• • •

"Hi, mom!"

"Hey baby, how've you been?"

"I've been better." I sigh, switching Jaebum's phone to the other ear.

My mom called, she wanted to see how I was doing since she's been gone. I was happy to hear from her, but I wanted to know why she called Jaebum's phone and not mine.

"When are you coming back?" I ask, hoping it would be soon as I am tired of living in this small house with Jaebum.

He's been getting on my last nerve with the constant bickering and I just need a break from him.

"I'll be home in time to greet you once you come back from Australia." She explains and that reminds me. I forgot about our end of the year field-trip the school was planning for all the Juniors and Seniors.

I couldn't believe the school year was almost over. It's already the last week of April and after that, I'd only have my Senior year left.

"Yay, I miss you." I respond happily. I can't wait until I get to see her.

"I miss you, too."

"Also, how's Youngjae? I haven't spoken to him since Christmas." I state while looking down at the floor.

I missed hanging out with him, it's been a little over year since he left to stay in Japan and it's very rare when he comes to visit.

Sometimes I even forget I have a brother, since I barely hear from him.

"He's doing good. He'll even finish his work in-time to come back for this upcoming Christmas." She explains and I felt my heart race with excitement. I couldn't wait to see hime again.

"Y/n, we need to go." Jaebum whispers and I just realized I was about to be late for school and Jaebum was the one taking me today.

"I can't wait, but I have to go. School's starting." I say in a rushed tone, shoving my books in my bag.

"Alright, I love you, Y/n."

"Love you too, mom."

I smile before hanging up. I throw my bag over my shoulder and walk over to Jaebum, giving him his phone back, "I'm ready."

I look up at him, waiting for a reply, but he had an emotionless expression. He wouldn't say anything to me. We haven't even had a proper conversation since our argument about Jungkook.

I want to talk to him..I really do, but he's not making it any easier for me.

I just have to wait it out until he forgives me, or at least until he's ready to talk to me again.

"Okay, let's go."

• I •

Jaebum dropped me off at school and left right away. He didn't even wait for me to go inside first, like he usually did.

"Be like that then!" I roll my eyes at his pettyness. I let out a huff before gripping my book-bag straps and heading inside.

Jungkook told me he would be late today, so I'd be alone for a bit. He said something about his dad being in the hospital after a drunk driving accident. Yes, Jungkook's dad was the drunk driver.

I'd honestly expect something like that from his dad. He isn't really the best father figure and that's why Jungkook's mother divorced him. That's basically the whole reason why Jungkook gets into so much trouble.

After putting all my books in my locker, I close it only to come face to face with Soojin and Soyeon.

"What do you want this time?" I sigh deeply as I put my bag on.

"We just wanna know how you've been doing since your break-up with, Yugyeom. I've been worried." Soojin says and I can hear the sincerity in her voice.

"I've been doing fine, but I don't think she really cares." I state, referring to Soyeon, whom is standing there silently.

"You're right, I don't, but Soojin does which is why I came with her." Soyeon states, but she didn't have her same bitchy attitude that she usually does.

"Anyways, have you thought about my offer?" She asks and I knew she was talking about that gang offer.

"..yeah, I'm gonna have to decline. Because, one, I don't like you, and two, you're a lying bitch." I reply with a fake smile.

"You know..you sure are stupid. I'm just trying to help you out." She scoffs.

"Why would you want to help me, and help me from what?" I furrow my brows.

"My gang can give you protection. Those people who you think are you friends, will turn their backs on you in a split-second if it benefits them." Soyeon crosses her arms, trying to sound convincing.

"She has a point, Y/n. The ones you surround yourself with aren't the most trustworthy people." Soojin says, agreeing with Soyeon.

I begin to feel angry for some reason, everyone continues to tell me how the ones I hang with aren't good people, but I haven't seen them do anything wrong.

"No! You're lying! And even if you were right about them, I wouldn't want your protection or help, so just stop bothering me and go away!" I shout.

Soyeon flinches at my loud tone, but keeps her composure. Her tongue pokes the inside of her cheek, feeling irritated at the sound of my words.

"You're so damn clueless! You're going to end up dead if you keep hanging around them. Do you hear me?! They're going to be the cause of you're fucking death! But so be it, like I'd care if you'd actually die.." Soyeon yells and I swore I could see tears forming in the corner of her eyes.

"Soyeon, wait!" Soojin hollers, seeing her friend storms off.

"Look! I know she can be a bitch, but she cares about you. It may not seem like it, but she really does just want to help you out. So just give her a chance, okay?" Soojin explains before running off to find Soyeon.

I just stand there silently, not knowing what the hell to think as Soyeon's words kept ringing in the back of my mind.

You're going to end up dead if you keep hanging around them.

They're going to be the cause of your fucking death!

Little did I know, Soyeon was exactly right about my future..unless I could save myself in time.

I shrug off my thought and turn the corner to head to my first class.

I look up from the ground and notice a familiar silhouette sitting in one of the giant windowsills. I freeze in my tracks at the feeling of my heart beginning to race.

He was in the middle of a conversation with Baekhyun as he shifts his gaze to look around the hall.

His eyes land on my stiffened figure. He quirks an eyebrow once making eye contact with me. My heart almost stopped right there in that moment.

Kai.

Flashbacks began replaying in my mind of the times Kai consistently bothered and harassed me back in Busan.

He held a arrogant smirk on his face as he pushes himself off the windowsill and starts heading towards my direction.

Oh no.

God no!

I look at Baekhyun who just stood there and watched as Kai began approaching me. He didn't do anything to help, but he did seem as if he wanted to.

"No. No. No. No. No." I repeat several times to myself.

I turn around and dash towards the other direction, trying to get as far away from Kai as possible.

I saw Yugyeom in the distance, conversing with Jackson and Bambam. I thought maybe he could help me if I just called out his name. I began speed-walking closer to him so he would be able to hear me.

"Yugyeom–!"

My shout was muffled as a hand was clasped over my lips.

I notice Yugyeom looks over with furrowed brows, hearing someone call out his name. But it was too late. Kai wraps his arm around my waist from behind and pulls me into an empty janitor's closet.

He locks the door and holds me in place against the cold door.

"Let me go!" I shout, struggling against his grasp. I was pounding at his chest repeatedly until he grabbed my wrists, forcing me to stop.

"Will you stop struggling?" He says in a frustrated tone.

"Let go." I say in a harsh tone. I stopped moving and stared up at him.

"Damn, it feels so weird to see you again after all this time." He stats quite surprised.

I pause trying to calm down as I was breathing heavily, I didn't want to have another panic attack. "Just let me go, please." I beg.

I wasn't the type of person to beg, but Kai scared me. He always has. The only reason I was able to escape from him was because of Jungkook.

But now my tough exterior was crumbling, knowing I have to deal with him again. I thought I wouldn't have to be scared anymore.

"Now, why would I do that when I'm already having so much fun with you?" He questions in a seductive tone.

He brushes a strand of hair behind my ear and caresses my cheek. I try to lean away from his touch, but I was trapped between him and the door.

"..w-why are you even here?" I ask trying to sound tough, but it wasn't working as he could hear the trembling in my voice.

"There's no need to be scared, y/n. I'm not here for you." He says while placing his hands on the door behind me, I was now fully trapped, "but you being here does make this a bonus for me."

"What do you mean?" I furrow my brows at his statement.

"Well..you know how your mom divorced your dad?" He asks with a playful grin and my heartbeat started to pick up again.

"How do you know about that?"

"That's not the important part..the best part is that," He pauses trying to stall some more. "Your father proposed to my mother and she said, yes!"

"What?!"

My eyes went wide at the news. How the hell did I not know about this?! Why didn't my dad tell me?

"Our parents are getting married next month! Won't that be so fun?" He question's mischievously, "We're gonna become step-siblings."

I heard the bell ring signaling class has started and I panic.

"N-No—we can't!" I shout, using all my strength to push Kai off of me.

I quickly unlock the door and run out, but he rushes out too quickly. He pushes me against the lockers with a grin on his face.

"You've gotten a lot stronger since I've last seen you." He acknowledges my strength.

"Why won't you just leave me alone?" I ask, my voice was breaking.

I was tired of Kai being able to scare me and push me around, but I couldn't do anything about it.

"Because, since your little friend Jungkook isn't here right now, this is the perfect opportunity to whatever I want with you." He says with a smug grin plastered on his face.

"Actually, I am here."

I look up and see Jungkook pull Kai away from me and punch him across the face. Kai stumbles back a bit and wipes his now bloody nose.

"You're lucky Suho doesn't want us to get into any more trouble with the headquarters or I'd kick your ass." Kai threatens already pissed off.

Headquarters?

What the hell is that?

Is that why Baekhyun wouldn't fight Yugyeom back the other day?

and who is Suho?

"Yeah, like you could even touch me." Jungkook states sarcastically.

"Fuck you!" Kai spat. He slams one of the open lockers shut out of anger, "At least I'm not the one lying to, y/n."

I look over to Jungkook and furrow my brows. "What is he talking about?"

"Nothing, he's just spouting nonsense." Jungkook responds almost instantly and I began feeling suspicious weird.

I'm not one to believe Kai over something like that, but he seemed pretty serious.

"Go on, tell her!" Kai insists and I look back at Jungkook. I could see his hands balling into fists as he stays silent.

"Fine! I'll do it!" Kai shouts and turns to me, "What Jungkook forgot to mention was that the reason he moved here was to spy on you."

My eyes widen at his statement and I shook my head immediately.

"No! He wouldn't do that to me. You wouldn't do that do me, right?" I look back to Jungkook, waiting for an answer.

He was clenching his jaw in anger and wouldn't even look at me as he continued to glare at Kai.

"Not only that, but he's been spying on Yugyeom and his friends! Jinyoung has turned Jungkook into his little spy and they've been planning on doing something horrible to Yugyeom." Kai explains, revealing all of Jungkook's secrets.

"..is this true?" I ask Jungkook almost silently, I was scared that he might say 'yes.'

"Yeah, it's true." He admits harshly and finally looks at me. His gaze softens into a guilty expression upon seeing how hurt I was. I felt betrayed.

"Learn who your real enemies are, because it's sure as hell not me." Kai states and begins walking away, but stops.

"By the way, the engagement party's next week, so bring a date." He winks and tosses me an invitation.

I caught it, surprisingly, and I observe the letter. It was in a baby pink envelope and had my father's name and his fiancée's on the front.

I furrow my brow and look back up towards Kai, but he already walked away.

I sigh in relief that he was finally gone and Jungkook comes over to me in a rush.

"Are you okay? I'm sorry I didn't get here sooner." He apologizes, cupping my cheeks to check for injuries and I just nodded.

"Yeah, I'm fine." I say almost coldly, pulling his hands from my face. He looked hurt by my refusal of his touch.

"I'm sorry for spying on you. I didn't want to, but Jinyoung forced me into it–" He tries explaining, but I cut him off.

"Jinyoung can't force you to do anything, it was your choice. I just can't believe you would actually do something like that to me, I thought you were my friend." I say not knowing how to feel.

"We are friends, y/n." He tries grabbing my hands, but I back away from him.

"No, friends don't lie to each other. I'm sorry, but please just avoid me for a while, I don't want to speak to you." I state in a harsh tone, exiting the school building.

I need a break, I couldn't stay at school for the rest of the day.

• II •

I came bursting into the doors of Jaebum's home and threw my bag on the couch.

I walk into the kitchen to see Jaebum standing there as he was just about to walk out. I stare at him with a stone cold face with my arms crossed.

"What's with that face?" He deadpans.

I don't know why, but I start to tear up at his question. I walk over to him without saying a word and wrap my arms around his waist.

"What's wrong? Did something happen?" He questions softly as he felt my teardrops drip through his shirt.

"I'm sorry for not listening to you." I spoke into his chest, feeling myself become more emotional, "You were right.."

I felt so betrayed and angry, but Jaebum makes me look up at him as I still had my arms wrapped around him.

"What are you talking about? What happened?" He questions, looking worried for me in the first time in a while.

"You were right about Jungkook..I should've stayed away from him." I admit, shamefully.

I look away and rest my head against his chest once more. He finally wraps his arms around me engulfing me into his warm embrace.

"There's no need to cry for such things." He says in a comforting way. I sniff trying to control my tears.

"I'm upset." My voice broke.

"Don't cry." He says, wrapping his arms around me tighter. I nod slightly trying to listen.

"Y/n."

"Yes?"

"Choi Y/n, my heart..." He pauses as I take a deep breath into his chest, "..is burning."

"It's so hot."

"I don't feel good." I say shifting positions, "I'm not in the mood to hear your jokes."

"I'm not joking, it's really hot." He says, pulling away from me and I stand up straight, confused, "Wait a minute.."

"Gosh, it's so hot." He pulls a muscle warmer, for sore muscles, out from his jacket. "I bought it for whenever your legs get sore after cheer practice, so you don't go complaining to me anymore."

"Didn't you feel it on my chest? I was burning up." He complains with a cheeky grin on his face.

I couldn't help, but smile at his playfulness. I quickly wiped the smile from my face once I realized what I did.

"You just smiled, right?" He says coyly as I wipe my leftover tears.

"You know what happens when you smile after crying?" He teases.

"Stop it."

"Stop what? I'm serious, I saw someone go to the hospital because of it." He says in a dramatic manner and I scoff.

"What kind of joke is that? You're making me sad again." I pout.

"It's alright." He pulls me into his arms again. I swallow as I felt that feeling of wanting to cry come back.

"I don't know what happened with Jungkook, but it's alright." He comforts, "you have me by your side."

"You'll have a lot of struggles in your life, but still..it's fine. I'm here by your side." He speaks in a soothing voice and I take a deep breath in.

I wrap my arms around his waist and close my eyes. A few tears slide down my cheeks as I listened to his words.

"Let me look at your face." He says and pulls away, cupping my cheeks with his palms.

"Don't." I sniff, looking down. He reveals his toothy grin and I couldn't stop my smile from popping out.

"That's my girl." He exclaims happily, pulling me back into his embrace.

I sigh happily, taking in his comfort as his attempt to make me smile worked.

"I hate you.." I pout and I heard him laugh lightly.

"Don't lie, you know you love me."

• III •

"Thanks for meeting me here." I state, slightly nervous.

"..is something the matter? What did you want to talk about?" Yugyeom asks as we began walking down the sidewalk in the park.

It was already dark out and the sun had set, but I couldn't finish the day without speaking to him yet.

"I know I said that I'll let you be, but there's something I need to ask you." I state hesitantly while looking down at my feet.

If you're wondering why I asked Yugyeom to meet me at the park, well it's because I needed to ask him about taking me to the engagement party.

Yes, I know we are no longer dating, but it will only be as friends. I don't feel safe going to the party alone, especially with Kai being there. I would have brought Jungkook, but after what I just found out I don't trust him at the moment.

"I don't have all night, you know." Yugyeom states, beginning to get impatient.

"I was wondering if you could be my date to my father's engagement party?" I ask, apprehensively. I wasn't sure how he would react after everything that happened between him and I.

"Your dad's getting married?" He asks quite surprised, completely ignoring my question.

"Yeah, he and my mom got divorced, but back to my question..will you be my date?" I question him once again and he just freezes.

"Why are you asking me? Isn't there someone else able to take you?" He says on edge, not expecting me to come to him for this kind of thing.

"I mean..yeah, but I feel the safest whenever your around." I admit feeling a bit embarrassed.

"Who else's going to the party that's making you feel scared?" He questions with a look of confusion on his face.

"My dad's getting married to Kai's mom," I sigh before continuing, "..he used to stalk me back in Busan and he would always say he loved me, but I never believed it..something always seemed a bit off about the whole situation."

Yugyeom stays silent like he was battling with his inner-self about something.

"Kai? You mean Baekhyun's cousin?" He questions like he knew something I didn't.

"Yeah..do you know him?"