~Jungkook's POV~
"I need all of you to be on your best behavior and for the love of God, can we please clean this place up? JK, help Jimin with the bathroom. We all know you're the one that leaves the most products out and you might want to put your perfumes and cherry chapsticks away. We don't need it to look like we always have women over." Seokjin wraps his arm around a stressed-out Namjoon, who couldn't stop talking about the two strangers coming over for dinner, "Joon, stop stressing out. You're just going to put everyone on edge. We'll get this place clean and we won't embarrass you much. Come be my taste tester." Jimin appears in front of the pair and hands Namjoon a cold beer before Seokjin steers him towards the kitchen.
I throw down the scrubbing brush into the tub just a little too hard, "Jimin, doesn't it seem like Joon's being a little much? I get that it's two fans coming over and I'm excited for that but he's being a little extreme, don't you think?" Jimin calmly puts down the bleach spray, a cleaning rag black with dust hanging from his hand, "I overheard him talking about it with Jin earlier when he got home. He couldn't stop talking about the ARMY he had coffee with. They went for a walk in the park and talked for a while on a bench. He kept saying how pretty she is and how she said really thoughtful things. She went to leave and he wanted to see her again so he blurted out that they could meet us. You know how he can't shut up when he's really nervous. He even said he started writing as soon as he got home. She must've really left an impression on him. I think he likes her." Likes her? I roll my eyes, leaning my hip against the bathroom sink, "They only just met today! How could he like her? I think this 'no dating' thing is screwing with his brain. He's thinking with the wrong head." Jimin laughs and throws the rag at me, "You know we're not banned from dating. We just don't have time right now. Look, if someone is important to one of us, then they're important to all of us. Hurry up and scrub the toilet. Make sure you leave the seat down when you're done." I sigh, grabbing the toilet scrubber. I know he's right but I honestly hate cleaning.
"They're here!" Namjoon sticks his phone back in his pocket and checks out his hair for the millionth time in the hallway mirror. Jimin and Hoseok look at each other excitedly, already walking towards the door. I hear Taehyung laughing beside me. I turn back towards the TV screen to find him shooting my character over and over, "Yah, hyung! What the fuck, cheater!" He leans into me, laughing, "No one told you to look away." I vaguely hear my name being called but the game is too exciting. I feel someone smack the back of my head but I don't bother to look up. I'm too busy chasing Taehyung on the screen. Suddenly Taehyung runs off towards the door and comes back with a young woman. She looks like she is in her early twenties. She's small with pale skin and green eyes, a few freckles sprinkle her nose. Long blonde hair, the color of honey, sits on top of her head in a messy knot. Her lips are full, pink, and just a little wide for her face but it suits her. She's cute. She sits down next to me and smiles, "Hi! I'm Jenn." I try to introduce myself but my mouth goes dry and the words won't come out. "Here, you can share my controller." She turns toward Taehyung and I'm instantly grateful for the distraction. My cheeks feel like they're on fire.
**
"Suga hyung, can you pass the kimchi rice?"
"Can you pass your grades?"
"Can you pass the height limit at Disneyland?"
"Yah! JK! You didn't say 'hyung'."
We spend the next hour eating and laughing around the dinner table. Hoseok leans back in his chair and looks over at Yoongi, who's just quietly observing everyone, "Yoongi hyung, how's the writing coming along?" Yoongi looks up at Hoseok, a glass of wine in hand, "I'm almost finished with another song. I'll finish it tonight and send it to Bang PD. I'm hoping he'll use it for the album. Actually, I think I'll go work on that." He bows to the girls, politely thanking them for coming before taking his dishes to the sink and locking himself in the bedroom again. Taehyung leans in towards the table, lowering his voice, "What do you think he's been writing about so much?" Seokjin laughs, taking a swig of his beer, "More like who. Don't you remember the Kcon girl? Guy's in love." Mia and Jenn look at each other in confusion but decide to not press us for more details. Instead, the conversations get changed to their plans after dinner.
After very little convincing on Taehyung's part, some of us tag along with Mia and Jenn to Namsan Tower. Taehyung, and I are piling into a cable car with about 15 other people when I turn around to find Jenn and Seokjin talking to Namjoon at the cable car entrance, Mia standing outside of the car. Suddenly, with a smile on her face, Jenn pushes Namjoon back out onto the platform right before the glass doors shut. She makes her way over to us, a smile full of pride on her face. Taehyung raises his eyebrow, "What did you do to them?" She squeezes herself in between two other passengers on the seats, "They wanted to be alone. I could see it all over their faces all night long. If he wasn't watching her, then she was watching him. Don't worry, you'll be thanking me when you get invited to their wedding." I can't help but notice how Seokjin never takes his eyes off of her. His eyes observe her features and movements, traveling down her body.
After we get off the cable car and wait for Namjoon and Mia to catch up, I watch as Jenn stands to the side, leaning against the railing and enjoying the night view. The night breeze blows her loose tendrils across her face as she closes her eyes, thick lashes resting against her freckled cheeks. I feel like I should move her hair away from her face. Goosebumps creep across her soft skin beneath the breeze and I instantly get the urge to cover her with my jacket. I don't know why I feel nervous but I hesitate mid-step when Seokjin shows up next to her, draping his jacket over her shoulders. Taehyung appears next to me, patting my shoulder with a sympathetic look on his face.
"Tae, do you really have to take a picture of every single tree we pass?" Seokjin teases the younger member. Taehyung turns around, pointing his new camera toward Seokjin, "Hyung, you know how much I've been getting into photography lately. Besides, it's not every tree." To end the night, we all decided to take a walk by the Han River before going our separate ways. Jenn walks in front of Seokjin, Taehyung, and me while Namjoon walks behind us, Mia's hand laced into his. I idly wonder who made the first move. Jenn swings her arms and skips as she sings "I Fell You" by Wonder Girls looking out towards the river. Cute. Out of nowhere, Seokjin yells out to my left, pushing into me. A guy on a motorbike comes inches away from us. He screams as his front wheel wobbles and he loses control, nearly hitting Jenn. She screams and jumps back, losing her balance against me. I grab her by the waist, holding her up against me as everyone else runs towards the cyclist who now lies in the grass ten feet away, holding his arm. His motorbike was three feet away, its front tire still spinning on its side. Jenn clings to my shirt, her forehead against my chest, face looking down. She's breathing heavily from the scare. Her loose tendrils cover her face. She looks scared and helpless. I reach down, tucking her loose hair behind her ear, "Are you okay?" With her big green eyes, now glowing with the night's lights, she looks up at me. Her full lips in a pout. I can't seem to look away from her as I glide my thumb across her cheekbone. Briefly, she squeezes me tighter, closer. Until, her eyes suddenly grow wider and she pushes away from me, running towards Mia. I stand in place, my heart racing a mile a minute.
The next day, we lay around the practice room, tired and sweaty. We have been up practicing since three in the morning. Hoseok continues dancing in front of the mirror, his sweaty hair sticks to his face while everyone else lays around trying to catch their breaths. Taehyung downs half a bottle of water before laying down on the floor, "Well, what happened in the cable car last night, Joon? You get left alone for five minutes and you're already holding hands by the end of the night." Namjoon laughs and throws his towel at Taehyung, "You saw that?" I can't control myself and start laughing with the others, "We all saw that!" His face gets red but he gets the biggest smile, "Nothing happened. We just talked. I told her I wanted to see her, again. I didn't plan on holding her hand but I grabbed it while we were walking and she didn't pull it away." Seokjin lays his head on Taehyung's stomach, "Of course, she didn't. You're Rap Monster of BTS. She's not dumb enough to turn down an idol." Namjoon shakes his head, "She's not like that. There's something special about her. She's down-to-earth and genuine. She gets shy and awkward but it's cute." Eyes glazing over with memories of the night before, Namjoon smiles widely, his dimples prominent on his cheeks. Jimin pokes his tiny finger into the dip of Namjoon's dimple, "You really like her, don't you?" Tilting his head, Namjoon looks back at Jimin, "I really do. I know it's stupid and she's only here for a few days but I really do like her. The feeling I get when I spend time with Mia…It feels like I've known her for years. " Hoseok plops down next to Namjoon and hands him his phone, "As you said, she's only here for a few days. Call her." Without hesitation, Namjoon grabs the phone and runs out into the hallway, the rest of us joking over never having seen this lovestruck side of our leader before.
Several hours later after practice, we arrive at a newer hotel of high-end lofts, Jimin practically bouncing in his seat. They're popular amongst wealthier tourists but Mia and Jenn were lucky enough to win a free trip and stay here. I stare up towards the top of the tall building, having always wondered what it looks like from the inside. I'm even more thankful our producer had to travel out of Seoul so we could be given a day off. Manager Sejin must have been exhausted, too, to let us stay out overnight. Mia opens the door and invites us in, Jenn leading the way. Giving us a tour, they show us a large living room, kitchen and dining area, a huge bathroom, and three bedrooms. The master bedroom has its own bathroom and walk-in closet. The ceiling above the bed is a skylight that doubles as the flooring of a crystal blue pool. Rays of sunlight hit the water, casting tiny rainbows across the bedroom. Jenn and Mia laugh as they tell us about how they played "Rock, Paper, Scissors" for the room and Jenn lost.
Almost everyone stays inside while I help Jenn carry steaks and shrimp to the grill on the turfed rooftop. Seokjin is already there firing up the grill, a triumphant smirk on his face. I look over at her, setting the platter of steaks by the grill, "I can help you cook." Her smile is beautiful, "No, thanks, Jungkookie. I want to cook for you all. Just go ahead and relax. Take a dip in the pool, if you want." Seokjin settles on a couch by the firepit, playing on his guitar while I sit down on the pool edge, swinging my legs back and forth through the cool water. I lean forward, dipping my fingers into the water, watching the ripples dispersing from my fingertips. I can see the king-sized all-white bed down below through the glass. A moment later, a pair of smooth, slender legs lower down into the water beside me. I look up to a pair of bright hazel eyes looking back at me, "It feels nice, doesn't it?" Jenn's close. So close. After last night, it makes me even more nervous to be so close to her. I struggle to look away, her eyes pulling me in with shades of mahogany and flecks of green moss, an enchanted forest threatening to entrap my soul. Quickly nodding, I tear my eyes away from her, my skin burning with heat. Jenn chuckles beneath her breath before briefly leaning against my arm, "I tend to forget you're only 18." Stunned, I look up at her as she stands and walks back to the grill, trying to make sense of such a small statement.
I notice as every so often, Seokjin peeks over at Jenn, drinking her in. I watch as he gets up and walks over to the cooler, grabbing three sodas. He hands me one, "Jungkookie, it's hot out. Try not to stay in the sun too long." Then he walks over to Jenn, hands her a soda, and starts talking to her, making her laugh. She smiles and flips her hair, her fingertips softly grazing down Seokjin's arm. Jenn leans over the small counter and starts chopping the vegetables. Seokjin stretches his arms around her, his hands gently over hers as he starts showing her how to cut them with more precision. His face next to hers, his body pressed against her back. She looks so small against him, unnatural. It doesn't make sense. It shouldn't. She turns towards him, her lips only an inch away from his. My chest constricts as I helplessly watch her whisper to Seokjin before he smiles his dazzling grin and walks back inside. As soon as he's gone, Jenn leans against the counter and huffs, shaking her head like she's trying to clear her mind. What the fuck was that? Jenn suddenly looks up at me, "Jungkookie, want a taste?" I feel my eyes grow wide, my mind racing in directions I know damn well it shouldn't, "What? Here? What if someone sees?" She grabs the tongs and holds up a piece of steak.
Oh. That. Get it together, idiot. Get your mind out of the gutter.
I get up and run over to her. She feeds me the piece of meat from between her fingers, her fingertips grazing over my lips. It's tender and delicious, my eyes closing as I savor the burst of spices. My eyes flutter open and she's watching me with a smile on her face, "You really like it? Did I season it enough?" I hold a thumbs up, speaking around a mouthful as I finish chewing, "It's delicious just the way it is." She smiles even bigger, satisfied, "Here, I saved the biggest shrimp for you." She reaches for the shrimp but the tongs slip, causing her finger to skim the hot grill. She gasps in pain and jumps back, her eyes instantly tearing up. "Hold on," I say, grabbing her wrist and leading her to the nearest bathroom in the master bedroom. Holding her finger under the cool running water, I can feel Jenn's eyes on me, "That actually feels kind of nice, Thank you. I probably would've put ice on it." I lean down closer to her hand, inspecting the viciously red mark across her fingertip, "Yeah, don't do that. Adding ice to a burn will make it even worse because of the drastic temperature change. It's best to use cool or room temp water. Keep your finger under the water for a sec." I start searching through the bathroom cabinets for any bandages, finally finding a small first aid kit beneath the sink. Jenn leans against the counter, watching as I pull out a bandaid and tear open the wrapper and uncap the antibiotic ointment, "You surprise me, Kook. Half the time, you look like an adorable baby bunny playing games and teasing the guys but then there are moments like this..It's like you become this completely different person, like a man years beyond your age. It's. . .I don't know. . .You give me whiplash." I take a piece of gauze, gently dabbing as I dry her finger before applying a spot of ointment and wrap a bandaid over her burn, "Contrary to how I'm treated, I'm not a child. I haven't been for a very long time. I might be 18 but I think I've worked hard enough since I was 13 for a simple age gap to not matter when it comes to me." Her mouth drops open with a soft pop. She looks into my eyes but I can't tell what she's thinking. Just when I think Jenn might say something, the rooftop door bursts open and we hear everyone walking out onto the rooftop. Jenn pulls her hand out of mine and runs out of the bathroom, leaving me behind.
"Yoongs, have you worked up the courage to call her yet?" Yoongi sighs and puts down his wine glass, "It's not the right time. There's so much I want to do and accomplish before I can even think about trying to convince her to be with me. I want to be financially stable, and have a home for her to come to. I want to be worth giving her that home. We're barely making a name for ourselves and she's still in college. I don't want to get in her way, either. When the time is right, I'll go." Mia looks over at Yoongi, "Are you in love?" He just looks at her and guzzles down his wine. Mia turns in her seat, facing Yoongi with all of her attention, "If you love someone, you do whatever you can to be with that person and be the best version of yourself you can be. It doesn't matter how far apart you are or even your age. Love is love. If she loves you, she'll wait for you. I sincerely hope it works out for you and I get to read about it in the news. You all deserve to be happy and in love." Namjoon can't stop staring at Mia but she doesn't even notice. I look over at Jenn next to her and she's already watching me. She drops her chopsticks and quickly looks away, her ears blossoming with heat. She clears her throat and grabs Mia's glass, "I think that's enough wine for you. She always gets sappy like this when she's tipsy." She looks at me and quickly downs the wine, "I think it's time we get this party started."
~Your POV~
I can feel the liquor's warmth. The way it works its way down my body, from my now flushed pink cheeks to the very tips of my toes. I feel a little lightheaded but I'm finally relaxed, the alcohol finally doing its job. I just get so nervous when I am around Jungkook. I hate it. Especially over someone almost five years younger than me. In my defense, the guy's built like he's 28. Definitely not 18. Still, I hate that I can't seem to get him out of my head. It isn't like me to become so easily flustered over a man; always cool and collected. I have way more important things to worry about than men but. . . Jeon Jungkook. I don't know what it is but there's something about him that draws me in and I just can't shake the thought of him off. I stand by the radio, watching my best friend chat away with Namjoon. I think Mia's in love. She's never looked at anyone the way she looks at him. I hope by some miracle, he's in love with her, too. She deserves to be loved. I look around, amazed at the unexpected turn of events we have had. I never expected to be Seoul-bound on a free trip, much less hanging out with Bangtan Sonyeondan. It's a literal dream come true.
I watch as Hoseok and Jimin take turns freestyle dancing while Taehyung floats around on a pool donut. Yoongi is in a lounge chair, his face covered with his cap. By the steady rhythm of his breaths, he must be asleep. "Are you going to DJ now?" I look up to see Seokjin walking toward me with a bottle of water in his hand. His hair is soaking wet and beads of water run down his god-like body carved to perfection like the Statue of David. My ideal type. So why do I just keep wishing he was Jungkook? I cross my arms and smile, tilting my head, "If by 'DJ', you mean pressing play on Spotify, then yes." He stands beside me, only inches away as he watches over the others, "Have I told you how beautiful you look in that dress?" My cheeks instantly flush at the compliment, "No, you haven't but feel free to tell me again." Feeling bold enough to flirt back, Seokjin one-ups me when he leans in closer, his breath brushing over my ear, "What if I told you it'd look better on my bedroom floor?" Just then, as if my own saving grace, TVXQ!'s "Something" starts blaring from the speakers. Hoseok runs over and starts dancing, Jimin in tow. Twists and spins, Hoseok dominates. "Psht, that's nothing," Seokjin scoffs, before setting down his water, winks at me, and walks towards the guys where he starts dancing, wildly flapping his arms. Jimin loses it, falling down laughing, Taehyung laughing in the background, "Hyung, maybe you should just stick to singing!" Seokjin stops, pointing his finger at Taehyung, "Do you want to die?" Suddenly, Taehyung takes off running, Seokjin in tow.
I look around but I don't see Jungkook. Everyone looks like they're having fun and I can't stop smiling. They deserve to relax. I walk over to the food table and pour myself a rum and coke. The sun beats down against my back, making my skin dewy with sweat. The heat's too much. I pull off my sundress, revealing my green and orange Birds-Of-Paradise print bikini. I fan myself as I take a sip of the cool drink. I suddenly feel something cold and wet press against the back of my neck, making me jump. It startles me but it feels good against my hot skin. "What-" I turn around to see Jungkook standing behind me, a dripping wet washcloth in his hand, "O-oh! Uhm, thanks.." I suddenly feel shy and awkward. Jungkook's nose crinkles as he smiles, all teeth and starlit eyes, "Green looks good on you. It makes your eyes stand out. They're beautiful. You should wear green more often." My cheeks get flushed. I bite down on my lip, not sure of what to say. He quickly looks away, ears red as he hands me the cloth, and begins to walk away toward the others. Without thinking, I turn and dart my hand, grasping onto his wrist, "Jungkook. . ." He looks back at me, eyes wide with shock as he waits for me to continue, "You can't say things like that to me..It isn't fair." Stepping closer, my heart beats loudly against my chest as he towers over me, sun-kissed and strong, "Would you rather it be Jin?" "No! N-No, I don't," my words tumbling out of my mouth. Glancing toward the pool where everyone else is still lost in their own conversations, Jungkook wraps his hand in mine and pulls against the door, just out of sight, "Tell me why.. If anything's unfair here, it's the fact I've had to watch how Jin shamelessly flirts with you while you giggle and drink it all in. So, tell me..What's so unfair?" Lost in his eyes, I feel compelled to confess, absolute honesty with him, "Because it's different when it comes from you. Because the way you watch me sends my heart racing in a way it shouldn't. Because that exact look in your eyes makes me want you and that fucking terrifies me." I feel my cheeks burn with heat as his eyes instantly flicker down to my lips but before he can say another word, I quickly down my drink and slip away, running towards the one person I can feel the most comfortable around. Grabbing Mia's hands, I pull her away from the pool's edge, "Come dance with me."
We jump and sway, rocking our bodies to every song the radio throws at us. Yoongi naps on a shaded outdoor couch and Namjoon is in a lounge chair writing in between peeks at my best friend. Boy's in love. The sun's relentless. It's hot. Ridiculously hot. We laugh and sing, rocking our hips back and forth. Beads of sweat drip down our bodies by the fifth song. I look around at everyone, spotting Jungkook a couple of feet away. His body glistened with sweat and heat. His muscles bend and stretch with every move he makes. Every dance move flows to the next move so naturally, strong and precise. His eyes are closed as he feels the music, head thrown back, hair bouncing around with every movement, the prettiest bunny smile across his face. As if he can hear my thoughts, he slowly opens his eyes and looks toward me, catching eye contact. My breath hitches as my heart skips a beat. He briefly licks his bottom lip, making me forget how to breathe. "Still on earth, Jenn?" Mia is standing there watching me, smirking. I playfully push her, "Oh, shut up." She laughs, throwing her head back and wiping beads of sweat from her forehead. She looks flushed; a reaction from the heat and alcohol. She pulls off the oversized t-shirt she's been wearing, too shy to show off her body, and finally reveals the blood-red velvet bikini I picked out for her with the cute gold belly chain. Thank god she let me take her shopping before we came to Seoul because her old raggedy purple one-piece would've had Namjoon running for his life. Now, he can't take his eyes away from her. I laugh, clapping my hands and whistling as she attempts to hide her face, "It's about time! Hey, Joonie! Isn't she gorgeous?!" She looks toward Namjoon, blushing but a small smile appears on her face. Taking her hand in mine, I start running toward the pool, "Let's go swimming!" Running to the edge, we look at each other, laughing before we both jump in together. The Thelma to my Louise.
"Ugh, I'm so full!" I plop down on the couch later into the night, full of smores, hot cocoa, snacks, and beer. I'm still tipsy but today has been amazing. We spent time around the fire pit, eating and drinking while some of the guys sang songs to Seokjin and his guitar. I can't stop thinking about how Jungkook kept looking at me while he sang "Purpose" and it makes me hate how weak he makes me feel. I know he's legally an adult and there's no denying he's a man but he's still only 18. He barely finished high school while I have already finished university. I can't help but feel like I'm violating him somehow. Like it's wrong to take things farther with him past friendship. I can practically feel Chris Hansen peeking out from the nearest closet, cameras at the ready. I need to clear my head so I decide to take a shower while everyone else fights over what movie to watch. I finish blow-drying my long hair and throw on a pair of blue sweatpants and a white t-shirt before leaving the bathroom. I still feel foggy-headed and drunk but so much better after sweating in the heat all day. Opening the door, I step out to find Seokjin standing against the wall waiting for me, "I just wanted a minute alone with you."
Oh, no.
I'm not sober enough for this. I hope I am wrong but I have been in this situation enough to know what is going to happen. I just wish I could like Seokjin enough to give him what he wants. Why can't I just look at him the way I do Jungkook? Seokjin takes a step toward me, backing me up against a wall, his arms caging me in. He's incredibly tall and handsome. His hand caresses my cheek before gliding down my neck.
Just get yourself together, Jenn. You're better off with Jin. You could be happy with him.
"I want to know you better," He whispers, leaning in closer, his breath ghosting softly over my lips.
He's a great guy, Jenn. You know this. He deserves to be happy. You could make him happy.
"I know you leave in a couple of days but I want to get to know you. Just give me a chance. If you want a relationship, I'll give it to you. If you just want a fling, I can do that, too," Seokjin continues, even closer. His lips are soft and plump, he really is beautiful.
Just want him, Jenn. Say "yes". Forget about Jungkook. Jungkook. Forget the way he looks at you. The way he bites his lip when he thinks you're not watching. The way his eyes crinkle when he smiles and laughs. The way you fit perfectly in his arms the night before when you fell into him. The way he smells so good..shit. I'm an idiot. I'm going to regret this.
I place a hand on Seokjin's chest, holding him back, "I-I can't do this. I like someone else." He stops, pulling himself back. He searches my eyes for some type of validation. Sighing, he grazes his thumb across my cheek, "Figures. He's a lucky guy. He must've saved a thousand lives in his past life for you to turn down a face like mine for him. Did I mention I'm part of BTS?" I laugh, nodding my head, "He is special. I'm sorry, Jin. If it means anything, I really tried. I tried my hardest to forget him for you." Patting his broad shoulder, I turn to duck under his arm, when I notice someone watching a few feet away, "Jungkook. . ." Jungkook's arms are crossed as he leans against the wall watching us, smirking. Seokjin turns, lifting his chin as he acknowledges the younger member, "How long have you been there?" Jungkook shrugs his shoulders before walking toward us, "Long enough to watch the famous Worldwide Handsome get rejected." Seokjin scoffs, his face full of mock anger, "Yah! Respect your elders! I gave birth to you and this is the kind of disrespect I get? I didn't get rejected...I just didn't get the girl I want. Tell anyone about this and I'll show them that baby picture your mom gave me of you that time you-" Jungkook's eyes grow wide, throwing his arms up, "Sshh! Shut up, hyung, I get it! I won't tell them. . that your handsome face wasn't handsome enough to get a girlfriend." "Come here, you little shit!" Seokjin yells, lunging for Jungkook, only grabbing the hem of his shirt as Jungkook ducks beneath him and runs behind me. I laugh at the bickering, almost losing my balance with Jungkook's weight against my back, "What are you-!" Jungkook grabs me by the shoulders and uses me as his human shield. They laugh as Seokjin tries to reach around me to get to him while Jungkook pulls me back and forth like a rag doll. "Alright, alright! I give up. I'm too old for this. I need a drink." Seokjin looks down at me once again and tousles my hair before heading back down the hall to the living room.
Seokjin is gone but I realize Jungkook's hands are still on me. My heart starts racing, hyper-aware of his touch. "So, you like someone?" Jungkook whispers, his breath fluttering against my hair. I can feel the heat in my cheeks rising, "Don't." He grazes his fingertips down my arms, giving me goosebumps. I should leave but I feel rooted to this spot. "I just have one question," He says, his chest pressed against my back. His fingers wrap around my hips, squeezing against the soft flesh exposed beneath my shirt, heat blooming within my belly, "Hmm, what's that?" I suddenly feel his warm breath against my ear, giving me chills, "Is it me?" My heart stops. I can't tell him. If I say it out loud, it makes it true. There's no taking it back. I slowly shake my head, unconsciously leaning against him as if in a trance, "Jungkook, don't do this. Please. ." He turns me around and pulls me back into the bathroom, locking the door behind him, "Give me one good reason why." I take one step back, trying to distance myself as if I ever stood a chance against him, "Jungkook, I'm almost five years older than you. This can't hap-" "Age doesn't matter to me. I told you, I'm not some normal 18-year-old kid. I haven't lived a normal teen life for years. Shouldn't maturity count? I work hard every day and plan on working even harder for my future. Shouldn't that count for something? Why are you only counting my age?" He counters. Logically, I know he has a point but the words "Cradle Robber" and "Cougar" dance around in my head, taunting me like vicious curses, "I'm sorry, I just..I can't get passed it. I don't know how." His features soften as he stares down at me, doe-like eyes glittering with stars, "Then let me change your mind. I want you, Jenn." He grabs my face, pushing me up against the counter. His body presses against mine, my hands automatically clinging to his hips. I want to push him away and pull him closer, "Jungkook-" His thumb presses against my lips, dragging my bottom lip down. He looks at my mouth like he's starving, "Shh.." He leans in closer, his eyes closing. I can't do this but why can't I push him away?
Don't do it, Jenn. Don't be stupid. Don't-
My hands cling to his side, pulling him in more. I can feel his sweet breathe against my mouth as I close my eyes, waiting. . .
My body suddenly flinches with the burst of sound emanating from the door, Hoseok's voice calling from the other side, "Jungkook-ah, you in there? I need to pee!" Jungkook pauses, his mouth brushing against mine as he answers, a frustrated undertone barely contained in his voice, "Use the bathroom upstairs!" He doesn't let go of my face or pull away. The voice comes through the door, again, "I can't! Yoongi's already up there blowing it up!" Jungkook sighs, briefly resting his forehead against mine, "I'm sorry." Sighing, he rolls his eyes, instantly causing me to giggle with how cute he looks, "Give me a second, hyung!" Jungkook opens the door, letting me out first. Hoseok's eyes grow twice their size when he sees both of us walk out, "Hyung, stop. It's not what you think." Hoseok looks back and forth between Jungkook and me, smirking, "Of course, it's not. Move, I need to pee." Fantastic. A witness.
I walk out into the living room, Jungkook plopping down on a couch, laying his head on Jimin's lap and legs across Seokjin's thighs. Spotting a large black hoodie thrown over the back of the loveseat, I grab it, putting it on, "I don't know whose hoodie this is but I'm wearing it." It smells amazing. Familiar.. Sweet and earthy..wait ..no. "It's mine. Wear it all you want." I look over to Jungkook smirking. Of course, it's his because why wouldn't it be? I curl up on the floor next to Taehyung, where he is all sprawled out on his back, and lay my head on his soft belly. Over the next hour or so, one by one, everyone begins falling asleep. Walking into the kitchen, I find Seokjin leaning against the counter with a beer in his hand. I reach for the pitcher of water in the fridge and pour myself a glass next to him, "You know you can drink that out in the living room, right?" He laughs and takes another swig, " Yes, but why would I go out there when your company in here is so much better? You said you only like someone. Not that you're dating them. How about you spend at least one day with me. Or if not, maybe just a night and leave it at that." I can't seem to stop myself from giggling, Seokjin may be boldly confident but there's a certain charm in that, "Jin-" Our heads turn at the sound of an obviously exaggerated cough. Jungkook stands at the kitchen entrance, arms crossed. There's a taunting smile on his face but the tiniest hint of danger in his eyes, "Since when did hyung become so shameless?" Seokjin sets down his bottle, "I'm still a man, aren't I?" I giggle at his sudden outburst, drinking my water. "She already rejected you and you're asking for sex. She'd be more likely to sleep with me first." I choke on my water, throwing mental daggers at Jungkook and all that audacity he seems to carry in his oiled abs. Seokjin's eyes grow twice their size, "What makes you think you'd get lucky?!" I grab Seokjin's beer and chug the rest, "Or I can just take you both and call it even." They look at me and then back at each other before they burst out laughing. I roll my eyes with a sigh, "Just kidding. I would never in a million years ever fantasize about something like a threesome with BTS. Gross." So much for trying.
It isn't long before Seokjin passes out on the floor, his arm around Jimin, leaving just me and Jungkook to finish the movie playing. I stand and stretch, contemplating going to sleep in my room just to not be tempted by being alone with him but my thoughts are barely formed before Jungkook's voice softly breaks through the silent room, "Do you want to read some mangas together?" I watch as he bends over near the door, where his black backpack sits, "Yes! I mean.. sure, okay. Let's go." Damn it! Why do I have to be so weak for him? He grabs his bag and pulls out four volumes of Attack On Titan before following me to my room. I slowly close my bedroom door behind us, desperately trying not to wake anyone, "To be honest, I have never read them before. Give me an Asian drama and I'll binge the entire season in one night. Hand me any kind of book and I'm lost by the next page. That's something I've always admired about my Mia. Once she has a good book in her hands, she won't put it down until she's done. She recently read a book called Demian. She sat down by my living room window and didn't move until she finished it." Jungkook lays belly down on the bed, Volume 1 already open in front of him leaving the other three volumes scattered on the bed. I lay down on my back next to him, laying my head by the manga so I can look up at him, "Read it to me?" He looks at me, a dimple flashing across his cheek, "Alright." He clears his throat before flipping the pages back to the beginning, "That day, the human race remembered. . ." I lay there next to him, listening to him read, enthralled by his voice. It's clear and strong but still so smooth. His voice holds my attention but equally soothes me. I watch as a small crease forms between his brows as he concentrates. I study his face like a work of art. Every curve and every plane. The scar across his cheek, the curve of his pink lips, and how they move as he speaks, "-Armin, what is it? Hey. . ." My eyes trace along the veins in his neck, his Adam's Apple subtly bobbing up and down as he reads and swallows. I follow around every vein curved around his arms and hands. Even his hands are strong and manly. "-the Vanguard team. . .What?" I look back up at him, confused at the sudden pause, "Hm?" His left brow raises, eyes directly burning into mine, "Something wrong? Why are you watching me like that?" Caught. Shit. Heat creeps across my face with embarrassment, "I-I just like listening to you read to me. I love your voice..It's calming." His eyes drift down to where my cheeks now burn cherry red. He catches me biting my lip, staring at my mouth before clearing his throat and returning to the manga, "The Vanguard team know how to put them down. . ."
I suddenly wake up to a tingling dead arm. I check my phone, 4:12 am. Jungkook is asleep, his face pressed against another volume. I look down, realizing he's holding my hand, our fingers interlaced. His hand is soft and warm. I am only here for a few more days and then this will all be over. He will move on and forget I exist. Deciding to steal another moment with him, I lay back down, snuggle closer and study every detail of his handsome face, again. I want to memorize him like a photograph.