❝ I thought the sea was here but it turned out to be a desert.❞

─ BTS, Sea.

* * *

"I've been meant to ask this, Chaerin, do you really love Taehyung or you just want to atone your sin in the past?"

It took her a few moments to register the question and comprehend because she clearly did not expect that kind of topic would be brought up, not from a Park Jimin at least, and not while they were sitting in a fast food restaurant where children became cameos of the scene.

Jimin mentally scolded himself for being so stupid and asked her bluntly. He wanted to take his words back but at the same time, wanted to know what kind of answer he would receive. He had screwed up, so might as well take this as a chance.

Anything but a smile was what he had expected to get. Instead of grimacing him, Chaerin smiled, a genuine one, too. "Can we move somewhere else before I answer this? I mean, this is not the best place to discuss this topic. Not with these kids hanging out way to close to us." She jerked her thumbs to the children who were screaming at them, letting a sigh out when one of the kids made a kissing gesture.

Jimin's cheeks flushed in red, for the second time he scolded himself again and took a note to give his head a nice hit later. "A ― Ah, yes, that would be the best option."

──

Albeit she did not show any traits of someone who was mad, Jimin could tell that she was slightly nervous. Along their way to their next destination ― which they both had agreed to continue this on a cafe ― she remained silent. And being quiet never really been inside a dictionary of the chirpy Chaerin. They were both so close and Jimin knew how the girl could not keep her mouth shut around someone she was close too.

While in fact Chaerin was silent because she was still thinking about the second batch of junk foods she should have got before leaving the restaurant.

They had finally arrived after a few minutes of walking, picking seats at the corner of the cafe. Only the sound of jazz song being played on the speaker could be heard right after the waiter finished taking their orders.

Chaerin leaned back on the sofa, placing her bag next to her. "Truth to be told, Jimin, at first I befriended him out of pity. So yes, you are half right, I used to hang out with Taehyung because I felt guilty towards him. And I still feel so stupid even up until now," she began and although they were only at the prologue, the waiter whom took their orders earlier had returned with a tray and their drinks on it. So they took a short pause from the tale and appreciated the service by thanking him.

Jimin blew ripples on his coffee while Chaerin stirred her tea. "But if you ask me right now, of course I certainly am in love with him, Jimin. I hate my old self for not seeing the beauty within him ― no ― I had noticed it ever since back then, but I was too scared, scared of my parents." A part of her that wanted to enjoy the tea perished and suddenly the mood disappeared.

With a frown, Jimin also placed his coffee cup down. He outstretched his hand to reach her shoulder and patted it. "It's alright, the past remains in the past. You live in the present and the things that revolve around you know are the most important. The fact that you are his girlfriend now is the thing you should care."

His heart ached, he was suffering inside. The past could not just remain in the past for him because back then he was happy, they were happy and together. Those days that had returned into memories were too precious to be forgotten.

A part of him, however, did not approve his friend's relationship not because he liked her. Sometimes Jimin still saw a nuisance in Chaerin's life, he thought his crush broke apart with her parents because of Taehyung although another part of him knew it was not true. He was conflicted and dark thoughts often consumed his mind. He hated himself to have such disgusting mindset toward his own friend.

But after all, negativity would always take part in one's life and it was not easy to erase it.

Chaerin put up a demure smile. "I could not just forget the past as much as I want too, Jimin. I met you and Taehyung within those days, and those facts alone are enough for me to stick my past in my head," she said and held Jimin's palm firmly.

The way his cheeks turning red denounced his palpitations ― how his heartbeats grew wild at the touch, it felt like rampaging waves. "Thank you so much, Chaerin," he muttered and retracted his hand, placing it on his lap.

The jazz music that had completely muted during their deep talk now resurfaced again in their ears. They finally decided to enjoy the beverages.

"Chaerin..." Jimin muttered, once again placed the coffee cup on the table.

"Hm?"

"I love you."

His heart skipped a beat, did not even know how on earth he mustered the courage to say that one sentence. For once in a life time, his courage reached its zenith.

Chaerin was flustered and paralyzed until she could decipher the words. She chuckled. "I love you too, Jimin. You are so cute, but don't startle me like that next time! It's so embarrassing." She hit his shoulder playfully.

The boy also let out a forced laugh.

Not the way I do, Chaerin.

After finishing their drinks, the sky was already setting down to the horizon and it was probably only a few minutes away until the moon would take over the sky.

They walked side by side on the pavement, cards and other vehicles were passing through them on the road, gust of wind would sway their hair every once in a while.

Jimin tried his best to not show ugly expression. He thought after hearing the truth, he would be able to let go. But it gave the opposite effect from what he had expected.

Amidst of his cloudy thoughts, he felt warmth radiating from his right hand which fetch him back to reality.

Chaerin interlocked their fingers.

"Stop with that gloomy look, Jimin. It does not suit you. I completely understand that the weather is kind of cold right now, but we hold hands like this, at least it would make you feel warm even the slightest!" She exclaimed and let out a gleeful grin.

Jimin was flattered by his kindness. He knew that he did not choose a wrong path the moment he started grew fond of her existence.

"Thank you, that's really sweet of you."

They continued to walk until finally, a familiar figure was seen crossing the street, chasing after a kitten.

"Whoa, who would expect to see Taehyung here and why on earth is that kid chasing over a cat?" Chaerin chuckled and Jimin laughed along with her.

"I will go and surprise him!" And the moment she decided to let their hands go, gave void in his heart. Just like that she left their touch.

"Taehyung! Taehyung!" Chaerin cheered as she approached her boyfriend while waving her hand.

The latter who was in the middle of chasing a cat stopped and turned to Chaerin, smiling at the sight of his girlfriend calling his name, while Jimin was catching up slowly behind her.

Taehyung waved back at her and grinned.

"Taehyung! Watch out!" Chaerin's eyes widened, panicked.

He tilted his head in confusion as he turned to the other side just to see blinding lights coming from a giant vehicle.

Just like that, a pool of blood formed in front of their eyes.

──

A / N ;

Happy birthday to the living art! ♡ i love him so much. And actually, I've meant to update this book on x'mas but ye.... hope you enjoyed the chapter!