Maybe closing my eyes, hoping to fall asleep was a bad Idea. instead of falling asleep, I am transported back 10 years ago... to my beautiful memories.

flashback

5 APRIL 2007

It was a typical day, just another April afternoon after my chemistry class wrapped up. The lunch break beckoned, and I strolled out of the classroom toward the canteen area, ready to grab a bite. As I meandered through the corridors, lost in my own thoughts, a soft, furry sensation brushed against my leg.

Curious, I glanced down to find a kitten nestled by my feet. A smile effortlessly spread across my face as I scooped her up into my arms, relishing the warmth of her presence. Rummaging through my bag, I fished out a portion of my lunch and offered it to my newfound feline friend. With enthusiasm, she devoured the treat, then showered my hand with grateful licks before nestling into it.

Feeling content, I reluctantly released her, watching as she darted away, whiskers bouncing with each step. With a sense of warmth lingering, I carried on with the rest of my day, her brief visit adding a touch of unexpected delight to an otherwise ordinary afternoon.

Every day, that adorable routine continued. The little kitten would show up, and I'd share my lunch with her. We'd bond, she'd offer those grateful licks, and then she'd scamper off to who-knows-where. But that day, she was nowhere to be found during lunch, and my heart sank. I searched high and low but couldn't find her, making the rest of my day a bit gloomy.

Throughout my classes, I was distracted, constantly worrying about her well-being. I couldn't shake off the feeling that something might be wrong. As the final bell rang, I exited the school gates with Jimin, my only friend, feeling a bit disheartened. And then, like a beacon of joy, there she was – running toward me. I grinned ear to ear, eagerly taking her into my arms. The sight of her was a sudden burst of happiness, making me forget all my worries. She looked so tiny and delicate, melting my heart completely.

I retrieved my lunch, eager to share it with my feline friend. She nibbled away at it, then joined me in playful antics. But a playful mishap occurred when my bracelet got tangled around her. Fear seized her, and she wriggled free, bolting off. Worried for her safety due to the bracelet's sharp edges, I hastily asked Jimin to head home alone and dashed after her, my concern outweighing all other thoughts. As I pursued her, consumed by the urgency to protect her, I lost track of how far I'd ventured.

suddenly, the kitten went into a secluded alley. I followed her to see her jump into a guy's lap. the guy was sitting on the ground, fixing his bike. I looked at him from head to toe. his arm was covered in tattoos, his face with many piercings. he was wearing a black tank top and jeans below. The guy sported jet-black hair tied haphazardly into a messy bun that reached an impressive length.

Curiosity piqued, I observed the scene, unsure of how this rugged-looking individual had captured the attention of the little cat that had become a part of my daily routine.

The moment our eyes locked, I was captivated by the intensity of his gaze. My breath hitched. His dark, onyx eyes held an enigmatic depth that felt magnetic, drawing me in with their mesmerizing allure. He appraised me from head to toe, a subtle raise of his eyebrow making me momentarily self-conscious.

"I-I-Is the k-kitten yo-yours?" I stammered, trying to break the silence.

He nodded coolly, keeping his piercing eyes fixed on me as he petted the kitten gently. "yeah, got a problem?" he replied in a voice that matched his enigmatic demeanour.

" my bracelet got stuck around her neck. it might be dangerous for her" I said in a small voice.

As the guy carefully untangled the bracelet from the kitten's neck, I couldn't help but notice his skilled and gentle approach. His fingers moved with precision, handling the situation effortlessly. It struck me how despite his rough appearance, he was incredibly gentle with the tiny creature.

"Thank you," I murmured, taking the bracelet back from him.

He gave a faint nod, not saying much. I found myself feeling curious about him and his unique demeanour. There was a certain mystique about this guy. His silence was intriguing, and yet, it didn't seem unfriendly.

He asked suddenly, his tone lightening, "Did she trouble you?"

I shook my head, a bit relieved by his friendly question. "No, she didn't. I was actually feeding her, mister."

The guy chuckled a hint of amusement in his voice. "Don't call me 'mister.' It makes me feel old. My name's Jungkook."

Upon learning his name, a sense of familiarity washed over me, as if I'd heard that name before. Jungkook sat down again, his attention back on fixing his bike. As I started to bid farewell, I realized I might have lost my way while following the kitten. The surroundings looked unfamiliar, and I couldn't recognize my location. Feeling a bit flustered, I let out a sigh, furrowing my eyebrows in concern.

Jungkook, noticing my predicament, paused his bike-fixing efforts and smiled. "Lost, huh?"

I nodded, feeling a bit embarrassed. "Yeah, I guess I wandered off quite far. I don't really know where I am."

He chuckled warmly and motioned for me to sit beside him on the ground.

"Wait here for a few minutes. I'll drop you home safely. Don't worry," Jungkook assured me. I nodded and settled down beside him. The atmosphere seemed a bit awkward, so I decided to break the silence.

"I'm Taehyung," I introduced myself.

He smiled warmly but continued working on his bike. After a brief pause, he asked, "Are you a student?"

I nodded, trying to gauge his age. He appeared older, perhaps in his twenties, while I was just 17.

"What's the name of your kitten?" I inquired, feeling curious about the adorable feline.

Jungkook looked fondly at the kitten, a smile gracing his lips. "She's not exactly my kitten, but I've been taking care of her since I found her. I named her Miley. She looks like she's always smiling and is perpetually happy."

And so, the conversation flowed effortlessly, meandering through various topics. It felt easy to talk with Jungkook; I didn't have to overthink what I said or how I responded. Our interaction felt natural, and I realized I was genuinely enjoying conversing with someone after a long time. There was a subtle fluttering sensation in my stomach, but I dismissed it, attributing it to hunger or perhaps eating less during lunch.

He gracefully slipped on a black leather jacket, then carefully placed Miley in a makeshift cardboard bed adorned with old pillows and blankets. I watched him attentively, intrigued by his caring nature toward the kitten.

"Shall we head out? Where do you live? I'll make sure you get there safely," Jungkook offered, to which I shared my address, and we set off, me trailing behind him.

Eager for conversation, I probed, "What kind of music do you like? Have any favorite songs?"

he laughed. my eyes widened. His laughter was so addictive to listen to. "Favorite music, huh? That's a first... Aren't you curious about my job or my tattoos? Most folks tend to ask about those."

Shaking my head, I replied, "Not really. If you're comfortable, you'll share about your job, and tattoos carry deeply personal meanings for each person. Since we're not close yet, delving into tattoo meanings might make you uncomfortable."

he raised his eyebrow playfully, " yet??? so you mean to say that you do want us to get close...?"

I blushed and looked down, muttering, "Maybe... I don't know..."

He flashed an amused smile before revealing, "I'm actually a racer. Engage in bike and car races for a living. And as for music, I'm a Jazz type of person, I guess."

"I'm a big music enthusiast. I listen to all sorts—pop, kpop, hip-hop, jazz, soft melodies, classical tunes, you name it," I replied enthusiastically, relishing the conversation.

"Wow, quite the music aficionado. So, were you playing truant, skipping your classes when you followed Miley?" he inquired.

I was quick to shake my head, my eyes widening in disbelief. "Bunking classes? No way! That's not something I'd risk. I'd get into heaps of trouble! Besides, even if I miss just one class, I'd have loads of catching up to do. Never in a million years!"

Jungkook burst into laughter, his eyes crinkling into his smile. "Are you the school's top achiever or something? Mr. Smarty?"

I nodded in agreement, and he chuckled while affectionately ruffling my hair. "You're a good boy, with a pure soul."

Me and Jungkook were walking back home while talking. Suddenly, he took out a cigarette from his pocket and asked me to light it, giving me a lighter.

I innocently replied, "I don't know how to light a cigarette." He laughed and shook his head, taking the lighter from me and lighting the cigarette. I watched it with wide eyes and asked excitedly, "Can you teach me to light a cigarette too?"

Jungkook smiled and replied, "Next time. I'll surely teach you next time. For now, we have reached your area. Now, tell me which house is yours?"

I looked around and pointed at my house, "That one. But you should leave from here only. You can't let my parents see you. They won't like me hanging out with you. They are very strict."

he nodded and said, "Okay. I'll stand here till I see you go inside safely. now go."

"I said goodbye to him and turned towards my house. As I was walking up to my house, I could feel his gaze on me. I reached my house and opened the door with my keys. Just before entering, I turned back and smiled at him. He smiled back and I closed the door.

When my mom intercepted my way with a question, anxiety bubbled within me.

"Why are you late?" she inquired, and I found myself scrambling for an excuse.

"I found a hungry stray cat. I was feeding it," I stammered out, hoping she'd buy it. As she nodded and went about her chores, a wave of relief washed over me. I sighed deeply, grateful for the reprieve, and made my way upstairs to my room.

This was the first time I lied to my parents. The weight of the lie sat heavy on my chest. It was a strange feeling, having to deceive them. But I knew their narrow-mindedness and the judgments they'd cast, painting Jungkook in colours he didn't deserve. He didn't fit into their idea of 'acceptable.' But today was different. I couldn't help but enjoy our conversation. He was different, funny, and unexpectedly kind. His image lingered in my mind—tattoos, piercings, his confident demeanour, and those eyes that held a universe of stories within them.

It's strange, I thought to myself, that I'm suddenly noticing someone in this way. Jungkook is undoubtedly handsome, and for the first time in my life, I'm thinking about someone other than school and grades. His muscular arms, his captivating eyes, the way his jawline cut so sharply—everything about him seemed etched into my memory.

I didn't know what this meant or where it would lead. It was new and intriguing, yet unnerving. My thoughts were consumed by someone I barely knew, someone so different from my life until now. It was a maze of emotions I wasn't prepared for.

I changed into my nightdress and quietly made my way to the living room, where the comforting clinks of cooking utensils greeted me. My mother, Bae Suzy, stood gracefully by the stove, engrossed in preparing our dinner. Despite our family's affluence—thanks to my father being the CEO of Kim Consolidated, a renowned company—we could easily afford maids and cooks. However, my mother had her own way. She cherished preparing dinner and breakfast for us, despite having cooks in the house who were responsible for lunch.

I sat on the kitchen counter, watching my mother move with practiced grace. She was more than just a runway model and celebrity; she was the pillar of our home, the one who believed that the art of cooking was an expression of love. She'd always say, "Food tastes better when it's made with love."

We'd often sit like this, in the heart of our home, me chatting away while she cooked. It was in these moments, amidst the aromatic symphony of ingredients and the clattering of pans, that we shared the most heartfelt conversations.

She flashed a warm smile in my direction while she continued her culinary magic. "So, how was your day?"

My mind raced back to the unexpected encounter with Jungkook earlier, but I quickly diverted my thoughts, focusing on the other parts of my day.

"It was good, Mom. I aced my chemistry test and got an A+. And, I finished reading 'Secrecy in Love'." I watched as her brows furrowed with curiosity.

"You finished it already? You only started it two days ago. How was it? What was the story about?" she inquired.

Describing the book, I began, "It was quite intriguing. The story follows a soldier deeply loyal to his country who unexpectedly falls for a doctor within their unit. However, things take a complicated turn when he discovers that she's a spy from another country. He grapples with hatred in his mind but finds his heart still deeply in love with her. They part ways as mere memories, but he remains unable to love anyone else until his last breath, his heart forever tied to her."

Mom responded, "Wow... that's quite profound."

I nodded and inquired further, "Mom, how did you and Dad fall in love? Was it like in the movies, where you heard bells ringing or felt a flutter in your heart?"

Mom chuckled warmly and replied, "You know, those notions of hearing bells and feeling heart flutters, they're more suited for stories than real life. Your dad and I had an arranged marriage, but my love for him developed over time. It wasn't about sudden romantic sensations. I grew to love him because of the way he treated me—respecting my opinions, caring for me, and always looking out for my well-being. There weren't any fluttering hearts, but there was a gradual sense of happiness and care that blossomed after we married. I found myself missing him when he was away and worrying about him. That, to me, is what love is about—real and tangible."

Mom continued, "As for the idea of soulmates, destiny, or fate, I've come to believe differently. Love isn't predetermined; it's about nurturing a connection with someone who values and respects you. You'll understand more about this as you grow older. You're just seventeen now."

I nodded, finding comfort in my mom's perspective, even if I wasn't entirely convinced. If she believed that fate didn't govern love, then maybe there was truth in her words. I chose to trust her.

We spent the rest of the evening engaged in conversation on various topics until my mom finished preparing dinner. As the aroma of the meal filled the air, my dad arrived home from the office. A familiar routine unfolded; my mom greeted him with a smile, and he reciprocated with a tender peck on her lips before heading to their bedroom to freshen up. I helped my mom set the table, and together, we waited for my dad.

A few minutes later, my dad joined us, and we commenced our meal.

"So, Tae, how was your day?" my dad inquired.

I beamed, replying, "It was great! I received an A+ in Chemistry, and I've been selected to lead the school committee."

Pride gleamed in my dad's eyes as he responded, "Fantastic. Keep excelling like this, and you'll be an ideal successor to Kim Consolidated before you know it."

I nodded, and our dinner continued amidst light conversation and warmth shared among us.

I climbed up the stairs into my bedroom after dinner and went to the bathroom to do my night routine. I brushed my teeth, washed my face and applied moisturiser when I looked in the mirror. my hand went to my hair and I ruffled it, remembering how Jungkook had ruffled it before. A smile appeared as I shook my head and exited the bathroom, getting in my bed and pulling a blanket over.

I closed my eyes in the hope of falling asleep but my mind was stubborn. it drifted to Jungkook. I always thought that tattoos were a show-off or not good and I never liked the idea of printing your whole arm forever. it never appealed to me and I found it quite absurd. but looking at jungkook, I realised that tattoos are not disgusting. they are rather..... hot...?

I drifted to sleep, thinking about Jungkook even if I didn't want to.

(hey guys!!! how is the story so far??? please comment and tell me if you want any improvements or have any ideas to add to the plot. please show your support and love the story.)

- Yours Amora