#timberland : always peaking always breaking.

[daftlads]

they HAVE put a limit on tags those bastards. anyway here's the others

#zachary : fight these written wars. #idiot #ayeesha : the rays on the waves. #angel #timberland : always peaking always breaking. #dont let him fool you. hes a clown as well

[lavenderlattaes]

the night we met. | jeon jeongguk

⇒ summary: and on a cold winter’s night just before the start of a brand new year, you meet a boy who changes your entire new year for the better. 

⇒ [ ghost! au ]

⇒ pairing: jeon jeongguk x reader

⇒ word count: 4.7k words

⇒ genre: light fluff, angst

⇒ warnings: mentions of cheating, breakup, and death

⇒ note: hello! it’s been so long since i wrote a long bts fic, huh? but i’m back again with a new one and this is one of my entries to @btsghostiewritersnet​ ‘s Bingo Bash! It falls under my ghost! au tile and i hope you guys like this! please don’t hesitate to tell me what you think. enjoy! (also this is the third time im reposting bc the tags haven’t been working for me hhh)  ＼ʕ •ᴥ•ʔ／

i.

The cold night air nips at your frozen, flushed cheeks as you hold back tears. Of all the days of the year, why did you have to end up alone and heartbroken on New Year’s Eve? Your tired, Timberland boots clad feet lead you to the park you frequented with your boyfriend before he decided to lock lips with someone else that wasn’t you. You walk past the benches and the playground and find yourself by the crystal lake that was still frozen over by the cold winter. You crouch down on your feet, your fingers reaching out to glide across the icy surface.

You sniffle softly, your mind going back to the events a few hours prior as your heart breaks. You shut your eyes tightly and let the tears fall freely, the hot tears warming up your frozen cheeks. Loud, heartbreaking sobs wrack your entire body until you can hardly breathe anymore.

Stupid, stupid, stupid. 

How could he do that to you? How could he break your heart in the most cliché way possible? How could he break his promise of a forever with you? You were stupid to think he’d actually love you for as long as you breathed the same air, for as long as you lived.

“You’re going to get sick if you keep crying out here in this cold weather.” A shy, timid voice rings out from behind you, and your sobs quiet down slowly. You immediately wipe your tears away, and sniffle again before turning around.

Your eyes lock with a pair of soft, gentle, brown, doe-like eyes the moment you turn around. A handsome boy around your age stares at you, his hands buried deep in his pockets. You break away from his glance momentarily to wipe the few tears that still manage to escape. You let out another gentle sniffle before standing up. You brush your hands against your jeans, the snow falling down your fingers and down onto the ground.

Your eyes, nose, and cheeks are all red now, and the boy purses his lips before pulling out a small handkerchief. His right hand extends out to you, offering the small piece of cloth. You look at it and back up at his face. He stares at you and you timidly reach forward, taking it. You give him a small nod and he just nods back, as you turn to the side slightly, blowing your nose into it. He lets out a chuckle at that, and you feel your cheeks heat up. 

“Thanks,” you whisper once you’re done, and you stuff the handkerchief into your pocket as you turn back to face him. 

“Why were you crying?” The boy asks and you sigh, plopping back down onto the ground. He approaches you gently, before going down on his knees to sit beside you. You glance at him to find his gaze trained on the empty, frozen lake in front of you both.

“My boyfriend cheated and broke up with me,” you answer, the words leaving a bitter taste in your mouth. 

“On New Year’s Eve?” The boy asks again and you nod, as he chuckles. You turn to look at him with a light frown.

“What’s so funny?” 

“My girlfriend broke up with me too on New Year’s Eve,” the boy tells you, and he turns to meet your gaze.

“Maybe you weren’t supposed to spend the next year together. Maybe this happened to you because you’re supposed to be with someone better than him.” He says softly, as the wind blows around you both, making you shiver lightly. The boy notices you shivering and shrugs his thick coat off, throwing it around your shoulders.

“It’s okay, I’m fine,” you try to decline but he shakes his head. “You’ve been crying, you know. You need to warm up if you don’t want to get sick.”

“Thanks,” you mutter, pulling the coat tighter around you.

“I’m Jeongguk.” The boy finally introduces himself and you manage to crack a small smile.

“I’m Y/N.”

ii.

An incessant tapping sound rings in your bedroom in the middle of the night, waking you up in the process. You groan from the annoying noise, rolling over in your sheets as you try to get yourself to get out of bed.

Tap, tap, tap.

“Y/N, open up!” you hear a familiar voice call your name, making your eyes snap open, fully awake now.

You get up and rush over to the window, your eyes meeting those same, doe-like, eyes you first met one year ago. He grins at you, the corners of his eyes crinkling up in amusement as you squint at him, your fingers reaching over to unlock the window. The cold air brushes inside the room as you let the boy in.

Jeongguk lands on his feet gracefully, barely making a sound against the hardwood floor. He glances at you with a grin as you roll your eyes at him.

“What are you doing here? It’s late,” you ask him, walking back to your bed. He climbs in with you, crossing his legs as he leans on his arms for support, facing you.

“It’s been exactly one year since we met, don’t you remember?” your best friend grins at you as your mind finally registers the date. Your eyes glance at the digital clock perched on your bedside, and the red numbers glare in the dark room. 

12:03 am, 2021-12-31.

“Happy one year of friendship…?” You suggest sheepishly, turning back to face the boy. He grins and lunges forward at you, trapping you in a bone-crushing hug. Your body falls back on the bed as Jeongguk moves his full weight on top of you, making you whine.

“You’re heavy!” You choke out from underneath him, but he only lets out his melodious laughter ring out in the quiet room.

“Oh, come on, you love me!” He giggles and you’re furiously slapping his back, trying to get him off of you.

“If I say that, will you get off of me?” you breathe out and he immediately rolls off to the side, making you gasp for air dramatically. He rolls his eyes before perching his head up on his arm. He turns to your side, grinning at you as you glare at him playfully.

“For real though,” you begin once you’ve caught your breath, “I really do love you.” You admit, the sincerity in your voice and the gentleness of your tone making the atmosphere suddenly shift. It’s silent now, and Jeongguk just stares at you, his mouth partly open.

“You made me happier. I thought I didn’t want to keep smiling after what my boyfriend did. I know he doesn’t deserve me pining over him so hopelessly but I still continued believing he would somehow tell me it was all in my head. I hoped he would chase after me that night, but he never did.” You say quietly, your eyes trained on the ceiling. It was covered in stars, not the plastic, glow-in-the-dark kind, but hand-painted stars that Jeongguk and you both painted a few months ago. Well, he did most of it while you just cheered him on, dancing around in your room to whatever was playing on his Spotify radio back then.

Jeongguk’s free hand comes up to cup your face, turning your cheek to face him. “I just wanted to see you smile. That’s all that I ever really wanted. You looked so sad when we first met. I’ve never seen anyone so sorrowful that I even felt my own heart breaking.”

Maybe it was the way he looked at you — like you were his entire world, or the way he cupped your face in his hand — like you were some delicate china doll he couldn’t bear to break, or the way he always hugged you — like he never wanted to let go, that made you realize maybe you’ve already fallen for your best friend. 

Maybe you really were supposed to break up with your boyfriend before you welcomed the new year because you were supposed to spend that new year with Jeon Jeongguk instead.

“I love you.”

The words fall past your lips and out into the silent night. It doesn’t register in your mind until Jeongguk smiles softly at you, leaning in close to kiss your forehead.

“I love you too.”

You smile up at him and he just scoots closer to you on the bed, wrapping his arms around you tightly. That night, you fall asleep in Jeongguk’s warm embrace, your breaths mingling, your hearts beating at the same slow, steady, and calm pace.

When you wake up the next day, he’s gone. It doesn’t faze you though, because he’s always snuck inside your room late at night and left before you woke up. But a small part of you hoped that he would be there when he woke up, especially since things have somehow changed between you now.

His scent still lingers in the air, and the side of your bed where he lay was still warm, the sheets slightly crinkled. A small note peaked out from underneath your phone, and you know it’s from him. The handwriting says it all.

Meet me at the lake later tonight. i love you <3

A smile makes its way onto your face, instantly boosting your mood for the rest of the day.

And just like one year ago, the cold night air nips at your frozen, flushed cheeks as this time, you try to hold back an excited smile. You take excited skips toward the park, your fingers brushing along the benches and the trees. You reach the frozen lake, your smile blooming once you recall the events from last year. You crouch down onto your knees again, your fingers drawing on the icy surface as you wait for him.

“I hope you’re not crying like last year,” Jeongguk’s playful voice rings out from behind you and you immediately turn around to face him.

“Why would I -” your smile drops from your face when you see Jeongguk’s red eyes and nose. Tears are falling down his face as the wind blows softly, making you shiver.

“Hey, are you okay?” you ask softly, walking over to him. He purses his lips, his dimples popping out as he tries to stop the tears from falling.

“I’m sorry.” The cursed words you’ve despised the most leave his lips.

“Why? Why are you sorry?” you plead, reaching forward to grasp his hands in yours.

“I can’t be with you.” Jeongguk whispers, his breath shaky as he grips onto your hands tighter.

“Why not? Why are you doing this to me now? After telling me you love me?” You’re crying now, and Jeongguk’s sobs get quieter as he slowly calms himself.

“You’re going to have to be happy without me now, okay? I’ve spent an entire year with you now, I need to go.” He explains, letting go of your hands to cup your face.

You shake your head furiously, your hands coming up to hold his wrists. The wind was blowing harshly around you, making you both shiver but it can’t possibly be colder than the ice crawling into your heart right now. 

“Don’t leave me.” You cry out, making both of your hearts break. 

Jeongguk’s thumbs wipe your tears away, before he leans in to kiss your forehead again. “I can’t stay here with you, Y/N. It would be selfish of me to stay.”

“Why? Where are you going?” You ask desperately, your eyes searching for some sort of sign that he’s just lying. But over the past year that you’ve come to know him, you’ve learned how to read him better than anyone else. You know him like the back of your hand. He never hides his emotions when he’s with you. And he’s never lied to you, not even once. 

“Somewhere far away and I’m not coming back,” he answers truthfully and you know it in the way he doesn’t stutter and in the way he holds your face gently. You close your eyes, letting more tears fall down your flushed cheeks as you feel the same biting cold from just over a year ago. Only this time, it hurts more in your heart than it does on your cheeks.

“Even when I’m gone, I’ll always be here,” he whispers, placing your hand above your heart as you feel your steady heartbeat. “I’m never going to truly leave you behind, Y/N. But I need you to be happy even without me. Can you promise me that?” he crouches down to your height, tucking a finger under your chin, prompting you to look at him.

“It’s going to be hard, but can you do it? For me?” He adds, caressing your hair gently as you give him a slow, hesitant nod that still manages to shatter your heart into a million pieces.

“That’s my angel.” He coos with a soft smile, pulling you in for a tight hug. You cry into his chest, wrapping your arms tightly around his waist as he kisses the crown of your head repeatedly. 

“Will I see you again?” you ask, pulling away as you stare up at his doe-like eyes that made you fall for him in the first place. He smiles, and leans forward to kiss you on the lips for the very first time, and the last. You kiss him back, pouring all of your love into the only kiss you ever get to share with Jeon Jeongguk.

“One day, angel. When it’s time for you to see me again.” He pulls you into a hug again, wrapping you tight in his warm embrace. For the first time that night, you don’t feel the cold. All you can feel is Jeongguk’s warmth spreading all throughout your entire body. You close your eyes, relishing in the feeling of being wrapped in his arms.

“I love you, always remember that.” Jeongguk whispers. 

And when you open your eyes, he’s gone.

You take ragged breaths, wiping away the tears hastily as the coldness starts creeping into your heart again. You turn around, hoping to find a glimpse of his retreating form or even just his shadow but you find nothing. Not even a trace of his footsteps on the snow, or his scent lingering in the air.

It was as if Jeon Jeongguk was merely a figment of your imagination.

And you cry. You cry, and you cry your eyes out until you can’t breathe, until your throat hurts from screaming, until your mouth feels dry. You drop onto your knees, the snow seeping into your jeans, soaking your skin with the icy coldness. But it still can’t compare to the ice that has now fully coated your breaking heart.

iii.

“Y/N? Y/N, can you hear me?” A masculine voice calls out in the darkness, and you squint your eyes, opening them slowly. A bright, white light greets you, and when your eyes finally adjust to the brightness, you’re staring into the eyes of a doctor.

“Hello, Y/N. I’m Doctor Kim. How are you feeling?” He asks gently, giving you a gentle reassuring smile. Doctor Kim is young, seemingly only a few years older than you, with black hair pushed back against his forehead, and full, pink lips. He seems more like an older brother than a doctor with his warm smile.

“I’m okay, I guess…” you trail off, your hands flat against the bed as you try to push yourself up to a sitting position. Doctor Kim immediately goes over to your side, helping you sit up. “What happened?” you ask, as Doctor Kim sits down beside you.

“You got into a car accident, Y/N. You were in a coma for a year.” He tells you, as your brain tries to process everything in. “You remember your name, so you most likely didn’t lose your memory. Or is there anything you don’t remember?”

You try to think. You know your full name, and your birthday. You know your parents’ names. You know where you study, what you’re taking up, and even some of the professors you hate the most. You know your friends, and the name of your pet. 

You shake your head, and Doctor Kim smiles at you. “Great. Seeing as there’s nothing wrong with you, you’re free to go. Your parents are already filling out the forms so you’ll be out by tomorrow. If ever you suddenly realize that you’re missing a piece of your memory, don’t hesitate to contact us right away. Aside from that, you’ll also have weekly check-ups with me until I’m fully assured that you’re okay.”

You give him a nod and a small smile. “I understand. Thank you, Doctor.” He gives you a curt nod before slipping out of the room quietly. You let out a long tired sigh, despite just having woken up from a coma. You lean back on the bed, your mind racing with a million thoughts.

You didn’t tell him, but you were sure you were missing something. You didn’t know what, exactly, so you decided against telling him. What would you even tell him anyway? Your gut tells you something’s missing but you don’t know what it is? That wouldn’t make sense anyway.

“Y/N! You’re awake now!” A bright, cheery voice snaps you out of your thoughts, and your eyes land on a smiling, blonde haired boy.

“Chan,” the name falls off your lips with ease, your heart warming up at the sight of your best friend. He rushes over to your side, grabbing your hand to grasp it in his. The gentleness of his hand holding yours feels familiar and you feel yourself smiling. 

“I was so scared you lost your memory and forgot about me,” Chan sighs, his eyes looking downcast. You squeeze his hand gently. 

“How could I forget the only person who always drags me to work out at the gym with him against my own will?” you tease and he lets out a loud laugh.

“I won’t drag you along with me now. At least, not until you’ve fully recovered,” he winks and you give him a playful roll of your eyes as he smiles wistfully at you.

“What is it?” you ask, tilting your head as you study his expression.

He shakes his head, pursing his lips. “Nothing. I’m just glad you remember everything.”

Chan spends a few more hours with you before he has to leave, saying he still needs to work on a few more of his songs. He gives you one last hug before leaving you alone to your thoughts once more.

Everything feels weird. Everything about Chan still feels the same. He’s still your best friend, and there’s still that familiar warmth of his hand holding yours. His laugh still sounds the same. Nothing’s different, nothing feels unfamiliar.

But why does it feel like you can feel a warm hand holding yours long after Chan’s hand lets go of it? Why does it feel like you can hear someone else’s laughter ringing in the silence long after Chan’s laughter has died down?

The next day you find yourself back at home, missing the familiar, homey scent of your surroundings. This was definitely better than the bleach and betadine trademark scent of the hospital. Your parents leave you to collect your thoughts, giving you some time and space to yourself first. 

You climb up the stairs to your room, feeling drained from the car ride back home. You had a long day, and it was past five in the afternoon. The sky was dark already, since you were still early into January and still a few months away from blooming flowers and cherry blossoms falling. You climb under your covers, smiling at how familiar it all feels.

Still, something’s crawling at the back of your mind when you turn on your side. Your hand reaches out, feeling the sheets, hoping to find some sort of answer to the nagging question you’ve had since yesterday. 

What were you missing?

Sleep eventually consumes you and your eyes shut close, momentarily putting a halt on the nonstop thinking.

You missed dinner and it’s already 12:15 am when a strong breeze blows in through your room, pushing your windows open. The strong gust of wind hits your bare skin, and the coolness wakes you up with a shiver. Your eyes glance at the clock on your bedside and as the red numbers glare at you, your eyes widen.

You remember his doe-like eyes and his giggles full of mirth. You remember the little scar on his left cheek and his plush lips. You remember his soulful voice when he sang for you and how he holds you in his arms when you dance around in your room into the late night. You remember him taking his coat off to wrap you in it the first time you met. You remember him telling you you’ll get sick if you continued crying. You remember feeling his warmth surround you during your first meeting. You remember how he holds your hands in his, how he hugs you with so much care. You remember how he picked up the broken pieces of your shattered heart that night, putting it back together little by little, piece by piece over the days, weeks, and months that you got to know him. 

You remember how he snuck into your room that night, reminding you that it’s been one year since you met at that frozen lake that holds so much sentimental value for you. You remember telling him you love him, and how he tells you he feels the exact same way. You remember falling asleep in his arms that night, you remember his soft lips against your forehead kissing you good night.

You remember how he leaves you that same day, telling you to still be happy even without him. You remember kissing him for the first and last time. You remember clutching onto his embrace, hearing him say he loves you one last time before opening your eyes and finding no trace of him anywhere.

You remember every moment, every memory, every fleeting moment you had with him. You remember how he made you feel — every time he made you laugh, every time he made you feel loved. 

You remember him. You remember Jeon Jeongguk. 

Tears start streaming down your face as you grab your phone, searching his name through your contacts. But you find nothing. Your fingers type out his number instead, memorizing it by heart, but your call goes straight to voicemail. You don’t stop there, you pull up almost every social media account you have, hoping to find any trace of him in your friends or your following list. You remember taking a thousand pictures with him, posting them all the time.

But there’s nothing about him. Your breathing gets ragged as your fingers fumble through your phone, calling your best friend. Knowing him, he’s still awake at this hour.

“Y/N? Hey, why are you still-”

“Chan? Chan, where’s Jeongguk? Did he tell you where he’s going? He never told me but maybe you know where he is?” You cut him off, tears still streaming down your face as you stutter out your inquiries.

“Jeongguk? Y/N, where are you? Are you outside? I’m going to pick you up, tell me where you are.” Chan says worriedly, and you can hear him cursing lowly under his breath and the sounds of keys jingling in the background.

“No, I’m at home. Chan, where is he? Why did he go? Why did he leave me without telling me where he’s going?” You’re sobbing into the phone now and Chan’s door shuts behind him as he sighs.

“Y/N, I need you to stay there until I get to you, okay? Wait for me.” You shake your head but remember he can’t see you.

“Chan, just tell me where he is. Please.” You’re begging now and you can feel the heartbreak rising up your throat, making you feel suffocated. You can’t breathe properly, but the next words you hear knock the breath out of your lungs.

“He’s dead, Y/N. He died saving you.”

iv.

“You were crossing the street when he saw you. He immediately ran over to push you out of the way. Your head hit the pavement, but he couldn’t get out of the way in time to save himself. He died the moment you both made it to the hospital.” Chan tells you slowly, his car coming to a stop by the park. Tears were flowing silently down your cheeks.

“But I met him, Chan. I spent an entire year with him.” you try to insist, turning over to face Chan whose eyes are glossy with tears now. 

“You were in a coma, Y/N. You didn’t know each other before the accident either. How could you have possibly met him?” Chan sighs.

“Chan, I loved him for an entire year! Was he just a figment of my imagination then?” You cry louder, your heart breaking. Chan looks up in thought with a sad sigh, before turning to face you.

“Dead people have regrets. Jeongguk must have had his own regrets and didn’t want to leave just yet. Your wandering soul met his ghost that same night. But after spending a year loving you, he has to go. Maybe all he wanted was to make you happy. And now that he’s accomplished that, his time is up.” Chan explains and you close your eyes tightly, wishing for all of this to just be a huge nightmare.

But it isn’t.

“Can I get some fresh air for a bit?” You ask and Chan leans over the console to give you a hug. He opens the door from behind you and you give him a grateful smile before heading out. Your feet lead you to the very same spot again. 

And just like the last time you were here, the lake is frozen over. Everything feels like déjà vu again. You crouch down on your knees with a sad, long sigh, your tears slowing down as they fall past your cheeks and down your chin.

You’re going to have to be happy without me now, okay?

I can’t stay here with you, Y/N.

Even when I’m gone, I’ll always be here,

I’m never going to truly leave you behind, Y/N. But I need you to be happy even without me. Can you promise me that?

It’s going to be hard, but can you do it? For me?

I love you, always remember that.

His last words ring in your ears, your hands coming up to clutch your chest as you feel your heartbeat. The wind blows softly, your hair fluttering in the wind as you wait for the usual shiver to come.

But you don’t feel it. Instead, you feel a blanket of warmth envelop you and you stop crying.

It’s barely there, but you can feel it. You can feel him. 

“Jeongguk.” You whisper softly, your breath raspy from crying so much.

“I told you you’re going to get sick if you keep crying in this weather, angel. Why do you love crying in the winter?” His gentle voice rings in your ears and you bite on your lower lip to prevent yourself from crying again. 

“I miss you.” you answer simply, and a gentle breeze blows again as you feel a soft kiss on your hair.

“I miss you too. But please be happy, okay? Don’t blame yourself. I never regret saving you that night, not even once.” He says gently as you nod rapidly. “I’ll see you soon, I’m going to wait for you. I love you, I always have, I always will.” 

You’re scared he’s going to leave again like last time without hearing you say the words back, but his warmth still surrounds you. “I love you too.”

And as the words leave your lips and form into clouds of smoke into the cold, dark night, the warmth surrounding you slowly disappears, leaving you with the familiar, stinging, cold winter air. Jeongguk always calls you angel but you realize that after all this time, he was your angel. From the moment he saved you that night, to piecing your broken heart back together, up until his last ‘I love you’, he’s been your angel.

And he always will be.

#jungkook scenarios #btsboulangerie #btsghostie #btsghostiebingo #jungkook x reader #jungkook imagines #jungkook angst #jungkook fluff #bts scenarios #bts imagines #bts x reader #nise writes

[jiminssizzles]

Track 1: Daylight

Summary: Eunice expects this vacation to help her relax a bit and to meet her long time internet bestfriend, Gail. What she didn’t expect is she’ll meet Park Jimin too, and he’s not that ordinary.

Pairing: Park Jimin x OC

Genre: fluff, crack, angst (if you squint), and more fluff

Rating: PG

Warning: Pining is kinda annoying, but we’ll get through it. :>

Word Count: 14k+

Author’s Note: I would like to thank my amazing, talented and artistic friend, @minyoongail​ for proofreading, judging the genre, creating the warning and this AMAAAZING moodboard. :> 

Intro // Next Track

• ○ • ● • ○ •

“Are you really going?” Gail asked Eunice as she rolls on her bed.

“Only for a month.” Eunice paused for a while, deciding to tease her best friend a little. “Mom did not stop bugging me until I agree. As much as I want to be here on the peak season, I think I also need a breather from all the planning at work and the overflowing orders in the business I’ve been handling.”

Gail screamed on the other line, “The heck is with that voice! You’re going to K O R E A, and you’ll finally get to meet M E, your B E ST F R I E N D.” Eunice might not let Gail know this, but she is also excited to finally see and meet her.

“Who says I’m staying in Seoul? I’m not! You know that.” Eunice replied while piling her clothes on top of her bed. She tried her best to arrange her luggage when she also knows best that she can’t do this alone.

“You’re staying here for a month and you can’t even give 3 days or a week to me? Unbelievable, Eunice.” She held back her laugh, eventually giving up on teasing Gail. “I’m just joking, how are you so gullible?” Eunice answered. “Of course, I’m coming to see you. I’ll see you on the last week of my stay, okay? I’ll tell my mom that I’ll be going to Seoul before we go home.”

Gail squealed. Until now, Eunice don’t know how she became this close to Gail. She just remembers crowdsourcing on Facebook to find her a Graphic Artist that can design the logo of her online shop that sells earrings… 2 years later, the two of you still talk every damn day.

“Thank you for reassuring me, my best friend.” Gail’s giddiness can be felt even if this is just a phone call. “You know how I feel about meeting someone from the online world for the first time.”

“What? What do you feel? Regret? Hatred?” Eunice joked. “Stupid. I feel excited!” Gail defended herself.

“Whatever you say, Gail.” Eunice knows how much Gail hates talking about meeting up with the people you met online. She even told Eunice that she is the only exception as she’s not going to make the same mistake twice, but that’s not Eunice’s story to tell.

“Hey, I have to hang up. Still need to finish packing and my flight is early tomorrow.” The two bid each other goodbye and hang up.

Eunice lays on her bed along with her pile of clothes. She stared at her best picks and realized one thing – they’re either black, white or army green. She decided to at least get her shoes before completely collapsing in bed. Black boots, black sneakers, black slip ons – why do I have the same color of shoes but in different types? She whispered to herself.

“Fuck this. Can you all just walk yourselves to my bag?” This is how she slowly gave up as she knows that she’s not that good at organizing things.

• ○ • ● • ○ •

Eunice settled on the bedroom given to her by her aunt in Busan. She has 3 weeks to enjoy everything here before she goes to Seoul to meet Gail on her 4th week here in Korea.

After arranging her things in the closet, she heard her Aunt call her from downstairs. While they were having dinner, her Aunt asked her for help on the Karaoke Place she owns. This is her business ever since she moved here in Busan. She told Eunice that she has a promo for 3 days that will need an extra hand in the place as they will be jam-packed, said her Aunt.

Since she still doesn’t have anything planned on her vacation, she decided to say yes to her Aunt.

Her aunt was right. Eunice arrived early at the karaoke place that her aunt owns but it’s already jam-packed. She didn’t know that karaoke places in Korea are popular.

“Imo, is it always like this?” She asked her aunt as she finished leading the family who reserved the largest VIP room.

“No, mija.” Aunt Jess handed Eunice the tray of complimentary drinks so she can serve the people she led to the VIP room. “It’s just that I wanted the business to be known before the holiday season arrives so I’m at 50% off right now.”

She clicked her tongue while pointing at her aunt approvingly. “Now I know where I got my business skills from.”

As she’s not yet used to carrying trays with multiple glasses, she carefully made her way to the VIP room. While being lost in thought, a boy wearing an all black outfit stopped in front of her.

“Can I help you?” The both of them asked in Korean. Both shocked with how they said the same sentence in the same tone, they both try again.

“No—I mean, do you work here?” Eunice asked first. He gave her a shy smile, but that shy smile formed crescents in his eyes and made his cheekbones sharper, although she’s not really sure as he’s wearing a face mask. “Ani. I just figured that you’re going to the VIP room. I’m on my way to the front desk anyway. I’m a guest.”

“You’re a guest? I’m sorry, sir.” Eunice slightly bowed. “I’ll just take this to your room, but what do you need from the front desk? I can assist you, you know.”

“Sir? You’re not from here, aren’t you?” He asked. As much as she is interested in talking to him longer, she’s also thinking about why is he prolonging this conversation. “Nah. Just staying for a vacation.”

“I’ll take this.” He took the tray from her. “My family’s a regular here. I’ll take this to them and you can accompany me back to the front desk.” He did not even wait for her answer as he took the drinks to the VIP room which is just 5 steps away from where the two of them are right now. It did not take him long before he got back.

“I’m Jimin, by the way.” He started walking, so she walked with him. “I’m Eunice.” Her hand automatically implied that she want to shake hands with him, out of habit. He quickly took it and smiled at her, although all she can see is his eyes.

He did not stop making small conversations as the two of them walked to the front desk. “Well, here we are.” Eunice made her way behind the front desk to accommodate him. He immediately handed his credit card to her. “Please use this for the VIP room we reserved.” It was a black card and even though she doesn’t live in Korea, she knows that this is only for filthy rich people.

She was about to say something when he placed his cute finger in front of his mouth signing shh, “Don’t don’t don’t react.” He says shyly. “I was just gonna say that you can pay later,” as she tries to defend herself. “Yeah, I know. It’s just that we made this reservation for about 2 months ago and we keep on moving and moving and moving it that’s why I’m already shy, plus your aunt is really accommodating when it comes to my family – at least that’s what they always tell me.” Although his mask is covering almost ¾ of his face, she’s still sure that he’s smiling right now.

“Alright.” was all she can say. She started processing his payment and realized that everything is already pre-ordered including the food that the crew are about to serve to them. “Way ahead of your time, sir,” she commented. He nodded slowly, “I am. I am.”

After processing his payment, he said his thanks and went back to the VIP room. She knows that she is crushing on him from the time that he offered her help with the tray, but she also knows that this day would end and she would not care again for those little crushes she makes while interacting through the day. This is what she lives by – that if it would not matter in the end of the day, then maybe it’s not something to stay.

After the first half of her shift, she decided to tell her aunt that she’s going on a break. On her way out, her aunt tapped her shoulder again to give her money. “Imo, it’s fine! I can manage.” She rejected her offer with respect, thinking that she’s adopting her for a month and she can’t just accept more because then she’ll be too shy. She gave her a pinch on your left cheek. “You’re not here every year, at least let me make up for all the years that I could’ve been with you guys back home.” She just smiled and accepted the money. “I still love your cheeks, you fluffball. Also, I’m calling it a day for you. All of the reservations are well taken care of. You can just come back tomorrow.” She said while smiling brightly.

Once she was out of the karaoke place, she pulled out her phone from her pocket so she can look for a coffee shop in the area. She’s dying to continue reading the “City of Fallen Angels” from The Mortal Instruments series. She feels grateful that she wore an all black outfit completing it with a leather jacket and Timberland boots as the cold winds gently brushes through her. It’s cold here but she couldn’t care less, she loves the cold so much.

“Hey, it’s Eunice, right?” She turned to her left and saw Jimin. “Oh, Jimin. You’re done?” She tilted her head slightly to look at his family. He’s still wearing his mask which she finds necessary since it’s really cold outside. “Yeah, we are.” She saw his family still talking to her aunt while giving their thanks. “Are you going home?” He asked.

Her eyes went from him, to the phone and book she’s holding. “I was hoping to spend my time in a coffee shop, but I’m still searching for coffee shops nearby.” She honestly said. He quickly glanced at his family. “Uhm, I know this may sound odd, but do you mind if I go with you? I swear I know the area like the back of my hand. I grew up here. I also know where we can go.”

He looks harmless to her, though, she wanted to see what’s under that face mask. He might feel that she’s judgmental if she wanted to see his face first, but her stubborn mouth failed to control itself. “I guess it’s okay… but can I at least see what you look like? My mom told me not to go with someone if I feel suspicious about them.” He sighed and answered, “I understand. Wait here, okay?” She just nodded while he ran to his family.

She noticed how cute his little movements are. Yes, he’s wearing an all black outfit (the same as her) but his jacket is so fluffy and the scarf tied in his neck is a great addition to the cuteness of him as a whole. She just looks at him while he talks to them quickly and now she sees them waving goodbye to him.. and to her. She also waved at them and sees him running back to her.

“Well, yeah, okay, I’ll show you my face, but not here.” He answered when he got back. “Why? Are you wanted?” Eunice teased him. “Wanted by many.” He quickly replied and teased her back while moving his eyebrows up and down. “I know you got a smug face under that face mask.” She can’t help rolling her eyes at him. “Just show me where can we drink coffee.” She finally agreed.

She walks with him for a few blocks. As someone who is usually in the office or at home, she’s thankful that she finally gets to stretch her legs again and just feel the cold breeze. “I swear, we’re near the coffee shop.” He blurts out.

“What? I’m not even complaining.” Eunice continued looking around and familiarizing herself with the place. “Just making sure you’re not getting bored of me.” Jimin said. She just nodded and gave him a small smile.

While familiarizing herself with the place, she also noticed that she’s also familiarizing herself of Jimin – the way he walks, the way he talks, the way he doesn’t stop brushing his silver hair using his fingers and the way his chinky eyes look like he could not see anything when he smiles. Jimin caught Eunice staring so she immediately trained her eyes to the ground.

“Here we are.” She looked up and saw a coffee shop that looks rustic and is surrounded by plants and trees. “Coffee Park, huh.” Jimin just smiled at the mention of the name he came up with and pulled open the door for her. “Let’s go?”

Jimin looked around and saw that nothing much has changed in the coffee shop that he started way back in 2016. This kept him busy before they went to the Wings Tour. He gave her a glance as he attempts to share that this is his own coffee shop, but he ended up staring at Eunice as she stares at the menu behind the cashier.

Jimin noticed her chubby cheeks, her eyebrows that are naturally perfect, her eyelashes, her lips that are twitching while her eyes are fixated on the menu in front of her. He thought of how cute her short hair rests well on her shoulders, and how cute those big curls on its ends. Here I am again with a short-haired girl. He thought.

 “What?” Eunice asked Jimin when she noticed the staring. He quickly looked away. “What would you like to order?” He fixed his eyes on the menu also and Eunice tried to stop herself from smiling. “I’ll get a caramel flavoured iced coffee. How about you?” She turned to face him.

“Okay.” He replied. Jimin walked to the counter and she saw the man’s surprised look when Jimin stood there. “Jimin!” The man behind the counter exclaimed. “When did you arrive?” She heard him ask Jimin. Since she’s already awkwardly standing there while watching them, she made it more awkward by standing next to Jimin with the intention of giving her money to him just in case he wants to order for the two of you.

“I just arrived last night. How are you, Soo Ri?” He replied to the man behind the counter. She noticed herself looking around just so she would not look stupid, when she already knows she looks stupid. “Oh, Soo Ri, this is Eunice. Eunice, this is Soo Ri, one of my friends from middle school.” Eunice smiled at Soo Ri and bowed a little.

“Nice to meet you, Eunice! What can I get the two of you? I’m sorry for beaming at Jimin, I didn’t realize he had someone with him.” He started pressing the touch screen in front of him. “Eunice wants a caramel iced coffee and I’ll get my usual.” Jimin answered for both of them. Eunice handed him the money, but he’s quick to reject it.

After rejecting it, Eunice handed it over to Soo Ri, since he’s the cashier, not Jimin, after all. To her surprise, Soo Ri rejected her payment, too. “It’s on the house, Eunice. Don’t worry about it. Just go relax yourselves and I’ll bring your coffee to you.” He just smiled and started  making the orders. Jimin just smiled at Eunice and asked her to walk to the couch that he’s eyeing on.

The interior of the coffee shop looks rustic to her as outside, but she appreciates that each table with couches is inside a cubicle making it more private for each customer. Jimin waited for her to sit first. Eunice stayed silent because she doesn’t really know what to tell him and what his intentions are for going with her. She’s just guessing that the heavens are blessing her on the first day here so she’ll have a good memory when she gets home, or Jimin is just plain bored.

Jimin took his seat in front of Eunice. After he settled down, he removed his face mask so quickly that she did not even get to be ready to see his face. He smiled and Eunice knew that was it. She certainly had a crush on him, but she knows herself, she wouldn’t even let him notice. With that trained poker face of hers, she just said, “I’m glad you don’t look like a burglar.”

He laughed, “What a judgmental girl.” Eunice knows he was joking, so she laughed with him instead. Eunice can’t tell him that he’s so gorgeous, that he can’t say anything to his face ‘cause look at his face, and that she would admit that even if he’s a guy, he’s a whole lot prettier than her. “I’m not!” She’s quick to retort. “I’m just wondering why’d you go with me. We barely know each other.”

Jimin scrunched his nose a little, “I just want to be friends with you.” She just nodded at his reply, “And why is that?” She asked again. “No reason. It’s not everyday I meet someone new so I thought I’d like to be friends with you.” Jimin knows it’s a lame reason, but she seems to take it well. Not long after that, Soo Ri arrived with the drinks while he gave two cheesecakes to the both of you. Eunice just said her thanks then looked at Jimin again.

“Why is this free?” Eunice blatantly asked. “I’m thankful but I just want to know.” She tried best to sound calm and friendly as possible. Her friends back home always complain that it’s either she doesn’t talk, or she talks like she’s mad all the time. Jimin, on the other hand, is still surprised that she doesn’t know him. Sure, BTS is worldwide famous like how Jin is worldwide handsome, but he’s never encountered someone like her who doesn’t even react with You look familiar to him.

“The coffee shop is mine.” Jimin answered shortly. “Jinjja? Wow wow woooow!” Eunice answered giddily. “Yes, it’s mine that’s why this is free and you’re my friend now so you can come here anytime you want and get freebies as much as you want.” Jimin smiled to himself when she saw her beaming at the information. Maybe this is why he wanted to spend time with her. It’s been a while since he felt normal. Not Park Jimin, BTS member that is followed around by cameras every day, he’s just Jimin right now. He liked how unamused she is of his presence and although he’s curious of her not having a slight idea of BTS, he’s still grateful.

“You’re joking when you said that I can get everything for free anytime.” Eunice accused him of lying. Of course, he still needed profit from his business. “Nope, I’m not.” He said as he takes his first bite of the cheesecake. “I’m staying here for 3 weeks, Jimin.” She joked. “Fine with me.  You can get your coffee here everyday.”

“I’m not gonna do that.” She replied, breaking the joke. “You still need to have profit, you know. I support my friends’ businesses, no matter how big or small.”

“Trust me, Eunice. This is just a past time, so it’s okay.. but if you say so, suit yourself.” He smiled again. He always just smiles at her cutely and scrunches his nose that the two of you did not even notice that you’ve been throwing each other questions for an hour now.

“So, where are you going after your 3 week stay here?” He is now leaning on the couch in front. He started to get comfortable with her although she feels like he’s still hiding his face as he does his best to turn his back to the public eye, but she did not ask him what it is about.

“To Seoul. I’m going to meet my online best friend there.” Eunice suddenly remembered that she hasn't told Gail that she’s here in Busan with a cute guy. She just took a mental note to share it with her later once she’s back in her aunt’s house. “How sure are you that she’s real?” Jimin asked.

“She’s real because we’ve done a lot of video calls in the past and we talk all the time.” Eunice defended herself and Gail from him. He just laughed. “I’m going to Seoul too almost as the same time as you. I stay there most times. Who knows? I might know your best friend.” Jimin just told her that when he’s sure that he doesn’t know Gail. His friends are not that many and he spends most of his time with the 6 boys.

“Hmmm. I’ll let you see her. Wait wait.” She quickly scanned through her gallery which gave Jimin time to stare again. He knows it’s too early to think about wanting to date Eunice, but he was already considering giving it a try. This is just your first day of being friends, but he never met someone as familiar as her. He’s not sure if he’s feeling familiar or if it’s still because not everyone treats him as normal as she does. Eunice turned her phone to face him, showing Gail to him.

“This is a screenshot from our video call last night.” She pointed at Gail’s face. “This is her. She’s a Graphic Artist in Seoul. She loves art so much that she even drew on her wall.” Eunice noticed Jimin staring at the picture that she’s showing. “What? Do you want me to introduce you to her?” She’s very kind to offer even if he’s cute and way out of her league and she wants him for herself.

“That’s not necessary.” He replied with a cough. “Oh, I thought you wanted to meet her since you’re staring at her intensely.” Eunice teased. “I’m not! I’m just thinking if I’ve ever seen her somewhere before just so I can help you identify her right away when you’re in Seoul.” Jimin defended. “So, what do you do for a living?” Jimin suddenly asked, completely veering away from the topic that is Gail.

“I have office work during the day and I handle my small earrings business all the time.” Eunice replied with enthusiasm. She knows she’s here to relax, but she can’t help talking about things that interest her – that is her work and her business, no matter how stressful it gets. “Really? I love earrings!” Jimin exclaimed.

Eunice started telling him how she got into the earrings business. Jimin just listens to her intently while his mind wanders back on the picture of Gail showed to him. It’s not Gail he’s staring at. He’s staring at the shelf above Gail’s bed as he saw a complete set of BTS album merchandise from 2 Cool 4 Skool up to Persona. Now, he’s wondering if Eunice doesn’t really know him or she just doesn't want to tell him. Then again, maybe Gail hasn’t mentioned BTS to her ever. But still, the thought lingers in Jimin’s mind.

“Since you’ll be giving me coffee for my whole stay here, do you want to get the whole set of my newly designed earrings for men this year?” Eunice asked him, but also backed down right away. “But considering you’re filthy rich, I doubt those are in any match of the collection that you have.”

Jimin flicked his finger on her forehead. “I am not filthy rich! I have been telling you since we went out of that karaoke place! And yes, I would love to have the whole set. That would suffice for all the coffee that you’ll be getting from me.” Jimin is happy that she’s finally welcoming the idea of getting coffee here anytime she wants. That would mean there would be a lot of times that he would see her.

“Okay. I’ll give it to you before we part ways. I’ll have it shipped here in Busan.” Eunice answered. “Wow, you’re like a CEO.” Jimin answered playfully. “So are you, Mr. Park Jimin of Coffee Park.” The two of them did not stop bickering on who gets more for a living when his phone suddenly lit up, showing his eomma’s contact name. He mouthed the word ‘wait’ before answering.

“Eomma, is everything alright?” .. “I’m here at the coffee shop.” .. “No, no, I’m still with Eunice.” .. “What? What do you mean JK and Hobi-hyung?” .. “Oh, okay. Wait, eomma.”

Jimin looked at her while he covered his phone with his cute hand. “Eomma is asking if you want to have dinner in our house. I also have some friends over there that you might want to meet. I mean, I would like to introduce you to them.” He already asked, but why does he look shy all of a sudden, but this is more embarrassing for her so she’s quick to reject the offer as lightly as she can. “Oh, I can’t tonight, Jimin. It’s my first night to have dinner in imo’s house and some of our relatives will be coming over to see me. I’m sorry!”

He gave you a thumbs up and went back to talking to his mom. “Yes, eomma. Yes, I really did ask her! Why are you doubting me?” He’s letting out soft giggles as he talks to his mom. “I’ll be home before dinner. Just please tell them to wait for me. Thank you, eomma¸ I’ll see you later.” He ended the phone call and faced Eunice again.

“Sorry about that. My mom didn’t believe me when I told her that I already asked you to come over. She thinks I’m chickening out or something.” He honestly said. “Chickening out? Are we like on a date or something?” She also honestly asked. “No.. noooo. It’s not that. She just haven’t seen me with a girl for so long that’s why she’s enthusiastic about me having a new girl friend.” He made sure to emphasize the space between girl and friend.

Eunice just nodded, not sure what to feel and what to react at that. “But don’t get me wrong, Eunice, okay? It’s not that I don’t want to date you.. I mean it’s not that I want to date you.. but you get me, right?” He looked at you with his puppy eyes as he seek for your affirmation.

“Why do you say a lot of words, Jimin?” Eunice jokes. They started laughing again and telling each other stories of their own separate lives.

• ○ • ● • ○ •

That night, Eunice went home with a smile on her face. She is in the mood to greet everybody happily and even stayed for a while downstairs to talk to her relatives. Her aunt is even funny for teasing her about Jimin. Everyone at Busan knows Jimin is an idol, but her Aunt Jess did not give even a slight clue that he is. She was surprised that Eunice doesn’t know that, but she just kept it to herself because if Jimin did not tell Eunice, maybe he has his own reasons.

Jimin came home immediately after walking Eunice home. He knows that Jungkook and Hobi might be pissed at him for making them wait that long, but he couldn’t care less. When he arrived, the two quickly tackled him and flicked his forehead a bunch of times.

“Ya! Stop that boys! It’s time for dinner!” Jimin felt relieved when he heard his mother calling them to the kitchen. He quickly pushed Jungkook and Hobi away from him and ran to the kitchen. “Eomma, they’re hurting me!” He joked while hugging his mother from behind. They just laughed it off and ate dinner.

Jungkook brought out the liquors they bought on their way to Jimin’s house. The three of them decided to meet up even if it’s Bangtan’s 1 month vacation at the moment. Jimin technically begged the two to hang out with him in Busan just so he would not be in his coffee shop all the time.

But things changed.

“Jimin-ssi, where have you been?” Hobi asked him while opening the first bottle of soju. “I was at Coffee Park.” He clinked his own bottle with Hobi’s and drank the first gulp.

“Your mother said that you were with a girl.” Jungkook declared with an accusing tone. Jimin pinched Jungkook’s cheek in reply, “Aigoo, is my Jungkookie jealous? I still love Jikook, don’t worry.” He joked. “Aish! I won’t find myself a girlfriend because all the girls are thinking that I’m with you!” Jungkook playfully punches his arm.

“Yes, I was with a girl.” Jimin confessed. “I just met her a while ago.”

“And?” Jungkook and Hobi said at the same time.

“And, I think I don’t need the two of you here anymore.”

“Aaaah!! You’re so mean!” Hobi placed his hand on top of his heart, acting really hurt. “Tell us what she’s like.” The sudden mood change made Jimin laugh.

“Well, for one, she doesn’t know BTS, but she knows the song Euphoria.” Jimin looked at Jungkook and mocked him. “This maknae gets everyone!!” He ranted. “But really, she doesn’t know BTS. I like it.. I mean, I like that she treats me normally. I miss that feeling. That feeling that people just treats me as Jimin. I only get that when I’m here at home, that’s why I’m always longing for home. It feels like I don’t need to put my walls up, and I can just be myself.”

“So you like her?” Jungkook asked. “On the first day of meeting her?!” Jimin jokingly raised his voice, “You don’t decide that you like someone on the first day, Kook!” He added.

“Ya! You never decide on these things, you just feel it.” Hobi interrupted Jimin and Jungkook. “I’m telling you, guys. The time you’ve known her doesn’t matter, let alone the way she treats you. If you like her, you like her.”

“Woooow. That’s really deep, Hobi-hyung! Too bad, I’m only excited right now for the tattoos I’m planning to ink on my arm!” Jungkook exclaimed.

“If that’s the case, Hobi-hyung, maybe I like her.” Jimin sighed. He is not really scared of liking girls, he’s scared of the aftermath. Dating will never be easy for idols. He accepted that long ago. He’s scared of liking Eunice, and what if Eunice likes him back? Will he ever give her the commitment she deserves? Will she accept that he’s only free for this month and he’s not even sure when he will be free again.

He’s scared of those things.

But he still found himself visiting Eunice the next day.

• ○ • ● • ○ •

For the next 2 days that Eunice has a shift in the karaoke place, Jimin always visits to ask her to go with him for coffee. Eunice hesitates at first, continuously teasing Jimin that he’s already a big boy and he can go grab coffee by himself – but drops it also and still goes with him.

Those 2 days turned into a week. After the first week, Jimin is already familiar with Eunice. Heck, familiar is not even the word, Jimin is already fond of Eunice. That talk with Hobi and Jungkook scared him a lot, but he can’t stop himself from picking her up and asking her to go to random adventures with him.

By that time, he had already noticed that Eunice liked wearing black or white or army green clothes, that she always carry a small notebook with her – for sudden writing ideas or design ideas for the earrings, that she is the boyish type of girl which always results in them trying to step on each others’ sneakers, that there are times wherein she’s just quiet because she’s too lazy to talk, and that she’s a whole individual that is okay and doesn’t need anyone else to make her happy.

That scared him also. Being friends with her is going great, but if he wanted to take this to another level, will he even have a place in her life?

• ○ • ● • ○ •

Eunice went straight to bed after doing her nightly rituals on a Wednesday night. She opened her phone gallery to browse photos of her stay in Busan. Who am I even kidding? She told herself. She opened her gallery to look at all the stolen pictures she’s had of Jimin from the past week. She just wanted to fill a photobook from this trip, but all of her fun time consists of either her family or Jimin.

She likes it when he’s around, although she always acts unbothered when she sees him outside the karaoke place or her aunt’s house. She has a stolen photo of Jimin from the first time they went to Coffee Park, or the 2nd and 3rd day he picked her up from the karaoke place to eat Korean street foods, or the 4th day when she finally got to eat legit Korean Barbeque, or the next days that they spend their time in the arcade, continuously bickering on who can get more tickets just because they both want the biggest stuffed toy there.

There’s a sudden message notification from KakaoTalk.. which is Jimin.

Jimin: Hey :)

Eunice: Yeah? What can I do for you?

Jimin: Remember how we talked about stars?

Eunice: Nope. I talked about stars, you talked about seagulls.

Jimin: Alright! Remember how you talk about your love for the stars and how I talk about my love for seagulls?

Eunice: Yes! I remember. That was a fun topic we had a while ago! :)

Eunice smiled a bit, while Jimin shook his head. Both lying on their beds, they both look like kids squirming on the sight of their favourite cartoon character.

Jimin: Ha. Ha. Guess what?

Eunice: What?

Jimin: I told you to guess, not make me say it easily, freak. 

Eunice: Jimin, are you taking me to see the stars?

Jimin: What

Jimin: How’d you ??

Eunice: Are we going on a trip?

Eunice: On your favorite rocket ship?

Jimin: Ha ha again, funny. 

Jimin: But yes, we’re going on a trip

Eunice: Jinjja? Did I say yes already? I’m sorry I quite forget things

Jimin: Hehe. I’m just about to ask you, but I know you’ll go with me so I just made a statement.

Eunice: *sigh sticker*

Jimin: You don’t wanna go? *pout sticker*

Eunice: Stop with that face

Eunice: Yeah, I’ll go. When do we leave?

Jimin: Yay!! I knew you’d come!!!! :) :) :D

Jimin: Tomorrow, afternoon. Let’s go to the grocery tomorrow morning and cook food we can take. :D :) :D

Eunice: God, why do you smile so much!! Okay meet me at 9?

Jimin: Okay!! See you tomorrow!! Goodnight, YOUnice.

Eunice: See you tomorrow. Goodnight, JiMEn.

Eunice wasn’t supposed to say yes. They’ve known each other for a week.. and days more, but she still doesn’t understand why Jimin goes with her or she doesn’t want to assume. Also, she doesn’t understand how and when did they become comfortable with just going out alone. Back home, she can die from awkwardness whenever she tries to bond with someone not close to her with no one else around. Things are just different with Jimin.

Her phone notification rang again. Seems like Jimin is not yet done, she thought to herself.

Jimin: Haha. Good one. Take extra clothes with you. We’re going back on Friday.

Eunice: What??????????????????? Who told you we can spend the night together, dumb

Jimin: I won’t bite you, dumber

Jimin: and who told you we’re sleeping together?

Jimin: Trust me on this one

Jimin: Can you trust me? Can you trust me?

Jimin silently laughs as his brother wants to sleep in his room that night. He doesn’t want to wake him up. After sending his last message, he realized that Eunice will not get the reference of Can you trust me? since she doesn’t know BTS. She probably doesn’t know Hold Me Tight, too.

Eunice: No

Jimin: But, I swear!! Trust me or you won’t get the stars you’ve always wanted

Eunice: I’ve known you for like 10 days

Eunice: How do you even know which string to pull on me?

Eunice: I kinda hate you

Eunice: But okay, I’ll bring extra clothes hahahahahahahaha

Jimin: Hahahahahahahahahahahhahaa thanks for trusting me

Eunice: No, that’s for the stars!! Goodnight, JiMEn

Jimin: Fine. Goodnight, YOUnice

Jimin: see you tomorrow!!!! :)

• ○ • ● • ○ •

It's already 8 AM and Eunice hasn't replied to Jimin yet. They agreed to meet at 9 AM but he feels like she's not yet awake.

He decided to just fetch her at home. He dropped by Coffee Park to get coffee for Eunice then went to her house.

Eunice's aunt opened the door for him. She beamed upon seeing Jimin on their doorstep. "Jimin!" She exclaimed. "Eunice is still in her room although I'm not sure if she's up. Come in!"

Jimin smiled and went inside the house. "We have scheduled something to do today and she asked me to meet up at 9. I was worried that she's still sleeping as she did not reply to me yet." He explained.

"Well, if that's the case, let me go check on her quick if you can enter her room. I overheard her still laughing at 2 AM last night when I went to the bathroom." Aunt Jess redirected Jimin to the couch. "Wait here, okay?"

He just nodded and sat down like the good boy that he is on the couch. Aunt Jess did not take long to go back to him and lead him to Eunice's bedroom.

"Are you sure that it's okay for me to go in?" Jimin asked, making sure that this is okay for them. "Yeah. Go. You're the only friend that she has here, unless you two are dating already?" Aunt Jess teased. "No! Not.. yet, I guess?" Jimin shyly smiled and brushed his silver hair out of habit. "I'm not forcing anything for the two of you anyway! Don't get too worked up." Aunt Jess giggled. "You two just look cute together. Just go in, Jimin. That's just Eunice. Don't tell me you're shy when you can perform in front of millions of people?" She teased again.

"Aunt Jess! She doesn't even know yet.." "I know that she doesn't know, but I think you have your reasons so just go. You can handle this." Aunt Jess opened the door for him and he just nodded his thanks.

Jimin wasn't wrong. Eunice is still asleep. She's facing the right side with a laptop in front of her. He thinks she fell asleep talking to Gail.

How is she still beautiful in her sleep? He thought, but shrugged right away. As much as he wants to just stare at her all day, they also need to move so they can push through on what he has planned.

Jimin sat on the floor, facing the bed. He placed the iced coffee on Eunice's bedside table, along with a stem of rose and sunflower. Tapping Eunice's shoulder repeatedly, he keeps on calling her name softly.

"Mmm?", Eunice stirred and moved a little.

"We have to go to the grocery, Eunice.." Still speaking softly to not freak her out.

"It's so early, Jimin." She turned on her left to face Jimin sitting on the floor. With still droopy eyes, "Why are you in my room?". Jimin just laughed and held her hand, "Come on. We're gonna be late."

"I smell coffee." Eunice softly said with her eyes still closed. She might not have noticed the things Jimin placed on her bedside table as it's really dark in her room, considering that she even had black curtains.

"Open your eyes, dumby.." Jimin squeezed her hand and gently tugs it. "..and get out of bed. We're wasting time."

She sighed in defeat, "Fine. Open the lights. I don't care, blind me." She joked, but Jimin did what she said. He flicked the light switch on and saw Eunice's reaction when she saw the iced coffee, sunflower and roses.

Eunice tried her best not to smile, but obviously she failed. "5 minutes, Jimin, please." She turned around again and pulled the blanket over her whole body including her face.

"Eunice.. we don't have time!" Jimin pulled the blanket from her and saw that she's a blushing mess which made him throw the blanket back to her.

"Fine. 5 minutes. I'll wait downstairs." He made his way outside the door and shut it. He held his chest and sighed deeply.

That's it, Jimin. He told himself. That's the reason you do this -- for that smile that makes your heart flutter and for that eyes that glisten with delight, especially if you're the reason.

• ○ • ● • ○ •

Both Jimin and Eunice finished with buying groceries and cooking an hour after lunch time. Aunt Jess didn't want to allow Eunice to spend the night somewhere far and with a boy, if she might add, but she also realized she's not a baby anymore and that boy is Jimin whom she knew even before he became an idol.

"Don't do anything stupid, you two." Aunt Jess helped closing the car door as the two settled inside the car. "Imo! Don't you trust us?" Eunice jokingly whined. "I do! I'm just reminding you. Have fun kids!"

The both of them waved their goodbyes as Jimin drove off. "Is it far?" Jimin raised an eyebrow without looking at Eunice. "The place where you're taking me, is it far?" Eunice repeated the question as she opened a bag of chips.

Automatically feeding Jimin, he reached for the chips using his mouth and started chewing. "Not really, an hour or two kind of drive. Are you excited?" He asks while giving Eunice a quick glance.

"A bit. But I'm sleepy. Will you be okay driving while I sleep?"

"Eunice, how are you sleepy all the time?"

"Ya! I did most of the cooking! You just peeled garlic." She protested which earned a laugh from Jimin.

"Okay, bubb. You can sleep."

"What does bubb even mean, Jimin?"

"When did you care what I call you? Just sleep, I'll wake you up when we arrive." 

Eunice closed her eyes and faced the window so Jimin would not see her smile. She really doesn't care what Jimin calls her. This time around, she can't restrain herself from asking because she knows 'bubb' is a form of endearment -- and Jimin is making her heart flutter when she cannot even remember the last time she felt it beating through her chest.

• ○ • ○ ● ○ • ● •

They arrived at the place at around 5 PM in the afternoon. Eunice took her time in taking the place in as Jimin went to get their things and food in the back of the car.

The place is well lit, with a lot of camper vans. It has a view of the sea and the beach. Each camper van has a small tent outside for dining purposes and a grill. There are also trees that has lanterns hung on its branches.

"Are we the only ones here?" Eunice asked Jimin as she helped him carry their things. "No. It's just an un-peak season."

"Who uses un-peak season?" Giggling at Jimin's words, "Well, shall we?" Jimin smiled at her with his natural crescent eyes and lead her to the camper van given to them.

Inside the camper van, there are 2 single beds, a sink, a table and a cabinet, both for food storage and clothes. The single beds are on both sides of the camper van. The both of them are quick to place their things on the bed and Jimin is the first one to head out.

"Come on, we still have time to catch the sunset." Jimin held out his hand when Eunice was hesitant to take it, but she didn't want to ruin the peace and quiet moment that they are sharing so she just took it.

They walked to the beach and chose a spot where they can sit. Jimin opened the two cans of beer that he took from their stack and handed one to Eunice. She saw Jimin's eyes lit up as soon as he saw seagulls flying which made the view more worthwhile to stare at. She trained her eyes back to Jimin and saw how amazed he is.

"I thought you grew up here in Busan? How come you don't visit your seagull friends often?" Although both of them are together everyday, they still try to get to know each other more without a mutual statement. The fact that their conversations are just a natural overflow makes them more drawn to each other, which they don't know how to handle in the first place.

"I did! But I left when I was a teen because I had something waiting for me in Seoul." Jimin said with a sigh. They've been talking a lot, but they never really went to the specifics -- like what does Jimin do in Seoul, or what is Eunice's company industry.

"What is that?" Still curious as she drank her beer. "I'll tell you when the time is right." Jimin answered with that which sends a message that the conversation should be shifted into something that is not.. well, this.

"You're not a drug lord, aren't you?" Eunice teased him to ease up the mood.

"I'm not! Why do you always assume that people are bad?!" He laughed.

"I don't, Jimin!" Eunice playfully punched his arm. "I'm just under the impression that people are good, but they are not perfect, and they will do something wrong to me once or more, but I'll still look on their good sides."

"Everyone makes mistakes, you know that, Eunice." Jimin quietly stated. As much as he wants to tell the truth that he is an idol, he doesn't want something to make Eunice feel how far they are apart. He already thought of the lingering cameras when he's in Seoul, or the fact that Bang PDnim doesn't like it when they date. He even remember him saying that he's the only one who knows who is for the seven of them.

Father figure to mother figure -- 99999%, Jimin thought.

The sun started to set while Jimin is thinking about those things.

"What if I do something wrong to you?" He can't help but ask. He does not even know if he can find the right timing to tell her about a big part of him, because that would also mean a big part of her will be exposed to the public -- that is, if they continue to be like this, always together.

He sees Eunice's eyes fixed on the setting sun, "We'll always have tomorrow to fix that, Jimin."

• ○ • ○ ● ○ • ● •

The two of them opted to go back to the camper van before they have dinner. They arranged their spaces in the camper van while Eunice played her music out loud from her phone."We still have time before dinner, right?" Grabbing her The City of Fallen Angels book, Eunice found a comfortable spot to read on.

Jimin simply nodded, singing along with what Eunice is playing. "You know what, I'm starting to think that Busan is the City of Fallen Angels." He said while looking at Eunice.

"Why is that so?" She asked, bringing the book down for a while.

"Because you look like one." He nonchalantly said and went out to set up their dinner. 

Eunice smiled and bit her bottom lip to stop herself from giggling. Jimin might be joking, or not, but he still makes her feel things that are foreign. Feelings that are already forgotten as it has been so long since she last really looked at a guy.

She went out and helped Jimin in setting up the dinner table outside the camper van. They took out the pasta that Eunice cooked earlier and the electric grill that they can use to cook barbeque. It all went by smoothly. They did not take their time eating dinner, considering that they are both eager to stargaze as soon as possible.

As soon as they finished dinner, Jimin held out his hand again. Eunice was hesitant to hold it again.

"Come on, bubb. Don't ruin the moment." He softly said while gazing at her with those gentle eyes and showing that inviting and shy smile. For the second time, that day, she took his hand again.

The walk to the beach is accompanied by a cool breeze. Jimin did not let go of her hand. He’s holding the blanket that they’re going to use on his other hand. She helped him spread the blanket out on the shore.

She was the first one to sit on the blanket, Jimin following right after. She can’t help but appreciate the surroundings -- how this view is perfect, how she can clearly see the full moon that reflects on the sea, how the stars shine brighter here since there are no city lights, and how Jimin is just sitting beside her, not saying a word, but she feels happy.

“Do you like it here?” Jimin suddenly asked. “Of course, I like it here. You’re the first one to take me stargazing.” She answered without looking at him. “That, and here, in Korea, do you like it here?” He clarified. “Yeah, I do, but I miss home, though.”

Jimin, wanting to know more about her, asked about her parents, life in school, pet’s name, and more. In exchange, she asked him the same questions which he answered wholeheartedly. 

“Do you have someone right now?” He laid down, putting his arm under his head. “Like a boyfriend, you mean?” Eunice arched a brow questioningly. “Yes. Do you?”

“No, I don’t. Wouldn’t be here with you if I have someone right now. Infidelity really ticks me off.” Eunice took a deep breath, “Liars also.” She added. Jimin sat upright again. “Really? I mean, all of us doesn’t want to be lied to.” He fiddled with his fingers, trying to find the right time to tell Eunice about the world he has in Seoul -- and outside it.

Jimin was about to tell Eunice when she suddenly asked, “How about you? How many girlfriends do you have?” He saw her laughing at her own accusing joke. “I don’t even have one right now!” He exclaimed, unconsciously brushing his silver hair with his fingers again.

If he can’t tell her that he’s an idol, at least, he wants to share something personal to her. “I had two girlfriends, though, obviously, none of them worked.”

“Why? Tell me about them!” Suddenly, she looks more interested. “What? I write, sometimes, Jimin. I really want to know about all sorts of love.” She states, in her defense.

“Alright, well, the first one did not work because she just wanted to try having a boyfriend. Turns out it was a one sided love and I was the only one who liked her that much.” Jimin saw Eunice pouted. “-- but that’s okay! We were in middle school back then. I just thought of it as a children’s lesson.”

“If you say so,” she removed her pout. “Then the second one?”

“The second one ended just earlier this year, we’ve been in an on and off relationship for 3 years. We fought about a lot of things, but mostly, it’s about the time.” Eunice just fidgets on her fingers, thinking about how recent that break up is and maybe they can still go on even with her here.

Why was she even thinking about her in Jimin’s life?

“Ya! It already ended earlier this year, I have no plans on getting back together. I deserve better.” Jimin said as he held her hand.

She just smiled at him, without removing her hand from his hold. Whatever this is that’s going on between them, none of them have the courage to ask. At least, they’re on the same page of knowing each other more before diving into a deeper level.

“I’ve had two boyfriends too. The first one was like your latest, we were on and off for four years. By the time that he changed, I don’t have it in me anymore to continue what we have. I just got tired, maybe. Just like you, I deserve better.” Eunice trained her eyes on Jimin’s thumb that is slowly grazing on her hand that he’s holding.

“Did he cheat?” He asked, giving her a slight pout. What a cutie. She thought. “Yeah, on the first year of our relationship, he did. At the time, I thought I could never find anyone like him so I forgave him when he apologized. Shit, right?”

“Yeah. Don’t do that again.” He smiled at her, urging her to go on with her story. “The second one was pure bliss!” She sighed. “We were really happy, I thought I finally found the one to spend my life with. I’m young, I know, but I was ready, and I was really looking forward to the future.”

Jimin felt a pang of jealousy. Why is he overreacting over something that’s already done? Besides, this is just a crush on Eunice.. or fondness? He didn’t know. One thing is clear, that he doesn’t want anyone to have her than him.

“Then, on the day of my birthday, he just blurted out that he doesn’t love me anymore.” Eunice gave Jimin a small smile, but he knew better. That memory hurt. “Why do people fall out of love when the two of you are perfectly okay? Maybe, I was the only one happy.” She added to her rants.

He cupped her face and gave her a reassuring smile, “You don’t have to go through that ever again.” He wanted to say a lot of words, but he feels like it’s too early, and he might scare her away. “When’s your birthday?” He asked.

“Hmmmm, some time in December.”

“Really? Two of my best friends are December babies too!” Jimin pinched her cheeks and kissed her forehead.

Eunice did not know how to react to that. She opted for, "Two of your best friends? How many do you even have?"

Jimin doesn't know how to react, so he just brushed it off and said, “We’ll go do something special on your birthday, okay? And I have six best friends.”

“That’s months away, Jimin. How sure are you that we still talk by then?” Jimin doesn’t know how to answer the question. Instead, he mustered all the courage that he could, silently wishing to the stars that this won’t go to waste, silently praying that the universe is still with him up to this day.

“Hm, how would you feel about dating me?” He bravely asked. Too early, his subconscious whispers.

He waited for a good ten seconds, twenty seconds, thirty seconds, with Eunice just staring at his face. “It’s okay if you don’t want to, I mean, we just met and---”

“I want to get to know you better.” Eunice cut him off, “--but okay, but I want it exclusive.” She whispers.

Jimin can’t help but smile, “Exclusively dating? You got it, bubb.”

Eunice just looked up to the stars, trying her best to hide her smile. She thought the universe’s luck left her already when her best relationship ended.

Guess it’s not the best yet.

• ○ • ○ ● ○ • ● •

"Imo, I'm going to miss you." Eunice hugged her Aunt Jess for the fifth time already. She wasn't due to return to Seoul for 3 days, but her manager from the office asked her if she could meet one of their suppliers while she's still in Korea. "Sucks to have a lot of commitments." She let out her pout that has been coming out since yesterday when she heard that she had to work on her vacation.

Aunt Jess pinched her cheeks, "I'm going to miss you too! Besides, I think I'll go visit you next year. I miss your mom too." Her Aunt gave her a kiss on her cheek and all the things she wanted her to take home in her home country. "Where's Jimin, anyway? I thought the two of you are going back to Seoul together."

"He's loading my things on his car. He told me to say goodbye to you since I'm so bummed that I had to work. Thank you for letting me stay, imo."

"You went here for vacation and you get a boyfriend? Aigoo, my mija is not a baby anymore." She teased. Jimin suddenly entered the front door and looked at Eunice, "Let's go?"

"Okay." Eunice gave one last hug to Aunt Jess, and so did Jimin. "You two take care, okay? Call me when you get to Seoul!"

• ○ • ○ ● ○ • ● •

"Bubba, wake up." Jimin tapped Eunice's cheek as they arrive before lunch time. "Stop drooling on my car seat." He joked.

Eunice's eyebrow scrunched, still with closed eyes. "I'm not. Let's eat, please." She opened her eyes and stretched before going out of the car.

"Is Gail here already?" Jimin went in front of Eunice and arranged her hair as she never finds it in herself to comb it when outside. "I'm not sure. I texted her already, though. How about JK? Is he nice?"

Since it's their first time meeting, she can't help being curious on how will it go. Gail for sure would be exciting, but meeting one of Jimin's friends?

Jimin was the first one to see Jungkook walking towards them. He waved and Eunice finally turned on his direction, finally seeing Jungkook for the first time.

"Jungkook?" She said.

Jungkook is definitely shocked, but Jimin's face is unimaginable. "You know Jungkook?" He asked Eunice.

"He sang Euphoria, right? Oh my god. Oh my fucking gosh. I think I'm gonna have a mental breakdown, bubb." She held her chest and looked at Jimin, pouting.

"You know Jungkook, but you don't know me? Aiiish, Eunice, you're on a different level of surprising me!" Jimin felt jealous at the time because he doesn't understand how she knows Jungkook, but not BTS, not even him.

"What do you mean I don't know you?" Eunice raised one of her eyebrows when she felt someone hug her from behind.

"Eunice! What the hell are you doing here outside? It's so nice to finally see you!" Gail hugged her tighter and only then did the two squealed in delight for seeing each other for the first time. "Gaaaaail! Hi! I miss you so much, it fugging hurts!" Eunice faced her and hugged her tighter.

"Who did you bring?" Gail asked then looked at the two guys behind Eunice. She was told that her best friend was dating someone. As for how the guy looks, Eunice wanted her to see for herself just so she could appreciate his glory more.

"Are you dating Park fucking Jimin or Jeon fucking Jungkook?!" Gail asked another question while Eunice is still lost.

"How do you know Jimin?" Eunice asked. She saw Jungkook facepalmed himself and looked at Jimin in a funny way.

Gail held Eunice's hands, "Eunice, honey, remember how I told you to fucking check out BTS for once but you never listened to me?" Eunice nodded, finally putting the pieces together.

"You're an idol?" She finally asked Jimin.

"I am." He answered, nervously. The shock is evident in Eunice's voice, but it's mixed with something more - like wonder, answers, and an unspoken why didn't you tell me this?

Gail, knowing her best friend too well, just braced herself on how Eunice is going to react.

"And you did not tell me? Wow, and you told me you hate being lied to also."

"But, I didn't lie." Jungkook made a face that looks like he's telling Jimin to not answer like that again.

Gail, also feeling awkward on being present on this conversation, took a step back beside Jungkook. "Yes, you didn't, but I thought we were getting to know each other and I was kept in the dark on a big part of you." Eunice voiced out and went to Jimin's car to grab her things.

"Eunice, come on. It's not a big deal.. I'll explain." Jimin tried to stop her from pulling her stuff from his car. 

"I just need.. time, Jimin. Can you give me that? I know it's not a big deal, maybe it's not, for you. These past few weeks, I've been baring my soul to you, not letting a single detail slip unsaid, because I want you to know me. Now, I finally understood why imo always tells me to be lowkey with you. Imagine if we weren't this careful." Eunice looked around, taking in the sight of a private villa that Jimin rented for them, telling her that it'd be better if they can just lounge with their best friends.

"Come on, Gail." Eunice left Gail with no choice so she just helped her carry her stuff. Before leaving, Eunice gave Jungkook a small bow. "I'm sorry, Jungkook. It was nice meeting you."

Then they left.

• ○ • ○ ● ○ • ● •

Eunice is slumped on Gail's living room couch, eating a pint of cookies and cream ice cream to clear her mind.. and also to suffice for the meal they missed due to what happened earlier.

She was about to take a spoonful of ice cream in her mouth when Gail smacked the back of her head. "You always tell me stories on how stubborn you are, what a way to prove it to me on our first day meeting!" So it starts, the lecturing starts.

Scanning the surroundings, Gail's bed is already on view as she lives on a studio type apartment. Apart from the wall that she always sees whenever they do video calls, she also saw the other side of the room wherein a lot of BTS posters were stuck on the wall. Eunice can't help but look at all the Jimin versions existing. Jimin with dark hair, with orange hair, with pink hair. She felt that pang in her chest for not seeing the signs earlier. All those trying to not be seen in public, and the lack of social media pages, plus the lack of details when it comes to what he does in Seoul.

"Gail, you've known him for a good lot of years, compared to me." Eunice finally venting out. "I'm jealous. I feel like I can ask you all about Jimin and you can answer all of it right."

"Eunice, listen to me. I know Jimin as an idol, but I don't know him on a personal level. Don't give me that shit right now." She waved Eunice's argument off.

"This is all your fault." Pouting, Eunice threw a chip on Gail. "How is this my fault?!" Gail threw the chip back.

"If you didn't flood my timeline with MAMA tweets last 2017, I wouldn't have muted BTS and BTS_twt on twitter!"

"I told you to unmute them and give them a chance, you twat! It's 2019 and you're giving me that reason when you're just being stubborn for 2 years now."

"Gail, you know how bad I react when I'm in shock. I'm sorry.. I just don't know how to react to that. You always tell me how big BTS is, and take note, I don't know the members, I just know Jungkook. Actually knowing that I date one of them is really driving me nuts! How do I handle this? Do I really deserve this?"

Eunice felt another smack, on her forehead now. "Am I Jimin to answer those questions? You two are the ones dating! I'm sure before he asked you, he already considered all the possible situations. If you're asking me if you're deserving, let Jimin tell you. But if you're going to act stupid now just because he didn't tell you sooner, then I swear I'm gonna kick you. Talk to him."

Gail threw Eunice's phone to her. "Why are you so violent in person?" She asked, then gave Gail a hug. "Thank you, Gail."

Gail immediately wiggled away from the hug, "I don't really do affections that much with friends so.. please."

The two of them laughed it off and enjoyed their ice cream.

Two hours after, Gail saw Eunice's phone lighting up with Jimin's phone call. "Ya! Answer this before I smack your head again!"

Eunice shook her head in disapproval, not wanting to answer the call. Gail took the phone call instead.

"Hello, Jimin.. Yes, this is Gail." Eunice's eyes widen with what her best friend is doing. "I'm sorry that Eunice is not available to talk right now. .. Yes, she's okay. .. She's busy drooling over your photocards on my wall and watching Jimin focused BTS vid---"

Eunice snatched the phone away from her, "Shut the fuck up, Gail." She saw her best friend giggle and sat back down on the couch.

Walking away from Gail and going back to the merch she's been looking at, she finally decided to talk to him. "Hello, Jimin?"

"Eunice! I'm so, so, sorry! I don't want to tell you this over a phone call so will you please see me? I'll take you to your work meeting. That's for dinner, right? I'll pick you up wherever you want."

She heard him sigh on the other line, "Hmm. I'm not actually mad.. I'm just.. busy." She can't help but smile on the photocards that she's been eyeing since she calmed down. "I'm sorry about earlier, Jimin. I was just shocked, and I don't want to be kept in the dark."

Even without seeing Jimin, she knew that he was already smiling on the other line, "That's really not my intention. I've been trying to tell you from the start, but I never got the chance. I'll pick you up, bubb. Send me Gail's address." 

"Why do you get to order me around?" Eunice joked. "Because I can, but also, please send me Gail's address. Thank you." He answered while emphasizing please a lot.

"I will. See you later."

• ○ • ○ ● ○ • ● •

Jimin stepped out of his car wearing a white short sleeved polo and skin tight jeans to open the car door for Eunice. Gail, who just went with Eunice downstairs to make sure she's safe, felt that stinging pain because Eunice held on to her tighter when she saw Jimin.

"I swear to God, Eunice, your boyfriend is my bias wrecker." She whispered. "Shut up, he's mine." Eunice whispered back.

"You're not even official yet, so I'll take my chances." Gail teased while waving at Jimin. "Not yet official, but you already call him my boyfriend. Thanks, best friend." She waved her goodbye to Gail and went towards Jimin.

"Didn't know you'd look that good on your work clothes," was the first thing Jimin said when Eunice came near him. "What's so special about this?"

Eunice pointed on her simple white polo tucked in black high waist slacks. "Nothing's really special, maybe it's because you're the one who's wearing it." Jimin answered.

Eunice just raised her eyebrow and went inside the car. Jimin, giggling, followed right after.

• ○ • ○ ● ○ • ● •

That night, Jimin insisted on Eunice to visit Bangtan's dorm after her meeting. He just wants her to finally meet his six best friends, as he would say.

"I look like I'm going to ask you guys to endorse something. Can I go another time?" She asked. Jimin just held her hand while driving with his left hand. "No, I want them to know about you now, baby."

"But I did not memorize all of their faces just yet! I would've known them a long time ago if someone just introduced his own self to me properly." Jimi knew that Eunice is pertaining to him. "I'm sorry, bubb." He planted a soft kiss on the back of her hand, "Won't do that again," and another kiss on her hand, "Won't lie to you again," and another kiss on her hand.

"I'm not even an ice cream, but you're making me melt." She whispered. Jimin saw another version of her as a blushing mess as he remembered the first time he brought her coffee, roses and sunflowers.

When they arrived, only Taehyung was in the living room, watching Netflix while eating popcorn. "Lexi, does it really take forever to get coke?!" He shouted while throwing and catching a piece of popcorn in his mouth.

"..and that's best friend number 1, Taehyung." Jimin said to Eunice then tapped Taehyung's back.

"Oh shit, hey, it's Eunice, right?" Taehyung slightly bowed to Eunice and showed her his signature boxy smile. "Nice to meet you," was the only thing she managed to say.

"If only you know how to get your ass away from that couch, then maybe you already have your coke by now." A girl entered the living room holding two cans of coke.

"This is Lexi, my best friend." Taehyung introduced her to Eunice which just smiled teasingly. "Really! She's just my best friend!"

"So defensive. I was just messing around." Eunice replied. Jimin shook his head and winked at Taehyung. He pulled Eunice to the hallway so he can look for the other boys.

"Are they really not dating?" Eunice whispered to Jimin, not letting go of his hand. "Nah. Lexi's always here for like two years already, they're really just friends."

"Really? She seems to like him." Jimin stopped to look at her. "Really? You think?"

"I don't know. I just feel like it, but I don't know the two that much so who am I to judge anyway?"

"Taehyung brought home a lot of girls for the past two years. I just don't think Lexi likes him because if she really does, then she must've been heart wrecked right now for seeing Tae jumping from one girl to another." Jimin explained.

They both shrugged it off to continue the introductions with the other boys. They saw Namjoon and Yoongi at the Genius Lab working on a song, then Jungkook with Jin playing an online game, then a busy Hobi tidying up his room and Jimin's.

"Jimin-ssi! So she's the one you talk about non stop!" Hobi-hyung teased Jimin while cleaning. "Ya! I do stop talking about her." Jimin defensively answered.

"Oh yeah? For 2 seconds? Got it." Hobi-hyung finished tidying up so he sat on his bed. Their bedroom door suddenly opened, showing a panting Taehyung on the doorstep.

"What?" Jimin asked. "Come here." Taehyung pulled him outside. Eunice just heard Taehyung shout, "Just stay there, Eunice!" So she stayed put with Hobi-hyung.

Jhope is not hard to get along with. In a matter of minutes, the two already found something to talk about. The two noticed that they've been hanging out for half an hour already so Jhope asked Eunice if she wanted to grab something to drink or eat from the kitchen.

"Only if you have ice cream." She answered Jhope who stood up fast. "Never fret! Jungkook loves ice cream so much that we never ran out of stock. Let's go!"

The two walked through the hallway, still laughing on the Jimin stories that Jhope keeps on talking about as they were roommates for quite some time now.

When they reached the living room, they only saw Taehyung playing PUBG with Lexi on their mobile phones.

"Where's Jimin, Taehyung?" Jhope was the first one to ask.

As if on cue, Jimin walked out from the kitchen with a girl following him. Shock was evident on his face. Eunice studied the girl's features quickly -- short hair, small figure, porcelain skin and strong facial features. 

"On again?" Eunice asked.

Jimin quickly went to Eunice's side, holding her hand, "No, no. How did you even know her?"

"What's a Jimin research without coming across articles and videos on your alleged girlfriend?" The word tastes bitter on Eunice's mouth. This jealousy is getting the best of her, just because she feels like she doesn't know Jimin that much.

Who was she kidding? She really didn't know Jimin that much.

"But she's not anymore! I told you that at the beach, right?" Jimin, half pleading with his voice, held her shoulders. "Yes. You did. When will you start actually telling me about things? You could've went back to the room to tell me that you needed to talk to her."

"Eunice, come on. Don't let that jealousy eat you up." She noticed that firmness on Jimin's voice, and that hard stare.

"I'm not jealous. We're not even officially together, right? I just don't want to get into the middle of a relationship that has built foundation through the years."

With that, she left the dorm again without another word.

• ○ • ○ ● ○ • ● •

"Well, are you really on a different level of stupid, Eunice?" Gail crossed her arms after hearing the story. 

Eunice looked down and pouted, "I'm sorry. It hurts, I swear.. when I saw them come out of the kitchen, I felt that sting on my chest. I feel like I was the intruder."

"Then maybe that's because you love him," she passed the shot glass to Eunice. Gail doesn't really drink so she took the liberty to be the bartender of her best friend.

Eunice quickly downed the shot, "Love? That quick? Love? Scary."

"But worth it." Gail cooed. "I've known you for quite some time now. Saw you at your best and worst, so I guess my opinions matter also on how you feel."

"Just almost three weeks, Gail. Three weeks, and for me to feel this strong about him already? Scary."

"You don't measure time. If you feel, then you feel." Gail stated. "Stupid, you're the one who told me that love doesn't measure time, distance and most especially face!"

"Yeah, I did told you that." Eunice played with the shot glass, still lost in thought.

"Why are we switching roles? You used to be the one to lecture me a lot. Come on, Eunice. You're smarter than that.. although, I'm impressed with Jimin. This is the most emotion I got from you ever since you were heartbroken. You were never this animated." Gail giggled as she remembered all those times that Eunice was the one lecturing her.

Eunice just smiled at her, realizing the same things. "Just don't stress Jimin too much. He's my bias wrecker, you wreck him, I wreck you." Gail playfully answered.

"You're going to choose him over me? Oomph, that shit hurts!" 

• ○ • ○ ● ○ • ● •

Jimin is still quiet while sitting on their living room couch. Taehyung, Hobi and Lexi are all with him at the moment, but no one is saying a word. His ex-girlfriend already went home, without a conclusion to the conversation they had a while ago.

"I don't know what to do." Jimin finally blurted out, rubbing his face with both of his hands in frustration.

"What is Jeongyeon doing here anyway?" Hobi asked him, still full of confusion in his face. "I never pegged you to be the playboy type." He commented.

"You know how we always get back together after spending time away from each other, but I've grown tired of it, hyung. I don't like it anymore, heck, I don't think I still love her." Jimin rubbed his temples then leaned on the couch with closed eyes.

"Are you sure?" Taehyung asked. "Since when did you realize that you don't love her anymore?" If there's anyone from Bangtan who is a shipper of you and Jeongyeon, it's definitely Taehyung. He has been with Jimin since the start of the relationship and had always been with him through all the on and off.

Jimin looked at him with a poker face. "What? I was just asking. You know I'll move heaven and Earth for you and Jeongyeon, but if you don't love her anymore then what's the point?" Taehyung tapped Jimin's shoulder. 

"Ya! Lexi! What are you doing to Taehyung?" Hobi joked while staring at Taehyung with a proud look. "Oh well, I think that's growth right there." Lexi boasted.

"But really, Jimin, who do you want to pursue? Like really pursue after tonight?" Lexi asked. "Don't get me wrong, boys, I know it's hard to try to open up to another girl again, since you all try to live your lives privately. Jimin, I understand if you're going to choose Jeongyeon since the two of you already have your foundation.. I mean, maybe it's not hard to try to love her again? Maybe you just grew tired of the games and wanted something mature this time. But Jimin, I'll also understand if you'd want to risk it with Eunice. I could have a friend here in your dorm and have someone new rather than seeing your faces over and over again."

"I still think he should be with Jeongyeon." Taehyung casually said. Hobi smacked the back of his head. "I thought you're growing already?!"

"I think you should just go with Eunice." Hobi stated and massaged Jimin's shoulder. "She fits your just Jimin state, natural, calm and fun."

"Ahh- shit. Here goes nothing." Jimin stood up and walked towards his room.

• ○ • ○ ● ○ • ● •

"I AM SO EXCITED!!" Gail screamed on her bed. It's just 6 AM in the morning, but her energy is already ready for the day.

"Shhhh. Let me sleep more." Eunice covered her head with one of Gail's pillows. "No! No, you're not sleeping again!" Gail pulled the pillows and blanket away from her.

"We're going to see BTS today! We will not waste the fanmeet tickets that Jimin sent! I will not let your relationship with Jimin fail!" Gail stated and got out of bed. "You just want to see Namjoon. Shut up." Eunice got out of bed too.

"That too!" Gail happily replied and went to the kitchen to cook pancakes. Eunice went to check her phone and found a message from Jimin.

Jimin: Good morning, bubb! Are you going to the fanmeet today?

Eunice: Maybe.

Jimin: Haven't seen you for so long…. please?

Eunice: idk. might find your gf there with you again

Jimin: you can't find yourself with me if you won't go see me ;)

Jimin: Have to go practice! Eat your breakfast. See you later!

Eunice smiled while walking to Gail's kitchen.

"gods, I miss him." Eunice whispered while sitting on Gail's bar stool. "No one told you not to go see each other after that night." Gail said in a firm tone.

"I guess I just don't have it in me to see him after lashing out on him, but mom, I love him!" Eunice joked as she starts to fangirl over Jimin again. "Where's my breakfast? He told me to eat my breakfast." 

Gail let the plate slide to Eunice with two pancakes. "My god, you're that submissive, aren't you?" She commented.

"Stop mocking me or you won't get to see Namjoon."

• ○ • ○ ● ○ • ● •

The two arrived at the venue 15 minutes earlier than the start of the fanmeet. Eunice is quiet because why does she have to see Jimin in public after that spectacle she stupidly pulled off, on the other hand, Gail is quiet as she can’t control her feelings on finally seeing Namjoon up close. She might just cry.

Eunice looked around and noticed that there are only 20 to 30 people here, waiting for BTS. Since she’s new to these kind of things, she doesn’t stop asking Gail on the details. Like how do they get tickets, or how long does the fanmeet last, or how do they actually meet the boys.

“A fanmeet virgin, I see.” Gail snickered. She is still holding her gift for Namjoon which is an expensive pen. “Just answer me! I feel like I robbed a fan’s chance to see them just because Jimin willingly gave me two tickets to this!”

“Eunice, honey, the tickets Jimin gave you.. is a free pass to everything. Not everyone gets that, only those close to them. As a normal ARMY, no way to get those. Maybe that’s also a free pass to his heart. Hihi.” She continued teasing Eunice until the boys went out of the backstage and sat on the seats in front.

“Can we go last?” Eunice asked and went to the sides so they won’t bother other people.

“Sure, we can. Let me just take Namjoon’s beauty in all its glory.” Gail quietly sat on her seat while staring at the boys. Eunice finally saw Jimin talking to a fan. He is all smiles and just cute. He tries to keep an eye contact with fans just because they can’t stare directly at him.

She’s blessed, alright. Not knowing who Park Jimin was for the first time is such a blessing to her and she realized that only now. Maybe if she knew that he was an idol in the first place, maybe she will be shy and would try to steer clear from him to avoid the public eye.

But knowing him in Busan, and just doing normal things with him really made her think about him a lot. Knowing that he’s just a sweetheart even without cameras, that he likes coffee the same way that she likes it, that he loves seagulls and he loves feeding them early in the morning, that he knows how to genuinely confess his feelings that night on the seashore, and lastly, that after that night that he confessed, he never stopped bringing coffee, sunflower and a rose everyday till the two went to Seoul. He never fails to send her messages that makes her smile. Despite being an idol, never did he made Eunice feel that he’s busy.

Still lost in thought, Gail finally pulled Eunice to line up so they can finally meet them. Gail pushed Eunice to go first since she might be lost if she left her.

The talk with the other boys went by smoothly, some of them even surprised that Eunice came as a fan, but no one overreacted just so the cameras won’t notice. Jimin is sitting second to the last, in between Namjoon and Yoongi. Eunice is fully aware that Gail is just beside her so she moved in front of Jimin while Gail moved in front of Namjoon.

Jimin automatically held her hand and just held her gaze for a good 10 seconds. Eunice broke the silence, “Is this even allowed?” Jimin’s eyes formed crescents as he softly laughed on Eunice’s question. “Yes, it is. I miss you so much.” He whispered and lowered down his face so no one will get to see what he’s mouthing to you.

“Miss you, too.” Eunice whispered too. Jimin’s face lit up upon hearing that, finally getting the courage to continue what he has planned to do. He already asked beforehand for Namjoon to stall so it looks like he’s not the one taking his time with a fan.

“Eunice, I’m sorry for everything. Can we start over?” Jimin asked while trying to keep it lowkey. Eunice just nodded. “I know you just have 3 more days here in Seoul before you go back home, but I’m not letting this slide, and I’m not letting you slip away.” He continued blabbering.

“Jimin, where is this going?” She asked him, still lost. “Please be my girlfriend.” Jimin whispered and gave her the most shy, but endearing smile that he could give.

“What if I reject you in a fanmeet?” She asked. He automatically pouted and lost the crescent in his eyes.

“Or, what if I don’t?” Eunice smiled at him, and the crescents in Jimin’s eyes are both back up again. “Of course, I’ll be your girlfriend, just don’t make me jealous all. the. damn. time.” 

“I love you, Eunice.” Jimin just proudly said. Eunice was dumbfounded as she stupidly doesn’t know how to react.

“Ya! Time to move.” Namjoon whispered to Jimin so Eunice was pushed to Yoongi.

Yoongi just smiled to Eunice and said, “Congratulations. Welcome to the Bangtan family.” 

“Thanks, Yoongi-oppa, but I came with a friend, you take me, you take her too.” Eunice joked. Yoongi showed her his signature gummy smile. “Where’s your friend?” He asked.

“There, with Jimin.” 

Yoongi turned to look at Gail with Jimin when Eunice noticed that he finally smirked.

“All these years of no meeting, and you finally decided to show yourself here, girlfriend.” Yoongi said in just the right amount of volume. Enough for Eunice to hear, enough for Jimin to hear, and definitely enough for Gail to hear.

Jimin and Eunice both looked puzzled, but Gail looks surprised. “Girlfriend?” Gail asked, even if she’s in front of Jimin.

“Omegle.” Yoongi whispered.

“What the fuck.” Eunice whispered as she remembered what Gail always talks about instead of BTS.

“You’re the boyfriend?” Gail asked.

“Your boyfriend.” Yoongi emphasized. “Welcome to the Bangtan family, too.”

---

Author’s Note: Promised myself that each track can stand alone, but I can’t help making this mixtape without its connections. The threads from the fates were meant to tangle with each other after all.

published 02.02.2020, 5:26 PM

#ficswithluv #btswriterscollective #bangtanidx #btswritingcafe #bangtanscenery #park jimin #jimin fluff #jimin fic #bts jimin fluff #bts jimin fic #bangtan series #bangtan fic #jiminssizzleswrites #bts #bangswift

[chriselleperez]

The Wall of Timberland

The Province of San Mateo may not have much to offer when it comes to tourist spots, famous cuisines, and products, unlike its neighboring districts. However, you might be surprised to learn that there are some places worth visiting. A hidden gem that is worth discovering.

One of them is the cyclists' ideal location for their exhilarating routine, the San Mateo Timberland Heights. It is a private subdivision and outdoor recreational area perched on a hill overlooking Metro Manila.

Timberland Heights is notorious for its vantage points. Views of the Sierra Madre Mountain range can be found in the east. Turning west, the view changes to the differing urban sprawl of Metro Manila.

For the past 20 years of living in San Mateo, I always hear stories about Timberland Heights. The struggles walking uphill, how they have never reached the top and always gave up midway. I never tried it, but the pandemic made me want to breathe and detox the boredom and stress I’m feeling.

20 minutes in, I can already feel my limbs giving up. Walking uphill will make you question all of your decisions in life particularly if you’re not an athletic type of person. We haven’t yet arrived at the top, but the struggle of walking uphill makes me just want to lay down on the ground and roll myself downhill then straight into my home. But my mother raised no quitter.

On every step, on every breath I take, I was just so eager to reach the top. Every now and then, we will take a break. There are Sari-sari stores all over the area where you can buy snacks and drinks or just to take a breather.

Because of the pandemic where I barely get any motivation to get things done, exercising is also not an easy feat to do. I think it’s also been more than a year since I did a proper exercise routine. Hence, this made this journey much more challenging.

On the way up, you will meet several joggers and cyclists who will greet you with their sweetest ‘Good morning.’ One thing I noticed is that people are sociable. They will greet everyone whether they know you or not. They will give you the biggest smiles on their faces as if they aren’t exhausted from the 4km walk. Most of them even like getting their pictures taken.

The journey towards the top of Timberland Heights will give you independence and peace of mind. We've managed to get away from the hustle and bustle of our hectic life. We feel at peace while strolling through the rural areas, which is quite nice and peaceful. Furthermore, while walking, we were able to freely express our thoughts and emotions. 

Walking our way up gave us the chance to inhale the fresh air of the greenery and hills, green fields, and meadows are filled with the sweet fragrance of flowering plants and are free of dirt and dust. Every now and then, you will notice the clear bright sky. Our life and limbs are revamped by the chilly and clear breeze.

When we finally reached the top, the feeling was surreal. I felt like I just climbed Mt. Everest. Reaching the peak was indeed rewarding. You will finally enjoy the overlooking view of Metro Manila. We were able to take in the sights, sounds, and scenes of nature. At the top, nature can be seen in a variety of moods and colors. We can hear the chirping of the birds, the swaying of the leaves of the trees, and see the lush green mountains engulfed with grown trees and plants. We are enthralled by nature's vibrant beauty, and this made the journey towards Timberland Heights worth it.

[btsjeonjazz]

All I’ve got II pt. 3

Jungkook x reader

genre: fucking fluff, angst, hints of smutty actions, badboy!jungkook, bestfriend!jungkook

word count: 12.6k

Jeon Jungkook was a tall guy, handsome with all those ethereal artwork tattooed on his arms..and your best friend. He was by your side whereas you faced a painful heartbreak, caressing your hurt soul for as long as you needed him. But how much can a friendship withstand if one of the two develops feelings?

Jungkook: Jo, y/n. We need a helping hand on friday as well. Could you come backstage the night? We owe you one. [08:33pm]

Jungkook: Okay, I heard one of our stuff is cut short cause of a personal matter [09:10pm]

Jungkook: so…maybe even a few times? [09:10pm]

You were currently lazing around in the bathtub, ignoring Jungkook’s tries to reach you as you watched some videos on your phone while he pestered you with his messages. It was Tuesday night, work stressful the last two days so you decided to take a relaxing bath to distract your mind from all the stress around you. Recently you got no time to think about yourself, too many things occupying your brain, starting from Yoongi to Jungkook, Namjoon and work. Therefore you would casually ignore your best friend further, not answering his desperate texts. Of course it wasn’t right, he needed help obviously, but right now you concentrated yourself on you and the funny video you were watching.

Jungkook: Y/n? [09:23pm]

Sighing annoyed you shoved the message back up, the video stopping for the third time already. Not only that, you just clicked on the play sign again as you received a phone call. Jungkook. What a handful of a best friend.

“What? Don’t get on my nerves right now, I try to relax!”, you snapped the moment you held your phone pressed against your ear, hearing Jungkook’s frantic breathing. Did he ran a marathon?

“Sorry, but you’re our last hope, y/n. Do you agree? Please, y/n”, he whined, a move that didn’t suit him, but worked wonders, especially in combination with his breathy voice calling your name. “Come on, I owe you big time. Ask whatever you want from me, but help us out this weekend!”

You closed your eyes, his voice having too much impact on you ever since the day Yoongi had broken up with you wherefore you let out another long, exaggerated sigh. Jungkook would know that this was you answer, his cheering louder than you imagined.

“You’re our saviour, y/n. I knew I could count on my girl!”, he sounded different, thankful and happy about your silent agreement to his ask..but my girl? The words coming out of Jungkook’s mouth had a sweet aftertaste, heart beating a lot faster.

“Don’t forget your promise”, you were calmer now, his voice accompanied by his relief got you, your face painted with a soft smile. “I’ll be at yours around half past two on thursday. Be ready.”

A scoff was heard on the other end of the call, Jungkook’s groaning repressed. “Sure thing. Have to go, y/n. I hear you?”

“As always”, you responded, your smile heard through the phone as well as his, his deep chuckle reaching your ear before he ended his desperate call.

After your work you would help Jungkook and the others on the weekends as well..what a life. Faking sobs you tried to concentrate on your video again, but it was no use, your mind wandering off hence you let your phone drop down the carpet, sinking further into the hot water. Why did you agree? Your head spun even today because of your wild thoughts, contemplating what there was between you and Jungkook. Or between you and your own thoughts about him. It wasn’t necessarily called ‘love’, but lust. That was the reason you should’ve thought about agreeing so fast..

But there was Namjoon, too. He was the argument in your head that got you at least kind of excited, in a positive way though. The night of their last gig was a rash until now, feelings and thoughts running riot inside your head, but at the same time you were certain that you wanted to have sex with Namjoon, your distraction from your heart break and by now from your best friend, too, who was able to plant several naughty images in your head. Fortunately you two started to exchange texts, turning your attention fully on the funny, but sweet guy with the irresistible, illegal dimples and those grape colored hair. Mostly your messages contained some nastier, mischievous messages, from time to time even pictures from his side. It was thrilling, nice to get attention from one of the guys that seemed to be clever and polite, although you knew he was as much of a playboy as Jungkook or Taehyung.

The water splashed over your face as you let your thoughts free, body sliding down the tub until your face lay under the surface. Holding your breath you stayed in that position for a while, trying to let the relaxation seep through you again.

You had finished work early on thursday to get to your parents punctually around three after your mother had called you that sunday morning to invite you over with cake and milk, Jungkook coming along, too. Hence you rushed home, dressing yourself into a nice, casual outfit before you drove to your best friend’s apartment a few blocks away from your own. Luckily he lived only five minutes from your house (with the car obviously), the perfect distance separating you two best friends from each other. On late nights you could easily walk back home from him or the other way around. You couldn’t even count the times you two had spent walking the other home, laughing, bickering, enjoying your best friend’s presence. Mostly Jungkook would take you home after you drank, or would offer to share his bed which became a severe habit of yours, because whenever a party took place you decided to get back to Jungkook’s the night after. Who knows why..

Waiting for him you parked the car in front of the rather expensive building he had his apartment in. It showed how successful their band was up to that point where Jungkook could afford a flat in one of the best areas around. Glass, white colored walls and costly looking cars no exception around this neighbourhood, the opposite to your own small, shabby home only a few blocks from here. But if you got a new job, the money from your current one not worth to mention, you would be able to move closer to Jungkook in one of the better areas in the city.

Honking a melody you signalled Jungkook your arrival, shifting to your self-made beat you grinned at him as he stormed out of the entrance, annoyed by what you were doing.

“Fucking stop! You’re the most annoying person walking this planet!”, he snapped the moment his ass touched the solid, dark material of the passenger’s seat. But all you did was ignoring him, dancing continued without the loud noise of you pressing the honk.

“Chill out, big boy”, you chirped, turning the radio on, the songs playing suiting your mood that day. Playful, cheerful, happy.

“It’s my new nickname or what?”, Jungkook scoffed, his mood not as playful as yours, but you would work on that as you had a twenty minute drive ahead of you.

You nudged his arm, winking at the raven haired boy who was dressed in black again, from the beanie on his head, strands of hair peaking through, to the black timberlands on his feet. Despite the casual outfit did he look ethereal, sexy in all black, the leather jacket his constant accompany.

“You told me that you’re not my cute baby boy anymore, so yeah. It has a strange tone, but you’re my big boy”, you giggled, eyes averting his as you concentrated on the street ahead. “How was your week up until now?”

Changing the subject Jungkook’s dark orbs wandered off outside the window beside him, the environment a blur of green and brown as you drove through the fields on your way to your parents. “Stressful. I had practice that morning and had to help Jimin’s little sister out”, he sighed remembering whatever Jimin’s sister had to cope with. This information sparked your interest, lips curled into a faint smile.

“What’s with her?”

Jungkook let his head fall back, the beanie sliding down his forehead, almost covering his eyes, too. “She’s an eighteen year old rebellious girl that stood deep in the shit with her boyfriend. It reminded me of you and your ex..”, he paused and you noticed him watching you out of half closed eyes. “Jimin couldn’t handle that little shit alone, so you could help me out a bit when we arrive”, your oculars darted from the street to the hand that was held right in front of your face and what you witnessed made you groan loudly.

“Again?”, you shook your head in disbelief at the sight of his swollen knuckles, popped skin revealing dried wounds of a fight. “Seriously, Jungkook you have to stop handling everything with your fists. It’s no use!”

Your best friend let his hand drop down on your thigh, caressing it to soften your hard attitude about him constantly getting into fights. Even if you didn’t want to be touched by him, your body reacted on its own, tensing, feeling a prickling hot sensation where his warm hand landed on your clothed leg. Without any warning you took his hand off, faking to observe the wound with racing heart although it was the only way you could take it away from its spot without seeming too obvious.

“He had her pressed against a wall, her arms bruised by the way he held her. Jimin couldn’t do a thing, he’s too weak and then there was me. Should I just look away, y/n?”, his voice was soft, hand enclosing around yours, squeezing it ere he let go.

Sighing you shook your head. Jungkook had a huge, caring heart for the ones in need, but forgot his own health and safety at those times. “Just be careful.”

“Always, you know it”, he leaned in, head falling heavily on your shoulder causing you to loose track of the street for a split second. Your heartbeat increased to a loud staccato, Jungkook’s warm cheeks laying flat on your dressed shoulder. “I missed you, y/n. Over two weeks already.”

In panic you glanced at the raven haired boy so close to you, seeing his eyes closed, bangs brushed over them while his hands remained at their place in his own lap. Stiffly you pulled the wheel to drive the curve of the road, half of your way already behind you. You honestly didn’t know what to do while Jungkook snuggled up to you, his bodyheat resonating to your own wherefore you opened the window a crack, the cold air filling the car. Whatever he thought as he laid his head on your shoulder, it drove you crazy, the promise you made with yourself slowly dissipating into nothingness.

“W-what do you mean with 'two weeks’?”, you cleared your throat to dissolve the forming knot, stuttering the words out in haste to fill the intimate silence with sound.

Black dressed Jungkook shrugged his shoulders, brushing his forehead on your neck before he positioned himself back on his own seat, leaning his head on the rest. Chocolate eyes observed you, you felt it, but didn’t dare to respond to his staring. “I can’t sleep anymore. Can you see my eye bags? You’re missing in my bed. Seriously it’s like an addiction already. Thank you, y/n, now your habit is taking over me as well”, he grumbled the last words while you glanced at him to witness the darker shades under his eyes. He was right, he definitely looked sleep deprived, insomnia taking the lead. “Come over again. It’s already too damn long ago you stayed over!”

You felt cornered by his needy voice, low and desperate searching for a way to coax you into coming with him if the evening ended and the night began. “Remember that you were the one who wanted to stay awake the last time I stayed over? I slept all alone in your bed”, you complained showing him a half-hearted pout to find a way out of his offer.

“It’s set then”, he smirked at you, winking before he closed his eyes again. It seemed like your plan failed miserably at this point. “Give me my five minute power nap and I’ll be my old self if we arrive at your parents’.”

What was set? Your eyes got wide as you let his words sink in. He suggested to come with him more often? That was not like the Jungkook you knew. He was the one who always tried to kick you out of his house at night, afraid he might lose an opportunity to fuck around if you stayed. So what the hell happened to him? Shaking your head in doubt you affiliated it to the boy’s current insomnia. What else would cause him to change so drastically today?

The ride was longer than expected as you had to drive through different construction zones, taking ten more minutes than planned. You parked your car at the end of the street, a clean, light path lining the pavement to your parents’ house.

“Jungkook?”, you watched him falling into a light sleep after he told you about his power nap, shaking him awake by his shoulder. “We’re here. Now get up, you sleepy baby!”

A low chuckle, tired and amused reached your ears as your best friend stretched, his arms pulling you down for a brief moment, taking you by surprise. “Ah, I don’t want to..”

Wriggling yourself out of his hug you turned in the direction you would find your parents’ house in. You ignored his protest as he obediently followed you, his face contoured in tiredness, his large steps keeping up with the distance. His arm wrapped around your shoulder you stopped dead in your tracks.

“God dammit, Jungkook”, you burst, shoving his arm off of your shoulders. “What’s wrong with you? If you need affection or a new pussy look for it, but don’t touch me so bluntly all the time. Why’re you doing this?” Maybe it was too much to scoff at him for doing something he did constantly. It must’ve been a habit, normal treatment between you two to touch, cuddle, hold hands, but right now you felt too tense to do that, your mind a mess with a couple of dirty thoughts. His frequent touches turned your stomach, a tightness in your core couldn’t be avoided anymore. “Ah, sorry..I just..”

“It’s okay, y/n”, he smiled at you, a glint of pain tracing his chocolate orbs, a faint smile trying to hide the sadness.

“No, no!”, you called after him as he left you standing, walking further towards the house he knew as well as his own. “Jungkook!” You reached him, taking his hand in yours for the last five metres. “I overacted the situation.”

The tattooed, black dressed guy exhaled, squeezing your hand lightly, warmth spreading out on your skin. “I was a bit forceful today. No need to apologise.”

Nodding at each other you two smiled honestly, and you were confident that you saw the old, baby Jungkook seeping through for a short moment, your heartbeat increasing to see him devoting himself to you as your best friend.

“Ready?”, you asked, ringing the melodious bell signalling your mom that Jungkook and you were finally there. Before the door opened in one swift go you let go of Jungkook’s hand, his falling back to his side, a faint smile on his pink lips.

“Jungkook! Y/n!”, your mother smiled brightly at you, her arms spread wide to embrace you two at the same time, stroking heavily over your backs. “How tall you are! And so handsome! What an eye catcher, right y/n?”, you mother let you go, taking your childhood friend into her observing eyes, Jungkook kind of uncomfortable at your mother’s stares. “Ah, come in, come in.”

She didn’t let go of his hand as you followed her to the already decorated table, cake, coffee, milk, cookies neatly arranged for her two guests. Jungkook glanced at you, then down his hand and back up, his expression showing amusement and asking for help, but all you did was wiggling your eyebrows.

“She’s so fond of you. Ever was”, you whispered inside his ear, his face tinged in a rose hue. “Should I call you baby boy again?”, you teased him, giggling evilly.

“Sit down”, your mother beamed as you took a seat with your friend next to you, the smell that illuminated the air as familiar as ever. Wood, the smell of home-cooked food, your mother’s flowery perfume. It smelled like home. “Your dad is in the garden, but don’t wait for him. Coffee or milk, Jungkookie?”

Repressing a laugh you narrowed your gaze down your empty plate, the guy next to you freeing himself from his beanie and jacket freezing mid-air. You bit down your bottom lip as you saw his shocked expression, his lips agape at the name he had last heard years ago.

“I’ll take my good old milk, mom. Jungkookie coffee, I guess”, you giggled, lifting your empty cup to hand it to your mom.

Jungkook only nodded stiffly, the old nickname making him uncomfortable whilst he adjusted his black shirt, pulling it down at the collar revealing his significant collarbones. Your gaze was drawn to it, not unnoticed as your best friend cocked his brows up, tilting his head.

“So”, your mother smiled faintly, her light eyes darting between the two across from her. She brushed her short hair back, leaning in to support her chin with her folded hands. “Are you two finally official?”

She announced it as if it was obvious that two long life friends would come together one day, her head tilted as your mother wiggled her eyebrows, a movement you most certainly inherited from her. The reaction from Jungkook and you not the one she expected whereas Jungkook’s doe eyes shot wide, his hands held up in defence while you choked on your first sip of milk.

“After y/n told me about the break-up with the guy I didn’t approve of from the beginning”, she shot  you a I-told-you-listen-to-your-mama glance she perfected throughout your rebellious teenage years. “I called her daily, but you know what she told me?”

“Mom”, you groaned, gritting your teeth. “Stop-”

“Y/n chatted about you the whole time, Jungkookie. She told me how you helped her the first days and I guess she even stayed at your house, didn’t she? So, tell me, Jungkookie”, she ignored your shouts, waving her to stop ranting about you secretly telling your mother that you stayed by his side even now. “Are you two dating?”

Your head fell back, your eyes closed. Why had she to tell him that you talked to her about Jungkook and his care for you? It was embarrassing as he was your best friend, teases would follow the moment you two stepped out of your parents’ house, you just knew it.

“We are not”, you defended your friendship with all you’ve got, taking your best friend’s hand under the table, squeezing it to signal him to relax. This move wasn’t one you expected from best friends, right? “He’s such a womaniser, mom. You should see him on stage with his band!”

“We’re really not like that”, Jungkook sounded calm, a strange undertone lacing his voice. “Your daughter is way too complicated and annoying. She pesters me over twenty years by now”, he faintly smirked at you, showing his bunny teeth.

Your mother smiled, nodding as if she saw through your lie, seeing your affection towards the tattooed guy beside you, seeing the craving for his body, but said no more. You felt trapped under her eyes, fanning air in your face for the heat to disappear. And here you thought it could be a nice, lazy afternoon with funny conversation between the three of you, wallowing in old memories and listening to stories you had long forgotten.

“I’ll go and look for your dad”, your mother grinned as she stood up, giving Jungkook a view. “He told me he’d be ready if you got here. Never get you a man who’s disobedient”, she rushed out on the terrace, her loud complains droning in as she scolded your father for taking forever.

Jungkook next to you chuckled, leaning forward to support his head with his hand, elbow on the white tablecloth. His gaze turned upwards he grinned smugly at you. Thanks mom.

“You’re talking about me, huh? Am I that irresistible?”, Jungkook licked his lips, the vast neckline of his black shirt showing a lot more skin than necessary, sparks of artwork you briefly witnessed at the after show party inside the storage room..well, you’ve never seen his new tattoo up close, lining from his shoulder down his chest. Your eyes darted down his slightly tanned skin, examining the freshly healed art until you forced yourself to look back up to his face. “The way you look at me tells me enough”, he whispered breathy, his eyes constantly getting darker whilst gulping, his Adam’s apple bobbing up and down.

“Jeon Jungkook, your a nuisance and you know it”, you averted your eyes hastily, the previously lewd images printed behind your lids lighting at the way he watched you so intensely. Scoffing you crossed your arms, not taking his teasing any further although your heart raced like hell by the way Jungkook leaned in, taking your hand in his free one, the wounds still present on his knuckles. “Don’t touch me, baby boy”, you hid your embarrassment, the blushing cheeks telling him that there was more, behind your nervous laugh and the try to hide something behind that ridiculous new nickname.

“Jungkookie, baby boy, what else, y/n?”, your best friend let your hands drop on your thigh. “Teasing me even though you’re the one who should be teased?”

Something was odd about the way he said those words. In your years by his side you had seen him talking with such a low, dangerous voice only with his prey, his orbs taking unfathomable emotions while he wriggled his fingers out of yours, entwining them before he smacked your thigh with a stinging, loud thud of his palm meeting your clothed skin. Your eyes shot wide at his sudden action, taking you aback. You didn’t know how to react wherefore you just sat there, staring down at your best friend who cockily smirked at you, his wet lips parting, forming a faked 'o’ with wide, playful eyes.

“Did I surprise you? Better stop teasing, y/n”, Jungkook massaged the spot he just hit softly, your body still paralysed. Right now you thought about nothing relevant, shoving, kicking and pushing the upcoming pictures aside while you concentrated on the raven haired boy who looked so suggestively at you, showing you a new side of him. “Are you uncomfortable like this?”, it was a whiff of his manly voice, whispering the words in anticipation.

Before you could stop yourself you shook your head a 'no’, saying him with that simple gesture that he could go on with whatever he had planned, you wouldn’t deny his touches any further. Jungkook locked his chocolate brown eyes with yours, swallowing again as he silently stroked over your thigh, lost in his thoughts whereas you felt a familiar tightening down your core. You should stop him, his tries to tease you, because you knew he wasn’t serious about what he implied with his warm fingers.

“You’re teasing..”, your voice was quiet, excited and high, eyes glued to the way his pink lips stretched over his pearly whites, the centred mole showing. He didn’t give you an answer, pulling up his dark brows behind his raven bangs, his brown oculars darting to your chatting parents outside. Then you felt his hand vanishing from the spot he dug his digits in, building up momentum to hit your sensitive skin a second time, harder. You flinched a bit, your lower lip pulled between your teeth, unable to resist him, occupied by the way his warmth spread across your thigh. You definitely knew that it was wrong to find pleasure in the way your fucking best friend teased you, your own promise throwing overboard because of his simple move. It should be stopped, but you didn’t dare to reject him, his eyes taking you into another dimension, away from your nagging thoughts, away from the demarcation line you overstepped with not making him stop.

Jungkook tilted his head to the side, two of his fingers darting up and down your leg, your chest heaving in arousal, feeling your panties tightly clinging to your folds..just by his simple, rather domestic movement of his fingers, not even brushing your private parts, only your clothed thigh. But his eyes ate you alive, be it fake or not, he drove you insane with his looks, the revealing shirt showing you inexperienced skin, his messily brushed hair, his shiny jewellery..

“Don’t tease me again, you stand no chance”, his voice was a faint whisper, challenge lacing it accompanied by unreadable emotions.

Another shook of your head. “What if I want to be teased?”, it was a dangerous question, holding your breath waiting for his response.

The raven haired guy straightened himself into a sitting position, leaning in to you, his hand wrapping around your knee with solid grip, his lips pressed on your ear. “You’re too pure to play in my league, y/n. Love, romance, tenderness, that’s what you stand for.”

Goosebumps covered your arms, the hair on your neck standing straight as his hot breath hit your ear and the skin on your jaw, his sweet cologne intoxicating the air around you. His words were true, but you still shook your head, his lips brushing your ear. You could feel how your folds started to get wetter by the second, the sex deprivation from the last weeks taking its toll on you.

“I’m dangerous, hungry for more, I like the rough shit. Obedience and the will to just fuck”, you snorted, hands shaking whereas Jungkook tapped on your knee. “ Love is for the weak.”

“Don’t treat me like the little girl I once was, Jungkook”, you turned your head in his direction, his orbs, nose, lips only centimetres away.

“You’re still my little girl”, he whispered, clearing his throat ere he leaned back, smirking lopsided at you out of playful eyes. “Got you, y/n. Stop acting tough if you melt even under my touch. You’re too naïve”, he hummed, but you were sure he bluffed with those words, his cheeks too pink to be sincerely scolding you because of your suggestive reaction.

You watched him, his breathing most certainly stronger than usual, his hands clapping together the way he did when he felt awkward or lied. “Liar”, your voice was inaudible for the guy beside you, your own cheeks flushed at the way he toyed with you. A moment of silence followed as you two stared at each other, keeping up the conversation as one of your silent ones. Unspoken words that might be too much between best friends, and which would none of you take to heart..at least you thought so.

I’d do you way too dirty, girl, stay in your lane and stop teasing me with my past, he’d threaten you with his words whilst you would never say 'Try me, baby boy. I’m naughtier than you think. You just got no balls’. Jungkook wouldn’t answer 'I can show you right here. Wanna see them? Better idea, you would take them-’

“My princess and her knight!”, your father made his first appearance, storming inside the clean house with his dirty bluey interrupting one of the rare silent conversations you two shared after a few weeks. You had to force yourself to look away from Jungkook who still tried to get the words out, but the magic was broken the moment your father’s voice filled the tensed atmosphere in the living room.

Reluctantly you two separated your gazes, seeing your father holding out his arms to take you in a tight embrace. “A few weeks feel like years without my princess”, he’d squeeze you hard, your breath stuck before he turned his attention towards the tall, muscular guy next to you who silently waited for his turn. “Oh my god, is that really the small boy with the bunny teeth? Jungkook you’re a man, what happened with you?” The way your mother already examined Jungkook, he held him with separation until he softly smiled at your friend, pulling him into a fatherly hug as well. “You should’ve visited us more often. Susan and me missed you so much, Jungkook!”

A faint, soft, loving smile appeared on the black dressed boy, his eyes shyly narrowing. “I’m sorry, Moe, I really am, but the last years were such a haste to be honest”, Jungkook explained the last years to your father and by the time they sat together on the couch, exchanging stories while your father took him in as if he was his own son. It was always like that, long before Jungkook’s parents left him with a note and money, your father was there for him, partly playing the father role and partly being a friend. You loved both men who chatted excited, your father’s arm lazily around the rest while Jungkook looked like the boy he once was; shy, cute, heartily laughing. The scene got to your heart, a soft smile playing on your lips.

“It’s nice to see them like this, isn’t it?”, your mother woke you from your absence.

You slightly nodded. “After all what he went through, yes, it’s so nice”, you answered her, taking your cup to fill it with milk again. Feeling your mother’s eyes on you, you looked up, questioningly blinking at her.

“Are you sure there’s nothing between the two of you? I’ve seen you from across the window”, she pointed behind her, your heart sinking to the bottom as you got what she meant. Your living room was lined with a huge window from whom you could look into the garden, and the other way around. If you were alone you would slap your hand on your face, face palming your stupidity.

“There’s nothing, mom. Really, he’s still only my best friend”, you laughed nervously, a sign that you lied. “Stop talking about that, will you?”

With that your mother sneaked suspicious glances your way from time to time, seeing right through your lies while you stomped towards the couch, falling next to your dad to catch up with their conversation.

“I know, right? The gigs get larger every time, and I hope at the end of next year we’ll travel the world together”, Jungkook and your parents were stuck at the theme of his band and music. He even gave them tickets for a show in a few weeks, and you were sure that he had planned to invite them, because he casually pulled the two tickets out of his leather jacket.

You were happy with the way the afternoon turned out, fishing for your phone to realise you had a few missed calls as well as messages from Namjoon. Opening them one by one your eyes got wider.

Namjoon: Where are you guys? [04:58pm]

Namjoon: It’s meeting time, we need you here. RIGHT NOW [05:15pm]

Namjoon: Is everything alright? You’re damn late [05:44pm]

3 missed calls 'Namjoon’

Namjoon: We ended practice without our vocalist. Guys, you have to do the rehearsal alone tonight [07:23pm]

“J-Jungkook?”, your voice was tinged in a mixture of fear and regret, fear as you didn’t know how your best friend would react that it was around eight already, three hours late, regret in not looking at the clock once.

He nodded to you, the conversation on a halt as you scratched your neck, avoiding all eye contact. “We might be a bit late for your practice..”

Furrowing his brows he glanced towards the clock hanging on the wall behind him, his facial expression freezing. “Three hours is late, you’re right”, he sounded amused to your positive surprise. “Guess we should go as fast as we can.”

“They already went home. Namjoon texted me half an hour ago, but I missed all his calls”, you explained, standing up to grab your coat before you threw Jungkook’s leather jacket and beanie, which he caught with one hand, the other hidden for the time being – your parents shouldn’t notice that he currently got into a fight.

“If they’re gone then that’s it. Let’s get there and at least justify my mic and call the technician that he unlocks the hall for us”, Jungkook did it alike, pulling his jacket on his short shirt while adjusting his beanie on his head. His reaction was quite calm, easy going for his irascible behaviour. “It was so nice seeing you after what felt like an eternity”, Jungkook shortly hugged your parents ere he took your hand to rush back to your car.

“See you next week!”, you called out to your parents, waving them whereas your friend pulled you behind him.

Inside your car you started the engine, driving through the already darkening streets leading you to the concert hall Jungkook’s band would perform in tomorrow night. You two were silent for a moment, but as you remembered Namjoon’s desperate tries to reach you a few hours ago you fished for your phone in the bag between Jungkook’s spread legs.

“Slow down, girl, what are you doing?”, Jungkook held up his hands as your own brushed over his legs, rummaging through your back without success.

“Can you take my phone and write a message for me?”, you asked, holding the steering wheel with both hands again.

He took your phone in one go, opening it with his own fingerprint and scrolling through your phone to search for your messenger.

“Ready?”, you asked, eyes glued to the street. “Just assure Namjoon that everything’s okay with us and that we’re on the way right now. He had called me and I want to make sure he knows that we’re fine.”

Silence filled the car after you announced whom your message should reach, Jungkook locking your phone again, stuffing it back inside your bag. Confusion traced your features, looking back to the guy beside you. “What’re you doing?”

“We both were online, if he cares, he checks. That should be enough to reassure him”, your best friend glanced out of his window into the dark that rushed past you, but you wouldn’t take his answer.

“Are you jealous? I know that look on your face, Jungkook”, you chuckled, not believing he was seriously, really jealous.

“I’m not, but what does he want anyway? It’s none of his business if you come along or are too late”, he scoffed, his voice laced with anger. “Text him yourself if we’re there.”

Cocking your eyebrows you nudged his side, playfully trying to make your friend relax. “Come on, all fine all good, Jungkookie”, you used the nickname of your parents’ again, teasing your best friend without thinking about what he recently did to you for that. Not that you forgot, god no, but you didn’t want to remember that scene.

Jungkook’s head slowly turned your way, his angry mask crumbling as he saw you wiggling your eyebrows. “You should be careful, y/n. You never know when I attack”, his melodious low voice filled the small car, his lopsided smirk showing. “Ah, you got me”, he rubbed over his face, laughing at his own reaction.

“Just stay calm, yes? Everything’s chill between me and Namjoon”, you winked at him, telling nothing but the truth about the tall, handsome guy and you. Well, you left out the incident at the after show party and what exactly caused you to stop, but that would be your own, tiny secret.

“Yes”, you heard Jungkook talking to the technician over the phone, getting instructions where the concert hall’s office was. “I’ll be there in five minutes. Thank you for staying.” He ended the call, getting ready to pick up the key to unlock the large doors leading inside the building. “Give me a few minutes. I’ll be back in no time.”

He was gone faster than lighting and you finally had a couple of minutes to let yourself drown in your nagging, heavy thoughts which crept back in your head over the last hours. What were you supposed to do with him? He drove you insane with all he got, his touches fuelling it. You knew it was the dumbest decision to let him do what he wanted, but you couldn’t stop yourself, his breathy voice, his warmth mixing with yours, the light sting his smack left on your thigh..Sighing your head fell back against the rest of your seat. How often would you break that promise and overstep your drawn demarcation line? Now you stood one foot away from it, drawing a second one you weren’t allowed to pass, not one bit.

Jungkook was too much for you, your best friend, but were you really that obvious with your craving? First Yoongi, then your mother, two people who knew you too well noticed your odd behaviour towards your childhood friend. They might know that you had sexual feelings for the tattooed guy, but what they didn’t know was that that was all you wanted from him – despite his friendship. That was the only thought you clung to. No romantic feelings outside the bedroom, no kisses, caresses in public. You wanted his dick, to be blunt. Therefore it gave plan B, Namjoon. He had to work you hard if you wanted to abandon certain guys from your mind.

Holding your temples you heard a faint knock on your window, seeing that Jungkook was back, holding up the key to the hall. Closing your eyes to concentrate on pushing your thoughts back again, you exhaled, ready to follow your..well, best friend down the parking lot towards the metal doors. Dimmed light greeted you as Jungkook led you through a corridor straight out the stage. He switched on some headlights for you to see where you were walking and found yourself in the middle of the huge stage, thousand of empty seats lining the large hall in front of you. Dozens of rows, one seat next to the other, down the stage up to the furthest end right under the ceiling. It was breathtaking. Exciting to see it from up here, being the one to see empty rows of the seats which were taken by many, many people tomorrow night. You turned in a circle, witnessing the instruments positioned on their spots, cables you would trip over if not careful, several headlights that would illuminate the members and stage in bright light. You must’ve looked like an excited child with wide eyes and mouth parted in astonishment.

“Thrilling, isn’t it?”, Jungkook’s voice came from behind you where he leaned against the door to the backstage area, his tattooed arms freed from the leather jacket, crossed over his chest. You nodded slowly, taking in the view again.

“I would really like to see it filled to the last seat. My heart races only thinking about it”, you declared, opening your arms wide. “You’re a lucky guy to experience it, Jungkook!”

Without notice he had positioned himself by your side, arms still crossed in front of him. His gaze lay on the endless amounts of free seats, biting his lower lip while lost in his thoughts for a long time. Neither he nor you said a word until you had an idea.

“Can I ask you a favour?” The raven haired boy didn’t say a word, tilting his head and cocking one of his dark eyebrows up as you woke him from his absent mind. “Sing for me.”

A small grin appeared on his pink lips. “Without instruments?”

You bit your lips, nodding heavily. It must sound ethereal, otherworldly wonderful to listen to his angelic voice in an empty arena, echoing through the hall without disturbance of a guitar, keyboard or the drums. The thought alone let your hair stand straight, heartbeat increasing.

“Let me put on some background music at least”, he chuckled, taking out his phone to connect it with the huge box where the speakers were plugged in. It took him a second to choose the right song, a shy smile pulling his lips up as he found what he was looking for. Jungkook tested the sound a second before he plugged in his mic as well, starting a melody you had never heard before.

“What’s this song? I don’t know it”, you furrowed your brows in confusion at the unfamiliar melody made by a lonely piano. It was a heartbreaking melody, slow, soft.

“Just lean back and enjoy, y/n”, he cleared his throat, inhaling deeply, you heard it coming out of the speakers as well, goosebumps starting to form on your entire body in anticipation. You sat down at furthest end near the edges of the stage to get a good view of Jungkook, pulling your knees up to your chest.

The sparsely lighted stage, darkness surrounding you, made the atmosphere quite intimate, romantic, the aching melody filling the hall before you saw the tattooed singer close his eyes, a painful sound in form of a hum resonating out of the speakers. You held your breath, echoes throwing the sound back softly, lulling you into a trance. The song started slowly, Jungkook’s heart put into every word, the lyrics different from the ones he wrote usually. It was a love song, serenading a girl who had the purest of hearts, her being the only reason he kept moving forward, all his life choices led by her.. Your eyes watered at the hurt tone in his voice, the melody reaching a peak wherefore Jungkook let his head fall back, a stretched high note making you flinch, the first tear rolling down your cheek. He opened his eyes, falling straight on you with a light shook of his head, taking the mic from its stand, walking slowly in your direction. Jungkook kneeled down in front of you, wiping away the single tear, his voice the only sound you were able to hear while he went back to the middle of the stage, his body tense, eyes darting down to you again.

You weren’t sure if you saw it right, but his cheeks were flushed, his hands trembling adjusting the microphone back at its place, the heartbreaking melody gradually getting quieter as well as his voice. Breathy howling into the mic he ended the song, standing there the way he did in the beginning, breathing heavily, chest rising with his eyes closed.

You never heard anything comparable in your life. His voice filling an empty concert hall, breathing, humming, singing. It filled your body with bliss, awe, Jungkook’s vocals able to clear your mind from scary, bad, fearful thoughts, perfectly replacing negativity with joy, happiness, craving to hear even more. You were addicted to him and he the drug giving you the high you waited for the past weeks. This was all you needed in your life.

Brushing off the dried tear you stared at Jungkook. His tattoos were tinged in light, moving on their own in your eyes, his still closed as long as the last note of the song played inside the huge arena, waiting for his turn. The moment the song finally ended his view glanced your way, brown eyes getting even darker, his lips a straight line while he let go of the mic. No one said a word, feeling as if on cloud nine to experience it between the two of you. Silently, not moving you locked eyes, deeply losing yourself in his, Jungkook staring back with anxiety in that took you aback. Weren’t you on the same page above the clouds?

“I-is everything alright?”, you asked reluctantly, whispering the words not to destroy the silence you felt utterly comfortable in.

Jungkook nodded, taking a shaking breath before turning around without another word, taking his phone from the connecting box, putting in down on it. He then stayed like this a couple of seconds whereas you waited for him to collect whatever he lost with that song right now. Shoving his hands into his pockets he turned to you again, his face now contoured in anticipation, chewing on his bottom lip, another sign of his nervousness.

“What do you think?”

Perplexed you blinked, standing up from your position on the ground wiping away some dust. Then you crossed your hands behind your back, shifting on your spot to increase his tension ere you smiled brightly at him, showing him one of your sweetest expressions. “It was the most beautiful song you ever sang for me. Let alone in here..”, you paused, biting your lip the way he did, his eyes gazing you up and down, landing on your face as you stopped speaking. “It’s a heartbreaking song though, suiting your voice, baby boy.”

Smiling shyly he narrowed his view down his shoes, scratching the back of his head, beanie long gone. “You think so? What about the lyrics, do you like it?”

“Like?”, you scoffed, wandering around the stage with your hands still behind your back, facing the empty rows again, now standing in the middle of the stage, the edge so close to your toes. You searched for the right choice of words. It was easy to form them in your head, your mind contradicting around a single aspect you would never speak aloud. “Aching”, you looked back over your shoulder. “Heartbreakingly beautiful”, gulping as memories of your ex flooded your mind for a split second. “Longing for something so close to you..”, you heard footsteps coming closer, the heat of another person’s body right behind you, so close to you..a longing.. “It tells the story of a man craving love that is right there in front of him, his world spinning around his own sun. He’d give all he got to her”, you let the lyrics form behind your eyes as you closed them, reading between the lines where words were unspoken, replaced the emptiness with your own ideals of love, describing his song with your own way of thinking. “I’m in love with it.”

You heard a mumbling answer, not sure what the guy behind you said, but you turned around, facing him with watering eyes. Jungkook held his breath, you two standing close to each other.

“No need to shed a tear”, his voice was a whiff, catching the first tear that threatened to fall down with his fingertips, delicately brushing it off while taking a loose strand of hair to put it back at its place behind your ear. “I’m glad you love it..”

Nodding you bit down your lower lip, your eyes not able to look away from Jungkook’s face whilst he locked his chocolate ones with yours, the air around you changing drastically. This should be the sign for you to step away, roaming him and making a dumb joke about his gentle treatment, but you didn’t move, your body paralysed again. You witnessed things on his face you usually would dismiss as his typical appearance, but not that night. Eyes darting down his rather big nose over the tan of his skin to the small, deep scar under his left eye, the skin healed over the years. It happened back in kindergarten as he teased you, hitting him with one of your red plastic shovels.. It wasn’t big, but tiny and delicate, the way you used to see him..His eyes darker than brown, not even chocolate like you loved to describe them, shaped in perfection, almond and round at the same time, his black lashes laying softly on his cheeks whenever he closed them..Down his lips where your eyes lingered, taking in every natural indentation of a humans mouth, the way his upper lip was significantly smaller, sharply shaped in contrast to his full, prominent bottom lip, so pink above the tiny, centred mole you knew as well as your own hand. You felt the warmth of hands cushy on your waist, but even now you couldn’t move away, your eyes forced to stay on his lips.

Then you sensed one of his hands tracing a velvety path over your arm up to your face, cupping it with his big, veiny hand. You knew where all of this led to, the inaudible voice in your head screaming at you to stop right there, hardly fighting not to touch the newly drawn line, but you just pushed it over it, shutting it with that move.

“Y/n..”, Jungkook’s voice was nothing more than pleading, craving, a needy whiff of your name, the blackness of his eyes searching for the answer in yours, finding what he needed as he took a step towards you, the hand on your face separating a couple of centimetres, making place for his thumb to brush over your bottom rim, tenderly tracing the shape with racing heartbeat. Your eyes never left his until he looked for something in yours again, leaning down to you, his lids starting to cover his black pupils. You on the other side trembled with anticipation, your heart a loud, fast staccato while the scene in front of your eyes passed you in slow motion.

The moment you closed your eyes as well you felt eternity, your veins pulsating, hands sweaty as if it was your first kiss. Jungkook didn’t press his lips on yours, rather brushed them over you in a soft move, ready to be pushed back by you, but you didn’t, your hands shooting forward to cling onto the hem of his black shirt. There it was again, the butterfly like touch of his soft lips, this time remaining on yours longer, giving you ultimate goosebumps starting on your neck down your whole body. Jungkook’s mouth felt unbelievably soft, warm, kind of sweet on yours, tasting like coffee, peppermint from the gum he recently chewed on, his fragrance filling your nostrils completely, intoxicating you fully. It was you who first moved your lips on his, parting them to kiss him like you used to, your head slightly turned to the side, moving your lips slowly on his, finding a rhythm. He did it alike, caressing your cheek with his hand again before he pulled you closer into his tall, lean body, his arm wrapping around you, holding you before you would fall off of the stage.

Time stood still, your fingers wandering up to his chest, laying flat on it, feeling his body on your skin, his lips dancing on yours whilst you kissed as if you had all the time of the world. You’re the only people on this planet, your own world occupied by the others wet mouth. Jungkook never dared to ask for access of his tongue, just kissing you passionately, moving his lips, pecking them with closed eyes. You felt his teeth grazing your lower lip, nibbing delicately on your already swollen flesh, taking it between his own ere he licked a path from one corner to the other, tasting your lips to his hearts content and so did you. Your hands disappearing in his raven locks you pressed yourself against him, the hand on your waist now cupping the other side of your face.

Your breaths mixed, breathing the others air, heads shifting from time to time, tiny, feminine mewls muffled by his red, swollen lips. Jungkook then laid one hand in your neck, pulling your head further up even though you already stood on your tip toes, pressing his lips on yours heavily this time before he let go of you.

Both of you parted with closed eyes, your heavy breathing the only sound filling the hall, echoing from the large walls. Opening your eyes you finally realised what just happened, seeing Jungkook with flushed cheeks, his chest rising as if he ran a marathon, eyes half closed, hair a raven mess. His lips were a shade darker, swollen from the kissing, a wet mixture of your saliva glistering on them under the dimmed headlights of the stage.

You felt insecure to start the conversation, your body shaking from the sensation, heart beating like crazy while you looked at each other in silence.

“Let’s go home”, Jungkook broke the quietness with a whisper, his voice traced with lust and tension as he held out his hand. But you didn’t reach for it, fishing for your keys inside your pocket to hand him.

“Y-you have..to drive home”, you stuttered, the incident clouding your mind severely as to why you weren’t able to drive back home on your own. He wouldn’t move as you stepped closer, signalling him to turn around and make way for you with a trembling hand. “G-go on.”

“Y/n”, Jungkook’s expression told you his feelings, obvious that it was his mistake, but you didn’t want to hear that shit, not after he shook your world with a simple kiss. “I know what you think, I’m-”

“Ah, yeah, I know. Mistake and so on”, you averted your eyes everywhere but on him, motioning wildly through the air while you tried to hide the truth behind your lie. “No need to apologise. Something like this happens. Felt great and so on, but l-let’s go home first.”

Jungkook grabbed your arm, spinning you back in his direction to face him properly. “You don’t understand, y/n. I’d never ap-”

“You confuse me”, you whispered, interrupting whatever he wanted to say. It would hurt you on a strange way if he continued apologising wherefore you bit down your already swollen lower lip, glancing up into his blushing face.

“That’s good enough for me”, he responded, letting you go out of his solid grip. “I have to prepare a bit more. You should wait in the car”, the tall guy turned around leaving you where you stood, throwing you the key from a safer distance. “Give me half an hour.”

Without another word you rushed out of the sticky hall, the air and foremost his sweet smell made your stomach turn. Teary eyed you ran back to your car, opening it in a rush, falling into the driver’s seat. You didn’t know how long you just sat there, contemplating what you had done. It was a vast mistake, the voice in your head constantly scolding you, throwing the imaginary stick away that drew the demarcation line two times, packing its seven things to leave you alone with your thoughts. Why were you so easy to persuade? Why? God, why didn’t you push him away playfully, turning the electrifying tension between you two into a cheerful one? Just what have you done? Was your friendship ruined by now? Or was it only a small mistake you and Jungkook would laugh about tomorrow? And why did you know that it wasn’t that easy, at least not for you, your sexual feelings now freed, panties tightly clinging on your wet folds.

You were confused, left alone with those feelings, because you couldn’t run to your best friend, telling him about your shaking heart and desire as it was him who did this to you. Groaning you cursed yourself even though you had enjoyed what happened the time it actually took place. The kiss was the best you had ever received, no rush, no haste, no forceful tongue action. Simply kissing each other, putting feelings into the movement of your lips.. the memory alone got you going, your cheeks a hue darker than normally.

“Fuck”, you hit your steering wheel hard, your palm stinging with pain. It felt good, shaking you awake, realising what you had hidden for so long. It was freed now, no chance to repress it anymore. You wanted Jungkook. More than anything. Feeling his skin hitting yours, his hands grabbing your ass the same way he had fucked the girl in the storage room. Now that you finally let the thought go, accepting it with wide arms you felt lighter. Well, you wouldn’t run to him, jumping straight on his dick, but if he started anything on his own you wouldn’t fight against your body. If he didn’t all fine, if he did even better. But one thing was for sure. You wouldn’t let it ruin your friendship, too precious what you two shared.

His heart beat like crazy, his eyes not seeing the things they did as he adjusted his microphone way too high. The only image in his head was you. Swollen lips, heated cheeks, glassy eyes and your tiny body in front of him..

“Fuck.”

You were his moody angel, his only ray of sunshine that lighted him throughout a hard time and now you were his unrequited love for an eternity. It all started back in middle school as he discovered how his cock worked, girls now interesting, but even though a dozen of girls fought to get his attention there was that one girl he admired from the first second – or the second, maybe the third. The girl who punched several boys to protect him from their prying eyes, mocking him for crying over his parents’ divorce. That one girl who he hated as a child, most annoying little bean in the world, but after you two turned sixteen his heart felt strange, aching whenever you were around, his stomach popping tiny bubbles whenever you called him by his name, your encouraging smiles after he had lost everything and wanted to dig a hole to disappear in..and even after he changed into an asshole who played with women on another level. You still protected him and cared for what he did and now? Just laying next to you was too much for Jungkook. He hated himself for his feelings towards you, afraid to ruin your precious friendship and everything you two shared over the past twenty years.

Running his hands through his hair he let out a frustrated cry to surpass the soft, happy smile that crept back on his lips. He had kissed you..damn he had fucking kissed you. His shaking hands did the last work before he couldn’t wait anymore, taking his leather jacket, almost running the way to your car. Although you weren’t meant to be his, he was the happiest man in the world right now, your taste on his lips still present wherefore his cheeks tinged in a bright pink the moment he saw you behind the steering wheel, your head leaned against the rest, eyes closed while a tiny crinkle was shown in between your brows. The typical sign that you were concentrated to find a solution for whatever you had a problem with.

Jungkook didn’t move as he watched you letting out a sigh, massaging your temples ere you shook your head with a knowing smile. It took him a lot of strength to take another step forward, his heartrate increasing while he contemplated how to face you now. The half an hour was to free his mind, what didn’t help obviously. Nervously he wanted to treat you better than ever, showing you that the kiss wasn’t a mistake and he didn’t want to apologise one bit for it. Furthermore did he enjoy it, wanted more and have you all for himself, but that was impossible, right? His offer from before, to stay over tonight was out of the question after you kissed, his mood slightly dropping at that thought. He knew that you wanted nothing more from him but be his best friend, your interest drawn by another guy, one he knew too well. Namjoon. Ruffling his hair he tried not to see the scene in the yard again, as if he hadn’t seen it..you pressed against Namjoon..moaning..fuck.

Biting his inner cheek he opened the passenger seat’s door, gliding on the seat. You seemed to be surprised, your body flinching at the sound of the door being opened. Jungkook couldn’t help but smile at you even though you looked at him with an unfathomable expression behind your pretty eyes.

“Let’s go home”, he said, his voice deeper than usual while his hands folded on his lap not to touch you while driving, even if the urge to do just that was too big to deal with after he was finally able to taste you like he wished for way too long.

The way home felt awkward, silence the main non-existent sound around you two, only the faint music of the radio filling the car while you didn’t dare to grant Jungkook one of your glances, your entire concentration laying on the road ahead. He understood you, the situation he had brought you two in strange, something you never had to cope with throughout your tight friendship. But even if it couldn’t be turned back did Jungkook want to lighten the mood with some simple chatting, showing you that he didn’t regret the kiss one bit. Furthermore wanted it to happen again, the faster the better although it wasn’t possible as long as you two didn’t clear the fronts again.

“You’re still in tomorrow? We need you, y/n”, he tried to sound cheerful, waking you up from your silent treatment. “I bet the concert will be amazing. Unlucky you have to stay behind stage and can’t party in front of the stage. I guess it was the best gig as you also were there”, he sighed as no reaction answered him, your eyes still glued outside the windshield. “Okay, listen, y/n. I don’t care what just happened, well I do, but come on. It was a kiss, something simple”, Jungkook nudged your side, the words leaving his lips hurting him, but if that was what you needed he’d repress his feelings like he did for the past six or seven years.

“Simple?”, he heard you mumbling, your eyes darkening ere you shot him a half hearted smile. “You see it as that?”

I fucking don’t. “I do.”

Nodding you pulled up your eyebrows while Jungkook reached out for the hand that lay casually on the coupling, his fingers stroking yours for a split second. “No need to worry, y/n. It’s fine between us, don’t you think? We know each other since we were children, a simple kiss can’t be a problem between us”, Jungkook’s lips twitched without actually smiling, the words feeling like daggers in his chest.

Another nod from your side ere you parked the car in front of his apartment. The drive home over too early for his liking.

“See you”, was all you said before he heard the loud noise of your car’s engine and screeching wheels. You were gone faster than he imagined, his heart clenching with fear at the upcoming event. Whatever he had done to you, be it the kiss or something he couldn’t read, he had to make it better again, for the sake of your friendship despite his own feelings squeezing the last fearful breaths out of his lungs, his brown eyes still seeing your car even though you were long gone.

The night was pure horror. Not a single minute of sleep, your eyes and head hurting, limbs aching and tired as you walked reluctantly through the huge metal doors that lead to the arena the boys would perform on in a few hours. After the incident yesterday you had ignored Jungkook’s texts, too afraid you might snap and run to him if you met this early, alone and in his or your home. Your actions were unpredictable even for you, the change of place tonight gladly accepting as other people were around you, a moment alone between Jungkook and you decreased to a minimum. Your plan was to stay away from his as much as possible without seeming too obvious with your desire to touch him and being touched. Therefore you would act put the role of being his usual best friend without hidden thoughts. But as you slandered though the corridor you witnessed a nervous looking Jungkook at the end, looking at his watch before his eyes met yours and he walked towards you with long steps.

“Y/n! I though you wouldn’t come”, his voice showed his relief, his pretty face freed from his hair that was styled back, his dark eyes softly locking with yours. “Are you okay? You didn’t answer me and yesterday you even-”

“All fine. No need to worry”, you faked a smile, patting his shoulder stiffly before gesturing to lead you to work. Tonight you had to play your role to perfection to get your friendship back to its previous level. “Tell me where I can help.”

Jungkook’s eyes got darker at your treatment, his hand enclosing on your arm for a brief moment ere he let go without letting you out of his view.

He showed you around, a few dozen people already working eagerly, greeting you ere he turned around a corner to open a door you recognized as the boys room. Namjoon and the other guys stood up to give you a hug, giving you instructions while your 'best friend’ left for a while. After they went to practise with the main band you were left alone with your thoughts. Sighing you arranged the clothes for the boys, taking out their shoes and make-up before you let yourself fall on the leather sofa in the furthest corner, sighing deeply. This will be a damn long night, sleep deprived, having a silent argument with your best friend, you knew it as the boys came back, sweaty laughing like crazy.

“One hour to go. A hundred fans are already waiting outside, man I’m excited!”, Namjoon’s voice was the first you heard, beaming with excitement while laying his arm around Jungkook’s shoulder. The shorter man on the other side nodded without the huge amount of anticipation that radiated from his friend’s body. “You okay, Jungkook? You’re fucking quiet tonight.”

“I’m fine”, Jungkook wriggled himself out of Namjoon’s grip, turning around as his eyes met yours to storm out of the room. Everybody followed his tensed back with wide eyes.

“He isn’t fine”, you just said ere a loud bell rang, a signal that the boys should be ready in no time.

Despite the hecticness inside the room, the loud laughter and music you couldn’t take off your thoughts of Jungkook’s strange behaviour, his hurt expression haunting you throughout the hours of the concert in which you had to get water for the boys, tidy their room, run errands for the technicians and waited impatiently for the end of their gig to talk to Jungkook. They took their time, the crowd the loudest after their last song, constantly shouting for more before you saw Namjoon rushing backstage, his body drenched in sweat with a bright, wide smile painting his plump lips.

“Y/n!”, he hugged you wherefore you pushed him playful away, laughing as his sticky body met yours. “Ah, sorry, but it was fucking lit. The best concert of them all up until now!”

“That’s what I want to hear”, you responded with a faint smile, desperately looking for someone else to get off of the stage. And as Jungkook also walked back towards you, you wanted to congratulate him for the perfect show, but he didn’t stop, rushing past you with a stone cold face. Confused you followed him with your eyes, Namjoon scratching his neck while turning you around in his direction.

“Wanna grab a drink after I took a shower?”

Namjoon’s invitation to grab a drink turned out in him taking many shots while you couldn’t drink that night as you had to drive home later. He told you stories again, funny ones like the last time whereas you watched Jungkook drowning one long drink after the other, getting drunk faster as you thought was healthy. But after he was gone out of your view Namjoon tried to get your attention by pulling you into him, kissing you passionately out of the sudden. You welcomed it because now you could drown in his taste, shaking off the negativity you had to face tonight in the form of your 'best friend’.

“Yah!”

You turned around at the sudden coldness pressing on your bare shoulder, a hand ice cold gripping your arm in a harsh manner, turning you around while pulling you close. Hitting your nose on Jungkook’s chest you held your hands up in defence to shove yourself away from his body. The thick smell of alcohol and cigarettes filled your nostrils as you desperately tried to wriggle yourself out of his impenetrable touch.

Maybe the situation was kinda awkward to look at, but that wasn’t a reason for Jungkook to treat you like that, rushing over through the partying masses at the after show party, squeezing his lean body through people just to reach you, leaning over Namjoon, making out like some teenagers while he massaged your neck and shoulders, pulling your light blouse over them to get better access. After Jungkook told you to leave him for the night he hadn’t granted you a single glance, drinking like hell whereas woman after woman hit on him, in vain as his eyes were glued to you and his friend in the corner of the party without your notice. The tall guy had asked you to drink with him, make up for the last time you two met which ended in a heated make out session.

But the nice, relaxed atmosphere, your nagging thoughts finally replaced by another guy’s presence were interrupted by the one guy who strictly told you to leave him alone tonight. Jungkook didn’t let go despite your tries to loosen his grip, his teeth gritted strongly, chin shoved forward. Why the hell was he furious, beaming with anger?

“Jeon Jungkook, let me go”, another try to get away from his heat, your mind and stomach turning upside down at this closeness.

Namjoon also stood up from his seat, seemingly confused at his friend’s behaviour. Instead of getting annoyed or angry with his young friend the handsome, tall man started smiling, patting Jungkook’s shoulder. “Dude, let her go. Can’t you see that we’re kind of..busy?”

“Fuck off”, was all Jungkook said, smacking Namjoon’s large hand away with glaring eyes. “Come.” Without another word towards his friend he took your hand, squeezing it painfully close ere he walked out in the coldness of an autumn night.

Stumbling over his own feet Jungkook staggered as to why you supported him shortly ere you felt a cold hand on your neck, pulling your head high to lock eyes with the drunken mess in front of you who dared to disturb you and Namjoon, the only one treating you normally that night wherefore you had searched for shelter and distraction in his attention and kisses. Jungkook’s eyes glanced at you milky, the darkness of his chocolate brown evolving into blackness.

“Stop with your shitty behaviour, Jungkook. You seriously confuse the fuck out of me!”, you whispered, not wanting that the few couples around you understood what you two talked about.

“I hope I do, because you do that to me for a fucking long time now”, it was more of an unsteady growl, the words slurry from the alcohol in his tall body. You opened your mouth to question his drunken sentence as Jungkook leaned down to press his pink lips harshly on yours, suffocating you with his warm mouth. A second, a simple, fucking second and he was able to occupy your mind fully, turning your sober mind into a drunken one. Drunk from him, his presence, his lips, his fragrance..

You wanted him more than anything, but not like that hence you shoved him away with all your might, his legs wobbling till he found a steady pose not to fall. Heavy breathing your eyes shot wide, mouth agape ere you shook your head with furrowed brows.

“Don’t do that, Jungkook. You’re my best friend and I don’t w-want to change that..” Liar.

“You want to kiss Namjoon, but not me?”, his voice got louder, almost shouting at you, the other people’s heads darting in your direction. One step after the other he came closer, taking you by the arms to lean down again, stopping right over your mouth. The strong smell of different alcohols mixed with his cologne, his breath hitting your face. “Why?” All rage out of his voice he whispered that word desperately, aching, longing. The situation escalated too fast..

“S-stop it..”, your voice nothing more than a whiff you closed your eyes, ready to feel his lips on yours as he was suddenly shoved off of you. His body hit the ground at the abrupt movement of Namjoon’s hands pulling him away by his leather jacket’s sleeves, his tipsy legs not holding him any longer. Jungkook’s eyes got wide and so did yours as you saw Namjoon, his bony fingers pushing your body behind his, protecting him from the boy on the ground.

“Dude, accept your limits”, Namjoon sounded calm, but you sensed the tension in his bones as he crouched down next to his friend to help him up. “I didn’t want to push you that hard, sorry, dude. Come here”, he held out his hand, but instead of grabbing it Jungkook smacked it away like he did inside the partying room.

“Don’t give me that shit and get your hands off of her”, fire left his mouth as he shoved Namjoon away to stand up with wobbling legs. Then reached out for you, but you didn’t dare to choose between two friends as to why you shook your head, holding your hands up.

“Stop it guys, I’m going home.”

Sighing Jungkook grabbed your upper arm to spin you around, but you had enough. His brown eyes tried to sooth you with a puppy view, but your skin was made of stone, not letting his glance get through to you, lull you into coping with a drunken mess and his tipsy friend who was seemingly angry with his younger mate. “I said leave me the fuck alone! Both of you. If you’re sober we can talk and Namjoon, get away from him, he’s drunk and wants to mess with you.” Shaking off his cold hand you stormed back inside to get your things and leave before one of the boys dared to follow you. Raging you reached your car, started the engine to get away from the young man who let your heart rate increase with his stupid, drunken actions. The situation was a blur, too fast and way too intense to deal with late at night. Maybe tomorrow or in a few days you had to look for a decent conversation with both of them, but not now.

Angry with the turn of events you opened your front door, sinking to the ground with your face buried in your hands, already knowing the answer to your problem without having talked with one of them..

#bts #BTS jungkook #jeon jungkook #jungkook smut #jungkook angst #jungkook fluff #jungkook au #bts au #jungkook scenarios #jungkook reactions #badboy!jungkook #tattooed!jungkook #dom!jungkook #bts smut #bts angst #bts fluff #bts fanfiction #bts fanfic #jungkook fanfic #bts scenarios #bts reactions #bts namjoon #kwritersnet #kwriterskollection #fanfiction #smut #kookie #beyond the scene #jungkook boyfriend #all i've got

[eris0330]

Hiraeth - Part one

☽Pairing☾ ; BTS | Reader

☽Genre☾ ; Angst | Fluff

☽Word Count☾ ; 1.4k

☽Summary☾ Returning back to Korea after years of being under the ground, to see your parents. You wished it was all it took, to feel complete again. The aftermath of confusion, betrayal and sorrow was the reason to never come back into the boys presents. But it wasn’t until, seeing one them enter the same cafe, at the right time.

☽Notes☾ ;  A continuation of Metanoia & Tacenda, another sequel | Trailer 

☽M. List☾ ;  1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // 7 // 8 // 9 // 10 // 11 // 12 // 13 // 14 // 15 // 16 // 17 // 18 // 19 // 20 // 21 // 22 [ongoing]

-------------

“Remember to give us an update throughout the week, so we know where we can find you and hearing the process” Your luggage aligned along the walls of the airport, as the phone in your hand heated up from the longest flight you have ever been on. Your closest therapist, or friend as you sometimes liked to call it, gave you a green light to go back to Korea. The smells and weather change were overwhelming, compared to the building you had spent years inside of. You couldn’t remember much from how you got there, and what happened towards the end of a pitch-black hole. Maybe you just didn’t want to remember, the fragile pieces of memories that were left behind. “I will, every Friday I will give back a report” You promised into the microphone, already too dizzy to think of the ideas that were stuck in your mind while asking for permission to go back.

After waking up in the holy white room of people that assured you, that they were there to only help. The straps around your hands and legs, were nothing but terrifying and you felt like a child again. Your head hurt, it hurt so god damn much. Your body was aching and your eyes felt like they were on fire, with the same annoying high pitch TV sound of no signal. Your throat dry as the desert, unable to scream the pain inside that was not enough for simple words.  

It wasn’t that everything was forgotten. The people who claimed to be doctors in special treatment, were nothing but telling you what happened from the source of previous doctors. You tried to kill yourself. Even today, at this very minute, it seems surreal of the thought. Were you given a second chance? They wanted to make you feel better, think positive of the opportunities around but worst of all, you were cut off from the world outside. Plastic surgery to the broken parts of your face and horrid scars along your back, it was already getting tough to never see the people that were there your whole life. Not your parents, no. But the boys with the greatest smile and most affectionate hugs. There didn’t pass a day, without the thought of them. Did they know you were here? Did they know you still thought about them? Did they know the feelings you couldn’t show properly? It was all unanswered questions, that you were scared to confront. You were told about the aftermath of someone’s death and that it’s not something you can lightly talk about, especially when you are the one searching for death.  

“Same place, new beginning” Encouraging words to yourself, hoping that they would calm your fragile heart. The sounds of cars, people and the language you had left behind. Going back to Korea, was your own idea but it took the doctors weeks to approve of it. You were still under their radar, and was promised to see the outside once again you felt ready. Everything you had, was left right here and you were already on the way to search for the first priority.  

“It’s nice to see you both again… Looks like Jia took good care of you, while I was gone” Sometimes you thought it was insane to talk to yourself, but realised after a while, it wasn’t so bad after all. It was like someone was listening to you, whether it was them or a stranger. Someone listened. The gravestones of a beautiful bouquet of flowers leaning against the stones, and a candle light burned out. You were glad, someone was there to take care of your parents, when you couldn’t.  

Jia hasn’t had any contact with you either, no one has. The connection was cut and you had no option to get it back. Until today, that you knew where to find them all. But, you couldn’t. The pain that was reflecting inside yourself, was enough to keep you away. They never meant to hurt you, and you did something so horrible that they might never forgive you. Did they miss you too?  

The doctors assigned an apartment for you, to live under their bills till the year you could finally financially start something new, by yourself. It was small, but comfortable. Just like the single room in the dorm, where no one entered unless they knocked. Your clothes scattered along the floor and only Hoseok was bothered enough to pick it up to throw into the washing machine. Everything you did, whatever you saw, was a single memory flashing of them. Your heart pounding harder and the feel of warmth growing in the bottom of your stomach, but your chest felt so heavy of their tears. It was internal war, as to whether find them or leave them in peace. After all, you didn’t look exactly like yourself, with the new nose and the scar across the cheekbones. Frankly, Jungkook would probably call you his twin and it just made you feel happier.  

After unpacking and settling yourself in the new place, with the extraordinary scenery of Seoul. You decided to head towards the dog café nearby, that only peaked your interest. Animals has always been a huge interest, and the fact it existed, you couldn’t decline the temptation. The smallest and biggest fluffballs to greet a hello, a type of greeting you haven’t experienced for years. Their kisses were always so sweet but wet, it only made you laugh in joy. Taking a break to enjoy the view of dogs and the atmosphere that nostalgia created from your early years, felt like going back in time. People didn’t seem to change, until you noticed the entrance door open and the dogs rushed to greet like always. A familiar face, yet so skinny and defined it scared you. Jungkook were just a few metres away, petting a golden retriever who probably received love on a daily basis. He had become skinnier, but his smile, his smile was the same. So delightful and warm, it shocked you to even watch him come close to the desk. His tanned skin and still the same kind of fashion style, which you did praise him for every day. His navy lumber jack matched with a black shirt and black jeans. It didn’t surprise you, seeing his timberlands and handbag on the run, as if he was born in those shoes. He didn’t seem to notice you, but that would make sense when you tried hiding your face to look away. You just couldn’t help it, listening to his voice, ordering his Iced Americano and waiting patiently with the dogs jumping around his legs. Jungkook always loved dogs, and watching him play with them as the first sight, was magnificent. It didn’t take long, before he was out of the door again. The sound of cars and familiar songs playing in the speaker of the café, you felt it as a sign. You were dragged by his presence, and you couldn’t help but go for it.  

Outside of the café, there were no sign of Jungkook. Couples and high schoolers filling the streets, and sunset coming along to give the right hue of remembrance. Your feet were dragged towards somewhere, but your mind was confused. You remember this street, it was here you met Jimin the first time during trainee days. Shop after shops, and streets forming to newer ones under the phase of your speed, a grey building came to view. It was, like your body knew what you wanted, but your brain couldn’t process it properly. Seeing Jungkook after so long, with that beautiful smile, was enough to make you determent. Opening the entrance door, to be met by a female receptionist. Her golden hair bundled into a bun and her glasses close to slip off her nose, fitted into the white reception room. Paintings of hills and sunsets, covering the walls as the sound of heels clashing against the marble floor.  

“Hello, can I help you?” Her voice was like candy, so sweet and delicate that you got caught off guard. Apparently, by chance you were dragged towards the desk to look her in the eyes. Her pure skin of no imperfections that stand out, at the sight of another beauty. Your lips quivering, as the memories displayed under your closed lids to know exactly who you were looking for. It came as a stutter, but not desperate to make it sound familiar.  

“I’m looking for Jane Kim”

#sfwbangtan #bcgnet #bts texts #bts #bangtan #bangtan boys #beyond the scene #bts angst #bts fluff #fluff #angst #mxreader #mxr #jungkook #jimin #taehyung #v #hoseok #j hope #jin #seokjin #rapmonster #namjoon #yoongi #suga #metanoia #hiraeth #tacenda

[y-oo-nseok]

bts as instagram famous

automaticdick (7.6M): travels a lot. his account has a calm aesthetic. lots of side profile picture with philosophical captions that leave your mind blown. posts pictures of everything he breaks with captions like “oops did it again, sorry mom haha”. sometimes posts videos of tracks he’s working on. doesn’t know how he got instagram famous. met jin through dm’s and now are bfs because ajsdhlkjasdkjaoskd

agustd and whippedmin (5.9M and 3.8M): underrated musician at first. posts more videos than pictures. his instagram account got famous from him posting sneak peaks of tracks he was working on. on his second acc he does post pictures that are either selfies with his dog, hoseok and his dog; hoseok, his dog and him or of his dog alone. secretly thanks the gods for getting his account famous bc it’s bc of that that he now has a stable job making music.

jungshook and justinseagull (6.5M and 3.7M): was a college student, but dropped out. does one minutes reviews of games he plays and went viral after reviewing animal crossing for 3ds. people constantly ask him to get a youtube channel, he always refuses. his pictures are as boyfriend aesthetic as you’re going to get. he posted so many pictures of every new timberland pair of boots he got that he got a brand deal and now gets them for free. has a side account where he posts one minute or less song covers.

parkchimin and serendipark (6.7M and 4.1M): started posting selfies and is still posting only selfies in his main account lol. when he posts videos they are from his hangouts with taehyung or from photoshoots behind the scenes. he once posted a derp face that went so viral that even your great grandmother knew about it. on his side account he posts dance covers and brags about getting inca right on a game once.

vante and kimtaetae (7.M and 3.2M): his vante acc is a monochrome aesthetic one, you can find from landscapes to portraits with captions that only he understands  (ex: you can only drink clorox at 4 o’clock, not a minute less or a minute more), he started when he was in college getting his photograhy major and went viral after posting a picture of an egg. on his seccond acc he posts selfies, soomshim, jimin and videos of him jamming to jungkook’s covers and asking who the fuck is automaitcdick and why do people believe they are siblings?

jhopeu and hobee (7.2 M and 4M): was a trainee, but got tired of waiting, so he used his popularity to gain followers on social media by posting original choreos to agustd’s songs. then yoongi sent him a message and now they are mArried. he is now a very well known choreographer. on his second account always posts pictures smiling and cute pictures of yoongi, taken when he’s not looking and complimenting his mutuals work.

eatjin and seokjinaro (11M and 5M): started posting selfies, but now does 1 minute mukbang’s and posts videos of how to take care of your skin to be worldwide fhandsome like him, unlike the others he did get a youtube channel started after getting famous on instagram. on his personal account he posts selfies with a lot of dad jokes as captions and videos of namjoon’s reactions to his pickup lines

(+bonus: they all are mutuals)

#bts #bangtan #bangtan boys #bts imagines #yoonseok #sope #namjin #vminkook #jikook #vmin #bts v #taehyung #namjoon #rm #bts jin #seokjin #jimin #jungkook #bts jimim #bts jungkook #hoseok #jhope #yoongi #suga

[footymaestro-blog]

Top Clothing Brands

This is a perfect topic to talk about especially since the time of season is changing and everyone will be going on their big Spring Break plans! There is always that moment during the break where we all want to take a day to look at clothes for the warmer weather. I know for sure this is me. My bank account takes a big dent after spring break and a majority of it is me buying nike shorts! There are always so many choices when it comes to new styles and brands that start to peak over other brands that make the whole “decision process” that much more difficult. I wanted to go over a few of the top clothing brands and ones on the rise from this past year. 

“In the last 12 months, the sportswear giant released the insanely popular VaporMax, reintroduced retro models like the Air Max 97, one nike’s best sneakers of 2017 and became the official outfitter of the NBA” (Sanchez). I mean what hasn’t Nike been able to accomplish over these last few years? For those of you who watch soccer as well, Nike has begun to take over the leagues in England and France as well. It will be very interesting to see the new shorts and sweat gear they come out with for this summers upcoming World Cup. Nike has been the leading sportswear company for a while now but Adidas has begun to step up their game. 

Adidas just came out of nowhere this past year of 2017 with an abundance of sneaker releases that has made them the second biggest shoe apparel company beating Jordan for second place. They have even had endorsers like Kanye West pushing for the whole “track pants” trend that made a big impact on their annual reports. They even had partnerships with Alexander Wang, White Mountaineering, and Reigning Champ which have all been payed close attention to (Sanchez). There wasn’t a single dull moment this past year with Adidas making a big push up in the rankings.

One of the biggest clothing companies that has resulted in the appearance of many big celebrities is Supreme. This is streetwear company that took flight in 2017, where the trend of streetwear was a big BOOM! “Supreme's formulaic approach to streetwear—defiant rebellion mixed with a little hip-hop superiority, with a splash of interpretive art and a whole dollop of climatic collaborations—is indefatigable” (Sanchez). They used global icons like Nas, Sade, and even Michael Jackson. They are still continuing to grow by talking about collaborations with Nike, Timberland, Levi’s, and North Face. I can’t wait to see the new line of apparel they are intending to come out with these upcoming months.

Thank you all for listening. I have attached the article I found if you are all interested in looking at the other trending clothing brands. Happy shopping and have a good Spring Break ! 

Ryan Haupt

[raymodelmy]

Travel to North Conway, New Hampshire – No Matter the Season!

The post Travel to North Conway, New Hampshire – No Matter the Season! appeared first on Footloose.

In the heart of New Hampshire’s White Mountains lies North Conway, the keystone of the Mount Washington Valley. No matter what time of year, this quaint village/resort town/outlet shopping Mecca has something for everyone, not just the outdoorsman. Excellent shopping, outstanding mountain views, friendly restaurants and pubs, North Conway and its surrounding area may be just what you are looking for.

Although the entrance to the Mount Washington Valley via NH Route 16 may be nothing more than a line of outlet stores, once you enter North Conway Village you will notice the difference. Immediately you see the twin turrets of North Conway’s Victorian railroad station, home to the Conway Scenic Railroad. A walk around the village does not take long and has plenty to see and do: An old style movie theater, sporting outfitters, quaint boutiques, cafes and restaurants.

Where to Stay There is never a real “off-season” in the Mount Washington Valley. One drawback to having so much to offer is that North Conway’s hotels, inns and B&B’s are usually almost full. Although there is no shortage of accommodations in the area, North Conway is not a place to figure out where to stay once you get there. Winter sees the area packed with skiers and snowboarders on the weekends but rooms become easier to come by during mid-week. Spring and summer are very busy in North Conway but many visitors choose to stay at campgrounds, making local hotels and inns more available and sometimes a little cheaper. Fall is leaf-peeping season and last-minute travelers will be hard-pressed to find a room, let alone a moderately priced one. North Conway visitors arriving in the fall should plan months ahead if possible to witness New England foliage at its best.

Where to Eat New Hampshire may not be known as a culinary wonderland, but good food of all varieties can be found in North Conway. Restaurant choices in and around North Conway range from pub grub to steaks and seafood, all the way to exceptional Indian food at Shalimar of India. In fact, there are so many delicious choices you may have a hard time choosing a restaurant. A big hearty breakfast is a must in the White Mountains and the best in the area can be found ten minutes away at the Glen Junction Family Restaurant. The star of this all-day breakfast place (besides the cute toy train) has to be their thin and crispy blueberry pancakes. Served with warmed-up local maple syrup, these pancakes are so good they are almost worth the drive to New Hampshire by themselves.

Where to Shop It is no secret that New Hampshire is sales tax free, and the North Conway area takes full advantage with its popular outlet shopping center. From Ralph Lauren to Timberland, they are all here in the Mount Washington Valley. However, shopping in North Conway is not limited to saving money on big names; Zeb’s Country Store and the North Conway 5 and 10 Cent Store are must-stops for all your old-timey needs like penny candy, fudge, maple syrup and preserves. Summertime sees countless sales on winter gear at the local ski and sports shops, making North Conway the perfect place to upgrade your skiing equipment.

What to Do Depending upon the season, North Conway is home to skiers, snowmobiles, mountain bikers, hikers, campers and leaf-peepers. The legendary ski resort Mount Cranmore, one of the oldest in America is just outside of North Conway Village and is perfect for skiing families. North Conway’s central location allows for an easy drive to several top-notch ski mountains like Attitash and Bretton Woods. The fun is not over once the snow melts since many of these ski mountains including the famous Wildcat allow mountain biking on the trails and keep the ski lifts operating for stunning views of Mount Washington and the rest of the Presidential Range.

Just north of town leads to Mount Washington and the White Mountain National Forest, one of the most popular National Forests in the country with miles of well maintained trails for hiking, cross-country skiing and snowmobiles. With North Conway as a base, travelers could use their car to travel up the Mount Washington Auto Road to the peak of the tallest mountain in the Northeast, weather permitting of course. More experienced hikers may want to join up with the famous Appalachian Trail (AT) as it winds its way through the Presidential Range toward Mount Katahdin in Maine. Shorter and less strenuous trips such as a visit to majestic Glen Ellis Falls will be a hit with young and old alike. Very close to North Conway is the Saco River, extremely popular in the summer for camping and especially canoe trips. As you will see, there is no shortage of canoe rental locations and some offer a pick-up service at the end of your journey.

Travelers planning a trip to the White Mountains will not be alone, summer and peak ski season can often see major traffic. However, the traffic is only bad in town, the roads to ski mountains and hiking trails are mostly clear but steep in grade. Make sure that your vehicle can handle the constant change in elevation – especially check the breaks if planning a Mount Washington Auto Road trip. The fall sees a huge influx of leaf peepers since the Mount Washington Valley is a prime foliage location; keep that in mind when booking a hotel. Otherwise, enjoy what North Conway has to offer, there is always something for you no matter the season.

The post Travel to North Conway, New Hampshire – No Matter the Season! appeared first on Footloose.

from https://www.footloosetours.com/travel-north-conway-new-hampshire-no-matter-season/ from http://footloosetours0.blogspot.com/2017/03/travel-to-north-conway-new-hampshire-no.html

[ewellginny]

Travel to North Conway, New Hampshire – No Matter the Season!

The post Travel to North Conway, New Hampshire – No Matter the Season! appeared first on Footloose.

In the heart of New Hampshire’s White Mountains lies North Conway, the keystone of the Mount Washington Valley. No matter what time of year, this quaint village/resort town/outlet shopping Mecca has something for everyone, not just the outdoorsman. Excellent shopping, outstanding mountain views, friendly restaurants and pubs, North Conway and its surrounding area may be just what you are looking for.

Although the entrance to the Mount Washington Valley via NH Route 16 may be nothing more than a line of outlet stores, once you enter North Conway Village you will notice the difference. Immediately you see the twin turrets of North Conway’s Victorian railroad station, home to the Conway Scenic Railroad. A walk around the village does not take long and has plenty to see and do: An old style movie theater, sporting outfitters, quaint boutiques, cafes and restaurants.

Where to Stay There is never a real “off-season” in the Mount Washington Valley. One drawback to having so much to offer is that North Conway’s hotels, inns and B&B’s are usually almost full. Although there is no shortage of accommodations in the area, North Conway is not a place to figure out where to stay once you get there. Winter sees the area packed with skiers and snowboarders on the weekends but rooms become easier to come by during mid-week. Spring and summer are very busy in North Conway but many visitors choose to stay at campgrounds, making local hotels and inns more available and sometimes a little cheaper. Fall is leaf-peeping season and last-minute travelers will be hard-pressed to find a room, let alone a moderately priced one. North Conway visitors arriving in the fall should plan months ahead if possible to witness New England foliage at its best.

Where to Eat New Hampshire may not be known as a culinary wonderland, but good food of all varieties can be found in North Conway. Restaurant choices in and around North Conway range from pub grub to steaks and seafood, all the way to exceptional Indian food at Shalimar of India. In fact, there are so many delicious choices you may have a hard time choosing a restaurant. A big hearty breakfast is a must in the White Mountains and the best in the area can be found ten minutes away at the Glen Junction Family Restaurant. The star of this all-day breakfast place (besides the cute toy train) has to be their thin and crispy blueberry pancakes. Served with warmed-up local maple syrup, these pancakes are so good they are almost worth the drive to New Hampshire by themselves.

Where to Shop It is no secret that New Hampshire is sales tax free, and the North Conway area takes full advantage with its popular outlet shopping center. From Ralph Lauren to Timberland, they are all here in the Mount Washington Valley. However, shopping in North Conway is not limited to saving money on big names; Zeb’s Country Store and the North Conway 5 and 10 Cent Store are must-stops for all your old-timey needs like penny candy, fudge, maple syrup and preserves. Summertime sees countless sales on winter gear at the local ski and sports shops, making North Conway the perfect place to upgrade your skiing equipment.

What to Do Depending upon the season, North Conway is home to skiers, snowmobiles, mountain bikers, hikers, campers and leaf-peepers. The legendary ski resort Mount Cranmore, one of the oldest in America is just outside of North Conway Village and is perfect for skiing families. North Conway’s central location allows for an easy drive to several top-notch ski mountains like Attitash and Bretton Woods. The fun is not over once the snow melts since many of these ski mountains including the famous Wildcat allow mountain biking on the trails and keep the ski lifts operating for stunning views of Mount Washington and the rest of the Presidential Range.

Just north of town leads to Mount Washington and the White Mountain National Forest, one of the most popular National Forests in the country with miles of well maintained trails for hiking, cross-country skiing and snowmobiles. With North Conway as a base, travelers could use their car to travel up the Mount Washington Auto Road to the peak of the tallest mountain in the Northeast, weather permitting of course. More experienced hikers may want to join up with the famous Appalachian Trail (AT) as it winds its way through the Presidential Range toward Mount Katahdin in Maine. Shorter and less strenuous trips such as a visit to majestic Glen Ellis Falls will be a hit with young and old alike. Very close to North Conway is the Saco River, extremely popular in the summer for camping and especially canoe trips. As you will see, there is no shortage of canoe rental locations and some offer a pick-up service at the end of your journey.

Travelers planning a trip to the White Mountains will not be alone, summer and peak ski season can often see major traffic. However, the traffic is only bad in town, the roads to ski mountains and hiking trails are mostly clear but steep in grade. Make sure that your vehicle can handle the constant change in elevation – especially check the breaks if planning a Mount Washington Auto Road trip. The fall sees a huge influx of leaf peepers since the Mount Washington Valley is a prime foliage location; keep that in mind when booking a hotel. Otherwise, enjoy what North Conway has to offer, there is always something for you no matter the season.

The post Travel to North Conway, New Hampshire – No Matter the Season! appeared first on Footloose.

From https://www.footloosetours.com/travel-north-conway-new-hampshire-no-matter-season/

from https://footloosetours0.wordpress.com/2017/03/02/travel-to-north-conway-new-hampshire-no-matter-the-season-2/

[ramoscamellia]

Travel to North Conway, New Hampshire – No Matter the Season!

The post Travel to North Conway, New Hampshire – No Matter the Season! appeared first on Footloose.

In the heart of New Hampshire’s White Mountains lies North Conway, the keystone of the Mount Washington Valley. No matter what time of year, this quaint village/resort town/outlet shopping Mecca has something for everyone, not just the outdoorsman. Excellent shopping, outstanding mountain views, friendly restaurants and pubs, North Conway and its surrounding area may be just what you are looking for.

Although the entrance to the Mount Washington Valley via NH Route 16 may be nothing more than a line of outlet stores, once you enter North Conway Village you will notice the difference. Immediately you see the twin turrets of North Conway’s Victorian railroad station, home to the Conway Scenic Railroad. A walk around the village does not take long and has plenty to see and do: An old style movie theater, sporting outfitters, quaint boutiques, cafes and restaurants.

Where to Stay There is never a real “off-season” in the Mount Washington Valley. One drawback to having so much to offer is that North Conway’s hotels, inns and B&B’s are usually almost full. Although there is no shortage of accommodations in the area, North Conway is not a place to figure out where to stay once you get there. Winter sees the area packed with skiers and snowboarders on the weekends but rooms become easier to come by during mid-week. Spring and summer are very busy in North Conway but many visitors choose to stay at campgrounds, making local hotels and inns more available and sometimes a little cheaper. Fall is leaf-peeping season and last-minute travelers will be hard-pressed to find a room, let alone a moderately priced one. North Conway visitors arriving in the fall should plan months ahead if possible to witness New England foliage at its best.

Where to Eat New Hampshire may not be known as a culinary wonderland, but good food of all varieties can be found in North Conway. Restaurant choices in and around North Conway range from pub grub to steaks and seafood, all the way to exceptional Indian food at Shalimar of India. In fact, there are so many delicious choices you may have a hard time choosing a restaurant. A big hearty breakfast is a must in the White Mountains and the best in the area can be found ten minutes away at the Glen Junction Family Restaurant. The star of this all-day breakfast place (besides the cute toy train) has to be their thin and crispy blueberry pancakes. Served with warmed-up local maple syrup, these pancakes are so good they are almost worth the drive to New Hampshire by themselves.

Where to Shop It is no secret that New Hampshire is sales tax free, and the North Conway area takes full advantage with its popular outlet shopping center. From Ralph Lauren to Timberland, they are all here in the Mount Washington Valley. However, shopping in North Conway is not limited to saving money on big names; Zeb’s Country Store and the North Conway 5 and 10 Cent Store are must-stops for all your old-timey needs like penny candy, fudge, maple syrup and preserves. Summertime sees countless sales on winter gear at the local ski and sports shops, making North Conway the perfect place to upgrade your skiing equipment.

What to Do Depending upon the season, North Conway is home to skiers, snowmobiles, mountain bikers, hikers, campers and leaf-peepers. The legendary ski resort Mount Cranmore, one of the oldest in America is just outside of North Conway Village and is perfect for skiing families. North Conway’s central location allows for an easy drive to several top-notch ski mountains like Attitash and Bretton Woods. The fun is not over once the snow melts since many of these ski mountains including the famous Wildcat allow mountain biking on the trails and keep the ski lifts operating for stunning views of Mount Washington and the rest of the Presidential Range.

Just north of town leads to Mount Washington and the White Mountain National Forest, one of the most popular National Forests in the country with miles of well maintained trails for hiking, cross-country skiing and snowmobiles. With North Conway as a base, travelers could use their car to travel up the Mount Washington Auto Road to the peak of the tallest mountain in the Northeast, weather permitting of course. More experienced hikers may want to join up with the famous Appalachian Trail (AT) as it winds its way through the Presidential Range toward Mount Katahdin in Maine. Shorter and less strenuous trips such as a visit to majestic Glen Ellis Falls will be a hit with young and old alike. Very close to North Conway is the Saco River, extremely popular in the summer for camping and especially canoe trips. As you will see, there is no shortage of canoe rental locations and some offer a pick-up service at the end of your journey.

Travelers planning a trip to the White Mountains will not be alone, summer and peak ski season can often see major traffic. However, the traffic is only bad in town, the roads to ski mountains and hiking trails are mostly clear but steep in grade. Make sure that your vehicle can handle the constant change in elevation – especially check the breaks if planning a Mount Washington Auto Road trip. The fall sees a huge influx of leaf peepers since the Mount Washington Valley is a prime foliage location; keep that in mind when booking a hotel. Otherwise, enjoy what North Conway has to offer, there is always something for you no matter the season.

The post Travel to North Conway, New Hampshire – No Matter the Season! appeared first on Footloose.

from https://www.footloosetours.com/travel-north-conway-new-hampshire-no-matter-season/ from http://footloosetours0.tumblr.com/post/157915377852

[footloosetours0]

Travel to North Conway, New Hampshire – No Matter the Season!

The post Travel to North Conway, New Hampshire – No Matter the Season! appeared first on Footloose.

In the heart of New Hampshire’s White Mountains lies North Conway, the keystone of the Mount Washington Valley. No matter what time of year, this quaint village/resort town/outlet shopping Mecca has something for everyone, not just the outdoorsman. Excellent shopping, outstanding mountain views, friendly restaurants and pubs, North Conway and its surrounding area may be just what you are looking for.

Although the entrance to the Mount Washington Valley via NH Route 16 may be nothing more than a line of outlet stores, once you enter North Conway Village you will notice the difference. Immediately you see the twin turrets of North Conway’s Victorian railroad station, home to the Conway Scenic Railroad. A walk around the village does not take long and has plenty to see and do: An old style movie theater, sporting outfitters, quaint boutiques, cafes and restaurants.

Where to Stay There is never a real “off-season” in the Mount Washington Valley. One drawback to having so much to offer is that North Conway’s hotels, inns and B&B’s are usually almost full. Although there is no shortage of accommodations in the area, North Conway is not a place to figure out where to stay once you get there. Winter sees the area packed with skiers and snowboarders on the weekends but rooms become easier to come by during mid-week. Spring and summer are very busy in North Conway but many visitors choose to stay at campgrounds, making local hotels and inns more available and sometimes a little cheaper. Fall is leaf-peeping season and last-minute travelers will be hard-pressed to find a room, let alone a moderately priced one. North Conway visitors arriving in the fall should plan months ahead if possible to witness New England foliage at its best.

Where to Eat New Hampshire may not be known as a culinary wonderland, but good food of all varieties can be found in North Conway. Restaurant choices in and around North Conway range from pub grub to steaks and seafood, all the way to exceptional Indian food at Shalimar of India. In fact, there are so many delicious choices you may have a hard time choosing a restaurant. A big hearty breakfast is a must in the White Mountains and the best in the area can be found ten minutes away at the Glen Junction Family Restaurant. The star of this all-day breakfast place (besides the cute toy train) has to be their thin and crispy blueberry pancakes. Served with warmed-up local maple syrup, these pancakes are so good they are almost worth the drive to New Hampshire by themselves.

Where to Shop It is no secret that New Hampshire is sales tax free, and the North Conway area takes full advantage with its popular outlet shopping center. From Ralph Lauren to Timberland, they are all here in the Mount Washington Valley. However, shopping in North Conway is not limited to saving money on big names; Zeb’s Country Store and the North Conway 5 and 10 Cent Store are must-stops for all your old-timey needs like penny candy, fudge, maple syrup and preserves. Summertime sees countless sales on winter gear at the local ski and sports shops, making North Conway the perfect place to upgrade your skiing equipment.

What to Do Depending upon the season, North Conway is home to skiers, snowmobiles, mountain bikers, hikers, campers and leaf-peepers. The legendary ski resort Mount Cranmore, one of the oldest in America is just outside of North Conway Village and is perfect for skiing families. North Conway’s central location allows for an easy drive to several top-notch ski mountains like Attitash and Bretton Woods. The fun is not over once the snow melts since many of these ski mountains including the famous Wildcat allow mountain biking on the trails and keep the ski lifts operating for stunning views of Mount Washington and the rest of the Presidential Range.

Just north of town leads to Mount Washington and the White Mountain National Forest, one of the most popular National Forests in the country with miles of well maintained trails for hiking, cross-country skiing and snowmobiles. With North Conway as a base, travelers could use their car to travel up the Mount Washington Auto Road to the peak of the tallest mountain in the Northeast, weather permitting of course. More experienced hikers may want to join up with the famous Appalachian Trail (AT) as it winds its way through the Presidential Range toward Mount Katahdin in Maine. Shorter and less strenuous trips such as a visit to majestic Glen Ellis Falls will be a hit with young and old alike. Very close to North Conway is the Saco River, extremely popular in the summer for camping and especially canoe trips. As you will see, there is no shortage of canoe rental locations and some offer a pick-up service at the end of your journey.

Travelers planning a trip to the White Mountains will not be alone, summer and peak ski season can often see major traffic. However, the traffic is only bad in town, the roads to ski mountains and hiking trails are mostly clear but steep in grade. Make sure that your vehicle can handle the constant change in elevation – especially check the breaks if planning a Mount Washington Auto Road trip. The fall sees a huge influx of leaf peepers since the Mount Washington Valley is a prime foliage location; keep that in mind when booking a hotel. Otherwise, enjoy what North Conway has to offer, there is always something for you no matter the season.

The post Travel to North Conway, New Hampshire – No Matter the Season! appeared first on Footloose.

from https://www.footloosetours.com/travel-north-conway-new-hampshire-no-matter-season/

[zeldareville]

Rococo

I can see the threads of you resting their dismembered polymers on the raintrees outside this room; the remaining fibers being spun into these fairy lights that haven’t been lit up for Christmas yet. I came round last Friday and the week before, but you’re always absent.  Well, I can’t be wrong, can I? The schedule on the door states that your piano lessons are always marked Fridays, 4 to 5 pm for the intermediates. It’s more like your presence in my life has been defined much more suitably by your constant absence.

The sunsets are so pretty when the sunshine comes in. Do you see how the sunlight bends its lithe body and presses its fingers - curious little fingers they are - into the black, glossy surface, outlining that hard edge of gold? Don’t they look like a toddler’s snub fingers? I know decadent verses like this draw the most derisive snorts from you. But please allow me the indulgence today, for it recalls a memory, at once familiar and soothing.

I remember how the remaining unharvested strawberries used to rot in the golden fields outside your house and how your mum would swear at you for forgetting this simple task. She would stand on the porch, shaking her fist, her plump face flushed  in the sweltering heat. But  your face would split into this odd grin that reminded me of the consequences of the Cheshire cat put on a liquid diet. And I would have cycled by your house on one of these seemingly normal days, my hair doing a Superman in the breeze, hands gripped tightly round the rusty handlebars that left their auburn ashes on my palms. When I cycle past your house now, I keep checking my hands for gritty rust. It’s an awful habit of mine. But I always forget that I’ve been riding on the new Aleoca bike that replaced that old BMX you gave me for Christmas all these years ago. Paolo gave it to me. Do you know who Paolo is? They look the same and carry out the same function, but when I hop over the seat and clench my legs around the frame - now that’s where they’re different.

The solitary spotted dove sings its docile conclusion to the sunset before the soft patter of its feathers - first a silken rustle, then an incognizant echo - alerts me to its quiet exit. Yes. That was what you did. I unwrap my scarf and retie it, making sure not to snag the frail fabric. There’s a large gaping hole where it got caught on the bramble when you left that day. I was singing in the backyard with the strawberries. I don’t know if you remember giving me this scarf. I hope you do. Do you still remember your promise? Do you still remember me, clinging on to this worthless scarf that I should have thrown away, but somehow still find myself being unable to do so?

There’s hardly an inch of snow, but I see the trees waving their surrender to the winter’s night. My hand reaches forward to grab a branch that hovers within my reach, but it clenches at nothing but the inky sky. I can grasp at the ether, but I can’t hold it in my hands. All this air around me, enveloping me in its simultaneous embrace of intimacy and detachment. Why can’t I hold it, if I can grab it?  My breath makes its sprightly escape from between my lips, the condensation forced out like the steam absconding with its hard-won freedom from the spout of a boiling kettle. I inhale and exhale forcefully and my right hand tries to catch the gleeful escapee, but once again I clutch at nothing. My twin stares at me from beyond the fingerprint-smeared glass, unable to do anything, a pearl of a tear rolling down her cheek. That is all you’re allowed. The flow staunches itself. I walk over to the piano. That’s what I’m good at.

Then my scarf slips slightly, uncoiling itself, tired of holding on to a similarly wrinkled neck. The wreath of pungent burgundy starts to recall its age in a dip and the whoosh of old cloth - coffee stains five summers ago, a snag in the fabric during the peak hour rush. Its unraveling edges trail across the worn ivory. Stroked by pianists past their golden prime,  clumsily scratched by the fingernails of beginners yet to begin theirs.  A dirty shellac rag falls onto the floor, its graceful defeat by gravity a cruel confirmation of its lowly status. I can no longer go at it alone, anymore. I sink into the piano seat and close my eyes. The scent of strawberry shortcakes waft up from the bakery below.

I hear the door open, its sustained tone carefully shredding the tranquility into two, letting in a mere crack of light. The light slowly pools at my feet, man-made incandescence casting its spotlight as the door opens another crack.

Click. Thump. Click, thump, click, thump.

That’s it. That’s you.

I remember the footsteps of people very well. Here’s my dream catologue. Mum’s footsteps: the absent-minded scuffle of a patient housewife. Dad’s foosteps: slow, lumbering giant in Timberland boots. And you. Leather-suited heel down, first. That’s where the click comes from. Then the muffled thump as your shuffled step resonates. My eyelids flutter against their own will, battling 10 years of despair and hope. No, don’t open them - it’s not him! Yes! You’d recognize those footsteps anywhere!

I allow myself a little slit of thinly-lit vision. Mmmm. The vivid tones brim at the edges, quickly separating into dots of black, orange, white - all accomplished by the quiver of muscles that stitch such gratuitous immediacy to the seductive power of wilful ignorance. The sharp intake of my own breath that follows is a betrayal to the accumulated bile that has simmered underneath.

Your soft footsteps start coagulating into a reality that starts building its own momentum, rolling down a valley - right smack into  a torrent of unpleasant memories and the terror of the present solidifying with each step that tears itself away from the shadows.  The scream of tyres. Burning rubber. Upturned car. An  explosion. The raven that grasps my shoulders with its griffin’s claws melts away with your impending arrival. Why are you still here, right before me? The draughts blow in, and I shiver, but the goosebumps don’t come. He’s still alive.

The footsteps stop.

Oh my god.

It’s him. It’s really him.

Where have you been all these years?!

Then the seat beneath me inflates and deflates just as quickly. He has seated himself on the same chair that I’m on, occupying the empty space beside me. Filling it in with pitch-black gooey Plaster-Of-Paris - the words come quickly, in a torrent, reading from a hastily scrawled note - the form of a  5’ 10" human shaped figure of 36 years, who liked beat-up cars and penny books -

Something brushes against my bare skin, the faintest of impressions. The small piano seat is too small for two. His elbow nudges my arm. The expeditious invasion is now complete. My shaky breathing starts to quicken, collecting any breathable scrap of him into my lungs. Hungry for more, binging on the present. Strawberry. Cologne. The one that I gave him for his birthday! My heartbeat jars. More, more, more -

I wait for him to speak, to break these foreboding fences down. Anything to convince me that we could start afresh; to put away these 10 long years into a crate, nail it shut, shove it into a drawer and carry on as if nothing ever happened. As if that never happened.

He clears his throat. I bite my lips. Then silence perforates the barriers.

Unable to contain myself anymore, my eyes burst open and the room swims before them, orange, black and green dots morphing into the bitter mixture of dismay and anger obscuring my vision, burning my throat. I stand up, all ready to shout obscenities at him, to rail against him for our baby girl now clasped in eternal slumber underneath an inconsequential tablet. Then I take in his whole bulk, and gasp as my eyes flicker upon his face. The scarf now unwinds itself, fluttering to the floor, its invoking ability now powerless against the crushing truth that stands before me.  A hand flies to cover my own mouth in defense against my shock; to stop myself from screaming, but the sobs come hard and fast, venomous in their strength. My legs finally crumple underneath me, all sense of ostentatious fortitude gone.

He turns his milky white eyes onto me, and pauses, before saying the exact phrase I don’t want to hear.

“I’m sorry.”

#creative writing #writing #prose #spilled words #rococo #flash fiction #short story