came over to him and Lalisa, bending down and closing her hands on top of the girl's. "Lalisa-ssi...I look forward to seeing you again - all healthy and better, okay?"

He felt like crying to hear and witness it. To see his mother being genuinely warm and affectionate to the girl he loves...it used to be a vision that Lalisa planted in his mind but not like this. 

"Thank you Mrs Jeon...and I'm sorry...for everything that's happened," Lalisa smiles weakly and he saw the glint in her eyes. 

"It's quite alright, my dear. Look at him - he's still standing strong!" His mother teased. "I wish things could have turned out different...but your path does nothing if it doesn't make you stronger...wiser...please believe that, Lalisa-ssi,"

His love nods. "Please take good care of Jungkook, Mrs Jeon. He's a good boy...but he cries a lot, I can't help but worry,"

Aishh this is - His mother actually laughed at that one and he can't help but does the same. "Don't worry, dear. I'll make sure he comes out a better man for you,"

"Kook!!" From 10 feet away, Chaeyoung called aloud. Behind her, Jisoo, Jennie and Jaehyun is jogging along towards them. 

Jungkook bends down and whispers to Lalisa, "Your friends are here," before turning the chair around. He then felt her hand on his so he came to stand by her side. 

"You brought them?" She looks up to him and asks. 

"You have many friends here now, Lalisa-ssi...five is more than two, so you know that this is where it begins again. You know where you can always find us, even if you don't have one back home,"

Her stare on him feels different...as if it's filled with appreciation. He embraced the gratitude with his chest wide open, feeling proud that he thought of calling his friends for help in getting her friends here. 

"My Lili..." Jisoo is the first to breakdown in front of her. "How could you even think about going off without telling us??" She cries on Lalisa's knees. 

Jennie is next with her, "Yahh...stop acting - why are you in that chair?? You're stronger than this, come on!!" 

"Unnie..." Lalisa took her hand off from him - placing it in Jennie's while the other brushes gently on Jisoo's hair. "I'm sorry...I'm quite fucked now, aren't I?" 

It makes him want to laugh but also cry out loud. He's already overwhelmed by his parents' kind appearance, now his 'little monster' is making a show. 

"Unnie...take care of yourself and Ji-yoon, okay? I'm sorry I can't be here to protect you anymore - I hope...I really hope you can find your strength..." He heard the sobs and he knew she's crying. Gently, he places his palms on her shoulders - massaging it to ease the burden that she's feeling. "If not for yourself, for Ji-yoon -"

"Lisa-yaa...if you promise me that you'll get better and come back, I promise you, I'll move,"

"Is that all it takes?" Lalisa chuckled. "Fuck, I should've gone earlier then!" Even in her small, sobbing voice, she could sound so aggressive. "Baby, can you ask Bam for the house keys for me?"

Of course Jungkook left to Bam swiftly because heck, she just called me 'baby'!! Who am I - none other than her baby - yes!! 

"Baby - Bam - I mean, Bam!" What in the world is up with my brain?? "Lisa asked for the house keys," He tries to ignore the amusing gaze of Bam on him. 

"Don't get too excited, Jungkook-ssi...she might've called you that cus you cry a lot," The guy said as he hands the thing on Jungkook's palm. 

"She can call me whatever she sees fit, and it's not 'staff' or 'acquaintance', Bam-ssi," He glares back. 

Bam sighed a laugh before smirking back, "We'll see. I have a free pass to see her every evening...it could do wonders, don't you think?"

This son-of-a-gun is testing me! He's really testing me - oh...what I'd do to wipe that annoying grin off his face -

"You're really easy to tick, bro!" Bam laughs. Oh, so now I'm a 'bro'?? "Your girlfriend's waiting for you," 

Jungkook squints his eyes before hopping back to his 'girlfriend'. When he passes the keys, Lalisa hands it to Jisoo. 

"Keep your promise, unnie...and I'll keep mine,"

He smiles when he hears it. Lalisa always keeps her promises, noona said...and I believe that she will, most definitely! After more exchanges and tearful embrace between her and her friends, Chaeyoung and Jaehyun came forward. 

"Hi...Lalisa-ssi. I'm Park Chaeyoung -"

"I know you," The clipped tone makes him wary. Is she still mad at her? 

"Yeah...listen, I'm sorry...about before...I know it's a bit too late to say this but um...I'm really sorry. It was my fault...I was ignorant and - and -"

"Relax, Chae," Jennie said. "She's in a fucking wheelchair - she can't break your bones if that's what you're worried about!" 

'Chae'? When did they became so close? He saw the shaking of Lalisa's shoulders and he knew that she's laughing. Good to see that even in her weak state, her humor is still in tact! 

"Nice to finally meet you, Chaeyoung-ssi...Jaehyun-ssi. You better look out for my Jungkook here. He's a big boy and he can think for himself...so don't be too hard on him...or I'll really come back and trust me, I'll break more than just your bones, okay?" 

'Baby'...'my Jungkook'...it should be the worst day of his life but why does it feel like the best so far? There's a tap on his shoulder and he spun around to find Bam. 

"It's time," 

. . .

Don't cry, he repeats to himself over and over again. Jungkook can already feel a headache rising for forcing his emotions at bay, and watching the tearful Jisoo and Jennie as they sank to their knees to hug their 'Lili' truly threatened his whole being to fall apart. When they finally released the girl, the chanting in his chest turned into,

This is it. This is the worst...

Lalisa's soft gaze on him is calling. It is paired with stains of tears from her pretty, round eyes down to her pale, squishy cheeks...and an understanding smile on her perfectly sculpted lips. In all of her weak state, she forced herself up and takes the slow, meaningful steps towards him - knowing full well that he's lost all his strength to do just that.

When she reaches to his front, she pouts and shakes her head slightly - as if pleading for him to not make this difficult. 

"You've been staring...so you must've known me," She said, and he can't help but sigh a barely-there laugh. 

It feels like only yesterday she was gazing at him with those numb eyes...shining wickedly to laugh while he didn't even know who she was. But she did...she always knew me, didn't she?

"I wish I had more time..." He looks down to his fingers, already fidgeting on hers.

"You have all the time in the world, Jungkook-ssi...you need to stay and you need to stay loudly. You don't get any rewinds...and change will come, even if you're standing still. So don't be scared, okay? When I'm gone, you don't need to be so careful anymore. You have hordes of fangirls...so go break some hearts - make bad choices!" Her giggle is trying. 

It's quite funny because as 'mad' as she is, Lalisa has been right about pretty much everything. What lured him in wasn't because he thought she's from Heulg...it's the energy that she radiated that was somehow tunnelled to only him. The 'idea' he had for her. She called him a 'special one'...and it seems that he is.

He is sure that he's not the first Soulite to have ever given much 'fucks' to the south...but look at what he's done. He didn't think he could change the world but he's already changing his world...with his parents here, and his 2 best friends. He's praying with all his might that this is not only a phase but a constant path he was supposed to lead...because of her.

Minus the issues, she goes around in her 'in betweens' doing what makes her happy - be it dancing in a Geum's conservative bar or jumping into some unknown, restricted waters. You should know your home before you knock on someone else's...she said that. She came here to get to know her 'home'...while I've been rambling about the unknown. He can't help but feel ashamed at himself now.

"Don't cry, baby," Lalisa sighed when a tear unknowingly escaped from his eyes. She tips her toes and wraps her arms around his neck, hugging him close. Of course, it failed to persuade the heaviness in his chest as more tears drop. "Thank you..." She whispered. "For showing me that 'it' exists...for being my mommy sloth,"

God - stop trying to make me feel good about this - there's literally nothing that I can feel good about now! Still, Jungkook tightened his hold on her - almost carrying her weight for her. 

"Lisa..." He breathes in her scent, hoping that it'll be locked in his memories until the next time they're permitted to meet again. "Is this your thing?" He felt her back shudders and he knew she's probably laughing at him. "I don't care what you said about the fangirls...I'm still trying to learn you,"

"Yes...physical contacts are my thing. I thought you would've known that by now?"

He chuckled in his sobs. "You said that I'll beg to forget about that Saturday night with you for a long time...I think I'll beg to never forget everything about you forever," He doesn't care who is looking...or gossiping. All he wants is to be able to hold her like this for longer. 

When she lets him loose, her soft, pillowy lips brushes on his. Gentle...yet demanding. Finally, Jungkook gets to taste Lalisa in her perfect state of balance. Her kiss reminds him of how ruled and wise she is, while being so fragile and broken. It's almost as if he could taste their shared breath of the world...and nowhere would be too far apart. 

"This is not our last kiss, Jungkook-ssi," She said when their lips parted.

And that...that makes me feel good! "It's not...of course it's not,"

. . .