Finding My Way
Clipboard & Camera
-Flashback-
Sunday
Daegu, South Korea; March 16th, 2008
12:30 pm
[A/N: Yes, March 16, 2008 was a Sunday. Look it up if you don’t believe me *wink*]
Once we were in downtown Daegu, we stopped at a restaurant to meet with Jimin, Jungkook and their families.
“Halmae-jip (Grandma’s House).” I read the sign plastered huge on the restaurant (actual place).
“That’s right, Jaemi!” Eomma smiled and helped me unbuckle my seatbelt. “Your reading is improving greatly. I’m so proud of you.”
Her words would always make brighten my mood. As we entered the cafe, appa handed me the restaurant card. “Try reading this.”
I held the card in my hand and he guided me, by holding my shoulders, as we walked to the tables.
“Telephone: 82-53-615-1122 Address: HyunpoongJunagang-ro 56-1, Hyunpoong-myun , Dalseong-gun, Daegu Operation Hours: 9:00am-12:00pm” I read to myself.
“Jaemi!” My head shot straight up as two boys, my two best friends brought me into a tight hug.
“Hi guys.” I said, barely able to breath.
“Come sit in the middle of us.” Jimin smiled and they both waited for me to sit down first before following. Our parents laughed and greeted each other.
“The boys sure love Jaemi.” Jimin’s mother caressed her sons hair and smiled at the other parents.
“Yeah, they’re only like that now because they were naughty earlier.” Jungkook’s father heaved a long sigh and smiled plainly.
Our parents continued to talk amongst themselves and I stole glances at Jimin and Jungkook. “What did you guys do?”
They chuckled to themselves and Jungkook patted my back. “Don’t worry about it. We won’t get into trouble, as long as our parents don’t find out what 'really' happened.”
“Yeah.” Jimin nodded in agreement.
-End-
I jump off of my bed and dart to the door. I stop myself, slowly turning the door knob. I open it slightly to find Suga’s door halfway open with a single light source on. I hear Suga and Jungkook talking downstairs, but don’t bother listening in. Holding my breath, I tip-toe my way across the hallway and peer into Suga’s room.
My eyes light up when I find his bag on the floor, leaning against a night stand. The lamp is on, but its light bulb is almost out. I check once more at the door, making sure he wasn’t watching me from behind or anything of that sort. With that, I breath freely and redirect my focus on his backpack. I know I’ve checked his bag before, but I didn’t have much time to investigate what was really inside it.
I unzip the backpack and identify some similar belongings. Neatly, I take out everything I’ve seen before. There’s a key in one of his front pockets. I stick the key into my bra, just in case I forget I have it on me. I’m sure he won’t mind if I took this out of his possession.
At the bottom of his back, I pull out a camera and a clipboard. Why would he have a camera in his bag? More interesting, a clipboard in his bag?
I turn the camera on and flip decide to flip through the many papers on the clipboard. It reads:
1. Related to Jungkook; goes to school together
2. Related to Jimin; went to elementary and middle school together
3. Spends some of her afternoons in Seoul at a cafe blocks away from her school.
4. Note: Doesn’t like strawberries. Especially strawberry boba tea
5. Loves to procrastinate on homework and dance with Jungkook on the staircases in front of her school; draws attention to herself
6. Performed with Jungkook on the day of parents death
7. Date of parents death: January 14, 2016. Two weeks before her transfer to Sae Somang Ae Jib Orphanage
8. Note: Plan was success
9. Jaemi’s arrival with Byeol, Monday, January 28, 2016
As I keep reading the clipboard, I can’t help but feel a ball of hate and shock attack my heart. The number goes to the 300s and takes up at least ten pages. H-he’s been watching me all of this time...?
I look down at the camera and the first thing at that pops up on the screen is a picture of Taehyung, Jimin and I at the pond. That was early this morning…
I click the left button, bringing me to the beginning of his photo gallery. There are photos of me dancing in my school during rehearsals for my performance with Jungkook. There are tons of close ups with me almost everywhere from Seoul to Buncheon.
My hands are shaking by the time I end up on the same photo of Jimin, Taehyung and I at the pond. I drop the camera on the floor and stand up, disgusted, just as Suga walks into the room. His eyes widen and he rushes to grab the clipboard and camera. “You weren’t supposed to see that.”
I sit down on the bed, mouth parted. “Excuse me?”
He shoves the clipboard and camera, along with his other belongings I laid out, back into his bag. “Get out of this room.”
“Yoongi.” I say, almost too softly. We meet eyes and I watch as he clenches his teeth and stiffens. I walk up to him slowly and he looks down, unable to face me as I peer closer. As soon as I see his shoulders and face soften, I take my chance. My hand, swiftly and meaningfully slams against his cheek, making a loud noise. He crouches down and with two hands, touches where I smacked him. My hand feels like it’s burning on fire and tingling at the same time. The amount of anger roaring through my body, through my veins is unexplainable. “You’ve been watching me!? Even before we properly met!”
I scream and look up, half rolling my eyes, with rage. My palms face upwards and I clench my hands, ready to punch him in the face. In a flash, Jungkook is by the door. His jaw drops as he observes the situation.
“Your doing this to Jaemi now?” Jungkook emits a loud sigh. “You’re insane!.”
“I know!” Suga replies rather calm but, almost screaming. He glances at me before turning to Jungkook. “I wanted to stop. But I can’t.”
“Well I’m not going to let you keep going!” I say, my mind out of control from the millions of thoughts and theories running through my brain. “Alright. That’s it.”
I shake my head and pause, knowing they’re waiting for words to come out of my mouth. “I’m going back to Buncheon. I can’t handle this. I don’t know why I agreed to come to Seoul with you. I don’t know how you managed to plan this entire thing out… by… yourself.”
Namjoon stopped Hoseok, Jimin and Seokjin from dashing after Suga and I. Irene… left the classroom as soon as Suga started drama. I find myself losing balance and sit on the bed. She… went to distract Taehyung.
I turn to Suga with fierce eyes. “Give me that goddamn clipboard.”
“N-no.” Suga opposes. “I can’t let you see that. It’s not what you think.”
“If it’s ‘not what I think’ then what is it?” Jungkook walks to my side and sits next to me. He folds his arms and waits for Suga to answer my question. He looks down with shame before reaching in his bag for the clipboard. When he’s about to give me the clipboard, I snatch it out of his hands and immediately flip through the pages.
95. Check Jungkook’s schedule for the month of March
I flip through more pages and skim for more.
127. Jungkook goes to same restaurant where he had his last meal with Jaemi every Wednesday
128. Note: Make reservations for Wednesday March 16, 2016 at table three. BE SPECIFIC
“This was written weeks ago.” I comment as I flip some more pages. I take a deep breath and let go of the pages I pre-skimmed. I take my phone, which is in my back pocket, and turn it on. I stare at Suga’s bag for mere moments before making a decision. “You know, Yoongi… I wanted to trust. I really did. That’s why I went to Seoul with you. I thought you really liked me, but it was all a set up. A game. That’s what your best at I’m guessing. Manipulation.”
My phone turns on and I unlock it almost immediately. I call a hot-line as I stand up. Jungkook stands up with me. I put the phone to my ear and shove the clipboard into Suga’s hands. He takes two steps back from the impact of it. I crouch down into his bag, urging to dump everything out, but I don’t. I take my clothes, that I wore before changing into the red dress and stand up. A woman answers the phone.
“Good evening. How can we help you today?”
“Ne, I need an uber. Someone who’s willing to take a long drive to and fro.” I walk out of the room, quickly followed by Jungkook and Suga.
“May I ask where you’ll be headed today, ma’am?”
“Jaemi!” Jungkook walks in front of me, putting his hands on my shoulders, and whisper-yells. “Are you crazy? You can’t just stay one night here? With me? I can take you tomorrow.”
Ignoring his comment, I answer the patiently waiting woman. “Buncheon. If you need me to be specific I can give you the address.”
“Ye (no), you can tell that to your driver. However, I need a location as to where you’d like to meet up.”
“Please Jaemi. Don’t do this.” A frown grows on Jungkook’s face and takes his hands off of my shoulder. I watch him walk downstairs, slowly, holding onto the railing with one hand. I hear him turn on his television.
“Yeoboseyo? Yeoboseyo. Ma’am?”
“Aww, Jae and Kookie, I’ve never seen you two in this state before.” Suga says from behind and I tighten my grip on my phone. I end the phone call and dash over to Suga. But to my surprise, once I turn around, he’s already in front of me. The sudden movement makes me crash into his chest and he wraps his arms around me. I wriggle to release myself from him, but it’s hopeless. I heave a sigh and let my hands dangle, tired. My mouth is covered by his chest and he rests his head on mine. “I wasn’t lying when I told you at the train station that I’m madly in love with you.”
“I don’t want to hear it, Yoongi. I’m tired of hearing your lies-”
“I’m not lying.” His voice is lower and brief. “I was originally tracking Jungkook's whereabouts... for reasons. Whenever I planned to confront him in Seoul, you were there with him... and I just... go so, interested in you.”
“Interested?” I lift my head up to meet his face, but he gently pushes me back.
“He's scared of me. I had to find his weakness. Jungkook and I… have a very complicated relationship.”
“So… you used me... as his weakness... to get to him. You were originally observing him, then switched to me.” I shake my head and raise my hands to push him away. “You could’ve just met him… You could’ve met him without me, without those pictures, those notes.”
"Falling in love with you wasn't apart of the plan. It just, happened.” Suga says, trying to side me.
“I’ve heard enough, Suga.” I rub the sides of my temples with two hands and turn around.
Without looking back, I walk into the guest room and close it shut. I lay on my bed, for what feels like hours, until the hallway lights are shut, the television is off, and the house is silent. I check the time on my phone. 2:41am
I push out all of my thoughts about Yoongi and I walk out of my room to sneak into Jungkook’s. His door creaks, like always, but he doesn’t budge from his sleeping position. I amble around his bed and lift his blankets. Not wanting to wake up, I sink into his bed. Almost instantly, I feel two hands wrap around my waist, pulling me towards the middle of the bed. His body warmth stings my cold skin as he spoons me. My heart beats quickly and my face starts to burn. He takes a deep breath, a breath that sends shivers on my neck and down my spine.
“You stayed.” He whispers and I can tell he’s smiling.
“Only for tonight. I want to go back tomorrow.” The words that I thought I’d never say come right out of my mouth. The old me would’ve stay here in Seoul forever.
“Alright. Let me take you.” Jungkook offers and snuggles closer to me. “You have school. I can just-”
“It’s spring break, Jae. Remember? We’d always have break in March.”
It gives me a few minutes to think. “Jungkook… what’s the date today.”
“March 16… Wednesday.”
March 16, 2008… Eight years ago on this very day, something happened. Something changed. Jimin and Jungkook caused trouble, said by their parents at that restaurant in Daegu. I remember it like yesterday. The only thing unknown is… wait-
Didn’t Yoongi say Taehyung was from Daegu…?
Sunday
Daegu, South Korea; March 16th, 2008
12:30 pm
[A/N: Yes, March 16, 2008 was a Sunday. Look it up if you don’t believe me *wink*]
Once we were in downtown Daegu, we stopped at a restaurant to meet with Jimin, Jungkook and their families.
“Halmae-jip (Grandma’s House).” I read the sign plastered huge on the restaurant (actual place).
“That’s right, Jaemi!” Eomma smiled and helped me unbuckle my seatbelt. “Your reading is improving greatly. I’m so proud of you.”
Her words would always make brighten my mood. As we entered the cafe, appa handed me the restaurant card. “Try reading this.”
I held the card in my hand and he guided me, by holding my shoulders, as we walked to the tables.
“Telephone: 82-53-615-1122 Address: HyunpoongJunagang-ro 56-1, Hyunpoong-myun , Dalseong-gun, Daegu Operation Hours: 9:00am-12:00pm” I read to myself.
“Jaemi!” My head shot straight up as two boys, my two best friends brought me into a tight hug.
“Hi guys.” I said, barely able to breath.
“Come sit in the middle of us.” Jimin smiled and they both waited for me to sit down first before following. Our parents laughed and greeted each other.
“The boys sure love Jaemi.” Jimin’s mother caressed her sons hair and smiled at the other parents.
“Yeah, they’re only like that now because they were naughty earlier.” Jungkook’s father heaved a long sigh and smiled plainly.
Our parents continued to talk amongst themselves and I stole glances at Jimin and Jungkook. “What did you guys do?”
They chuckled to themselves and Jungkook patted my back. “Don’t worry about it. We won’t get into trouble, as long as our parents don’t find out what 'really' happened.”
“Yeah.” Jimin nodded in agreement.
-End-
I jump off of my bed and dart to the door. I stop myself, slowly turning the door knob. I open it slightly to find Suga’s door halfway open with a single light source on. I hear Suga and Jungkook talking downstairs, but don’t bother listening in. Holding my breath, I tip-toe my way across the hallway and peer into Suga’s room.
My eyes light up when I find his bag on the floor, leaning against a night stand. The lamp is on, but its light bulb is almost out. I check once more at the door, making sure he wasn’t watching me from behind or anything of that sort. With that, I breath freely and redirect my focus on his backpack. I know I’ve checked his bag before, but I didn’t have much time to investigate what was really inside it.
I unzip the backpack and identify some similar belongings. Neatly, I take out everything I’ve seen before. There’s a key in one of his front pockets. I stick the key into my bra, just in case I forget I have it on me. I’m sure he won’t mind if I took this out of his possession.
At the bottom of his back, I pull out a camera and a clipboard. Why would he have a camera in his bag? More interesting, a clipboard in his bag?
I turn the camera on and flip decide to flip through the many papers on the clipboard. It reads:
1. Related to Jungkook; goes to school together
2. Related to Jimin; went to elementary and middle school together
3. Spends some of her afternoons in Seoul at a cafe blocks away from her school.
4. Note: Doesn’t like strawberries. Especially strawberry boba tea
5. Loves to procrastinate on homework and dance with Jungkook on the staircases in front of her school; draws attention to herself
6. Performed with Jungkook on the day of parents death
7. Date of parents death: January 14, 2016. Two weeks before her transfer to Sae Somang Ae Jib Orphanage
8. Note: Plan was success
9. Jaemi’s arrival with Byeol, Monday, January 28, 2016
As I keep reading the clipboard, I can’t help but feel a ball of hate and shock attack my heart. The number goes to the 300s and takes up at least ten pages. H-he’s been watching me all of this time...?
I look down at the camera and the first thing at that pops up on the screen is a picture of Taehyung, Jimin and I at the pond. That was early this morning…
I click the left button, bringing me to the beginning of his photo gallery. There are photos of me dancing in my school during rehearsals for my performance with Jungkook. There are tons of close ups with me almost everywhere from Seoul to Buncheon.
My hands are shaking by the time I end up on the same photo of Jimin, Taehyung and I at the pond. I drop the camera on the floor and stand up, disgusted, just as Suga walks into the room. His eyes widen and he rushes to grab the clipboard and camera. “You weren’t supposed to see that.”
I sit down on the bed, mouth parted. “Excuse me?”
He shoves the clipboard and camera, along with his other belongings I laid out, back into his bag. “Get out of this room.”
“Yoongi.” I say, almost too softly. We meet eyes and I watch as he clenches his teeth and stiffens. I walk up to him slowly and he looks down, unable to face me as I peer closer. As soon as I see his shoulders and face soften, I take my chance. My hand, swiftly and meaningfully slams against his cheek, making a loud noise. He crouches down and with two hands, touches where I smacked him. My hand feels like it’s burning on fire and tingling at the same time. The amount of anger roaring through my body, through my veins is unexplainable. “You’ve been watching me!? Even before we properly met!”
I scream and look up, half rolling my eyes, with rage. My palms face upwards and I clench my hands, ready to punch him in the face. In a flash, Jungkook is by the door. His jaw drops as he observes the situation.
“Your doing this to Jaemi now?” Jungkook emits a loud sigh. “You’re insane!.”
“I know!” Suga replies rather calm but, almost screaming. He glances at me before turning to Jungkook. “I wanted to stop. But I can’t.”
“Well I’m not going to let you keep going!” I say, my mind out of control from the millions of thoughts and theories running through my brain. “Alright. That’s it.”
I shake my head and pause, knowing they’re waiting for words to come out of my mouth. “I’m going back to Buncheon. I can’t handle this. I don’t know why I agreed to come to Seoul with you. I don’t know how you managed to plan this entire thing out… by… yourself.”
Namjoon stopped Hoseok, Jimin and Seokjin from dashing after Suga and I. Irene… left the classroom as soon as Suga started drama. I find myself losing balance and sit on the bed. She… went to distract Taehyung.
I turn to Suga with fierce eyes. “Give me that goddamn clipboard.”
“N-no.” Suga opposes. “I can’t let you see that. It’s not what you think.”
“If it’s ‘not what I think’ then what is it?” Jungkook walks to my side and sits next to me. He folds his arms and waits for Suga to answer my question. He looks down with shame before reaching in his bag for the clipboard. When he’s about to give me the clipboard, I snatch it out of his hands and immediately flip through the pages.
95. Check Jungkook’s schedule for the month of March
I flip through more pages and skim for more.
127. Jungkook goes to same restaurant where he had his last meal with Jaemi every Wednesday
128. Note: Make reservations for Wednesday March 16, 2016 at table three. BE SPECIFIC
“This was written weeks ago.” I comment as I flip some more pages. I take a deep breath and let go of the pages I pre-skimmed. I take my phone, which is in my back pocket, and turn it on. I stare at Suga’s bag for mere moments before making a decision. “You know, Yoongi… I wanted to trust. I really did. That’s why I went to Seoul with you. I thought you really liked me, but it was all a set up. A game. That’s what your best at I’m guessing. Manipulation.”
My phone turns on and I unlock it almost immediately. I call a hot-line as I stand up. Jungkook stands up with me. I put the phone to my ear and shove the clipboard into Suga’s hands. He takes two steps back from the impact of it. I crouch down into his bag, urging to dump everything out, but I don’t. I take my clothes, that I wore before changing into the red dress and stand up. A woman answers the phone.
“Good evening. How can we help you today?”
“Ne, I need an uber. Someone who’s willing to take a long drive to and fro.” I walk out of the room, quickly followed by Jungkook and Suga.
“May I ask where you’ll be headed today, ma’am?”
“Jaemi!” Jungkook walks in front of me, putting his hands on my shoulders, and whisper-yells. “Are you crazy? You can’t just stay one night here? With me? I can take you tomorrow.”
Ignoring his comment, I answer the patiently waiting woman. “Buncheon. If you need me to be specific I can give you the address.”
“Ye (no), you can tell that to your driver. However, I need a location as to where you’d like to meet up.”
“Please Jaemi. Don’t do this.” A frown grows on Jungkook’s face and takes his hands off of my shoulder. I watch him walk downstairs, slowly, holding onto the railing with one hand. I hear him turn on his television.
“Yeoboseyo? Yeoboseyo. Ma’am?”
“Aww, Jae and Kookie, I’ve never seen you two in this state before.” Suga says from behind and I tighten my grip on my phone. I end the phone call and dash over to Suga. But to my surprise, once I turn around, he’s already in front of me. The sudden movement makes me crash into his chest and he wraps his arms around me. I wriggle to release myself from him, but it’s hopeless. I heave a sigh and let my hands dangle, tired. My mouth is covered by his chest and he rests his head on mine. “I wasn’t lying when I told you at the train station that I’m madly in love with you.”
“I don’t want to hear it, Yoongi. I’m tired of hearing your lies-”
“I’m not lying.” His voice is lower and brief. “I was originally tracking Jungkook's whereabouts... for reasons. Whenever I planned to confront him in Seoul, you were there with him... and I just... go so, interested in you.”
“Interested?” I lift my head up to meet his face, but he gently pushes me back.
“He's scared of me. I had to find his weakness. Jungkook and I… have a very complicated relationship.”
“So… you used me... as his weakness... to get to him. You were originally observing him, then switched to me.” I shake my head and raise my hands to push him away. “You could’ve just met him… You could’ve met him without me, without those pictures, those notes.”
"Falling in love with you wasn't apart of the plan. It just, happened.” Suga says, trying to side me.
“I’ve heard enough, Suga.” I rub the sides of my temples with two hands and turn around.
Without looking back, I walk into the guest room and close it shut. I lay on my bed, for what feels like hours, until the hallway lights are shut, the television is off, and the house is silent. I check the time on my phone. 2:41am
I push out all of my thoughts about Yoongi and I walk out of my room to sneak into Jungkook’s. His door creaks, like always, but he doesn’t budge from his sleeping position. I amble around his bed and lift his blankets. Not wanting to wake up, I sink into his bed. Almost instantly, I feel two hands wrap around my waist, pulling me towards the middle of the bed. His body warmth stings my cold skin as he spoons me. My heart beats quickly and my face starts to burn. He takes a deep breath, a breath that sends shivers on my neck and down my spine.
“You stayed.” He whispers and I can tell he’s smiling.
“Only for tonight. I want to go back tomorrow.” The words that I thought I’d never say come right out of my mouth. The old me would’ve stay here in Seoul forever.
“Alright. Let me take you.” Jungkook offers and snuggles closer to me. “You have school. I can just-”
“It’s spring break, Jae. Remember? We’d always have break in March.”
It gives me a few minutes to think. “Jungkook… what’s the date today.”
“March 16… Wednesday.”
March 16, 2008… Eight years ago on this very day, something happened. Something changed. Jimin and Jungkook caused trouble, said by their parents at that restaurant in Daegu. I remember it like yesterday. The only thing unknown is… wait-
Didn’t Yoongi say Taehyung was from Daegu…?
Notes
Happy Tuesdayyy~
I have TONS to say. I'm officially describing Suga as a psychopath... that has his heart on Jaemi, lol. Is it weird? Oh well, it goes well with my plans for the next few chapters.
JUNGKOOK AND JAEMI MOMENT IN THE END. TBH, when I first started this story, I wanted her to end up with Jungkook, but I knew that wouldn't happen since he only appears in the middle to the end of the story. Team SUGA! Team TAEHYUNG! I'm confirming Jaemi goes back to Buncheon in the next chapter and there's some unexpected turns of events. *smirks*
You like my gif I made for the story page? ME TOO. My story feels legit now. AND, I know, I keep saying it almost everytime, but I UPDATE MY BIO IF YOU HADN'T ALREADY CHECKED IT OUT. This time, I'm going to keep it like that for a long time. So you don't have to see da ja vu everytime you read my notes, lol.
VOTE///COMMENT///SUBSCRIBE <3 YOU ALL GIVE ME LIFE.
<3 You all :D :D :D
See you in the next chapter!
~Alexis Thao
I'm seriously fangirling it's just-
5/16/18