Chapter 4: Deny Deny Deny
Sunday evening
The weekend flew by with very little to talk about. I spent my Saturday morning cleaning the place up with Hobi and then mall shopping with him. Although that was pretty uneventful, I loved every second of it. That's one of many things I love about my brother, the fact that he doesn't mind spending time with me. Our age difference has never been an issue and if anything he is the one that always offers for me to join him when he's got plans. I'm not entirely shameless and will decline if he's going out with his friends, but on days like this, when it's just him, I don't hesitate to join.
After mall hopping, we went back home that afternoon and he bought us pizza for dinner. We bummed around the house watching variety shows until our parents came home that evening. Mom was thrilled to see Hobi as usual and embraced him in a suffocating hug. Mr. Park, as we address him, smiled briefly and greeted both of us. He asked how school was for Hobi to which he simply stated, "Good." That was it. That's the basis of their conversations.
I feel a little bad for mom. I know it must hurt her to see that they've never softened to each other. But then again, I'm sure she's just relieved that they don't disrespect each other like some families. If it weren't for the fact that Hobi and I can clearly see the love Mr. Park has for Mom, they probably would be hostile. Yet, there's no denying his feelings for our mom. My relationship with Mr. Park isn't as awkward as it is with my brother, but we're not close. He'll provide me with anything I need, but he's pretty much just the provider in my eyes. It doesn't matter. I have Hobi and Mom for emotional support.
Hobi stayed the night but was gone Sunday morning to my disappointment. He sent me a text that afternoon.
[TEXT]: Hobi: Sorry, I left so early. I have a project I need to get on and I didn't want to wake you. Don't be mad. I'll visit again for Spring Break. Maybe all of us can go somewhere. Anyway, watch mom while I'm gone. Love you, Ri Ri.
[TEXT] Nari: No worries! I like that idea. Let's ask the others. That gives us a good two weeks to plan. ttyl, Oppa!
It bums me out every time he leaves, but I know he isn't exactly comfortable staying around Mr. Park. Plus, he does have things to attend to at his university. It's not like I don't have things to do myself.
For the past two hours I've been sitting on my bed attempting to understand my English homework.
"I guess that's as good as I'm gonna get it," I close my books and toss them into my backpack. Flopping onto the bed, I begin scrolling through my phone when a notification pops onto my screen.
[Group text: Soo Min & Mi Cha]
[TEXT] Soo Min: Friday was fun, but feeling crushed that Jimin didn't offer to drive me home. :-(
[TEXT] Mi Cha: Soo don't you worry about making the guy uncomfortable?
[TEXT] Soo Min: I can't help it. He's too cute.
[TEXT] Nari: Maybe tone it down? I worry you might get hurt...
[TEXT] Soo Min: I know he doesn't like me like that...
[TEXT] Nari: Then why do you continue to put him in those situations?
[TEXT] Mi Cha: Yea, I was worried you didn't notice his avoidance...
[TEXT] Soo Min: I'm not dumb, just hopelessly loyal to my crush. Anyway, so what's up with you and Tae?
[TEXT] Nari: What? No idea what you mean.
[TEXT]: Soo Min: Oh please! You were all shy and as red as a baboon's butt!
[TEXT] Mi Cha: Horrible simile, but what she said. lol
[TEXT] Nari: Ugh! Nothing's going on. I was just thrown off...
[TEXT] Soo Min: By what? His gorgeous face? Gaming skills?
[TEXT] Mi Cha: The way he only focused on you?
[TEXT] Nari: Well look at the time. It's already ten. I should get ready for bed. See ya tomorrow!
[TEXT] Soo Min: This isn't over Jung!
That is one topic I haven't bothered to think about. Between hanging with Hobi and staying busy with my mom and homework, I haven't given myself time to reflect on Friday evening. It does worry me that my friends noticed the way I acted. I can only imagine what Jimin thought...or worse, Taehyung.
'Whatever, it's not like I'll have to see him again.'
*Monday: Lunch*
I did it. I managed to avoid discussing Friday all morning. Soo Min and Mi Cha had other responsibilities so I didn't have to deal with that before school started. The rest of the morning consisted of lecture and work which eliminated any opportunity for them to interrogate me. Before I could count myself lucky, lunch arrived. There was no escaping as we had the same lunch and no plans outside of eating.
"Did anything happen after we left?" Soo Min scooted her chair closer to me, not sparing me even a moment to eat my food.
"Nothing happened. They left right after you did."
"What? Doesn't Jimin usually stay over?"
"They had a concert Saturday so they were going to Taehyung's place since it's closer to the venue."
Using Soo Min's moment to digest my response, I ate my food. Of course, that wasn't the end of her questions.
"You have to admit that he was extremely handsome," she batted her eyelashes at me.
"I'd be lying if I said I didn't notice, but that doesn't matter," I stated, "He's Jimin's friend and I doubt we'll see each other again."
"I don't know, Nari," this from Mi Cha, "I don't usually trust Soo's shipping, but it was obvious that he was into you. Well, at least to us."
"Doubtful," I waved my hand to dismiss their comments. They grinned at me but fortunate for me, they let it go. We began discussing other random things.
*English Class*
"Everyone pass your homework to the front of the class. Since you have an exam tomorrow, use this time for self study," the teacher directed. After gathering the homework, she left the class to study.
Some students used this as their own "free time" while others took her words seriously and reviewed for the exam. I was busy translating random things into English in hopes of studying when Min Jae lightly tapped my shoulder.
"Hey, Min Jae," I took off my headphones to show I was listening. I assumed he'd use this as his study time as well, so this was a first. He's a top student for a reason and I didn't plan on disturbing him. This was unexpected.
"Do you have plans tomorrow after school?" he asked while placing a chocolate bar on my desk.
His question and gesture confused me. 'Uh, tomorrow? Tuesday...what am I doing?' He's never showed interest in my life outside of these four walls. As soon as the time comes to leave, we're not part of each other's lives. This was not expected and I wasn't sure how to respond.
My face have looked really stupid with my internal thinking because he lightly laughed and waved his hand in front of me.
"If you don't have plans, I have a soccer game tomorrow and would like for you to come watch," he grinned.
"I hate soccer," I found myself repeating the same words I told Jimin Friday. 'Wait! Jimin said he has a soccer game Tuesday against my school!' I had completely forgotten about that.
"Ah, come on. You never go to any school events. I'd appreciate it if you came."
His face beamed with that same dimpled smile that makes my body tingle. The same handsome face that makes it difficult for me to breathe. The same face that makes me forget there are other guys out there.
"Ok..." I practically whisper, my face on fire. I just know my cheeks are burning red.
"Great," he gently places my headphones into my ear and resumes his studying.
I suddenly find myself looking forward to tomorrow's soccer game.
CREATORS' THOUGHTS 
Sauce8
Sauce8 Soo Min is pushy, but there's always different ways people handle crushes. I promise she's not going to get all fatal attraction on Jimin. It's all innocent. >_<
Anyway, that Min Jae and his dimples. \^0^/
Weekly Power Status
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Ranking 
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