"Two people of similar nature can never get along, it takes two opposites to harmonize." -Ram Mohan

**

"BUMMER. Your tutorials are much easier than your work in the convenience store," Lisa said as they are heading towards the gates. Another day in the university was finished. Only the two of them are together now since their other friends still have their classes.

"Well the tutorial sessions ended already. I don't know if they'll reopen but if they will, I'll get back there," Jisoo laughed before they bid their goodbyes and separated ways.

She dropped by quickly in her house to change and fix her things. She also grabbed her lunch before taking the walk to her work. She decided to not use her bicycle since it wasn't that far from where she is living.

Soon enough, she reached the store. Just when Jisoo is about to enter the door, a guy in a hoodie grabs the handle then goes in first, completely ignoring her presence.

Jisoo blinked a few times while looking at the door entrance that closed with the clanking sound of the chime.

He's familiar, she thought.

Nonetheless, she followed inside and silently went to the counter. She grabbed her apron there. She's the only employee of the store because it is just a small place. She and the owner are just taking places in manning the shop.

She was arranging something in the cashier when suddenly, someone placed a cup of noodles loudly on the counter, making her flinch and look up at the guy. Her eyes widened.

It's Taehyung.

He has a cut on his lips and a wound at the side of his cheek, he didn't even bother to put a bandaid on it. Although he has a gauze on his forehead and obviously, it looks like he had a fresh wound as she can see that it is still bleeding under the cover.

"Hey," his deep voice brought her back to reality, "Aren't you supposed to scan this shit?" he asked, raising his brow at her, irritated.

"O-oh. Sorry," she smiled sheepishly. Deep inside, she kind of panicked-which she didn't know why, as she took the cup from his hand. Jisoo couldn't help but notice the bandage in his hand too, wondering where he got that.

It's been two days since he got suspended so she hasn't really heard about him for a while. She just started her part-time job the other day, that's why she's not sure whether he is a regular customer or not.

"Uh, will you eat this here or should I still put this in a plastic-" Taehyung cut her off as he grabbed the cup back and placed his money on the counter.

"Don't bother," he said and quickly turned his back to her before walking away.

"Hey! You still have a change-" Taehyung did not spare her a glance as he continued storming out of the store, closing the door again with force.

Jisoo was stunned with what just happened. Her curiosity started striking up again. She heard of his fight with Jinyoung but she is sure that those injuries are new. It's like he was involved in another tussle. She wanted to ask him out of concern but she didn't have a chance to.

"Oh Jisoo, you're already here?" the store owner, Youngbae, came out of the stock room.

"Ah yes sir, I just arrived," she said and smiled.

"Okay. I'll be leaving the shop to you now," he said while locking the stock room and walking past her to get out of the counter.

"Yes sir," she smiled as he left. Jisoo sat down as there were no other customers around. Her mind wandered thinking about her classmate, Taehyung.

There's just really something about him she cannot point out.

The next day, Jisoo is in her spot at the counter, humming silently while doing her homework in between. Suddenly, someone put a cup on the counter and before she could look up at him, he already placed his money.

It's Taehyung again.

"I need hot water," he said, staring blankly at her.

"Ah! Yes, yes! Wait," she enthusiastically answered. Jisoo quickly stood up and went to pour hot water in his cup. She mixed it too and slightly blew off the steam while walking towards him.

"Here it is," she said, handing the cup over with a wide smile, "Enjoy your meal!" she added brightly.

Taehyung was weirded out for a second as he stared at her. He just shrugged it off and walked to one of the tables near the glass window of the store. Jisoo looked at him from where she was. He has the hood again over his head.

He started eating quietly. Jisoo slowly sat back on her chair, not wanting to avert her eyes from him. She realized that maybe this is the right opportunity to talk to him. She wanted to make sure that he was okay. She started thinking about how she can approach him or what she can say.

-

TAEHYUNG can feel that someone is staring at him. He was eating cup noodles as his late lunch inside the convenience store since the stall where he used to eat at before was closed down. But he can't eat peacefully because of the eyes that are staring at him.

He turned to look at who it was only to find the girl at the counter of the convenience store clearly looking at him. He shot her a glare-although it is how he normally looks at people and thought that she would finally divert her eyes from him but instead, the girl smiled widely at him.

That scared the shit out of him.

He ignored her and started eating again. Taehyung tried his best to eat fast so he could leave the store. However, he suddenly felt someone sitting beside him. When he looked at the person, it was the girl at the counter.

"What the fuck do you want from me?" he almost shouted at her. Both either out of shock or annoyance.

"Uhm, nothing I just-"

"I don't do weird girls, sorry. Go find another guy you can fuck with," Taehyung went back in eating the noodles. He thought that the girl would now leave him alone but she didn't.

"What?" the girl laughed and slapped his shoulder as if they were good friends and he just told her a funny pun, "You're the one who's saying weird things here," he looked at her with disbelief.

Is it just me or does this girl really have a permanent smile on her face? He wondered.

"We're not close. Stop acting like we are, idiot," Taehyung's grip on his chopsticks tightened. He really hates it when someone is bugging him when he already told them to stay away from him.

"Then, can you be my friend so I can act like we are close?" she smiled sweetly at him.

Ugh that smile really annoys me.

"No," he firmly stated.

"Aw, why not?" she looked like she was really upset and that's the only expression he wanted to see from her.

"Because you're fucking stupid and by the way, I punch girls too so stay the hell away from me if you still want to see the sun rise tomorrow," Taehyung gripped the empty cup noodles very tightly because of irritation, crushing it in his hands.

Normal people will most likely back off and leave, it doesn’t matter that it was more of an empty threat as contrary to the popular belief about him, he picks his fights too. However, he seriously looked like someone who will punch people right then and there...

But she still smiled.

That's it! She's from another planet, he thought.

"It's funny how you sound like the goons I watch on TV. Are you an actor or something? Gimme the script, I'll help you practice your lines, " she chuckled at her own joke. Crazy.

Taehyung was really about to nudge her away and then shout at her or something just to let out the irritation he is feeling but before he can do it, she placed a cotton with an alcohol on the cut beside his lips.

Okay, he didn't notice that she was holding that all along, "You know, you won't look good in films if you have wounds and scars."

What is she really up to?

He smacked her hand off his face, taking her by surprise, "Stop this weird tactic of yours. I don't buy it. I am not giving you money or anything and I don’t fuck with this or whatever it is that you want so leave me alone. I meant what I said when I told you I punch girls," he pushed her away, a little stronger than he meant to but she was also pretty light so she fell to the ground.

He heard her cry in pain but he didn't stop to look back and hastily walk to the exit of the store.

He really doesn't trust people. Not even a bit. Taehyung felt his irritation sky rocketing. He is the bad guy again. He just wanted to eat peacefully and she acted like they were close. He doesn’t even know her. That girl is really a headache. Now, she will surely stop bugging him or god forbid he will staple that mouth of hers.

He was already a meter or two, far from the convenience store when suddenly someone grabbed his arm.

And with that, he reached his limit.

"FUCK IT! LEAVE ME ALONE! NOW DON'T BLAME ME IF I BREAK YOUR BONES-" his fist stopped mid-ar and his brows furrowed because when he looked at the person who grabbed his arm, he was wearing a helmet.

Okay, it was a she.

Taehyung realized that it is still the girl in the convenience store because of her uniform, "Damn, are you really insane?!" he yelled.

Instead of answering him, she tiptoed and quickly placed a band aid on the wound on his cheek, "It's bleeding, you need to cover it," she quickly took a few steps backward with her hands in front of her as if she was taming a wild dog.

Taehyung touched the band aid before glaring at her with creased forehead, "What the fuck is that helmet for?!" he yelled, gesturing to the one she was wearing. He couldn't help but ask away.

"You said you throw punches so," she knocked the helmet and continued, "Tada! My protection! Hehe," she beamed at him, making him more confused than ever.

"Actually, my break is over, I need to go back to the store or my manager will scold me. He might also have anger management issues, so I'm not sure but I need to go!" she cheerfully took backward steps, still smiling.

"Take care on your way home! Buhbye!" she waved her goodbye and ran back inside.

Taehyung was left frozen in his spot. He didn't know what exactly happened nor how to process her actions.

Who the hell is that girl?

-

"WHAT?! TAEHYUNG was here? Did he hurt you?" Hoseok dramatically exclaimed as he checked Jisoo for injuries. She laughed at him.

"Stop overreacting. He didn't. He just bought a cup of noodles and ate it here. He actually bought the same one yesterday, I think he doesn't have a healthy meal plan," she explained and munched on the bread that was his treat for her.

She told Hoseok about her new part-time job and since he is just around the corner, he dropped by to see her. They were friends before college but went to separate universities so they don't hang out often anymore. They were kind of a group back then, together with Lisa and Bona.

"Jisoo, I told you already, right? Taehyung is problematic," he said, "Remember what I mentioned before? The one who I told you got me into trouble before I got sent to our school? That was him. He kicked the hell out of me. Literally," Hoseok informed her.

She was taken back for a split second and contemplated. She didn’t like what she heard and Hoseok was her friend. But she swears she has a different gut feeling about the guy, "Maybe he's changed now," she mumbled and felt guilty after saying it— like she was siding more with Taehyung than her friend.

"Him? Changed?" Hoseok guffawed and shook his head, "He's hopeless, I don't think he can change. Just look at him."

She nibbled on her lower lip and averted her eyes while staring at the bread intently, “Is it that bad to hope that people like him will turn to a new leaf? I mean, I know what he did is wrong and you have all the right to not forgive him but in a bigger note, if no one gives second chances for someone like him, how will they change, right?”

Hoseok rolled his eyes and leaned back on his seat, "Nah. You're just too kind," he grabbed his drink and took a sip, "I know you, Jisoo. You and your demeanor of trying to help or reach out to everyone. I know it's just your genuine concern and it is mostly nice with good intentions but it has exceptions and limits too. He is not your next project. That guy? He's plain trouble, you hear me?"

"Yup, I definitely hear you," she said sarcastically and smiled.

"Yeah but that doesn't mean you'll listen, right?" Hoseok told her and pushed her forehead lightly with his finger. Jisoo softly glared at him and pouted.

"Oh no, stop with that face," Hoseok rolled his eyes at her, "That will not get me, Miss Kim. I am telling you, do not associate yourself with that man," he lectured her.

Such a mom, Jisoo mumbled under her breath. She puffed an air while sulking.

A customer entered the store so Jisoo stood up from her seat, "I'll just go back to my place. You're still staying here?" she asked him as she fixed her ponytail.

"Until when is your shift?" he asked while taking a sip on his drink.

"Six," Jisoo answered.

Hoseok glanced at his wristwatch first. It's half past five already, "I'd walk you home then," he said and leaned back, "Go on, I'll wait. You should not walk home alone at night, Ji," he added while gesturing to her to go to the counter.

"It's fine. My house is just a five minute walk away," she smiled and walked past him, going to her place.

"Still!" Hoseok yelled before putting out his phone and started scrolling to buy time as he waited for her.

Half an hour later, Jisoo's shift ended already. She locked the store as Hoseok is waiting for her to finish. His hands are clasped over his head while she puts the padlock. The owner trusted her with her own duplicate key earlier.

They walked beside each other. Hoseok lives in another village so technically, it is really out of his way because he is supposed to take a bus but he is persistent in walking her home.

Minutes passed, Jisoo broke the ice, "Hey, bud," she started, making Hoseok shoot her a sideward glance, "What gift can I give to a guy who is always pissed off?" she asked, looking forward.

Hoseok was taken back and he squinted his eyes at her, "Do you have a boyfriend now, Jisoo?" he teased.

"What?!" she snapped her neck towards him, "No! What are you saying?"

"Why are you asking that, then?" Hoseok chuckled and Jisoo just puffed her cheeks, slouching a little while walking. Then, he paused and glared at her.

"Don't tell me it's Taehyung?" he castigated her. She didn't answer and just whistled, averting her eyes from him. Hoseok stopped and pulled her arm to stop her, also.

"You're out of your mind!" he raised his voice a little, "I told you didn't I? Taehyung is not just another person you would suddenly want to change or approach! He is hard to deal with! He's a total asshole, believe me," he held Jisoo by her shoulders.

"He..." Jisoo looked down on her feet, "He looks sad to me, Hoseok," then she looked up to meet his gaze, "He's lonely. I can feel it," she added.

Hoseok brushed his hand over his face in frustration, "Look, I know you always had these pursuits of helping people around you. But if you keep pushing through with that toxic positivity, it could get you in trouble, too!"

"Why can't you give him a chance-" she was cut off.

"I befriended him once," Hoseok said seriously, looking far away, reminiscing memories, "He shoved me right away. Just like that he kicked me saying I was on his way," he looked at Jisoo again, "He didn't stop there. The next day, I found my things ruined and my locker vandalized."

Jisoo gasped in shock. Her friend sighed, "That's why I am telling you now that he is not someone you could change overnight. I am not exaggerating."

She heard his bad reputation but didn't know that he was that bad.

Jisoo learned a few things. First, he is dangerous. Second, they are not overreacting when they say he hates people and third— she's insane.

Yes, she's insane.

Because even after hearing that. Deep inside her, she believes he is not hopeless at all. That it is not impossible to reach out to him. She doesn't have any idea why or where are these feelings coming from but it is a strong desire to know more of him.

Perhaps Hoseok is right, she really has the bad habit of making projects about fixing people. It was ingrained in her. And she is a very stubborn person.

They stopped in front of her house's gate. Jisoo's mind is still clouded with thoughts. It was contradicting, now with the new things she learned. She remained silent throughout the rest of their walk. She sighed and looked at Hoseok.

Jisoo gave him a small smile, "Thank you for accompanying me until here, bud! Get home safe, okay?" she said and walked to the gate.

Hoseok stared at his friend's back. He heaved an audible sigh and messed his hair before calling her, "Jisoo."

"Hm?" she turned her head towards him before she could enter.

"You wouldn't stop, would you?" he asked and shook his head lightly with a silly smile.

"Uh," Jisoo bit her lip and stammered. She doesn’t want them to fight about this. She already feels bad about not listening to him.

"Fine," he walked towards her. He stopped and patted her head lightly, "I will help you," he said, putting his hands inside his pockets.

"Really?" her eyes sparkled and she beamed at Hoseok.

He smiled a little, "Hm, actually, more on keeping an eye on you. I know how stubborn you can get. I just want to make sure he doesn't harm you and to have the chance and stop you if things really get complicated with that bastard."

Jisoo laughed and jumped to hug him for a quick second, "You're the best bud!"

Hoseok laughed and tapped her back, "I know," he held her lightly and made her stare at his eyes, "But remember this Jisoo," he started, "Don't get disappointed if you discover the worst in him. I have warned you. You cannot always save everyone, yeah?" he calmly explained.

She nodded energetically, "Got it!"

He smiled at her, "Okay. Go inside now," he shoved her softly inside her gate.

"Take care on your way home, bud!" she yelled and waved her hand, watching him walk away.

Jisoo giggled and hopped her way to her door. She went straight to grab a bowl of her leftover lunch in the kitchen. She walked her way to her room and opened the lights. She placed her bowl and utensils before taking a half bath and quickly changing to her pajamas.

Jisoo jumped on her bed, bouncing a little as she took the bowl from her side table, taking her phone too. She scoop a handful of food before stuffing them in her mouth.

Now, what peace offering should I give him? She thought as she scrolled through her phone.

-

IT'S A GREAT day to wear a smile!
It's a great day to wear a smile!
It's a great day to wear a smile!

"What the fuck is this shit?" Taehyung said to himself after taking the talking leopard plushie on his doorstep. He looked around to see who may have put it there. His house has a gate but it's not impossible to climb over it.

Someone's playing pranks on me, I'll beat that bastard if I find out who that is.

He wanted to throw the plushie but decided to take it inside so he can have something to trace the sender with. He cracked his neck and sighed. Another day ruined and he just woke up. He threw the plushie across the room but it spoke again.

It's a great day to wear a smile!

His forehead creased as the recorded voice of the plushie suddenly sounded familiar. He went to take it and listen again, "How the fuck does this speak?" he mumbled.

"Hey ugly leopard, speak or I'm ripping your fucking head off," he yelled at the stuff toy. Surprisingly, it did not respond to his threat.

He glared at the plushie and punched it. Then, it spoke again.

It's a great day to wear a smile!

So this works by punching? He thought. Taehyung paused as he tried to recall where he heard that recorded voice. It is the voice of a girl, he assumed.

He punched the leopard again, It's a great day to wear a smile!

That voice...

Taehyung clenched his jaw and his eyes darkened. It dawned him where he heard it.

The weirdo in the convenience store!

**
Author's Note:

Thank you for reading, guys! Don't be shy in sharing your thoughts and feels in the story. Luvlots!