Chapter 34: The Plan

"How did you not here about this? They collect the 3 dollars tomorrow so we can leave on Friday at 6:30. They have been saying this in the announcements for days!" Jiwoo exclaims as we walk towards the crowded cafeteria. "No Yoongi today?" She asks, looking around for my companion. "I saw him chatting with Jennie after 5th period, so I let him be," I reply, catching sight of him at the table next to Tae and an open spot for me. "Can't wait for the day where I don't have to pretend anymore," I groan quietly to her before taking my seat next to Yoongi. "Slowpoke. I waited by your locker but you took too long," he explains as I begin to eat today's entree. "It's not my fault Mrs Dong held me back," I reply, not looking at him as I take a bite. I see Tae make small glances my way, my heart pounding as a result. Unexpectedly, Yoongi takes my left hand in his right one as he pulls his phone out. He bought a bag of chips from the vending machine which didn't surprise me as his lunch. I sigh, clasping his hand back on top of the table and continue to eat. I catch Tae eyeing our locked hands while Jisoo held her arm around him, twirling his hair around her slim fingers. "Who's suppling this year?" Namjoon suddenly asks, our eyes now fixing on him. "Cause last year I almost got caught with two full bottles of vodka near the bus and I am not doing that again!" He spats, my eyebrows furrowing at his words. 'Why do seniors love to drink so much?' "The principal put me in charge for fireworks since I'm student council President," Jennie starts, turning to Yoongi who eyes her with raised eyebrows, "so...I can sneak a few in the boxes and unload them in the usual spot." "Oh, Jennie," Jimin trails off, the brunette raising a brow at the blonde. "You're a Saint!" He clasps his hands in a prayer as the others laugh at his dramatic response. I glance over at Jiwoo with her head lowered over her food, her sulking self pretending to not hear Jimin. Jennie, on the other hand, smiled at his compliment before turning to face Yoongi. "I'll bring some Fireball for you," she smirks at the boy still clutching my hand while nodding, a smirk also planted on his lips. 'Great, they are starting to get closer. I just gotta get to Tae now.' "You're gonna love it," Rose says next to me, flashing me a bubble pink smile that gave me a bit of confidence. "If you stick with us, nothing will go wrong. And it's only for a few hours." "She'll be fine," Jungkook smiles, comforting me even more. I look down at the band wrapped around my middle finger, smiling at the gift he still hasn't taken back. 'There is still hope.'

~

"I need to think of a way to get him alone," I say, swiping through my phone for ideas while Jiwoo collected her textbooks from her locker. "Like what? It's a limited area near the lake. There's nothing to do other than just watch the fireworks with him," she replies as I look up to find him talking with Jungkook. I search the lake we were going to, many pictures and sites coming up. "Ugh. It's all just water and camping activities," I groan, going through many pictures until one caught my eye. 'Firefly Meadow: towards the East side of Lake Soo lays a meadow among the tall grass that is a popular tourist attraction. During late August is the perfect night to catch fireflies light up the surrounding grassland.' "Hey," a voice suddenly says behind me. I whip around to find Yoongi with an arm raised so he could lean against the locker closest to me. "I can give you a ride home." "Um...sure," I reply, waving Jiwoo goodbye and following Yoongi towards the common room where the exits lay. "There's a party tomorrow night," he points out, his hands shoved in his pockets as we near the sets of double doors along with many other students. I look up at him as I push open the door. "Okay...get to the point," I reply, his eyes glancing down to meet mine. "Meaning tomorrow you'll most likely get your first kiss," he says shyly, even clearing his throat at the realization. I stop in my tracks, my bag suddenly feeling heavier than just a second ago. "No...kiss me anywhere but the lips. I won't sacrifice..." "Seriously?" He cuts me off, my crosses arms and sharp tone clearly not making an impact on him. "Look, if she sees us just kiss, it won't be long before she asks for me back. And Tae will get super heated also."     "Well...I..." I choke up, shuffling my feet nervously. "I don't know how to kiss someone..." I murmur. A small held in breath is released from him in almost relief. Cracking a small smile, he goes back, takes my hand in his, and drags me towards his parked car.      "We have a persona to keep up and if we want to do that, then we gotta give them a bit more persuasion," he explains, unlocking his car and opening the passenger for me. "I promise it'll be quick and after that, we won't have to again. Trust me," he smiles, my shaky self nodding in return.      "Alright...fine," I sigh, climbing into the car and allowing him to close it behind me.      He drops me off at my house and we part ways without saying another word. 'A party tomorrow and I have to kiss him?' I had zero experience whatsoever and kissing him in front of so many people would probably spike my anxiety through the roof. 'I don't even like him...why should I kiss him?'      'The act...right.'     I hurry up to my room where I fall face down on my bed. A boring groan escapes my lips as I turn over on my back. My heart suddenly drops at the sight of a picture taped to my ceiling.