2

2. Is any life more valuable than another?

Jungkook and Heejin had finally finished cleaning. Heejin had quickly left before him. To Jungkook, she seemed to have been in a rush the whole time. She did most of the chores and left as Jungkook was finishing up what he was doing.

Leisurely, Jungkook waltzed to his locker. He wanted to grab his umbrella as it was still raining. Jungkook wasn't really in a rush seeing as the next bus that would arrive at the stop two blocks away from the school, wouldn't arrive for another thirty minutes. He was not looking forward to standing in the cold, waiting for a bus.

Jungkook grabbed his umbrella along with the extra jacket he kept in his locker. He assumed Heejin had already went home considering the fact that she was nowhere in sight.

Jungkook threw on his 2nd jacket and opened his umbrella, beginning his quiet trek to the bus stop.

The walk was peaceful. The only sound was the occasional car passing by, and the rain hitting the umbrella and the ground. It was too cold for many people to be out, and the rush of people getting off work had already passed. It was a monday, so no one was really out late as if it were a friday or saturday either. Therefore, it was peaceful.

Although, the cold of the fall, wind, and rain, continued to nip at Jungkook. He wasn't the type to get cold easily. Quite the opposite actually. Jungkook most always felt much warmer than the temperature outside. Ever since he was a kid, Jungkook had always been the embodiment of warmth. So much so that if his close friends were ever cold, they just simply held onto his arm to warm their hands. Jungkook never minded this. He liked helping out his friends and being useful. Even if that meant subjecting himself to freezing cold hands all over him from time to time.

However, even he, the human heater himself, had to admit that it was cold. He decided that if the bus wasn't there by the time he arrived, he would wait inside, basking in the warmth of the convenience store that also sits at that corner. With this thought in mind, Jungkook began to pick up his pace. He hoped that the quicker he got there, the quicker that the warmth of the convenience store would enter his body.

The convenience store was small. It smelled bad too. Not to mention, the old man that Jungkook always saw running the cash register, was mean and stingy. However, Jungkook still loved that store. It had always been there since he could remember. The warmth and homeyness of that shabby convenience store was unrivalled in Jungkook's eyes. Such a place may have looked and smelled bad, but it was always welcoming to Jungkook. Whether it was to escape the harsh rain, or cold, or if it was to get ramen late at night because he couldn't sleep, or maybe he had to pick up something after school for himself, parents, or friends, it was always there inviting him in.

Jungkook had never thought that he would want to thank a place for just existing, as much as he wanted to thank that little run-down shop, but he could swear to all that exists, that he was extremely thankful to this place. Jungkook never had a single bad memory there, and to him, it would always be that way no matter what.

As he was coming up on the corner that was halfway to the bus stop, he noticed a figure of a girl.

Pretty features, Short, medium length hair, same school uniform as the school he went to, and a red scarf.

Yang Heejin.

Jungkook watched as Heejin lowered her umbrella to rest it on top of a box that sat on the concrete beside the sidewalk. He watched as the rain cascaded down her face and body, soaking her hair, uniform, and scarf. Jungkook watched as she adjusted something within the box before turning to walk away.

As soon as she began to stand up, Jungkook rushed over to grab her wrist and put his umbrella over her.

She flinched at his touch. Jungkook was shocked by the coldness that crawled up his hand. It was a cold that felt like it had buried itself inside of his skin. A cold that no matter how hard he tried, he would never be able to escape. It felt like his insides and bones had frozen just by touching her arm. Her arm was so cold. She was so cold.

"Heejin-shi. Why did you put your umbrella down? You're freezing and soaked now."

"There are kittens in the box."

Jungkook was surprised by her kindness. A part of him, although small and unwanted, had believed the rumors of her being cold and having no empathy or care for those around her. It was a harsh assumption and accusation, and Jungkook didn't like it, nor did he any longer have a piece of himself that believed it.

This however, reminded him of something. He remembered how intently she stared out the window in class. So much so that the only way Mr.Gwan got her attention, was by hitting her in the back of the head. Even so, she was still somewhat distracted by the rain. As if she knew that the kittens would eventually get wet. Jungkook finally connected the dots and solved the puzzle. She simply did know.

"Is that why you rushed to finish cleaning?"

"Yes. I saw them on my way to school."

"Why didn't you tell me? I would've walked with you."

Jungkook was shocked at this new surge of confidence. Well, he couldn't tell if it was confidence or pure curiosity towards the girl. Or maybe it was worry for her.

"Why would I tell you?"

She had a fair point. They had only talked today and it's not like they were friends. Jungkook decided not to let this get to him though, he knew she wasn't one to hang out with people, so he didn't take it personally.

"Why would you sacrifice yourself for something so small?"

"A life is a life. If a simple umbrella will save theirs, then they can have mine. I don't need it."

"You could get hypothermia, you need it. I'll be your umbrella."

At that, Jungkook grew red. Maybe he came off a bit too strong with that one. He wasn't trying to hit on the girl, only protect her from the rain.

Nonetheless, He still said it, and Heejin looked confused. Confused as to why the boy who was extra formal before is suddenly holding her wrist, asking her to let him protect her. Even if it was just from the rain, it was too much too fast for Heejin.

"I'm sorry?"

"Well I didn't mean like become your umbrella, just like, you know, share mine?"

Now that was something Heejin felt okay with. Although she didn't truly know, nor trust Jungkook, she could admit that he meant well. At least that's what Jungkook thought that she had in mind, anyway.

Heejin sighed and nodded.

The pair began to make their way towards the bus station. Jungkook still was grasping the girl's wrist, but she didn't seem to mind. Jungkook didn't mind at least.

She brought a strange comfort of sorts. As if being in her presence was a gift. Something that hardly anyone gets to feel. Although her eyes were dull, and her skin was frozen, Jungkook still found some kind of warmth beneath all of that. He may not truly know her, but he feels such warmth when he's with her.

To Jungkook, it was strange. Heejin was a quiet girl with no friends and who is rarely ever even there at school. Although the pair had practically gone to the same schools since their first days of school ever, never once had they interacted, yet the minute they finally do, he feels sort of connected to her. Like his purpose was to truly be her umbrella and protect her from the rain. Or maybe he had just gotten attached to quickly.

Jungkook wasn't one to talk to girls. He was more or less afraid of even the idea. He always thought that once he finds himself, then he can find someone else. However, simply walking with Heejin, he felt that maybe it wouldn't be so bad to have someone by his side to help him find himself. Whether that someone would be Heejin or not, didn't really matter to him. He just liked the idea of such a thing. Of such an ability to not be subjected to a path of such loneliness for so long. Of the ability to first love himself, then someone else, and then find himself with the help of his self awareness and special someone.

Or maybe it was only all wishful thinking. Maybe the only way one could find themselves, was through themselves alone. Maybe it was impossible to do with the help of another. The truth was that Jungkook didn't know. However, he was no longer as reluctant to test his theory.

Jungkook's hand was beginning to get uncomfortable, but he didn't want the girl to try to leave. He wanted to help her get home safely. Therefore Jungkook did what he didn't think he was capable of doing, but he already decided that he didn't want to be the shy bunny boy anymore.

As they walked, Jungkook released Heejin's wrist and instead hooked his arm around hers. As if they were each other's date to a fancy ball or something like that.

Maybe that came off too strong too. Heejin didn't react, but Jungkook did. Even though he did it, his face still turned a shade of red and he began to overthink.

What if she thought he was hitting on her again by trying to get closer? Well, he was trying to get closer, but it really was just to warm her up and be less uncomfortable. What if they looked like one of those clingy couples that never let go of eachother? Jungkook hated those kinds of couples and vowed that when he got a girlfriend, they would never be like that. What if he looked like a bad boyfriend? She was soaked and cold, he was dry and cold.

Nonetheless, these thoughts disappeared as they approached the bus stop. The bus hadn't arrived, and Jungkook looked at his watch to see that the bus wouldn't be there for another ten minutes, so without missing a step, he took the girl with him into the convenience store.

As they entered, warmth began to spread through Jungkook's body immediately like he had hoped. He didn't know if the same could be said for Heejin, but he sure hoped so. Jungkook closed his umbrella, and still with linked arms, made his way towards the warm beverages aisle.

He wanted Heejin to be a little more warmer, and he kinda did too. However, they didn't have enough time for ramen, so a warm drink and whatever snack she wanted, would have to do.

"Are you more of a coffee, tea, or hot chocolate person?"

"I don't want anything."

"Hot chocolate it is."

Jungkook wasn't taking no for an answer and he liked hot chocolate too. He thought that no one hated hot chocolate, so she was bound to drink it. So, Jungkook took it upon himself to make two hot chocolates. Heejin's arm still loosely hooked in his as he sort of dragged her around like a puppy. She looked lost like one anyway.

After that, he dragged the poor girl towards the snack aisle to allow her to pick one.

"Get whatever you want, I'll pay."

"I'm not hungry."

"Oh come on, Heejin-ssi. You never eat lunch, and it's late, you have to be starving."

It was true. Jungkook had never once seen the girl eat lunch. He had always wondered if it was just her preference or if she really didn't have a choice. What Jungkook did know, however, is that it heavily contributed to her small stature.

"I really don't want anything."

Jungkook huffed. He didn't know what she liked, and she was stubborn.

"Fine. I'll just get us Cheetos."

Jungkook decided that most people liked Cheetos, so he could just share with her. And if she didn't like Cheetos? She would have to deal with it.

The pair made their way to the cash register to pay. When they got there, Heejin began to take out her money. Jungkook started to panic. He never wanted her to pay. He was the one who forced the hot chocolate on her anyway.

Jungkook quickly took her money before she paid, and shoved it into his pocket. Heejin looked mortified and the cashier looked confused.

Okay, maybe that was a bad idea, but he couldn't take it back. Although, he didn't know why he didn't just stop her and say that he would pay. Either way, Jungkook smiled awkwardly and took out his own money to pay. The cashier slowly took it and began to ring them up.

As he was doing that, Jungkook took out Heejin's money back out and handed it back to her.

"Just keep it, Jungkook-ssi."

"No, take it back."

The old cashier spoke up.

"One of you take it, or I will."

Jungkook's face grew hot yet again. He became red, and it was more obvious in the convenience store lighting.

"Oh. I'm sorry. Here."

Jungkook bowed slightly, forced her money into her hands, and turned just in time for the cashier to hand him his change.

Still linked, the pair made their way out of the door after Jungkook opened his umbrella. They were just in time for the bus to arrive.

Jungkook helped Heejin onto the bus, and the pair made their way towards the middle of the bus. Heejin took the window seat, and Jungkook beside her.

The first few minutes of the bus ride were silent. That is until Heejin spoke up.

"Thank you for the umbrella and hot chocolate, Jungkook-ssi."

"Yeah, no problem. Any time. This was fun."

Heejin nodded and continued to sip on her hot chocolate. The ride grew silent yet again.

Jungkook decided that it was time to open the Cheetos. Jungkook began to munch on them. When he turned to Heejin to offer her some, he found her asleep.

Jungkook didn't know what to do. He had never dealt with a sleeping girl before. Not to mention, he didn't even know where her stop was. However, she was so peacefully sleeping. She was comfortable enough in Jungkook's presence to even fall asleep.

No matter how peacefully asleep she was though, it hit Jungkook yet again with how cold she was. In the convenience store, he had forgotten, but now it was painfully obvious.

She was still soaking wet and freezing. Jungkook gently took the hot chocolate out of her hands in hopes to not wake her. He didn't want her to spill it. As he did this however, his hand brushed hers. That same bone-chilling coldness seeped into his fingers. Quickly, yet quietly, he took off one of his jackets and set it over the girl in hopes to warm her up. He didn't know why he hadn't done it before, but he knew that he didn't want to wait another minute without doing it.

Her head still laid against the chilly window and her hands were still cold, but he believed the jacket helped a bit. That is until she shivered again. She was shaking at this point. Jungkook began to wonder whether she was actually sleeping, or just sick.

Yet again, Jungkook took off his other jacket and draped it across her uncovered legs in hopes that it'd help, but when she was still shaking, he began to panic.

He didn't know where the girl lived, so he couldn't take her home, nor could he take her to his house, his mom would freak out. Not to mention, she was still soaked and shaking.

For now, Jungkook decided to just focus on getting the girl warmed up. By now she had been freezing for over 30 minutes. Jungkook began to fear for her health.

Even though Jungkook's face was red and he was very much shy, he still took it upon himself to lay the girls head onto his shoulder, and pull her closer to him. He didn't want to be the reason she was sick. Even if he wasn't that close to her, nor did he really know her, he still felt connected and protective of the small girl. He didn't want to continue to be the reason behind her pain like he had been earlier that day. He wanted to make it up to her, and if warming her up could very well do that, then he would.

Jungkook reached under the jacket he had draped across her body, and reached for her hands. He didn't want to seem weird, but he hoped that the warmth of his hands would transfer to her rather than the other way around.

It was funny to him, how the rain had done this much to her.

All he hoped was to keep her from the rain from now on.