When do you know someone is in love?

When Jimin wrapped his scarf around Saejin and put on gloves for her, would you confidently say he's in love?

"I know you like snow and all, but please stay warm," he said, pouting before offering, "hot chocolate?"

When Saejin agreed to his every request and stole glances at him while sipping her hot chocolate, would you agree that she's in love?

The two spent the evening talking in the cafe while snowflakes floated in the air outside the window. The comfort they had seemed to come oh so naturally. But somewhere in between, if you could listen through the chattering noises inside the cafe, you would faintly hear their fast heartbeats.

When do you know someone is courting you?

When Jimin offered to take her home, would you call that courting or a friendly gesture? It did not matter what it was since they ran into her father when they arrived at the doorstep and she nearly fainted.

"Sae!" Both men reached out to her in panic, holding her up.

"I'm fine... I just need to rest," she said in embarrassment, a little taken aback by them.

It was not how Jimin was expecting to meet her family. While he was fidgeting by the door, Saejin's father put her to her bed and walked back to him to offer something surprising. At least to Jimin, it was.

"Why don't you have some tea since you're here?"

Her father was not smiling but Jimin felt the need to do so and bow. "Yes, thank you. I'm Jimin, a friend of Saejin from university."

Of course her father knew that. Saejin was his treasure. He nodded and led Jimin through their mansion while the young man couldn't help but gawk at the expensive furniture and interior design. Huge chandeliers, vases here and there, various paintings on the wall. He felt smaller and smaller with every step until they reached the vast dining room.

Even the tea tasted unique and expensive. Or maybe because someone who seemed like a maid brought it and poured him a cup.

"Y-You have a lovely home, sir," Jimin said and sipped the tea again to fill in the silence.

Saejin's father smiled from across the long table. "Is it?"

"For sure! It's very lavish and..."

"Something you've never seen before, I'm sure," her father finished it. "My daughter acts like a modest person but this is what it is. I know many would be surprised and feel smaller but it can't be helped."

"What is he trying to say?" Jimin thought, growing uncomfortable.

"Are you considering buying a mansion like this someday?" Her father suddenly asked.

"Uh, n-not really?" Jimin chuckled.

"Hmm, I see..."

Silence ensued until he spoke again. "You must have a passion to be a phenomenal dancer, I assume?"

Jimin furrowed his eyebrows. "I mean I'll work hard because it's something I love doing... I didn't think you would know a lot about me."

Saejin's father smiled again. "You've been around my daughter for a while now, it would be stupid to not pay attention to you when she brings you up in some of our conversations."

"Ah, I-I see." Jimin's heart skipped to hear that Saejin talked about him a lot.

"You should work hard. A mediocre dancer won't go far. And being a phenomenal one? Better wish on a shooting star if it even exists." Her father looked Jimin dead in the eye, making him flinch. "A comfortable life needs a clear head. Don't be greedy for something you can't afford."

When do you finally give up on something?

When confronted by your crush's parent, would you give up like Jimin?

Thinking about his conversation with Saejin's father, he was heading to the cafeteria when he bumped into Eunsook who cursed at him.

Somehow she ended up buying him lunch and they sat down to engage in a very awkward conversation. Jimin admitted he had a one sided crush and asked her what to do to deal with it and move on, but it was Eunsook he was asking.

"Hey. I'm the wrong person to ask, idiot. I have a one sided crush, too."

Jimin frowned. "What? Who is it?"

"Not telling you." She stuck out her tongue. "But I know who you're crushing on."

Jimin rolled his eyes. "Not who you think."

"Lies."

"Wanna date me, then?"

Eunsook gagged with food in her mouth. "Wanna die?"

Jimin laughed. "Let's die together."

"No thanks. I love my life." She put a bar of chocolate and a small milk in front of him, making him raise an eyebrow. "This is thanks for protecting me from the creeps after school yesterday."

"Oh the ones who tried to drag you to a club or something?"

She nodded and sighed out loud. "I don't understand when something like that happens."

"You're attractive, too."

She gawked. "Is your crush maybe me?"

He scoffed before laughing. "In your dreams."

Even though admitting a one sided crush was a little alleviating, Eunsook needed to clear her mind or distract herself and so decided to volunteer. But no matter how much she wanted to distance herself, she could not stop Jungkook from approaching her.

He texted her to ask if she was free and she was relieved that she was not. When she told him that she was going to her volunteer work at a training center, she did not expect his response.

"Really? I was thinking of going there, too! Where exactly are you now?"

"Just my luck," she said and clicked her tongue before sending her location.

A shriek made her flinch and stop in place before looking around. Near her, in an alleyway, a woman was being pushed to the wall by a man who was taunting her.

"Shit," Eunsook whispered and thought for a moment before she was unable to stand it and jumped in to throw the man off her by his shoulders.

"Leave her alone!"

The man scoffed in irritation and cracked his neck. "Another one came right into our hands?"

What she did not expect was two other men suddenly appearing out of nowhere. The woman was kneeling on the ground, still in shock, and Eunsook had to scan the place for any weapon.

"Hey, pretty young lady, if you wanted some fun, just say so," one of the men laughed and shuffled towards Eunsook, but fell on the ground when someone stroke a thick wooden stick at the back of his head.

"The hell?!"

Eunsook's eyes widened when Jungkook came into her view and she shouted at him to run away when the men lunged at him. Never had she fought with others physically, but she did everything she could from throwing bricks and kicking their backs to stop them from hurting Jungkook. Bruises after bruises, Jungkook did not stop until he was sure Eunsook was safe.

"Were you not confident in me? That bad?"

Eunsook slapped his shoulder, making him yelp in pain. "Shut up."

They were waiting in the police station after reporting the men when they were finally on the ground. Eunsook had tears in her eyes and could not take a look at the bruises on Jungkook's face.

The woman who was there thanked them for saving her and stayed there to finish the complaint to get the offenders arrested.

As soon as they were out, Eunsook dragged Jungkook by the arm. "You're so reckless! Just wait until we get to the hospital!"

Jungkook smiled softly. "Okay."

"So stupid! Jumping into a fight with three men way bigger and dangerous than you!"

"But you're safe now," he thought.

When do you know your love is one sided?

And when do you decide that it doesn't matter if it's one sided?

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It's been so long omg hope you're still here and reading 🥹🥹