flashbacks | high school

KWON CHAERIN.

His silent words were the only thing that have been occupying my mind. Usually, I'd secretly cry whenever I fought with my parents. But nowadays, in fact, I felt the opposite. Despite the profanities and the unpleasant words that came from their mouth, it didn't effect me anymore.

Because I knew I have a new home, I wasn't facing everything alone. Now I could finally understand the joyous feeling of having a place to return; it was just magnificent.

Because of him, I could slightly enjoy my life. Smiles also often pay me a visit as well. The gloomy thoughts and days were slowly being lifted up from my life.

Walking in the corridor with a huge smile on my face, I trailed my hand on the window glasses while humming a random tune. My eyes were peering around, trying to spot Taehyung. He hasn't came back ever since the recess bell rang, although we promised to eat lunch together.

But since he excused himself to the so called washroom and didn't show up afterwards, my hunger seduced me to devour the lunch that lied before me and I did what my brain and instinct told me to. After all, the tantalizing aroma from the chicken really did a great job on making me to forget about my friends; even the world itself. That's why I ate it without waiting for him any longer.

I'm sorry, Taehyung. I couldn't do much when it comes to food because food is literally my home too.

The weather was rather sunny today, unlike the other days with gloomy clouds veiled this city. The leaves from the tall tree behind this window were filtered with sunlight, a peaceful sight to witness.

But when my eyes travelled to the beneath of it, the inner peace that I was feeling inside of me disappeared.

Taehyung was there, but not alone, sadly. Jaeho and his comrades were also there, and from Taehyung's expression, of course they weren't having a nice time there―they would never have one, because Jaeho was a piece of trash and that fact would never change as well.

I squinted my eyes to get a better view of the scene, studying all of their expressions. Jaeho and his friends were smirking while taking few steps closer to Taehyung, the latter backed a few steps, until he was practically pinned to the tree trunk behind him.

From that, I knew that they're going to re-enact the scene from primary school but of course I'm not letting that happen again. I had lost him once, and felt the misery of hurting someone as beautiful as him. Certainly, I wouldn't waste this second chance.

Quickly, I trudged towards the stair and went down the staircases in an abnormal speed, making my way to the back entrance―a shortcut to where the scene was playing.

I pant heavily as I reached the first story of the building and immediately rushed to where Taehyung was. Thankfully, I was there on time, they haven't done anything nasty to Taehyung yet; just a menacing staring contest.

"Jaeho stop!" I ran and made a defensive pose in front of Taehyung, completely forgot to check him out first because I knew what I had gotten myself into. Truth to be told, I'm still scared of him and the scary things he could do to hurt others.

Jaeho seemed to be startled by my sudden move, but his shocked expression didn't last so long until it curved into a smirk. "Well, well, look what we have here? So you're his princess in shining armor now, Chaerin?" The corner of his lips quivered up, as his minions were chuckling at the back.

I gulped, trying my best to not show my fear because once I did, everything would be over in a split second. "Just stop bullying him, you shallow minded piece of trash," I bluntly replied which I regretted a few seconds after, but actually quite impressed by my bravery. I'd love to use more provoking vocabulary, but that'd just heat the situation and instant lose. In term of strength, our side―Taehyung and I's―was definitely nowhere near Jaeho.

But after all this year, I learnt something valuable and quite useful actually, something that I hope I had discovered earlier.

As a woman, I wouldn't surpass Jaeho physically. But when it comes to brain, I was so sure mine has better quality than him.

"Wow! Who knows if the smartass can use such words too?" He pretended to be shocked. "Did you remember that you're actually one of the people back then?" He emphasized a few words which I immediately understood the meanings behind.

"I was. That's the most stupid thing I've ever done; doing an order from brainless human being. And surely, I won't repeat again, Jaeho," I spat and a scowl formed on his face.

"What's so good about him anyway? He's worthless!"

"No. You're wrong, he's not worthless, at all. Your brain is just so shallow to understand a wonderful human like him," I retorted and that reply certainly drove his nerve.

He clenched his fists, trying to maintain his lips that's now barely resembling a smirk. "So you're telling me that lad has morphed into a butterfly? Then show me what he's capable of," he challenged and I just smiled, he was slowly losing.

"No, he didn't. Because Taehyung is already a tough butterfly. What about you, caterpillar Jaeho? Don't use this innocent boy as a media to vent your anger. You're the one who's pathetic here, aren't you? Having a screwed family is hard, I know. But that couldn't be a reason to bully others," I shot back.

Actually, it was kind of a gamble because a broken family bound to be a reason behind teenage problems these days. And life was all about gamble; especially when deciding something.

He gritted his teeth. "It's none of your business!" He broke the eye contact between us.

I won.

Suddenly, I felt a tap on my shoulder and turned just to see Taehyung with worried eyes. I smiled at him, telling everything was going to be okay through that smile. I did all of my act warily, everything went just the way I wanted.

I turned back to see Jaeho looking onto the ground with his shaking pupils and gritted teeth. "I'm not letting this off, Kwon Chaerin!" He stomped out from the scene and his comrades followed him just like bunch of slaves.

"I'll be happy to serve you any time, loser!" I yelled and waved him, earning nothing in return.

I let my legs crumpled to the ground and heaved a relieved sigh, as if I had just returned from a war or something. I must admit it was a little bit scary to confront him like that.

'Chaerin, you're crazy! Did you know what Jaeho was capable of?!' Taehyung showed me his phone while I was still trying to recover from the tensed situation.

"I know. But I won anyway." I grinned at him and he just pouted.

'Don't you ever do anything recklessly again, alright? And thank you so much... for saving me. I was so scared when he approached me. I'll make sure to save you too one day! A promise!'

I shook my head and smiled at him. "It's fine, don't think too much about it. I just did what was supposed to be done back then." My gaze turned to the front, feeling the weight in my chest slowly went away.

"Anyways, Taehyung," I said and turned to him again.

He tilted his head and gave me a questioning look.

I timidly brought my hands up, not looking at his eyes. I pointed at him and myself, before shaking my palms together in front of me, gaze still on the ground.

Waiting for his response, my heart palpitated and my cheeks began giving reactions as well.

Hands were enveloped around my mine and when I looked up, I saw Taehyung smiling at me and nodded his head.

And that's the beginning of everything. After years passed as friends, we finally moved to a new stage which was; lover.

――

And finally the story will begin next chapter. Flashback ends here !! :D

Anyway, can you guys maybe recommend me some hospital! Au bts fanfic?  I rly need some. I prefer completed books bc i'm a thirsty hoe for updates; i can't wAIT.