Jealousy

“See you guys later!”

After an exhausting basketball game, Jimin and Jeongguk waved their friends goodbye and walked down the long pathway, their sweats sticking onto the fabrics of their clothes. The cloudless sky overhead was painted a bright blue and the dazzling afternoon sun beamed down on them as they made their way back home. They walked by a stone fence that looked over the bay: glittering waters swaying to and fro, splashing against the cold hard rocks below. The soft breeze whistled through them as they recounted their game.

“The way you pass through Hyunshik and shot the ball at the two pointer was cool Hyung. You have to teach me how to do that!” Jeongguk said.

Jimin smiled, scratching his cheek. “Oh, well, that was nothing, really, but if you still want, I can show you a few tricks you can use the next time we play.”

“Yes, please!”

They continued discussing about the basketball game, complimenting on each other skills and pointing out what they can improve on for their next game. Jeongguk enjoyed playing with Jimin but more so watching him. With each dribble both his biceps and triceps contracted, forming a massive heap of muscles. It was hard to believe at how big they were. He wondered how they would feel if he were to touch them. Jeongguk admired how strong and muscular his Hyung was. As they walked, he couldn’t help but glanced at his suntanned toned arms. Perhaps he should start working out too.

“When Minah grabbed the ball from you, for a second I thought she was going to tackle you to the ground. Seems like you got some competition Jungkookie. She has great skills, she shot a three pointer.”

At the mention of her name Jeongguk felt a sharp tugged in his chest. He noticed her, he thought. Jeongguk gulped then flashed a forceful smile. “You know she had her eye on you?”

“What? Really?”

Jeongguk didn’t like the excitement in his voice but continued to press on—he had to know.

“Yeah, I noticed that she kept staring at you, I think she might have a crush on you.”

“Wow, daebak.”

A heavy weight fell on his heart. He wanted to run away. Why was his Hyung reacting so positively? Does he have a crush on her too? Jeongguk didn’t really like her considering out of all the players she treated him roughly. The way she pushed and shoved him, those weren’t accidents. He noticed every time Jimin was near him or giving him skin ship, she would scowl at him. A picture of Jimin and Minah holding hands, hugging, and caressing one another played in his head. Jeongguk’s throat began to swell up.

“To be honest, I think I’m too young to be in a relationship. There’s so many things I need to do and improve on. If I can’t take care of myself, then, how am I going to take care of her? And, plus, I want to focus on my studies.”

Jeongguk nodded. A rush of relief washed over him. The weight was lifted. His face brightened. He stepped on the stoned fence.

“Let’s go on a trip together, just the two of us,” he said.

“Where?” Jimin asked, looking up at him.

“Anywhere.”

Jimin appeared to be contemplating. “How about we go to the beach?”

“That sounds good!”

“It’s a date then.”

Jeongguk stiffened. A date, he thought. He couldn’t believe what he had just heard. A smile plastered across his face. His spirits lifted so high, he couldn’t contain it any longer. He spread his arms on both sides as he balanced himself and quickly walked on the stoned fence, challenging himself to see how fast he can make it to the other side without falling.

“Jeongguk, get down from there, you might fall!” Jimin yelled.

And just as Jimin said, Jeongguk’s right foot got caught with the other and fell on the pavement. He heard Jimin’s footsteps coming closer.

“Jeongguk, are you okay? Why didn’t you listen to me?”

“Mian-he.”

He tried to get up but the shock his body received wouldn’t allow him to move.

Jimin turned around and crouched down, then, stretched his arms behind him. Despite of his pain, Jeongguk took a second to revel in this moment before he wrapped his arms around his neck and was lifted off the ground. Jeongguk smiled, resting his chin on Jimin’s shoulder. First a date and now this: riding on the back of his Hyung. Any lingering thoughts of Minah faded into oblivion. He tightened his grip, never letting go of Jimin. This day certainly couldn’t get any better.

Notes

Thank you for reading!