I wasn't imagining it right? He was right there, at the courtyard...smiling at me...right? Ahh I'm going crazy! I must've...what else could explain how he's there, looking all perfect - the exact perfect face she'd seen 2 years ago? But why? I almost forgot about him. I've already accepted the fact that my first kiss will belong to someone else - why am I suddenly daydreaming of seeing him, right after Portraiture II?

Maybe I've been subconsciously wishing I could have a portrait of him? He does have all the right structures to make a great subject... Lisa stares into the nothingness of her textbook, her mind drifting slowly to the memory of the boy...the face that would've been her favorite.

...............

The multiple honks from outside her yard had cut her novel short and Lisa's pouty smile turned into a frown. She heard a few laughs and forced-but-still-loud-enough whispers as she walks to her bedroom window. Isn't it late, who's making these noises? She caught a Jeep's playful, flashing lights and the silhouette of the boy next door - almost tip-toeing on the porch of his own house. Ahh yes...who else could it be?

Jeon Jungkook is definitely not the boy-next-door she typically reads in her many collection of novels. No, he's the exact opposite of any of her favorite main characters. She wasn't sure what to make out of him since she never had any chance of speaking to the boy but from what she saw, she can conclude that he's bad news.

It's quite unfortunate really because his mother is the sweetest, his brother is quite polite and his face...well she can't lie, it's the most beautiful she'd ever seen in this town. It's his somewhat dark presence...and his rebellious not-giving-two-shits acts that made her look away as fast as she possibly can most of the time. She didn't want any trouble...and he looks like trouble.

The family of three seems to be walking in shadows. Aside from his mother who was never stingy in sharing recipes with her mother when she has a bit of free time, Lisa hardly sees the two boys around the house. She later learned that the elder son works at a printing factory and Jeon Jungkook stays with his friend most of the time - only coming back once or twice a week.

And this is what happens when he comes back. The car that dropped him off would honk, as if celebrating his willingness to return home. It's quite annoying really, because it only happens past everyone's bedtime. Lucky to be Lisa, she's rarely an early sleeper - preferring to spend her nights reading happily-ever-afters instead. Thank God we have that in common...otherwise I might be forced into talking to him about this late-night habits of him!

...

Jungkook winced slightly when he accidentally bumped the wall on his right shoulder. The new tattoo he just got still feels a little sore underneath the layer of gauze and cotton but the pain only made him smile more like a stupid fool. He finally reached the bedside lamp and switched it on. Placing his keys and wallet on the desk, he then peeked through in between the gap of curtains to the opposite windowpane.

The dimmed beam of orange light is still on - is she still up or did the noise woke her? Bunch of jerks - I told them to be quiet! He laughed to himself, knowing full well why his boys wouldn't. They've been pestering him more and more since his final day at school - questioning his manly capability on going up to Lalisa Manoban and teasing him into talking to her. There's just never the right time...

It's embarrassing really, even Jungkook admits it to himself. He has the hugest crush on her for 2 years now that he had practically memorized every single shameful encounter he's had with the girl. The first time he saw her was when she first moved into the neighborhood and landed right next to his house. His mother had forced him and his brother out of the rooms to greet the new small, foreign family and the best he could do was a nod when being introduced.

You can't blame him though - the only daughter of the family was a walking doll! Her enticing, big, round eyes and invitingly thick, plump lips sits perfectly on her round face. Her cheeks puffed out with soft pink hues on the light golden complexion. A set of dazzling, angel-white teeth gleamed as she smiled brightly, introducing herself to the three. A cute, sugary voice matched the bouncy personality and when she walked away, her small waist and sculpted hips danced along the rhythm of those long legs. She looked like a real dream.

He was determined to talk to her when he found out she'll be going to his school. So determined in fact, that it was the only day Jungkook had found himself being excited to actually wake up for school! But of course, fate cut it short the moment he arrived at the gates. His buddy Taehyung got into a fight with one of the school's prefect and he had to come into the rescue. With the boy pinned down on the ground and Jungkook with his final one fist up, he saw the look of horror on Lisa's face. Safe to say the motivation ended in that split second!

She's been the 'talk-of-the-town' in the school since she arrived. It wasn't only him that finds her features attractive, he'd pretty much heard all the names who tried and failed to pursue her. Funny thing is, he's not sure if she even knew what they were doing. She's bright and talkative, but she keeps to herself and her close friends most of the time. She never tried to fit in with the popular crowds, they seem to be going after her. He knew then that she's something else...different than the girls of their age.

Her closest friend is from Thailand as herself. A foreigner like herself. He remembers thinking that maybe it's her way to avoid blending in...or maybe she 'prefer' girls. She speaks fluent Korean though, and she's pretty much in the top 5 of every class. A smart girl who doesn't conform...how can he not be whipped as hell for her??

After months of keeping the crush to himself, he decided that the best way to get over it was to spend as much time away from areas she'd been at school and the house as possible. He spent more time hanging out with Taehyung and the seniors. He wouldn't say they're bad crowds but that's because he's biased. They're smart guys...just a little out of control sometimes, as the adults would say.

Keeping himself away was fine at first but not until he heard the rumors of Jeong Jaehyun, one of the school's best track athlete, asking Lisa out. It was as heartbreaking as if the girl is his ex who he couldn't seem to move on from. That's when Jungkook started finding different outlets to rebel at the thought. He didn't know what went over him during the phase but it made him got the first taste of beer and his first ever tattoo.

He also started going out with girls - those who hung out among the same crowds as him. Those who sounded sweet like her...or ones with big, round eyes like her - jeez, it's like he purposely made her the standard, searching for a resemblance in any girl who came across! This phase was only cut short when it brought him to the second most shameful encounter with Lisa.

Eunha...he only remembers her name because of the incident. She had neatly-trimmed bangs, just like his crush. Her lips are cute too as far as he could remember. She came up to him at a house party - he can't even remember whose and what got them into talking. To be honest, he didn't feel like they even talked much...it was straight up seduction - liquor offerings, alluring whisperings and lingering skin-on-skins.

Long story short, they ended up sucking on each other's faces somewhere outside the house and there, out of nowhere, he opened his eyes for a split second to find Lisa...standing frozen with books across her chest and a friend by her side. Both eyes were on him and the face who's plastering more kisses on his neck. The stares only lasted for a few seconds but for Jungkook, it felt like a lifetime of disappointment. To himself of course, cus who else??

She walked away like she never even stopped to stare - so casual, so indifferent...but still...so pretty! It was like someone had thrown a bucket of ice-cold water to his face. He never even tried talking to her or try to get to know her and let her know him, yet he's acting like she never reciprocated his feelings - going around avoiding her and replacing her with other subjects - and now it might be too late for it all!

He beats himself for weeks after that until Taehyung forced him out of the house and harassed the shit out of him into telling. From one to another, he started getting advices on the many ways he can start a 'hi Lisa'. He always paid extra attention to what the boys say (especially when it comes to her). They are after all, older than he is. He trusted every single suggestions given. The only thing is, he's pretty much 99.98% sure that she won't say 'hi' back.

Fuck it - that's not the only thing! She's just way out of my league. Too good to be true for someone like me. She's...she's perfect. She's smart, always smiling...always so wonderful...there's no way she'll even look at someone like me. Much less now that school's done for. She's got a whole life ahead of her...mom said she'll be going off to a uni in Seoul. And here I am...still waiting for a letter. Who am I kidding - bruises and tattoos don't get accepted into college!

Jungkook sighed a smile at the thought. I might as well just sit here...staring at the curtain on her window imagining she'd open it and smile at me. Once...just once.

...

It was at the town's carnival. With her company going back in to visit the restroom, she stood back a little near the parking lot, shying away in a darker spot and scanning the view. The open area is crowded with happy teenagers and families, bringing their kids around to enjoy the built-up rides. The excitement of the event is apparent in everyone's faces as it's the biggest 'fun fair' the town has ever had. Watching the crazy rides going up high, she heard more beaming laughter and screams added into the buzzing noises of music, chattering and the booths' jingles.

Bright flashes of lights accompanied the vibrant, multicolored ones in this warm, nice night. It reminded her of Bangkok city - always so bright and alive. It brought a smile when she thought about it, remembering half of the childhood memories she had there. It seems like time went by so fast. Apart from the rides and games, it would've looked exactly the same as a normal night in her hometown.

The jovial, upbeat music accompanied by oblivious shouts and chats, and giggles of laughter from prancing children makes it the same. The only things that are particularly different about the scene is probably the air she's breathing and the people of itself. It's always fun being in a crowd like these. She could be alone, silent and not being noticed but she'd feel like she belongs.

It was probably not more than 3 minutes when a group had stopped in front of her. Catching a familiar face in the bunch of six, she smiled her usual friendly smile. Jaehyun was one of her batchmates at school. They weren't in the same classes but that didn't stop him from trying to get in her personal space at every chance he gets!

Same like tonight...only this time, it's paired with a liquorish breath.

"Listen um..." He looks back to his friends and at her. "I didn't catch you at the graduation...I wanted to ask if you um...now that school's over and everything...if you wanna go out some time?"

Oh dear...not again... She shifts from one foot to the other, feeling awkward all of a sudden. He's sweet to ask it again but it wasn't just because she's not attracted to him in that way that made her reject the kind gesture. It's also because she knew one of her good friends, Chaeyoung, used to have a thing for him in the past. It's just too awkward - and ignorant - for her to simply accept it.

It's a horrible feeling, especially that he'd ask me this in front of his friends! "I'm really sorry -"

"You know what, let's just forget about some time. Spend the night with me here," Jaehyun grabbed her palm in his hand and she pulled it back by instinct, earning a disappointed frown from the guy. Briefly, she heard the chuckles of his friends behind him.

Why do I feel like I'm cornered here? Where the hell is Minnie?? "I...no, I can't - I'm with Minnie,"

"She can come along too! I promise you'll have fun with us!"

"It's not that - Jae...I'm sorry, you should really go on -"

"Come on...I've been waiting to ask you again for a year now. Soon we'll both move on to college and I'll always wonder...don't you think so? Like...one day you'll remember how that star athlete asked you out not once but four times and you'll wonder why you never said yes. Come on Lis...I'm only asking for one night with you,"

The first sentence made her feel slightly bad. Slightly. The latter wiped it away. "One...night?" Lisa knew she shouldn't feel insulted but she did. Why - why on Earth would I go with someone who I never even 'wondered' for for only a night?? "You're kidding right?" 'Star athlete' pshh - probably to himself he was!

"No - I didn't mean it like that! I mean..." She could tell he's scrambling with words. It's obvious in his eyes - looking around as if he's trying to steal something and afraid someone might see. "I mean if you like me...like I like you...we can see where it goes -"

We can see where it goes? I don't wanna see where it goes - I didn't even see you until you got into my personal space like this which is so rude by the way! Lisa took a step back firmly when she noticed how close he was to her and smiled coldly. "Sorry Jae...I never came close to wondering anything about you. But do have fun tonight. And best of luck in college,"

The guy sighed down to the ground, shaking his head slightly with an annoyed smirk. Well, that's a new look! "You know...you don't have to be such a bitch over it. If you don't want to, just say no. It's not like I'm so desperate for you anyways,"

The nerve - "I already said no. You just didn't wanna acknowledge it,"

His face and demeanor had changed, turning into something that is unfamiliar to her. As he took the step forward, Lisa hears the voice in her head shouting for help.

"You always think you're all that don't you? Just cus you're hot, you think you can disrespect me like this in front of my friends?" The forced whisper sounds menacingly threatening and with one swift, he knocked the drink out of her hand - the splash felt cold on her calves.

"Jae, either you step away from me or I'll shout,"

He didn't even flinch. His confident smirk is still there, along with the piercing, mean eyes - scanning from her face to her chest, and down to her legs. "You're such a fucking tease, you know that? Acting so nice to everyone...smiling like you're giving them a chance. I'm not going anywhere until you say yes. So why don't you try and make me?"

He's probably had one too many beers cus honestly, what the fuck is wrong with this asshole?? Lisa tried moving from one side to another, but he blocked her way successfully. "Jae, I think you should -" Help...

"Excuse me, is there a problem here?" A voice came out of nowhere and Lisa swore her heart beat tripled when she saw the face. Jeon Jungkook - looking so dashingly beautiful with both hands in his pockets and a calm stance - struts to her side with an amusing frown on the threat.

Jaehyun finally took his steps back, looking confused but still pissed. "We're just having a conversation,"

"Ahh...must be a serious one cus dude, you look red. Sick even - you okay?"

"Fine...just fine," Jaehyun gritted in his teeth.

"You sure? You want me to call someone...an ambulance...wait, I think I saw a cop at the entrance just now,"

"No, I'm fine -"

"Hey, my boys are just two rows behind. I'm sure they can take care of you..." She could already tell how serious the threat was by his clipped tone.

"I said I'm fine!" The guy finally takes his steps back to his group and left. Lisa didn't miss the ugly glances they're throwing at her and Jungkook though.

When they're finally out of sight, she sighed a breath of relief. A palm had made its way to her chest and felt her own heavy beating inside. What the hell just happened? How did it take a 360° turn like that in such a short period of time? Fuck, he scared the shit out of me!

"You okay?"

She looks back up to find Jungkook's studying gaze. The small, shining metals on his right eyebrow calls for her attention. Is that...new? Or I just never noticed that he has a piercing there? He dipped his head a little to match her height, and a strand of hair fell on his forehead. His mouth formed a thin line, revealing little dimples on his cheeks and all she could think of is how much more amazingly beautiful he is up close.

As if noticing her inability to respond, the alarm in her mind started beeping 'trouble' over and over again. Instinctively, she took a step back and shook her head a little. "Y-yeah...he was just um...intimidating me," She laughed a little. Why - what was funny? "Thanks...you um...you sort of saved me there,"

He didn't answer right away. Instead, he just stood there...staring at her...from a comfortable distance. When he finally answers, it made her want to laugh. "Hi Lisa. I'm Jungkook. I live next door to you." That smile didn't look like trouble...

...

Come on man...don't be awkward...and especially, don't scare her away. "How long have your friend been gone for?" He asked as if he hadn't been watching her from across the carpark - getting off the tea-cup ride thingy and stopping by the hotdog stand. Finishing off her meal before the friend left her in the middle of the crowd -

"I think...maybe fifteen minutes? She wasn't sure where the restrooms were," She shifted the weight on her toes and stretched her neck a little, her face seems at loss. Fucking cute! "You don't have to stay with me...I'm sure she'll be back soon,"

"Oh, I don't mind...your guy might come back," The word 'your guy' hurts the ego in his chest. Fucker better not!

He still can't get over the terrified look on Lisa's face earlier. Watching her with all smiles to the guy almost made him jump in Taehyung's car and drive off - preferably with some emo music blasting in the background - but the same friend told him to 'man up' when he noticed the slight discomfort from her body language, backing away little by little.

"I don't think he will. I mean...it's too crowded here, I'm sure he won't do anything stupid," Is she serious?

"The crowd's over there," He pointed to the festive grounds. "You're alone over here. Plus, it didn't stop him from trying to lean up to you just now," He rolled his eyes in complete annoyance. She can't possibly be ignorant on this -

"I know...sorry, I just don't wanna stop you from enjoying the carnival," She's not...of course she's not ignorant - she's perfect! "I'm sure your friends are looking for you,"

"Nahh...we're just here hanging around...enjoying the view," He laughed a little, rubbing the back of his neck out of habit. The girl looks much more adorable up close that it's making his guts flutter incessantly.