"Oh my gosh, have you heard the rumors?"

"About my Chan-ri and her mother? Oh, I almost pity her."

"Don't let her innocent act fool you, I hear she's actually a total bitch beneath that sweet face."

"No way!"

"Yes way!"

I stand at my locker, waiting for Jimin to get out of his final class so that we can walk home together. All day, all anyone has been talking about is my father, and his very public dismissal of Chan-ri's mother.

I shift awkwardly from foot to foot, trying desperately not to hear them. I never liked the girl, but still.

It makes me feel sleazy just hearing it all. I'd almost rather they talk about Jimin and I, at least then I wouldn't have to feel as if I'd done something wrong. Though it seems that ironically, no one is talking about our new-found relationship at all.

I guess it really didn't come as a surprise to anyone but us in the end, and as such, isn't really gossip worthy.

"I heard she didn't come to school today, she must be too embarrassed to face everyone."

"I would be too!"

I sigh in irritation. I just can't listen to this much longer.

Pinching the bridge of my nose and inwardly cursing my sudden inability to keep my head down, I stride towards the two girls casually gossiping at their lockers.

"Don't you have anything better to do than talk about other people? Do you lack a life?"

They regard me with a frown, and one of the girls slams her locker shut and opens her mouth to speak.

"Jagi! I'm ready to go home!"

Jimin's sing song voice echoes in the hall as students begin to pour out of his classroom and into the hall. He spots me immediately, and makes a beeline for my position.

"You know, " one of the girls says, flippantly flipping her hair, "I don't know why you're standing up for her. Everyone knows she was out to take Park Jimin for herself."

I scowl, not in the least swayed.

"I'm not worried, " I reveal, "that will never happen. And this still doesn't justify talking about people behind their backs."

"Aigoo, " the other girl exclaims in frusteration. "Are you getting cocky now just because everyone's talking about someone else for a change?"

"I think the two of you need to learn some manners, " Jimin snaps, frowning.

They stare at him angrily as he takes my hand in his own. He drags me away, frown still set clearly on his face. It's just like Jimin to be unable to let such a thing go, and though he's long since grown out of the mindset that once allowed him to tackle even girls physically, I can tell that he can't stand the fact that there's nothing he can do about their disrespect.

"Aish!" He exclaims, gritting his teeth and coming to a halt. "It really burns me up inside! I should go back and teach those girls a lesson!"

I smile softly, and squeeze his hand.

"It's alright Jiminie, I'm fine."

"It's not alright!" He exclaims. "Because I've been nice they think they can walk all over my woman!"

But he begins walking once more anyway.

The walk home is tranquil, and with Jimin's hand still firmly grasping my own, I'm in heaven. This little bubble of happiness grows larger and larger within me, until I can barely hold it in.

Plum blossom petals fall all about, and I laugh brightly when one attaches itself to Jimin's hair.

Coming to a halt, Jimin looks at me and smiles.

I reach out to brush the stray petal away, but he grabs my wrist and looks me in the eye. Time seems to stand still.

"I'm so lucky, " he murmurs softly.

"You really are, " I answer teasingly.

He chuckles in response.

Standing on my toes, I reach up and place a soft kiss upon his plump lips, smiling despite the blush that overcomes my face.

But Jimin isn't content with a simple peck.

As I return my feet to the ground, he leans down, and captures my lips in his own.

The kiss starts off innocently enough, but it isn't long until he steals my breath and deepens the kiss. It feels as if electricity is coursing through my veins, and his lips begin to build a fire within. That fire scorches from the inside, an all consuming inferno that leaves my mind fuzzy and my senses heightened.

And as I thread my fingers into his hair, he groans needily. I whimper into the kiss.

"How am I supposed to take things slow when you kiss me back like that?" He complains as he pulls away. "You're driving me crazy."

"Who asked you to take things slow?" I murmur softly.

He smiles, but doesn't comment.

By the time we arrive home I'm still not ready to let go of Jimin's hand, and so I follow him back to his mother's small cottage. I smile as I notice our bench, and Jimin too smiles as he leads me to it.

"It's too nice outside to go in just yet, " he explains as we sit. "Let's sit out here for just a little while."