Aera's P.O.V

I felt fear ripple through my body. How could he be there? It had been more than ten months since the whole incident. I hadn't seen either of them since. How did he know I was alive? Has he been following me the whole time? But that didn't make any sense. Was he here to kill me again? I watched Jungkook carefully. He was leaning against the wall, his head bent forward a bit. I wondered what he was looking at. I knew for sure it was him, but why wasn't he acknowledging me? In any case, I was grateful. Taking a few deep breaths, I tried to calm down and move. Escape.

"Aera! There you are!" Yugyeom's voice made me jump and cringe.

With wide eyes, I tried to motion towards Yugyeom to leave, turn away from my direction. But he just watched me curiously and walked closer. I slowly peaked at Jungkook in fear. He was turned around and watching Yugyeom with a nonchalant attitude. I tilted my head in confusion at that unfamiliar expression on his face.

"Namjoon sent me to find you, since I knew what store you were at," Yugyeom explained.

I was hardly paying attention to him though. My eyes were stuck on Jungkook, still casually watching us.

"Aera?" Yugyeom tilted his head, slowly turning his head to where I was looking. "Jungkook? What's he doing here alone?"

I whipped back to Yugyeom in shock.

"You know him?!"

"Uh..." He watched me in confusion. "Yeah..." Then turning back to Jungkook, "Yah! Jungkook!"

"No! Don't call--"

"Yugyeom!" Jungkook smiled.

My jaw dropped. He actually smiled. And it looked genuine. I watched them both, incredulous, as Yugyeom jogged over to him, and they quickly embraced.

"What are you doing here?" He asked Jungkook.

"I had to get a few things for school," Jungkook replied in an upbeat tone.

I couldn't believe what I was watching.

"Well, you should've told me! Then you could've come with me and my hyungs and noona." Yugyeom pointed to me.

I closed my mouth and stiffened as they both glanced at me. But as I made eye contact with Jungkook, he even gave me a small smile. I almost gasped. No recognition passed over his face, no evil glint in his eyes. He was like a completely different person. Yet I knew it was him. The only thing that hadn't changed was the dark feeling I got around him, that was what assured me that I wasn't mistaken about his identity.

"Sorry. Next time, though," Jungkook said as he and Yugyeom turned away.

"Text me, okay? We can hang out before school starts," Yugyeom told him.

"Definitely. I better go, then." Jungkook began to walk back. "See you later."

"Bye!" Yugyeom replied.

With a small smile, he jogged back over to me.

"Aera, why didn't you come over or anything?" Yugyeom asked as I stood and watched Jungkook disappear in the crowd.

"Sorry," was all I could respond with.

••••••••

As we drove home, Jackson and Namjoon chattered loudly, while Yugyeom kept giving me curious glances. I just stared out the window, silent. Questions swirled through my head. One in particular.

"How do you know J--Jungkook?" I suddenly asked Yugyeom.

"Huh? Oh. He transferred to my school a few months ago, why?" He replied.

"Just curious. Do you guys hang out a lot?" I continued, still staring into space.

"Yeah, he's my friend."

Friend? How does Jungkook have friends?

"Who are you talking about?" Jackson  suddenly joined our conversation.

"A guy from my high school," Yugeyom told him. "We saw him in the mall."

"Aera, why are so curious about him?" Namjoon asked.

Annoyed, I realized they'd both been listening to our conversation.

"Oooh, maybe she likes him!" Jackson sang.

I almost smiled bitterly at how far he was from the truth.

"Definitely not. Aera doesn't get feelings for anyone that easily," Namjoon replied quickly.

I actually smiled at that.

"I'm just curious. I...I recognize him," I told them.

They all seemed satisfied with that answer, so I was free from more questions. And for the rest of the car ride, I was silent. I had no idea what was up with Jungkook, but I decided it was best to not try and figure it out. Unless, of course, he showed up again.