#jungkook coves

[rkivenjoy]

“The Pinnacle of Beauty on Earth" — Vogue Korea

[ffion451]

Chapter Three: The Camera | Diving: JJK (m)

▷ Friendships begin; mistakes are made ❯❯❯ ❛ He senses the clouds roll from the face of the sun through his closed lids, his lit capillaries casting threads of red through the picture he’s conjured in his mind: your smiling face ❜

Chapter characters/pairings: Jungkook x reader, broinlaw!Namjoon, diveinstructor!Hobi

Genre: non idol au, angst, slow burn but eventual smut (see warnings below) see series m.list for fic summary etc.

Chapter warnings: Strong swearing (cursing) ⚠️🔞Please note that whilst not every chapter has mature content, that the whole fic has a mature focus and so minors should steer clear of the whole thing🔞⚠️

Beta credit: I have to thank two fabulous people for their help with this chapter. @abitjess who is so good at helping me develop the story and has the best insight into characters and motivations and @downbad4yoongi who can smell a weak sentence at a hundred paces and has a great eye for accuracy! Thanks so much - you made this so much more readable. I hope I did your suggestions proud.

Word count: 3.8K

<<< Chapter Two | Chapter Four >>>

True to his word, he arrives early the next morning. Seolhee opens the door to find Jungkook stood before her, eyes round, bright and glimmering in the morning light, wide smile in place and hands full of breakfast supplies from the excellent bakery in town, which he has to lift high above his head to avoid the eager nosing from Bertie who circles his new friend happily.

Seolhee smiles broadly at him and introduces herself, encouraging him to the kitchen while she lays out the breakfast pastries he’s bought and calls to you and Namjoon. As she brews the coffee she’s impressed to see the light work that Jungkook makes of the boxes you’d used as chairs yesterday. He neatly places them to one side and strips the protective wrapping off the stacked chairs with nimble efficiency: by the time the coffee is poured and you and Joon have appeared four chairs are now nestled around the table.

“Making a quick start to things, I see,” smiles Namjoon, his voice warm with praise for the younger man, under which Jungkook blushes slightly.

“I like to be busy,” he says softly.

“Well, thank you,” you say, taking a seat, “they’re a lot more comfortable than the boxes. You really shouldn’t have bought breakfast though, please let me give you the money for it.”

Sat opposite you, Jungkook fixes you with a firm stare, “No,” he says in a determined voice that clearly brooks no opposition and you’re surprised at the strength in it, “You’re new to Little Cove and this is my ‘welcome to the village’ gift. You can’t refuse.”

You hold his gaze, though again, just like last night, you feel something stir in you and you suppress the feeling. You see that he’s determined and you see no need to offend him, “Ok then,” you nod, “Well, thank you very much for the welcome.” Namjoon and Seolhee add their thanks to yours.

“So,” Jungkook says, satisfied, his broad smile back in place despite the butterflies that beat their wings madly in his stomach and prickling, hot sensation has formed beneath his skin, “Where should we start?”

————————————————————————

It’s been only a few days since Jungkook started to help, but somehow he feels a much part of the cottage now as the whitewashed walls; he’s been invaluable in helping clean and manoeuvre the furniture, especially the bulkier pieces, and you’re amazed by how quickly he’s worked. Nearly all the boxes are in the right rooms to be unpacked and most of the furniture is in place or ready to be assembled: it’s good timing as today Namjoon leaves.

You find yourself sat at the dining table again, Jungkook having prepared a goodbye lunch for Namjoon before he hits the road. There’s something about Namjoon that appeals to Jungkook, a quality that compels Jungkook to admire the older, steadfast man; Namjoon is the kind of guy who has found his way in life. It’s clear to Jungkook that Namjoon is comfortable with who and where he is in life and though he is envious in part, he mostly admires that, eager to learn from him, in just the same way as he does with Hobi.

Having all eaten your fill, you lounge back in your seats after lunch and reflect on how much work you’ve got done.

“You should take a little rest,” Namjoon says, rubbing his stomach, “at least an afternoon to explore - I’m sure Jungkook will show you around.”

Seolhee shoots him a look of gentle warning, aware of what he’s trying to do. You remain tight lipped as you think about how to respond, yet before you can think what to say, Jungkook is filling the silence.

“I’d love to,” he enthuses, “the sea is getting warmer so we could explore this amazing wreck off the coast. Do you dive? I could teach you if you can’t,” he says at a giddy speed.

You smile, “Maybe,” you offer without any sense of commitment, though you go on to ask him to tell you about the wreck with genuine curiosity.

Jungkook is momentarily saddened by your reaction, but is quickly buoyed by your interest in the wreck and grins as he leans forward, his hands gesticulating widely as he tells you about the ship, how it came to sink and everything else he can think of.

Sat beside the two of you, Namjoon and Seolhee share a smile; you and Jungkook are oblivious to their presence, wrapped up in the story of the wreck and, quite obviously, each other. 

Yes, both are a little uneasy but the expression on your face is enough to allay their concerns. It’s not that you’re flirtatious, exactly. No, it’s not even that you look happy, rather it’s that, for a few moments at least, you don’t look sad and that you seem a little lighter, your shoulders not sagging under the weight of an invisible and heavy burden. Both of your friends have been so used to watching you sleepwalk your way through life these last, long months that have stretched out painfully and seeing you now so interested, so engaged, so awake, gladdens their hearts.

————————————————————————

Fiery orange light bathes the lantern room of the lighthouse that evening as you sit with Jungkook, enjoying the panorama over the sea and Little Cove and a beer.

“So, I light the lamp as soon as it gets dark and then I sit here all night to make sure it doesn’t go out. That’s the job.”

“Every night?” he asks, horrified.

You smile, “Oh yeah, and I have to wind the rotation mechanism to make sure that the light is flashing properly in its proper pattern.” 

“Pattern?” he prompts.

“Lighthouses are like people,” you say with warmth, remembering your grandfather’s words, “no two are the same. Every lighthouse has its own ‘character’, as it’s called: each lighthouse has a different pattern of unique flashes.”

He nods, and expresses he admiration, though he thinks its mad that you have to stay up all night. It’s only then, out of guilt at his concerned expression, that you relent, explaining you’d been teasing. The lighthouse is completely automated; your role here is because this lighthouse needs significant repair and improvement and as a talented engineer, and one of the few people experienced in lighthouse maintenance around (thanks Granddad), you were an obvious choice.

Jungkook takes the teasing well, and quizzes you at length about being an engineer and what attracted you to the subject and you find that your conversation stretches out as the shadows lengthen around you, the orange fading and giving way to inky purples and blues. When you take note, you give him a shy smile of embarrassment at how long you’ve talked and the two of you make your way down the winding stairs. 

Outside now, in the cool night breeze, Jungkook turns to you and immediately finds himself captivated by the way the low light sparkles in your eyes, by the way the final rays of sun warm your skin, by the way your lips are parted gently as you look at him. Without thought or hesitation, he steps forward and pulls you into a brief hug: the millisecond his arms close around you he regrets his impulsivity, but is shocked, and gladdened, to find that you squeeze him back before releasing him.

You step away from him and head back to the cottage, “Thanks for today,” you smile, “I’ll see you tomorrow?”

He beams giddily at you, “Tomorrow,” he confirms with barely concealed enthusiasm.

You smirk despite yourself at that, and wave awkwardly before heading inside and closing the door behind you. Moments later, in the seat of his truck, Jungkook rests his arms against the steering wheel and grins to himself as the butterflies in his stomach twist and turn in an ecstatic dance; as he drives away his only thought is of how glad he is that he took this job.

————————————————————————

A few days later, Jungkook licks the salt from his lips as he lays back against the cold sand. The cool breeze drifts across his body and rapidly he begins to feel the chill, he pushes it from his mind though, closing his eyes and focusing on the way the sand moulds around his body, the sharp tang of the air and the echoing caws of the circling gulls. He senses the clouds roll from the face of the sun through his closed lids, his lit capillaries casting threads of red through the picture he’s conjured in his mind: your smiling face.

He can’t tear his mind from the events of the evening before. You’d all laboured hard all day and Seolhee had given up, exhausted, and crawled to bed. Unwisely, you two had decided to tackle one final flat pack before calling it a day. Together you’d struggled to assemble a futon and realised only at the end stage that you’d put the backrest on backwards creating a demented angle that looked ridiculous. You’d both realised your mistake simultaneously and share a look of mutual despair, then you stood up, walked to the opposite wall and planted your head against it, making a dull groaning noise of irritation. 

Jungkook had been so frustrated he had to remove himself from the situation, the room, even the house. Mallet still in hand, with Bertie, he took off on a swift march across the headland and coastal path to calm himself. On his walk, he came across two elderly women from the village who took one look at his glowering face, and the mallet in his hand, and panicked utterly. One collapsed into a nearby hedge, while the other gathered their shared Pomeranians around them like a defensive, yapping wall. It was only when he hid the mallet and got closer than they recognised him as the sweet boy they’d watched grow up and were soothed. It took several minutes of him apologising, bowing and being charming them before they’d forgive him and, even then, they still promised to have a word with his father. 

When he finally returned, you were understandably anxious, a man you barely know had stalked off into the growing darkness with a mallet and your dog after all. Jungkook rapidly recounted the events of his walk and the reason for his delay and found himself struggling to complete his final sentence as you began to giggle as you fell into one of the kitchen chairs. 

The laughter spilled out of you, a heady combination of relief at finding both him and Bertie well, overwhelming tiredness and genuine amusement at the thought of little old ladies stuck in bushes pushed you over the edge and into hysteria.

Jungkook felt like he was sneaking a peek behind a veil and seeing a part of you, the real you, beneath the sadness that weighs on you. He’d watched in wonder as your face split into a beaming smile, his own smile forming as your shoulders and eventually whole body shook under the force of your laughter until he joined you as you gasped for air, weakly pounding the table. When your laughter eventually petered out, your eyes still sparkled and you and he spoke a little longer into the night.

Nothing either of you said was of any consequence, but something changed between the two of you; nothing so dramatic as a barrier collapsing or a profound moment, just a shifting of the sands so that now, indefinably, he knows that you’ve grown that little bit closer. 

Now, on the sand after a morning swim in the still-cold water, Jungkook thinks of Namjoon’s final fatherly words to him. Namjoon had been about to pull off to head home, the remaining three of you stood waving, when he opened the window and called Jungkook over. 

When Jungkook reached the door and rested his arms on the lip of the window he was surprised to find that Namjoon laid a gentle hand on his forearm, a tiny gesture but one that suggested that he trusted him whilst also indicating that he had something important to say. In a confidential, low tone, Namjoon spoke, “Thanks again for everything, Jungkook. You’re a good man, and just the kind of person she needs in her life right now. Take care of her for me, yeah?”

Jungkook had immediately promised he would and it was a promise made faithfully. Jungkook realises he wants to take care of you. The question is, will you let him? 

As he presses the broad palms of his hands into the yielding sand and sits up, he feels the exact same feeling he has felt every single morning since you came into his life: he simply can’t wait to see you.

————————————————————————

“We’ve done so much,” smiles Seolhee, “but there’s so much still to go! I’m so glad you’ll still be here to help out when I’ve gone back,” she says as she hangs another photograph on the sitting room wall.

Jungkook smiles in return as he fixes a loose floorboard, “You’ll be glad to get back home though, surely?” he asks.

Seolhee sighs, “Sure, my Hoony is so busy at the hospital nowadays that he doesn’t really notice and he’d never begrudge me spending time here with my bestie, but we do miss each other.”

Jungkook is immediately confused and slowly he works out what is happening and the realisation sucks the air from his lungs, setting forth a rapid chain of understanding: Namjoon is not married to Seolhee; Seolhee is not your sister; Namjoon is the brother of your husband; you are fucking married. 

Despite his best efforts, Jungkook struggles to hide his crestfallen expression from her.

Seolhee asks him what’s wrong and as he fumbles an explanation and it becomes immediately obvious to her all the things he has deeply misunderstood. Even more devastatingly for him, he knows he does a poor job of concealing his disappointment and therefore his growing romantic interest in you.

“Jion, her husband, Namjoon’s half brother… it’s complicated,” she says cautiously, measuring her words, “She’ll talk to you about it when she’s ready.”

“It’s none of my business,” he mumbles and Seolhee clicks her tongue in reply.

“I think it is,” she says with a loaded, knowing look, “I think you two will make excellent friends, you just need to be patient with her.”

Jungkook doesn’t miss the heavy emphasis placed on the word ‘friends’, but he can’t say anything. He feels so disappointed and he has nobody he can blame. Only this morning on that cool sand his heart had warmed for you; you were supposed to be a new thing for him, something pure and simple, not another married woman confusing and complicating his life and mind. With a groan he puts down the hammer and steps outside to put another coat of paint on the wardrobe that’s outside, Seolhee following with a sigh.

In the other room, you’re oblivious to their conversation, lost in thought as you choose which of the framed prints to hang and where. After a little time, your phone rings and, eager to get the chosen images hung on the walls, you answer on speaker, placing the phone on the nearby coffee table.

“I’ve put you on speakerphone, my girl,” calls the voice down the phone, “I’m baking and I don’t want to get flour on my phone!” A melodious laugh follows as you explain your similar predicament.

From the other room, Jungkook, having just entered, listens though he knows he shouldn’t. He wonders if this is your mother. He listens carefully as you explain that you are hanging the photos from your holiday in the mountains with her and Jion. 

Fuck, he thinks, this is Jion’s mother: he also can’t understand why you would be hanging photos that your ex had taken. None of this makes sense to him.

“What’s that?” he hears you ask at a loud noise in the background and she tells you that it’s Jion. He hears the sudden trepidation in your voice, the strangling of your vocal chords as you tell her that it would be best for you to hang up. It’s becomes horribly clear moments later why you’re so tense and why you’re quite so desperate to get off the phone. 

Even from the other room, and the distance of the speakerphone, Jungkook can hear a man’s voice. From what he can make out, the second that Jion realises who is on the other end of the phone a tidal wave of pure vitriol spews forth. Under the incoherence of the words spat out, Jungkook can only make out a few select ones, ‘cunt’, ‘whore’, ‘fucking bitch’ and then a creative combination of all of of them, ‘fucking cunt whore bitch’, in a mess of rage and fury. The bile in Jion’s voice shocks Jungkook and he’s grateful to hear that it’s swiftly interrupted by frantic apologising from Jion’s mother as she seeks to pacify her son as she ends the call abruptly. 

Jungkook knows he’s intruded on something he really ought not to have. He hears the muffled sound of your sobs, picturing your sweatered fist pressed to your mouth; recklessly he wants to close the space between you, pull that fist from your mouth and press you into his chest instead, deafening you to the echoes of Jion’s insults in the safety of his arms. He knows it’s not his place though - all he can do is to creep back to the garden and tell Seolhee she’s needed within.

For the rest of the day and into the next you’re very quiet and Jungkook feels your friendship has gone backwards rather than forwards. Isn’t that what he thought he wanted? As he painted that wardrobe he had resolved to step back from you, to keep things simple and not to get involved, so why is it, now that the distance between you seems to be growing, that it gnaws on him?

He doesn’t yet know what it is he feels for you or what he wants, all he realises is that, whatever it is, he wants you closer no matter how un-pure and un-simple it might be. 

He watches at a distance as Seolhee guides you to take care of some of the storage with him and he admires the gentle and insistent way she navigates you; he knows she leaves very soon and he wonders where that will leave you, and him, then.

————————————————————————

That afternoon, you’re going through some of the more roughly packed boxes and are separating out the items for storage which Jungkook is carrying up to the attic for you, as Seolhee had suggested. On the return from one trip, he finds you motionless, stood with a box in your hands, within is a small camera and equipment and you seem frozen as you stare at it.

“Are you ok?” he asks softly, standing at your elbow.

To his surprise, you answer honestly, “These are my husb-, these are Jion’s” you catch yourself, “he loved to take photos at one time, not anymore though,” you finish softly.

“Shall I throw them out?” he asks in the gentlest manner he can muster.

You turn, looking at him blankly; he doesn’t notice how your knuckles whiten as your grip tightens on the box defensively as though he may try to prize it from you, “No, thank you,” you manage to say, voice flat.

Jungkook says your name softly, “It’s none of my business, I know,” he ventures, “but he’s a piece of shit for speaking to you like that - you deserve better.”

You look at him sharply and he knows that he’s clearly said the wrong thing. You stare, unflinching and unspeaking for what feels like an eternity; Jungkook wonders what you’re going to say, he suspects it will be ‘you’re right, it is none of your business’. You don’t though, you simply look at him sadly and he notices that all the bright light that had grown in your eyes was now extinguished, leaving an unreadable flat blackness at the centre in their stead; a dull, dead void.

Eventually you speak, “I’m really tired. Let’s call it a day there, shall we? I’ll see you tomorrow,” you say, leaving the room, still clenching the box, without waiting for his reply.

————————————————————————

When Jungkook comes by the next morning it’s to find an awkward Seolhee on the doorstep, a generous envelope of cash in her hand and a lie on her lips: the majority of the work is done; his help isn’t necessary anymore. 

Seolhee is rightly embarrassed and awkward; he asks to speak to you but she tells him you’re not there, indicating to the lighthouse where he sees your outline at the top, staring out to sea. They say their uncomfortable goodbyes and she shepherds Bertie back in, closing the door. 

As soon as the door clicks shut Jungkook strides to the lighthouse, determined to find out from you what this is all about. He tries the door and is somehow both unsurprised and surprised to find it locked. He looks up at you, but it’s clear your attention is determinedly focused elsewhere; with a roll of his tongue into the side of his cheek he turns and heads back to his truck.

————————————————————————

You follow the path of the sun across the sky as you consider Seolhee’s words: Jion isn’t coming back; a new life lays before your feet; a sweet guy stands in front of you, you just have to decide to start living again. 

As the sky darkens, afternoon turning to evening, you feel ashamed: ashamed that you have sulked all day in the lighthouse leaving Seolhee to watch Bertie and store away things you found it to painful to do; ashamed that you are not in better control of yourself or your feelings after so long; ashamed that you swore this move was a new beginning and already you’re failing; ashamed because Jungkook has been nothing but kind to you and you’ve treated him horribly. You don’t know anybody in this community, yet somehow you’ve managed to alienate the only person you’ve met before they even had chance to become your friend.

Fuck, you think, I have to do better than this.

Nonetheless, the light dims further as evening turns to night and still you sit, unmoving, eyes fixed on the empty horizon, the old camera resting in your lap, the half-full roll within unfinished and undeveloped.

A/N: Please don’t be a silent reader - I’d really appreciate it if you could let m know what you think, especially an thoughts or there is you might have about the OC, Jion, any of it! Anons are on so there’s no need for shyness - please go ahead and 💌drop me a message!💌

<<< Chapter Two | Chapter Four >>>

<<< back to series m.list

[covenlegacy]

To anon. I'm not enterily over Jungkook because I'll probably always attracted to him or see him in special way but I'm not following as much I used to and I avoid readings about him. I visit this blog from time to time and good thing us that cove doesn't answer as often as she used to so it helps me to get bored and not be occupied with this. I have a dog now and additional job and to not to think about someone is to just not have a time for it. I recommend it to anyone who had the same problem that I did. I'm not on this manic phase like I used to be but.. I'm still jealous of his spouse and I want to see his photos sometimes but hopefully it will pass too. I don't think that I should avoid it like a plague because after all falling in love us not a crime. Even if people attacked me in anons.. Well, yes I had mad crush on him and I wanted to meet him and be his spouse or gf. I hope that one day I'll see him at concert after their military service. That's all that will satisfy me. At least this. Memories of a lifetime.

Di you see ever one another man? Not only him? You know jin have his single.. and you know what? (Of course you don't even think about it) jin is super hot... and handsome.. I'm literally in love lol he is so gorgeous in that clip 😍

[kookiecrumb]

My baby has covid 🥲

Get well soon, idiot.

🤭🤪

[shuadotcom]

Watermelon Sugar | JJK (M)

☼ Summary: When your friends outvote you for your annual summer trip, you end up stuck at a beachside town. To make it worse, there’s an irritating local surfer boy that won’t leave you alone… that is until you see him shirtless and in the water - then you don’t want him to leave you alone and your unexpected summer romance begins.

☼ Pairing: Surfer!Jungkook x Female!Reader

☼ Genre: Fluff, smut, a dollop of brief angst, strangers to lovers au, summer romance au?, age gap au (Jungkook is 21 and y/n is 27-29)

☼ Rating: 18+ (MINORS & AGELESS BLOGS DNI. YOU WILL BE BLOCKED)

☼ Words: 14.4k

☼ Warnings: Profanity, mention of alcohol, y/n almost drowns, a classic misunderstanding, dirty talk, exhibitionism, handjob, oral (f receiving), face riding, protected sex, sub!jk, dom!reader

☼ Note: Here’s my fic for the Blue Crush collab! Thank you to @jamaisjoons​ for this gorgeous banner!! And thank you so much to my amazing, fantastic, magical beta @bangtanhome! Moon always saves my ass when I need someone’s big brain to read over my fics. Ily moon 🥺💙 Also! It’s still September 1st in the U.S. so I managed to post this in time for Jungkook’s birthday! 🙌🏽 I wrote more than half of this fic when I wasn’t sober, so enjoy!! 💜

It’s hot. That’s the first and only thing you think of when you step out of your air-conditioned rental house and into the heat. The sun is beating down on you, the sweat immediately beading on your hairline. It is much too hot for May.

“I’m going to melt,” you groan, swinging the bottom of your sundress to create some sort of a breeze.

“Oh don’t be so dramatic,” Irene chides. “It’s not that much hotter than home.”

“Yeah, and nowhere near as humid, thank fuck!” Krystal cheers, skipping ahead of your group.

You huff, wiping your sweaty forehead, and hike your beach bag higher up your shoulder. Luna brings up the rear of the group, a small cooler in hand. “Plus, we all know you’re just being pouty about being here, Y/n.”

Crossing your arms, your pout increases, making your friends laugh. Luna is right and you’re not even a little sorry. You wanted your annual summer girls trip to be in France. The four of you have been going on summer trips since your freshman year of college 7 years ago.

You’ve been abroad a few times, in the big city, and in the mountains last year. This is your first year at a beach and you weren’t happy. You wanted to go to Paris and when your group voted on where to go, they all wanted to take it easy this summer and stay seaside. As a person who doesn’t know how to swim, you were against it. You were afraid you’d spend the entire trip inside or in the sand watching your friends have fun.

They assured you this wouldn’t be the case and you believed them.

This turns out to be untrue of course, as you now sit alone on your beach towel, watching your friends laugh and film videos in the water without you.

Honestly, you should’ve known, but it’s too late now because you’re here and your rental beach house is paid for for the next two and a half months. Even if you’re in some random beach town on the other side of the country that you’ve never heard of, already having a terrible time, maybe the rest of the trip would start looking up. At some point.

It’s hot. That’s the first and only thing Jungkook thinks as he steps foot on the sand. The sun is beating down on him, the sweat immediately beading on his hairline.

“Man, it’s good to be home!” He cheers to no one, arms raising as he stretches.

Jungkook’s eyes sweep the beach, taking in all the familiar and unfamiliar faces. Honeycomb Cove is his home and he’s been aching to be back. College in the city up North is fine and all, and his freshman year ended without a hitch, but it just isn’t the same. He’s missed the sand, the sun, and the water every day he’s been away.

He also missed his best friends. His closest friends were all older than him, so being the baby of the friend group meant that his friends practically raised him when they were all together, and he hated being so far away from them. With that in mind, being away also gave him a chance to be a new person in college, having easily befriended his roommates and multiple classmates, as well as getting his very generous share of hookups.

College was the time that Jungkook took to find out if he’d ever grow out of being the “cute kid” that everyone in Honeycomb Cove knew him as and it worked. Between his new piercings and tattoos (that he was able to get for cheap, thanks to his roommate's brother owning a local shop), and his newfound love for the gym, Jungkook is coming back a different boy from a year ago and he can’t wait to see what, or who, he’ll be able to do back home.

Jungkook is excited to see his best friends and tell them all about his escapades, having texted them all as he left his parents’ house. Not yet getting a response, he decides to go to the beach. Instead of his friends, his brown eyes land on you.

He knows you’re a tourist because he’s never seen you before and he definitely would’ve remembered you. Legs bare, skin shimmering in the sunlight, body laid out on a towel, completely stunning. Jungkook adjusts his clothes before starting your way. Having been plenty successful in wooing college partners, he doesn’t think twice as he approaches you.

The closer he gets to you, the more his stomach flips at how good-looking you are. Your head is reclining on your tote bag, tablet in hand, earbuds in. Your sunglasses shield most of your face, but he knows all of you is equally beautiful.

When he’s finally in front of you, Jungkook waits until you notice his shadow casting over you. You pull your earbud out and put your tablet down, seeing him beam down at you.

“I hope you’re wearing sunscreen. The sun’s pretty brutal today,” he shields his eyes and looks to the sky. “If you’re not, I’d be happy to help you out.” He meets what he believes are your eyes from the other side of your lenses, giving you the best charming smile he can muster.

You slip your sunglasses down your nose and off of your face, making Jungkook’s breath catch in his throat ever so quietly. He was right - every part of you is gorgeous and it frazzles him, just a little.

“Does that line really work?” You respond, eyebrows raised.

“I- what?” That’s not what he thought you’d say.

“I’m assuming it has since you said it with such confidence.”

Jungkook recovers as quickly as he can, clearing his throat. “I’m a confident guy, what can I say?”

“Well, keep that same confidence when you go hit on a different girl on the beach, okay? I’m sure it’ll work on one of them.” You put your sunglasses back on and move to pick your earbud back up, but Jungkook crouches down to keep talking to you. He doesn’t want to lose your attention just yet.

“Hey, wait, I’m sorry. I think I may have come on too strong. Let me start over. I’m Jungkook.” He holds out his tattooed arm to you purposely, feeling successful when you pull your glasses down again and inspect his inked arm.

“Y/n.” You supply, reaching up to shake his hand.

“Well, Y/n, would you like to go for a swim with me?” Jungkook prepares to stand up and take your hand, but you surprise him by shaking your head.

“No thank you.”

“Uh, sorry. I uh-”

You scoff. “Oh, what, were you just anxiously waiting for me to be all like ‘oh yes, of course, take me away!’ or something?”

“Well… not exactly, but -”

“Listen, I’ll save you the trouble. I’m not interested, okay? You seem like a nice kid, but maybe a cute pick-up line will work on a girl your own age?”

Jungkook furrows his eyebrows, scanning you from head to toe. He can’t tell how old you are, but he knows you look amazing no matter the number.

When he voices this, you roll your eyes. “You’re not supposed to talk to a woman about her age, don’t you know that?”

“Sorry, but seriously, you’re beautiful and don’t look like you’re that much older than me.”

“How old are you?” You ask, giving him a once over.

“21.”

“Hmm. What are you, a freshman in college?”

“Just finished my freshman year. I’ll be a sophomore next year!.” He says almost hesitantly. It doesn’t seem like he’s impressing you as it is, but he wants to be honest.

“Well, I’ve been out of college for about 3 and a half years, so…”

“So, what? You being older doesn’t stop me from wanting to get to know you more,” his voice lowers and he scooches closer to you.

“Well, it does for me. Now, I’m going to put my headphones on again and go back to my book. I’m done talking to you today.” And with that, you’re reclining again, ignoring Jungkook’s existence.

The younger man blinks a few times before standing up, intending to give you your space. Jungkook hasn’t gotten turned down in at least a year. From anyone. At all.

It’s not that he’s a narcissist or anything, but he knows he’s hot. And he knows other people think so. It’s why he has so much trouble believing you.

He walks away, pausing to look over his shoulder at you, before something you said rings through his ears again. You said you’re done speaking with him today. You didn’t say anything about tomorrow.

“Oh! Y/n, who was the guy you were talking to earlier?” Irene asks later in the day at dinner. The four of you are eating at a small seafood restaurant on the boardwalk.

“What guy?”

“The tall one with the blue hair.”

“The tall, hot one with blue hair.” Krystal corrects her.

You genuinely forgot about the boy until just this moment. Being reminded of him, you remember that yes, he is hot. He is one of the most attractive men you’ve run into in probably ever. You did your best not to ogle him when he approached you earlier, but you’d be crazy not to notice how built he was, even in a loose shirt.

You clear your throat, swallowing the crab cake you just stuffed in your mouth. “Oh, him. His name’s Jungkook.”

“And?” Luna presses.

“And what?”

“What did he say?”

“He was hitting on me,” you shrug.

“That’s it? No number or anything?”

“He’s 21!”

“So?! You say that like we’re in our fifties! It’s our summer vacation, Y/n. Go wild, fuck a cute beach boy. Fuck multiple cute beach boys! Girls too!” She encourages you much too loudly, causing a few patrons of the restaurant to look over at you.

“Alright, settle down,” Irene says, putting on her mom voice. “Y/n, our crazy friend is right. You may as well have some fun this summer seeing how otherwise you’re just gonna pout on the beach for the whole trip.”

You give Irene a look. “I’m fine, thank you very much. I won’t just be fucking any cute boy, or person for that matter, that talks to me.”

“Why not? Remember that guy Sota you hooked up with when we went to Japan last year?” She reminds you.

“Oh yeah! And that other tourist we met in Thailand!” Luna chimes in.

“And there was that girl in the Poconos right before Junior year,” Krystal adds.

“Alright, alright, we get it. But none of them were younger than me. They were all older so it’s different. Jungkook has only been legally allowed to drink for a year.” Your friends all share a look at your words, rolling their eyes, clearly not believing you.

You’ll admit, you have a healthy track record with hookups, and maybe Jungkook being younger is arbitrary, but still. You’re stubborn and want to prove them wrong, what can you say?

You hold onto that stubbornness into the next day when you’ve sprawled out on your beach towel again, flat on your stomach as the sun beats down on your back. You’re on your tablet, scrolling for a new manga to read when you see a shadow cast over you.

Straining your neck to look up, you see Jungkook standing over you, clearly interested in the screen of your tablet.

“Wow. Beautiful, and a lover of manga? That settles it, Y/n, you’re my dream woman.”

You look at him over your sunglasses, taking note of the small sliver of skin peeking out from the bottom of his shirt. The blue printed shirt he’s wearing is unbuttoned near his belly button, giving you just a tease of his tanned skin underneath. “Well, what if I don’t want to be your dream woman?” You finally say, clearing your throat.

As if he caught the way you were looking at him, he smirks, taking this as an invitation to sit in the sand next to you.

“Oh, Y/n, how could you not be my dream woman? You’re funny, mature, and a woman of taste. You check all the necessary boxes.”

You click your tongue at him, rolling over on your back to look at him. You don’t miss the way his eyes roam your body now that it's on display for him. “Jungkook, have you ever even been with anyone older?”

He visibly falters, only for a second. “Of course. I’ve been with plenty of older people when I was in school.”

“By older, I mean mid to late twenties, not a 22 or 23-year-old.”

Jungkook clears his throat and looks out to the water. “I didn’t ask the age of everyone in school I was with, that’d be silly. I just know who was older.”

Judging by the way that he avoids looking directly at you, you’re skeptical about his claim. “If you’ve never actually been with a grown woman, that’s nothing to be embarrassed about.” Deciding to tease him a little, you move your bare leg so that it rests against his arm. He isn’t looking when you do, so the sensation of your skin touching nearly sends him flying into the air.

You let out a giggle at his reaction, and if Jungkook wasn’t so flustered, he’d make a snarky comment at your teasing. Instead, he admires the way you laugh; the way your nose crinkles, and the way your lashes touch the apples of your cheeks when you close your eyes. He doesn’t know what it is about you, but something had him smitten the moment he saw you and it doesn’t seem to be going away.

Jungkook jumps up then, brushing the sand off of his white board shorts. “As lovely as it is to be in your presence, I’ve got to go meet up with one of my friends. I’ll come and find you later.” He sends a wink your way, but even he hears the hesitation in his voice.

“See you later, Jungkook,” you say in a sickly sweet tone and he rushes away from you before you see the way his cheeks heat up.

You’re two weeks into your summer vacation and every day is more or less the same. You come to the beach with your friends, you go back and forth with Jungkook, then eventually you and your friends hang out on the pier in town, then do it all over again. You still think you’d have had more fun in Paris, but you won’t lie and say Jungkook’s presence doesn’t add some fun to your otherwise mundane trip.

Today Krystal is lying with you, deciding to work on her tan instead of joining your other friends in the water. You’re talking about dinner possibilities for the night when Jungkook approaches with two men, just as tall as him in tow. They’re all carrying surfboards tucked under their arms.

“Good morning, Y/n.” He greets you when he’s close enough.”

“Hi, Jungkook. Come for your daily rejection?” You tease and he genuinely laughs.

“Nope. Just wanted to say hi. I’ll be surfing today. You know, enjoying the water on the beach? Something you don’t do.”

“Ha. Ha. You’re so funny. Go on and have a good time.”

“I will. Oh, and these are my roommates from school. This is Mingyu and this is Yugyeom. They just got here this morning and will be around for a few weeks.”

You greet both of the men then introduce Krystal.

“It’s nice to finally meet you, Y/n. JK hasn’t shut up about you since he met you.” The friend named Yugyeom says, earning a punch in the arm from Jungkook in retaliation.

“Anyway, let me know if you change your mind about coming out to the water, Y/n.”

“Mmhmm.” You say to Jungkook in reply. He sends you a smile and you watch as he walks away, hitting Yugyeom again.

“Wow. That boy is whipped for you.” Krystal comments, both of you casually watching the three boys pick a spot near the water to set their surfboards down.

“You think?”

“Girl, he comes over here to flirt with you every day. You just met him and he went out of his way to come over and introduce you to his friends. Yes, he likes you. And you like him too.”

“What makes you say that?” Jungkook and his friends are looking at the water and exchanging a few words.

“If you didn’t, you wouldn’t keep flirting back and would’ve told him to seriously fuck off from day one.”

You shrug. “I mean he is quite charming if not cheesy. I also like messing with him. It’s obvious he was pulling all the little college girls so why would I just give in?” You and Krystal share a laugh that very quickly dies in your throat.

Jungkook pulls his white t-shirt over his head and drops it into the sand. He’s close enough that you spy every flex of muscles as he stretches. His chest and stomach are much more toned than you originally thought. The skin looks smooth and is only a little less tanned than his face. You can see the tattoos that creep up his arm to his shoulder and only briefly wonder how a college boy had the time or money for all that ink.

He picks up his surfboard, his biceps damn near rippling with every move, and runs out to the water with his friends. The muscles in his back move with his steps and you ogle him until he’s further out of eyeshot.

“Close your mouth, Y/n, or a bug will fly in.” You snap your mouth closed at Krystal’s words and shoot her a look. “And what were you saying about not giving in?”

Fuck. She knows your thoughts too well. The way your brain flipped from “I’m gonna play hard to get” to “I will literally fuck him right here right now” is extremely embarrassing, but you’re a simple girl. If you think someone is attractive, you want to sleep with them.

At first, Jungkook was just like any other guy hitting on you, then it was a matter of being stubborn with your friends and not giving in to his charms, but each day you seemed to enjoy his company more and more, as simple as your encounters were.

And now, seeing his shirtless, under the hot sun and about to be dripping with water, the thought of teasing him vanishes. The desire to touch him more than simply shaking his hand or brushing against his arm is strong.

You don’t reply to your friend, instead opting to watch Jungkook in the distance standing up on his board as he rides a wave (you think that’s what it’s called. You know nothing about surfing but you just may need to learn). Eventually, you see his distant figure flop into the water and off of his surfboard, before you spot his head pop out from the water.

“Is it weird if I go over and meet him at the shore?” You voice your thoughts.

Krystal bursts into laughter at this. “You’ve refused to go to the water since we got here! He’s definitely gonna know how thirsty you are if you’re all of a sudden waiting for him over there.”

“Ugh, you’re right. I’ll just wait for him to come over.” You follow his every move as he paddles back to shore, eventually able to stand upright. The sight of Jungkook rising from the water, droplets dripping down every part of his chiseled body has you feeling like a horny teenager again. He raises a hand to run through his wet hair and you swear you almost groan.

“Fuck it, let him know I’m thirsty because I am.” You put your tablet in your bag and move to get up, but stop when you see the flock of girls that appear almost out of nowhere and surround Jungkook. He’s barely back on land and they’re at his side, clearly fawning over him. He smiles at them all, talking with them without even glancing at you.

“Wow. He didn't even make it to dry land before they rushed him.” Krystal laughs. “Still going over there?”

You watch as one of the girls holds up a beach ball and gestures to Mingyu and Yugyeom who are on either side of Jungkook. Jungkook looks up then, his eyes flickering up to you long enough to hold your gaze before he and his friends jog out of the water and plant their surfboards in the sand. He shoots you one more look before turning and following the girls back into the water as the group of six stands facing each other and hits the beach ball back and forth.

“Am I crazy, or did he look you dead in the eye?”

“Yep,” you answer Krystal. “The little shit knows I’m watching. He’s trying to make me jealous. He knows I won’t go in the water.”

“Does he know you can’t swim?”

“No, he just thinks I hate the water.”

“You do hate the water too.”

“Well I guess now I have to learn to like it.”

Is going out to the beach at nearly 6 in the morning to teach yourself to swim when no one is around a bad idea? Probably. Are you going to do it anyway? Yes.

To be honest you had thought about figuring out how to learn earlier in the week. As fun as your banter with Jungkook has been, you were admittedly tired of sitting in a heap on the beach while your friends frolic in the water without you. Now that Jungkook is clearly going to be showing off in the water, you have to figure it out fast. If you’re going to keep teasing him back, you need to be on a level playing field.

Swimming doesn’t even look that hard. You just get in, kick your legs about, and move your arms. Seems simple enough.

The silence on the beach is a little eerie compared to how lively it typically is later in the day. The sun hasn’t risen completely, and the sand isn’t scalding as you step onto it. The waves are low, the tide gently moving in an almost peaceful way.

As you approach the water, you catch sight of a woman jogging with her dog, going in the opposite direction as you. When she’s far enough away you let out a surprisingly calm breath and drop your towel and tote bag onto the sand.

You tread carefully to the shoreline, dipping a single foot in at first. The chill of the water makes you jump back and let out a little yelp. After surveying your surroundings again and inhaling again, you step both feet in, the current only lapping at your ankles the deeper you go.

Teeth chattering, you step in further and further, the water moving from your ankles to your calves, to your knees, until eventually, it’s at your waist. You stand there for a while, letting yourself get used to the temperature as the sun continues to rise and warms your upper half.

It’s not as bad as you thought it’d be the longer you stand in it. You step in more, squatting to let the water rise to your chest. Steadying your breathing, you start to swirl your arms, moving the water around you and slowly getting more comfortable.

You take tiny steps in a circle, working hard to keep yourself balanced as you wade in further until you have to stand up and are on your tip-toes. “This isn’t so bad,” you muse out loud to yourself glancing towards the shore.

As luck would have it, no sooner do the words leave your mouth, do you take a step too quickly, losing your footing and tumbling backward. You flop in the water and attempt to stand up, but your bare feet don’t touch the ocean floor.

Panic starts to set in as you fumble to touch something to steady yourself, but find nothing. You feel yourself going deeper into the water with each flail of your arm and kick of your leg.

“H-Help!” You call out each time your head pokes above water, hoping someone will hear you. But the last time you checked, there was no one on the beach except you. You scream again, more water rushing into your mouth and filling your ears and nose. You don’t know how long you wave your arms, desperate for air, but just as you feel your limbs start to tire, something strong locks around your waist and yanks you to the surface.

You spit out as much water as you can and take in a huge mouthful of air. Your eyes and lungs are on fire and your heart feels as though it’s going to burst out of your chest. The person dragging you out of the water brings you to shore and sits you down as you continue coughing.

“Y/n! Are you okay?!” You recognize Jungkook’s voice and squint up at him. His eyebrows are furrowed in worry as he looks at you.

“Yeah,” you rasp out, coughing again.

“I’m taking you home. Come on.” You don’t object, still shaky as he helps you up. He wraps your towel around you and shoulders your tote bag as he practically carries you home. You hold onto his waist as he holds your shoulders, keeping you steady on the way.

Jungkook helps you inside and sits you down at the kitchen table. You’re both quiet as he sits across from you, inspecting you.

“Thank you,” you finally say.

“What were you doing in the water alone?

“I was supposed to be teaching myself to swim. Clearly, that didn’t happen.”

“No, it didn’t. You almost drowned, Y/n. Why didn’t you tell me you couldn’t swim?” His tone is stern and when you look at him it matches the frown on his face.

“I don’t know. I didn’t think it mattered. Then I saw you out there yesterday trying to make me jealous and I changed my mind. I’m just lucky you were around. What are you doing this early?”

“I jog every morning on the beach. It helps clear my head. I’m sorry about yesterday; I had no idea you couldn’t swim. But also Y/n, what if I hadn’t been there today?”

“But you were.”

“But what if I hadn’t?!” Jungkook’s face is flush and you see his hand shaking from where it rests on the table.

Slowly, you cover his hand with yours, and you feel the shakes subside. “Jungkook, I’m okay. You were there and you saved me. I’m right here.”

Without another word, Jungkook launches at you, pulling you in a hug. “That was so scary. I’ve never seen anyone almost drown. And it was you which makes it worse.” Jungkook pulls back, his eyes meeting yours. “Y/n, look, I know I annoy you and we don’t know each other very well, but I do really like being around you and I like you. I don’t wanna lose you before we can spend more time together and get to know each other better.”

You smile at Jungkook, hugging him again. “You do annoy me that’s true…. but you’re not that bad. I’m truly thankful that you were out there this morning. Thank you again.” Jungkook’s arms squeeze you again and you stay like that for a little while longer until a chill runs through you. The air in the house is cutting through your wet bathing suit, so you decide it’s time to change.

“I’ll see you later?” Jungkook asks when you walk him to the door.

“Maybe tomorrow. I’ll probably stay inside for the rest of the day.”

“Okay.” He gives you an understanding nod and starts to leave, stopping suddenly and turning back towards you. “Oh and from now on, we’ll be having swimming lessons. I’ll teach you, okay?” He doesn’t wait for your answer before he’s jogging away, leaving you there with a weird feeling in your stomach about him. A weird, unexpected, but not unpleasant feeling. All of a sudden the idea of seeing Jungkook isn’t so bad.

When you tell your friends what happened this morning, they give you shit any chance they get about how you shouldn’t have been out there by yourself. They at least stay with you in the house for the rest of the day, the four of you deciding to relax in your rental, watching movies and ordering takeout from a restaurant in town that you have yet to try.

By the next day, your friends are still poking fun at you about what happened.

“I still can’t believe you risked your life for some dick and you wouldn’t even learn to swim for us!” Luna teases as you walk to the beach later that afternoon.

“I already said I’ve been thinking about learning so I can have more fun with you guys! Jungkook shirtless and wet just gave me more of a boost.”

“Yeah, yeah. And I suppose you’re going to let him teach you to swim too when we’ve all been offering as long as we’ve known you?”

“I, uh. Well-”

“That’s a yes.” Irene laughs.

“I’m, er-”

“Relax, Y/n. We get it.” Irene assures you, looping her arm through hers. “It’s summer vacation. You deserve to have fun and do what you want. And it’s not like we didn’t encourage you to hook up with him the first day you met him.”

“And let’s be real; if we were in your position and someone that looks like Jungkook was hitting on us, we would’ve already been riding him into the sunset,” Krystal says and the other two women eagerly nod in agreement.

“And speaking of Jungkook, look who’s waiting for you.” Luna’s words have you looking ahead and sure enough, Jungkook is waiting near the entrance of the beach you’re walking towards. You always thought he was good-looking since the day you met but seeing him after the other day and after he saved you, you can’t help but look at him with even more interest.

“Hi,” he says, looking directly at you when you approach.

“Hey.”

“I uh, I wanted to make sure to meet you and make sure you're okay.”

“I’m alright. What happened is over and I’m okay.”

“I’m glad to hear it.” He offers a small smile. This is the first time you think you’ve seen Jungkook looking so nervous with you. He keeps wringing his hands and looking around.

“Well, I’m gonna go…” you start, but Jungkook’s hand shoots out to stop you.

“Sorry!” he quickly snatches his hand back, your arm feeling bare with the loss of him. “I was just going to ask if you were feeling up to it if you wanted to have a swimming lesson with me today. You don’t have to! It’s just an idea and I understand if not.”

It only takes you a second and you say okay. Jungkook is taken aback, genuinely surprised that you said yes, but recovers quickly.

“Okay! I mean, cool. Let’s go.” Your friends teasingly call out their goodbyes as you follow Jungkook across the sand to a spot closer to the water. He doesn’t say much to you on the way and when you get to the water he’s all business.

“We’ll start simple with just getting you in the water, getting you comfortable, and probably work on getting you to float.” You nod at him and move to take off your shorts, folding them neatly and tossing them with your bag. Jungkook follows suit, pulling his t-shirt over his head. You follow his movements with your eyes, taking the opportunity of being so close to him to study every ripple and movement of his muscles in his arms, chest, and abdomen. You don’t feel bad for checking him out since he does the same to you every day.

You follow him to the water, your pace slowing the higher the water starts to lap at you. Jungkook senses your hesitance and turns back to you. “We don’t have to if you don’t want to.”

“No, no it’s fine.” He holds out his hand to you which you take and let him lead you into the water. He stops every few inches, letting you adjust. Initially, your heart seemed to be racing the more you stepped in, but with Jungkook’s hands around yours, holding you steady, you’re more relaxed.

When the water is around your knees, he stops completely, letting the cold water soak your skin. “How are you doing?” His tone is soft, serving to put you at ease more.

“I’m okay.”

“You’re sure? I don’t want to push you.”

“Jungkook, I’m fine, I promise.”

He nods, trusting your judgment. The two of you move further into the water until the water is under your breasts while still only hitting him at his stomach.

“Here’s what we’ll do. I want you to lay forward in the water and we’ll practice floating and maybe have you start to kick your legs.. I’ll hold onto you the whole time. Just try and relax and you’ll be okay.”

You hesitate, the memory of doing something similar only yesterday coming back to you as well as the terror you felt.

“Hey, hey, Y/n, look at me.” As if sensing the panic setting in, Jungkook tightens the hold on your hands. You look up at him, your eyes meeting, and you see his gaze is as soft as his voice. “Do you trust me?”

Do you? You don’t know Jungkook very well other than the shared banter between you two for the past two and a half weeks. He immediately gave off a try-hard vibe and was acting very much his age. But, as many pick-up lines as he throws at you they’re always respectful and seemingly good-natured (as good-natured as possible for someone who wants in your pants anyway). He also saved your life a day ago and seems to genuinely care about your well-being. Even now, your life is very much in his hands, but he’s being nothing but patient and gentle with you.

All things considered, you do trust Jungkook and you’re not scared to put your trust in him.

“I do.” You finally say. Jungkook smiles softly at you and waits as you take a deep breath then lay forward in the water, his hands never leaving yours.

Your body is rigid as you desperately push yourself to relax. Your head is above water and Jungkook has stuck to his word, not letting go of your hands. It takes a few seconds before you settle your nerves and you realize you’re successfully floating and not being pulled under.

“I’m not drowning!” You cheer.

“I told you you’d be okay.” Jungkook laughs and the way your stomach flutters at the sound is new and you promptly ignore it.

You and Jungkook stay in the water for a while more. He starts to guide you slowly around the water with you still on your stomach. You kick your legs here and there with his encouragement. By the time you get out, all of your fingers and toes have started to prune, but you feel much more confident in the water than you ever have.

Things with you and Jungkook also change after that. You still see him every day for the next week at the beach, but it’s not the same. He teaches you to swim better and better each day. When you’re not doing that, you’re admiring the way he surfs, still not knowing much about it except how good he looks. Other than that, you’re lounging together in the sand talking which can range from flirting to swapping stories about yourselves to listening to Jungkook gush about Honeycomb Cove.

Being from this small beach town is something that he’s proud of. He’s had the same best friends all his life and has known most of the people in this town forever. As he tells you a story about him and his friends you can see just how much his home meant to him.

You may not have similar origins as him, having moved around a lot when you were younger, but Jungkook still loves watching you talk about your last few years since graduating college. You don’t seem to live with many regrets and carry yourself with the confidence and determination that Jungkook strives to have.

The two of you have been getting closer both personally and physically as the week goes on. Though you hadn't explicitly talked about the nature of your relationship, your bodies gradually moved closer; even going so far as to hold hands and sit closer together.

Jungkook tries as hard as he can to muster up the confidence that you have. You’re lying on your stomach next to him on your towel after a serious pro and con discussion about mint chocolate chip ice cream (you are strongly against it). Jungkook is on his stomach too and you’re so close to him that every time you shift, the skin of your arm rubs against his ever so slightly.

He scoots closer, your arms now pressed together. Another scoot has your legs touching and each time Jungkook’s stomach flips.

“Tryna cop a feel over there, Jungkookie?” You tease.

“What?!” He asks too loudly. You turn and look at him, a smirk on your lips.

“Don’t be shy. It’s obvious you’ve wanted to touch me since the day you met me and I won’t stop you.” You reach around and grab his hand, placing it on your ass. He jolts but doesn’t move.

He hates how much his hand feels like it’s trembling on your soft skin, and tries to control his erratic breathing. Jungkook is no beginner with sex - not by a long shot - but for some reason you made him feel like the inexperienced, nerdy little boy that's about to have sex for the first time. He’s known you for less than a month and he already feels different around you, which both scares and thrills him.

You sense Jungkook’s nervousness and make a note of it. It’s obvious that if you want to sleep with Jungkook, you’ll have to make the first move. With this in mind, you decide to tease him at every chance you get.

This includes touching any part of him you can reach as the days with him tick on. When you share your first kiss with him a few days later, you trail your hands up his arms and around to his chest, letting your nails scrape the warm skin. Jungkook lets out a shaky moan through the kiss, which drives you crazy. If Mingyu and Yugyeom hadn’t chosen that time to come stumbling out to where you were in the water, you could’ve very well asked him to take you to the shallower parts and fuck you right there.

This same, near-feral state sticks with you the next day as the two of you are sharing a wooden lounge chair on the sandy front lawn of your rental house. Jungkook comes to see you in the morning, as has become his routine. Instead of trekking through the hotter than usual sand this morning, you decide to spend time lazily taking up space on the chairs.

You start on your own chair, but the sight of shirtless Jungkook, sprawled out so close to you is enough to have you climbing onto the chair with him. You’re practically in his lap, but neither of you seem to mind.

“So I was thinking,” he starts as the music playing softly from your phone changes songs.

“Hm?” You eye the way his adam's apple bobs as he gulps. The skin on his neck is practically begging to be kissed.

“I want to take you out on a date," he begins. "You've probably been to almost every restaurant in town, but I figured we could have a real date that doesn't consist of us just feeling each other up while we swim.” Jungkook chuckles, but the sound dies in his throat as you move your hand from where it rested on your hip, to his chest.

“I’d love to go out with you, Jungkook. Although I won’t lie, I do like the 'feeling each other up' part,” you chuckle as a finger brushes over one of Jungkook’s nipples. He gasps and quickly throws a hand over his mouth.

Jungkook is shaking as your fingers trail up and down his exposed arm next.

“Feeling a little shy?” You whisper as you place a few small kisses on the shell of his ear.

“Y-you just make me nervous is all.”

His confident demeanor that you initially met with at the beginning of your trip continues to crumble as he turns soft and shy with only a few touches.

You adjust on the lounge chair so that you’re on your side pressed against him with one leg slung over his thigh. He visibly gulps at the shift in position, his hands unsure where to be until he settles for one on your hip and the other on your thigh.

“It’s funny, Jungkookie. When I first met you were so loud and obnoxious. You had this overconfident air to you that was so typical of so many guys I’ve met. But this other version of Jungkook is so soft and quiet.”

“It’s your fault.” He says through gritted teeth as your knee grazes his crotch. “You know how to make me like this.”

Feeling proud that you can make someone like Jungkook putty in your hands, you move up and turn his face towards you. His brown eyes are blown wide as he takes in your appearance. You’re sure you look just as eager.

You pull Jungkook into a kiss, lips knocking together sloppily but you deepen it anyway, your mouths eventually finding a heated pace. Jungkook pulls you closer making most of your body drape over him. The kiss quickly turns into a full-blown make-out session, the two of you only pulling back when Krystal walks by on her way into the house from the beach.

“This feels like public indecency!” Her voice makes you and Jungkook pull apart. She lets out a cackle at the look you shoot her, but doesn’t say anything else as she goes inside.

You let out a huff and lay back down next to Jungkook. He takes a few breaths, still clearly recovering, then says he has to head out. His mom asked him to grab some things for her before this evening and he wants to get that done so he can focus on your date.

“I’ll be back to pick you up at 6.” He says after placing a kiss on your forehead. You watch him go before beelining to your room to find something to wear.

Your date with Jungkook is the first real date you’ve been on in a while. You’re more used to quick coffee dates or grabbing a couple of drinks and then either never speaking to that person again, or finding somewhere to fuck. These options were always easier than a real relationship, but it’s clear Jungkook is trying to change that.

The date itself isn’t special in terms of what you do; just your standard dinner and hanging out. But, you did go to the pier and play some games at the arcade and the game booths and in cliche fashion, Jungkook won you a stuffed animal (a bunny to be exact which you named Cooky because it reminds you of him). You went for ice cream after and met one of Jungkook’s best friends, Jimin, who graciously gave you both free cones.

Afterwards, Jungkook takes your hand and leads you to a more secluded part of the pier that overlooks the empty beach - the inky dark water and the starry sky.

Everything about your date seems generic, but it isn’t because Jungkook isn’t generic.

What started as you shamelessly wanting to fuck him and call it a summer, was morphing into something much deeper. You keep reminding yourself that you’ve only known Jungkook for a month, yet you still feel giddy when he takes your hand or looks at you with his round, sparkly eyes.

As if reading your mind, Jungkook voices similar thoughts.

“You wanna know why you make me so nervous?” He isn’t looking at you, gaze fixed on his ice cream cone.

“Only if you’re comfortable telling me.” You say seriously.

Jungkook nods. “It’s because you’re so different from anyone else I’ve been with. I've dated a lot of people - not a brag, by the way," he laughs, easing the tension. "But I've never met anyone quite like you. I can't explain it, but I feel different, in a good way.  I know it sounds cheesy, especially since we haven’t known each other that long, but it’s true.”

“I believe you. I feel the same about you,” you assure him. He doesn’t say anything, he simply turns and kisses you until you nearly drop your forgotten ice cream.

“Sorry,” he starts. “I got a little excited.”

“Believe me that was nothing to be sorry for.” Then you’re kissing him again, ice cream falling out of your hand so you can cradle Jungkook’s face.

Days with Jungkook are spent exactly the same, but with much more romance. He is surprisingly even sweeter to you after your date and insists on spending every single minute with you that he can, even more than before. He tends to meet you at your rental house in the mornings and walk you back home in the evening when the day is done. Your friends have even invited him to stay and watch movies a few nights at the house and to a few dinners altogether. Things are going well for you and Jungkook and as shocking as it sounds to you, you believe that there’s something more there for the two of you. The more time you spend with Jungkook, the more your feelings grow, which is scary within itself.

Do you still want to fulfill your original goal of fucking him? Absolutely. But, you can also see something more with Jungkook. You haven’t found the right time to try and make more of a move on him. That is until he mentions one of his best friends, Seokjin, is throwing a huge bonfire party. He seems excited about it and even though it sounds like the type of party that was more your speed in college, it feels like the right atmosphere to finally take things further with Jungkook without getting interrupted.

When the day of the bonfire approaches, you spend most of the day doing a skincare routine, making sure you shave so that you're nice and smooth, and moisturizing from head to toe.

Jungkook texts you throughout the day as he helps Seokjin set up for later and asks that you meet him on the beach since he’ll likely be there all day. This gives you more time to get ready so you welcome this.

You’re picking out your outfit when Luna sticks her head in the room. “Almost ready?”

“Yeah, I’m just struggling with what to wear.” You hold up a crop top and consider it before tossing it aside.

“Just throw on a cute dress and call it a day,” Luna shrugs, catching a skirt that flys past her.

“But, do you think that’s enough? I need it to be a cute date outfit that’s suitable for the beach and also screams ‘fuck me as soon as we’re away from everyone.’ Am I overthinking this?”

“Yes, you are! Jungkook is gonna think you look amazing and fuckable in anything. He’s so into you, it’s obvious.”

You process this for a little bit before nodding and grabbing a mini dress to throw on over your nicest panty set from your suitcase. You and your friends head to the beach once as you’re ready and as soon as you see Jungkook you’re filled with even more excitement.

He’s standing and talking with a few people when you see him and as if he knows you’re looking, he turns at the same time, meeting your eyes.

The smile that spreads across his lips has your stomach in knots as he jogs over, scooping you up and hugging you. His lips meet yours in a kiss before your feet touch the sand again.

“You look amazing,” he compliments, eyes taking in every inch of you.

You mentally notate his words and wandering eyes as a win, then thank him. You’re about to lean in for another kiss when Irene clears her throat.

“While you two suck each other’s faces off, I’m going to go and find my own hot surfer to cuddle with. Where’s the booze?” Jungkook points her in the direction of a large cooler near one of the bonfires going. She offers a wave and heads over, Krystal and Luna following.

Jungkook takes your hand once you’re alone and places a kiss on it. “I’m really happy you’re here right now.”

You lightly slap his chest. “Don’t get all prince charming on me just because my friends left. There’s no one around to impress.” You try to hide your blush, not confident if it worked. “Besides, of course, I’d come. Why would I pass up a party and an excuse to see you some more?”

Jungkook’s blush is visible and he doesn’t even attempt to hide it. He only gives you a heart-melting smile in return as he leads you over to one of the bonfires with fewer people surrounding it.

“Hey, it’s Y/n and her boyfriend!” Mingyu teases when you and Jungkook take a seat on a foldout bench.

“Oh look, it’s Mingyu and his not girlfriend!” Jungkook shoots back, earning him the finger from his friend.

This causes the two of them to hurl playful insults at each other and Jungkook launches into a story about a time from the school year. You reach in a nearby cooler, fishing out beers for the two of you and he takes it, effortlessly taking a sip and continuing.

He and his friends banter for most of the night, making sure to bring you into the conversation when they can. Between some of their stories,  you and Jungkook get up and dance a few times, then you get to finally meet all of his friends from home. You know you’ve seen all of them around town since you’ve been here. They’re all kind and welcome you with open arms, letting a few jokes slip about how Jungkook has gone off on tangents about you at least ten times since you met.

When he gets too embarrassed, he bids them a quick goodbye to bring you back to your seat where you started, snuggled up under his arm, drinking, and letting all of your feelings go wild.

It’s been an hour by the time you’re compelled to make a move on Jungkook. Whether it’s the light buzz you feel or the good vibes in the air, you start to feel a heavy sense of want wash over you. You scoot closer to Jungkook, resting your head on his shoulder. He doesn’t pause his conversation with Yugyeom and Mingyu, only pulling you closer. Closing your eyes, you inhale the scent of him through your nose, loving the sweet smell of his skin even more.

Casting your eyes downward, you take in just how well his teal swim trunks hug his thick thighs. You’ve seen Jungkook in numerous states of undress throughout the month, so the white tank top and shorts are nothing, but for some reason, you still bite your lip at the sight.

Jungkook is still talking about something you’re not even paying attention to. He doesn’t notice when you pull the blanket he’d draped over you further up your body to cover your shoulders while hiding Jungkook’s lap completely.

Your hand starts on his knee, rubbing small circles over the skin. He hums in contentment and glances down at you, giving you a sweet smile. He’s back to listening to his friends as your hand starts rubbing higher up his thigh, until you rest it at the juncture between his thigh and his crotch. He doesn’t react, not until your place your hand over his soft cock. He jumps, immediately meeting your eyes and you send him a wink.

“Hey, you okay?” Yugyeom asks. Jungkook turns back to both his friends and nods.

“I, uh, yeah I-I’m good. I got a chill is all.” He throws you a look before going back into the conversation and you find your way back to his crotch.

You take your time to rub him, giving him a few squeezes every so often. Jungkook does an impressive job at keeping his composure and carrying on. It doesn’t take long before he’s swelling in your hand, getting harder with every stroke.

When you feel him poking against the fabric of his shorts, you slowly move your hand and slip it past his waistband. Jungkook jolts again when your cold fingers touch his hot skin, and he waves it off as another chill. His friends make fun of him, claiming he can’t handle the beach breeze anymore since he’s been away in the city with them, and he recovers quickly with a joke of his own.

You thought he’d stop you, but instead, Jungkook opens his legs more and leans back. Taking his invitation, you grip his cock full-on and he immediately lets out a low groan. The sound has you clenching your thighs and you squeeze him to hear it again. To Jungkook’s credit, he does a good job at keeping his voice level when he’s speaking, considering you’re starting to jerk him off in front of his friends and the other partygoers.

You set a steady pace, too slow for anyone to notice what’s happening, but fast enough that Jungkook’s legs are shaking. He’s panting as quietly as he can, his hand under the blanket gripping your arm for stability.

“You’re doing so good, baby,” you turn to whisper in his ear, his breath hitching at your words.

“P-please, Y/n.”

“Please what, Jungkookie?”

“I-m - I just - I want to cum.”

“Right here? In front of all of these people? You’re such a bad boy, baby.”

Jungkook lets out a whine that has you feeling just how wet you’ve become. You planned to tease him a bit, but now you just want him to cum for you right here. “Y/n, I -”

The sound of sirens approaching suddenly interrupts the atmosphere, and you quickly yank your hands out of Jungkook’s shorts.

No one moves until you hear someone yelling for everyone to run. You jump up, grab Jungkook’s hand, and run down the beach among another group of people. You split off from most of them, trekking through some nearby shrubbery with your rental house in mind.

The two of you only make a few stops in the greenery, making sure you’re not spotted by the officers, and soon you’re sprinting the last few feet to the house. You quickly type in the lock code and open the door, finally relaxing once you’re both inside.

“Anyone else here?!” You call through the beach house. “Krystal?! Irene?! Luna?!” You’re met with silence, assuming your friends are still somewhere on the beach. Jungkook is sprawled out on the couch, catching his breath with his legs open enough for you to admire the bulge in his shorts.

Now that you’re away from prying eyes and out of immediate danger, the lust you felt earlier quickly comes rushing back, and you want to do something about it now.

“Let’s go,” you demand, and without hesitation, Jungkook’s head whips up to look at you. He scrambles up from the couch and follows you down the hall to your room. As soon as he’s over the threshold and the door is shut, you press him against the wood, bodies flush against one another.

“Y/n,” he groans as your thigh slips between his legs, rubbing against him.

“Tell me at any time to stop, okay? If you don’t want this we-”

“No! Fuck, I want this so bad. I want you.” You kiss him as soon as the last word leaves his mouth. Jungkook melts into you, arms wrapping around your waist to pull you closer. He wedges his thigh under your dress, between your legs and you relish in how firm and muscular he feels against you.

The two of you get lost in the kiss, tongues caressing, hands gripping anything they can. You find a similar rocking motion against one another as your thigh rubs against Jungkook’s hardening cock and his knee hits your clit with every move.

The wetness in your panties becomes too much as you pull away from him, both of you panting messes. You pull him to the bed and push him onto it, quickly climbing into his lap and straddling him.

Your lips meet again in another heated kiss and Jungkook groans as you grind on him. He’s hard underneath you,  so you move your hips faster and pull apart to let out moans. His head lolls back at the friction, mouth open as more moans tumble from his lips and his hands grip your hips.

“You’re so pretty, baby boy.” You coo, hand coming up to cup his face. He lets out a higher-pitched moan at the pet name. “You like when I call you names?”

“Mmhmm,” it comes out a whimper.

“You like being my baby boy?” You slip your hands under his shirt and he jumps which ultimately makes him rut up against you and has him whining.

“Yes, yes.” Jungkook’s words are desperate, his hands still clutching your hips. He throws his head back again and you can’t help but lean forward and bite the flesh of his throat, sucking a mark there. The skin is soft and slightly salty from sweat. Leaving a kiss on the mark you quickly make, you switch to the other side and leave another there, Jungkook begging you at this point.

“I need you, please Y/n.

When you pull back and look at him, his doe-eyes are impossibly wider as he stares at you, an irresistible pout on his lips. They’re red from the way he gnawed on them as you worked at his neck. The urge to feel his lips on your pussy is overwhelming as you climb out of his lap.

“Clothes off. Now.” You breathe, already tugging your dress over your head. Jungkook follows suit, rushing to yank his shirt and shorts off.

You both stand there for a few seconds, wordlessly admiring your bodies. Seeing Jungkook in only shorts in the water is nothing compared to his nude form. You’re not sure who moves first, but you meet somewhere in the middle and your hands tangle in his faded blue locks as your lips meet again in a flurry.

The kisses are desperate and fast and match the feeling of Jungkook’s hands wandering over your body. Warm fingers settle on your breasts, his tattooed fingers tweaking your nipples, making you lean into his touch.

“One second, baby boy.” You reluctantly pull away and rush to your suitcase. It only takes you a few seconds to find the small pocket inside with the box of condoms you brought with you. You’re barely a few inches away from the bed before Jungkook leaps up to wrap his arms around you and lays you onto the bed.

Jungkook’s soft lips start at your neck, licking and suckling the skin, no doubt leaving you a mark of your own to find later. He makes his way down to your breasts, mouth latching onto your nipple and sucking which has your back bowing off of the bed and closer to him. You’re lost in the moment as he continues to alternate between your breasts, fingers pinching what he doesn’t have his mouth on.

When you feel Jungkook’s fingers dance down your belly and to your clit, you grab his wrist, stopping him.

“What’s wrong?” He asks, panic in his voice that he’s done something wrong.

You sit up and place a kiss on his nose to calm his nerves. “Turn over. On your back.” You tell him. He nods, scrambling to do what he’s told. Once he’s flat on the bed, eyes blinking up at you, you straddle his lap, seeing him tremble in anticipation.

“You’re so pretty like this, baby boy.” You coo as you rub his chest, tweaking his nipples a few times. Jungkook lets out a groan and squirms underneath you. As much as you want to continue teasing him, the throbbing between your legs needs attention now.

Your nails scrape against his skin one more time before you move to shimmy up his body, placing your thighs on either side of his head. Jungkook licks his lips, eyes locked onto the way your pussy glistens right in front of him. Once you’re settled, he impatiently reaches up to grab your thighs and pulls you down to his mouth.

Jungkook wastes no time in lapping at your pussy, the sounds of him slurping at your juices fill the room, mixing with the moans he has you letting out. Rocking your hips, you begin riding his face, his hands grabbing your thighs to keep you close to his mouth.

“Fuck, Jungkook!” You pant as he begins fucking you with his tongue, the muscle rubbing against your walls in a way that has you shaking already. “So good… such a good boy, don’t stop.”

Jungkook’s grip on your thighs tightens and he lets out a moan at your words, the sound vibrating deliciously against your moist lips. You rock into him faster and change the angle which plunges his tongue deeper and makes room for his nose to bump into your clit with every forward motion.

“Yes… yes right there, baby!” Your hands shoot out to steady yourself against the headboard as you wiggle against him faster, your orgasm hitting you fast and hard. A scream slips out of you as you hunch over, your body still tingling. Jungkook laps at you, cleaning you up and only serving to rile you up all over again.

Panting, you lift from his face, and Jungkook whines at the loss of you. He’s not left untouched for long because you scoot down his body, your core hovering over his hard cock. You take it into your hand, eliciting a hiss out of him, followed by another whine.

“You want to fuck me, Jungkookie?”

“Yes! Fuck, yes please, Y/n!” He bucks his hips up and continues to beg a few more times. You grab the condom laying next to your body and tear it open. Slowly, you roll it down his cock, taking your time to tease him along the way. He croaks out another plea right as you line him up with your entrance and sink onto his length.

You let out identical moans as he fills you and you begin to rock your hips. Jungkook’s hands shoot up to grab your hips as he starts to thrust up into you.

“Fuck, fuck, fuck,” you chant, as you find a pace consistently bouncing up and down in his lap.

“Y/n, fuck you feel so good!” He says through gritted teeth, eyes locked on your breasts as they bounce along with you.

“Yeah? Yo-you like fucking me?”

“Yes… so much… so good…” The younger man anchors his feet flat on the bed, knocking you off balance and falling towards his chest. His strong arms wrap about your waist as your hands hold you up on either side of his head. Jungkook uses the new position and fuck you harder, the force jolting you forward repeatedly.

“Ah! Jungkook, just like that! Right there!”

“Y/n, please, I’m so close!” A layer of sweat covers you both as he continues to pound into you.

“Gonna cum for me, baby? Gonna fill me up?” You whisper into his ear, placing a kiss on it before licking at his earrings.

“Yes! Please, Y/n, can I cum?!” He begs over and over again, his words starting to jumble together.

“Yes, Jungkookie, cum for me. Cum inside of me.” No sooner than you say it, Jungkook tosses his head back, hips pushing his cock as far as it’ll go as he fills the condom. He lets out a long, high-pitched moan that has you rutting against him faster and cumming soon after. You let out a squeal, your second orgasm hitting you harder than the first.

You both stay where you are as he softens inside of you while your breathing evens out. As much as you don’t want to, you move off of his lap, both of you sighing at the feeling of him slipping out of you. You flop on your back next to him, savoring the post-orgasm bliss.

“How was that?” You finally ask, a smirk in your voice.

“Y/n, you’ve ruined any other pussy for me that I’ve ever had in my entire life,” he says, eyebrows knitted together, but you both still end up bursting into laughter.

“I guess I’ve ruined you for any future girls too, huh?”

Jungkook stops laughing, giving you a goofy smile. “Well, I was hoping that I wouldn’t really have any future girls other than you.” His words make you flush and you lean forward, holding his face in your hands to kiss him.

This kiss is much sweeter than the earlier ones you shared and you relax into the feeling of Jungkook. You kiss him until you have to break away with a yawn and he makes a move to get up.

“Where are you going?” You ask, holding onto his arm.

“Oh, uh, I was going to go home…?”

“You don’t have to.” You don’t know what’s gotten into you, but a wave of bashfulness overcomes you at your words.

“You don’t have to tell me twice!” Jungkook grins, quickly disposing of the condom then slinking under the blanket, pulling it over you both. You didn’t realize how tired you were until you were bundled up and lying on Jungkook’s bare chest. Just like a scene in a cheesy romantic movie, you fall asleep to the sound of Jungkook’s heartbeat.

Light has long since peeked through the blinds when you wake up the next morning. Jungkook is still fast asleep when you slip out of bed and grab your robe from the corner of the room. After tying it closed, you tiptoe out of the room and immediately smell bacon.

“Well, look who it is!” Krystal announces when you walk into the kitchen. She and Luna are at the table while Irene is at the stove, carrying a pan with eggs to the table. “How was your night, sleeping beauty?”

“It was good,” you say nonchalantly, eyeing the spread of food. “Breakfast looks good too.”

“Don’t change the subject! I poked my head in when we all got back sometime in the early morning and I saw you have a certain sexy surfer boy in your bed.” Luna teases, wiggling her eyebrows at you.

You shove a strip of bacon in your mouth, chewing slowly. “What time did you guys get in last night?”

Irene shrugs as she joins the three of you at the table. “Not sure. After the beach patrol busted everyone, we all scattered. I ended up going to that pizza place we went to the other night with a guy I met at the party. Luna and Krystal ran to another part right?”

Krystal nods. “Yeah, it was us and a few other people. We found a more secluded part and smoked a little before calling it a night. When did you and lover boy come back here and continue the party?”

Shrugging, you take a sip of Irene’s nearby coffee. “We ran back here right after everyone first ran off.”

“And then you fucked?”

“Yes, Luna, then we fucked.”

“And what was it like? Was he good? He looks like he knows what he’s doing.”

You try and think of the right word to describe last night, but all you can think of is, “Indescribable. It was better than I imagined it’d be.”

Your friends all clap and Krystal raises her hand to high-five you. “That’s my girl! See, you got what you wanted in the end! How does he compare to your hookups of summers past?”

“Yeah, I remember you saying just how flexible Sota was able to make you when you two hooked up last year.”

At the memory of your fling last summer you laughed. “Oh Irene, Sota doesn’t have anything on Jungkook okay? I don’t think anyone I’ve ever fucked made me cum as hard as Jungkook. I went to sleep dreaming about his dick okay?”

“Who would’ve thought your most memorable summer fling would be in some random coastal town.”

“Yeah, what Irene said. And maybe you’ll actually call Jungkook back after the summer is over. That girl from a few summers ago was hella persistent with her texts before you blocked her.”

You nod at Krystal. “Yeah and I-” You stop talking when you hear a throat clear behind you. You and the girls all turn to see Jungkook standing in the entryway of the kitchen with only his shorts on. The expression on his face is the complete opposite of the blissed-out one he wore last night. “Morning Jun-”

“Don’t worry, I’m on my way out. You don’t have to worry about me texting you too much.” You frown, trying to comprehend his words before you realize that he heard everything you and your friends were just talking about.

“Jungkook, that’s not what it sounded like.” You try and save yourself, but he’s already stomping to the front door, shoes, and shirt in his arms. “Jungkook, wait!” You run after him, following him to the front porch. “Please.”

“Please what, Y/n?” He turns quickly and you stumble. “I heard you, okay?! I heard you and your friends just now! It’s obvious what last night was for you.”

“It’s not like that.”

“So you don’t hook up with people on your summer vacations? I’m not another one of these hookups?” There is clear hurt swimming in his brown eyes and it’s painful to see.

“I… well, I mean yes, I have slept with people on previous vacations, but you’re different.”

“Yeah, I’m sure. Because I’m such a good fuck, right?” Jungkook scoffs and turns away from you to keep going.

“Please, let me explain!”

“Save it. I don’t wanna hear it right now. And don’t come after me!” He calls back, taking off in a jog down the walkway and across the beach to the sidewalk.

You watch him go, a heavy feeling in the pit of your stomach. Jungkook is different. He’s the first person you’ve met that you feel an actual connection with. You planned on telling him all this before the summer was over - before you had to go and open your big mouth with him in the next room.

You respect his wishes and don’t follow him. You even decide to give him a day to cool off, before sending him a text to ask him to meet up so you can talk. He ignores that text and the one you send him later that night. He then proceeds to ignore your calls and messages for the next two days.

Each morning, you go to the beach as normal, waiting for him to show up, but you don’t see him at all. You don’t even see Mingyu or Yugyeom on the beach either when you try to spot them both days.

On the third day of Jungkook ignoring you, you go around to his friends that you know are usually around. You’re not sure where Jungkook lives, but you can’t imagine it’s too far since he jogs on the beach every morning. Seokjin, the surf instructor, refuses to tell you anything, dismissing you almost as soon as you approach him. One of his friends, Hoseok, is a lifeguard on the beach, and when you find him at his post, you beg to know where Jungkook lives. The man simply tells you that if you don’t need him for a lifeguard emergency, then he can’t speak to you.

Getting desperate, you go into town, begging his friend Jimin in the ice cream shop to tell you how to get to Jungkook’s parent’s house, but he also clearly knows what’s going on, because he asks you to either buy ice cream or get out of the line.

Defeated, you slink out of the shop and slouch to the ground, tears welling in your eyes. After spending each day with Jungkook, not being with him feels wrong. The way you feel about him now makes you miss him more with each missed text message and ignored call. You want so badly to see him and just explain. You admit that you shouldn't have been bragging so much about your night together with him still in the house, but all you want is to get the chance to make it up to him.

You’re about ready to scour the beach for any sign of any more of Jungkook’s friends when Jimin steps out of the ice cream shop on his phone. Ducking out of the way behind the side of the building closest to you, you stick around when you hear him say Jungkook’s name.

“Jungkook, I can’t just give you two gallons of ice cream! I love you but not enough to use my employee discount on you again…. Fine, send Yugyeom or Mingyu and I’ll send it back with them…. Yeah, you better throw in a tip for me too. Bye.”

Jimin steps back into the shop and the gears in your head turn. If you just wait around for one of his friends to show up they’ll lead you to where Jungkook is.

“Stupid. I’m so stupid!” Is all Jungkook tells himself after overhearing you talking about him. He should’ve known a woman like you wouldn’t want anything more than one night with him. He’s just a kid compared to the people you’ve been with.

He’s mad at himself for even allowing the feelings he has for you to grow the way they have. Admittedly, when he first saw you last month, you were just another tourist, albeit the most gorgeous tourist he’s ever seen. Then he got to know you and the more time you spent together, the more his feelings for you grew, making his heart race every time you kissed or touched him.

The night of the bonfire, he was going to officially ask you to be his girlfriend and you’d figure out your relationship from there. But then the officers showed up and you went back to your place, finally having sex and the thought was gone. When he woke up that morning, he planned on asking you then, but as he was padding down the hall and pulling on his clothes, he heard you and your friends.

One of them said something about other summer hookups and how you finally got what you wanted by fucking him. Jungkook remembers the sick feeling in the pit of his stomach at your words and the pain in his chest. He felt tears prickle at the backs of his eyes but refused to cry until he was away from you and at home.

And he did just that, throwing himself onto his bed and letting cries slip out. Jungkook never expected to marry you at the end of the summer, but hearing that he was the only one who had strong feelings and wanted something more hurt like hell.

He knows you’ve been calling and texting. He can’t bring himself to block you, so instead, he just turns the ringer down every time you call and continues to absorb himself in snacks, video games, and self-pity. Ignoring the urge to go out and surf is killing him, but he can’t risk seeing you. He’s still hurt and is scared to have this conversation. Hearing the straight-forward rejection will make this so much worse.

He tells his best friends from home, Yugyeom, and Mingyu that the two of you aren’t talking right now, and that you may have broken up. This thankfully stops them from answering any of your questions about him when you come looking. They’ve all taken turns to stop by and check on Jungkook, making sure he’s doing alright, all things considered.

Yugyeom and Mingyu stop by today, playing video games with Jungkook and Mingyu even leaves to briefly walk to the ice cream shop and pick up some ice cream from Jimin.

“So,” Yugyeom asks in between trash-talking about Mingyu's gameplay. “Are you gonna tell us what happened with Y/n?”

“No,” Jungkook says without looking up.

“Can we guess?”

“No.”

His friends exchange looks he misses, but don’t push the subject. They stay for another hour before they decide to leave, citing the need to get sunlight. Jungkook walks them out, saying goodbye and heading back upstairs. He’s about to finish the rest of one of the tubs of ice cream when he hears music playing from outside his window. He thinks he’s crazy at first hearing “If I Ain’t Got You” playing.

Jungkook pokes his head out of the window and sees you. You’re under his window, a small box-shaped bluetooth speaker raised over your head blaring music. He squints and sees the speaker looks similar to the ones you can win at one of the boardwalk games. He’s amused for a second until he remembers why he’s upset.

“Y/n, why are you at my house playing Alicia Keys?”

“I was trying to get your attention.”

“Well, it worked. Also, how do you know where I live?”

“I was at the ice cream shop when Jimin got your call asking for ice cream. I followed Mingyu back here and waited until they left.”

“That’s kind of creepy.”

“No one would tell me where you lived!”

Jungkook sighs, resting on his forearms. “Why do you think that is, Y/n?”

“I know. I know you’re still mad. I’m sorry for hurting you with what I said. I know it sounded bad, but please let me talk to you. I miss you.”

Jungkook hates how weak he feels at the soft way you say you miss him.

“I’m coming down.” He murmurs, disappearing from the window and going downstairs to let you in. The walk up three flights of stairs is quiet as he leads you to his childhood bedroom. You take in the messy room with posters all over the wall and books all over the floor. “So, what is it?” Jungkook cuts to chase, leaning against his desk as he waits for you.

Taking in a deep breath, you plop onto his bed. “I’m sorry, again for what I said. I know that it sounded bad, believe me, but I wasn’t talking about you to make you sound like a quick fuck. I admit that usually on these summer trips my friends and I take, I end up sleeping with someone that I’ve met that I’m attracted to and it’s usually left just as that. I’m not going to apologize for being a consenting adult and enjoying sex, but I’m sorry for seeing you as another summer fling - at first.” You make sure to annunciate the last part.

“Jungkook, every day that we spent time together, I started to like you more and more. You went from the hot younger guy that I wanted to sleep with to this funny, charming, sweet guy that I wanted to spend all my time with and know more. I promise you, that what I feel for you is real. I’ve grown to really, truly care about you and I don’t want to stop seeing you. Please believe me.” You hope more than anything that your words can thoroughly convey your feelings. Jungkook is still across the room, expression unreadable.

“So, you weren’t planning on forgetting I existed the morning after we slept together?”

“No! No, I swear I wasn’t. I was honestly just bragging about our night together and I’m sorry for talking about you like that. I’ll apologize as many times as you want me to, just know that I’m being genuine.” Your expression is desperate as you plead with him and he can see how your eyes glisten with tears that threaten to spill.

Without another word, Jungkook crosses the room and pulls you into a hug, and you immediately melt in his arms. He decides to believe you. If you truly only saw him as nothing more than a hookup, you wouldn’t have been chasing after him and going as far as to follow someone to his house. It’d be much easier for you to just leave it and go on with your vacation, but you didn’t.

He grabs your face, pulling you into a kiss that you eagerly return. The same jittery feeling that you get in your stomach when Jungkook touches you is back, but it’s much more intense this time. The feeling is the same for Jungkook and just as intense.

“I forgive you,” he breathes out after finally pulling back. “I’m sorry for not staying to talk it out with you. I was just upset. It’s not that you talking about our sex upset me, it was just the way that I thought the conversation was going that hurt me.”

“I know, and you needed time, I get that. Thanks for not turning me away again.”

“I’ve never had a girl serenade me outside of my window before so I’d be lying if I said I didn’t kind of like it.”

“Well, I’ll serenade you with as many songs as you want as long as you don’t ghost me anymore.”

Jungkook smiles and he knows the expression is dopey, but he doesn’t care. “Deal.”

Things between you and Jungkook pick up naturally as they had before your misunderstanding. The rest of the summer is different than any other summer trip you’ve taken, and that’s okay with you. Jungkook’s friends accepted you again, and your friends even apologized to him too for the conversation he heard.

Things went well for the remainder of the summer, until the day that you and your friends need to fly back to the East coast. Jungkook is standing on the front porch of your rental house with you. Your bags are at your feet, and your hands are locked with Jungkook’s.

“And you’ll text me when you get to the airport right?”

“Yes, Jungkook.”

“And when you’ve boarded?”

“Yes.”

“And when you land?”

“Jungkook, of course, I will.”

He rests his forehead against yours, the two of you standing together in silence.

“I’ll miss you,” you finally say. You’ve decided to pursue a long-distance relationship. You’ve been in long-distance relationships twice in your life, but neither worked out. Like you kept reminding yourself though, Jungkook is different. You believe that things between you will work out, even on opposite coasts.

“I’ll miss you too,” he whispers back, your lips brushing with each word.

“Hey, I really hate to break up your moment, but we gotta get to the airport, Y/n,” Irene calls over her shoulder as she inputs the code to lock the front door. She wishes Jungkook a goodbye and lugs her last bag to the car where Luna and Krystal are waiting.

“I promise you’ll get a text, okay?”

“Yeah…” Jungkook mumbles before pulling you into a soft, bittersweet kiss. When he pulls away you can see the wet way his brown eyes shine. “Hey, don’t cry, baby. I’m coming back for spring break, remember? And we’re gonna video chat when I’m home.” Jungkook nods, wiping at his eyes.

When you finally pull away from him, he walks you to the car holding both of your bags for you. Once they’re packed in the trunk you kiss again savoring the sweet taste of his mouth.

“Okay, I really gotta go.” You pinch yourself to pull away and practically leap into the backseat so you’re not tempted to keep kissing him.

As if knowing how much self-restraint you’re practicing, Irene throws a glance your way through the rearview mirror and backs out of the parking spot without hesitation. Jungkook watches you go, waving until you can’t see him in the distance any longer.

Your phone immediately lights up with heart emojis making you smile as you feel yourself blush.

“Gag! Are you gonna be all clingy with him even across the country?” Krystal complains, not even hiding the way she’s leaning over your shoulder peering at your screen.

“Maybe. Mind your business and you won’t have to see it.”

“Well, I beg you to remember how thin our apartment walls are. The last thing I need is to hear you calling Jungkook 'daddy' or something.”

You let out a laugh, and before you can stop yourself you say, “Bold of you to assume he won’t be calling me 'mommy'.”  

Silence takes over the car, followed by various calls of  “oh my god!” You laugh along with your friends, trying to push down the longing you already feel for Jungkook. This may be your first serious relationship in years, but Jungkook already has your emotions in the palm of his hand, and you know they’ll stay there once you’re back in your time zone.

You don’t want to even breathe the ‘l word,’ but it does cross your mind. You’re not there yet, but if your phone keeps vibrating with sweet messages the way it is, you can easily see yourself falling for Jungkook. For now, though, you’ll enjoy your new relationship with your dreamy surfer boy.

[min-yunki-agustd]

PANIC!

Tw: warning this fic as more than just emeto stuff and sickie. It has a little bit of gore and harming in it please proceed if you are ok with a mention of bl**d if not you can skip to the next part of the fic for regular emeto stuff and skip the text in this color if you don't want to see any of that.

Sickie: yoongi

Caretaker: Jimin

Yoongi has a nightmare and wakes up and vomits everywhere and runs to the bathroom. he’s sick and try’s to hide what happened from an undeceivable Jimin gets him to explain what was wrong and helps him after wards

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Yoongi was sitting in a chair. He was unable to move his arms and his legs. They were bound to a chair by rope. He thought it was a rope. Something like that material. His eyes were being covered by some kinda wet cloth material. It was yanked from his face it pulled some hair that was tangled in the rag coving his face. He saw an elderly-looking man in front of him. The man moved over to the side to show all of the other bts members tied up in chairs beside him.

They were all panicking and crying out but couldn't speak because their mouths were gagged. All yoongi could hear were cries and words he couldn’t understand. Yoongi looked around. They were all dirty. Most of them were covered in scratches, marks, and bruises. Namjoon was different he was covered in blood that was leaking from his side. What the hell! what happened? yoongi thought. Yoongi saw hoseok to the left of him. his shirt was ripped and he could see a big slash on his arm. Oh my god, what happened to them? Who hurts them? Why are they here?

Yoongi’s heart started to race. “ they no talk …” The man pointed to the members. “ so now I do the talking” the man states. “ where is he?” He? Yoongi thought who is he even talking about?! “ you no talk then I shoot! The man pulled out a gun. "HEY, NO W-WHAT ARE YOU DOING!" Yoongi screamed at the top of his lungs. The man shot a bullet beside Jimin heard it and screamed. " STOP IT-

yoongi yelled at the man in anger. The other members started yelling. Jimin started wiggling in his seat. He was scared. They all were.

"TALK Or BROTHER DIES!" The Man yelled. Yoongi was so scared. "I DON"T KNOW WHO YOU'RE TALKING ABOUT PLEASE DON'T HURT HIM STOP ITTTT." The man pointed his gun at Jimin's head and fired. Jimin's chair flew backward. " Yoongi screamed and cried. he didn't know what to do. The man walked over to Junkook. Jungkook was fiscally shaking as if he knew what was about to happen. No yoongi shouted. "Please NO", tears were falling from his eyes. PLEASE TELL ME WHAT YOU WANT. The man fired his gun again. Jungkook cried his chair flew back but not before hitting him on the way down. Yoongi was shaking his body trying to escape. He felt sick to his stomach. "Yoongi screamed to the top of his lungs" the other boys were crying as well. Two armed men came from behind yoongi the walked in front of him. They emptied out their guns on the rest of the members. Yoongi screamed out loud.

(READ HERE)

Yoongi SCREAMS TO THE TOP OF HIS LUNGS OUT OF HIS SLEEP>

Yoongi YOONGI? YOONGI?! he kept hearing his name being called out loud. Yoongi opens his eyes. He was breathing frantically. He couldn't catch his breath he was at home in his bed. Jin, Jimin,namjoon, and jungkook were all standing around him gripping him tightly trying to wake him up. He remembered what he saw. He remembered what happened to them but they were right here? and alive. yoongi's stomach convulsed he threw up inform of him on his blankets and sheets. The four members moved back "hyung" namjoon almost yelled.

Yoongi threw up and is now having a panic attack. Jin pats on his back roughly but makes him puke again. Yoongi pushes his and everyone's hands away. He got out of bed with his hands on his head and his stomach on his throat. He walked toward his bathroom. Jin followed him there. Yoongi felt like he was being smothered. like there was no air in the room as he walked. He felt like if he walked faster he'd find air or at least his body would be forced to breathe. He began running to the nearest bathroom. He didn't manage to make it to the toilet before his stomach convulsed.

__________________________________________________

I'm not sure that I like this one anymore but if you do let me know and I'll finish it

[kpopfanfictrash]

Love to Hate (Ch. 8)

Author: kpopfanfictrash

Genre: Fuck Buddies / Enemies to Lovers

Pairing: Jungkook / Reader

Synopsis: Born with a silver spoon in your mouth, you've done your best to rid yourself of the taste since you were old enough to walk. Occasionally though, your mother manages to rope you into an obligatory function – or a blind date with playboy billionaire, Jeon Jungkook. Jungkook stands for everything you loathe about the world you left behind, but you can’t deny the spark of attraction between you. Intrigued by the promise of mutual satisfaction, you agree to one night in bed… and quickly realize you’re in far, far deeper than you ever intended.

Rating: 18+ (not an explicit chapter) 

Warnings: mentions of cheating (past)

Word Count: 10,561

“I don’t have to point out the irony, do I?” Hoseok shouts to be heard over the wind. “The fact that you’re terrified of open water, but run an organization dedicated to saving the ocean?”

“Nope,” you say, gripping the rope like a lifeline. “No need to point out the obvious.”

Hoseok grins. “Anytime,” he laughs, stepping onto the yacht.

Determinedly, you stare at the gangplank before you. You can do this, you reason. People walk onto boats every day and walk off them, alive. There’s no reason you would be the one to trip, fall into the ocean and be devoured by a shark. Or worse.

Shit. Now you’re thinking about what worse would be.

When Olya suggested this meeting, you agreed without really listening to the particulars. The particulars were important though, since they involved meeting Doug Johnson – reticent mayor of Marine Cove himself – onboard a yacht owned by one of Seokjin’s friends. A meeting during which you’ll be setting sail for several hours.

On the open ocean. Alone.

Most likely, you’ll die.

At least today will be a distraction, you think, gingerly placing a foot on the gangplank. After the events of the past week, you’ve done everything short of flinging yourself into the sun to distance your thoughts from Jungkook.

Forcing your concentration, you run the last several steps to enter the ship. Catching your breath, you turn and find Hoseok looking bemused.

Casual, he pushes his glasses up his nose. “Come on.” Hoseok turns. “Liam should be here any minute.”

Ah, yes – the other nerve-wracking part of today.

Marine Cove still hasn’t given a response about whether they’ll participate in your coastal ecosystem project. In a final effort, Hoseok suggested bringing Liam along. Marine Cove’s biggest worry is their main employer abandoning the town in retaliation. Hopefully, introducing Doug to Liam will remind Marine Cove there are other companies willing to work with Clean Ocean.

A promising idea, but one wreaking havoc on your sanity – what’s left of it, anyways. After your parents’ party on Saturday, you’re hanging on by a thread. First you introduced Liam to your parents way too soon and received their unfortunate approval, and then…

Well. And then.

Shutting out thoughts of Jungkook, you return to the problem at hand. Forcibly confronting your fear of open water might be the only thing planet capable of tearing your thoughts away from Jungkook.

At least only Hoseok saw your embarrassing entrance. He insisted on arriving a half-hour early to set up, resulting in no one seeing your struggle. By the time Olya and Liam get here, hopefully your motion sickness pills will have kicked in.

Beneath your feet, the boat gently rocks while you wait on the deck. Checking your phone, you see zero messages. Ignoring the way your heart pinches, you replace your phone as a man enters the stern.

“You must be Y/N and Hoseok,” he says with a grin.

Stepping forward, the sun’s rays light him as though they belong there. Blonde hair, tan skin, and an easy smile – the man could be an advertisement for surfing but for a steadiness which makes you trust him implicitly. Safely, you assume he must be the captain.

“Yes,” you say, shaking his outstretched hand. “And you must be… Noah?”

“At your service.” Finished with greetings, Noah steps back to lace both hands before him. “Would you like a tour of the vessel before heading upstairs? That’s where the table has been set up for your meeting.”

“Sure.” Hoseok cuts off your noise of protest. “That’d be great.”

Nodding, Noah turns and disappears down the hall.

You tug on Hoseok’s sleeve. “Didn’t you want to prepare for the meeting?” you hiss.

“This is preparing. Or don’t you want to know where the exits are?”

Hoseok has a point, so you nod and follow suit. The boat – yacht? Ship? –is beautiful, you have to admit. It belongs to one of Seokjin’s family friends and whatever he did to allow your use, you don’t want to know.

The interior is clean and white with bright wooden beams overhead. Having entered from the stern, you follow Noah through the interior to reach the bow. He points out several rooms as you pass – staff quarters, an equipment room, a game space and more.

You nod, slightly dazed when you come to a stop at a narrow staircase. At the top, the view frankly takes away your breath. Hoseok lets out a low whistle, climbing behind you.

“Damn,” he says, stopping to take in the view.

Ahead is the bow, waterproof cushions laid out for sunning. A steel ladder descends to the deck – one you won’t be using, you decide. The marina stretches beyond it, and past that lies the ocean in waves of pure blue. It hurts your eyes and, squinting at the brightness, you turn away.

Immediately you spot the table Noah mentioned – a small, four-person space set with paper, pens and assorted drinks and snacks.

Noticing your glance, Noah asks, “Will it be just you two today?”

“We’re expecting three more,” says Hoseok. “So, we need another chair.”

Taking this all in stride, Noah nods. “I’ll go and grab one. You two make yourselves at home.”

Once he’s gone, you look at Hoseok. “Three?”

“Mhm.” He nods. “I asked Olya to come.”

Pointedly not meeting your gaze, Hoseok pulls out a chair to sit at the table. Hiding a smile, you leisurely join.

“So,” you say, nonchalant. “Olya’s coming.”

“So. You’re scared of fish.”

Your smile vanishes. “I’m not scared of fish, Hobi. I want fish to live in a clean and safe environment. I just don’t think people give the ocean the respect it deserves!”

Lips twitching, Hoseok shakes his head. “It is pretty spectacular, I’ll admit,” he says, gazing around the deck.

“I know,” you agree. “When we’re docked, I appreciate it even more. I just wish we’d stay in the harbor today.”

“We are.” Hoseok closes his eyes. “I was fucking with you when I said we’d be at open sea.”

You gape for a moment before smacking him – hard – on one arm. Hoseok laughs and jerks upright, swatting right back. Before you can fully berate him, someone calls from below.

“Hello?” Liam’s voice drifts from the staircase. “Anyone here?”

“We’re up here,” you call back. “Hoseok and I are upstairs!”

Liam’s hair appears first, windswept and golden. His eyes crinkle as they emerge, revealing a smile when he clears the last steps. On the landing he pauses to take in your surroundings.

“Wow.” Liam whistles. “What does your friend do again?”

“It’s not his boat,” you say, rising from your chair. “But it is beautiful.”

Turning from the ocean, Liam’s gaze darkens when he sees you. “It’s not the only thing,” he agrees, dropping his voice so Hoseok won’t hear.

His words prompt butterflies in your stomach, the unmistakable pleasure of being complimented and – that’s it. Nothing beyond that. No sweaty palms, throbbing heart, or sudden speechlessness. Before you can adequately mask your disappointment, Hoseok jumps in.

“Should we go over the plan?” he asks. “Before Doug arrives.”

Retreating from you, Liam nods and gestures for you to sit first.

“Sure thing,” he says, and you rejoin the table.

Since Saturday, you’ve been in contact with Liam nearly every day. Nothing crazy, just a hey, how are you here and a goodnight text there. Your exchanges have been pleasant, if not exciting.

Which is a good thing, you remind yourself.

Liam is the exact opposite of crying alone in a hotel bathroom until you can breathe easily enough to pretend nothing happened.

Holding onto this, you glance upward and catch Hoseok watching. His brows furrow, and he stares a moment longer than necessary before Captain Noah returns.

“Ah, another one,” he says, setting down the fifth chair. Good-naturedly, Noah sticks out his hand for Liam to shake. “Apologies for not greeting you at the dock. Wanted to make sure everything was set up here.”

Half-rising, Liam offers a smile. “No problem at all,” he says, shaking hands. “Beautiful boat you have here.”

“Not mine.” Laughing a little, Noah withdraws. “But beautiful, all the same. I’ll head downstairs to greet the rest of your guests. Let me know if you need anything!”

“Thanks, Noah!” you call as he leaves.

Silence falls when he leaves, save for the wind off the ocean. A quick glance at Hoseok shows him texting someone, probably Olya.

“So.” Liam leans in. “Strategy?”

“Right,” you exhale.

Earlier, you printed out copies of Hoseok’s talking points. Accepting the paper you hand him, Liam quickly scans the page as Hoseok’s phone dings.

“That’s Olya,” he says, jumping up. “I’ll go get her.”

You have no time to protest before Hoseok disappears. Taking advantage of his absence, Liam leans forward until his knee presses to yours.

“So,” he says, his voice low. “I enjoyed meeting your family on Saturday.”

“Did you?” You blink, unable to mask your surprise. “That has to be my first time hearing that.”

“Granted” – Liam laughs – “those types of parties aren’t my thing, but it was nice to be introduced to people as your boyfriend.”

“Ah.” You hesitate. “You… really don’t need to worry about that. Jason tends to get carried away.”

“I didn’t mind,” Liam says, not hearing the subtext. “I liked when he said it.”

“Oh. Sure.”

Sinking a little, you ponder how best to fix this when Olya and Hoseok return. Pasting a smile over your face, you make room for Olya as Liam asks Hoseok a question.

While they’re talking, you can’t help but look at Liam.

It was strange, how Liam acted on Saturday – or rather, how he didn’t act. Since meeting, Liam has said he doesn’t belong in your parents’ world but from what you saw, Liam fits in better than you. Take now, for instance. His crisp, linen trousers and white shirt are ready-made for a yacht. You’re ninety percent sure you’ve seen your father wear the same get-up.

You’re so entrenched in these thoughts, you nearly miss the moment Doug arrives. Hoseok notices though, the legs of his chair scraping as he stands.

“Mr. Johnson,” he says brightly. “Please, have a seat.”

Scanning the table, Doug nods and places his briefcase on the floor. “Hello, everyone,” he says, seating himself beside you. “I know Hoseok and Y/N, but I don’t believe I’ve had the pleasure of meeting everyone else.”

“Liam Jessen.” Liam extends his hand. “CEO of Infinity Motors.”

Doug glances briefly at this, then back up. “I see.” His gaze cuts to Olya. “And you are?”

“Olya Cermak,” she supplies. “Head of Communication and Events for Clean Ocean.”

Doug nods, recognizing the name. “Pleasure to meet you.”

“Likewise.”

“Now that we’re all acquainted,” you say, jumping in. “Shall we get started?”

“Yes, let’s.” Doug nods. “I suppose I can tell you the city council has yet to come to a decision regarding our participation. It might be best if we withdraw until after the pilot.”

His words cause your heart to sink, though you try not to show it.

“That would be a shame.” Hoseok pushes up his glasses. “We invited Mr. Jessen so that you could talk. I know you’re concerned about how temporary closures might affect small businesses. As a business owner himself, Liam might be able to better explain the benefits of our programs.”

“That’s right,” Liam says confidently. “Infinity Motors has always–”

“You’re a big business, though.” Turning away, Doug cuts Liam off. “I fail to see how your experiences are relevant to brick-and-mortar stores with seasonal customers. Just one month’s loss of income could be enough to drive them out of business.”

Liam falters, glancing at you with a panicked expression. Doug has a point though and, as you realize this, even Hoseok falls silent. Your last-ditch effort might be dead in the water.

Except.

Doug’s speech would be more convincing if he hadn’t told you his greatest fear was that clothing corporation. Painting himself as the savior of small business is laying it on a bit thick. The moment you think this, Jungkook comes to mind, and you hear your conversation play back in your mind.

Are you talking about blackmail?

No. I’m talking about explaining their options.

Teeth gritted, you have a momentary debate before deciding to hell with it. Smoothing your expression, you lean back in your seat.

“Doug,” you respond, folding your hands together. “Let’s all be honest, okay? You’re having second thoughts about participating in Clean Ocean’s program because of threats from a certain clothing company – right?”

Doug is silent long enough to confirm your suspicions.

You nod, as though in agreement. “I suppose I can’t fault you for that. You’re only looking out for your town and that company is a major employer.”

“That’s… true,” he says slowly.

Brow furrowed, Doug continues to look at you skeptically. Clearly, he doesn’t trust you and for good reason. Hoseok gives you a similar look and silently, you will him to hold on.

“Ultimately, Clean Ocean can find another town to pilot with.” You shrug. “Hell, we already have two other cities lined up. There’s unfortunately no shortage of polluted cities. The main reason we thought of you was because of said clothing company.”

Although Doug remains silent, he appears to be listening.

Reaching out, you take another sip of your water. “I know it can be hard to divorce the short-term from long-term. Right now, this company is threatening to leave. In the long term though, your tourist numbers continue to dwindle. Those businesses you claim to care about won’t have sustainable profits to live off much longer. I can only imagine what they’ll think once they hear their city council passed on a coastal renovation project.”

Hearing this, Doug’s eyes widen. 

“Is… that a threat?” he says, stunned.

“Of course not,” you say, keeping your expression neutral. “Merely an observation.”

“So, what then,” Doug blusters. “You’ll go over my head? Leak the news that we turned you down to the press?”

Hoseok makes a tsk-ing noise in the back of his throat.

“A news leak. No, no – nothing like that.” Doug’s momentary look of relief disappears when Hoseok continues, “It would be understandable though, if a lower-level employee accidentally published a release with our Head of Communications out of office. The one which lists Marine Cove as a program participant.”

Olya nods. “Terrible, but understandable. How can employees learn without making mistakes? Of course, it’d be embarrassing if Marine Cove needed to correct our materials. Explain how they turned down our offer.”

Looking slightly green, Doug glances between you. “The council won’t like this,” he warns.

He seems queasy enough for you to take pity. You know first-hand how companies like your parents’ operate. Setting down the water, you lean in.

“I meant what I said,” you tell him. “We can find another city to work with. The only reason I’m pressing is because I believe Marine Cove would benefit from this program. If you decide it’s not worth it – fine. All I’m doing is saying you have options if the council refuses to act in your town’s best interest.”

Something akin to hope rekindles in Doug’s gaze.

Relief seeps through you. That was a gamble, but you couldn’t help but notice Doug’s declinations always involve the city council. It sucks to be the messenger, especially when it’s for a cause you don’t believe in. Hopefully, your information helps Doug to push back.

Sensing you’ve outworn your welcome, you push back your chair.

“It might be worth asking,” you continue, “why the possibility of the public knowing the truth is so alarming to the council.”

Doug remains quiet, only looking up when Olya slides an envelope towards him.

“An invitation,” she says, standing as well. “For a pre-launch event this Friday. The launch party is next Saturday, but we’re holding a smaller gathering for investors and participants only. We hope to see you there.”

“Thank you,” Doug says, staring dazedly at the card.

Casting him a sympathetic look, Olya grabs her purse and turns away. Hoseok and Liam start to leave, the latter pausing at the top of the stairwell.

“Y/N, are you coming?” Liam asks.

You nod, although Doug still hasn’t moved. “In a minute,” you say, waving him onward. “You go ahead, and I’ll meet you downstairs.”

Liam departs.

You wait until his footsteps fade, wondering if he were someone else, would you have asked them to stay. As soon as you think this, you shake your head. There’s no point wondering what-ifs when you have a job to do.

“I’m not trying to be an asshole,” you say.

Doug gives a low laugh. “No?” he asks, looking up. “A happy coincidence, then.”

You ignore this. It’s nothing you haven’t heard before; all women in business have heard worse, especially when they need to be firm against men.

“I really do believe it’s for the best,” you continue. “I think you do, as well – despite what you said.”

Doug pauses, then stands and looks out at the ocean. “I know,” he says, shoulders drooping. “That’s what makes this so damned hard.”

Noticing he holds the Clean Ocean invitation, you decide to press on.

“The pre-launch party is more than just a gesture,” you offer. “Clean Ocean has a lot of investors. Infinity Motors is just one of them. If that clothing company does decide to leave…” 

You trail off, allowing him to fill in the blanks. A moment passes, then Doug turns his head.

“Who knows?” you say as you move towards the staircase. “Maybe you’ll find another company to replace them.”

Doug doesn’t respond, and you emerge on the lower deck to blink in the sunlight. Hoseok and Liam stand ahead of you, quietly conversing against the railing. Olya is beside them, frantically typing something on her phone. When they hear your approach, all three of them look up.

“Hey.” Breaking away, Liam smiles. “All done?”

“Yep,” you say. “I –”

Doug appears behind you.

“Thank you all for the meeting. Mr. Jessen,” he adds, glancing at Liam. “I’ll be reaching out to you with questions about your Clean Ocean involvement.”

Liam blinks, recovering enough to nod. “I look forward to it.”

Pulling sunglasses from his pocket, Doug slips them on. “You can expect my final response on the subject by the weekend.”

Hoseok lifts a brow. “I’ll keep an eye out.”

Glancing your way, you think Doug almost smiles before striding away. You wait until he’s out of view before you release your breath. Even Hoseok sags slightly before he whirls around.

“That was not in the bullet-points,” he huffs.

“I know, I know,” you groan, slumping on the wall. “But Hobi, he completely shut us down. I had to change directions.”

“I know,” Hoseok says. “And it was a risk, but… damn, it paid off. Good job.” Smiling a little, he pulls out his phone. “I need to head to the office, but you should stick around. Celebrate. Maybe take Seokjin’s boat for a spin around the marina.”

You glare daggers at him and Hoseok smirks, knowing that’s the last thing you’d want. Liam doesn’t seem to notice, looking around in surprise.

“This is the Kim family boat?”

“No,” you correct. “Just someone he knows. And no thanks to the joyride, but I will say goodbye to Noah.”

“No need,” Hoseok says. “Olya said goodbye for all of us.”

Olya nods. “Yeah, he mentioned something about preparing lunch. Hoseok,” she says, turning around. “Can I get a ride to the office? This Friday caterer is giving my assistant the runaround. Don’t worry,” she adds, spotting you. “I’ve got it covered.”

“Yeah, sure,” Hoseok says, fishing for his keys.

Liam glances between you. “Will you be heading into the office as well, Y/N?”

“Oh.” You pause. “I – well, I was planning to.”

“Oh.” His face falls a little. “Right. I was kind of hoping we could grab lunch.”

Guilt flashes through you at his expression. You have a ton of work at the office, but it would be nice to get some fresh air – on land, of course. And you did say you’d give Liam a chance. That means going on things like day dates.

“Okay, sure,” you allow, glancing at Hoseok. “Can you move all my afternoon meetings?”

“Sure, yeah. I’ll text Jason to call you back tomorrow.”

Again, you smack Hoseok, prompting laughter from Olya. “Anyways,” you say loudly, turning to Liam. “Yes, I’m free for lunch.”

“Great.” He smiles. “I’m parked around the corner.”

Nodding, you retrace your steps to exit the gangway. As soon as you’re on solid ground, you exhale in relief. You have gotten better at being on the water. When you were young, your parents could barely bribe you to step foot on a boat. Now, you barely notice – apart from entering, exiting and the actual sailing.

Heading up the hill, you find Liam’s car parked beyond a meter. Hoseok and Olya keep going, waving and leaving the two of you alone.

“So,” you say, squinting at the sun. “Did you have a lunch place in mind?”

“I actually do,” Liam says. “There’s this sushi place I’ve been meaning to try that’s near here. Are you good with that?”

“Sure,” you agree. “Sushi is my favorite.”

“Perfect.” His grin widens. “This way, then.”

Opening the passenger door, Liam waits for you to settle. Once you’re both seated, you’re suddenly aware of how small the space is. Liam is tall – very tall, his head nearly brushing the moonroof above. His cologne fills the car, a rich scent you think Jason used to wear in high school.

“I do have a favor to ask,” says Liam, returning you to the present.

“Oh?” you ask as you buckle your seatbelt. “What’s that?”

When Liam extends his hand, you balk and wonder if he wants you to take it. He opens his palm to reveal an AUX cord.

“Will you DJ?” Liam laughs. “I have shit music taste, according to all my friends.”

A relieved smile breaks over your face.

“Of course,” you say, reaching for the cord. “But I’ve got to say, this is risky. I could have even worse taste than you do. My entire Spotify could be that one song from the Baha Men.”

“Can you move it like this?”

“I can,” you confirm, pressing play. “I can also shake it like that.”

Liam snorts, placing the car into drive. “I’ll take my chances.”

Selecting your LONG DRIVES NEAR THE BEACH playlist, you press play and the opening notes of a pop song fill the car. Liam’s windows are rolled partway down, the sounds of city and surf mixing with the singer’s voice.

The sushi place isn’t far, and you only make it two songs before you arrive. City parking elongates your trip another five, circling the block several times before finding a spot. By the time you reach the restaurant, it’s prime lunch hour.

Despite this, you’re led to a table with a view of the ocean. Taking a seat, you stretch your legs and glance around the place. The restaurant is mostly empty, which is odd – although you suppose it is a weekday. There are office buildings in this area though, usually with hungry lunch patrons.

Taking the seat across the table, Liam stretches his legs to grimace at the fit. You can’t help but laugh as you pick up the menu.

“We could’ve sat at the counter,” you tease him. “Give you more room.”

“No, no,” Liam sighs. “I’ve been this tall since high school. By now, I should be used to it.”

“Since high school – damn.”

“I was much smaller back then, though. Like a stretched-out string bean. I didn’t put on all these muscles until college.”

You peek at him over your menu and his lips twitch, amused.

“Are you looking?” Liam asks without glancing up. “Did it work?”

“It did,” you confirm with a laugh.

Despite the awkwardness on the boat, you’re beginning to enjoy yourself. Talking to Liam is easy, and if you don’t feel the kind of stomach-churning passion you feel in the presence of Jungkook, that isn’t necessarily a bad thing.

If this were a few months ago, you would’ve been satisfied. Liam’s presence is far better than Eric Main or any of your other dates. And if that were your only comparison, the thought would end there.

He isn’t though, and each time you look at him, you think about Jungkook. Your first date, the last time you spoke, and everything in between. Jungkook making ramen, meeting Dante, and conversing with Jimin. You hear him teasing, supporting and know that no matter how good Liam makes you feel, it’s not the same.

On Saturday, you thought that was what you wanted but now, you’re starting to doubt.

“What can I get you?”

The approach of your waiter drags you from unpleasant thoughts. Forcing a smile, you put down the menu.

“A bento box,” you say, picking the first thing you see. “Chef’s special.”

Nodding, the waiter turns to Liam.

“Make that two. And a glass of Chardonnay. Y/N?”

“Water for me,” you say, handing over your menu. “Thanks.”

Once the waiter disappears, Liam leans in. “I’m sorry I wasn’t able to help more with Doug,” he says, lips twisting. “If he does reach out, I promise to sing your praises.”

“Don’t worry about it,” you say. “It’s not your job to get people to join our programs – it’s ours.”

Liam nods as his white wine is set before him. Picking this up, he takes a deep sniff, tips the glass forward to check for sediment and finally, drinks. Nodding acceptance, Liam dismisses the waiter and sits back in his seat.

Dimly, you feel a shred of annoyance. Jungkook is an actual sommelier and you never once saw him do that.

“You were great though,” says Liam, continuing where you left off. “It was a good idea to leak their withdrawal to the press. Did you come up with the idea with Hoseok?”

His words make you pause, confused. Clearly, Liam wasn’t listening when Hoseok voiced his surprise. Neither did he read the briefing materials – if he had, Liam would’ve known a press leak wasn’t the plan.

“Well – no,” you say, and then stop.

You were about to credit the idea to Jungkook, but Liam doesn’t know how close you were.

Not that it should matter but still, you hesitate. Liam mentioned knowing Jungkook, and not in a good way. Jungkook hinted at similar bad blood between them. It doesn’t seem like a good idea to bring either up to the other.

“It just… came to me,” you say, forcing a smile. Quickly changing the subject, you glance around. “Guess the lunch crowd is a little slow today.”

Frowning your gaze, Liam follows. “Yeah, seems so.”

He doesn’t seem put off, unlike you. Maybe it’s your Type A personality; you hate wasting your time at subpar restaurants. Not that you vet every place before eating, but if you walk into a restaurant and it’s empty at peak hours, that’s typically not a good sign.

“Where did you hear about this place?” you press.

Liam takes another sip of his wine. “A guy from work. He took a distributor to lunch here and raved.” Brow furrowed, he adds, “If he turns out to be wrong, John is officially moved to the last seat at the conference table.”

You laugh, though the sound dies quickly when Liam doesn’t join. Apparently, that was a serious remark.

“Right,” you say. “Uh. You went to the same university as Jason, right?” you add, reaching for a new topic. “How did you like it?”

Liam’s expression relaxes. “Honestly, university was kind of a mixed experience for me. Most of my class grew up together, and I was always the outsider.”

Sympathetic, you nod. The fact that Jungkook, Jason and Liam all attended the same university speaks volumes for the type of institution it is.

“The way Jason tells it though, sounds like you were something of a legend,” you tease, hoping to coax a smile.

On cue, his cheek dimples appear. “I don’t know about that,” Liam laughs. “But I did graduate at the top of my class. Even went back for my MBA.”

“Is that so?”

“Yeah.” His teeth flash. “That’s where I met Jungkook, actually. You remember him, right? From your fundraiser? I’m a few years older than he is, but we attended at the same time.”

Although you nod, you shift uncomfortably. Yes, you remember Jungkook. If memory serves, you went home that night and promptly fell asleep after receiving a mind-blowing virtual orgasm from Jungkook.

Feeling your neck start to heat, you look away.

“Yes,” you manage to say. “I remember him.”

“We were close at university, but after the whole thing at his father’s company” – Liam waves a hand – “we lost touch. I haven’t been back to my university since.”

At this, your eyes narrow.

Call it a sixth sense, but you’ve always had a good instinct for what’s important. If Seokjin knows when you’re lying, you’re able to sift through his nonsense to discover what he really means. Something about Liam’s story isn’t adding up.

Tilting your head, you say, “You… haven’t been back to your university because of the Jeon family?”

Liam pauses, as though realizing he’s said something he shouldn’t. This, of course, only further stokes your interest.

“I – well, partly,” he says. “I know his family are donors, which means they’re close to the professors. After the internship, I wasn’t sure what they’d heard about me.”

“What happened at the internship?”

Again, Liam hesitates, and you lean forward despite yourself. Jungkook said Liam wasn’t a good guy but refused to say why. You’re tired of all the half-truths and lies – if Liam has something to say about Jungkook, you want to know.

“Liam,” you say, your patience slipping a little. “What happened with you and Jungkook?”

“I… don’t know what you mean.”

“I’m not blind. Something clearly happened between you. What was it?”

Liam exhales, then uncrosses his legs. “I just… don’t want to change your perception of him,” he admits, voice dropping. “You seemed friendly at the fundraiser, and I know your parents run in the same circle.”

“Well, we’re clearly not friendly enough for me to know what happened.”

This seems to land, since Liam finally nods.

“It’s stupid,” he admits. “Honestly, I feel embarrassed just telling you. But… like I said, Jungkook and I went to the same university. I was getting my MBA, but we both were part of the business club. It was through him I got my internship with Jeon Energy.”

“Right,” you respond. “I remember you saying it didn’t work out.”

Grimacing, Liam finishes his glass of wine. “Yeah, well… that’s not quite true. I liked Jeon Energy. Jungkook’s dad was a good boss – hands-on, super helpful and he seemed to like my work. I was going to accept their offer at the end of the summer, but …”

“But?”

“… but later, I found out Jungkook was upset by my offer. He got me the internship, but didn’t like how close I got to his dad. At the end of the summer, the company threw this giant party for the interns. I got absolutely wasted, accepting shots from all the managers. When I woke up the next morning, I had a bunch of missed calls. Apparently” – Liam’s face tightens – “my girlfriend was spotted at some club. Making out with Jungkook.”

You feel rooted to the spot. “She … he did what?”

“Hooked up with her,” Liam confirms. “Right in the middle of the dance floor. I got the message loud and clear, and declined the job offer.”

“I….” You falter, unable to think of a response. “I can’t imagine what that was like.”

Liam gives a half-shrug. “It was a long time ago. I try not to judge, because I know Jungkook doesn’t have the best relationship with his dad, but –”

“But he didn’t have to do that,” you interrupt. “There were a million ways he could’ve responded that weren’t hooking up with your girlfriend. Jungkook could've, oh, I don’t know – talked to you.”

Liam’s upper lip twitches. “Yeah, well. He was young.”

“We’re all young,” you say. “If Jungkook and his dad had issues, then that was their problem to work through. Sorry,” you add, catching Liam’s expression. “I just… don’t like cheating.”

“I get it.” He nods. “But it was so long ago, I can’t really be mad. Honestly, I should be thanking Jungkook for how things turned out.”

“Thanking him?”

Nodding, Liam reaches out and takes your hand in his. “If things hadn’t happened the way they did with Jeon Energy, I might have accepted their offer. Then I wouldn’t have joined Infinity Motors, become CEO, and I might never have met you.”

Your stomach twists, gaze dropping to where your hands lace together.

Liam keeps saying all the right things. Most women would kill for what you have; a guy grateful for his struggles because they brought him to you. The only problem is that Liam’s words bring a sense of expectation. Rather than be excited, you have the impression his feelings have strings attached. It leaves an unpleasant tint around the edge of his words.

Drawing back, Liam continues to talk but each word he says goes in one ear and out the other. No matter how hard you try and concentrate, all you can think of is Liam and Jungkook.

Jungkook helped Liam’s ex to cheat.

It’s not just the cheating. It’s the fact Jungkook did something so petty, so vindictive, it leaves your mind reeling. In fact, the story is so despicable that… you have trouble believing it.

You know – you know – you’re being naïve.

Objectively, the story sounds like something Jeon Jungkook, heir to Jeon Energy, would do. It sounds like the guy you thought Jungkook was before you knew him, the guy who exists for the tabloids and who thrives on rich people scandals. Not the Jungkook who made a special bedroom for guests and watches Ever After before bed in a desperate plea for romance.

Glancing away, you pick up your chopsticks and push Jungkook from mind. You suppose it doesn’t matter whether he did it or not. Jungkook isn’t your boyfriend – or even your friend.

Hardening yourself, you take a bite of sushi – and grimace. Across the table, Liam is doing the same. Eyes watering, he slowly sets his chopsticks down.

“I should have known,” he says. “Any sushi place recommended to me by a guy named John could never be great.”

“I’m sure it’s not that bad.”

Liam gives you a look. “Is sushi really the food you want to test your theory on?”

“On second thought,” you say, dropping the fish, “do they have karaage?”

Laughing a little, Liam flags down the waiter.

The chicken is better than the sushi, so you end up mostly full as the meal draws to a close. Liam grabs the check, leaving you shaking your head as you exit the restaurant.

“Okay, next time I’m paying,” you laugh. “I know men have this terrible need to be in control, but I promise I won’t think any less of you if I pay the bill.”

Pretending to be wounded, Liam clutches his chest. “But what about my ultra-fragile ego?”

“Tough.”

He laughs, holding the door open for you to step outside – until you turn, finding Liam hovering above.

He’s closer than you thought, his breath soft on your lips and the tension between you is taut as a wire. Even if you don’t feel as strongly, Liam is still attractive, and you’d be lying if you said you weren’t thinking about his mouth on yours.

“Liam…” you say.

“Yes?” he says, bending a little.

In response, you close your eyes and his lips brush against yours. Warmth courses through you as Liam releases the door, sliding an arm around your waist to pull you closer. 

Shocked, your eyes open, and you’re met with the sight of the backs of his eyelids. This is all wrong, you panic.

In a moment, a flash goes off in your peripheral. Coldness spreads through your limbs, chasing away the warmth. Years of living with your parents taught you what that means.

Jerking away, Liam’s arm drops. His gaze cuts over your shoulder, landing on someone unseen in the bushes.

“We should go,” he murmurs. “Someone is watching.”

You nod, feeling slightly sick as you turn around. Another flash goes off and you wince, instinctively covering your face.

With an easy sort of laugh, Liam slips an arm around you to pull you closer. In another situation, the gesture might seem protective, but you can’t help but notice you remain exposed. If the paparazzi are still photographing – which is likely – they’ll get an excellent shot of Liam’s arm on your waist.

Twisting away, you step from his grasp and begin to walk faster.

“That’s enough,” Liam calls out, turning around. “You got your shot – go.”

Someone responds but you don’t hear them, heart pounding as you force your legs to continue. In the distance, horns honk and the breeze from the ocean stirs the hairs on your neck. 

You make it nearly a block before Liam catches up.

“I’m sorry about that,” he pants. “I don’t know how they found us.”

“No?” you say, a bit sharper than intended.

You can’t help but overlay this moment with others, thick from your past. Dinners with family. When you broke up with Kameron. Launching Clean Ocean and the ensuing bad press. Camera flash after camera flash, coupled with rude headlines.

“I – no,” Liam says. There’s an earnestness to his voice you want to believe. “Really, Y/N. What are you saying?”

“I…” Slowing your steps, you look up and see his wounded expression. “Nothing,” you say at last. “I just don’t like being in the public eye, that’s all.”

Solemn, Liam nods and you look away. Slightly chagrined, you continue to walk in the direction of his car. Each step calms you enough to think.

Although you don’t know Liam that well, you also don’t know him well enough to distrust him. Even if he didn’t react how you would for the paparazzi, that’s not a bad thing. Liam didn’t grow up with all this. He doesn’t understand the terror of being chased by a strange man for unflattering photographs and an untruthful headline.

The remainder of your walk is silent, thoughts of the paparazzi clouding your mind. You’ve almost forgotten the kiss from earlier – almost, but not quite. Liam’s kiss only confirmed what you’ve been suspecting.

You don’t want this. You thought you might, but the idea of a relationship without love is as ridiculous as the idea of you dating Jungkook.

Reaching his car, Liam unlocks the doors. You buckle in as he enters, and once you’re both settled, Liam exhales.

“I feel like I messed this up,” he confesses, hands on the wheel. “I… I moved too fast with that kiss.”

Surprised, you glance sideways.

“No,” you insist. “No, that’s not it. Really.”

Liam gives you a wry smile. “Then, why haven’t we talked since the restaurant?”

“I – okay,” you say, facing forward. “Here’s the thing. I was kind of seeing someone else, and it recently ended.”

“Ah.”

“Yeah.” You look down. “I just don’t think I’m ready to see someone else.”

Liam exhales. “I get it.”

“You do?”

“Yeah.” Slowly, he shifts the car into drive. “I mean, I guess I should’ve known a woman as amazing as you couldn’t be single, right?”

“Right,” you respond.

Glancing away, you stifle a twinge of annoyance. You hate the narrative that only unpleasant women could be without a relationship. Not everyone desires or aspires to romance.

Liam glances at you. “Just so you know, though,” he says. “I do like you, Y/N. As more than just friends or co-workers. So, if you ever change your mind – I’m here.”

Again, you’re aware this is the type of confession which makes women swoon. Not you though, and you wonder if something inside you is broken. Maybe you only want what you can’t have.

“Thank you,” you say softly, and roll down the window.

You ride the rest of the way in silence, and Liam drops you off at your office with a promise to send over the paperwork to Hoseok. When he speeds away, you exhale and pull your phone from your pocket.

Seokjin’s name blinks across the top of your screen.

Seokjin: hey [2:14 PM]

Seokjin: I need you [2:15 PM]

Seokjin: -r help lol sorry, pressed send too soon [2:15 PM]

Seokjin: heh heh hope that didn’t get your hopes up [2:18 PM]

Rolling your eyes, you stop in the stairwell to text him back.

Y/N: Seokjin, I was the one who drove you to the ER after you took off-brand Viagra. Safe to safe any sexual spark between us is dead [2:31 PM]

Y/N: what do you want? [2:31 PM]

Seokjin’s response comes as you enter your office.

Seokjin: glad that you asked [2:35 PM]

Seokjin: I need you to come with me to dinner [2:35 PM]

Y/N: ………. what’s the catch? [2:36 PM]

Seokjin: what do you mean? Why does there have to be a catch? [2:37 PM]

Y/N: Seokjin, I’ve known you since we were in diapers. There’s always a catch [2:37 PM]

Seokjin: This time there’s not! One of our food reviewers just quit, so Conde needs me to step in to review some restaurant. It’s supposed to be good… free dinner… [2:39 PM]

Y/N: what restaurant? [2:40 PM]

Seokjin: idk, I’m supposed to get details soon. What do you say? You in? [2:41 PM]

Y/N: fine, fine, I’m in [2:41 PM]

Seokjin: you say this like free dinner at an amazing restaurant is torture. Pick you up around 7, ok? [2:43 PM]

Y/N: see you then [2:45 PM]

Exiting the thread, you take a seat at your desk and turn on your computer. While you wait for it to load, your gaze slowly drifts again to your cell phone.

An uncontrollable itch takes over and suddenly, you find yourself opening Instagram. For a few minutes, you scroll before giving in and typing the name you want.

Tapping your fingers, you wait for Jungkook’s page to load. It’s been nearly six hours since you allowed yourself to look and in that time – nothing. Releasing a breath you didn’t realize you held, you glance away.

Since Saturday, Jungkook seems to have disappeared. He posted a story on Sunday (you viewed it from Hoseok’s phone), but that’s all. Just a shot of Jungkook in his apartment watching the Ted Lasso finale. He posted a quote and a boomerang of him pretend-kicking a ball. That’s it. Since then, Jungkook’s profile has remained as empty as your text thread.

Exhaling out loud, you place your phone on the desk. Jungkook’s silence shouldn’t bother you as much as it does. As you said on Saturday, you’re over him. Easier said than done though, as your lunch with Liam proved.

At least work passes quickly, ironing details of the pre-launch party for Friday. Progress for the coastal ecosystem project is also coming along. Only Marine Cove’s participation remains a question mark – given the circumstances you should count this as a win. History has taught you many things can go wrong with a program launch.

The next time you look up, you swear and realize it’s close to six. Ripping the cord from your laptop, you toss everything in your purse and dash outside. Hoseok and Olya have already left, vanished an hour ago to check on Friday’s venue. Obviously, you’ve noticed their increased time spent together, but out of respect for Olya, have chosen to stay quiet.

For now.

At home, you take Dante on a walk and feed him his dinner. Standing in front of your closet, you frown. Seokjin not telling you the name of the restaurant means you’re flying blind. He doesn’t answer when you call him, forcing you to pick a dress which could double as casual with a sweater.

Slipping into heels as the clock strikes seven, you kiss Dante goodbye and drop him off at Jimin’s. Hurrying outside, you find Seokjin idling at the curb.

His car is something shiny and Italian with leather interiors, likely a lease from his corporate account. Opening the passenger side, you sit and quickly shut the door.

Lowering his expensive shades, Seokjin stares at your outfit. “A sweater?” he says, voice full of derision. “Honestly, Y/N, we’re not going to a drive-thru.”

Removing the sweater and tossing this in the backseat, you give Seokjin your best withering glance.

“How was I supposed to know the dress code?” you complain as he pulls away. “All you told me was ‘restaurant.’ That could mean Michelin star, or it could mean a dive. I had to dress for both occasions!”

“Michelin,” says Seokjin, putting on his blinker. “They just earned their first star. Some new chef who changed their entire menu.”

“Mm,” you say, rolling down the window. “What restaurant?”

“Chez Moi, Chez Toi.”

Your fingers freeze as slowly, you turn your head. Oblivious to your predicament, Seokjin hums beneath his breath to a song on the stereo. He makes it several obnoxious bars before noticing your stare.

“What?” He turns down the music. “What’s wrong?”

“Chez Moi, Chez Toi,” you say through gritted teeth. “Does their chef happen to be Min Yoongi?”

“Yeah.” Seokjin blinks. “I think so. Why?”

“You mean, Jeon Jungkook’s close friend, Min Yoongi?”

Now, Seokjin is the one staring at you in horror.

“… shit.”

“Ugh,” you groan, sinking further in your seat. “Okay, well, that’s it. Turn back around and drive me home. I’ll stay in.��

“No can do,” Seokjin says. “If I turn around now, I’ll miss my reservation. I need to get a review to my editor tonight.”

“Well, then drop me off at the restaurant next door. I’ll hang out there and meet you after.”

Seokjin rolls his eyes. “Don’t be dramatic, Y/N. I doubt we’ll even see Yoongi – and what does it matter if we do?”

“I– it matters,” you say, jaw snapping shut.

Seokjin gives you a look. “Come on,” he groans. “Don’t make me eat alone. How sad and pathetic would that be?”

“I eat alone all the time, Seokjin.”

He raises a brow.

A small laugh escapes you, unwilling. “Okay, fine – point taken. I’ll go. But we’re eating really fast – in and out. No appetizers.”

“No appetizers?”

“Okay, one appetizer,” you amend, remembering the buffalo chicken spring rolls Yoongi made for your fundraiser. “But just one cocktail!”

“Deal.” Seokjin turns on his blinker. “I’m driving, anyway.”

Grumbling lowly, you turn up the stereo. It’s a short drive downtown but Seokjin is right – city traffic means you arrive with only five minutes to spare. Parking as fast as he can, Seokjin exits the car and gallantly offers an arm to help you in heels.

The host must think you’re on a date since she brings you to a romantic table near the window. You keep your gaze steady on her back, refusing to look around the restaurant. Panic suddenly flares as you sit, and you chance a quick glance around to ensure Jungkook isn’t here.

He’s not and, exhaling deeply, you face forward. Seokjin watches you with an expression that says he sees far too much.

Ignoring this, you pick up the menu. “So,” you say loudly. “What are you thinking?”

“For food?”

“And for drinks.”

You clutch the menu, certain Seokjin is going to pry but for once, he chooses to let it go.

“Hm.” He scans the pages. “Conde Nast sent me a bunch of dishes to try, so why don’t we start there?”

You nod, about to respond when your waiter arrives.

Not the same one as your date, prompting further relief. In the corner of your eye, you can see the table you sat at with Jungkook. For a moment, your past self seems to overlap with the present, prompting an unbidden memory. You remember someone photographing you that night as well, but Jungkook sprang into action and led you out the back way. Unlike Liam.

Unease prickles your neck, and you wonder if photos from the paparazzi have leaked by now.

“Hello!” says the waiter brightly. “Welcome to Chez Moi, Chez Toi. Is tonight your first time dining with us?”

“Yes.” Seokjin lays down his menu. “But I’ve heard good things.”

“Well, I certainly hope we live up to them.” He smiles. “There are a lot of great options on the menu. I’m more than happy to point you towards some of my favorites.”

Seokjin shakes his head. “That won’t be necessary. Y/N,” he says, glancing your way. “Have a drink in mind?”

“Before you do that,” says the waiter.

Both you and Seokjin look at him, brows raised.

“Apologies,” he says, cheeks slightly flushed, “but I do want to point out the wine pairings noted next to each dish. Chef Min recommends ordering smaller portions of each drink to pair with the dishes you try.”

“Interesting,” Seokjin says. “Why don’t you give us a minute to decide on our food, then?”

“Of course. I’ll be back in five.”

With a nod, the waiter disappears, leaving you alone.

“Why did you send him away?” you ask. “You already know what dishes we want.”

“Right, but he can’t know that.” Seokjin opens the menu with a snap. “I’m supposed to seem like any other unbiased customer.”

“Yeah, sure. An unbiased customer with an Hermes belt.”

“Par for the course here.”

Seokjin’s not wrong, you think as you scan the restaurant. Honestly, you’re surprised to see so many faces from your parents’ circle. You were too distracted that first night to appreciate the food, but from what you remember, it was delicious and although Yoongi has a Michelin star, he’s been very vocal about striving to make his menu accessible.

This was explained by Olya before your last fundraiser – although at the time, it was in one ear and out the other. Her taste has always been impeccable, so you rarely feel the need to weigh in.

Exactly five minutes pass by, and your waiter appears to take your order. Once he retreats again, you sink in your seat and take a sip of water.

Seokjin clears his throat. “So.”

You frown. “So?”

His brows lift. “Are you really going to make me say it?”

“Say what?”

Seokjin sighs. “You’re going to make me say it. She’s going to make me say it,” he mutters to no one.

You glance around the restaurant. “Who are you talking to?”

“What happened with you and Jungkook?” 

Startled, you blink, unaware you had been so obvious. Then again – you suppose you did ask Seokjin to drop you off rather than eat at a place where Jungkook’s friend works. Exhaling softly, you sink back in your seat.

“It didn’t work out,” you say quietly. “I tried to tell Jungkook how I felt, and he said he has feelings for someone else.”

Whatever he thought you were about to say, it wasn’t that.

“He – seriously?” Seokjin gapes.

“There’s no need to look so surprised,” you huff. “I’ve been wrong before. I mean – not often, I guess, but it happens.” When Seokjin’s brows furrow further, you exhale. “It’s for the best. Better than finding out his feelings later.”

“I… guess.” Seokjin considers. “And Jungkook didn’t say who he has feelings for?”

“No,” you mutter. “And I don’t want to know. It’s better this way.”

“… is it?”

“It is,” you say, adding steel to your voice. “How would knowing that make me feel better?”

“I don’t know. Closure?”

A puff of air escapes. “Overrated. All I need to know is Jungkook doesn’t want to hook up anymore. Case closed.”

Again, Seokjin scans you with his truth-seeking gaze. After a moment, he reluctantly nods. “I guess you’re right. To be honest, the whole thing seemed unlike you from the start.”

“How so?” you ask, stifling a prickle of defensiveness.

Seokjin is saved from an answer by your waiter’s return, bringing with him an appetizer and the first round of drinks. You sample the dish, nearly swooning at the taste. Equally impressed, Seokjin jots down notes in his phone.

When he’s done, he looks up.

“I mean – fuck buddies?” Reaching out, Seokjin takes a sip of his wine. “No offense, Y/N, but casual is hardly the word I’d use to describe you. Militant, sure. Passionate, yes. Good odds of winning on a survival TV show, absolutely. But casual?” He snorts. “No.”

“First off,” you say. “I would never go on a reality show. Second – militant, Seokjin? Really?”

“All I’m saying is the words, ‘casual relationship,’ wouldn’t be on my Y/N BINGO card. Especially not with someone like Jungkook.”

“He’s not a bad guy,” you respond, automatic.

Seokjin’s brows lift.

Stifling an eye roll, you smooth down your napkin. Truthfully, you don’t know why you’re arguing with Seokjin. Jungkook ended things after fucking you in a closet, not to mention the story you heard from Liam. Neither paint Jungkook in a shining light and yet, you can’t help but rebel against what Seokjin is saying.

Maybe Jungkook isn’t wholly good, but he’s not bad, either. A bad person wouldn’t send their date home to take care of their drunk friend. They wouldn’t automatically be loved by your picky dog. They wouldn’t offer you rides, walk you to your door or offer you pleasure on whatever terms you want it.

“I mean…” A heaviness settles deep in your chest. “In some ways, you’re right. From the outside, the situation doesn’t look good.”

“And yet…”

Although Seokjin is prompting, there’s no judgment to his gaze. Possibly this is what makes you continue.

“I don’t know,” you admit. “I mean – I know what some people say about Jungkook and sometimes he’s like that. Yeah, he sleeps around. Yeah, he works for the anti-Christ and sure, he can be arrogant but… he’s other things, too.”

Looking down, you fiddle with the edge of your napkin.

Seokjin can always tell what you’re thinking and right now, you’re sure your emotions are written all over your face. You like Jungkook. You like him, and it hurts more than you admit that he let you go.

Maybe if you had been honest earlier, Jungkook wouldn’t have fallen for someone else. Maybe if you’d mustered the courage to tell him – but no. It’s pointless to wonder what-if. The only situation you have is the one before you.

Rather than chide you for your naiveté, Seokjin just nods and sips his wine. Curious, you watch him drink; you’re well-aware Seokjin is rarely quiet without reason.

“You know…” He lowers his glass. “You’re not the first person I’ve heard say that about Jeon.”

“What do you mean?”

“Well.” Seokjin frowns. “I’ve heard other people say that he’s different in person. That his whole reputation is a front. Kind of.” He pauses. “People say Jungkook used to be like that, but not anymore.”

“Why? What do you think changed?”

“I don’t know. You... know what happened to his mom, right?”

Your expression tightens. “Yeah.”

“Rough, to lose a parent so young.” Seokjin pauses, then shakes his head. “From what I hear though, things started changing long before that – if they did, that is.”

“What do you mean?” you ask, curious. “What do people say?”

Leaning forward, Seokjin drops his voice. “You know my cousin who works in PR?” When you nod, he continues, “Her company supports a ton of high-profile clients – including the Jeons. Apparently, one of her co-workers is convinced they have this conspiracy. Each time Jeon Energy does something bad, Jungkook has a scandal. The public’s attention goes to him, and not to the gallons of oil Jeon Energy dumped in the Pacific.”

Your jaw sags a little. “That’s… horrible.”

“I know,” Seokjin says. “It’s only a theory, but it does make you wonder.”

Shaking your head, you reach for your wine. Mind racing, you find yourself unsure what to think. It’s a lot of information to take in – and again, it’s only a rumor.

“It’s strange, isn’t it?” Seokjin wipes his mouth on a napkin. “I never really believed her, but then you said you liked him, so… I don’t know.”

“What does my liking him have to do with anything?”

“Y/N.” Seokjin stares. “I can name like, six people you like and two of them are Dante.”

“Well, sure. He has many personalities.”

“You get my point, though.”

“Yeah, I do.” Slowly, you exhale. “It doesn’t matter though, because Jungkook and I aren’t–”

“Are you enjoying your meal?”

Startled, you turn and find Min Yoongi beside you. Sitting up a bit straighter, Seokjin drops his napkin into his lap.

“It’s good,” Seokjin says, quickly composing himself. “Are you our replacement waiter? Did we scare off the other one? I should apologize for my friend here, if so. She can be somewhat off-putting.”

This last part is said in a whisper, causing Yoongi’s eyebrows to raise. He spares you barely a glance, making your cheeks heat and you wonder what he overhead.

“Nothing like that,” Yoongi says drily. “I’m Min Yoongi, the head chef.”

Furtive, Seokjin glances around. “And are you greeting each table individually, head chef?”

“If I say yes, will you speak highly of me in your review?”

Seokjin’s eyes widen, and you relish the flabbergasted look on his face. It’s a rare person who can fluster him and when it does happen, it’s a remarkable sight. Flashing Seokjin a smile, Yoongi turns to face you. 

His expression tightens. “I know you,” Yoongi says.

“I – yes.” You hasten to reply. “I’m Y/N Y/L/N. I run the Clean Ocean organization. You catered for my fundraiser a while back?”

“Ah, yes. That must be it.”

Something in his face warns you this isn’t all, but before you can respond, Yoongi turns again.

Seokjin sits back. “How did you know I’m reviewing your restaurant? Do I have the aura of someone with a refined palate?”

“No.” Yoongi’s lips twitch. “Actually, your assistant made your reservation from their work email.”

Not to be deterred, Seokjin drops a wink. “And what about now that you’ve seen me in person? Refined palate aura?”

To your surprise, Yoongi laughs.

You nearly give yourself whiplash, glancing between them. It’s equally rare for someone to keep up with Seokjin and when this happens, it spells love or disaster. Based on Seokjin’s grin, you’d guess the former.

“And what would a refined palate aura look like?” 

Seokjin’s voice deepens. “You know when you look at someone and think, ‘I bet they eat well.’”

Yoongi’s expression slackens, a gleam of interest entering his gaze.

“O-kay,” you cut in before they can go any further. “I think what Seokjin is trying to say is the food is incredible. As are the wine pairings,” you add. “Our waiter mentioned you have an in-house sommelier?”

“Close.”

“I – sorry?” you say, taken aback.

“I said, close.” Yoongi turns. “A sommelier made the pairings for us, but they aren’t in-house. It was a friend of mine, actually.”

Your fingers freeze as you gain a sinking suspicion of who this friend is.

Entirely oblivious, Seokjin continues. “Oh, really?” he asks. “What’s their name? I’ll be sure to mention them in my review. Since the cat’s already out of the bag,” he adds, grumbling a little as he opens his notes.

“Sure. The name’s Jeon Jungkook.”

Seokjin’s fingers still on his keys. “Ah.” He pauses, then swallows. “Okay, right. Jeon Jungkook. Thank you, Chef Min.”

Glancing your way, Seokjin has a guilty expression you choose to ignore. Smoothing your napkin, you focus instead on your water.

“Call me Yoongi.” Yoongi nods. “Enjoy your food.”

With that, he turns and strides across the restaurant. Seokjin watches him leave, waiting until he’s out of earshot before giving a whistle.

“Damn,” Seokjin says, his gaze dropping. “That tiny man has an ass.”

“Seokjin! That is not what’s important right now.”

“To you.” When your glare only increases, Seokjin snorts. “Okay, fine,” he says. “What’s important?”

Glancing around, you lean forward. “Did he seem weird just now?”

“Who? Yoongi?”

You nod.

“I don’t know.” Seokjin shrugs. “I just met him.”

“He seemed weird,” you insist, your voice dropping. “I met him at my fundraiser, and he was much nicer. Quiet, but nice. That was…”

“Expected?” Seokjin supplies. He shrugs at your look. “I mean, come on, Y/N. He’s Jungkook’s friend.”

“What does that mean?”

“Well, I – oh my god,” Seokjin moans, placing the steak in his mouth. “This filet is amazing, Y/N. Have you tried it?”

“Seokjin.”

“Right, sorry.” He swallows. “What was I saying?”

“Jungkook.”

“Oh, yeah. Jungkook. I’m just saying, who knows what he’s told his friends? Yoongi was probably giving you side-eye because he knows what happened between you.”

“But that’s just it!” you protest. “What could he know that would prompt that kind of response? Jungkook was the one who ended things, not me.”

“I don’t know.” Seokjin shrugs, unconcerned. “It’s only a theory. But if you’re out here shit-talking Jungkook, he’s probably shit-talking about you to Yoongi. It’s the circle of life, or whatever.”

“I am not shit-talking Jungkook to you.”

Seokjin gives you a look which makes you wither a little. “Alright, fine,” you say. “Maybe I’ve shit-talked him a little. But I was the dumpee.”

“And I thought you two weren’t dating.”

“I – you – well, you know what I mean,” you sputter.

Smiling triumphantly, Seokjin moves on to the tuna tartar.

Slightly subdued, you’re forced to admit Seokjin has a point. It shouldn’t bother you what Jungkook tells his friends because you two weren’t together. It doesn’t make sense that you’re here, talking about Jungkook to Seokjin. If anything, you should be asking his advice about Liam.

And yet, you haven’t, and Seokjin hasn’t offered. Likely because he knows Liam means nothing to you in the long run. You also should have mentioned Liam’s story when talking about Jungkook’s past. Seokjin possibly could have shed light on it.

Maybe you didn’t tell him purpose, says a voice in your head. Because if the Liam story is true and Jungkook’s heartbreaker façade is who he really is, then the man you have feelings for doesn’t exist.

Catching the slip of present tense, you close your eyes. Even your subconscious betrays you, reaching for a man who might not be real. Apparently, your feelings aren’t something sheer force of will can dissolve.

Neither can it lessen the hollowness in your chest.

For the rest of your meal, you don’t turn your head and by the time it’s over, you’re more confused than before. Your phone burns in your pocket the entire drive home.

Author's Note: Thank you for reading! I hope you enjoyed :) I do not have a tag list, so please do not ask to be added or ask about updates. My writing progress can be found in my updates schedule, linked in both my header and FAQ!

[Series Master List]

© kpopfanfictrash, 2022. Do not copy or repost without permission.

[ashotofeuphoria]

The Drawing Board

Upcoming works I have in the think tank 💭

One shots:

Camboy!Seonghwa- asmr-rated (potentially MxM Wooyoung)

Husband!Seonghwa- bathtime for your twins FLUFF self indulgent

✔️Better - Bf!Yunho x Gf!Reader- he treats you after you’ve overworked yourself FLUFF absolutely self indulgent

Handmodel!Yunho x Photographer!Reader

Hairdresser/Aesthetician!San x Client!Reader, smutty, mirror sex, “happy ending”

Cat Cafe Owner!San x Employee!Reader - San is your boss and he’s elusive and hard to read

✔️As I Hold You - Firefighter!Jongho x Injured!Reader- ANGSTTTT (TW-character death, not reader or member)

Bf!Mingi x Gf!Reader - date night at the state fair

Masseuse!Hongjoong x Gf!Reader - “happy ending”

Babysitter!Wooyoung x Single Mom!Reader

Bf/Baker!Wooyoung x Gf!Reader - woo has to make a wedding cake

Bf!Yeosang x Gf!Reader - museum date night

✔️Sinner's Cove - Siren! Yeosang x Fem! Reader - Tohokuus Halloween Collab - Yeo kills you in this one lol

One shot series:

Magic Places

Seonghwa- The Tunnel of Love, Kleven, Ukraine (demon au)

Hongjoong- The Fairy Glen, Scotland (fairy au)

Yunho- Giants Causeway, Northern Ireland (sea beast/mythical beast au)

Yeosang- To Sua Ocean Trench, Samoa (mermaid au)

San- Black Forest, Germany (witch au)

Mingi- Red Beach, Panjin, China (angel au)

Wooyoung- Alsace Wine Region, France (old magic au)

Jongho- Zhangjiajie, China (dragons au)

Seonghwa Prince au

Hongjoong College au (feat. OT8)

Non-Ateez:

BTS

Art Student!Jungkook x Naked Model!Reader - reader keeps slightly moving, jk is trying to be patient

Monsta X

Weed smoker!I.M. x Weed smoker!Reader - a party hookup while faded

Note: All my writings are works of fiction, hence the term fanfiction :) Nothing I create is based in truth, and nothing I create should be taken as fact. These are purely for entertainment purposes and not a testament to how anyone written, acts in real life.

[ffion451]

Chapter Four: Always Lived Here | Diving: JJK (m)

▷ Risks are taken ❯❯❯ ❛ A tempest of emotions roil within you, each pouring over the other, like waves in a storm breaking on a beach: you want to be alone, yet you’re lonely; you want to go back to the past but you know you need to face the future; you want to close in on yourself but you also want to make new friends and a fresh start ❜

Chapter characters/pairings: Jungkook x reader, diveinstructor!Hobi

Genre: non idol au, angst, slow burn but eventual smut (see warnings below), blink-and-you’ll-miss-it fluff - see series m.post for fic summary etc.

Chapter warnings: Mature themes, some swearing (cursing), brief reference to smut ⚠️🔞Please note that whilst not every chapter has mature content, that the whole fic has a mature focus and so minors should steer clear of the whole thing🔞⚠️

Beta credit: @cherrysoulth who has a great eye for inconsistency and is super encouraging (thank you!)

Word count: 4.1K

Note: The character map will help with visualisations/keeping track of characters etc. This chapter starts a little slowly (it felt necessary for the narrative!) but I promise it picks up. Let me know what you think!

<<< Chapter Three | Chapter Five >>>

“Will you be ok?” asks Seolhee, full of concern. You brush it off, along with your tears, as you tell her not to worry and that you’ll be fine, adopting your easiest, breeziest manner: both your words and behaviour are a lie though, you know that you will not be fine at all. You’re going to miss her terribly and, even though this move was months in the planning, it seems only to be now that you realise that you are going to be very much alone. 

“I’ll be fine,” you say dismissively, literally palming away her concern with a dismissive wave of your hand as you blink away the tears gathering in your eyes.

Seolhee is far from stupid though, but she knows why you’re doing what you’re doing and tries to lighten the mood too, “I know you’ll be fine,” she says calmly, then with a laugh she points across to the train station’s car park in the direction of a tiny, slightly woebegone, violently yellow, two-door car, “I meant will you be ok getting back to Little Cove in that awful lemon of a car?” 

You both laugh weakly as you look at the thing masquerading as a car that you’ve bought as a runaround, “I have my doubts,” you concede, “pray for me.”

She wants to laugh, but the charade is too much for her; with tears streaming down her face, she grabs both your hands in hers, her grip tight and earnest, “You will be alright,” she emphasises, “You’re the strongest person I know.”

Parting from her is so hard that you feel it in your heart as a physical pain, not to mention how you also feel the weight of her concern for you sitting heavily on your shoulders. Making Seolhee worry for you is the very opposite of what you want for her, you want to free her from the burden. You also love her too much to deny her anything, so you make a series of promises: you will do better; you’ll go into the village; you’ll try to make friends; you won’t become the solitary hermit in the lighthouse that the local children are afraid of, daring each other to knock the witch’s door on Halloween. 

The only thing you deny her is when she asks you to sort things out with Jungkook. You find it all to easy to tell her no, you say it’s because you simply wouldn’t know where to begin and you’re grateful for the sound of the approaching train, which saves you from needing to give any further explanation. 

Seolhee, blinking a fresh wave of tears from her eyes, boards the train and waves back to your tear-stained face; she believes you’ll keep the promises you made even if she knows you just lied to her. She doesn’t blame you for that though, knowing it’ll take you time to handle that particular truth.

You watch Seolhee wave through the train window in a blur through the tears that mist your vision and resolve to keep the promises you made to her, your conscience pricking slightly at having lied to her about Jungkook. You know Seolhee knew you were lying but you also know she’ll understand why you did. The truth is that you can’t yet put into words why you don’t want to face him again, it’s a jumble of emotions, shame at behaving badly is surely a large part, but there’s also the way he looks at you sometimes. 

You might be lost in your own world and generally a bit oblivious, but there were certain times when he looked at you for a few moments too long, his eyes round and sparking with light, that made your heart quicken and your breath catch and you knew there was something more than curiosity in it. You suspect, in the depths of your subconscious mind, that Jungkook wants you, but you’re not ready to face that yet: you’re even less ready to face the fact that you want him just as badly.

————————————————————————

White foam skims over the tips of your toes as you stand, sandals in hand, squinting out over the sea. The midday sun is punishingly high in the sky and though your toes are chilled by the water, the smell of summer approaching is undeniable; the spring blossom is now off the trees and you can feel the promise of heat in the air.

You glance around you at the almost empty beach and picture how it will soon be full of visitors and tourists on day trips to the quaint fishing village. You both welcome and dread the influx; you will find the number of people in the village claustrophobic when you need to go in, however, you’ll also be grateful for the anonymity that brings. A bustling village will mean that you won’t really need to speak or engage with anyone, have any of those awkward, invasive chats that come with being the new blood in a small community. You comfort yourself that, in the isolation of your headland lighthouse, you’ll be alone most of the time anyway.

Just as your contemplating your isolation and trying to ignore the nagging voice in your head that reminds you you’re supposed to be rejoining the world, a voice calling your name pulls you from your reverie. You turn with a preemptive frown to face the smiling man.

You greet him hesitantly, “Sorry, do I know you?” 

Hobi smiles, he can see that beneath the thin veneer of politeness is an edge of hostility: he doesn’t know you at all other than the impression he’s gained from Jungkook’s endless blathering on about you, but he reads a little of you now. 

Life has taught him that same solitary people are solitary by choice, they simply like to be alone. You may well be one of those people but, right now, all he can sense is loneliness and pain pouring from you like mist over the sea. If he’s right, then he wonders why it is that you would push Jungkook away…

You clear your throat and it’s then that he realises then that he’s simply been staring at you, head slightly tilted, and your expression has shifted from a little to overtly hostile, almost almost aggressively so. He doesn’t miss that the dog with you has positioned itself between you and him defensively and watches him suspiciously.

“Sorry” he says with an easy laugh and smile, “I thought I had the wrong person for a moment. We’ve never actually met, I’m Jung Hoseok, Hobi to everyone. I’m Jungkook’s boss - I linked him up with your brother-in-law, Namjoon? I own the diving school in the village,” he finishes, slightly out of breath, gesturing to the clapboard building on the pier in the distance.

You nod slowly, “I see,” you offer, giving nothing away. He notices a you speak that you seem to be undergoing some kind of internal struggle as you bite at your lip.

Your mind races, you know at this point you could just say goodbye, head home and be done with it, but you’d promised Seolhee that you’d do better, that you would do as you’d promised and rejoin the world. Fuck it, you think, let’s go.

“It’s nice to meet you,” you add, giving a genuine, if almost imperceptible, smile.

Hobi doesn’t miss it, in fact he thinks the tiny smile is incredibly cute and he understands Jungkook’s desire to wrap you up in his arms and squeeze you tight. He also notices that the dog relaxes at the same time, approaching the outstretched hand that he offers with an inquisitive sniff.

“Be nice, Bertie,” you say softly.

“How are you settling in to our little village then?” he asks as he strokes Bertie, already knowing the answer, “I don’t think I’ve seen you around the village yet.”

You shift awkwardly on your feet and he smiles encouragingly; in the face of that warm grin you relax a little, “I’ve been a bit of a hermit, actually,” you admit, “trying to live up to that old cliché of the solitary lighthouse keeper, I guess.” 

Hobi meets your eyes and gives you a searching look, it’s gentle, but you can feel the insight behind it and you realise this is a man who isn’t easy to fool, or to lie to. When he speaks, his voice is gentle, “Is that what you want?”

It’s such a simple question, but the answer is anything but. A tempest of emotions roil within you, each pouring over the other, like waves in a storm breaking on a beach: you want to be alone, yet you’re lonely; you want to go back to the past but you know you need to face the future; you want to close in on yourself but you also want to make new friends and a fresh start. You’re embarrassed that your eyes fill and your struck by the way that salt water laps both at your heels and your lash line simultaneously. 

Looking upwards for a moment to dry the tears, you look back at Hobi to find his gaze still unrelentingly focused: there’s nothing aggressive or demanding in his manner though, he is simply waiting patiently for you to find your voice. You know you have to choose a path in order to answer his question: continue to live in limbo, alone with eyes on the on the past, or face the future and all the uncertainty that brings… That’s the ultimate question: is that what you want, to be alone?

With a nervous swallow you answer him, “No, I don’t think it is.”

His smile almost splits his face, “Well, that’s good, because my wife and I are having a barbecue later and we’d love it if you’d come. You can meet the people who’ve always lived here,” he notices your hesitation and, perceptive as ever, he adds, “Sadly, Jungkook won’t be there today though, he’s out of town picking up some equipment for me.” 

When you nod at him, he sees the understanding there, you’re obviously as perceptive as he is. You feel embarrassed again and flush, you realise that Jungkook has spoken about you to Hobi and obviously told him what you’ve done, how casually and cruelly you dismissed him, yet he’s still inviting you to this barbecue and everything about him suggests warmth and kindness. You realise you have a few options or how you can deal with this, but, thinking of your promise to Seolhee, you decide to be honest.

“That’s very kind of you,” you say with another genuine smile, which is a little bigger this time, though it quickly morphs into one of embarrassment, “I haven’t made the best start to life here - it would be nice to try again.”

He nods in understanding, “You’ve made a great start, I think,” he says smiling, “Jungkook has nothing but good stuff to say about you and I’m sure he’s right.”

You flush again and the two of you wrap up your conversation, discussing timings and where to go and when. 

With a final pat to Bertie’s head, Hobi turns and jogs back down the beach, turning momentarily to call back, “Bring Bertie along too: everyone’s welcome!”

You nod and wave, matching his broad smile and you’re surprised that you feel better, your mood lifted. Now you understand what Jungkook meant when he said his boss was everyone’s sunshine; yet, it’s more than that, there’s something about him that says that he knows the dark places too and therefore holds no judgement of your choices or behaviour. You don’t understand why he’s reached out to you, but you suspect it’s simply his nature to be kind.

Smiling to yourself, you head back up the headland, following Bertie’s swishing tail; you’re excited to get home and call Seolhee to tell her the progress you’ve made, hopefully easing her mind.

————————————————————————

Later that day, miles away, Jungkook is taking a break from loading equipment into his truck when his phone vibrates in his pocket. Pushing his hair from his eyes, he withdraws his phone. He wants the message to be from you, but he knows it can’t be; you don’t have each other’s numbers, the arrangement being that Jungkook would come to the cottage and so that was the only communication you two had. Now he deeply regrets not asking for your number, or Namjoon’s, or Seolhee’s, anything in fact that could let him know how you were doing other than him just turning up, uninvited and, presumably, unwanted.

A glance at the screen makes his stomach drop: it’s Hari. She tells him that Taegi will be at Hobi’s barbecue and has closed the pub for the event. She’s feigned a headache as an excuse to stay home. She knows that Jungkook is out of town, but she wonders if he could snatch a little time somewhere in the day for a quick fuck?

Jungkook knows he’ll have time at the storage shed when he offloads the equipment and for a moment, by pure force of habit, he considers it, before the memory of being in that closet and the overwhelming shame he felt then envelops him again. He wanted an end to this, didn’t he? At the time he simply wanted something else, but now he wonders if what he actually wants is something that feels like laughing at a kitchen table over nothing in particular, or sat, watching the close of day, with a beer with someone who makes your heart race.

With a deep sigh, he puts the phone back in his pocket, leaving the message on read, as he continues stacking the truck, his mind turbulent.

————————————————————————

That afternoon, Hobi’s heavily pregnant and smiling wife presses a cold, sweating beer straight from the icebox into your hand and takes you around the crowd of people gathered in her garden, making swift introductions. You do your best to remember the names of all the people, but as you take a chair out on the pleasant lawn, under the shade of a leafy palm, you realise you’ll forget them almost instantly.

After you’ve been sat a little while listening to the conversation about fishing quotas, harbour disputes, preparations for the summer rush and all the usual parochial talk of communities like this, you notice the man sat beside you hasn’t said a word. He’s a fair few years older than you and not unattractive, but he has a dour sort of expression and seems in a black mood; the more you observe him though, the more you become convinced that the darkness isn’t meanness, it feels more like sadness. You notice that Bertie has made a home beside him and that the man gently strokes on his ears in a way that Bertie evidently find very soothing. For some reason you think of how Hobi invited you to this, despite your sullenness and poor behaviour and you wonder if you ought to speak to this glowering man. It’s then that the man notices you looking at him and you smile gently and say hello as you struggle to remember his name.

“Kang Taegi,” he interrupts, sensing your discomfort. His voice is rough and gravelly and his manner is terse and curt but somehow you can tell there’s no real intention to be rude beneath it. 

You push on, “Ah, the pub owner, right? Summer must mean a very busy time for you. It must be stressful,” you invite warmly.

Before your eyes, Taegi softens and replies and before you know it you’re in a long and involved conversation about the pub and the trade it does as well as discussion of you and your lighthouse. Over the course of the conversation you learn many things: he loves dogs but his wife hates them; the pub is always busy; Taegi financially depends on the summer; his wife is genius at keeping the bar running, but she is a lot younger than him and has many expectations. You also learn many things that he doesn’t say, but that can be easily inferred: he is deeply unhappy and lonely; he’s desperately grateful that someone wants to talk to him, even if he shows it poorly; he suspects his wife is cheating on him. That last piece of information, when you realise it, makes your heart break for him.

“Don’t take this the wrong way,” he says gruffly, “but you remind me of my mother. Your personality is like hers,” he shrugs uncomfortably, “Sorry, this is supposed to be a compliment, obviously your younger than my mother. You’re also not dead,” he concludes with a grimace but you laugh aloud, the deadpan nature of his delivery making you cackle.

Taegi smiles for the first time at that, and together you both share a giggle before you confide in him that he reminds you of your grandfather, the lighthouse keeper, a man of still waters too, but ones that ran deep. “Obviously you’re not as old - or dead -“ you try to finish before giggles overtake both you and him again.

From a distance, Hobi’s wife rests against his arm, looking over at you and Taegi, now obliviously sat alone as the others that had been around have gone to get food, “Would you look at that?” she says with wonder, “Who’d have thought the new lighthouse keeper would draw Taegi out of his shell?”

Hobi smiles uncomfortably, whilst he’s happy to see Taegi relaxed and more like his old self, he’s concerned about the connection between you and him that you’re both unaware of, namely the relationship between Jungkook and Hari. It’s then that he notices the conversation between the two of you has turned serious and he wonders what it could be that you’re discussing so secretively.

When Taegi asks you why you took on the lighthouse, you’re honest with him. You tell him that you’re not necessarily comfortable talking about it in detail, or having it widely known, but you give him the outline of what the situation was with you and Jion and he simply nods sagely throughout. He offers no words of comfort, only understanding. As you finish your explanation, eyes a little watery, you’re both aware that you have just begun a perhaps unconventional, but definite, friendship. 

Together, you decide to get food and you agree that you’ll show Taegi around the lighthouse sometime. He’s given away that he’s an effective handyman and mechanic and there are some jobs you’ll need another experienced pair of hands to assist with and he’s only too happy to help.

————————————————————————

Finishing your food, and now in conversation with a larger number of people, you start to feel tired and overwhelmed. Making your excuses, with a final goodbye to Taegi and your hosts, you make your way out, Bertie following as reluctantly separates himself from his position between Taegi’s knees and the the ear scratches he was adoring.

At the door, you bump into an older man you hadn’t met at the gathering, who introduces himself as Jungwon, “It’s a bit much, isn’t it?” he says kindly, reading your flustered face.

You nod in agreement, noticing he shifts a little awkwardly as he walks.

“It’s my hip,” he says, noticing your attention, “do an old man a favour, would you? Have a beer with me while I wait for my kid to come and collect me?” he says, drawing a beers from each jacket pocket with a wicked grin.

“Come, come,” you says laughing, “you’re not that old, sir. But I’ll happily drink your beer,” you say with a laugh.

Sat on a low wall with you, he praises you for your conversation with Taegi. He tells you how the man used to be years ago, always taciturn but good-natured, yet when he came back to Little Cove after years away, wealthier and determined to put that back into his childhood home, he swiftly became more and more unhappy. Jungwon doesn’t say why explicitly, but it’s apparent that it’s to do with the wife, Hari: you have yet to meet this woman, and you’re trying your best to withhold judgement, but you’re already forming a pretty poor opinion of her.

You take a moment to enjoy the cool breeze as dusk begins to fall. Today has been tiring, but you’re glad you’ve taken a gamble and met these people. Hobi and his wife are delightful and Taegi and Jungwon have both offered gentle paternal kindness. For the first time in a long time, you feel a genuine, if small, sense of happiness. This move was supposed to offer a new start and fresh possibilities, but even as you arrived, it all felt like a hope rather than a possible reality. Nonetheless, you contemplate how life is a strange thing, because sat here, drinking beer with a kindly stranger, you realise that a new start is in fact possible and your spirits begin to lift.

You’re just finishing your beer when a familiar truck barrels up the road; you turn to the man beside you who has a definite glint in his eye, “He takes after his mother,” he says with a laugh, “Don’t blame me, I just saw a opportunity for you two to talk again and I took it.”

You raise your eyebrows in mock disapproval as you try to contain your smirk. Beside you, he let’s out a comic howl and rubs at his hip, “Aish! This hip hurts so much, I really am such an old and feeble man, take pity on me child!”

You burst into laughter at the silly attempt to extricate himself from the situation, and are surprised, moments later to see Jungkook stood before you scowling at your laughter, “Appa? Are you ok?” he asks, his voice full of concern.

His dad explains quickly, and in response Jungkook offers you a sheepish look of apology, insisting that you get in the truck too and he’ll give you a lift back home. With his help, you lift Bertie in the back of the flatbed and clamber in yourself as he drops his mischievous father home and then takes you back to the lighthouse.

When the engine stops you take a deep breath, nervousness flooding your body. Jungkook lifts Bertie out first, and the dog takes off in rapid circles around the lighthouse, before Jungkook turns his attention to you. You place your hands on his shoulders and he grips you by the hips firmly, lowering you far more slowly and closely to his body than is necessary, showing his insane strength and control, and you struggle to contain your wandering mind and the heat that grows in your face and between your legs. As soon as your feet hit the ground you step away from him rapidly.

“I have to catch up with Hobi,” he says suddenly, offering no further explanation and confusing you utterly.

You fumble your reply, the words coming out all wrong, but somewhere in the jumble you manage to thank him for the lift and say some nice things about his father.

When you’ve finished making a meal of your words he speaks without acknowledging any of them, “Can I come over for coffee tomorrow?” 

Giddy on beer and the successes of the day, you don’t even think before you reply, “Yes, I’d like that.”

He grins in response, a pure bunny-like smile of happiness and it’s clear he didn’t expect a positive  response, “Good,” he says, bouncing towards you and pecking you on the cheek in an awkward and adorable gesture. 

You’re still processing it when he’s bounding back to his truck, grin still in place, offering you a final enthusiastic wave and calling “I’ll be over at 11!” from his open window before he swings the truck around and drives away.

He leaves you staring at his taillights as his truck moves down the headland; you’re completely unaware that your fingertips have drifted to your cheek and now rest against the spot his lips met, until you feel how warm the skin is to your feather-light touch, and you let your fingers rest there.

Jungkook eyes you in the rear view mirror as he drives away, smirking slightly at how your soft lips are slightly agape in shock and your fingers are tracing the ghost of his kiss. He thinks of his Dad’s little game, of your loss of words and flustered reaction to his touch and he can’t wait to get to Hobi’s to hear his theories about what your behaviour might mean. 

In his pocket, his muted phone lights repeatedly with messages from a disappointed and irritated Hari, these too will go unanswered because, tonight, Jungkook will only think of you.

A/N: If you’ve taken the time to read this and the story so far, thank you. Please, please, please though, don’t be a silent reader. I am always open for asks, anon or otherwise, so please go ahead and tell me what you think, any questions you may have for me or the characters, anything, really - I long for interaction and I promise I will be nice! 💌So please, send me a message: I’ll love you forever💌 😘💛

<<< Chapter Three | Chapter Five >>>

<<< back to series m.post

[writeformesinpie]

The Sea Monster

Jungkook x GN!Reader

Word Count - 1.2k

Genre - Fluff

Summary -

Jungkook is determined to find a sea monster no matter the cost and he has dragged you along for the ride.

Warnings -

Some swearing, kissing/suggestive

A/N -

This is for my sea monster square for BTS Summer Bingo 2021 @bangtanwritingbingo

KPOP Masterlist

   “This is a really bad idea, Kookie. I think we should turn back,” you yell over the crash of water against your small speed boat as you hold onto the handle close to the cockpit with both hands. “I really think we should turn around.”

   “Nonsense. We’re almost there!” He has an unhinged gleam in his eyes as he stares straight ahead at the vast ocean, ignoring the thunderous waves belting towards him.

   This is a bad idea but he won’t stop now, not when you’re this close. Not when he can see the prize. His crazy idea is starting to take form and you just happen to be along for the ride. It shouldn’t have ended up like this. When you woke up this morning, this wasn’t how you thought you would be spending your afternoon - wearing a pink life vest over your cute new blue and white polka dot bikini while clinging to the slippery surface of your lover's boat, praying to a God you don’t believe in.

   “We could die if we keep going. Is it really worth it?”

   “Yes.”

   Yes? What the fuck? He is literally willing to let you both die so he can see an imaginary creature up close? If you weren’t in the middle of the God damn ocean you would storm off, but the lack of space to do that is terrifying. How did you end up on this stupid boat anyway? Swimming was never your strong suit and if you have to try swimming in this you will certainly die and Jungkook will get his wish.

   “I think you should reconsider your priorities,” you yell, kicking your leg out towards him, colliding with his side.

   “Hey!” Turning to look over his shoulder at you, his eyes soften. “I’m sorry. Do you want to go back?”

   “Yes!” His youthful eyes once filled with excitement empty as he grimaces, his wavy hair slicked against his face as water continues to barrel into the boat. It’s hard to stop his dream when he gives you a look like that, as if you’ve taken the only thing he ever loved and stomped it into the ground. “Fine. But you promise we’ll be okay?”

   “No promises. I kid, I kid, don’t give me that look.” He chuckles, kissing your elbow, the only piece of you close enough to touch before he turns back to the waves, determination shining in his eyes once more. “We’ll be just fine. It’s not much further now.”

   “You said that fifteen minutes ago,” you say under your breath, swinging out an arm to grab the headrest of the passenger side chair, not bothering to ask him to slow down. How long will it take him to notice if you go flying off the boat? Too long you decide, creeping along the floor until you're clinging to the back of the chair.

   “There it is!”

   “Where?” You squint, searching the area in front of you as you buckle yourself into the seat. The soda you had craved is now long gone, lost at the bottom of the ocean's depths. It had been a stupid idea to get up in the middle of a search anyway, no matter how antsy you had felt. “I don’t see anything.”

   “The cove. Right there.” He points to the horizon and at first you don’t see it, the waves blinding your sight, but between the gaps you see the outline of land. “No one lives there. It’s too dangerous, they’d never get supplies out here.”

   “No shit.”

   “This is where it lives. This is where it’s been spotted the most frequently,” he says, his eyes sparkling, a contagious grin gracing his lips. “I can’t believe we’re really here!”

   “Me too.”

   Shivering you look over your shoulder and wonder if you should try and grab the raincoat Jungkook packed when you feel his fingers entwine with yours. He’s still looking out at the water, his furrowed eyes searching for his mystery sea creature, but he’s also here, with you. He’s close and you realize he would have noticed if you had flown overboard straight away because his attention has always been on you. He was prepared to leave even though he really didn’t want to miss the opportunity to find his legendary beast.

   He will always choose you first.

   “We can’t go inside. If the waves pull us in there it’s unlikely we’ll survive.” His eyes are wide, a glint of something you haven’t seen glimmer inside them. “They don’t call it The Undead Cove for nothing.”

   “That’s encouraging,” you say, your fingers tightening around his. The waves are still vicious but as the boat propels closer you can see the looming bridge made of earth he is pointing at, water rippling haphazardly underneath as waves crash against the cove's entrance. It’s shrouded in mystery, the dark space between the impenetrable walls a secret you may never unlock. The boat is being pulled towards it, as if it too wants to understand what makes this area so enticing. “Aren’t we getting a little too close for comfort?”

   Jungkook turns the steering wheel, forcing the boat to spin around in a huge circle before lining back up with the cove's passageway. That’s when you hear it. A booming screeching sound. It’s like nails on a chalkboard and the thunderous sound of a hippopotamus mating call.

   “Holy shit!” Your eyes meet, his mouth wide before his hand slaps across his mouth, an aura of bewilderment shining out from every pour until you are returning his enthusiasm, pure glee resonating from your skin. “Is that it?”

   “I don’t know,” he says, grabbing your face and kissing your lips, once, twice and again for luck. He’s laughing, excitement shaking outward from his core. “But I think so!”

   “Grab your camera.”

   “Ah! Yes.” He slides over your legs to grab the case at your feet. As he pulls himself back up, he smirks up at you. “I told you it was real.”

   “So you did,” you say, shaking your head. Reaching out you push his hair behind his ear and as you move to pull your hand away he catches it, kissing each finger tip. Shaking your head, you add, “I love how crazy you are.”

   “I love that you love that about me. I love that you came on this crazy little adventure with me. And I love that we found a motherfucking sea monster!” he hollers out and you can’t help but grin at your ridiculous boyfriend as he pulls out the waterproof camera that he bought for this very occasion, handing it over to you. “We’re going to make so much money of these pictures.”

   “If we survive to tell the tale.”

   “Baby, we are solid. This is going to be a story we tell our grandkids one day.” Camera in hand, you point the lens towards the cove, the outline of something moving along the edge of the rocks catching your eyes. It’s real. It’s here and he was right. “This is gonna be epic!”

   “Yeah, yeah,” you mutter, trying to hide a smile. “Just try and keep the boat steady. We need to impress the grandkids.”

Thanks for reading! I hope you enjoyed this content! If you did, please consider liking, commenting, reblogging and/or following, and check out my masterlist for similar content. Have a great day!

[youarejesting]

Wash Out.21 (Sope Special)

[Master List]

Banners: @purpleskies1999 Pairings: Dolphintrainer!Taehyung x SharkDiver!Jin,  Mer!Jimin x Reader, Scientist!Namjoon x MerKing!Jungkook, Mer!Yoongi x Mer!Hoseok. Rating: 16+ Genre: Mystery, Romance, Comedy, Drama, Fantasy, little bit of Action, Slice of life, Enemies2Lovers, Friends2lovers, Social media au, Fake Texts, Fake Subs.

Summary: Taehyung and his best friend Y/N are Dolphin trainers at Wash Out; Marine Wildlife and Theme Park. When the nerdy marine biologist and resident veterinarian Doctor Kim Namjoon goes missing; the two friends form a ragtag team with Taehyung’s rival Seokjin and a…. Fish?

[Prev] [Next]

Yoongi stood still, his legs shaking. It was not normal for him to be standing for this length of time. They were mermaids used to having tails their strength in the water. Swimming was like breathing. Of course their legs only appeared on their sacred land under the ocean.

They couldn’t walk on human land, could never compare to their leg strength. Most Mermaids spent their days in the water only entering the sacred land for celebrations. Yoongi being one of many guards would protect the royal family, albeit there was no longer a royal family. Jungkook was all that was left, a prince forced to be a king before he was ready. 

Guards were the most common of the merfolk to adorn legs. Jungkook was confined to the sacred land, his time in the water limited. Anything to keep him safe from the threat of other merclans. Each guard embellished in the silk of the clams. Byssus was woven finely like silk, the light material was surprisingly warm enough to protect the guards and King whilst in their more vulnerable form.

Yoongi looked across the crystal throne room, the love of his life standing just as tall, his stature stronger than Yoongi’s. A feat as Jungkook tore the room apart, bioluminescent vines and lanterns ripped from the walls. Food and wine splattered on the floor of their ancestors.

Hoseok’s mouth turned down, the sight unnatural for his usually cheerful disposition. The hardest part of their job was raising Jungkook, it seemed no matter how hard they tried to teach him right and wrong, politics and history they still came up short. He didn’t have a family, not anymore, he didn’t know how to share and never had to work for relationships. 

Everyone adored him, feared him, doted on his every whim. He was given the finest foods and all the newest technology Merfolk could offer. Anything to keep him content in his prison. It surprised Yoongi that Jungkook hadn’t questioned his confines, that he was complacent with their level of control over his freedom.

Jungkook no longer understanding, why his new found friend was so reluctant to stay. He extended all his riches and gifts to the human, something other merfolk would cherish. 

“Why does he still want to leave, with me he could be treated as a king,” Jungkook seethed, throwing a leg over the arm of his throne massaging his temples. “Leave me.”

Hoseok marched dutifully to Yoongi, supporting the older merman as they made their exit. Walking him to the entrance of the underwater cove, the air though damp enough to keep their lungs from feeling dry, they much preferred sinking into the cool water. Doing so allowed the power of the sacred land to slip away leaving only their natural form. 

The two transformed their black and blue tails wrapping around each other, a romantic gesture Yoongi enjoyed more than he wished to admit. They relaxed in eachothers arms peacefully, sinking further until they landed on the floor of the large network of caves. This is where most of the merfolk lived as they were still protected from the open ocean.

Under the cove was wide and besides a few stalagmite and stalactite the surface was predominantly flat. However the local life was anything but, everyone bustling around the settlement enjoying tending to the seaweed, crafting and protecting the sealife. 

“Jungkook, is struggling. He doesn’t understand how to handle rejection. He doesn’t understand that people value the same things,” Hoseok mumbled, massaging Yoongi’s lower back to help relieve tension from standing for such a long time.

“That human cannot survive long under the ocean, he grows weaker by the day, barely eating.” Yoongi huffed, “If Jungkook doesn’t let him go, the poor thing will die, Jungkook isn’t ready to experience something like that so close to him.”

“I think he has gotten too attached, losing this human might break him,” Hoseok bit his lip, “Dare I say he is in love with him, he could be his promised.”

Yoongi scoffed, the idea that Jungkook happened to find his promised one and he was a human, the first human he had ever met. Yoongi and Hoseok were unaware they were each other's promised until Yoongi had a week off from guard duty and started to get really sick. The two had met in the infirmary wasting away and only in one another's company did their condition improve. “Hoseok, that’s a bit much.”

A figure swam down the path quickly, heading straight to the sacred cove entrance, carrying something large. Was someone trying to attack their home? The two fell apart taking up offensive stances, each lurching forward when they spotted Jimin holding an unconscious human.

“Not another one,” Yoongi chastised, eyes sweeping over Jimin trying to be inconspicuous. Though he cared he showed it silently, not fond of open praise. The kind to listen and assist others out of sight.

“I have to make sure he is alright,” Jimin gave no further explanation, swimming up into the cove entrance dragging the human onto the sacred land. Jimin’s gold tail disappearing, leaving behind two bare legs. 

Wrapping himself in a cloth, the two followed. Yoongi strained to lift himself into an upright position. Hoseok brought out their usual transport, especially for Jungkook’s deliveries. In this case they threw the unconscious human across the shell of the crustacean and they headed to their king.

“Are all humans this big?” Yoongi asked, eyeing the figure draped beside Jimin. The two crab-pooling wasn’t the issue, the way Jimin looked genuinely concerned for the human was. It was no good for humans and Merfolk to fall in love, the dynamic wouldn’t end well. 

“No, they aren’t all this big, some of them are small, delicate and beautiful. They are magnificent, fascinating beings. Some are scary and mean and others are innocent and protective, just trying to do the right thing.” Jimin whispered, checking the humans breathing once more. 

“Is he your promised?” Hoseok asked softly, not knowing how to approach the topic sensitively. Jimin smiled, shaking his head. The thought appeared to have amused him.

“He is someone else’s promised,” Jimin said, “But I think I met her, she was beautiful and strong, never letting anyone stop her, never letting bad things keep her down. She would swim head first into enemy waters to save someone she barely knows.

The human groaned, “Where am I?” Jimin let out a sigh of relief, this human was waking up and didn’t seem to be physically hurt, at least there were no wounds they could see upon his flesh. “Am I dead?”

“No, you are not dead, you are in our settlement.” Jimin grinned at the disorientation present in Seokjin’s words. He was struggling to enunciate his words, each more like a whine drawn out.

Upon entering the crystal throne room the group tried their best to support the sluggish human inside. Gaining the attention of Jungkook, ceasing his brooding long enough to assist the three struggling mermen. As if hearing the commotion or perhaps Seokjin’s terrible jokes Namjoon emerged from where he had been staying.

“Jin! Are you okay?” Namjoon grabbed his friend, checking him over for injury, “What are you doing here?”

“Rescuing you and avoiding the police, I ran my car off the cliff and also may have destroyed the letter box outside your beach house.” He laughed, “Never really liked it anyway.”

“You did what?” Namjoon said, concerned, “Are you crazy?”

“Listen, we were being chased. It was all for you, and Jimin of course, returning Jimin and rescuing you.” Seokjin smiled at his friend. Yoongi thought these humans were weird, they were reckless and too odd for his liking. “I even teamed up with Taehyung and Y/n in order to save you. Do you know how hard that was?”

“Didn’t seem hard at all, you and Taehyung seemed to get along really well.” Jimin pushed the human with a smile, it was weird to see Jimin acting so comfortable with the humans. “We will return you so that the issue can be resolved, I am starting to grow worried about how we left.”

“What do you mean?” Seokjin asked confused

“Humans tackled Y/n and Taehyung dragged me into the water. Right before you and your car contraption fell into the water I killed the man who scared you all.” Jimin said proudly, this didn’t seem to go over well with the human’s. Yoongi hoped Jimin didn’t do something stupid turf war wasn’t on his to do list.

Yoongi didn’t understand the words coming from Seokjin’s face, if he had to liken it to anything, it sounded like vulgar slang, curse words. The human looked panicked.

“We have to go back, they are probably being sent to prison,” Seokjin said, trying to leave unsure which direction to go, “They are in big trouble.”

“Can’t you just talk to your king and explain and they will be removed from prison?” Jimin said

“Prison doesn’t work the same as it does here,” Namjoon explained, “Very Very bad people go to prison, Murderer’s, thieves and other despicable humans put in one place.”

“Yeah and if they go to prison, they may be beaten or worse,” Seokjin huffed. Jimin looked up at Jungkook who nodded, bringing out a small mirror and handing it to Jimin.

Looking over Jimin’s shoulder, Yoongi noticed a human different to the two infront of him, she was feminine delicate and leaking. “What is happening to her?”

“She is crying,” Jimin explained, “Humans do that when they are hurt or in despair, from what I have been told they do the same when they are happy too.”

“Confusing and a little stupid.” Hoseok laughed, “How do you know the difference?”

The charges have been dropped, Namjoon breathed listening to the interrogator, explaining that they couldn’t record the phenomenon that occurred on the beach. “They are being let go,” He smiled, a sight Yoongi hadn’t seen since he first laid eyes on their large domestic crustaceans.

“There is Taehyung,” Seokjin called out looking down, the two humans looked void of any emotion, they collected their things and climbed into the police car getting an escort to their homes. “They are safe and that’s all that matters.” 

Seokjin smiled, his eyes leaking much to Yoongi’s disgust. Namjoon smiled, he seemed a little amused by the older human. “I remember distinctly you saying you hated Taehyung with a passion and wanted him to choke on a sardine.” They two laughed for a moment, “When did things change?” 

“I guess when you are working as a team to save someone you develop an understanding.” Seokjin shrugged his large shoulders, “It also didn’t help that he was living in my house for almost a week.”

“You like him,” Namjoon poked him, “Admit it you have feelings for him.”

“We can head back when you are ready, we have returned Jimin home safely.” Seokjin smiled, looking around at the group and smiling, “I am Seokjin by the way, you can call me Jin.”

The man was goofy, reminding Yoongi of Jungkook himself, the two so alike in their childlike nature, letting themself play without hesitation. It was almost admirable that people could act so carefree, unaffected by how they could be perceived.

“I don’t know if I am allowed to leave?” Namjoon said, his smile falling, eyes fixed on the ground before him. 

Yoongi looked at his king, the spoiled young man reflecting on his actions, it had been many days since they saw the young man smile. Almost expecting him to refuse, Yoongi schools his expression when he doesn’t. 

“You should go, You don’t belong down here?” Jungkook took the mirror before walking away from the group to sit on the throne. He lowered his head looking at his reflection trying to distract himself from the pain. Letting your promised go was the hardest thing a merperson could do. Under normal circumstances, promises are only parted by death.

Namjoon walked over, placing a hand on the king's head and smiling at him, “If ever you want to visit, I would be happy to show you some great places, places you would love.” Jungkook’s broken heart warmed at the human’s dimples appearing softly in the flesh of his cheeks.

That was the last thing they needed, their king running off for a romance on the coast line. Seokjin swung his arm around Jimin playfully, the merman giggling whilst his legs almost buckled. “Yeah Jimin knows the private beach by Namjoon’s house, he can show you the way if you ever want to visit.”

Tags: @backinblack1967 @miriamxsworld @moccahobi @simplymemyself @a-gayish-unicorn @ella-mella @vjinfan23​

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[ggukkiereads]

Hi

do you know of any jungkook x reader x jin or maybe even jungkook x reader x taehyung love triangle fics

Thank you 🖤🖤

🌷 Hello, anon! Please check the NAVI for available fic recs. There was an ask for TaeKook love triangle/smut before and I update it every now and then.

I’ve read just a few fics for jin x reader x jk. Here’s what I remember and most are pwps (meaning not a love triangle).

Jungkook x Reader x Seokjin

Love Triangle (or something similar, I left notes on some fics

Threesome

MMF Smutty Threesome or Poly

Aperitivo @bangtanbetchfics

one shot | 5k | vacation au, chef au (pastry chefs), smut, pwp

on the heels of a breakup, you fall hopelessly in lust with two pastry chefs on your vacation in venice.

Under Cover @cinnaminsvga

one shot | 5.4k | supernatural au, vampire jungkook, siren seokjin, pwp

the company banquets that your family loves to host are often drearier than you would like them to be. lucky for you, your bodyguards have the perfect solution: why don’t you play a little game with them?

Hittin Her Hard by foreverpark [ao3]

sequel to Hittin Her Hay (read this first)  | 12.2k | pwp

Your boyfriend (and yeehaw extraordinaire), Jeongguk, introduces you to his best friend, Seokjin, all while he proves there are more things to do atop a horse than just ride.

🌷 ggukkienote: so I adore author’s pwp, just sinfully good like douse yourself with holy water kind of filthy which I mentioned here

Lunacy @jincherie

series [2/?] | 15.7k+ | abo dynamics, werewolf au, supernatural au, urban fantasy, poly, smut, angst

Wolves mate for life, and wolves are almost exclusively monogamous. It's rare for a wolf to have a human mate, and even more unheard of for a wolf to have more than one mate. Unfortunately for you, an incident at this party lands you in the middle of every exception there could possibly be.

Love Triangle

A Lovely Little Mess @justimajin - Seokjin-centric, feat Jungkook

series [10/10] |31.k | Pregnancy AU, Unplanned Pregnancy, Friends to Lovers, Jungkook is reader’s ex, angst, fluff

Break-ups aren’t easy - you knew this way too well, however this was a break-up that was much harder to shake off then a normal one, all because of one little reason…

Home Run @jinned

one shot | 3.5k | action, fluff, crack, baseball player au, stadium staff!reader

as seokjin’s career nears its peak, he comes face to face with his greatest rival yet: the un-strikeable jeon jungkook. seokjin is close to being the first person to strike out this up and comer newbie, until he’s distracted by one of the stadium’s cotton candy selling girls. who will she leave with?

🌷 ggukkienote: the dialogues are just JinKook all throughout but it was so funny how they’re bickering and fighting over YN. So a different kind of love triangle, I guess! This is fun 😉

Lock & Key @farfromsugafanfic - Jungkook-centric

one shot | 6.6k | Bestfriend AU, semi-love triangle (Seokjin likes OC and Jungkook is all sulky), fluff, angst

When Jungkook ditches you on your birthday, your friendship looks like it’s about to crumble. Your friend group becomes tired of your bickering and decides to take the matter into their own hands. Somehow, you and Jungkook find yourselves handcuffed together.

“Say It” drabble @hayjeon - Jungkook-centric

drabble | 1.3k | married to Seokjin, affair with Bodyguard Jungkook, pwp but kind of angsty

🌷 ggukkienote: short drabble but it’s really good. it’s hot but then it’s also angsty. no appearance of seokjin.

Not Just Friends @taecalikook - Jungkook-centric

one shot | 24k | Fuckboy AU, Friends to Lovers, fluff, angst, crack, semi-love triangle

Befriending the fuckboy with devilishly handsome face and emotional capacity of a pea is not exactly your choice, especially when you met him when you were in fifth grade, attracted for the unhealthy vermillion shaded face of the nerd he was that fateful day. So is Jungkook, as he is already putting strictly platonic label on your forehead and calls it a day. But it is only a matter of time before everything changes, and it only takes a frat party, lots of booze and… a certain Kim Seokjin.

🌷 ggukkienote: OC crushes on Jin and bestfriend Jungkook crush-blocks. I remember the roommate  (like OC thought there was something between her roommate and JK)

Of Stardust and Spacetime @thedefinitionofbts

series [8/8] | 31k | Sci-Fi, Star-crossed (like literally different universe) |

On clear nights he looks up at the sky, and he can still see you. He can see the image of you transcending alternate universes tied together by iridescent ribbons, passing through the iron cores of distant stars, and sliding across Orion’s belt to meet him in that magical place between the stratums of space and time.

🌷 ggukkienote: one of my favorite writers whose fics are always beautifully written and I always get so affected by the story. 💕

Raindrops @jiminiethot - Jungkook-centric

one shot | 7.4k | exes AU, camping trip, boyfriend Seokjin is jealous of Jungkook (the ex), smut

🌷 ggukkienote: Seokjin is kind of mean here 😢

posted: 2021 April 10

[dreamescapeswriting]

One Night Away ~ JJK [M] [Request]

↱↱↱Word count: 4.3K

↱↱↱Genre: Fluffy (Pure fluff, like I plucked a cloud) smut - soft/fluffy smut

↱↱↱Pairing: Jungkook x Virgin!Reader

↱↱↱Warnings: None? Swearing, smut

The sound of soft snoring filled your apartment as you quietly made your way to the front door, it was 2 in the morning and you were trying to navigate yourself around the pitch-black apartment with nothing but your phone torch to light your way. If your roommate woke up now she would ask too many questions that you didn't have answers for so you were doing your best to get out without her knowing. You'd done this a million times before you'd think it would get easier with time but it didn't. Jungkook was waiting at the garage down the road for you and you had to get there before people started recognising his car and told the paparazzi where he was.

"No, don't touch my doughnuts." Your roommate mumbled in her sleep, why did she have to sleep on the sofa every night? She had a perfectly good bedroom, you groaned as you stepped over her pair of shoes at the front door and then headed out into the street. Finally, some semi-decent lightening as you walked under the streetlights quickly sending Jungkook your code text to let him know you would be with him soon enough.

His black car was sitting there with one window rolled down and you smirked to yourself, sneaking up to the door and banging your hands on the door. 

"Boo!" He jumped a little and glared at you as you started laughing at the look on his face. He'd turned so pale he looked like a ghost and you couldn't help but laugh as he held his hand over his chest, 

"Your evil to me. You know that?" You giggled as you leant through the window and gave him a quick kiss on the lips, 

"Would my super amazing boyfriend like me to go in and pay for the fuel." He smiled at you bringing you in for another kiss, you didn't get to see one another much so any chance he got to kiss you he took.

"Please, get some snacks as well." You smiled at him and headed over to the garage door and watched in the corner of your eye as Jungkook pulled into one of the pumps and began adding fuel to his car. He'd asked you to meet up a little earlier than you usually did tonight. You'd normally meet him somewhere in your car at 3 am and then spend two hours together before he went home and you went back to your apartment. Dating an idol in secret was harder than you thought it would be but being able to be the one that Jungkook says he loves was enough for you. Taking things you knew Jungkook liked to eat from the shelf you placed them into your basket, the young woman behind the counter was staring at Jungkook and then to you. There was no way she could tell who Jungkook was, he was wearing a black mask, black hoodie with the hood pulled up and was keeping his head down on the floor.

"Pump 7 please." You said to the lady behind the counter as you placed the basket down to grab her full attention, 

"I thought he was going to drive off with it." She laughed nervously and you laughed along with her and shook your head. 

"He's got a migraine so I told him to just stay wrapped up and I'll take care of him." She began scanning your items while looking at all of the things you'd gotten, 

"Do you need anything else?" You shook your head, 

"That'll be ₩5003.45," You swiped your car and thanked her before heading out to the car, she was already staring out of the window again and you handed Jungkook a bottle of water. 

"I didn't know what to get so I brought everything we love," You pulled out a bottle of your favourite drink and opened it while watching Jungkook start up his car, 

"You gonna hold my hand while I drive again?" You giggled as he knew what you wanted without you having to say a word and so he smiled and took your hand in his and placed it over the gear stick so he could hold onto you while he drove. You always did this whenever you went driving together anywhere. 

"Where are we heading tonight?" You questioned as he turned onto a motorway when he'd normally turn onto a back dirt road to take you somewhere private where you didn't have to hide. 

"I was talking to Yoongi about some private beaches, he found one a couple of miles away." You stared at the side of his head while he concentrated on driving, you knew the boys knew about you and Jungkook because Hoseok had your number and was questioning you on what to do for Jungkook's birthday. 

"It's right over this small road, it's beautiful." Your stomach flipped as he spoke about the place, it sounded perfect but honestly just spending time with him was enough for you. It was all you needed, just him and your privacy. 

You took in a deep breathe as you sat on the sandy beach with Jungkook, you were sitting between his legs while looking at the ocean. The only thing that was lighting up your area was some lanterns that Jungkook brought along and the moonlight right above the water, it made the water look black and somehow made you feel relaxed. 

"It's beautiful." You hummed laying your head back against his shoulder as you stared at the moon together, the most amazing thing about being with Jungkook was that you never had to worry about anything. You didn't have to worry about saying the wrong thing or acting the wrong way but Jungkook accepted you for everything you were. 

"What are you thinking about?" He linked your fingers together and began playing with them as you hummed at him, you were lost deep in your own daydream about your life with him, or rather your relationship so far with him. You never spoke about the future because for him it was all still undecided and it didn't bother you too much. 

"Just us." You whispered leaning your head back against his chest and angling your head so you could see his chin, he stared down at you and poked his tongue out at you so you bit it gently. 

"What about us?" He was worried, it worried him a lot. He always imagined you having enough of this one day and leaving him alone in the dark. He never wanted to lose you but he couldn't make anything public yet, it was written within his contract and he never wanted to upset Army either. You could read him easily and you knew he was freaking out about something, 

"In a good way Kookie, I love you. You know that." Your hand rested on his cheek and he rubbed his cheek against your hand closing his eyes and remembering back to the first time you told him you loved him. It was during a small fight over something that neither of you could remember to this day, but you screamed it at him. 

"I love you dumbass...How could I forget that one." He chuckled looking at you as your small smile transformed into a huge one, you looked magical under the moon and the stars. If he had the chance he'd write a million songs over this one scene between you and him, you were his muse after all.

"I was just thinking about all the memories we have together in such a short time." He hummed and you leant forward wrapping your arms around yourself, 

"You cold?" He went to slip off his hoodie but you weren't cold, you were trying to think of a way to bring the subject to him. You were a virgin and you and Jungkook hadn't done anything yet as for making out heavily and a little dry humping in the back of his car, it wasn't just because you weren't ready at the time - you were ready now, you trusted him and you'd been dating long enough. But there was one other thing standing in your way neither of you had anywhere to go. You couldn't go to the dorms without being seen and it wasn't as if you could take him home to your apartment with your roommate. Jungkook also didn't want to make love to you for the first time in the back of his car, he wanted your first time together to be special, somewhere he could show you how much he cared and take his time with you. You wanted him to know that if it came up and you eventually had somewhere to go together you were ready, 

"I'm r-ready if we ever can." You whispered looking over your shoulder at him nervously and he smiled at you, running his hand your cheek. 

"You're sure?" You nodded at his question and he bent forward giving you a soft kiss on the cheek before pulling back and staring into your eyes. You shuffled back in against his chest and he wrapped his arms around your waist and started singing softly in your ear as you stared out at the view together.

"I don't want the night to end," You admitted as you walked barefooted along the seashore towards the car, he was parked up the road from the entranceway.

"I know, I don't either." He linked your hands together and began swinging your arms back and forth, but it was already gone four and you knew it would start to pick up in business soon, people coming to open their shops ready for the day time beach visitors and he'd be spotted easily.

"It's starting to rain! Run!" You screamed dropping his hand and racing towards his car, 

"Hey! You got a head start!"

"Not my fault you suck a running!" You screamed back at him running as fast as your feet would carrying you, the rain was now coming down heavily as if the clouds had opened up and decided to just come down without a small warning. 

"GOT YOU!" You screamed loudly as he picked you up from behind and started spinning around with you in his arms. 

"Kookie!" You cried out getting soaking wet as the rain came down harder soaking you both in the clothes you were wearing.

"We have to drive in these." You groaned looking at him as he put you down on the floor, a small elderly lady rushed over to you both holding up an umbrella, 

"I'm afraid you won't be going home any time soon. The roads will be closed off." Jungkook took the umbrella from her and frowned as she told you that there was no way home, 

"What for?" He questioned making sure all three of you were covered under the umbrella, he didn't want either of you getting sick. 

"There's a small cove right next to the only road in and out of here. Once it rains it's closed off due to flooding. Come with me. I have a small b&b." You glanced between her and Jungkook and he nervously looked at his car, if anyone saw it and told anyone it would all be over. 

"You'll be fine, come." Neither of you argued with the small lady and followed close behind her as she led you in the direction of a Hanok that looked older than her.

"This small B&B had been in my family for generations, I keep it open for people stranded here after a rainfall." She walked behind a giant counter and pulled out a set of keys. 

"Room 5 for you," She handed you a key with a small Korean doll keyring and then turned to Jungkook, 

"Room 10 for the boy." His keyring was a surfboard and you held back a giggle as she glared at him and began walking you both down the hallway towards the rooms that she'd gotten for you. 

"Fresh towels are in the bathrooms, and there are complimentary pyjamas in the wardrobe." You thanked her and gave Jungkook a final look before going into your room and shutting the door. 

[You: 4:45 am] I miss you...Come sneak down?

[JK: 4:45 am] No thank you. I value my life...Did you see the way she looked at me? Like I was going to eat you! I'll stay here where I'm safe. 

[You: 4:46 am] ... Fine.

A small knocking on Jungkook's door made him jump and he walked over to it slowly pulling the door open to see you standing there in one of the dressing gowns you'd both been given. 

"If she sees you she'll kill me." You pouted out your bottom lip, 

"For the first time ever I get to fall asleep next to my boyfriend. I'm not missing that for the world." You whispered to him as you pushed him over to the bed, he laid down and you took off the dressing gown to reveal the shorts and tank top pyjama's you'd been given.

"You asleep?" Jungkook asked ten minutes later, you hadn't been able to shut off your brain to get any sleep and neither had he. 

"No, I'm scuba diving," His arm was hanging around your waist loosely, 

"Hold me closer, I miss you." You giggled trying to move back to him but he moved further away until he hit the wall. You sat up and held the covers over yourself suddenly feeling insecure around him, 

"Babe, no. It's not that. You look great, you look really great I just-" You realised what he was talking about when your eyes ran down his body to see his problem. 

"Oh." Your mouth fell open and your eyes went back to his but he was avoiding looking at you, 

"I didn't want to make you uncomfortable and I thought if we went to sleep it would just...W-What are you doing?" He groaned when he felt your hand over the tent in his trousers. 

"I want to help...I'm ready," You whispered, although you'd never done this before you had a rough idea with what to do with your hands and your mouth, you'd seen porn before. 

"B-Babe it feels good b-but- ugh fuck." He couldn't finish what he was saying because you'd already freed him from his trousers and started pumping him in your hand. 

"Tell me what to do to make you feel good," You whispered and he moaned out hearing you say that to him, he'd imagined this so many times and now it was finally happening. 

"Just erm, just spit on your hand a little and then continue pumping baby." You nodded at him and did as he said and he grunted, his hips bucking up into your fist as you did so. 

"Just like that," He moaned out, his head rolling back on the pillow. His eyes closed so you shuffled down to his crotch and bit on your lip, you'd seen someone do this before and you assumed he'd like it so you laid your tongue on his tip pumping him so whenever your hand was at the bottom his tip would hit your tongue. 

"Shit baby," He looked down at you and you giggled seeing him so happy, you'd wanted to please him for so long. 

"Such a good girl aren't you?" A pool went to your core and you whined at the way he said that you wanted to hear it a million more times from him. 

"We can stop - ah shit!" He stopped once you took him into your mouth and he started hissing a little as you went to bob your head,   

"L-Less teeth baby," You hollowed out your cheeks and he groaned loudly his hands gripping onto the sheet around him as you slowly bobbed your head up and down around him, gagging as his tip hit the back of your throat. 

"So fucking warm princess, you're doing so well." You hummed and he grunted loudly wanting you to do it again, you could tell he liked it so you hummed around him again and he bucked his hips to the back of your throat. It was hard but he had to stop himself from fucking into your mouth, you were inexperienced and he didn't want to do anything you weren't ready for but you surprised him. You took his hands and placed them into your hair, 

"You want me to buck into your mouth?" You nodded at him and he smirked running his thumb over your cheek, 

"Tap on my leg three times if it's too much." You blinked twice in understanding and he slowly began to thrust up into your mouth moaning loudly as he felt the back of your throat contracting around his tip. You did your best to fight off the gagging but you tapped on his leg and he pulled out of your mouth, you pumped him in your hands and he moaned. 

"Shit baby I'm close w-we can stop if you want." 

"I want to taste you," His hips bucked once again at the sound of your words and you giggled as he moaned out your name. 

"You'll be the death of me," You took him back into your mouth with newfound confidence and began bobbing your head faster than before, holding yourself down on his length like he had when he was fucking into your mouth.

"I-I gonna cum baby." You continued going and he hissed gripping onto your hair as his hips jerked up, a warm liquid hit the back of your throat and although it didn't taste the best you'd seen it in the videos so you swallowed it up and looked at him. 

"You're so fucking hot," He grunted bringing you into a heated makeout session on the bed, you tried to pull away, 

"You'll taste-"

"Baby I don't care, you're fucking hot." You giggled between the kiss and he pulled you closer to him, running his hand over your cheek and kissing down your neck,

"Let me return the favour." The confidence you had before was gone and you were nervous wreck you were before, 

"I-I've never-"

"I know, we can stop." He stared into your eyes wanting to make sure he wasn't pressuring you into anything but you shook your head. 

"I'm ready," He smiled and got off the bed pulling you to the edge and kneeling down in front of you, 

"Relax baby, I'll make you feel good." You nodded nervously and he pulled down the shorts and panties you were wearing and moaned, 

"You're gorgeous, babe." He spread your legs apart and kissed both of your thighs slowly going up until he was right at your core, he looked at you and you were hiding your face. 

"You're beautiful, stop hiding." You peeked at him and he smirked licking small stripes along your clit and you moaned out instantly. No one had touched you except for yourself, 

"You're already soaking Princess, did making me cum make you wet?" You nodded shyly and he chuckled before continuing his painfully slow licks on your clit, 

"J-Jungkook do something," You begged him and he didn't need to be told twice, he ran his finger in your arousal before slowly pushing it inside of you grunted as he felt just how tight you were. 

"You're so tight." He chuckled and went back to sucking and licking on your clit. 

"Fuck." You cried out hips lifting from the bed as he continued to pump his finger in and out of you slowly, curling it right where he knew you needed him. 

"F-Feels so good." You whimpered eyes screwed shut as a warm feeling spread throughout your body, Jungkook moaned against your clit and you cried out his name. 

"I'm going to add a second one okay?" You nodded and he pulled out his fingers before adding another and began pumping once again, the stretch wasn't too bad to manage and you were moaning again in seconds. He made a come here motion with his fingers and sucking on your clit, 

"I-I think I'm close." You moaned out, it was like pressure to pee but you knew it wasn't that. 

"Cum for my princess," He moaned against your clit and continued his sucking and licking and picked up the pace of his fingers, your hips began to move up and down as you got closer to your release, your back arched, 

"Fuck! Jungkook!" You practically screamed out his name as you felt a warm feeling spread throughout your entire body, crashing over you and hitting you like a wave. 

"F-Fuck," You panted as he pulled away from you and cleaned his fingers off on your shorts, 

"You're so hot," He groaned kissing you, you didn't care that you could taste yourself all you wanted was him inside of you finally making you all his. Taking every inch of him, 

"I want you." You whispered pulling away from him, he looked at you. 

"Are you sure about this? I don't have anything o-on me." You shook your head, 

"I'm on the pill, I have been since I was a teen." You weren't going to go into the reason, period talk was a huge turn off when you were in the heat of the moment.

"You're sure?" You nodded and he smiled kissing you gently and making out with you. His hands worked their way up your body and he took the top off you and you took his off, biting your lip at the sight of his abs. 

"I need you." You whispered and he grunted hearing you say those three little words he'd dreamt of for so long.

"This might hurt but if it's too much tell me to stop okay?" You nodded and he began rubbing his length over your folds trying to make sure he was wet enough it wouldn't hurt you too much. You spat into your hand and began pumping him to help but all he did was moan out about how it felt nice, 

"Ready?" He asked angling you at the edge of the bed again, you nodded and he bent down to kiss you as he slowly pushed into you. Stopping halfway when you let out a strangled moan into his mouth, 

"You okay?" 

"I-It's okay, just move." You whispered and he slowly pushed the rest of himself into you holding himself in place so you could adjust to him being there. 

"You can move," He kissed you once again not wanting to stop as he slowly pulled in and out of you, already moaning into your mouth. He wouldn't last long thanks to already cumming once that night he was sensitive, 

"F-Fuck babe you're so warm and tight." He grunted kissing down your neck and looking at you as he thrust in and out of you, the pain was subsiding the more he moved and you moaned out his name. 

"F-Faster?" You questioned and he smirked at you, slowly picking up his pace with each thrust but he continued at a steady enough pace he wouldn't hurt you. You could feel every inch of him spreading you out and hitting your cervix, your body was on fire and it felt like you were on top of the clouds. 

"You're getting that fucked out look baby, you gonna cum for me again?" He chuckled rubbing your nipples between his thumb and index finger as his other hand, held you in place so he could continue fucking into you.

"Uh-huh," Was all you could manage to say and he chuckled at the sight of you, your back was arched and your eyes were closed tightly. 

"Here," He took your leg and lifted it over his forearm angling himself deeper inside of you and you were a moaning mess, calling out his name and gripping onto the sheets as he reached the deepest parts of you. 

"Jungkook! I-I can't-" You whimpered knowing you were close once again and he smiled at you, 

"It's okay baby I won't last long either," He whispered continuing to thrust into you faster and angling himself once again, the new angle sent you over the edge and you came without a warning. Crying out his name and contracting around him, he continued to thrust into you as he grunted out your name and released inside of you holding himself in place for a couple of seconds as you both came down from your highs. 

"Shit baby, you were so tight." He moaned out slowly pulling out of you and groaned as he watched his seed drip down from your entrance to your ass and onto the floor, it looked so hot he could go again but he knew you were going to be sore in the morning. 

"Wait here, babe." He walked over to the bathroom in his room and turned on the hot tap and began filling up the tub, while it was filling he grabbed a washcloth and came back over to you cleaning you up. 

"Come on sleepy." He chuckled walking you towards the bathroom, you hissed as you walked along the floor. Your legs were already sore but he sat you on the toilet, 

"Go for a wee, it'll fight off any infections and then we'll have a bath together," You nodded at him and he left the room to find the other pyjama's that were in his room considering the shorts of yours were soiled now. He came back into the room and you were already in the water waiting for him, 

"You're so cute when you're tired." Your eyes were half-open, you were practically falling asleep sitting up. He laid the fresh clothes on the bathroom side and got into the bath behind you, bringing you to lay your head back on his chest. 

"I love you dumbass," You said to him and he chuckled, 

"I love you too dumbass." He kissed the top of your head and reached forward so he could turn off the taps and finally laid back letting you relax there for a while. 

Tagline: 

@writingdreamsnottragedies​ @snowy-meowl​ @lynnthevirgo​ @jooniesdarlingdimples​ @lyoongx​ @fan-ati--c​ @mitzwinchester​ @callingmyangel​ @rjsmochii​ @btsiguess-kpop​ @kneel-begyourpardon​ @taestannie​ 

[akookminsupporter]

Since a lot of your Anons have talked about fan narratives, I wanted to bring up the most bizarre and out-of-touch one to me: JK and TH using Jimin as a coverup for their relationship.

Um. Okay. I’m LGBTQ, and I can tell you, the idea of a man using another man as a cover to hide his relationship with yet another man is just—wildly absurd. WILDLY. Because out here in the real world, LGBTQ people often have to hide their sexualities for safety/acceptance — and that is not dependent on which same-sex person they’re dating.

It’s so clear this is motivated by internal ship wars and not any real world logic. Because outside of the Army ship bubble, JK’s conservative society would react to his sexuality, period. No one would care which man JK was with. So if he were orchestrating a cove to protect himself, he wouldn’t make his cover a relationship that proves his sexuality! TKKers really out here thinking it’s more important to hide a specific relationship than to avoid outing himself altogether.

Actually anon, that's the most popular theory among tkkrs as an explanation for why Jimin is almost all the time with Jungkook and not Tae.

I don't think anyone would have the audacity to accuse tkkrs of being logical.

[alpacaparkaseok]

7 Secrets Drabbles m.list

Compiled below is a list of all the drabbles I wrote that go along with my series, 7 Secrets. These come from different perspectives and show a bit more of the story! Enjoy!

The one where Jungkook finds out

The one where Taehyung can’t stop

The one where Aera gets the hiccups

The one where the boys freak out (ot7, requested)

The one where the boys watch the girls freak out (ot7, requested)

The one where they just...melted ← not gonna lie, this one’s my fav.

The one where Yoongi gets teased

The one where there is no secret cove

The one where everyone goes public (ot7)

The one where Beth finds the diss track

[kpopfanfictrash]

Love to Hate (Ch. 6)

Author: kpopfanfictrash

Genre: Fuck Buddies / Enemies to Lovers

Pairing: Jungkook / Reader

Synopsis: Born with a silver spoon in your mouth, you've done your best to rid yourself of the taste since you were old enough to walk. Occasionally though, your mother manages to rope you into an obligatory function – or a blind date with playboy billionaire, Jeon Jungkook. Jungkook stands for everything you loathe about the world you left behind, but you can’t deny the spark of attraction between you. Intrigued by the promise of mutual satisfaction, you agree to one night in bed… and quickly realize you’re in far, far deeper than you ever intended.

Rating: 18+

Warnings: oral (male, female, sixty-nine position), face-sitting, dirty talk (includes y/n being in control + fantasizing about condomless sex), hand job, fingering, multiple orgasms, semi-public nsfw scene (not sex)

TW: jealousy

Word Count: 15,293

There aren’t many positive memories you have of your childhood.

Your parents were usually away, so most of said memories involve you, your brother and whatever babysitter happened to be employed at the time. These were usually young women, inexperienced, and more interested in your father’s attention than taking care of you and Jason.

In some ways, it made the good times – when they happened – even more precious.

When you were ten and Jason was three, your summer babysitter took you every day to the ocean. Mostly this was due to a crush she had on a lifeguard, but you appreciated the change from your usual monotony. Each morning you rose, convinced Jason to brush his teeth, made cereal for you both and piled into the backseat of your nanny’s car.

You fell in love.

The ocean was nothing but time, sand, and the open stretch of water. Your stuffy, expectation-laden life simply fell away, leaving you free to contemplate. Each day you’d arrive, lay down your towel and run to the waterline, where you’d plop your butt in the sand and spend hours waiting for your toes to wrinkle.

Persuasion skills on full display, you’d convince your babysitter to stay as late as possible – until you were racing against traffic to beat your parents home. When the summer ended and your babysitter returned to whatever college campus your dad found her at, you were devastated.

It was another two years before you found a way back. You remember bouncing up and down in the car as your new babysitter drove, fully aware you were much too old for the sentiment. A winding path led down from the cliffs, guiding the way to the hidden beach. As soon as the car was in park, you flung open the doors and ran across the asphalt before Jason could unbuckle.

Sprinting across the lot, you saw the waves of the ocean –

And came to a halt before a wooden sign.

NO ENTRANCE. PARK CLOSED.

Dumbfounded, your gaze traveled past it.

Later on, you would discover there’d been an oil spill. Some big barge which skipped scheduled maintenance and sprung a leak, spilling thousands of gallons of oil into the ocean. You can still remember the smell of gas, algae, and bloated fish carcass that day.

Eventually Jason caught up and slipped his hand into yours. The babysitter was annoyed at having come so far only to turn around. Despite this, it took nearly an hour to convince you to leave – longer still, for the ache in your heart to scab over.

That was the first moment you knew what you wanted to do with your life.

Your world tends to scar such beautiful things. Rather than continue the cycle, you wanted to stop it. You would keep the next beach from being ruined so that one day, someone else could sit on its shores and dream.

It’s what you remind yourself of now, listening to Doug Emblem blather on about how his town wishes to withdraw from your coastal ecosystem project.

Marine Cove is located two hours south of the city. Their participation in the project was an easy decision. Ten years prior, a lawsuit was filed against a trendy clothing manufacturer which dumped chemicals into their cove. After much effort, the lawsuit was won, and the clothing manufacturer was required to pay a hefty fine.

Through some truly devious work on behalf of their lawyers, the clothing company ended up paying only a fraction of the cost. As a result, the clean-up never came to fruition and Marine Cove’s coastline has remained polluted.

Clean Ocean intends to fix that.

Now though, Marine Cove’s mayor – Doug – is explaining to you why the city council is considering declining. Jaw clenched, you fight to keep your teeth from grinding together. Your dentist won’t be happy, come your semi-annual checkup.

It’s been a long week full of difficult conversations though, and you’re about at your limit. Starting with Sunday’s dinner with the Gunderson’s and ending with your impending dinner with Liam tomorrow.

“I’m sorry.” Hoseok leans in. “Could you explain the main points to me again?”

Doug exhales. His exasperation is clear on his face, which makes two of you.

“Fine,” he sighs. “You want me to be blunt? Marine Cove is a tourist town. Most of our revenue comes from shops along the ocean. The council is worried shutting down for a season could result in the loss of an entire year’s worth of revenue.”

Despite the animosity in Doug’s tone, Hoseok doesn’t flinch. “Like I said, we’d target the beach in a phased approach. No store would be required to fully shut down.”

“Any loss of revenue is considered substantial, though.”

“You could offer a stipend,” you say. “There are similar precedents in other countries. Governments that support small businesses in the short-term to provide long-term gains.”

Doug’s scowl deepens. “We’re not in another country, young lady.”

Your expression darkens, but Hoseok jumps in before you can reach through the computer and throttle Doug. He knows you despise being called ‘young lady’ in a business setting.

“There’s also the matter of future income,” Hoseok hastens. “As a coastal town that relies on tourism, it’s beneficial to every business to have clean water. Our research has shown a thirty percent tourism jump in towns labeled eco-friendly. Not to mention the coast has become considerably dirtier over the past fifty years. Having crystal-clear waters can only set Marine Cove apart.”

Settling back, you hide a small smile. Amongst many other reasons, this is a way Hoseok is invaluable to the organization. He could talk a fish into buying a high-rise condominium if he wanted.

Doug’s brow furrows, as though processing this information. He inhales – causing a flicker of hope in your chest – only to douse it entirely when he shakes his head.

“I’ll talk to the city council again.” Doug pauses. “They seemed pretty set in their decision, though. I’ll reach out to you next week and let you know the final answer.”

“Fine,” you say, unable to keep the fire from your voice. “Talk to you then.”

Doug nods, reaching out to press end on the video call.

For a moment, the room around you is silent – and then you swear. Hoseok sighs, slumping low in his seat and some of your anger must show on your face.

“Well,” he mutters. “That went well.”

“If by went well,” you say, “you mean we’ve dug ourselves into a hole.”

Hoseok offers a mirthless laugh.

The silence lingers until you notice the time. Nearing eight ‘o’clock and you still have several hours of work. Exhausted, you glance at your laptop and agonize over the mountain of unread emails before you.

“Go home, Y/N.” Sounding exhausted, Hoseok stands from his chair. “I’m heading out. No use working ourselves to death. We can look at Marine Cove again in the morning and strategize.”

You’re about to refute this – you should think of solutions now – but something in Hoseok’s expression gives you pause. He’s right. You’re not going to think of anything brilliant sitting alone in your office, over-caffeinated and overworked.

Speaking with Doug has thoroughly deflated you. Normally, it’s easy to bounce back but this week has been one thing after the other.

“Alright.” Reaching across the desk, you unplug your laptop. “I’m taking some work home with me, though. Maybe I’ll look things over after dinner.”

“Far be it from me to dissuade a workaholic,” Hoseok says as he leaves.

Your lips twitch despite yourself.

Still, the lingering feeling of failure remains as you stand from your desk. Deep down, you know you’ve thrown your best arguments at Marine Cove. If they decide to remove themselves from your project, there’s not much you can do.

At least the entire launch isn’t dependent on them. There are two other cities lined up, but Marine Cove holds special meaning for you.

Your family’s company was the distributor for the pollutant clothing manufacturer. The thought of you, their daughter, being the one to clean up their mess seemed fitting. Some things just aren’t meant to be, though.

Hoseok leaves before you, and you lock up the office. Closing the metal grate at the front door, you turn around and face the empty street. Idly spinning your keys, you head towards the garage you always park in.

Once inside your car, you drum your fingers against the steering wheel. Your RELAX, DAMMIT playlist fills the car as you slowly exhale.

Some of your exhaustion has vanished, leaving behind restlessness. If this were a Friday, you’d call Seokjin to go out – even though it’s a Thursday, you’re tempted to call him anyway. Reaching out for your phone, you remember Seokjin is away on business this week.

Skimming through your recent calls instead, you see Olya, Hoseok, Seokjin – Jungkook.

His name gives you pause.

The last time you saw Jungkook was at his apartment. After crashing –wasted – at his place, you hurried home the next morning before anything else could happen. For a day you avoided his name in your phone until he sent you a meme late Sunday night.

You’d just returned from dinner with the Gunderson’s, an event which rivals only your dentist visit for pleasure. Seeing Jungkook’s name was a surprise – you responded as though nothing had happened, as did he, and things have continued from there.

Neither of you has mentioned the fact that you slept at his place. Or that he took care of you drunk, made you ramen and leant you his t-shirt. All things Jungkook didn’t need to do and yet, he did. He absolutely didn’t need to send his date home when you showed up at the door.

There were many ways he could have responded that night and not been an asshole. Jungkook could have driven you back to your place. Could’ve had his driver take you home. Or just walked you to your Lyft and made sure you got back.

Instead, Jungkook dropped everything and sent his date home. You can count on one hand the number of people in your life who would do that. Maybe this says more about the people in your life than it does about Jungkook, but it does say something.

You just aren’t sure what. You also aren’t sure what message it would send if you called him now.

Mind games aside, you’ve had a crappy day and Jungkook is the person you want to see. Exhaling deeply, you press his name on your phone.

Leaning back in your seat, you tap your steering wheel while you wait. Jungkook answers after only two and a half rings.

“Y/N?”

Your stomach tightens at the sound of his voice.

He’s breathing hard, and the thought crosses your mind you might be interrupting. What if you’ve done it again and called Jungkook during one of his more… intimate moments?

“Y/N?” he repeats, sounding curious. “You still there?”

“I – yeah,” you blurt. “I’m here.”

“Well, okay.”

“What’re you up to?”

A low chuckle escapes him. “I’m at the gym. Why? What’re you doing?”

Several of your body parts unclench at the confession. Without choosing to examine this closely, you relax in your seat.

“I’m just leaving work.”

“Now? It’s late. You work too hard, Y/N.”

“Says you,” you scoff. “Tell me, Jeon – this gym you’re at. Does it happen to be at your office?”

Jungkook pauses long enough to let you know you’re right.

“See?” you say with a laugh.

“Alright, fine.” Jungkook snorts. “You got me. I was planning to head back to my office and put some final changes on an impressive PowerPoint.”

“Ah,” you say carefully. “So… you’re busy tonight.”

He pauses. “I can put off the changes until tomorrow.”

“Oh?”

“Yeah.” His tone shifts. “Why? Did you want to hang out?”

Glancing aside, you look at the parking garage. Maybe you should’ve waited to have this conversation at home. It’s hard to dissect the meaning behind Jungkook’s words. Hang out could mean a myriad of things, most of which translate to casual.

“If you’re free,” you say. “I’m heading home now. You could meet me there.”

“At your apartment?”

Surprise colors his tone, and you can’t say you blame him. Up until now, you’ve always met at his place. Apart from the brief interaction when he drove you home from the club. You thought inviting Jungkook to your apartment would level the playing field, put you in control, but now you’re not so sure.

Inviting him over might mean inviting him in in more ways than one.

“Yeah,” you say, hoping Jungkook doesn’t notice your hesitancy. “My place. I’ll text you the address if you don’t already have it.”

“I have it.” He pauses. “I’d have to leave early, though. I have an early meeting tomorrow. Seven AM breakfast – near your place, actually.”

“Oh.” The words are out before you can stop them. “Well, you can just stay over if you want. Bring clothes, stay the night and leave from my place tomorrow.”

The moment the words are out of your mouth, you wish you could cram them back in. Jungkook barely seems phased, and you wonder if you’re overthinking.

“Yeah, sure. That’d be great. See you in an hour?”

“Perfect.”

Saying goodbye, you hang up before anything else can leave your mouth. Staring at the concrete wall of the garage, you wonder what you just did.

Coming to your senses, you put your car in reverse and leave the garage. Everything is fine, you repeat to yourself as you drive. Jungkook is coming over. You two have been sleeping together for months – shit, has it really been that long? – and this is hardly the most intimate thing you’ve ever done.

Except – it might be.

Staying the night implies all sorts of things you haven’t done in years. Not since your last relationship have you slept with another person in your bed. Haven’t woken up to someone’s arm around your waist, tiptoed from bed the next morning to brush your teeth. Those things are more intimate, more revealing than sex.

At least, they are to you. You aren’t sure about Jungkook.

Forcing this from your mind, you decide to concentrate on the moment at hand. Right now, you’re driving. At home, you’re cleaning your apartment. A half-hour spent rushing around, throwing laundry in the bin and Windex-ing your bathroom mirror free of smudges.

You’re just finishing placing dirty dishes in the washer when a knock sounds at your door. Glancing at your phone, you see Jungkook is ten minutes early and start to panic.

“Shit,” you blurt, shoving the dishwasher shut with your hip.

Dante looks up from the couch, confused by your tone.

“Not you, baby,” you coo, darting around him. “You’re perfect.”

Stepping into slippers and throwing open the door, you find yourself face to face with – Jimin. Partially, you deflate.

His brows raise. “I’m perfect?”

“Not you,” you say, leaning against the door. “Dante.”

“Oh, sure.” His head bobs. “That makes more sense.”

“What’re you doing here?”

Glancing around Jimin, you find the hallway empty. Equal parts relief and anticipation wage war in your brain.

“Would it be cliché to ask to borrow an egg?” Jimin asks, returning your gaze to him.

“No,” you laugh, leaving the door open as you turn around. “Hang on, I’ll get you one.”

“You’re a lifesaver,” he sighs, following you in.

Jimin waits on your threshold, refusing to step an inch from your doormat. In the kitchen, you pull open your fridge and retrieve the eggs. Returning to Jimin, you pluck one from the carton.

“Here you go.”

Jimin nods, hesitating while glancing around your apartment. “Damn, Y/N.” He tilts his head. “Did you clean up in here, or something?”

Heat immediately rises to the back of your neck.

“What do you mean?” you ask. “My place is always clean.”

“Sure, your place is clean,” Jimin allows. “I hear your vacuum running every other weekend, so I can attest. What I mean is your place looks neater than normal. Usually, there’s a pile of clothes on that chair and Dante’s toys are kind of all over, and–”

“Okay, Jimin,” you say, cutting him off. “I get it.”

Meeting your gaze, his grin widens. “Expecting company, Y/N?”

“Out,” you blurt, practically pushing him out the door. “Now.”

Jimin laughs, allowing himself to be moved. “I think it’s nice,” he calls over his shoulder. “When I first started dating my girlfriend, I wanted my place to be spotless.”

“What a treat for her now,” you grumble. “To get to see your place when it’s messy.”

“I know you didn’t mean it that way,” Jimin says cheerfully. “But you’re right, it is a treat. To see someone so often, they don’t have time to clean.”

His words send a pang through your chest, since Jimin is right – that does sound nice.

Before you can respond though, a familiar dark head crests the top of your landing. Jungkook appears on the final step, a worn duffle bag slung over his shoulder.

“Damn,” he pants, catching his breath. “Your place should come with a cardio warning, Y/N.”

Jimin’s brows shoot way, way up.

“Hey, Jimin.” Jungkook resumes walking towards you. “Those stairs are wild.”

Grin spreading slowly over his face, Jimin looks in your direction.

“Hey, Jungkook,” he says.

Before Jimin can continue though, and damn you with casual observation, you leap into action. Grabbing Jungkook by the elbow, you practically shove him inside your apartment.

“Night, Jimin!” you call, slamming the door.

Turning around, you immediately slump to the door while Jungkook looks on with amusement. He watches you step from your slippers, adjusting the strap thrown across his chest.

“Where’s my best friend?” Jungkook looks around.

You frown, confused – until Dante bolts from his couch in a wriggling inferno. Grinning, Jungkook removes his bag and drops to his knees. Laughing quietly to himself, he gives your dog belly rubs while Dante flops on his back.

Staring at the picture of domesticity, you wonder if you’re trouble. It’d be all too easy to imagine this happening more often. To imagine coming home to someone other than just yourself.

Curse Jimin and his mind-reading skills.

Jungkook looks as though he came straight from the office in his gray suit, black shirt, and tie. The sight unnerves you enough that you start to babble.

“Do you want water?” you ask, retreating to the kitchen. “Or wine?”

“Both would be great,” Jungkook calls.

Nodding, you take down two glasses and turn around. Jungkook remains beside Dante but now, he’s removed his shoes and placed them by your door. Dante is in a state of euphoria, based on his tongue lolling halfway from his mouth.

While he rubs Dante’s belly, Jungkook glances around your apartment.

“You’re really clean,” he observes.

Glancing down, you remove the cork from a bottle of red.

“Thanks,” you say as you pour. “I try.”

Jungkook watches and, when you slide the glass across the counter, reluctantly stands. Dante follows, trotting along to plop at Jungkook’s feet when he sits at the counter.

Accepting the glass you hand him, Jungkook takes a slow sip.

His gaze lingers. “You sounded… stressed when you called.”

Shrugging, you take a sip from your own glass. “Rough day.”

Jungkook pauses, glancing into his wine. A few seconds pass before he frowns.

“What happened?”

You still.

On the surface, the question is innocent enough but with Jungkook, you know that nothing is simple. Your arrangement is just sex – no strings attached. Personal facts translate to strings. Venting to each other would be strings. And yet, here Jungkook is, giving you permission to break your agreement.

If you want to.

Glancing upward, you meet his gaze. “There’s an issue with one of our projects,” you say after a moment. “A city that previously agreed to our coastal renovation project wants to pull out.”

Jungkook’s brows draw together. “Why?”

With a shrug, you consider brushing him off but something about Jungkook’s expression convinces you to go on.

“Their city council is in the pocket of several businessmen,” you explain. “Participating in our project would give bad publicity to the company that caused the pollution. Obviously, they’re not keen on letting this happen.”

Jungkook’s gaze narrows. “That’s shitty.”

Although you want to laugh, you manage to stop yourself.

“That’s business,” you say instead.

With a small nod, Jungkook acknowledges the veracity. He takes another sip of his wine, contemplating the color and taste. Setting the glass back down, Jungkook’s tongue pokes his cheek, creating a bulge until he looks up.

“Do you want some advice?” he says at last.

Surprised, you blink. “I – yeah. Sure.”

Jungkook exhales. “Okay, so, I have two thoughts. One – find another company to back your plan. The polluter is blocking progress on the project? Find someone with deeper pockets to sway the city council. And if that doesn’t work…” He lifts a brow. “Leak your proposal to the public.”

Your eyes widen. “I… do what?”

“Publicity works,” Jungkook says. “Use public opinion to your advantage. I’m sure most of the town would agree that cleaning the ocean is a priority. Rather than go through the council, bring your argument directly to the people.”

Staring at him, a million thoughts swirl through your mind. That isn’t how things are usually done – but then again, isn’t that the point? If the way things are done is corrupt, you need to find a new way. Leaking the proposal might be messy, but it could work.

Oh, who are you kidding? It would work, and you know it.

“You didn’t hear this from me.” Jungkook examines his glass. “But often, just the threat of public exposure is enough to make people fall in line.”

“Are you talking about… blackmail?”

“No.” He looks up. “I’m talking about explaining their options. Tell the council exactly what you plan on doing if they continue like this – and let them decide whether the consequences are worth it.”

A shiver travels your spine, but not in a bad way. For the first time, you’re seeing what Jungkook might be like at work, and you realize Jason was right.

Jungkook is smart. Ruthless, but smart.

Most of the time Jungkook seems content to play-act the spoiled heir, but that’s only a front. When people don’t feel threatened by the person before them, they’re far more likely to reveal information about themselves.

Including you. You feel more than a little foolish at having fallen for his act.

“You… know a lot about this,” you say at last.

Jungkook arches a brow. “You seem surprised.”

“No. Well, kind of.”

He laughs, draining the rest of his wine. Setting this down, his tongue darts to catch the last drop on his lips.

“Why?” Jungkook demands. “You know who I am. You know what my role is at my father’s company.”

“Yeah, but nepotism doesn’t usually translate to competence.”

His dark eyes gleam. “And in this case?”

“I… may find myself reconsidering.”

On the floor, Dante whines, redirecting your attention to him.

Jungkook’s expression softens a touch and in response, your breath catches. Jungkook is attractive when cocky, but beautiful when he lets down his guard. Reaching lower, he scratches behind Dante’s ears.

“Maybe I should get a dog,” Jungkook muses.

You can’t help but smile. “I’d recommend it. Things were kind of lonely before Dante.”

“Oh?”

Although Jungkook speaks casually, there’s interest beneath.

“Yeah.” You watch them both. “I’m not close with my parents. My brother and I are on good terms, but he’s… young. I guess what I’m saying is… that unconditional love is overrated,” you say with a quiet laugh.

Jungkook’s fingers pause.

Unsure what you’re doing, you find yourself continuing. “I mean, sure, I have Seokjin and Hoseok. But… you know. It’s different.”

“Yeah.” When Jungkook looks up, there’s something raw to his gaze. “It’s different.”

He doesn’t offer any more, and after a moment, you stop hoping he will. Unsure what you expected by revealing part of yourself, you return to your wine.

Jungkook might not be who you thought he was at first, but that doesn’t mean things between you have changed. You can count on one hand the facts you know about him, and most of them came from another source.

Actions speak louder than words, but only so far.

“I’m… not close to my dad.”

Startled, you look up when Jungkook continues.

He pauses, as though parsing through what to say. “I was close with my mom. Before she… well, before.”

“I’m sorry,” you say quietly.

He nods. “She did her best to protect me from this life. Fought with my dad to give me more time, let me decide what I wanted to do… I had all the time in the world, and I wasted it.”

Your throat tightens at his expression.

“Why do you think you wasted it?” you say carefully.

Jungkook looks up. “Come on, Y/N.”

It’s clear from his face what he means by this statement. From your first dinner, you made it clear what you thought of him. The women. The money. The scandal which follows the Jeon name like smoke.

You feel all of three inches tall when you say, “What do you mean?”

“You, of all people, should know what people say about me.” His jaw tightens. “The reputation I have. Do you really think my mom would be proud of that?”

“My mom would be,” you say without thinking.

Something almost like pity flashes across his face.

Swallowing, you force yourself to look down. “It doesn’t matter.”

Reaching out, Jungkook’s hand encircles your wrist. Lightly, his thumb strokes the inside of your skin until you look up.

“I think you’ve done well enough without them,” he says seriously.

You stare at him for a moment. “Likewise.”

Jungkook’s lips twist, and suddenly you’re overcome by an emotion you can’t name.

“No.” Emboldened, you reach for his other arm. “I mean it, Jungkook. Yeah, I had a preconceived notion about you when we first met, but doesn’t everyone? You said the same about me. I assumed you were like everyone else from our life, and you’re not. You’re more. And based on what you’re saying, I think your mom would be proud.”

Jungkook stays still, his chest rising and falling.

“Thank you,” he says at last.

The air between you feels thick, layered with a tension you can’t quite place. Your gaze drops to his lips but before you can do something you’d regret, his phone rings.

Both of you blink, and Jungkook glances down.

“Sorry,” he says, digging around in his pocket. “This’ll only take a moment.”

“It’s fine,” you say, pulling back your hand to drain the last of your wine. “Take your time.”

Jungkook nods, pressing answer as you turn around. Returning the glasses to your sink, you hurry out of the kitchen and into your bedroom. Dante reluctantly follows, glancing over his shoulder at Jungkook every few feet.

Safely ensconced in your bedroom, you take a deep breath. The change of location was 1) to give Jungkook some privacy, and 2) provide you some space to clear your mind.

After several long moments, you walk to your window and shut the blinds. In the next room, you can hear vague snippets of Jungkook’s conversation.

“No, we need at least two-thirds of the Board in attendance… I’m telling you, Namjoon, they won’t go for it… what if we did six instead of seven?”

Trying not to eavesdrop, you busy yourself with some last-minute cleaning. Dante promptly jumps on your bed, curling into a ball and falling asleep.

Walking past the mirror, you pause as your reflection. Although you changed after work, donning a loose sweater dress, you wonder if this was too much. Maybe you’re sending Jungkook the wrong message by saying you’re looking for more when you’re not.

Or are you?

“Argh,” you exhale, turning around.

Before your panic can grow, you realize the next room has gone silent. Glancing upward, you find Jungkook leaning against the wooden frame to your bedroom.

“Hey,” he says, then pauses. “Sorry for the interruption.”

“It’s no problem.” Your gaze drops to his phone. “Work?”

“Something like that.”

Avoiding further response, Jungkook steps across the threshold. His gaze travels around your room, landing on your bed – and Dante, on the pillows.

He smiles. “Does he normally sleep there?”

“No,” you say, shooing Dante off with one hand. Holding open the door, you wait while he trudges half-heartedly to his crate. “It’s time he went to sleep, though. I took him outside just before you got here.”

Jungkook nods as Dante disappears around the corner. You leave your room for a moment, giving Dante a treat as a reward and turning off the overhead light.

When you return, Jungkook stands by your bed with a look of pure torture.

“What is it?” you say, closing the door with your heel.

“It’s just…” He shakes his head. “I feel like I’m kicking him out, or something.”

You can’t help but laugh. “He’s fine, don’t worry. Dante is an introvert. He needs more ‘me’ time than I do.”

Jungkook grins, and some of the tension dissipates between you. Another kind takes its place, one which makes you shift your weight and press your thighs together.

His eyes gleam, as though reading your mind.

“So.” Casually, he slips both hands in his pockets. “What now?”

Lifting a brow, you glance at your bed.

Jungkook follows your gaze. “Well, sure.” He laughs. “But there are plenty of ways to have sex. What do you want?”

What do you want? A million-dollar question and one you know you’ll need to answer soon, but tonight’s not that night. It’s not what Jungkook is asking you, anyways.

Looking at him, you exhale. “Today sucked.”

“I hear you.”

Walking towards him, you come to a stop when you stand toe-to-toe. Sliding a hand up his chest, you marvel at the stretch of suit over muscle. Jungkook doesn’t move, allowing you to explore.

Your hand stills. “I want to relax.”

“Mm. And what would help you to do that?”

You look up. “What do you mean?”

“What I mean is” – Stepping closer, Jungkook covers your hand with his – “do you want me to take control? Make you forget? Or do you want to take the lead? Want to boss me around and feel like you’re in charge?”

Your lip curls. “Feel like?”

Something in his gaze sparks.

“Mm.” Lowering his head, Jungkook presses his lips to the curve of your throat. “I said what I said.”

Newly determined, you press your palm to his chest. “That so?”

He nods.

“Not tonight,” you say. “Go and sit on the bed.”

Jungkook stills, lifting his head and you nearly combust at the desire in his gaze.

He wants this, you realize. Jungkook wants you to boss him around, and you recall his arousal when you rode him at the club. He wants to let go – emboldened by this knowledge, you slip a hand up his back. Gripping the strands at the base of his hair, you gently tug.

“Now,” you say sweetly.

Jungkook roughly exhales. “Right away.”

As soon as you relax your grip, he retreats. Staying where you are, you watch him walk towards your bed and turn around. Several steps away, he lifts a brow.

Brat.

“Sit,” you repeat, voice low.

Jungkook obeys, his thighs spreading over the edge of your bed. The position forces him to shift and accommodate the sizable bulge at his pants.

Walking forward, you come to a stop at his knees.

“Take off your jacket,” you demand. “And your shirt.”

Gaze sparking, he nods. His suit jacket goes first, dropped on the floor. Next comes the button-down shirt underneath it. Once both are gone, he sits on your bed, naked from the waist-up. Tan skin, muscles, and tattoos on display.

On impulse, his muscles flex against the waistband of his pants.

You force your gaze upward. “Your pants, too.”

Lowering his hands to his belt buckle, Jungkook tugs the leather strap from its loops. Dropping this on the ground, he moves to the zipper.

Noticing your gaze on his belt, Jungkook says, “Not on me. But I’ll tie you up if you want.”

“Noted,” you say.

On the inside, you soften. It’s the first time Jungkook has communicated any sort of hard line. You can’t help but wonder about the reason, though you fight to stay present.

Tugging down on the zipper, Jungkook releases a breath. His pants join his belt on the floor and now he’s only dressed in Armani boxer-briefs. Holy fuck is he gorgeous. Unable to help yourself, you take a step closer.

Stopping between his thighs, you lower one knee to the bed. Grasping his hair – again – you tilt his head backwards.

Meeting your gaze, Jungkook smiles. His chest rises and falls as your core ghosts his thigh. Slowly leaning forward, you lick casually up his throat. A soft groan escapes him, shifting beneath you and you feel his breath quicken.

Your hand trails down his front, dragging a finger along the top of his boxer-briefs. Jungkook’s abdominals tighten. Moving lower, you loosely cup him over the fabric of his boxers. Jungkook is already stiff, and the longer you linger, the harder he gets.

When he shifts again, you tug on his hair. “Be good,” you tease.

Lowering your lips, you brush a kiss to his clavicle. Tugging his boxers away from his abs, you reach in to cup his admirable length.

Jungkook hisses. “Fuck.”

“Oh?” You close your hand around him. “Is that what you want?”

Keeping his hands on the bed, Jungkook locks eyes with you. His hips shift under your hand, canting his length further into your grip.

“Yeah, that’s what I want,” Jungkook pants.

Dragging a finger over the tip, you’re pleased to feel a small drop of pre-cum. “Mm. Then you’ll have to do exactly as I say.”

He inhales, head tipping backward as your hand strokes his cock. Jungkook’s gaze is lidded, his pleasure obvious when he speaks.

“Anything,” he rasps.

“Good.”

Withdrawing, you take a step backwards. Jungkook groans, slumping forward to fill the space you vacated.

“Stand,” you say, fighting a smile.

Jungkook obeys, making it even more obvious how turned on he is. The bulge at the front of his boxers is borderline obscene: your mouth waters at the sight.

The only thing to mar his expanse of gold skin and tattoos are his Armani boxers. Moving closer, you grasp the waistband to slowly tug them down. Pausing, you wait for Jungkook to nod before pushing them past his ass.

When they hit the floor, he’s left entirely nude. Since that first night, you’ve dearly wanted to do this – just look at him naked.

Jungkook is so ridiculously hot, it’s unfathomable. If this were your first time sleeping together, you’d leave it at that. With tonight being what it is though, you can’t help but notice other things.

The all-too casual jut of his jaw, the defensive tilt of his head. Jungkook wants you to like what you see. Possibly he needs it as much as you do.

Taking a step towards him, you slide both palms up his chest.

“How are you real,” you murmur, dropping a kiss. Lips grazing a nipple, it results in a sharp intake of breath. “Seriously.”

Jungkook exhales, low and husky. “Maybe I’m not.”

“I don’t know,” you say, wrapping your hand around his cock. “This feels pretty real to me.”

Feeling his length makes your core throb, and you wish it were your mouth. All in good time, you remind yourself as you suck a nipple.

Jungkook groans and his hips chase your hand.

“Can I make a request?” he pants.

“Mm.” You lick around the dark bud. “Maybe. Doesn’t mean I’ll listen.”

“Take off your dress.” Hand grasping your wrist, he forces your gaze upward. Jungkook’s expression is tortured, a moment away from begging. “Please. I want to see you, Y/N – I’ll beg for it if you want.”

Maybe not a moment, then.

Eyes wide, you scan his face and see only desire. Making your decision, you step backwards and grasp the hem of your dress. Lifting this over your head, you’re left in only lingerie, changed into after work.

Jungkook’s pupils dilate. He acts as though he hasn’t seen you in years. His cock stands hard at his waist, the tip red and leaking. Slowly, Jungkook’s gaze tracks each movement of your hands, following as you skim your breasts and hips.

Your fingers pause on your panties. “I think that’s enough.”

Torture, then pleasure chase across his features. You stare at him, mesmerized as you near Jungkook on the bed. He’s enjoying this, you realize, pressing a palm to his chest. It grants you confidence to continue, walking him back until his knees hit the mattress.

Jungkook tries to sit, but you shake your head. Before he can respond, you lower yourself until your knees hit the ground.

His eyes widen. “Y/N, what are you – fuck,” he groans.

One hand wrapping around his thigh, you guide his length to your lips. At first you just tease, sliding over the tip until he rests in your mouth. Jungkook’s thigh muscles flex beneath your palms, an automatic response to your mouth on his dick.

He’s hard at his waist, needing no help from your hands. Sucking on him lazily, you release with a pop. When you sit back on your heels, you casually fist with one hand. From this angle, Jungkook can see the sinful sight of your cleavage below his cock. Breathing seems to be difficult for him right now.

Meeting his gaze, you replace your hand with your mouth. When you deep-throat him, Jungkook groans in satisfaction and his eyes flutter shut.

He looks like a damn angel, with his thighs parted and hips thrusting into the warmth of your mouth. It’s so unbearably hot, you can already feel wetness gathering between your thighs. Unable to help yourself, you lower a hand and skim the front of your panties. Doing this again, you take him in deeper and swirl your tongue.

Jungkook’s eyes open to the sight of you touching yourself. Gaze darkening, he follows the sinful stroke of your hand.

Your mouth is still around his cock when he bends down and cups your jaw with one hand.

“Let me help you.” His voice sounds scraped raw. “Want to get on the bed and have you ride my face.”

His words are shocking enough for you to pull back.

Eyes wide, you stare, but Jungkook doesn’t blink. Instead, he has the audacity to cock a brow and smirk.

It’s the second time he’s wrested control from you tonight – the first being the request to remove your clothes – and you should be annoyed. Instead, you find yourself enjoying how much he’s enjoying himself.

If you’re being honest, the position of sixty-nine has never appealed to you. There’s too much happening at once. Guys tend to forget about pleasing their partner once their dick is in someone’s mouth. In your experience, sixty-nining has ended with cum in your mouth and an unfulfilled orgasm.

Then again, that’s how you felt about oral before Jungkook.

“Alright,” you say as you rise to your feet. “Let’s do it.”

If he’s surprised by your response, Jungkook doesn’t show it. Taking a seat on the bed, he scoots backwards until there’s room enough for his legs. Leaning back on one elbow, he motions you towards him.

Hiding a smile, you lower one knee to the bed – and stop.

Jungkook smirks. “You need to turn around, princess,” he says. “Let’s position you, and then we can worry about me.”

Your mouth dries at the word princess, but you manage to nod and lower the other knee. Feeling utterly ridiculous, you crawl towards him and pause.

Lying back on the bed, Jungkook pats his chest with one hand.

“Hop on.” He drops a wink.

Stifling a groan, you resume motion and swing your left leg over his chest. Facing the end of your mattress, you glance over your shoulder to check if this is all right. Jungkook’s jaw has gone slightly slack, staring at your ass.

“Is this… good?” you ask, feeling self-conscious.

“Fuck, yeah.” Jungkook continues to stare. “I’m going to have wet dreams about this view for a month. Bend over, princess.”

Your core clenches at the hunger in his gaze. Facing forward, you slowly bend forward to grab his thighs. Reaching for your hips, Jungkook pulls you backwards until you see the top of his chin.

“Mm,” he exhales.

Shifting beneath you, Jungkook slowly drags a finger down the center of your sex.

Releasing a breath, your head drops when he does this again. Jungkook repeats the motion, teasing your body until your hips sway above him. Only then does he pull your panties aside – you can’t help but inhale, hearing the way the drenched fabric sticks to your cunt.

“Fuck,” Jungkook groans. “You’re a goddamn dream, Y/N.”

Arching upward, his first swipe of tongue has your knees buckling. Jungkook starts out slowly, licking up and down your sex with slow, gentle motions. Keeping your panties pulled to the side, he leisurely moves higher to suck on your clit.

“Oh my god,” you say, hanging your head.

Tightening his grip on your ass, Jungkook holds you in place while he eats you out. You can’t help but feel wanton, exposed – there’s a greater deal of trust involved with this position than you imagined.

Glancing up, you see Jungkook is enjoying himself. The tip of his cock is red and needy, rock hard from being ignored for so long. Remembering you’re supposed to be sucking him off, you lean forward and take him into your mouth.

Jungkook groans, his face half-buried in your cunt. Shifting on the bed, he grants you greater access. You give a lazy suck, wanting to make Jungkook feel as good as he’s making you feel.

“Fuck, baby,” he says in between flicks of his tongue. “That’s it. Suck my cock so well.”

You want to. You want to make Jungkook come, send him over the edge with your name on his lips. There’s a power in being desired. You need Jungkook to think about you and only you when he goes home tomorrow.

Pushing your ass backwards, you take more of him in your mouth and gag a little.

Jungkook moans in approval, his hips thrusting to make you gag again. Spit dribbles past your lips, making things messy as you slide off with a pop. Fisting him with one hand, you move up and down while he spreads your pussy.

“You’re” – finding your clit, Jungkook flicks his tongue – “so” – his other finger circles your entrance – “fucking” – he pushes inside – “amazing.”

Taking him again in your mouth, you suck on him hard when his finger slips inside. The angle of your body necessitates he stop eating you out, but when Jungkook adds a second finger, you don’t really care. He stretches his fingers as he retreats, and in response, you deep-throat him.

Jungkook makes a noise that’s half-torture, half-bliss.

His grip on you tightens.

“Tell me if it’s too much,” Jungkook growls, pulling down your hips.

Spreading your thighs, he buries his face in your pussy to tongue your tightening walls. His chin skims your clit, resulting in waves of pleasure. You can barely concentrate, lightly fisting Jungkook with one hand while your body trembles.

You fight to stay present, thumbing over his tip before Jungkook pulls back.

“Forget about me,” he rasps, dragging his fingers through your slick. “Want you to come like this.”

You hiccup, barely sentient as he buries his face in your pussy. This wasn’t what you intended when you dropped to your knees. You can’t bring yourself to stop him though, when your entire world feels like it’s falling apart.

Spreading your folds, Jungkook fucks you with his tongue while he nudges your clit towards a dangerous precipice.

“Oh my god,” you groan. “Oh my fucking god, Jungkook.”

He mumbles something you can’t hear and – eyes flying open – you realize with horror you’re basically sitting on his face. Startled, you lift your hips upward.

“Jungkook, I’m so sorry, I –”

Panting, he stares at you, the lower half of his face glistening. Seeing your expression, Jungkook frowns.

“What are you sorry about?” He fights to catch his breath. “Sit on my fucking face, Y/N. If I drown in this pussy, it’d be a great way to go. Taehyung would high-five me through the grave.”

You stare at him a moment, eyes wide and he grins. Grasping your ass, Jungkook physically returns you to his face.

This time, you let him.

Tracing your opening again, Jungkook savors before his tongue thrusts inside you. Arching his back, he drags his tongue up your folds before sucking on your clit. Gripping your waist, he controls your motion as you grind up and down. You whimper, going faster – not really meaning to, but unable to control your reaction.

Jungkook seems to be enjoying it, based on his hardening cock between his thighs. You’re torn between staring at this – the way his hips shift, the leaking cum on the tip – and watching Jungkook lick between your legs.

“Come for me,” he gasps, tearing himself free. “Want to feel you soak my face.”

Your breath catches when he continues, each muscle taut and ready to snap. You’re not sure you can survive this, but for him, you’ll find the strength.

Gripping your thighs hard enough to leave marks – and god, you hope that he does – Jungkook flicks your clit with expert precision. Teasing you to the brink, he pushes you close to the edge, but never reaches it. He continues until you’re practically breaking, thighs quivering beneath the onslaught of pleasure.

When you do come, your orgasm slams into you with a force that makes you cry out. Wave after wave of pleasure drags you under, seeing black for a moment while he holds you up.

Eventually, Jungkook’s hands smooth down your thighs and he pushes himself backward. Sitting up on your bed, he grasps you around the waist to lift you from his lap.

“What are you doing?” you laugh, somewhat breathless as he deposits you beside him.

“Condom.” Jungkook scans your room. “Where do you keep them?”

“Bedside table,” you say. “Middle drawer.”

Jungkook nods, reaching for your end table. It’s a fantastic view as he goes, showing off his taut muscles and sculpted ass. You can’t help but appreciate it, sinking back on your sheets. By now, you’ve caught your breath and are basking in the state of post-euphoric high.

Sitting back on his heels, Jungkook tears open the packet with his teeth. He rolls the condom onto his cock and, inadvertently, you lick your lower lip. Glancing up, Jungkook sees this and lifts a brow.

“Is this what you want?” he asks, fisting himself with one hand.

Your breath quickens. “Yes.”

“This?” he murmurs, guiding his length between your legs. “You want me inside you?”

Tipping your head back, you inhale as Jungkook presses his tip to your entrance. Slowly dragging up and down, he gets himself wet with your slick. Each feigned stroke has you clenching, imagining what it will feel like once he’s inside.

“Yes,” you groan, spreading your legs.

Jungkook doesn’t push in. Instead, he bends to close his mouth around a turgid nipple. Teasing you slowly, he lowers a hand to your aching sex. Slipping a finger inside, he curls this digit against the tight ring of muscles. Sliding out, Jungkook adds another finger and slowly fucks you.

Your hips move with his hand, chasing the motion. Using his teeth, Jungkook continues to tease your nipple, only lifting his head when you moan his name. Removing his fingers from your dripping cunt, he licks each of them clean.

“Fuck,” you groan, unable to look away.

Jungkook smiles, gripping his cock to guide to your entrance. He pushes only the tip in, and you feel your breath catch.

He groans at this, lowering his head. “Fuck,” Jungkook mutters, pushing in a bit more. “You’re so damn tight, princess.”

“Mm. Feels so good,” you say, wrapping your legs around his waist.

Grasping your knee with one hand, Jungkook skims your thigh to land at your hip. Looking up, he meets your gaze and sinks in another inch.

“So fucking wet and tight,” Jungkook murmurs. “Can’t imagine what it’d feel like to be inside you raw.”

Your pussy immediately clenches, and you’re sure he can feel it. Based on the smirk Jungkook gives you, you know that he does.

“Better than this,” you say, sliding a hand down his back. “There’d be nothing between us. Just your thick, hot cock in my little pussy.”

Jungkook’s jaw clenches and, pulling out, he thrusts in a bit deeper. He’s only halfway in but you can already feel a stretch.

“Bet you’d like that, wouldn’t you,” Jungkook pants, drawing out to the tip. “Bet you’d like me to fuck you raw. Fill you up with my cum, flip you over, then fuck you again.”

“Fuck, Jungkook,” you groan. “I would.”

Dragging your fingers in lines down his back, you savor the sensation of him slowly filling you. Jungkook has nearly bottomed out when he reaches a hand to your clit, sliding in all the way.

You groan, split in half by his cock. Jungkook stills, his chest brushing yours as he slides a hand up your side. Cupping your breast, he flicks over the nipple while remaining inside. Opening yourself further, you hook both ankles over the small of his back.

Slowly, Jungkook withdraws, hesitating a moment before pushing back in. Inhaling sharply, your head tips back when he does it again. Each thrust of his hips has you begging for more, heels pressed to his ass as you move underneath him.

Fingers finding his back, you pull him closer – urging him to go deeper. Each lazy thrust brushes his chest against yours; you can already feel yourself tightening around him.

“Y/N,” Jungkook exhales.

His lips move up your throat, open-mouthed and raw. Jungkook kisses up your jaw, over your cheek and down again. You arch into his touch, pulling him closer as he moves inside you.

“Ah,” you gasp, each thrust hitting an aching spot. “Oh – oh – oh!”

“That’s it,” Jungkook murmurs, adjusting his angle. “Right there?”

“Y-yes,” you pant, squirming beneath him.

Jungkook thrusts harder, keeping the same pace and you nearly combust. Each time he rolls his hips you whimper, filled to the brim over and over.

“Ah,” you gasp. “Yes – yes, there!”

“There?” Jungkook repeats the motion.

“Yes, yes – god, yes, Jungkook!”

It feels so good, you might explode. There’s a mounting tension in your chest you don’t understand, gripping him tighter as you tighten around him. Jungkook thrusts even harder, and your grasp on control slips.

When you look at him, Jungkook’s expression mirrors what you feel – and in response, you bury your face in his shoulder.

“Yes!” you gasp, squeezing tightly as you come undone.

Jungkook soon follows, fucking you through the crushing orgasm. You curl yourself around him, gradually returning to your sated body. Jungkook eventually slows as he softens inside you.

After a moment, he exhales and pulls out. Without his weight on top, you feel strangely empty. Sitting up on your pillows, you watch Jungkook remove the condom and tie this in a knot.

“Where do you want this?” he asks, glancing around.

“I’ll take it.” Swinging your legs to the side, you stand from your bed. Grabbing the condom, you head for the bathroom. “I need to wash up, anyways.”

The last thing you see before closing the door is Jungkook, lowering himself to your side.

Heart hammering, you whirl back around.

You were so focused on the sex part of tonight, you completely forgot about what came next. Jungkook staying over.

Tossing the condom in the trash, you head to the sink and turn on the faucet. You can do this, you rationalize, splashing water on your face. You can sleep beside Jungkook and ignore the fact this is the first time you’ve slept with anyone since your last relationship. Which was a long time ago and ended badly.

Very badly.

Taking several deep breaths, you consider the irony of this type of intimacy being more difficult than having sex. You know you could ask Jungkook to sleep on the couch and he’d probably say yes and be fine with it – but that wouldn’t be honest. You want to sleep beside Jungkook.

Cementing yourself in your decision, you grab your bathrobe from a hook and open the door. To your relief (or disappointment), Jungkook has put back on his boxer-briefs.

He lounges on your bed and, glancing up, he frowns when you enter.

“Why’d you put that on?” Jungkook says.

Lips twitching, you cross the room to your wardrobe.

“Because I was cold. Did you think I slept naked?”

“Hoped,” he grumbles, flopping down on his back. “Why not start now? I’ve already gotten the close-up view, after all.”

Rolling your eyes, you open a drawer and select a flimsy nightgown. Okay, you might be thinking of Jungkook when you make your selection.

“You know, there can be too much of a good thing,” you say as you turn around.

Jungkook makes a dismissive noise. “See, I think whoever came up with that phrase was something of a masochist.”

“Shakespeare.”

“Definite masochist.” He grimaces. “The cause of much pain in high schools around the world. Including mine.”

Hiding a smile, you cross to your bed and turn off your light. Slipping under your covers, you plug in your phone and turn over to face him.

“Why am I not surprised to hear you hate Shakespeare?”

In the darkness, Jungkook’s eyes seem to glow.

“I don’t hate him,” he says, which surprises you. “Richard III? Strangely applicable to my family.”

You snort. “The murderous King who descends into madness?”

Jungkook arches a brow.

“Very nice,” you laugh, snuggling into your pillow. “And how manly, to only consider the tragedies. Sure, memorize his soliloquies on death and power, but god forbid you ever recite a sonnet.”

Jungkook is quiet long enough you think he’s fallen asleep. Your own eyes start to shut, fingers curling into the sheets when Jungkook finally speaks.

“Doubt that the stars are fire. Doubt that the sun doth move his aides. Doubt truth to be a liar, but never doubt I love.” Jungkook’s voice is soft, almost hypnotic. “Hamlet. Sometimes, the tragedies are beautiful, too.”

Your eyes slowly open, unable to think of a response.

Jungkook’s face is soft in the half-moonlight, concave against the fabric of your pillowcase. Something stirs in your stomach while you look at him and, when he reaches out, you hold your breath.

His fingers pause, then gently adjust the strap of your nightgown.

“Sorry,” he murmurs as he pulls back.

“I stand corrected,” you say. “That was beautiful.”

His lips curve in a smile.

“You know…” Hesitant, you choose your next words carefully. “I wouldn’t have expected you to remember something like that.”

Jungkook shrugs against the pillow. “Yeah, well. My dad would be immensely disappointed if the fancy education he spent money on had gone to waste.”

“Oh, it’d be shameful for sure. Imagine if you went to a cocktail party and the Queen of England demanded you recite a monologue of your choosing?”

Jungkook bursts into laughter, shaking the bed. “My family name would be disgraced.”

“Obviously.”

He grins, slipping a hand beneath the pillow. “Were you also sent to fancy boarding school, or did you escape that particular horror?”

“Oh, I was sent,” you say with a sigh. “Were you forced into fencing? I was, and I always thought it was ridiculous. I was terrible, too. Stabbed two girls on accident and was asked to switch to golf.”

“Right, sure.” Jungkook winks. “Stabbed them ‘on accident.’ I got you.”

“Really!” you laugh. “So, what did you do, then?”

“No fencing at my school, but we did learn to play polo.”

You blink. “Are you serious? Like… on a horse?”

“Yes, on a horse.” His grin widens. “We actually…”

Words melt into minutes, then hours and before you know it, you’re curled against your pillow, nodding off. Jungkook asks if you’re awake and you mumble an answer, which only makes him laugh.

Warm lips brush your forehead, and you try to respond, but it’s the last thing you remember before dreams pull you under.

At some point in the night, you become aware of a heavy weight draped around your middle.

Blearily, you open one eye and are met with a darkened room. You’re lying on your side, fingers curled around the sheets – and the weight around you must be Jungkook’s arm.

Startled, you glance down, then back up and feel warmth rise to your face. Jungkook has pulled you against him, or you’ve somehow rolled to nestle against his chest. It puts you in the rather precarious position of having your ass pressed to his crotch. Jungkook’s hand splays across your center with casual ownership.

Unwittingly, your thoughts return the first night you slept together. You said back then Jungkook was the type of guy who’d place a pillow between himself and whoever he slept with. It seems you were wrong in the matter.

Very wrong.

Jungkook stirs in his sleep, and you feel the evidence of his arousal. That’s only natural, you remind yourself, forcing your eyes shut. Men are biologically designed to respond to pressure on their crotch. If he were awake right now, he’d likely be embarrassed.

Despite your best efforts, sleep remains elusive. Now that you’re awake, all you can think about is the man behind you. Jungkook’s hand hovers somewhere between casual and dangerous, and you can’t help but wish he’d move a few inches lower.

In the half-asleep state of the darkened room, you feel your subconscious shed several pounds of anxiety. You can’t help but concentrate on the feel of Jungkook’s body, the steady sound of his breathing layered over yours.

Subtly, you push your ass backwards.

Jungkook stirs, his body reacting without fully waking. You wait another moment and then roll your hips. This time, his grip flexes on your waist to anchor you to his front. The air between you has thickened, heavy with the weight of unspoken desire.

Softly, Jungkook exhales, his breath brushing your shoulder. You’re fairly certain he’s awake but roll your hips once more to be sure.

A soft groan escapes him, Jungkook’s hand sliding down the silky front of your chemise. He avoids touching the places you most want, hovering instead above your knee.

Sliding up your thigh, he slowly lifts your nightgown. Beneath the sheets, your limbs remain warm but without the thin sheen of silk, your lower half is exposed. Jungkook starts to explore, descending to lightly skim up your calf.

Gliding above your knee, he hovers at your waist until you let out a whine. Jungkook chuckles, his voice low and scratchy as your heart catches.

His fingers dip towards your center, and he quickly discovers how wet you are. Jungkook groans in your ear, slowly parting your folds to drag his fingers backward. You whimper, pushing against him and in return, you feel him thrusting forward. Jungkook’s length is rock-hard, straining the seams of his boxer-briefs.

“Jungkook,” you groan, reaching behind you to tug down his boxers and encircle his cock.

“I know, baby,” he murmurs, still playing with your slick.

After a few more minutes, Jungkook hooks his elbow beneath your knee. Exposing your center, he releases and plunges two fingers inside you. Biting down on your lip, you fist him harder as he works you open.

“Want you,” you pant, pushing backwards. “Jungkook…”

“I’m here.”

Removing his fingers, Jungkook rolls to grab another condom. Returning to his spot behind you, you hear the tell-tale rip of foil, the tug over his length and then –

“Ah,” you groan as he sheathes himself inside you.

Sliding his arm under your knee, Jungkook holds you open. He thrusts in deeper, slipping in and out of you from behind. The position gives him full control, filling you over and over in a steady rhythm. Your breasts are aching to be touched, and you close a hand over your nightgown to thumb a tender nipple.

“Fuck, yes,” Jungkook murmurs, watching over your shoulder. “Touch yourself for me.”

You obey, stroking your breasts and slipping a hand down to skim your swollen clit.

Lowering your knee, Jungkook reaches to replace your hand with his. You withdraw – his fingers are nearly as skilled as your own, and you’re close to coming. Moving higher, he skims your breast with one hand as his cock moves inside you. A sharp tweak of your nipple has you crying out – everything feels on fire, each place he touches leaving liquid flames behind.

Feeling wanton, you rut against him, wanting him deeper.

“Jungkook,” you gasp. “Please. I need…”

“What do you need, princess?”

“You.”

You hear the sharp intake of breath before Jungkook pulls out. Barely do you have time to complain before he rolls on top. Guiding his cock between your thighs, Jungkook adjusts the condom and sinks inside you.

Your bodies move with the other, your hand grasping his waist to pull him even closer. Jungkook thrusts deeper, rolling his hips – and then you reach up, tugging his face down to yours.

Your lips touch only briefly before Jungkook stills.

Panting, your eyes open and you realize what you’ve done. Your gaze lifts, expecting panic and finding something else entirely – before his lips descend.

Jungkook’s kiss is hungry, demanding and you return it in spades. He thrusts even harder, faster and your tongue strokes in tandem to the beat of your bodies.

“Fuck,” you gasp against his lips.

His mouth curves before Jungkook rolls his hips and fully releases. He fucks you like his life depends upon it, like he needs to come undone inside you and can’t wait any longer. You want that too, but you’re also greedy and now that you’ve kissed him, you don’t want to stop.

Fingers twining into his hair, you open his mouth with yours as you moan his name. Jungkook responds in kind, palm anchored to the sheets as he thrusts hard enough to push you up on the bed.

When you come apart, shuddering in his arms, he’s only seconds behind. You feel Jungkook pulse inside you, spilling his cum to fill the length of the condom.

Drowsily, you drag your fingers down the lines of his back. You’re dimly aware you should talk about this – something between you has changed, a line has been crossed. Before you can speak, Jungkook pulls out and cleans you with a tissue. Lying down, he tugs you into his arms and drops a kiss to your shoulder.

“Sleep,” he murmurs, and you must have Shakespeare on your mind, since a magic spell takes hold, and you drift into nothingness.

Beep-beep. Beep-beep. Beep-beep. Beep-beep.

Groggily, you stick a hand from the sheets and feel around for your cell phone. Locating this, you fumble with the off button until the noise stops. With a sigh, you roll over – and open your eyes to find the bed empty.

On most days, the sight would be normal but today it strikes you as strange.

It takes a moment to remember why, but once you do, you bolt upright. Jungkook slept over. Uncertain, you glance around, as though he might have hidden himself behind a door frame or wardrobe.

The door to your bedroom stands partway open, as though Jungkook disappeared long before you woke up. Checking your clock, you realize it’s almost seven. Jungkook said he had a meeting, but you wonder why he didn’t say goodbye.

Pushing your covers aside, you pad towards your bathroom. After your morning ritual, you return to the living room and release Dante from his crate. He zooms several times around the room while you return to your bedside and grab hold of your phone.

Some of your tension disappears when you see Jungkook texted not once, but twice. Scanning his messages, you feel your heart sink.

Jungkook: morning 🙂 thanks for letting me crash last night [5:52 AM]

Jungkook: have a good day [5:53 AM]

Staring down at your screen, you read, then re-read his messages. It’s difficult to make out tone over text but, stomach churning, you look away. Only to return.

The first text snags in your mind – thanks for letting me crash.

As though you’re his buddy, or a college roommate with an extra bedroom to spare. Not as though he woke up in the middle of the night and made l– no, had sex with you.

Blinking, you pull the thought from its path before it can fully form.

Unwinding Dante’s leash from the wall, you hook this on his collar and slip your feet into sneakers. Grabbing your keys, you head out – Dante already doing his got-to-pee dance.

While he relieves himself, you turn over Jungkook’s texts again in your mind. You suppose it’s not wrong to call him a friend. You’ve had deeper conversations with Jungkook than you have with most people. It’s just… there was a moment last night when you thought something shifted.

Maybe it was all in your head.

Maybe you and Jungkook hadn’t kissed before due to your rules, and he was waiting for you to take the lead. Maybe last night meant nothing more to him than a change in location. Exhaling, you rub your temples and try to focus on facts.

Once Dante is finished, you scoop up his waste and head inside. Walking as fast as you can past Creepy Ricky on the third floor, you enter your apartment.

You can feel yourself but overthink as you dress. Reading into signals which don’t exist, moments you’ve likely built up in your mind. You’ve heard this from your mother and past boyfriends – you tend to overthink, overreact, and overanalyze.

Yes, you and Jungkook had sex and yes, you kissed, but that means nothing on its own.

Actions speak louder than words, but until the words have been said, you should assume the worst. It’s safer that way. Easier. You’ve already been let down enough in your past.

Once dressed, you pick up your phone and respond.

Y/N: No problem! Hope your meeting went well [7:45 AM]

Tossing your phone in your bag, you throw this over your shoulder and say goodbye to Dante. Hurrying outside, you stop at your favorite coffee shop before heading into work. While waiting in line to pay, you glance at your phone and see nothing from Jungkook.

He hasn’t even read your message – which makes sense, you suppose. Jungkook had an early morning meeting. He’s likely still busy.

In your hand, your phone beeps and you jump embarrassingly high.

Hoseok: what’s this on your calendar about dinner tonight with Liam? [8:01 AM]

Fuck.

Heart sinking, you open your thread with Hoseok. Today is Friday – Friday, as in the night of your maybe-date with Liam Jessen. Glancing down at your outfit, you realize you’ll need to change after work.

Responding to Hoseok, you hike up your bag and grab your coffee. Yesterday’s disaster with Marine Cove distracted you from worrying about tonight’s dinner. Marine Cove – and Jungkook.

Tearing your thoughts away from them both, you enter the office and hurry to your desk. Most of the morning is spent with Hoseok, brainstorming ways to save the Marine Cove account. When you mention Jungkook’s ideas, Hoseok immediately lights up. Declaring them to be genius, he leaves around lunchtime to harass – you mean, speak to – members of their city council.

It’s around then you realize Jungkook hasn’t texted. Pulling out your phone, you double-check to be sure but find the thread empty. Although your text was seen – read receipts confirm this – there’s no response.

Trying not to be bothered, you unwrap your sandwich and answer some emails. It’s not as though either of you are indebted to keep the conversation going. You didn’t really provide anything in your text for him to respond to.

Or – maybe you crossed some unspoken line and Jungkook is trying to think of an appropriate response.

The thought bothers you more than it should. Only the looming prospect of dinner can distract you from the tidal wave of anxiety. By the time your day nears 6:00 PM, most of the office has cleared out. Including Hoseok, who never came back after lunch.

Realizing this, you flip to your calendar and exhale in relief. Hoseok must have been in touch with Liam’s assistant, because details have been added to your dinner event.

Aleve, table for two at 7:30 PM.

Surprised, your brows raise.

Aleve is an extremely fancy restaurant you’ve been to only once. Your parents rented it out for your father’s sixtieth birthday in a private event for just friends and family. You don’t remember much of the night, too busy fending off comments from your mom and ex-boyfriend about Clean Ocean’s worth.

Hoping tonight’s dinner will be an improvement from that, you turn off your laptop and gather your things. Time isn’t on your side, but you should at least have time to run home and change.

Driving along the ocean, you lower the window and let in the breeze. Despite the relaxed scenery, a frown creases your brow.

It bothers you more than you’d like to admit Jungkook hasn’t texted.

An emotional sensor prickles in your mind. Being annoyed a guy hasn’t responded is usually a sign you’re getting too close. There’s a slippery slope between waiting for a text to waiting on a couch, completely devastated because your boyfriend is drunk on his Instagram story again.

Shaking your head, you grip the steering wheel tighter. It’s not the same, you tell yourself. Jungkook isn’t Kameron, no matter how similar their upbringings are.

Simply thinking Kameron’s name is enough to make your teeth grind, which is part of the reason you rarely do. When the two of you broke up, you made yourself a vow – never again. Never again would you be reduced to the person you were with him. Compromising your best parts so he didn’t feel lesser; sacrificing what you had to accommodate his morals.

Your friends do their best to refrain from mentioning him also, although you know Hoseok and Seokjin think it’s high time you started dating again. Probably why they were so enthusiastic about you getting back out there – although Jungkook probably wasn’t what they had in mind for your next boyfriend.

Eyes wide, you stare at the road.

Jungkook is not your boyfriend. He’s nothing more than a pastime, and tonight you’re going on a semi-date with Liam.

Reinforced by the thought, you park your car and head into your apartment. After taking Dante outside, you toss your keys on the counter and open your closet.

Hands on your hips, you scan the contents and decide on the back corner. As the ‘parents approved’ section, it’s probably best for the dress code at Aleve. Grabbing a Chanel dress, you head for your bathroom and quickly change.

Noticing the time on your phone, you visibly wince. Fuck – 6:55. Zipping up the dress, you step you’re your heels – Louboutin – and grab a purse. Checking your make-up, you hurry out of your room, put Dante in his crate and lock the door.

Your Lyft to the restaurant feels agonizingly slow.

Each second that passes fuels your waning insecurities. Your clothing might be considered last season; you can’t remember from which Chanel line you purchased. The conversation might drag. Liam might retract his investment.

This is a business meeting, you remind yourself. Your mission tonight is solely to ensure Jessen Motors invests.

But also – your business contacts aren’t typically attractive men with a specific interest in getting to know you. Shaking your head, you pull out your phone to scan social media. Aside from an Instagram DM from Seokjin, there’s nothing.

No texts. Scowling slightly, you put your phone away.

When your Lyft reaches the restaurant, you thank the driver and step outside. If you didn’t have the address entered in your phone, you’d think there’d been a mistake. There’s no sign marking Aleve, but faint arrows on the sidewalk direct you around the building.

Stifling an eye roll, you follow the arrows and arrive at a side door. A bouncer stands outside, dressed in a suit which likely costs as much as your car. His expression doesn’t change when you approach.

“Name,” he asks, sounding bored.

“Y/N Y/L/N.” You smile, although this goes unnoticed. “The reservation is for Jessen.”

Without glancing at his tablet, the bouncer nods and reaches for the door.

“The hostess will lead you to your table,” he says as you enter.

Inside the restaurant, you’re accosted by the scent of Chanel No. 5. Nose wrinkled, you squint through the dim lighting and hope you don’t walk into a wall by mistake. Once your eyes adjust, you must admit the décor of Aleve is exquisite.

Directly before you is a wall made entirely of glass, overlooking the dark expanse of ocean beyond. It reminds you a little of Jungkook’s apartment. Pushing thoughts of Jungkook aside, you scan the rest of the restaurant – and a chic-looking, blonde woman steps into view.

“Hello.” Her gaze flicks you up and down. “Jessen?”

“Yes,” you say. “I –”

“Follow me.”

Cutting you off, the host turns around and leaves. You stare after her, unsure if you should follow but decide being told no is better than being left at the entrance.

Hurrying in her steps, you envy the woman’s command of walking in heels. Glancing around, you hope no one you know is dining here now. A few faces look familiar, but none of them are people you can put a name to. Likely just family friends from various functions.

Avoiding eye contact the best you can, you follow the host in a winding pattern. Several tables are placed behind a partition that’s partially see-through. This is purposeful, granting its diners an illusion of privacy while ensuring they’re seen by everyone else at the restaurant. A sought-after location for only the most important guests.

Gesturing you past, the host nods her head.

Stepping beyond the partition, you see Liam already seated at the table. Looking upward, he smiles, and some of your tension dissipates.

“Y/N.” Liam pushes his chair back to stand. “You’re here.”

“I’m here,” you agree, moving forward.

Hastening towards you, Liam pulls out your chair and waits for you to sit.

“Thanks,” you say, sitting down.

“No problem.”

Returning to his side, Liam takes a seat as the host returns.

“We’ll have the wine I ordered now,” he says, and she nods.

“Right away.”

The host leaves, but not without an appreciative once-over of Liam’s suit, and you scowl. You’re the one on a date here – well, okay, maybe not a date, but the hostess doesn’t know that.

Thankfully, Liam seems oblivious to your ire as you arrange your napkin. Glancing to either side, you realize you’re alone in the VIP section.

“I hope it was okay that I ordered wine without you,” Liam says, filling the silence. “I don’t usually do that, but places like this make me nervous. I didn’t know what to do with myself.”

You can’t help but smile. “It’s alright,” you say, putting him at ease. “I’m not picky about wine.”

Unlike Jungkook, your mind prompts. Gritting your teeth, you shake your head, as though this might dislodge such errant thoughts.

“Okay, good.” Liam smiles. “I just picked the first one I saw. I figured this place is so expensive, they wouldn’t stock bad wine, right?”

“Right,” you say with a laugh.

Even good wine can be bad though, when paired with the wrong meal. The thought rises to your lips, but you manage to beat it back. Liam’s confession is endearing. It’s nice to be with someone who also feels out of place.

Which leads you to wonder why Liam picked Aleve at all.

“This is my first time here,” Liam says, as though reading your mind. “My assistant suggested it. I kind of wish I’d Googled before saying yes. Definitely not a t-shirt and jeans type of place.”

He’s not wearing a t-shirt and jeans, but you shrug this off.

“Definitely not,” you agree. “What you’re wearing is perfect, though.”

“So are you.” Liam’s gaze softens. “You look beautiful tonight.”

Something in his expression makes your heartbeat quicken.

“Thank you,” you say.

He offers a smile, then looks at the menu. “So. Where do we start?”

You realize what he means when you flip the first page. Everything on the menu has either been deconstructed or topped with caviar mousse. Carefully scanning the list of appetizers – ‘pre-meals’ – you eventually decide on the Chef’s tasting menu.

Decision made, you set your menu down as your waiter appears. Pouring you each a glass of wine, he details the year, vintage, and grape crop season. Liam manages to keep a straight face, nodding emphatically, but you can practically see his eyes glazing over.

Once the waiter is gone, Liam looks at you helplessly.

“Did you understand any of that?”

“Every word.”

His face falls slightly, and you laugh.

“I’m kidding,” you say. “All I caught was something about a drought and wooden barrels.”

Liam sighs. “That’s more than me. So,” he says, straightening in his seat. Reaching out, Liam grasps the stem of his glass with one hand. “We should probably discuss business.”

“Oh.” You blink. “Right. Yes, I guess we should.”

“That way, work is out of the way, and we can spend the rest of the night getting to know one another.”

His words make your breath catch. “Do you get to know all your business contacts on such a personal level?”

“No.” Liam pauses. “Just you.”

“Are you… saying this dinner is more than just business, Mr. Jessen?”

His gaze darkens. “I’m saying I hope that it is.”

Somewhat overwhelmed by the notion, you duck your head. Liam keeps saying all the right things and part of you thrills at the attention, but another part of you wonders if this is too soon. Odd, how soon with some people is a singular date and soon with another is sex in a car.

“Y/N?” Liam queries, and you realize you haven’t responded. “Am I completely off-base, or are you interested, too?”

Shit, yes. You need to answer.

“I’m interested,” you say, looking up. “Although… if you decide to invest in Clean Ocean, that might make things complicated.”

“Decide?” Liam lifts a brow. “I thought I’d been clear, Y/N. The decision has been made. Regardless of whatever personal relationship exists between us, Infinity Motors will donate to Clean Ocean.”

You hesitate, fingers trailing your glass. “That’s easy for you to say now.”

“I’ll even put it in writing if that’s what you’re worried about. I just… I like you, Y/N.” Liam shrugs. “And if I’ve learned one thing, it’s that these types of opportunities don’t come around very often. When I feel something strongly, I tend to pursue it.”

Taking another sip of wine, you consider. Liam is different from you in so many ways, but a lot of what he says rings true. You learned early on that to make things happen, you need to act quickly. Granted, this is usually something you apply to your work life, but maybe that’s an error on your part. Your personal life is certainly nothing to speak of.

“To opportunity,” you say, lifting your glass.

Liam’s expression relaxes. “To opportunity,” he echoes and drinks.

Conversation shifts to business, but there’s been little progress since his conversation with Hoseok and you quickly transition to other topics. Before long, you find laughing as Liam regales you with a story from his college years.

“It’s true,” he insists, his eyes crinkled with laughter. “It was my first day as an intern and I swear, my boss asked for twelve coffees. I get to his office, he barely looks at me over the top of his computer and thrusts a bunch of papers my way before saying, ‘Twelve coffees by noon. Room B’ – and that was it.”

“So, you went out and got twelve coffees,” you prompt. “Then, what?”

“Then.” Liam pauses. “I get back to the office. I’m carrying three of those to-go coffee holders – what do they call them? Carrying cases?”

“I think they’re just called cup holders.”

“Hm.” He considers. “That’s kind of confusing, right? Because what’s the cup holder in a car called?”

“Regardless,” you say with a smile. “What happened?”

“Oh, right.” Liam grimaces. “So, I show up to the meeting, twelve coffees in tow. I get to Room B, set them in front of my boss and he just looks at them, looks at me and asks, ‘Great, but what about the twelve copies?’ I swear, my heart about fell through my ass.”

“Oh my god,” you groan. “What did you say?”

“I muttered some excuse about paper jamming and ran to find the copier.” Shaking his head, Liam slumps a little. “I swear, I thought Mr. Jeon was going to fire me on the spot.”

You freeze, reaching for your wine.

Slowly, you set the glass back down. “Mr. … Jeon?” you ask tentatively.

Liam nods, pausing when he sees your expression. “Yeah. My first internship was for Jeon Energy. Did you not know that?”

“I – no,” you say, mind reeling. “I didn’t know that.”

“Ah, well.” Liam shrugs, not seeming to realize your level of shock. “It went well, but my values didn’t align with them in the end. Jeon Energy is very… deliberate about their strategy when it comes to crude oil and gas.”

“Yeah,” you manage to say. “True.”

“Infinity Motors is much better suited to what I was looking for. But I’ll never forget my first day as an intern,” he laughs. “Since then, I’ve learned to alwaysask for clarification when I’m confused.”

“Yeah.” You force a smile. “Right. Would you excuse me?” you say, pushing your chair back to stand. “I have to go to the bathroom.”

Liam nods, and cuts into his steak. “Of course. Take your time.”

You nod as you leave.

Retracing your steps through the restaurant, your skin starts to itch. You knew Liam and Jungkook were acquainted, but this is almost too much to dismiss. The way they greeted each other at your fundraiser was barely cordial – it’s weird, for Liam to have interned at Jeon Energy and this be their response.

Maybe they were rivals, you reason as you wind through the restaurant. Aleve has filled up since your arrival, and you notice another VIP section on the opposite side. It’s possible that Liam and Jungkook interned at the same time, both jockeying for the CEO’s attention. You can’t imagine Jungkook would have enjoyed competing for his father’s approval.

Spotting the sign for restrooms, you turn down the hall. You’re not going to solve the mystery tonight, no matter your curiosity. Maybe you can ask Jungkook the next time you see him.

Squinting at the change in lighting, you slow your steps. You understand ambience to a point, but the bathroom hallway is borderline impassible. Locating the door, you relieve yourself as fast as you can and return to the hall.

By now, your eyes have adjusted enough to realize you’re not alone. Someone else has turned into the hall, blocking the exit.

The man glances upward, and you lock eyes with Jungkook.

“Y/N?”

For a moment, words fail you. Feet faltering, you come to a stop several feet down the hall.

Jungkook looks handsome, per usual. He’s dressed in a suit, as though he came from the office. Probably did, based on his lack of texts.

Recovering first, Jungkook resumes walking until he stands before you. “What are you doing here?” he says, his gaze sweeping your body.

Jaw snapping shut, you look up. “I might ask the same.”

“I’m here for a meeting with my father and Namjoon.”

“Oh.” You pause. “He’s your Chief Operating Officer, right?”

Jungkook nods, looking at you over again. “Yeah. You look…”

“Ravishing?”

A soft laugh escapes him. “Yeah.” His brow furrows. “And… like you’re on a date.”

You aren’t sure why, but his words cause a thick strain of guilt to swirl in your stomach.

“I’m here… on business,” you say after a pause.

His gaze flicks up.

“And maybe more,” you add, hating yourself for caving before he does.

It’s a tactic your parents use – don’t respond right away, hold off until the other party grows so uncomfortable, they reveal more than they intend to. More often than not, it will be something you can use.

Scowl deepening, you tilt your head sideways. You hate that Jungkook’s presence makes you think of your parents.

“Maybe more.” Although Jungkook’s tone is casual, a muscle ticks in his jaw. “How’s the date going, then? Promising – or should I expect a phone call from you when you leave?”

His words are enough for you to take a step backwards. Heat rises, recalling your disastrous last date and dialing Jungkook immediately after. It’s been a while since then, and you thought you’d moved past it – but maybe not.

“If I were you,” you say lowly. “I wouldn’t wait up.”

Regret, followed by something murkier, flits across Jungkook’s features. Rather than leave or step around you – he moves closer. Hand sliding around your waist, he walks the two of you backwards until your spine hits the wall.

You let him.

Hovering above, the heat from Jungkook’s body is tangible. Your breath catches, staring hard at his lips and trying to remember why this shouldn’t happen.

“Who’s your date with?” Casual, his leg shifts between your thighs. “Anyone I know?”

You debate whether to lie.

Given Liam’s comments from earlier, you’re certain Jungkook and Liam aren’t on speaking terms. His presence might complicate things. Then again, you’re both at the same restaurant. There’s a high likelihood Jungkook will see Liam, anyways.

“Liam Jessen,” you say.

Jungkook’s expression shifts, and he visibly stiffens.

“You’re here on a date with… Liam?”

“Kind of.” You pause. “He’s going to invest in Clean Ocean.”

“So… not a date.”

“Does it have to be one or the other?”

His upper lip twitches, and not in a good way. “Guess not, princess.”

There’s a coldness to his tone which isn’t normally there. It reminds you of the first few times he said it – the times when Jungkook’s tone and demeanor irked you to no end. You hadn’t realized he’d changed so much since you met him.

You should go. You should return to your table and forget Jungkook is here. Instead, something compels you to wrap your fingers around the lapels of his jacket.

“What does it matter?” you demand, voice low. “This is just about sex – right?”

Jungkook’s right thigh grazes a sensitive part of your body.

“Right.” Challenge laces his words. “Just sex.”

Leaning your head to the wall, you stubbornly meet his gaze. Shifting even closer, Jungkook presses his body between your parted thighs. Each inch of your skin feels on fire, attuned to his touch like nothing else.

“Because,” you murmur, glancing up. “If I didn’t know any better, I’d think you were jealous.”

Jungkook goes still.

“Jealous? Why,” he murmurs, hand sliding around your waist. “Do you want me to be, princess?”

He’s back to caressing the nickname and, lowering his head, Jungkook nuzzles your throat. The casual flick of his tongue against skin scrambles your thoughts.

“I – no.”

His lips curve in a smile. “You sure?” Jungkook’s fingers trace a punishing line around the hem of your skirt. “Because if I were” – he hikes up the material – “I’d be sure and give you something to remember me by.”

A breathy laugh escapes you as his hand travels your thigh.

“As if I’d forget,” you exhale.

His gaze darkens – changes.

“No,” Jungkook murmurs. “You can’t. And neither can I.”

His lips descend before you can fully respond; before you can dissect his words and analyze what they might mean. Jungkook’s hand rises, cradling the back of your head, incredibly gentle in contrast to his mouth. His kiss is punishing, plundering and your lips part on instinct.

Hands sliding up his jacket, you entangle your fingers to pull him closer. Jungkook obeys, pressing you against the wall, trapping you with his weight as he rolls his hips. You gasp at the feel of him, hard against your thigh.

“It doesn’t matter who you sleep with.” Breaking away, Jungkook kisses a line down your throat. “I know you’ll call as soon as you realize they’re just as boring as every man before me.”

You swallow your bitterness, knowing he’s right. Knowing you’ve never felt a connection like this and – returning his mouth back to yours – you kiss him fiercely.

Jungkook’s right hand hooks your knee, wrapping your leg around his waist to thrust his hips forward. You arch against him, feeling his length harden and –

“Ahem.”

The woman’s voice is like a bucket of icy water, and you freeze.

Slowly, you look past Jungkook and see the host from earlier. Fully annoyed, she glances from you to Jungkook – whose expression quickly morphs to one of disinterest.

Taking a step back, Jungkook tucks in his shirt. Dazed, you stare after, unsure when you removed this. Struggling to catch your breath, you marvel at his composure when he turns around.

“Apologies.” Jungkook inclines his head. “I was just on my way out. Y/N,” he adds, barely glancing at you before he walks past.

You stare after, still propped against the wall like one of the paintings. It doesn’t take long for fire to replace the cold ice in your veins.

“Same,” you choke out, whirling to disappear inside the bathroom.

Despite having just gone, you can’t possibly face Liam while feeling this way. Which – Liam. You’re here on a date with Liam and made out with Jungkook in the bathroom hall.

Pushing into a stall, you immediately lock the door, and sit down on the toilet. Taking several deep breaths, you lower your head to your hands.

This isn’t like you. So much about this isn’t like you.

You don’t normally go on a date and think about someone else. You don’t normally make out in the hallway of a busy restaurant. You don’t get hot and bothered by someone saying your nickname in the wrong tone.

You try – and try hard – to rationalize any other option but the one right before you. The obvious, yet cliché reality which stares you hard in the face.

You like Jungkook.

You’re an absolute idiot because you’re falling for the one guy you’ve agreed not to have feelings for. Yes, you’ve kissed. Yes, you’ve had sex – but that’s it. Jungkook has never asked you to date, has never seriously indicated your relationship should change.

Despite all your rules and attempts at safeguarding your heart, you’re right back in the same place you were several years ago. Only this time around, you were supposed to be smarter.

And instead, you’ve proven some people really can’t change.

Author’s Note: Thank you so much for reading! I hope you enjoyed :) I do not have a tag list, so please do not ask to be added or ask about updates. My writing progress can be found on my updates schedule, linked in both my header and FAQ!

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