I trailed behind Tae and Jimin as we climbed another flight of stairs. The next level was where all of the individual karaoke rooms were. Jungkook was behind me so I turned to check and see if he was okay. I glimpsed his eyes staring slightly lower, which made me laugh. He raised his gaze, eyes widening slightly as he realised he'd been caught. A small blush crept across his cheeks which was just too adorable.
"It's okay, here, take my hand Kookie" I offered him. I had only just met him but if he was a good friend of Jiminie and Tae then I wanted to look after him and be kind. Not to mention he was absolutely gorgeous. I didn't want to admit it but it had been a long time since I'd felt this smitten about someone. At first, he was hesitant but took my hand in his, there was enough space for us to climb the last few steps beside each other and as we did I realised how much taller and bigger than me he was.
We followed Tae and Jimin into the room. I let go of Kookie's hand, and he walked over to the song index and began browsing through it. Tae plopped down onto the couch and grabbed a mic, Jimin dimmed the lights leaving the large screen in front of us as the source of illumination in the room.
I sit between Tae and Kookie, looking over the younger one's shoulder to see which song he'll pick. The room host knocks on the door with a menu in hand. Jimin takes it and orders for everyone then sits down next to Tae, grabbing the other mic from the table. The first song starts to play. It was Cherry Blossom Ending by Busker Busker.
"Ohh, I love this song!" Tae exclaimed. Jimin stood up quickly, ready to join in. Tae sings the first line and I can't believe my ears, or eyes or my life. His voice is deep and soulful, holy shit. How did I not know about this?!
Just when I thought nothing else could amaze me more, Jimin begins to sing. It was angelic and I couldn't look away. My chest tightened at the sound, it took for Jungkook to nudge me to pull my attention.
"Noona, how about we sing this one together?" He held up the ipad and showed me Eyes, Lips, Nose by Tae Yang.
"This song is so sweet, good choice" I smiled. He nodded, clicked it and put the ipad back on the table. We watched the other two singers as he slid closer to me. My heart was melting and there was nothing I could do to stop it. Completely at the mercy of their voices. Kookie lightly nudged me again, leaning in to whisper in my ear.
"Hyungs vocals always sound so good in harmony. Their tones are completely opposite."
"Yeah, I noticed, they sound amazing" I whispered back. Kookie was still smiling as he bopped along to the end of the song. Just before it finished the host returned with our drinks, setting them on the table along with some snacks. Kookie paused the song so that Jimin could pour our drinks. He smirked cutely as he filled the glasses. Maybe the alcohol is starting to work, the boys all appear so playful.
"Kookie, don't tell me that's your next song~" Jimin giggled as he looked up to the screen and saw the track title. "This one's for me and Jia, sorry Jimin-sshi" He countered smoothly. Wait what, did he just address Jimin like that?
"Hey!'" Jimin yelled. I had to try and hold back my laughter.
"Jimin, you never told me your Maknae was this charming~" I cooed, Kookie blushes.
"Actually, our sweet little Maknae is golden," Tae remarks.
"Oh really? What does that mean?" I ask. If he was trying to arouse my interest it was working.
"You'll find out eventually, just wait and see" he teased.
'Hmm, I tucked a few loose strands of hair behind my ear. Tae and Jimin passed their microphones to us and I got ready to hear Jungkook's vocals. Tae slid closer to me, pinning me between them. Then, he leaned in, whispering into my ear.
"Try to stay calm and not faint, okay Jia?" I turned to him, about to poke his cheek but was stopped by the sound of Kookie's voice. Left completely awestruck as I watched him. The way his eyes half-closed as he concentrated was mesmerising. Smooth beyond belief. There wasn't a girl in the entire world who wouldn't have fallen in love with him right then and there.
Jimin got up, moving beside Kookie so he could try and hassle him, leaning into him and mock-singing along. Tae chuckles from beside me. I'd been so entranced that I'd nearly missed my part.
Luckily Kookie nodded at me, causing me to snap out of it. I quickly picked up from where he'd left off. As I began to sing, the boys all looked at me, initially astonished, then cheering and singing along. Jimin stood up and started slowly dancing along to the melody, it was over the top. I was trying to keep a straight face and sing instead of laughing.
Tae swayed from side to side, gently bumping into my shoulder and Kookie started singing with me in harmony. His gaze met mine occasionally as we sang but I couldn't hold it long, it made me feel so timid. Our voices sounded nice as I listened, the song coming to an end. In all honesty, at times like these I wish I'd taken K-Culture as a major too. The boy's light cheers were comforting. I put down the mic and reached for my drink. I needed it after that.
"Jia, your voice is pretty" Jimin compliments as he squeezes in to sit between Tae and me.
"Oh no, it's nothing compared to you three.. I can't believe how talented you all are" I shook my head. Jimin took a sip of his drink before rebutting.
"No seriously, Tae talk some sense into her" Jimin puts his arm around Taes shoulder pulling him into the convo.
"Yeah. It's pretty and really soothing... Why don't you become a singer?" He asks plainly. Kookie had finished picking the next song so he leaned in closer to hear what we were talking about.
"Nooo really, it's nothing special. Anyways! What's the next song?" I quickly changed the subject. Kookie took that as the cue to press play.
If you by Big Bang. The familiar melody started floating through the air. Jimin and Jungkook grabbed the mics and doubled up on their vocals and it sounded amazing. The two stood up to sing and it quickly turned into quite the performance. It seemed to come so naturally to them. Tae slid closer. I finished my glass, then Tae offered to pour us both another.
"So, why'd you dodge the question earlier?" Tae hummed, inquisitively.
"I don't know what you're talking about" I gave an innocent smile, still trying to avoid confrontation about it.
"Ahh. Don't be like that, C'mon, tell mee" Tae whined. I took a few sips as I considered. Maybe telling him wouldn't be so bad... If he wants to know then...
"Well, I guess I'm just not confident about it," I admitted, "I love singing, rapping, and writing lyrics.." I held my breath, it was hard to say this out loud, "But.. Just because I like it doesn't mean other people will."
At first Tae didn't say anything. Then, after a moment he heaved a sigh before wrapping his arm around me. I topple into his chest. Usually, I would freak out at being this close but the way he held me there was just so comfortable.
"That makes me sad to hear, but I get it," He says, softly patting my head. I laid there indulging in his affections. "If you need courage come to me, I'll always be here to cheer you on and believe in you, Jia." His words creep in, tucking themselves into a vulnerable crevice. I slowly sat up, the way his hand rested in his lap called to me so I reached out and traced light circles into it.
"Thanks, Tae. I'm really grateful I have a friend like you, honestly." A small silence followed but it was a comfortable one. He picked up my drink from the table and held it closely to my lips.
"What are you doing!?" I giggled at his randomness.
"You had this kinda thirsty look on your face" he chuckled. The glass pressed against my bottom lip so I opened up as he tilted it. After nearly the entire contents had been emptied he put it back on the table, quick to wipe a small drop from the side of my lip that had fallen. His touch was enticing, a combination of alcohol and sexual tension was leaving me dizzy.
Jimin and Jungkook had been watching what the events unfold between us for a while, they'd decided it was time to intervene.
Jimin reached to take a hold of my hand, pulled me to my feet.
"Jiaaa, stop flirting~ It's your turn to pick a song" He teased, handing me the ipad.
"Ahhh okay, okay, I know" I giggle. Giving in to his request and searching for a song I liked. Jungkook was halfway through pouring another round when I'd come to a decision. My song came on and all eyes in the room turned expectantly to me.
Gee gee gee gee baby baby~ I started singing and doing the dance for this classic, only to receive a mixture of reactions.
"Jia, omg please stop. Your Aegyo is killing me" Jimin fell into a a squeaky laughing fit. Jungkook got up and started doing the dance with me. Tae grinned from ear to ear, watching in amusement as we went for it. As the song finished light fatigue hit. I leaned against Jungkook for support. He peers into my face, asking if I'm okay. I managed a nod. Suddenly, he scoops me up in both arms like it was nothing and takes me over to the couch, putting me down next to him.
"You can borrow my shoulder if you want," he gently offered.
"You're sweet" I leaned against him without a second thought.
Jimin and Tae started a ballad as I lay against Kookie. His voice is still floating through my mind. "Hey, Kookie... " I hesitated, he glanced at me, I went on, "If I wrote you a song, would you maybe, sing it?" I asked, shyly... I hope he didn't think that was weird...
"Please write one for me. I'll definitely sing it" he didn't even hesitate to accept.
"Okay then, I'm going to write you something amazing. Please wait for it" I smiled, glad that he was so open to the idea. I slipped down a little. But, strong arms wrap around my mid, pulling me up. Kook was holding me firmly so I wouldn't slip down the couch. As flustered as I was, I stayed there with him, enjoying the tenderness. My focus shifted to Jimin and Tae as they had their big finale. Kookie and I burst into applause which they high-five and laugh at.
Jimin plopped down beside us, calling my name sweetly. No hesitation as he pulls me closer to him so that Kookie can have his turn singing with Tae.
"Are you having fun?" He asks, tucking loose strands of hair behind my ear.
"Yess, I just need to slow down for a bit" I gave a faint smile. Jimin carefully shifts me onto his lap. I gave in, nestling my face in his shoulder. He held me close, and I started to feel more sensitive. Noticing the solidity of his thighs as he gently bounced me up and down, I watched Tae and Kook perform Bang Bang Bang.
"How are you all such good performers, I seriously can't take my eyes off any of you" I mumbled into his chest.
"Really?" Jimin gave a cheeky smile.
"Yeah, and... Jimin... You have the voice of an angel"
"I like your voice more, Jia, can you sing a song for me please.." He pinches my cheek playfully.
"Ow heeey~ Play nice" I sat up and pouted, only to receive an unapologetic smirk. Jimin lent over to grab the ipad from the table and we went through it together. I chose Hurt by 2ne1.
"This is one of my favourite songs" I admitted, he grabbed the mic from the table and handed it to me. The boys' song had finished so I was up next, Tae and Kook both took a seat beside me, I stayed where I was on Jimin's lap as my song started. I could feel the focus on me as I sang, along, occasional sips being taken from glasses. I could feel Jimin's grip around my waist relax. The words of the song always hit me deep.
Byeonhaetni ni mamsokae
Have you changed?
Eejae nan deo eesang eopneun geoni
Am I no longer in your heart?
Nan neol neol saenggak-hamyeon
When I, I think about you
Neomu apa, apa, apa~
It hurts, hurts, hurts so much~
A sense of sadness filled my heart. Losing someone who you were once so close with, was there anything more painful? That and the fact that Park Bom's vocals were so beautiful that I couldn't do it half-heartedly. Then, Tae joined in. Blending perfectly into the melody, it was carrying me away. Forgetting where I was or who else was around.
The song ended and the boys started chatting amongst themselves. It didn't last long but it felt like forever to me.My daze lifted as the urge to use the bathroom came over me. I slowly pulled Jimin's arms from around me and stood up.
"And where might you be off to?" Tae questioned.
"Bathroom," I acted casual. Leaving the room and heading down the hall towards the toilet. I quickly peed, washed my hands and walked back out. But, as I turned the corner I accidentally hit something hard, nearly falling over. Lucky, someone caught me before that could happen. I peered up and saw Jungkook wide-eyed. He was still holding me, probably worried that if he let go I'd just fall. Maybe I really was drunker than I thought.
"Are you okay Noona?" He asked, genuinely worried.
"I'm okay, I think. Please don't use those cute sad looks on me, or I really will fall for you" I laughed.
"Even if you do, I've got quick reflexes so I'll catch you every time," he smiled, "Let me take you back to the room, okay?"
I gave small nod, he offered his arm which I took as he lead me back to our room. He guides me safely down on the couch before going over to Tae who was waiting for him to start the next song. I crawled back onto Jimin's lap, his arm slipping around my mid again, the other free to play with my hair.
"That feels so nice," I laid back into his chest.
"You're so cute when you're like this.." he's acting so smitten.
"Why do I feel like you're always calling me cute," I mumbled back.
"Cause you are" he rebutted.
"If you say so.." I give in. "That's a good girl, stop trying to argue with me, you won't win."
Even though Jimin had feminine attributes, his dominance could be overbearing.
"You're right... it's just my natural reaction though, do you have any idea how flustered you make me half the time?" Jimin was probably smirking, despite not being able to see it I'd come to know him well.
"Go on.." he coaxed.
"See, that's what I mean~ You're doing it right now!" I scoffed, pulling away. Jimin just laughed.
"I know, sorry I'll try to go a bit easier on you" he admits, softly running his hands through my hair. Our moment was cut off as Tae took a seat beside us.
"Your turn Jimine~" he handed the mic to his best friend and then, hoisted me up, rested me in his own lap. I snuggled into him trying to get back into the comfort I'd just been distubed from. Tae held me more firmly against him than Jimin had. As he leaned back I felt like I was going to slide right off his lap.
"Whoa, take it easy Tae" I cling to him so I won't slip.
"Hm? Don't worry, I've got you. Are you feeling a bit better?"
"Yea, I feel fine, just sleepy. I haven't been out drinking since last year, " I confessed.
"Here," he grabbed a glass of water that was on the table, "Need to stay hydrated." He brings the cup to my lips so I take a few sips.
"Thanks for looking after me. It's so sweet of you.."
Tae smiled cutely. His expression is so enticing, I reach out to touch a stray lock of rich brown hair, fiddling with it gently between my fingers.
"Sweet Hm? This isn't turning into a drunk love confession is it?" Tae asks brazenly. I blush, my response getting caught in my throat.
Right then the door opened and the host announced that our time was up in five minutes. His interruption had saved me for now. Tae helped me to stand up and everyone gathered their things. Kookie noticed I was still unsteady on my feet so he held my hand as we left the room and went down the stairs. Tae and Jimin went back into the lounge to take care of the bill while Kookie and I waited by the stairs. I was sleepy, so I rested my head against his arm.
The weight of his hand rested on my head. Tae and Jimin came back, chatting and laughing together about something.
"Alright, let's get this one home," Jimin said. Kookie helped me down the last flight of stairs, as we got outside there were a few Taxis nearby. Tae hailed one. My eyelids became heavier so I closed them for what seemed only a moment. A poke on my cheek rouses me. I opened my eyes to see Tae and the front of my apartment building. Jungkook had a hold of me while Jimin help my purse. He sifted through it, probably to find my keys.
"I'm okay now" I mumbled sleepily.
"You're almost home so you can just relax," Tae cooed, patting my head. Jimin found the keys and managed to get through the building entrance. Tae led the way, showing the others where my apartment was. Jimin opened up the door and we all went in.
Kookie took me straight to bed and gently laid me down on the sheets. I could hear muffled voices coming from the lounge. Tae and Jimin were talking but I couldn't make it out.
"Goodnight Noona, take a rest, okay?" Kookie pats me on the head before going to leave but for some reason, I reach out and grab onto his sleeve. He turned back, hints of surprise as he looked at me.
"Thank you Kookie" I mumble before letting go, falling into my tiredness.