chapter 4

A week into first speaking to Soomin, you two began getting closer. You began inviting one another to each other’s houses and you were actually glad to have a new friend; especially one who wasn’t obsessed with your best friend.

“Hm, for someone who just wanted some opinions, we are getting awfully close,” Soomin raised an amused eyebrow. She had come over to ‘do homework and talk about what changes she’d like done to the school.’

Chuckling nervously, you said, “Well, I already got some commentary from other students. But along with your input, you’re really cool and it’d be nice to have another friend.” You two were currently lounging on your bed, books in front of you and pencils in your hands.

“Another friend? Isn’t everyone your friend already?”

“Please,” You rolled your eyes with a sigh, “they’re only friends with me because I’m best friends with Kook.”

“Jungkook, right?”

Your eyes lit up at the mention of his name and you looked at her in curiosity. “Yeah! You know him well?”

“Actually, no. I’ve spoken to him a few times, including that time in the library last week, but that’s all. Why?”

“Oh, just wondering. If anyone else mentions Jungkook, they go off on a tangent about how popular or attractive he is,” You rolled your eyes.

“And how’s that?” She asked, tilting her head to the side.

“Quite annoying.”

“I can imagine. So, you aren’t close with anyone else?”

“I mean, not really. Kook––he’s always been there for me you know? Since we were kids, he’d be my bodyguard and I his. I never felt the need to have other friends because he’s all I needed. Besides, when people did want to be my friend, they ended up ditching me or using me to hang out with him.”

“I’m so sorry. You know, not gonna lie, you’re pretty great! Why aren’t you as popular? You two could make a great power couple,” She rolled onto her back so she was looking at the ceiling in wonder.

You choked on a cough. “W–what? Power couple? Sure, we’re best friends but power couple? That’s ridiculous––”

“You do act like a couple already minus the romantic aspects. I didn’t know you two weren’t dating until last week at the library,” Soomin confessed, nonchalantly.

“Really? Does anyone else think that?”

Sitting up and staring at your curious gaze, she peered at you. “Plenty of people do…”

“What? Since when? No one comes up to me to find out whether Kook and I are dating.”

“Don’t you get it? Like you said, girls practically throw themselves at him to get a reaction. Face it, you’re their biggest competition,” She shrugged. How did she know so much about it?

“I’m really not…Kook and I, we’re only best friends! That’s all we’ll ever be!” 

Soomin raised a curious brow, “You really don’t see it?”

“See what?”

“The envy in other girls’ eyes? They would kill to be in your shoes. Being Jungkook’s best friend? That’s a ticket to get him to notice you,” She shrugged. “Besides, my friends have been there. All I used to hear were my friends plans to get Jungkook to notice them but after a while, they gave up.”

“Your friends? You never liked him?” You pressed, leaning your cheek on your palm while you traced designs on your bed comforter. 

“Me? Oh no. I mean, I thought he was attractive––not that he isn’t anymore! He totally is but––what was I saying?”

Your lips curled at her rambles, “How you didn’t like him.”

“Right! Yeah, it was hard when all your friends gushed about him. It seemed like I couldn’t bother. Other girls were drooling over him so I never felt the urge. You understand, right? I could imagine you do.”

“I do,” you slowly nodded. All your life you were surrounded by girls gossiping about your best friend and how great he was, but you? You saw Jungkook as you dorky best friend; you couldn’t imagine him in the eyes of all the others.

“It’s getting late. I should head home. Thanks for inviting me, Y/N,” Soomin smiled politely and sat up from your bed. Gathering her books into her backpack she chuckled, “Next time we should get work done, yeah?”

Nodded with pursed lips, you let out air from your nose. Soomin left shortly after that, leaving you alone to your thoughts.

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