"Focus on the step in front of you, not the whole staircase." —Anonymous

**

JISOO'S face fell on the table as she sulked and sighed while manning the counter. It's almost a week after everything that happened and they didn't meet after it.

She tilted her head and looked at her bag on the chair beside her. She has a lunch bag too. She eats her food at work since she cannot find time to do so in her house because she just changes to her clothes from the university and goes straight to her shift. Her hand reached for the extra lunch she packed.

Maybe I'm going a little too much in hoping he'd come.

Jisoo's thoughts were interrupted when a water bottle was put down harshly in front of her. She jolted and fixed her hair in panic, taking the water bottle and scanning it.

She looked up to the customer with a small smile, "Good afternoon, thank you for—" her eyes widened and her smile faltered.

"Taehyung?" she asked, surprised.

The man stared at her, "I'm hungry."

"Huh?" Jisoo blinked a few times, still confused about what was happening while looking at hin.

"I'm hungry," he repeated and clicked his tongue

"Y-yeah, uhm..." her mind went blank. She didn't think he would show up despite hoping that he could.

"I can't always eat cup noodles, right?" he stared and his eyes went a little more serious, "I heard that from this annoying girl," he waved his hand dismissively before putting it on the counter and leaning forward a bit, "I wonder, what should I eat now that I'm hungry?"

Jisoo was stunned and could not react for seconds until she finally got a hang of it. Her face broke into a wide smile.

"I packed a lunch box!" she excitedly said and gestured to the lunch bag, grabbing it to show him.

Taehyung looked at the lunch bag and took it, placing his payment on the counter too before walking to take the seat beside the glass window. Jisoo quickly put the money in the cashier and followed.

Taehyung didn't spare her a glance while placing the things on the table, "If I were your boss, you'd get fired already," he put out the utensils, "You keep on leaving your post," he looked at her sitting in front of him.

"Well, it's dead hour now, it usually is like this," she defended and propped her chin with two hands, "Come on, don't judge me like that" Jisoo pouted.

He glared at her, "Huh, your store sucks then."

"Hm," she hummed and tilted her head, staring at him, "But at least you're still buying here," she smiled softly.

"Whatever," Taehyung rolled his eyes and put out the lunch box, "I hope this doesn't upset my stomach."

He opened the lid and sighed after seeing the meal inside, "Geez, you're really making hearts out of carrots?" he looked at her, "Who's gonna eat this? A kid?"

"Nope!" she giggled and took the utensils beside him, "You..." Jisoo put vegetables and rice on the spoon, "You are going to eat this~" she offered in front of him.

"Come on, aaaahhhh!" she pushed the spoon forward, urging him to open his mouth.

Taehyung's brows furrowed and he grabbed the spoon from her, totally ignoring her antics, "This better taste good," he swallowed the food.

Jisoo laughed and watched him enthusiastically. Her eyes are sparkling in anticipation of his reaction while he chews the food. He is still glaring at her, wanting to prove her wrong, until his eyes widen. Jisoo smiled triumphantly.

"Not so bad now, huh?" she said with a little smug.

"N-nah," he averted his eyes and gulped, "I'm just hungry so anything would taste quite appealing."

"Don't be shy and admit it, I won't tease you," but she gave him a chaffed look, "Maybe a little," she added and laughed again.

Taehyung put down his utensils, "I'm not eating anymore," he said annoyed before standing up in an attempt to walk out.

Jisoo guffawed and held his arms, "Okay, okay! Fine. You're just hungry," she said with amusement and guided him to sit again, "Eat now so you could digest some nutritions!"

"Are you saying I'm unhealthy?" he raised a brow at her.

"Stop putting words in my mouth," she said, "Rather, put a spoonful of the lunch in yours," Jisoo smiled.

She nudged him on his chest, "Witty, right? Right? Riiiiiggghhtt?" she wiggled her eyebrows.

Taehyung sighed deeply, "Can you be normal just for once?"

"What?" Jisoo pouted, "I'm normal!"

He ignored her and just dug into his food. Suddenly, the door chime rustled, and a customer entered the store. Jisoo quickly stood on her feet, "Oh, wait. I'll be right back. Just eat there."

"Good noon, ma'am!" she approached the customer with a warm smile. Taehyung watched her while he continued eating.

"Hello, do you have this drink?" the customer showed her a picture from the phone. Jisoo earnestly looked, "My daughter keeps on wailing asking for this one but it's usually out of stock in other stores," the mother continued as she carried the five year old child in her arms.

"Ah, I think we still have some," she answered, "I'll get it for you."

"Oh, thank you!" the lady bowed to her and Jisoo did too, before going to the other side of the store, looking for a certain drink.

A minute later, Jisoo went to the counter with the drink in her hand. She scanned the drink in a swift motion, "Here it is!"

"Waaaa!" the little girl grabbed the drink, "Yehey!" she cheered, shaking the drink energetically then she struggled to open it.

"Wait, we haven't paid for it—" the mother is taking her wallet out while holding the child but before she could stop her daughter, the drink splattered all over the place.

"Oh my god!" the customer panicked and put the child down, "I'm so sorry for the mess..." she tried to wipe the wet counter with her handkerchief. Then, she reprimanded her child, "Sophia! Why did you do that?!"

"No, it's fine, ma'am," Jisoo laughed and calmed the customer. She gave them a big smile.

"I'm really sorry. Now, you even need to clean up here—"

"It's no biggie, really," she interrupted, "Mopping a little won't hurt."

"Gosh, you're so kind," the mother smiled at her, "Thank you, here. It's our payment," she put a bill on the counter.

"Okay! You still have—" the customer shoved the money to Jisoo, not letting her finish.

"You keep the change," the mother said.

"But ma'am..." her voice trailed off, wanting to say no.

"I insist. We even made a mess here," the customer laughed and shook her head as she held her daughter on the shoulders.

"It's not really a problem though," Jisoo said again, pushing the bill back.

"Please, just accept it, okay?" the customer put the money in her hands and closed it there. She held her hands firmly.

"Uh, sure..." Jisoo hesitantly agreed.

"Miss, I'm sowwy," the child tiptoed to see her on the counter. She still cannot speak straight at her age. Her mother carried her again so she could see Jisoo.

"It's alright darling. Be careful next time, okay? Don't give your mom a headache!" she sweetly lectured the child while patting her head lovingly.

"Yes, pwetty miss!" the little girl nodded lively while grinning, showing some of her missing teeth.

"Now, you are forgiven!" Jisoo laughed and gave her a thumbs up. The mother apologized one last time before thanking her and bidding goodbye.

Jisoo was quick on her feet to grab the mop from the storage. She started cleaning the spilt drink on the floor. She also got a cloth to wipe the counter. Fortunately, the cashier was not harmed.

Just as she finished cleaning, two customers arrived. She entertained them right away. Figuring out that she would take longer, Taehyung took his time in eating and looking outside the window.

He didn't want her to think that he was eyeing her. He could just keep that for himself to deny.

"Sorry for making you wait," Jisoo suddenly spoke, making him look at her as she took her seat again.

He scoffed, "Who's waiting?" he leaned on the chair and crossed his arms over his chest, "Not me."

"Huh? Then why are you still here?" Jisoo genuinely wondered.

Taehyung coughed once and shrugged, "Passing time."

She decided to drop the topic off as she nodded in understanding to him. Then, she smiled, "You are done already, right? How was it? Better, yeah?" she fired him concerning questions while putting the utensils away.

He didn't answer for seconds and just observed her. His eyes not wanting to miss any of her movements, "So you are really like this," he slipped on his tongue.

"What?" she bobbed her head to him after closing the lunch box with a click and placing it inside the bag.

"Nothing," he just averted his eyes. He stood up and pulled a handkerchief from his pocket. He threw it right on her face, which she caught soon after.

"What's this for?" she innocently asked him.

"Well, Missy," Taehyung moved to her side and leaned an arm on the table before inching towards her face. His eyes went down to her clothes, "You have chocolate stain on your shirt," he stood properly and eyed her lazily.

He flicked her forehead, "Stupid," then he left.

—

THE NEXT day, Taehyung was smoking outside, in front of a convenience store. He doesn't know why he is there. Earlier that afternoon, he wasn't able to drop by because he went to the underground place for another match.

He wore a black fingerless glove on one hand to hide his knuckles. He did not want her to notice the fresh scratches he had.

Finally, he saw Jisoo coming out. As if she felt his stares, she looked in his direction. She was surprised for a second before she waved enthusiastically at him.

He stared blankly while she crossed the street. Jisoo hopped cheerfully in front of him.

"Gum?" she offered from her pockets, "For fresh breath," she added.

Taehyung's brows furrowed, "Are you saying that I stink?" he spat and dropped his cigar before stomping on it. He puffed the smoke which made her wave her hands to disperse it.

"I just offered gum!" she said after before pouting. She put her hand on her sides, "Why are you always taking it in a bad way?" she sounded like she was sulking as she bowed her head.

He sighed in irritation before snatching the gum from her hand and opening it to chew in one go. She looked at him as he blowed a bubble, "Prolly 'coz I don't know anything good,"

Jisoo beamed at him, "Have you eaten already, Taehyungie?"

His brows furrowed at her before answering, "Nah."

"Okay! I know a good place!" she bounced gleefully and clung to his arm, "Let's eat dinner!" she decided before dragging him. He just let her pull him along. Not really interested.

They arrived in a small diner. It was decorated with colorful lights that almost blinded him. She is still pulling him on his arm as she struggles to push the door open— it being probably heavy for her petite figure. He did not help her though.

"Oh, Jisoo! It's been a while," a middle-aged man, who looked like the owner, was passing by, saw her enter and greeted her. He gave her a big smile, his eyes turning into slits because of it. He has brown hair and a broad, toned, body with tan skin.

"Hello, Mister Kang! Good evening! I missed going here," she replied and laughed.

The man chuckled before his eyes shifted from Jisoo to him, "You brought a boy?" he questioned, his tone obviously teasing her, "Boyfriend?" he added.

He did not answer because he has no plan on making conversations with the man. For sure, she will—

"Yeah!" Taehyung tilted his head violently to her. He was shocked and his forehead creased.

The fuck? He thought.

"With a space in between!" Jisoo suddenly continued and cackled. The crease on his forehead went deeper.

The man shook his head to her, "Haha, silly you. As always, you are like that," he smiled, "Still the same order?" he asked, she nodded.

"I'm gonna make him like your best dish here," she gave him a thumbs up and proud look. The man offered a high five and Jisoo quickly abided.

"That's why I like you most. You're a thoughtful child," he patted Jisoo on the shoulder before taking a step to leave, "Choose your seat, I'll give you your exclusive Jisoo discount!" he winked at her and she giggled.

"Now, that's why you're the best," she playfully shot him with a gun finger and pulled Taehyung to the nearest seat.

They sat across one another. When they settled, he instantly asked her, "What's that?"

"What?" Jisoo looked around, confused about what he was asking. The diner has a group of high school students and three middle-aged ladies eating there, already filling the place.

He squinted his eyes at her, "The thing you said earlier," he added but she gave him a dumbfounded look, making him more frustrated.

"The 'boy-and-a-space -between-friend' statement," he specified.

"Oh, what about it?" she smiled, "Am I wrong?" she put her head on her hand as she tapped her finger on the table, "You're a friend and you're a boy... Right? I mean, it's okay, any will do! You could tell me."

"The fuck?" his brows furrowed. He pushed het forehead lightly with his index finger, "I'm a guy, stupid."

"Hm, then I'm not wrong, right?" she grinned at him.

Taehyung palmed his face and bowed his head in annoyance, "You know what..." he heaved a deep sigh, "We're not friends."

"Eh?" she uttered a sound of disbelief, "Then, what are we?"

"Just..." he trailed off, also not knowing the right answer. When he could not find the words, he rolled his eyes and responded violently, "Just anything but a friend."

"Uh, okay?" Jisoo said, unsure but agreed to whatever he meant.

"Here's your order," the old man earlier placed the tray in front of them. He was too accommodating, "For our precious Jisoo and for her boy with a space friend, right?"

"Oh, we just agreed that we are in the anything-but-a-friend label right now," she said innocently, making the man confused.

"Really?" his eyes traveled to Taehyung, "Weird," he uttered but shrugged, "Anyway, enjoy your dinner."

"Will do, thank you! Fighting, Mr. Kang!" she encouraged as the man slowly walked away to the counter.

"Fighting!" he replied before entering the door to the kitchen.

Taehyung was just watching the whole time. Then, Jisoo finally gave him her attention again. She started cutting him his meat while wrapping it in a leafy vegetable.

"Taehyungie, try this one like this..." she brought it to him with chopsticks, gesturing to him to open his mouth.

Instead of complying, something piqued his mind, "Taehyung—what?" he asked, making Jisoo lower down her chopsticks a little.

"Taehyungie," she repeated while beaming

He frowned, "Stop ruining my fucking name."

"But it's cute?" she pouted and puffed her cheeks.

"Do I look like anything near cute?" he retorted rudely. Jisoo, on the other hand, stared at him to examine his face.

"Uh... I'm not sure," she sheepishly said. He rolled his eyes at her.

"Idiot," he muttered, making her laugh.

"Omg, not stupid anymore?" she said.

Taehyung raised a brow at her so she clarified, "You always call me stupid," she shrugged after.

"Suits you both," he scorned, "Stupid and idiot," he added.

"Stupidiot," he said with finality.

Jisoo guffawed and hit his arm lightly, "You're funny!" she exclaimed and wiped the imaginary tears in her eyes.

"Do you like it when you're insulted?" he narrowed his eyes on her.

"Of course not," she shook her head and calmed down, "But we're close friends now!" she clapped her hands softly.

"I just said we aren't," he stated.

"Oh," she paused, "But we're nickname basis already, aren't we?" she beamed at him, "Taehyungie and Stupidiot."

Jisoo cutely creased her forehead before pouting, "Someday you should think of a better nickname for me."

Taehyung combed his hair and sighed for the nth time, "You're creepy," he gave her a glance, "I give up," he said in defeat.

"Okay!" she blurted out before gesturing to him again with the chopsticks, "So try this one..."

They ate, somehow peacefully, with Jisoo blabbing about different nonsense stuff which he was not able to follow through everything. They left the diner and Jisoo paid for it, saying it was her treat. Now, they are already walking home.

Suddenly, Jisoo broke the ice, "Why are you going out of your way, Taehyungie? Your place is not around here, right?"

Taehyung cannot answer right away because he also just realized it now that she mentioned it. It's like his body decided to move on their own. So he made up an alibi, "Exercise," he simply said.

"Wow," Jisoo uttered, "Didn't know you're athletic."

He squinted his eyes at her, giving her a sideward glance since they are walking beside one another, "Are you being sarcastic?"

"Huh?" she looked at him too, confused. He rolled his eyes.

"Nevermind," they stopped at the waiting shed and just in time, a bus stopped too. He pushed her to the entrance of the bus without warning.

"Go home, stop spreading stupidity in the streets," he dismissively said before taking a step back. She already climbed one stair on the bus.

"Bully!" she stuck her tongue at him, "Still, good night Taehyungie! Take care on your way back! Thank you!" she continuously said before completely climbing on.

He stared at the leaving bus. He put his hand on the back of his neck and stayed for a minute before he decided to walk back in the opposite direction, going to his house.

When he arrived and changed into more comfortable clothes, his phone beeped.

From: Unknown Number
I am home now kekekeke I hope you got home safely too! （＾ω＾） Please reply so I could sleep peacefully~~~
Taehyungie don't leave me on read oki? Hmppfff ಥ_ಥ

To: Unknown Number
I am going to sleep already, Stupidiot
So stop messaging

From: Unknown Number
Oh! Good, good!!! You're safe~ (≧▽≦)
Okiiii good night but I'll just stop messaging for tonight ( ﾟ▽ﾟ)/ You cannot get rid of me kekekeke

To: Unknown Number
Lol shut up
Leave me alone

From: Unknown Number
I won't leave you! ಠ_ಠ
I'll annoy forever 〜(￣▽￣〜)

He licked his lips at her last message and bit it. He was stunned for a second and decided not to reply anymore. He put the phone on his bedside table.

Let's see, he whispered to himself. Then, he realized his thoughts and facepalmed.

"Damn, why am I like this now?" he asked himself and slumped, face on his bed, bouncing lightly.

I'll just sleep this shit off.

He's afraid of moving on from his past. Ironically, despite how haunting it is, those memories are still the only ones left that ties him to his good experiences. So, torn of completely running away or staying, he stood still. He never made progress.

But that night, he failed to notice that he had already taken a step forward.

One small step.