#jungkook ff series

[jungk0oksthighs]

Over The Odds | The Pretender

Pairing - jungkook x reader

Genre - angst, smut, fluff, ceo!jungkook, sugardaddy!jungkook

Word count - 6k

The series of events that lead to the leak

warnings: swearing, mentions of sex, severe toxic behaviour, sociopathy / mental illness, mentions of infidelity

FULL SERIES COLLECTION

Four, almost five months ago

--

“Namjoon? Is that you?” Ruth is shocked, baffled to see your ex-boyfriend standing in the hospital corridor wearing a white lab coat and thick rimmed glasses, “I thought you left the country?”

“I did, but I’m back now,” The doctor nods in agreement with a small uncomfortable smile, he’d forgotten just how much you two look alike, “How have you been Ruth? I thought you moved out of London?”

“Yeah… I have, I drove down for the day. I’ve been good.” She’s staring at him as though she’s seen a ghost, a sexy dimpled ghost from her past, “I’m just here visiting my dad so…”

“Right,” Namjoon has to look away from your sister, guilt eroding his insides at what happened between them the last time he saw her, “He’s going to be fine, we’re just keeping him in for observations, he’ll be home tomorrow. I said the same thing to Y/N.”

“Oh Y/N was here?” Ruth isn’t sure why she’s so surprised, of course you were here, you would drop anything and everything to spend time with family.

The mention of your name should make her nauseous, maybe even a little disappointed in herself for her past behaviour – but it doesn’t. She’s more interested in the sparkle in Joon’s eyes when your name rolls off his tongue. He still cares about you, even after all this time, even after what they did. It’s always been you, and it’ll never be her.

“She and her boyfriend left about an hour ago.” Namjoon’s heart drops into his stomach at the prospect of you being with anyone other than him, even though he doesn’t deserve you.

At this Ruth frowns, crossing her small arms over her chest, purposely pushing up the swell of her breasts but he doesn’t seem to notice, “Boyfriend?”

“Stay out of her relationship this time Ruth,” He warns with a serious expression, “She looks happy.”

“I would never purposely ruin my sister’s relationship,” She edges closer to the doctor, looking up at him through long, seductive eyelashes, “Besides it takes two to tango… We both know that.”

“Sleeping with you was the biggest mistake I ever made,” Namjoon whispers, “I lost everything I ever loved.”

Around five months into your relationship with Namjoon you’d gotten into a fight about something, truthfully he can’t even remember what the argument was about – only the events that transpired after. He’d gone to a club to clear his head, which was a mistake in itself because he’s never been able to handle his drink – three drinks in he was already slurring his words to anybody that would listen. Including Ruth, who happened to be at the same bar that night. One thing lead to another and the next thing he remembers is waking up in her bed completely naked, with fourteen missed calls from you; his girlfriend, her sister.

When he says it was the biggest mistake he ever made he truly means that, he couldn’t look you in the eye when he showed up at your apartment with a bouquet of flowers later that day. Bless your soul you thought he was apologising for fighting with you, you had no idea that he’d spent the night with his body buried between another woman’s bed sheets. It was that day he decided that he needed to get out of London, he couldn’t bring himself to tell you the truth because he was so ashamed of what he had done; but even he knew he couldn’t string you along thinking you were happy when he was both a liar and a cheat. Even now the night Namjoon and Ruth spent together is hazy to him, he doesn’t remember anything save from talking to her, and waking up next to her - but that memory is enough to put him on edge at the mere sight of her.

“You clearly didn’t love her, otherwise it would’ve never happened,” Ruth rolls her eyes, already bored of him and his desperation, “I did you both a favour. You would still be together if it wasn’t for me.”

“Yeah, we would.” Namjoon says between clenched teeth, standing back from the real reason he’d taken a gap year abroad.

“So the new boyfriend, is he as dumb as you are?” Ruth chuckles darkly, cocking her head to the side.

“Visiting hours are over, you need to leave.”

For the rest of Namjoon’s shift his thoughts are plagued by none other than your sister. When you’d first started dating you’d mentioned how you don’t get along, you never gave him a specific reason but once he met Ruth in the flesh at one of your family wine nights it all became crystal clear. Ruth is a bitch, she cares for nobody save herself. She has a new boyfriend every five minutes, until they too tire of her bullshit and leave. One thing he noticed about her in the time they've known each other is how cold she is, how she has no issue with destroying the lives of other people.

It's when he’s leaving the building that he decides to go for a drink to numb the memory of the worst thing he’s ever done, much to the disappointment of his better judgement that knows this is a bad idea. He’s never been able to handle his alcohol and that night is no different. It’s when he’s sipping at his fourth, no fifth whiskey on the rocks that a female voice drags him from thought.

“Long day?” A girl, no older than him asks, sitting on the empty bar stool beside him.

There’s no denying she’s beautiful, at first glance she looks just like the Disney Princess Jasmine. Her hair is jet black, her olive skin glows even underneath the harsh lighting of the bar. But it’s her big, feline like eyes that intrigue him the most, he’s seen this girl somewhere before.

“Sorry,” She laughs somewhat embarrassed, “That was too cheesy wasn’t it? I’m Jennie.”

“Namjoon.” He introduces himself with a warm dimpled smile, “Can I buy you a drink?”

“Sure.”

As the night progresses Dr Kim learns that Jennie is a model, that’s why she seems so familiar he’s probably ogled her perfect body in magazines when nobody’s looking. She really is stunning, and single too, apparently her ex-boyfriend was an emotionally abusive asshole who treated her like shit, cheating on her left right and centre and paid way more attention to his business than her needs. Namjoon’s disgust is somewhat hypocritical though, he knows he’s no better and yet he still puts up a front in attempt to see this girl again, he’s single and a man has needs after all.

“Well it’s his loss, you’re an amazing girl.” He’s drunk now there’s no doubt about it, his gaze mindlessly dropping to Jennie’s cleavage on more than one occasion.

At this Jennie raises her nearing-empty glass to propose a slurred speech, “To Jeon Jungkook! The man who broke my heart, so Dr Kim can fix it.”

The pair cheers happily, ordering another drink from the bar. Namjoon sighs, he’s so fucking wasted that the room is spinning and it looks as though Jennie has six faces – but he still knows he’s heard that name before. Jungkook. Jeon Jungkook. He zones out of real life conversation to rack his brain for the answer he so desperately wants to find. Jungkook. Jeon Jungkook. He knows that name. He’s close to losing his mind when his eyes find the tv screen behind the bar, it was previously showing football highlights from some match he didn’t care enough about, but now all he sees is you.

“That’s his new girlfriend.” Jennie spits, noticing his gaze is fixated on the news, some story about how you were the new lover of some big shot CEO. Of course your boyfriend is a CEO.

“Who’s new girlfriend?” Namjoon doesn’t bother to look at Jennie, his eyes are glued to the screen completely stuck on you entering an Italian restaurant wearing an expensive black dress, as are hers.

“Jungkook’s, he’s the CEO of Jeon Industries. That’s the only reason she’s famous, eight months ago that was me.” She says bitterly.

Joon immediately stiffens, your new boyfriend is the emotionally abusive playboy Jennie’s just spent an hour ranting about? No, it can’t be. You’re a good person, with a good heart, you deserve so much better than someone like him. There’s no way in hell he’s going to let you get your heartbroken by some rich boy who no doubt pays for everything on daddy’s credit card.

“—He’s probably paying her for sex, he gets a kick out of being the one in control.”

“I’m sorry,” Namjoon finally faces Jennie, who’s features have dropped into something much sadder than when he first laid eyes on her, “What did you say?”

“He was my sugar daddy, I’m not supposed to tell anybody but… You’re never going to meet him so I guess it’s okay.” She shrugs, toying with the dainty straps on her tiny white dress.

“So is he your ex-boyfriend or ex sugar daddy?” He’s rightfully confused, unable to digest all of this new information with a nauseous stomach and spinning head, “I don't understand.”

“Both I guess. He’s an asshole anyway, he’ll break her heart too.”

In all honesty Jennie knows she’s oversold the story of her and Jungkook, he’s not as bad as she’s made him out to be but she thrives off the sympathy. Deep down she knows he never cared for her or even thought about her as a girlfriend, but she’s too embarrassed to admit the truth. That she fell hard and fast in love with somebody who doesn’t want to be loved. If there’s one thing she’s good at it’s being the damsel in distress that needs saving, and who better to save her than a handsome young doctor? A few white lies and embellishments never hurt anybody, what's the worst that could happen?

Sleep doesn’t come easy to Namjoon that night when he finally makes it home, Jennie is in a dreamland next to him after a night of averagely-enjoyable drunken sex. Sitting up he peels his phone from his discarded trousers. He’s sobered up some, but he’s still not in his right mind - that’s what leads him to making the one phone call he knows he’ll end up regretting.

“I was wondering how long it would take for you to call me,” Ruth purrs from the other end of the line after two short rings, thankfully Jennie is knocked out cold and doesn’t hear it, “What can I do for you big boy?”

Joon grimaces at the inappropriate nickname, Ruth is nothing more to him than your sister and she never will be. You’re the only reason he’s even thought to dial her number, “Jeon Jungkook, that’s Y/N’s new boyfriend.”

“You called me at two in the morning to tell me about Y/N’s new boyfriend?” She scoffs, he can picture her bitchy face in his mind, “What about him?”

“He’s not a good guy Ruth… He’s-, she deserves better.” His heart aches for you, it really does, he just wants you to find somebody who actually deserves you. And if there’s one person in this world that can stop you from falling in love with this guy before it’s too late, it’s her, “Do whatever you want with that information.”

“How bad are we talking?” Is all Ruth asks, not even an ounce of concern in her tone.

Maybe Jennie lied and Jungkook wasn’t a bad man at all? Or maybe, no, definitely, envy got the better of Namjoon. He doesn’t want you to move on, he wants to leave the past behind and try again. There’s no denying that he loved you, more than he’s ever loved anyone in his life, seeing you earlier only reminded him that he still does… And if Jungkook is even half as bad as Jennie made him out to be, he has to put a stop to this relationship before he hurts you. Ruth is the key to winning you back.

“Bad.” His voice is croaky and stained with liquor, “Bad enough for me to call you.”

“What are you suggesting?”

“I was madly in love with her and you still managed to break us up, I reckon it’ll be much easier for you with him, they haven’t been dating long.” Guilt gnaws his insides for involving someone as sinister as your sister, but she’s his only hope.

“What’s in it for you?”

“I want her back.”

--

Three, almost four months ago

--

“So that’s Jungkook?” Ruth points to the tv screen, waiting for confirmation.

“Yep, that’s him.” Jennie nods with an aching heart.

The past few weeks have been uneventful for Ruth, apart from the fact she’s met somebody new – Kim Seokjin, a wealthy CEO who’s just about dumb enough to fall for her lies and feigned innocence. The only reason she’s dating him is so she can work her way to the top of his business and take the company for herself. She doesn’t have the resources to build an empire from scratch and so dating somebody like him is her only option. That’s not to say she doesn’t like him though, he’s funny, very handsome, charming… Being with him is nice, but she doesn’t particularly care about his feelings.

After Namjoon told her about your new boyfriend she took it upon herself to do some research. Jungkook is a CEO, and somewhat of a playboy according to news articles, you’re his first serious relationship. That doesn’t surprise her though, you have a way with men that Ruth could never understand, you’re kind and warm and don’t need to battle for dominance within your relationships – it makes perfect sense that you’ve managed to tame a wealthy business man. In a way she’s almost proud that this boyfriend is more successful than your last, or at least she would be if he wasn’t such an asshole.

During her research she found Jungkook’s ex-girlfriend Jennie, which is what lead her back to London for the day to meet her. She needs all the ammunition she can get to make sure this prick never hurts you – and ruining your relationships is somewhat a speciality of hers. It’ll take some time, especially as you look so loved up with him, currently vacationing in Bora Bora, but she’s determined to tear this man down. Namjoon sounded so desperate for her help, and the familiar wave of jealousy fuelled her decision to ruin another one of your love stories, convincing herself it’s for your own good.

“I don’t get it,” Jennie admits, sipping her coffee, “Why would you reach out to me if Y/N’s your sister? I should be the last person you want to speak to.”

Ruth nods, understanding the model’s confusion, “My sister and I have a very complicated relationship. Don’t get it twisted.”

Complicated doesn’t even begin to describe it. Ruth can’t remember exactly when it happened but one day, when you were both young and still had childlike innocence, she realised that she despised you. Maybe it was the way your parents always babied you that she hated, or maybe she hated how you were praised for getting slightly above average grades in school, amongst other mundane things. Ruth worked her ass off in school, university, in every aspect of her life and yet your parents couldn’t care less. It was to be expected of her, she’s the oldest and so it was no big deal when she got top of the class marks every test. With you, everything was an achievement that had to be celebrated. She’s jealous of you, even to this day watching you walk along a hot beach wearing a red bikini hand in hand with some rich asshole on the news – she’s still jealous.

That’s exactly why she did what she did with Namjoon, she got a kick out of tearing you down a peg or two and watching you suffer, never knowing the real reason he left. Her old therapist said she’s a sociopath, she should be on strong medication and undergoing regular treatment – but she doesn’t do either. She’s incapable of being happy for anybody and she prefers it that way; she’s always known she was different. She didn’t cry when the family dog died, she didn’t care when her first boyfriend broke up with her, truthfully the only reason she even visits your sick father is because she knows if she doesn’t your mother will berate her for not caring. ‘Oh you should be more like Y/N’ she can practically hear her voice.

“What are you going to do?” Jennie is scared of Ruth, her eyes are shiny with fear as she looks to your older sister. If she didn’t know better she would’ve thought the girl sitting in front of her was you, you resemble each other so much. “You won’t be able to get between them, they’re…obsessed with each other, he doesn’t even answer my calls anymore.”

“I don’t plan to get between them, not in the way you’re thinking anyway.” Ruth admits with a nonchalant shrug, “You’re going to tell me everything you know about Jeon Industries, so I can tear it down and take it over.”

If Jennie had to describe your sister’s smile in one word, it’s evil.

Later that night Namjoon finds himself on a colleagues stag do, he’s at some punky bar in Camden that he doesn’t particularly like when he sees you standing with your back to the wall in the outdoor smoking section, looking somewhat deflated as you sip at your drink.

“Y/N?” He has to blink twice to make sure he’s seeing this right. You’re wearing a very revealing red dress, he can barely keep the saliva in his mouth.

“Namjoon.” Your eyes find his across the way with a small smile.

It’s after a brief conversation and a somewhat forced hug that he smells the familiar scent of your perfume, feels the comfort of you in his long arms, regret washing over him in a tidal wave of despair. Joon barely notices the arrival of your boyfriend and another guy he hadn’t paid much attention to, he’s not intimidated by either, his gaze fixed solely on the one thing in life he got right – the one thing he royally fucked up. Perhaps it’s the alcohol in his system making his decisions for him, but he knows he has to tell you the truth about your sister and how she’s planning to break down Jungkook, you deserve that at the very least.

“Actually Y/N,” He sighs, preparing himself, “I really need to talk to you about how we ended—”

“I don’t think that’s necessary!” Your best friend Jimin puts himself between your bodies, “Come on man lets have a drink and a boogie for old times’ sake? I’ll catch up with you guys soon yeah? Come on man.”

And just like that he’s standing at the bar with Jimin and another man named Taehyung, patiently waiting for another drink. Less than ten minutes later he watches Jungkook lead you out the main entrance, his fingers laced with yours the way his used to be. He’s probably going to take you back to his penthouse apartment for sex, his jaw tightens at the idea of somebody who’s not him getting to be intimate with you like that.

“Are you okay?” Taehyung asks him, his large cat-like eyes are concerned as he drinks four shots of tequila as if they're water.

Joon nods, trying to convince himself that he’s going to be fine, “Yeah, sorry man. Girl trouble.”

“Oh? Who’s the girl?”

“You guys have met before right?” Jimin asks with pinched brows, handing both men a beer, “This is Namjoon, he’s-, well he’s Y/N’s ex.”

“I remember you, I’ve seen you at Black Swan before.” Taehyung’s smile doesn’t quite reach his eyes, he’s cautious of Namjoon and his motives, “I hope this doesn’t make things awkward between us but I’m Taehyung,” His large hand rests on his chest, “Jungkook’s best friend.”

“Is she happy? With him?” Joon’s eyes are glistening with the raw pain of what could’ve been, which doesn’t go unnoticed by your best friend. Jimin tries to comfort him, but he trips over his words.

“Come on Namjoon don’t do that to yourself, it’s-, she’s-, they’re-“

“I can only speak for Jungkook…” Taehyung’s voice is barely audible against the thumping sound of the speakers, “But he loves her, he’ll treat her well.”

Jungkook loves you. This ignites a burning hatred fuelled with envy and rage inside Namjoon’s chest, it feels as though his heart has been torn from his body. Once again he’s drunk and emotional which leads him to excuse himself from the club, using the lie of needing a vape before dialling the one person he knows is more than capable of destroying your new boyfriend.

“Hello big boy.” She chuckles darkly on the other end of the line.

“I want in,” His heart is pounding so hard that he can barely hear himself speak, “I’ll help you take down Jungkook, just tell me what I can do and I’ll do it.” He's wasted, he knows this is wrong but it doesn't stop him from inviting your sister back to his new apartment later that night.

--

Two, almost three months ago

--

You’re in Seoul, presumably meeting Jungkook’s parents or something as equally domestic and nauseating which is what leads Ruth to his apartment building wearing an inconspicuous all-black outfit. It’s common knowledge that you look alike, and so she uses it to her advantage to get inside the CEO’s apartment complex with ease. She’s looking for anything useful, laptops, iPads, paper documents, USB sticks, bank statements, something with sensitive information on about Jeon Industries – something she can use against him.

There has to be something in this obnoxiously large home, there just has to be.

And that’s when she sees it, a video camera, sitting atop of his bedroom side table next to a box of tissues. Ruth rolls her eyes at the disgusting sight, she knows full-well why there’s a box of tissues right next to this guys bed. He must be even worse than Jennie and Namjoon had made out, so she makes her way over to the scene in just a few footsteps. Who even has video cameras anymore? Surely phone camera quality is much better than this little thing.

“Holy shit.” She gasps audibly, “No fucking way.”

There’s a video of you and him, a rather explicit video to say the least. The setting is some kind of beach hut, she figures this must’ve been filmed on your trip to Bora Bora. She’s beyond shocked, she didn’t take you for this kind of girl, usually you were so… careful, maybe even a little frigid. Her eyes almost pop out of her skull when she presses play.

“Jungkook…” Your voice is barely audible on the video, your legs spread open on a bed with the billionaires face buried between them, covering your intimate area.

“Do you want me?” His voice is low, dripping with seduction.

Ruth pauses the video and sits on the bed.

Now this has potential, this could ruin his career if it blew up enough. There’s an internal struggle happening though, could she really do this to her own sister? Sure it would destroy Jungkook and probably your relationship with him too which is what she, Jennie and Namjoon all want one way or another… But it would kill you. She’s frowning, unsure of what to do with this information. In a panic she buries the camera deep into her bag and leaves the building, dialling Jennie’s number immediately:

“Hello?”

“It’s Ruth, I’m in London for the night… Let’s go for drinks.”

Later that night Ruth and Jennie are having a few cocktails at Black Swan where they come up with a sinister plan. The alcohol in your sisters system rids her of any uncertainty or guilt she felt before, this is the best, fastest, and easiest way to take down that asshole. Sure, she’s almost one hundred percent sure that Jennie isn’t telling her the whole truth about Jungkook’s character, but if he’s even half as bad as she’s made him out to be over the few weeks they’ve known each other – she’s not going to let him do the same things to you that he did to her. Jeon Industries will suffer, his reputation will suffer. And yes, you will suffer but she imagines it will all blow over eventually and you’ll be able to live a normal life, finding someone who’s actually… on your level. Somebody who won’t outshine her or any future partners she brings to the family dinner table.

“Can’t people trace IP addresses?” Jennie asks somewhat naively, her eyes animatedly big, “What if we get caught? I don’t want to go to prison.”

At this Ruth scoffs, “Nobody’s going to prison, we’ll leak the video from somewhere that can’t be traced back to us.”

Truthfully Jennie feels crushed, Jungkook had never even attempted to film their antics together, not that they even had sex that much, nor did he show her as much passion as he seemed to with you. What makes you so special? She’s overlooking how evil her friend Ruth must be if she’s willing to do something like this to her own sister, all she can think about is how this will completely break your relationship. This is the way she’s going to get Jungkook back.

A short while later Ruth calls a cab, initially to your parents house but she changes the destination during the ride, to your ex-boyfriend’s place. She already knows where it is given they'd slept together again just last month. The hallway is small, tidy, and smells like cinnamon. Perhaps this is a mistake, but with alcohol clouding her judgement she can’t bring herself to care.

“What are you doing here?” Namjoon rubs the sleep from his eyes as he opens the front door, wearing only grey boxer shorts, “It’s late, I have work tomorrow.”

“This won’t take long. Can I come in?”

Much to her surprise Namjoon stands to one side, granting her access into his homely home. For the first time in a long time Ruth’s nervous, once she does what she’s about to do there’s no going back. Standing in his kitchen she clicks her tongue twice, mulling over her thoughts.

“Look Ruth… I don’t know why you’re here but, I’ve decided I want nothing to do with whatever you’re planning with Jungkook and Y/N. I was drunk when I said those things... I made a lot of mistakes that night.”

She knew this would happen, he’s still completely head over heels for you after all so of course he was never exactly a reliable partner in crime. This is exactly why Ruth only looks out for Ruth, people can't disappoint you if you don't let them.

“Do you still have a key to her apartment?”

“What?” He frowns, barely awake and confused.

“I need to get into her apartment, she’s in Seoul and I don’t have a spare.”

“You need to stop this obsession you have with ruining her life,” He warns with a serious profile, slumping himself down onto his two-seater dining table, “It’s not normal, it's unhealthy.”

“This isn’t about her, I need a key to get in… My parents have gone out and I have nowhere to stay.” She lies, as though it’s second nature to her. "Unless you wanna make it three for three and fuck me again?"

“I’m not giving you the key to her apartment.”

“Yes you are.”

“Ruth you need to stop. I don’t like him either, alright? But if she’s happy—”

To this she makes her way over to him, planting her small palms on his white dining table to look down at him with a fiery gaze, “If you don’t give me the key, I’ll tell her the real reason you left.”

Joon freezes, he knows your sister can be cold but this? This is something else. He swallows thickly, rightfully nervous. He knows she’s not the type of woman to deliver empty threats, she will tell you everything if he doesn’t do exactly as he says. He should’ve never called her the night he met Jennie, he knows that now, all he’s done is fuelled her unhealthy obsession in being the ‘better sister’. There’s not one trace of emotion behind her eyes, not one single shred of evidence to show she cares about you.

You’re happy with Jungkook, he knows you are, and so the idea of your sister shattering the peace you’ve finally found with something you don't need to know doesn’t sit right with him. No, he can’t let that happen. Hesitantly, Namjoon grabs his set of keys from the small white bowl on the kitchen side, disconnecting yours and giving it to Ruth.

“Thanks,” She smirks triumphantly, looking back at him over her shoulder as she approaches his front door, “See you around big boy.”

The next morning Ruth finds herself outside Jennie’s house, she can’t stay in London much longer as her boyfriend Seokjin is already beginning to get suspicious of why she’d stayed the night at her parents place. After a series of loud knocks her ‘friend’ finally opens the door, baffled.

“This is the key to Y/N’s apartment, here’s the address.” She hands her a small piece of paper, “Here’s the video… She’ll be home from Korea soon so you have a few hours to decide if you really want to do this.”

If there’s another thing Ruth is particularly good at, it’s manipulating people – poor Jennie thinks that the choice is hers, that this was her idea, as though Ruth wasn’t the one who stole the video camera from your boyfriend’s apartment in the first place. Everything has come together just how she’d hoped, the only thing left to do now is dispose of the video camera as she’s transferred the footage onto a USB that now sits patiently in Jennie’s hand, waiting to be uploaded. This is only phase one of her master plan, and phase two is already underway – she has an interview at Jeon Industries in two weeks, just in case the video isn’t damning enough to Jungkook’s reputation and his company.

“I-, this is your sister we’re talking about…” Jennie is dumbfounded, she didn’t think Ruth would actually want to put you through something like this. She really is evil.

“I know.” She grins, baring her white teeth, “Which is exactly why I don’t want her anywhere near someone like him, if he's as bad as you say he is. She’ll thank me in the long run.”

“Ruth,” Jennie ponders her next words, does she really want Jungkook back enough to do this? He's gorgeous, rich, good in bed, but he had always been cold towards her. Maybe if the video leak is traced back to your apartment like they’ve planned he'll come running back to her? Believing you’re the source of the leak? Yes. Without a shadow of a doubt it's a yes, she wants him back enough to do something as sick as this.

“I’ll text you when it’s done.”

“See you.” Ruth’s slender fingers dance in a quick wave.

Soon she’s driving her small white car back to the countryside where her boyfriend Seokjin is waiting for her, ignorant to the chaos his girlfriend has created in the space of twenty four hours. Ruth reaches into her bag on the passenger seat, grabbing Jungkook’s video camera before tossing into the River Thames as she travels home. It’s after the hour long drive she unlocks her phone, chuckling to herself upon reading her one and only notification.

Jennie: It’s done

“Is everything okay?” You’re distracted by the paparazzi literally screaming at the security guards to get closer to the jet, there must be at least one hundred camera men on the ground all fighting their way to you and you've only just landed back in London.

“Shit,” Taehyung jumps from his seat and gathers his belongings, “We need to get out of here and away from them, now. Fuck.”

“You wanna tell us what’s going on?” Jungkook laughs at his friend’s sudden change in demeanour, looking equally as confused as you.

Rather than saying anything Taehyung turns his phone screen in hand, so you and Jungkook are able to see what the problem is. It’s an article, actually there looks to be several articles written about you and your boyfriend – you grimace, remembering his father’s words about how you’re portrayed in the media. It’s when your vision completely focusses on the words that your heart drops into your the depths of your stomach.

Billionaire Jungkook and girlfriend Y/N Bora Bora sex tape leak. Watch the video here. 

--

Present Day

--

“Wait.” Your boyfriend pauses the television, Taehyung sighs, “Is this clip from the day before Jennie was at Y/N’s apartment?”

Tae freezes, frantically checking the tiny, barely noticeable date and times that display in the corner of the screen, “Yeah definitely… But we were in Seoul that day. Are you saying you think the tapes been tampered with?! How can Y/N be in two places at once? One of the security team must’ve edited—”

Jungkook zones out of the conversation, his racing heartbeat is deafening as the realisation hits him like a tonne of bricks – the video hasn’t been edited, but that’s not you in his building either. No, the truth is far worse than that. He pushes his hair back in a hurry, audibly exhaling, you’re going to be devastated.

“It’s not edited.” Kook’s voice is deep, he presses play on the remote, cursing himself for not noticing this sooner,

“Jungkook the date has to have been edited, that’s Y/N!” 

“No, it’s not.”

Jungkook launches the television remote at the tv screen, smashing it to pieces with an angry huff in a display of brute strength, that bitch has been in his apartment, in his office, she works for him knowing what she’s done? Ruth stole the video and Jennie leaked it. Fucking furious doesn’t even begin to describe how he’s feeling right now.

“I can’t fucking believe this.”

“Guk, whoa…” Taehyung cautiously stands from the sofa, he’s never seen his best friend lose his temper before, “Talk to me, what’s going on?”

“That’s not Y/N in my apartment.” Jungkook repeats himself with ragged breaths, “That’s Ruth.”

x

[jkslipppiercing]

Never Been A Friend | Part 1 | Jeon Jk

♧ synopsis: Sneaky glances across the room weighed with a dozen different meanings left to be unsaid; confusion, desire, lust. He was never a friend, was he?

♧ pairing: brother's bsf!jk, bratty!reader.

♧ warnings: y/n is too drunk to form a sentence, jungkook loves cursing, jungkook is jealous out of his mind, kinda enemies but not really, jungkook calls y/n a brat that he cant stand, someone calls y/n a slut, and that's all i can remember 😙

♧ WC: 1.6K

♧ a/n: hello loves! wrote this in one sitting and it's barely edited, but the intention is there lmao i love you all so much please enjoy! dont hesitate to tell me what you think <3 im like the no.1 supporter for constructive criticism lol okay thank you byeeeee

taglist

index

requests

JK's POV

She whines,

Throws tantrums,

Acts like a goddamn brat for the sake of being annoying,

And I still want her lips around my cock.

Why?

That goes beyond the fucking level of my emotional understanding.

I want her wrapped around my finger. I want her to get on her fucking knees and apologize for all the turbulent feelings she makes me suffer by.

She ruined my night.

I was fucking.

Blowing a girl's back just to lay off some steam. Get the stress of the college life off my shoulders.

But then, she just had to cock-block me.

My best friend’s sister.

Speaking of the twat, he dared to interrupt my one night stand for the sake of his bratty sister.

Usually, I love brats.

My type.

They make sex enjoyable. All the more pleasurable when they try to resist.

Keyword: try.

Because I know for a damn straight fact when a girl wants to be disciplined.

Fucked right and put in her place.

Reminds me of her. Y/L/N Y/N.

Except for one thing, though- she makes my fucking insides churn in all uncomfortable ways.

She doesn’t have a bratty attitude, the bitch has a bratty personality.

Yes, she is indeed a bitch. I can't stand a girl who's always annoying just because she feels like it. She'd never had a valid reason to hate me, and neither did I.

When I first met her, I mean.

She was laughing with her brother having breakfast one time when I came out of my room for painkillers and a glass of water.

Her brother and I were both freshmen in need of a dorm, and we agreed on splitting the rent once in a frat party.

Yes... we were both strangers to each other, but we clicked.

Met through mutuals, and our vibes matched. After living with each other for over six months now, we've grown pretty close.

He's cool, agreed on basic rules like who does the laundry or dishes, helped with assignments, and was always there when needed.

He's a friend. A close one.

A tolerable one.

That can't be said about a certain someone, though.

She scowled at me that day and later told me she didn't like my vibe when I confronted her about it.

Bullshit.

And yet, she's the reason I left a naked girl in my bed and came to this godforsaken club in the first place.

Her brother is here, too, which is why he called me to come pick her up. Said something about her being drunk, and since he had taken a shot or two as well, he couldn't take her home himself.

Or he just didn't want to, because he was also getting laid tonight.

That's proven to be right when I see him making out with a girl near the bathrooms.

His hands grope her all over as she arches into him, which is enough to make me look away.

Sly motherfucker.

Casting my vision toward the main dance floor, I scan the crowd for a short brunette with soft features.

Annoyingly soft features.

So soft that I want to corrupt her. Tear the bratty exterior and dig through the filthy dark side on the inside.

But those features aren't the only things that infuriate the hell out of me.

It's her innocence.

How can a brat be innocent, you may ask?

When my gaze lands on her, my jaw tenses in annoyance.

She sways her hips sensually, eyes closed and mouth open as she slides her hands down her body to a seductive beat following her movements.

I follow the action, eyes unable to tear away from her figure.

Her fingers skim over her neck down to her breasts and then further, the lightness she seems to be handling her body with attending to a grace she always breathed by.

Fuck, I hate this woman.

Hate everything about her.

How she moves.

How she walks.

How she fucking talks.

Runs her mouth like a brat who needs to be handled.

No- not like- is.

She is a brat.

A brat who's oblivious to all the eyes she's attracting.

Including mine.

Fuck.

Her dancing resumes as her eyes stay closed, feeling every beat.

She's enjoying herself.

Not for long.

I school my expression- which had turned into a scowl the moment I set my eyes on her- and begin my stride towards her.

I spot a man doing the same, but she's absolutely mind-numb as she continues to dance with her damn eyes closed.

I was irritated, but now I'm literally fed up.

He's a couple inches shorter than me, wearing a white tee and skinny ripped jeans.

Not to mention, his hair is slicked back by a disgusting amount of hair gel.

Ew.

He approaches Y/N with predatory eyes and a shit eating grin, his gaze set straight on her perky ass.

Which is just barely covered by the tight little dress she's wearing, inching higher and higher up her thighs as we speak.

My steps quicken when I see him reach out, apparently intending to slap her ass.

My blood boils.

White noise drowns out all available access to the outside world as I break out into a jog and reach her just in time.

My hand swiftly slides onto her tiny waist, and I glare at the man whose shit-eating grin is now gone, replaced with confusion.

Y/N's eyes stay closed as she giggles, and it's now I notice how drunk she is.

Bright crimson tints her cheeks and her breath smells of strong tequila, obviously from having taken too many shots.

Isn't she here with friends?

How could they leave her alone like this?

Her brother's here. Her brother is here.

My breath turns heavy, my heartbeat quickening. I have to stop myself from punching the douchebag in front of me into fucking oblivion because I don't know if i'll ever stop once I start.

Fuck.

I try to focus on anything besides her frame that's barely hanging onto me, all the exhaustion from her dancing catching up to her as she fights to keep her eyes open.

Why the fuck is she here all alone? Why did they- whoever she's here with, except her brother- leave her here like this?

Like she's not even aware of where she is.

Like she's not sober enough to be responsible.

Like she's not fucking strong enough to defend herself if anything happened to her.

I might punch a wall.

My grip tightens around her waist, which makes her drowsily lift her head to stare up at me.

She's still shorter than me with heels on, enough to put her neck in an uncomfortable position whenever she looks up at me.

It's adorable.

But that's none of my concerns as the slimy fuck keeps undressing her with his eyes. Makes me want to claw them out with my bare hands.

Repress.

"Wha..." She starts, growing more and more confused as she tries to wrap her head around where the hell she is. "Jungkook? What are you..."

She trails off into a mindfuck, allowing me to set my full focus on the man still staring between us with wariness.

My gaze hasn't worn off him since I saw him fucking reach for her ass, which makes me want to bash his head against the wall.

My breathing turns heavy again.

Repress.

"Off-limits." I bite out with enough to control to shock myself. I'm even more surprised that this motherfucker is still breathing.

His eyes thin into slits as he eyes me suspiciously. "I haven't seen you here the last couple of hours. Thought her sexy ass came alone." His eyes skim over her body, gaze lingering longer than necessary on her breasts.

Guess someone's leaving with no limbs tonight.

"You thought wrong." It takes almost all the last bits of my control to reply with that before I start turning around to leave, Y/N almost falling asleep on my arm.

She clutches the hem of my shirt with a weak grip, like a toddler would its mom.

If I couldn't get here in time, what would've happened?

I catch myself before I overthink it. If I did, I'm afraid I might commit a crime tonight. One of shameless blood and murder-

Repress.

My back is turned to him when I hear a low whistle, which makes me pause, angry enough for my limbs to shake with adrenaline.

"You know, It's often rare for a slut with such a sweet ass to be out here all alone wearing that. Almost like she's begging for a cock-"

The words are barely out of his mouth before my fist connects with his face. The force of my blow got him on the floor, nose fucked and bleeding. Might be broken.

Good. Bare minimum.

I almost straddle him and punch him to his fucking fortunate death.

Almost.

But I have to get Y/N home.

I can't stand this anymore.

I can't stand her anymore.

Coming here alone? Dressed like that?

I mean yes, she did come here with her idiot brother who thinks with his dick, but he's nowhere to be found.

How can someone be so nonchalant to just leave his sister here all alone?

I'm so goddamn confused.

And infuriated.

And...angry.

Fucking fuck.

I need to get her the fuck out of here before i lose my fucking mind.

Fuck me.

The punch I just delivered did little to satiate my thirst for this slimy fucker's blood.

But again, Y/N's more important.

I turn, my panic spiking so high it reaches levels it had never before when I find Y/N out of my sight.

My breathing starts to go abnormal for the nth time this night.

I might develop heart problems.

A sigh leaves my mouth when I spot her by the bars, trying to convince the bartender to give her another shot. Relief floods my system, and my breaths regulate.

I send a quick text the girl- who i already forgot the name of- and tell her to head home. She sends a crying emoji back but agrees nonetheless, telling me to call her back when everything is sorted out on my end.

I have other things to care for.

Or I guess, in this case, a certain person to tend to.

God, It's gonna be a long night.

@hoseokteardrop @nochuel @kaitieskidmore97 @nays2112 @jksoftii @yu-justme @meadow-in-spring @bunnykoos @looneybleus @fushigurosdarling @alpha-mommy69 @junecat18 @xjiminsthighsx @tanniesdolls @winterbeartaehyungbestboy @whoa-jo @ahgasegotarmy116 @jksusawife @frgetmenotes @baechugff @partyparty-yah @army130613210521 @drugerlime @allisonstone @hopekive @llallaaa @tarahardcore @hopetookmysoul @betysotelo18 @harmonic55 @ecrvea @awesomebabyyoda @peterstarkchrishiddleston @pinkrockstar19 @sweetestseoul @luv--youu @mochminnie @coletaehyung @whitelies2248-blog @ash07128 @bangtans-momma @yourbobaeyestell

next

did you like it 👀

@laylasbunbunny @btsnpniff @olimpiiaa @caro134340lina @ohsweetmimosa @lovingkoalaface @httpjeonlicious @t-alyssa-vvv-blog

[hritika13-tamboli]

Jeon Jungkook Fic Recs List 2...

Series :

Day by day @hansolmates

Summary : a series of drabbles about two best friends raising a child together

Aim for the heart @writemywaytoyourheart

Summary : Jeon Jungkook is an infamous hitman, known for his inability to fail at whatever job is thrown his way. At least, up until now. Y/n, a kind-hearted and full of life teacher, is his newest target. Jeon isn’t sure who would put a hit on this seemingly innocent girl, but fortunately, that isn’t his problem. All he has to do is pull the trigger.

Bedeviled @writemywaytoyourheart

Summary : Money. Fame. Power. Love. Health. Courage. Strength. Humans will trade their souls for anything, unaware of how their selfish desires will fade away as they do; growing feeble and pathetic, until there's nothing left but the ghost of their youth, cowering in a corner until old age disposes of it.  Convincing yourself to go to the Underworld? Easy... Walking through to get something that you've waited many years for, accompanied by a demon that will stop at nothing to make sure your soul belongs to him? Maybe not so much. Making deals with the devil is a tricky business; one you might not have realized could end in something much more painful than death itself if you make a single mistake.

Animal - 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 @cutaepatootie

Summary : “I don’t want to go without telling something.” The girl frown looking at the old man “What do you mean, Mr. Jeon?” “I don’t want to die without telling someone about her,” he says, his voice softening when he says ‘her’. “I don’t want to disappear without the world knowing about her and what she did for me.” “About her?” the girl frowns. Maybe his daughter? His sister? The man turns his head and faces the girl, a soft, distant smile plastered on his lips. The gesture is nostalgic, sad, almost loving. “Y/N,” he murmurs, the name rolling off his lips softly, just as softly as the waves of the sea roll over the sand. “Her name was Y/N.”

Into the woods @junqkook

Summary : getting hurt and stumbling upon a goblin in the forest leaves you completely at his mercy, though you aren’t sure if that’s necessarily a bad thing.

One-shot :

The habits of the broken heart @softykooky

Summary : jungkook and you are soulmates. so says the matching crescent moons on both your wrists. however, things are never as easy as they seem, and you are quick to learn that falling in love with someone who does not believe in love is a one-way ticket to heartbreak.  alternatively, “You still are, you know. Worth it.” You release a shaky breath. “But I was stupid to think that I am too.”

Something in the heir @hisunshiine

Summary : The king of your empire will be leaving soon to head off to fight against Soiros, a foreign enemy, and his seven knights of the order of Bangtania will lead the way. One of the seven, Jeon Jungkook, with his dark eyes and easy smile, is someone you long for. Children believe he has slain dragons, and adults think he’s killed over one thousand Soirian soldiers. Everyone thinks he is a heartbreaker, making his way through every unwed wench in the land...but all he wants is you.

Miracle of the season @cybrsan

Summary : Cast out of Heaven after a painful betrayal, you find yourself having to navigate the intricacies of human life without any guidance from the Creator or the family you have always known. Things only get worse as the holiday season reaches its peak, with reminders of the life you left behind everywhere you look. When a familiar face pops up, you aren’t sure whether to consider it a blessing or a curse.

Amortentia @jungkxook

Summary : jungkook loves everything strawberry but the simple pleasure is always kept hidden, stowed away as if some hideous secret to protect the rumours that had built up around him — until a love potion outs him.

Black magic   @hansolmates

Summary : a witch with an ambition for learning, you stumble across a crushing spell in the middle of the forbidden section. of course you have to try it out! what happens when the crushing spell not only has jeon jungkook crushing on you, but you crushing on him?

(Un)crushed    @hansolmates

Summary : you’ve liked jungkook for the longest time, but you believe it’s time to cut the cord—literally 

What's wrong?  @oddinary4bts

Summary : Reader overhears Jungkook talk to his friends and mention how she’s always clinging on to him and doesn’t let him breathe sometimes and that she’s annoying because she’s too loud and energetic. When he comes back home she acts the complete opposite and tries to avoid him without letting him know what’s going on, until he realises that he actually prefers her clingy and loud🥺

High demand @bunnyhugs77

Summary : modern day Romeo and Juliet

Coin toss @yoondoze

Summary : you and jeongguk go way back, even before you were the menacing duo many knew you to be, even before he brought you into the mafia and left you there to join the city’s detective agency. a call for cooperation comes out of a common enemy, requiring the two of you to reconcile for one last mission.

[jungwnies]

syn ' a-z alphabet (nsfw) jeon jungkook pairing ' bf!jungkook x gn!reader

i am so unbelievably down bad for jk right now, so this is in honor of seven and my current weakness in the knees for him?!?!?!

a ⋆ aftercare - (how he is after sex)

BOY.... YOU KNOWWW he is taking care of you well

cleaning you up

cuddling you

just know that aftercare he gives is TOP tier

NIGHT AFTER NIGHT HE WILLLLL be treating you right ;)

b ⋆ body part - (his favorite body part)

you lips

your thighs

your ass

literally every part of your body he loves

c ⋆ cum - (anything to do with cum)

he comes on your stomach

or in you

if you don't want to fuck raw then he opts for the stomach

but he prefers coming in you

he likes seeing his seed spill out of you

d ⋆ dirty secret - (his dirty secret)

he loves when you beg

it's the virgo in him

he loves seeing you under his control

like seeing you so down bad for him

and just so submissive

he loves it

e ⋆ experience - (how experienced is he?)

girl

he knows what he's doing that's for sure

he doesn't have a lot of bodies

but he's been in committed relationships before

and the sex never fails to please

f ⋆ fav position - (sex position)

missionary for sure

loves being able to see your face

but sometimes he just wants to do doggy and shove your face into the pillow

g ⋆ goofy - (how he acts in the moment)

he's not goofy okay

but he isn't serious

he's very very

romantic

he's about making sure you're pleased

h ⋆ hair - (how groomed is he?)

he is very well groomed

but he isn't ... bald down there

there's hair there

but not a lot

it's trimmed

not completely gone though

i ⋆ intimacy - (how passionate is he?)

very passionate

like i said

he's a romantic

j ⋆ jack off - (how often he masturbates)

like once or twice a week if you're not there

but if you're there

then never

unless it's mutual

k ⋆ kink - (one or more)

lowkey sadistic???

he kind of enjoys hearing your sobs

or when you cry for him

but if you're genuinely hurt or sad

then he will be there for you

but if you're just in tears cus the sex is

THAT good

then he's super into it

l ⋆ location - (fav place to do it)

the bedroom

sometimes in the car

but mainly in the bedroom

or just anywhere in the house

m ⋆ motivation - (what keeps him going)

your moans

your cries

your sounds

the way you moan his name

it's like fucking music to his ears

n ⋆ no - (something he would NOT do)

would neverrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

do anything like somnophilia

he's just not into that

if he's going to fuck you

you're going to be awake

o ⋆ oral - (giving + receiving — is he good?)

he goes crazy

especially when he's giving

HE GOES CRAZY!!!!!!!!!!!!!

and when he's receiving

his basically fucks your throat

god

god

god

god

oh my god

p ⋆ pace - (fast and rough? slow and sensual?)

rough yet sensual

he goes hard

but not fast

q ⋆ quickie - (his opinion on it + how often they happen)

all the time

on set

before award shows

when people say he has the "we just fucked look"

it's real

because you guys literally just fucked

r ⋆ risks - (is he willing to experiment, does he take risks, etc.)

yes

he is willing to experiment for you

he will risk it all for you

but he sets boundaries

and he respects yours

anything you both are down to do will be done

s ⋆ stamina - (how long can he last?)

he lasts pretty long

but it's not round and round

it's like

longgggg foreplay

and longggg sex

he takes his time

he wants you to feel good

stimulated in every part >.>

t ⋆ toys - (does he use/own any?)

no not really

he's kind of into teasing you in public

it makes it easy to get you to finish shopping

u ⋆ unfair - (how much does he tease?)

A MOTHER FUCKIN LOT

that's all i have to say

he teases a lot ok?

v ⋆ volume - (how loud is he + what noises does he make?)

he moans loudly

he's very vocal about how he feels

not growls but groans fs

just always says your name

and is like

fuck

yes

baby

i love it

fuck

yeah... ANYWAYS NEXT???

w ⋆ wild card - (random headcanon for him)

he thinks about marriage and kids the second he looks at you

he's never been one to think that far into the future

but the second he realized he loved you aka the second he looked at you

he just fell immediately

it's like his whole future flashed before his eyes lol

x ⋆ x-ray - (what’s under his clothes?)

he's not long

he's not thick

he's average

like ngl it's not that big

but it gets bigger when he's hard

so it makes up for those lost inches

we all know he's built

the abs the muscles

he's works out

very nice bod

we all know this yes?

y ⋆ yearning (how high is his sex drive?)

everyday he is down to do it

but he doesn't actually do it everyday

as long as you're open to it

then he is also open to it

it's above avg. but not high

z ⋆ zzz - (how quickly does he sleep after?)

not quickly

he has a hard time sleeping tbh

he falls asleep quick but he doesn't always feel the need to sleep

he sleeps once he knows you're comfortable

and he will be able to sleep once you wrap your arms around him

and tell him you love him

duh

2022 © jungwnies | tumblr

[hobisstar]

What are you hiding from love?| Yandere!Jk x Reader

Summary: Being in a relationship with Jungkook you’ve always noticed the signs, the red flags if you will. Being so in love with him you ignored them, until the people you loved dearly started disappearing one by one.

Warnings: Murder, Jungkook victim blaming ( like he will say i killed you because you are too stupid or whatever), Possessiveness, Mentions of Smut, Controlling, Locking up YN.

Taglist: vante 🫶🏾

A/N: This is made to be scary! That is all. I honestly dont like mixing smut with yandere because i read yandere fics to be spooked not horny lol.

5 years,

5 long years, of nothing but love and trust but more than that. Of course honesty, right?

Well on yn’s end there was definitely honesty. Jungkook’s? Not so much. You see there is this dark secret that jungkook has been hiding since they met 6 years ago…

It’s so deadly that it could possibly end their relationship if she found out about it.

She was so beautiful, so calm and gentle with him, he loved that side of her. Hes never seen her angry, sad, or even hurt. He never wants to see that side of her.

Jungkook doesn’t want to be the reason he sees that side of her.

Like now, There are siting on their shared bed, in their shared bedroom, in their shared apartment. Telling the truth, would risk him loosing all of this. He cant have that.

Jungkook looked at her then smiled, “ You are so beautiful you know?” He smiled, kissing the top of her head. YN blushed lightly staring up at him.

YN was quite literally everyone’s dream girl. Maybe that was the problem to Jungkook.

She was too good to everyone including himself and he hated. He knows she has a bad side but he never gets to see it so when he knows someone else gets to experience that mean side of her, he’s instantly jealous.

Who got his baby so pissed that she called you a dumb cunt? A fucking bitch? Who dares piss off his queen?

He will deal with them, with torture. Slow, painful, evil, demented, twisted death.

That was the other side of him he need to never be shown to his lover. It scared him that in any means possible she found out about his… hobby.

Nevertheless, Jungkook admires yn. How she can keep it together in every situation. Worships her to be exact.

“Stop calling be beautiful and get ready for work, handsome.” Yn responded while patting his back.

Right, work. Besides his hobby, he works at a flower shop while yn works at a cafe during the weekend. It’s enough to keep food on their table, to the rent, gas but also enough for simply living. Jungkook owns the flower shop so, he makes a whole lot of money.

There are so many things that yn doesn’t know about Jungkooks basically second life. How deadly it is.

jk: I miss you, baby~

I hate this fucking job

What are you doing?

Is bam stilling your attention from my text?

Babbbbbbbbyyyyy

yn

yn

yn

yn answer the phone

yn: sorry baby! I was feeding bam and fixing me something to eat!

I left my phone in the bathroom

yn: j, you just got to work babes 🤨, how do you miss me already?

You didn’t even clock in yet SILLY!

jk: I can’t miss you now?

Since when did you feel like that?

yn: Jeon I never once said you couldn’t, don’t say that.

jk: but you where implying that…

yn: Jeon Jungkook, clock in, put your phone down, see you when you get home 😕🩷

jk: smh, why that face? Why that reply?

He waited for a reply but he never received one, instead he heard someone clear his throat. He looked up and saw it was a woman probably in her 30s, staring at him like he was a snack.

“Hi! JK right? I came in here a few days ago looking for some flowers for my sisters birthday! I doubt you remember me but I want to come back to get some for myself!” The lady bit her lip and looked Jungkook up then down and Jungkook thought he could be sick.

He forced a half smile, “ Yeah yeah, I don’t remember you. You can get them for yourself, I don’t remember the flower you got last time.” He looked back down at the book he was original decorating with different flower pictures but got bored so he texted his lover.

“oh.. I was hoping you could pick them for me, fresh ones. I know you all do that-,” “ we do but not this early.” He interrupted still looking down, knowing he is hurting the poor woman’s feelings for not even recognizing her or remembering the flower or even falling for her shitty attempt to flirt.

“Okay, ah well I’ll go grab them and pay for them.” She said waiting for a respond or even a nod but she didn’t even get that. She walked over there and grabbed them then returning to the register. While she put her things on the counter, she saw a glimpse of Jungkooks Lock Screen which so happens to be a picture of yn and bam sleeping on the couch. “ Your sister?” She asked, hoping she was right. “ My wife actually and our son.” He scanned the flowers and roughly wrapped them. Roses, it’s be sad if he left a thorn on them. He turned around and slightly cut the stem but enough to keep the thorn nice and sharp.

Jungkook turned back around and handed them to her. As soon as the woman grabbed them she gasped, in pain he assumed. He pretended to be concerned but when he saw the palm of her hand leaking red liquid, he smiled on inside.

“ Oh! Im so sorry! I thought I got all the thorns, out…” he looked up at her then saying “ I guess one snuck away.” giving her the most creepiest blank face the woman has ever seen. She then realized he left the thorn on on purpose. He even sharpened it. “ I can fix that for you-,” “ No! I-It’s fine! Thank you so much! See you!” She some what screamed and hurried out the store frightened.

“ too bad..” Jungkook mumbled and chuckled continuing to put pictures in the decorating book.

“Bam! You just keep growing!” Yn said as she walked into the kitchen smiling while seeing him staring at the spare room. It’s Jungkooks office. “ What’s the matter? You know your dad doesn’t like you going in there.Not even me.” She stooped to his level and petted his back but only received a whimper in return.

Yn stared at the door. It’s taunting her with its unlocked door handle. She looked at the time, it was only 5 pm, Jungkook wouldn’t be home for a few more hours.

“ A peak wouldn’t hurt us right?” Looking at Bam and he barked as if he understood her.

Yn stood up and opened the door walking in. It was a nice little tidy office.

It would be comforting even if it wasn’t so cold. She has to remember to turn on the air for this room once exiting.

She turned around seeing if Bam followed her inside but he was at his bowl slurping up some water.

Looking at the closet door she opened it up and turned on the light. “since when did he make this a dark room?” The red light was a little hard to see in but her eyes soon adjusted quickly.

Spooky wasn’t the feeling that she was feeling but more so unsettled. Yn looked at the photos on the table and quite literally almost vomited.

“ what… what is that?” Stammering as her eyes scanned over the photos laid out on the table.

Pictures of people being hurt, harmed. There were far more worse ones that she doesn’t even want to even mention. Gazing up on the line looking at the ones drying where pictures of, her.

This wouldn’t be weird if it wasn’t of her sleeping, in the shower, getting dressed, even at work.

“Did jungkook take these?… no way…”

Yn was flabbergasted,

Was her boyfriend of 5 years, a serial killer? A psychopath? A fucking weirdo? I mean she saw the signs but thought she was tripping.

Days where he would come home with blood and dirt on his hands and clothes. He would always say it was his and it came from the thorns he dealt with at work.

“yn! I’m home!” Jungkook shouted. As he walked in and smiled when he saw Bam sitting on the couch peacefully sleeping.

It’s where yn and bam usually cuddle so, where is she at?

“Did she leave you by yourself?” He asked Bam who was waking up from sleep. Walking towards the kitchen he saw dinner was made and a note on the fridge door.

“ Welcome home babes! Sorry I couldn’t be home to greet you, I went out to go get a few things but my sister called and said she wanted to have a little sibling time! Ha. Be back by 11 pm! Dinners fixed but do warm it up, then shower and get some sleep! See you later,

Love, Yn <3”

“Ah, I guess she did leave us by ourselves tonight Bam.” He chuckled and took off his jacket. He felt weird though.

Since when did her sister want to hang out so late? This is the first he ever heard of it. Pondering, he grabbed his phone and called yn’s sister.

“Hello? Jungkook?” She answered confused as ever at this late ass call. “Hey, sorry to call so late. is yn with you?” Jungkook asked but his full attention was on his office door.

“What? No she’s not. Why?” Without missing a beat Jungkook hung up the phone right after. He dialed yn’s number. What he wasn’t expecting was to hear her phone sitting right on the couch next to Bam. He watched it ring and sighed. Maybe she just went out and forgot it on accident, no need to panic.

For some reason in the back of his mind he felt as though she found out. She went into his forbidden office. Jungkook chuckled, “ she would never disobey me.” He warmed his food up then sat at the table but he couldn’t eat.

Nor could the feeling of her going in his office go away. He stood up and walked to the door and opened it.

At first he didn’t notice anything out of place until he realized it was warm in the room. He never turns the air on in this room. Jungkook looked around about to leave until something so obvious caught his eyes.

The red light illuminating on the other side of the closet door. With quick steps, he opened the door well threw it open. Nothing was touched but the light alone was a clear sign that someone was in there.

He mentally and physically cursed himself.

“ She knows, she fucking knows.” He calmly stated but boy was he heated.

“ I need to fucking find her…now.”

To be continued…

[kooksbunnnn]

Lost cause? 3: Who is it really that you're trying to fight?

Previous chapter

Pairing: Jeon Jungkook× Female!Reader

Genre: Established relationship/ marriage, angst, heartbreak, INFIDELITY. Panic attacks (TRIGGER WARNING). Pregnancy (do not read if this content triggers you) also, 18+, This is purely a work of FICTION please take it as FICTION only. Therapy and psychological conversations. Tears, guilt, regret and hope maybe?

Word count: approx 6.5k

Summary: You always wondered, how would your life turn out to be if you and Jungkook had a baby? So, when you finally conceive and decide to tell your husband, that you are pregnant, you didn't expect him to drop this bomb on you. You never would've thought that the surprise you planned would end up in agonized tears because of the shock your husband brings you. 

Authors note: Hello everybody, thankyou for waiting so patiently, I have a long message so I will put it at the end of the chapter, here is chapter 3, I hope you like it. Enjoy! Hehe~

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"These sunflowers just look happier than the roses, don't you think?" you point at the various vases and bouquets as Jungkook holds your hand listening to your confused queries. 

"But didn't you find the roses pretty the moment you walked in?" He teases you with faux confusion and you stomp your feet like a toddler. "I am not buying both of them, kook." You pull him by his hand and he chuckles. 

You didn't want to buy both of them, they're ridiculously expensive and he won't even let you pay. You tried taking your clutch but he kinda snatched it and shoved it back in your luggage. Although your little playful squabble suddenly turned into a makeout session against the hotel wall, he still successfully hid your wallet. 

"Fine, baby, whatever you want." He pecks your cheeks and pulls back, fixing your scarf around your neck. "I'll get the sunflowers wrapped, you go check the gift shop for that snow globe you saw earlier, okay?" You smile and mutter 'okay', happily walking towards the gift shop with your hands in your coat pockets.

You reach the gift shop and ask for the snow globe along with some fridge magnets and keychains for your friends as souvenirs. Jimin and Hobi love magnets, and it was specifically mentioned in the group texts you got the night before your flight. 

'HAPPY HONEYMOONING, Y/N AND JUNGKOOK!! Bring souvenirs tho, tc♡'

You get all the stuff you want and turn around to look for your husband. He walks towards you with a smile on his face, Oh, that pretty face, the prettiest amongst the flower lanes.

You give him a big smile when he hands you the sunflower bouquet, and your eyes crinkle looking at the yellow flowers. Looking up at him you find him looking at you with hearts in his eyes. You giggle with pink cheeks and turn towards the counter with your face half hidden by the bouquet. 

"How much is it for everything, ma'am?" He asks the cashier when someone comes from inside the flower store and hands Jungkook a bouquet of roses making your eyes widen. 

"Jungkook!" You whisper-yell at your husband and he looks handing his card to the lady. "Yes, baby?" He asks with love filled in his voice, You tilt your head towards the red flowers and he follows your gaze moving his neck dramatically and exclaims, elongating his words, 

"Ohhhhh, the roses?"

You raise an eyebrow biting your inner cheeks, a smile threatening to appear on your face at his cuteness. "I got them for me, You said you don't want them but you know, I loooove red roses, so I got them for myself. The red makes me feel pretty, you know?" He explains with comically wide eyes and a coy smile, shrugging with the red roses in his arms, and you can't help but laugh and hug him. 

He pats your head and kisses your hair, chuckling. The lady hands hands him his card thanking him and gives him the items you both bought in a cloth bag with mountains painted over it.

Heading out of the shop you both hold hands while you walk towards your car. After keeping the stuff in the back seat and handing you both the bouquets, he opens the car door for you but before you get inside he stops you and turns you towards him. 

"I love your laugh, you know? and I love it the most when you laugh because of me." He says with his gaze fixed on your scarf while covering it around your neck carefully. He boops your red nose and you playfully scrunch it making him chuckle. 

"I love you, kook." You say leaning in to kiss him. 

"I love you, too, baby." He smiles against your lips.

------end of flashback------

Your face has a sad smile as your gaze lingers on the newly replaced sunflowers in the vase on your kitchen counter. The memories of the warm winter you spent in Switzerland cuddling with your husband make your heart feel chill and cold. You sip on the herbal tea with bags under your eyes due to the many nights of crying. 

You hear the couch in the lobby rustle and your gaze shifts to your sleeping husband. Yes, he slept on the couch not wanting to make you uncomfortable in any way but still being close to your room, since you felt very nauseous the night before. 

Your mom asked him to sleep in the guest room but he preferred sleeping near your room in case you needed something.  

It has been 4 days since you both decided to give your relationship a chance. Since then you have not talked much about anything other than the therapist's recommendations you got from Namjoon, Taehyung and their wives. 

Jin was supposed to return in 2 days from his trip with his wife to her house, his brother-in-law getting engaged. You feel like a lot has happened in the last 5 months and you were so clueless, you felt guilty for not being there for everybody. 

Apparently, Yoongi broke up with his girlfriend after 3 weeks of constant arguments. He seems okay, but you never know how a person actually feels from their face now, do you? You don't know what the arguments were about but you just hope he is fine. 

Hobi's girlfriend just moved in with him, they wanted to hold a get-together but postponed it saying you were not well since you went to the hospital 2 months ago. Somehow you know that is not the reason. You would also prefer not making anyone awkward with all the tension that you've been going through, You suggested them doing it without you but they refused, stating they want everyone there. 

Jungkook has been trying to be silently available and you can notice every one of his efforts, You feel your heart shatter every time you look at him but you try not to cry. You don't succeed. 

This was the decision you made, your doctor and therapist both suggested you start couple therapy, soon. Are you ready? No. But would you run away from your problems? Nope.

You have your first combined session in 4 hours and you feel nauseous already. You haven't talked much to Jungkook in the past four days except for thanking him whenever he helps you with stuff like getting up, switching the fan on if you feel hot suddenly, helping you with covering yourself with the comforter, putting your feet in your slippers and many more things. 

You both finally decided on a therapist that your doctor and Namjoon, both suggested. 

You absolutely feared this, you have no idea what outcome is waiting for you on the other side of the journey you chose. But you have to try, for the baby. Finishing your coffee you straighten up and walk towards the sink.

Suddenly you hear three loud knocks on the door and the mug slips from your hand. 

Hearing the mug hit the floor Jungkook jolts up and comes running towards you, "Hey, you okay?" He inquires holding your hands, speaking groggily, still sleepy. His eyes search you for any burns or injury.

"I am fine. It's okay." He hears you and it's like you both realize at the same moment that he has your hands in his, you both lift your heads at the same time. His eyes are swollen and red, with dark circles and slight stubble. 

Your eyes lock and you feel a weird feeling in your stomach. 

The knocks on the door intensifies while your mom came into the kitchen to take a bottle of water. Your dad and mom are supposed to visit your family doctor for your dad's regular checkup. He has been having fluctuating blood pressure and you feel like its because of you. 

Jungkook opens the door and a grumbling Jimin walks in along with a sheepishly smiling Namjoon holding some paper bags. "Get your door bell checked, I rang it four fucking times- oh shit, g-good morning everyone." Both men stop in their tracks and bow awkwardly greeting you and your mother as she giggles greeting them backward. 

"It's 10 am, Hyung. Why are you guys banging at the door so early?" Jungkook asks rubbing his left eye and you smile looking at their banter. 

You missed this.

Namjoon comes around the kitchen island and gives you a side hug while Jimin and Jungkook just argue about how 10 a.m. is not very early for some people.

"I'll go get ready for your dad's appointment and then come make breakfast until then you kids have juice, I'll be out in 10 mins-" Your mom says while she pats your head but Namjoon interrupts her by telling her they brought some sandwiches you would love according to his wife. 

You wanted to accompany your mother to the doctor's appointment but she insisted you focus on the day that awaits you, Her being the most honest person, she told you that today wouldn't be easy, it would be heart-wrenching. You would feel uneasy and maybe you might feel relief unexpectedly. Don't fight it. If the decision you both have made is something you both want to work on, don't fight your feelings.

"Oh! you brought the tomato and cheese sandwiches, yay!" You say a little too loud the whole room goes silent and you feel too aware of your voice, you gulp, chest deflating and the room getting bigger around you. Your eyes glisten slightly, which namjoon and jungkook notice immediately. Jungkook, notice the way you shrink physically, if that's even possible, after showing a little light on your face. 

It's something inside you, that makes you want to withdraw from anything slightly happy. Guilt? Of smiling? You dont want to think about it. 

"Yes!" Jimin says cheerfully and Namjoon joins him yelling for him to bring the sandwiches to the table. Your mom smiles at the yelling grown men while Jungkook just watches his hyungs trying to cheer you up. You walk up to the table and join them, lifting your head to look at Jungkook. You wanna tell him to join, but suddenly your face heats up and you can't talk. 

He must feel your eyes on him coz he looks at you and your eyes widen when you make eye contact. You can hear the bickering of the two men in the background, You try to speak, and he looks at you with hopeful eyes. hopes that you talk, to make a conversation, anything. 

"Jun-" you start

"Dude, the sandwiches are getting soggy, I already put the mustard, come and eat them," Jimin says and you sigh feeling weird again and you notice how Jungkook's eyes shut for a second before he looks away. 

"I dont like mustard in sandwiches, hyung. Thanks." He starts to walk away towards the guest bathroom with a sigh and you panic. You dont know what happened but you suddenly blurt out, "My sandwich does not have any sauce."

He stops in his tracks and turns to look at you with wide eyes. Seeing him turn you look down immediately. "You can t-take this, I'll eat the one with mustard."

The room falls silent again and you feel like you could cry, you wanna run away. Thats what your brain tells you to do, you almost get up already thinking of an excuse to run away but then you see your plates being exchanged. "Thankyou." He mutters looking at you, more like, looking at your head facing the table. 

You chose this, you need to be strong and have to at least start making full sentenced conversations. You need to make this work, for your baby. It's just not very easy to look at your husband and not think about it- you just don't want to think about it.

The breakfast ended with slight conversations between the guys. At least someone felt comfortable around each other, you, on the other hand? You felt like you made everyone around you awkward and the fact that you could've sensed their pity everytime they made eye contact with you made you want to bury your head in the ground. 

You could hear the small talks and the hums they let out, it all settled in your brain, it even made sense but you couldn't move your mouth any more than chewing the sandwich on which you almost choked on due to trying to eat fast and get away. 

The breakfast ended with the guys leaving after you excused yourself for the shower you planned 30 minutes later in your head, but still escaped the situation to breathe. Now that you see yourself in the bathroom mirror you watch how your chest rises and the tears burning the rims of your eyes. You didnt want to cry but you also know that crying helps you breathe these days. 

You can clearly see how your decision is affecting you, you're miserable. Which is definitely not good for the baby's health.

Would you really be a good example of parents to your baby?

You can't decipher if it's because of the betrayal you feel, the guilt of missing him even though he cheated, the regret of regretting giving him another chance or just the fact that you feel guilty by feeling better around him? 

You don't know how to give another chance, your past has been full of abandonment and ignorance towards you making heartbreak a bitter and sour feeling. Immediately forcing your heart to want to hate him. 

The guy you loved, still love, are you in love? Of course you are, that's such a stupid question to ask, you love that guy to death. The main question that lingers in your head is, should you be in love with him? Is that correct?

Your doctor adviced you to keep your anxiousness at bay for the sake of the two lives you are now held responsible for. Your therapist advised you to respect the decision you have made but also respect your personal boundaries. Both of the professionals telling you to prioritize both of your mental peace, only then things would work. 

The concept of mental health confuses you at this point. Is putting your mental peace as your priority staying away from him and feeling the panic take over you? Or sit around him feeling better for some time but worsen later since you owe this to your past self. 

You feel yourself zoning in onto the flowing water from your tap in front of you. Your thoughts are disrupted as you hear your mom knocking on the bathroom door, quickly wipe your tears and taking deep breaths, a sad try to stabilize your voice. 

"Y/N baby, I am heading out for the clinic okay?"

"Y-yea mom." You cringe as your voice breaks, silence filling the spaces on both side of the door. 

"You know I'm here for you, right?" She says and you want to sob hugging her but you don't want to stress her more. You feel the pain in your throat, the knot making your vision blurry with every second passing by. 

"Yea." You reply with a shaky voice expecting her to leave but then you hear her sniff. Your stomach clenches and you feel that you might vomit out the sandwiches from the morning. 

"Love you, baby, take care." She says and you murmur the affectionate phrase back. Turning off the tap you hear her retreat to the door and the door closes with a thud. Your mind reels over so many thoughts and you just need some silence from all the noisy voices in your head telling you shit about yourself and your choices, him included. Your mind wants you to answer questions, about feelings and your family's future, the questions only you and your husband sitting and waiting for you in the lobby could solve. 

Maybe you can get some help from the therapist you so dread to meet. 

___

The ticking of the clock, the beating of your heart, every passing second is making your eyes blind towards the white wallpaper of the waiting room. You wait for your husband sitting on the couch, fiddling with the rings on your ring finger. 

The room is decorated with plants and a lot of flower vases on every side table, and the reception desk is unattended since the lady who sweetly smiled at you went inside with a cup of something, you couldn't see clearly though, you guess it's for Dr. Shin.

Out of anxiety, you start fiddling with your rings. You still remember the day he proposed to you, promising you to never leave you alone and always be by your side, no matter what ups and downs. 

You never knew the ups and downs would someday lead you to the thought of divorcing him. The ring he wed you with on your wedding day shines along with the promise ring making you force your eyes away. 

The session hasn't even begun and you already are on the verge of crying. 

The glass door slides open and you watch a middle-aged lady approach the L-shaped couch you were sitting on. She smiles and calls out your name along with his making your heart drop. 

"Mr. and Mrs. Jeon?"

This stings but also gives you comfort. It's so fucked up.

You're scared. You don't know what's gonna happen after this session, are you afraid of being alone? You have this war going on inside you between morals and what your heart wants. You feel nauseous, however, you take a deep breath and get up.

When you enter the counsellor's office, it seems way more comfortable than you thought, it gives you more of an art studio vibe, with plants and canvases lying around, paints on a desk along with an almirah full of books and files. 

You smile as your eyes meet Dr. Shin, and she smiles back. Her face radiates a professional persona but it is not the kind of personality that could make someone uneasy, it makes you feel safe somehow. 

She sips on her coffee and keeps the mug on a coaster, clearing her throat. She was really pretty, sophisticated and she looked really smart. Her husband wouldn't cheat on her, would he? She seems perfect, unlike you with your baggy and red eyes. 

Were you ever attractive?

"Would you like some water or tea?" She offers with a smile. 

"Some water would be good, thank you." You say and she nods, calling her someone, probably the receptionist for the glass of water. 

"Are you here just by yourself today?" 

"No-no he should be here any minute, he must be in the traffic, I am so sorry." You frantically start searching your bag for your cellphone to call Jungkook. 

"It's okay, we can start the session when he arrives."  

"No, please, you don't have to do that, you must be really busy." You say looking at her with an apology on your face. Finally finding your phone, you check your messages and yes, he has texted you about being stuck in traffic. 

"He is on his way, in traffic." You say to which she nods and mutters a 'It's okay'. She resumes sipping her coffee while noting down your details in her notes. While she scribbles your head can't help but think about certain scenarios as to why Jungkook is late. 

You feel anxiety fill your nerves, you clench your fists tightly at the thought and shake your head slightly. You don't notice but Dr. Shin notices how you start to shake your leg, so she starts a conversation putting her notepad down.

"Do you paint, Mrs. Jeon?"

"Please, it's just Y/N and yes, sometimes." You say straightening your back, your baby belly very visible. 

She opens her mouth to say something but gets interrupted by the receptionist knocking on the door. Dr. Shin lets her in and she informs her that Jungkook arrived, asking if she should send him in. 

She nods and the receptionist leaves.  

"You know the best thing about art is that when you understand it, you can fix a mistake in a painting as many times as you want. Being able to do good art doesn't mean you wouldn't make mistakes, but you could fix them at any time you want. The only thing that matters is do you still want the results you wanted before you started to paint or will the excess anxiety to finish the art piece make it worse?" She says and you feel confused, before you could ask if she meant what you think she meant, Jungkook enters. 

He is wearing a black button-up tucked in his pants along with checkered trousers, a black blazer in his hand and his black hair slicked back. He had an important meeting today and you think he came directly from work. He looks good too and you hate that you feel that way.

"Good afternoon doctor, I am sorry I got late, I got stuck with a client and then the traffic, I am really sorry." He bows apologetically and quickly takes a seat beside you. You look at him and he mouths an 'I am sorry' with beads of sweat on his temples. You smile slightly and nod to tell him it's okay. 

"It's okay Mr. Jeon, you're just 4 mins late." She chuckles and picks up her notepad and pen. 

"Shall we start?" You both nod in unision. 

"So, I wanna assure you that this is a safe space and the information told or discussed here would not be disclosed unless there are any legal or medical emergencies which we hope wouldn't happen. Okay?" You squeeze your fists shut, you don't even want to think of all that. You notice how his Adam's apple bobs as he gulps in nervousness. 

"Shall we start?" She asks and you both nod in unison.

"Mr and Mrs Jeon, how long have you known each other?"

"6 years"

"6 years." Dr. shin nods at your answers.

"..and how did you two meet?"

"We met through mutual friends, Taehyung, his best friend, he was her roommate's boyfriend at that time." You explain. 

"I wouldn't call that boyfriend." He whispers and you smile huffing a breath. 

"Yeah, they were in a 'situationship'." You air-quote the word with one hand and smile, the other hand tracing the water ring, your glass is forming around it. 

"They used to wanna hang out with someone because she had a strict aunt as a guardian. So we spent time at Taehyung's place, Y/N used to live with her too, at her aunt's place, for the last year of her graduation." He says, smiling slightly at the memories of you creating excuses for your friend. 

"We could simply say, they ended their relationship soon after graduating, she started her Ph.D., moved out and we still remained friends." You point your thumb towards him and then you. 

"After some months we started dating when he asked me out.." your eyes are still zoned in on the glass while Jungkook stares at your face. 

Clearing your throat you give a small smile to the therapist and through a sniffle you speak again, "After 3 years of dating we finally decided to get married. We got married in his home town, Busan..."

You pause, your heart aching at the irony of you taking the vows in Busan, the same place where your husband spit on your 5 year-long relationship. You feel tears rising in your eyes but you blink them away, ears getting hotter by the second. 

"..And then I broke my promises." He nods slowly, as if owning up to his acts, eyes glossy and his Adams apple bobbing trying not to cry. 

You hear him say it and you feel nauseous. Yes, he did, and now you're sitting here in front of a therapist. Back to square one.

"Yes." you whisper without raising your head, nodding. A lone tear slipping through your eyes. 

The only thing you could hear after you said this was Dr. Shin's pen scribbling something in her pad, the clock ticking and the aquarium motor producing bubbles.

There was an aquarium in the room?

You feel Jungkook's gaze on you, but you don't dare lift your head.

"Mr. And Mrs Jeon.." Your therapist keeps her pad down and looks at you, making you both lift your heads and pay attention to her. "..this is your first session, so I would only talk about things you are comfortable with, we'll take things according to the pace you both want, but if you want to make things work I would suggest you be honest and open with me, it might make you feel vulnerable and 'too exposed'." she emphasizes on her last words and continues, "It would be hard considering you both have a lot going on but trust me it would definitely be better than how it is now."

You both listen to her carefully, slightly nodding your head whenever she adds a question mark in her statements. 

"Before I address the situation I would like to ask you if you are comfortable in continuing this relationship?" she asks and he nods but you feel hesitant. There it was, the question that you know the answer to but still feel weird to say out loud. Your husband cheated on you, you can't change that. You have a life growing inside you, yours and Jungkook's flesh and blood, you can't change that. You decided on never giving cheaters a chance but why do you want to now? 

Do you think it would be good for the baby? Would it be good for him? For you? You love him, but what about the morals you promised you would never give up on? Would love be worthy enough to let go of the beliefs you have? 

"Mrs. Jeon? It's okay if you're still a little skeptical, you can take your time-"

"No ma'am, I am sure. I wanna try again." You say it out loud, for your baby's sake, at least that's what you want to believe. Jungkook breathes a relieved sigh and you look at him at the same time he does. He raises his eyebrows hesitantly trying to ask if you are sure, you nod softly making him give you a grateful smile. 

"Its good to know that both of you are on the same page. Now, I would like to hear what caused this distance.." 

As you let it out of you, how the last 5 months changed the trajectory of your life, the 5 years of your relationship, the trust, the bond, love, your self-esteem, your and his moral values, both of your belief systems, the trust on each other, the trust on yourselves, the honesty, the loyalty all bruised up and on the ground. What were you fighting? Each other? Society?

Maybe it's you who you're fighting.

You told Dr. Shin how you have faced this many times in your life, She nodded and explained to you how certain incidents affect our brains and the way we think, changing the way we live, think and even breathe. 

She explained how going through this would be tough for both of you, considering the pregnancy and the emotions you and your husband are feeling. She explained how your mind should be made up before going through with this because sometimes withdrawing from therapy or quitting in the middle of the process or sometimes going with it without a made-up mind might cause mental problems and since you were with a baby, you should be extra careful. You both try to assure her that you will make sure this goes well.

You cried looking away from him while you told the events that happened, he sobbed agreeing to them. He cried covering his face while cursing himself for what he did to your relationship and the happy family you both deserved. You both cried as she wrote and noted in her notepad. In the end, you reached out to hold his hand with tears running down your faces, admitting how you want to give your family a chance. 

With red eyes and shaky footsteps, you both leave the office. You get in the car since you've been taking cabs ever since you started showing. The car feels oddly comforting, the same fragrance mixed with the leather seat cover smell, the car having water bottles on each side, just like a few months ago. He used to keep them in the car just in case you felt car sick like that road trip in the hills where you were nauseous the whole time.

The bottle beside you looked new since it was sealed so you couldn't help but think that he bought them today, maybe for you. You wanted to ask him but before you could say you felt the soup and the tofu stew you had in lunch come up your throat. 

"Stop the car, Jungkoo- f-fuck stop the car. Pull over!"

Jungkook pulls over to the side and opens his side of the door to runs over to your side, he holds your hair up as you vomit your food and feelings out. You have been feeling uneasy ever since you left your apartment for the clinic. 

'You might feel physical changes as well, Mrs Jeon. You may feel everything at extremes, mood swings, food cravings, agitation, maybe sexual desire, frustration, or morning sickness might hit you at any time, Basically the anxiety is not gonna help you with the hormones and staying away from your husband might also not do any good. So I would suggest you be strong and try to get through this.'

You remember Dr. Shin's words coughing as your throat feels sore, your stomach aching from the pressure you put in puking. When you're done, Jungkook opens up a bottle of water for you as you tilt your head towards the seat resting it there. He helps you drink and wash your face. Feeling better you look up at Jungkook who makes sure your breathing is better and even now. 

"Jungkook..?"

"Hm?"

"Are those new bottles?" 

"Huh? Ye-yeah. I bought them on the way to work this morning knowing you get car sick often and n-now...because of your nausea, I just wanted to be sure. There's more in the back, do you want? Wait-"

He takes a step back to walk to the back seat or the trunk you don't get to know where because you hold his wrist freezeing him in his steps. You notice how he tenses so you hesitantly let go of it. 

"I-I'm sorry, I just, I don't need it right now I feel better." He nods when you look down retracting your hand, you smile slightly at him and turn back in your seat. He comes up and closes your door helping you pull your seatbelt so that you can plug it in yourself, not wanting to make you feel weird by getting close. 

Sitting back in the car, you expect him to drive but he doesn't. Instead, he takes your hand slightly turning in his seat. He looks at you with glossy eyes making yours widen. 

"Y/n, If I need to apologize my whole life and still you dont feel comfortable with me?.." he breathes shakily holding your hand tighter, its killing him to say this but he needs you to know this. 

"You can still leave me, I don't deserve to be forgiven, I know. I betrayed you, I don't deserve you and her.." he almost sobs and you feel tears rise in your eyes as he mentions your daughter as well. Sometimes seeing how sure he is about a daughter makes you forget how you still don't know the gender and it's just both of your assumptions. 

One hand in his and the other one on your tummy you listen to him, "You are giving me another chance to live Y/N, this means so much to me, by trying again and giving us a chance, you are giving me another life. You don't know how much it means to me, I-I am so grateful for having you in my life but.." he breathes sharply and his hands start to shake. 

"You can still leave if you wish, I love you. I want you to be happy. He sniffs and you notice his nose getting red. "Being a normal human I would prefer it would be with me but.." he chuckles sadly tears falling down his cheeks, "I would let you go if you ever feel like you don't want this." 

He knows that statement is risky, he might make you think that he is having second thoughts but when he sees your lips in a small ssmile he feel like you got the message. 

You squeeze his hand and mutter, "I know kook, but we're gonna make it, for everybody in this car, you her and me." You chuckle as your tears fall as well.

Jungkook holds in a whimper sniffling and then he nods. You feel slightly lighter after today. Not completely okay but still a little better and hopeful. You are gonna get through this, you both are gonna be strong. Your child will be okay, he will be okay, your relationship and family will be okay.

Everything would be okay. 

Reaching home, You take a shower wanting to clean the sweat and the slight vomit smell you have on you. You brush your teeth and head out to have dinner that your mom cooked. You told her that you would talk to her after your shower about the day you had.

You sit at the table and ask your parents how their appointment went, She tells you how your dad needs his medicines changed, of slightly lesser power and doze. You tell your dad to take care while he drinks his soup for better blood pressure. You all wait for Jungkook to join while having light conversations while you tell your dad a slightly less stressful version of the session.

Jungkook joins you on the table with wet hair, a black t-shirt and grey sweatpants. His body wash smell hits your nose comforting you just like you remember. You don't question your feelings, something was pulling you back but you still decide to find comfort in your husband's presence. 

After Dinner, Jungkook decides that he will do the dishes and clean up, your dad goes to sleep after wishing you and your baby good night. Your mom discussed the session with you encouraging you to stay strong, making sure that you wanna go through this. You smile and assure her that this is your and his choice. You hug her goodnight when she finally decides to sleep after Jungkook refuses her help with the cleanup for the second time. 

Sitting in the lobby as you watch him clean up the kitchen, like old times. Date nights with him were generally filled with laughter and kisses, cleaning and cooking, bickering over recipe ingredients and sometimes giving up and ordering takeouts. You smile at the memoriesthinking, would things ever be like they were? Would they be better or would they worsen? 

Helping you get into your bed, Jungkook places two bottles of water, a coaster and a glass which was filled with water and covered with a lid. He plugs your phone into your charger, your AirPods next to it. He tells you to call him if you feel any type of uneasiness but still places a small bin if it gets too late to run to the washroom or call for him. You smile at his efforts, never wanting this feeling to end, the way you feel.

Comfort. 

"Good night Y/N.", he says looking into your eyes, you can smell his body wash as he kneels in front of you, holding your hands gently. He tells you things like call me if you need something, again. But..

It's weird, you can't focus. Somehow the little circles his thumb creates on your palm are distracting you. Looking up at you he notices how you zoned out so he calls your name softly, flicking his wet hair. 

Fuck, why are you feeling like this? You've seen him with wet hair so many times and why is hair still damp?! 

Since you were first bullied in high school, you generally question your instincts and always do things rationally. But this time, you don't know why your hand unconsciously reaches his hair and cards through it. Call it muscle memory? but you both freeze when your hand rests on the back of his head, his wet locks in between your fingers.

Never breaking eye contact you do what you never thought you would in the past 4 months. Jungkook gasps with eyes wide as you just look at him like it's something you commonly do. 

Did you just pull his hair?

He still looks at you confused and when you do it again with a tighter grip this time, he groans with his eyes shut. The sound he makes helps you realize what you just did and immediately withdraw your hand.

"Um..are you okay?" He asks, voice low and soft but with wide eyes. 

"Yeah, just sleepy." You quickly say cover yourself with your duvet, lying down immediately, not too fast because it is physically not possible for you, but you still try hiding.  

"O-okay. Good night." He awkwardly gets up and leaves the room switching off the lights. Closing the door just enough to let you have privacy, not locking it for emergency purposes. As soon as he leaves, you search for the reasons of why you might be feeling this way.

You type in the search bar, your friends who have had their babies sometimes mentioned about this but..

Search: Can you feel aroused during pregnancy? 

Eyes wide you scoff at the results, gritting your teeth you feel frustrated. This is not how you should feel about him, you decided to try again but this is not right. Right? 

Top result: It is a common symptom to feel sexually aroused in the late first trimester and the second trimester.

Another result: You might feel a little sexually heightened during your pregnancy.

Another click: You might feel your clitoris and labia are sensitive making you feel aroused which might be healthy too, so we would suggest you not miss this opportunity to have good orgasms-

You read on your phone with wide eyes and grit your teeth. Switching your phone off and throwing it to your bedside, you snuggle in under the covers, fists clenched. The touch of his damp hair still lingering on your hand and you stomp your feet under the duvet, irritated. Dr Shin was right. If you wanted to get through this, you need to be strong.

Very strong. 

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

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Authors note: Hey everyone, I hope you all liked the chapter🦋 I would like to apologize again, I am sorry for the late update, I was really held up between my internship and assignments, I really tried to write a good chapter and I really hope it was good and maybe worth the wait? 👉👈

Um, also, it has been one year since I started writting on this blog so, HAPPY ANNIVERSARY and a BIG THANKYOU ALONG WITH WARM AND TIGHT HUGS to all my readers who love my stories and give me the motivation to keep writing. I love you all so much🫶 Thank you for waiting so patiently, I will try and be better next time, hehe~

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[boldlypurplelight]

Love is a drug|| JJK|| 7

Pairing: Yandere CEO Jungkook × Female Reader

Genre: Yandere Themes, a bit fluff, angst, betrayal.

Warning: Yandere jjk, use of drugs, stalking, the characters are all fictional.

Summary: After knowing Jungkook's intentions YN was horrified trying to get out of his life as soon as possible. But Jungkook's there, he'll always be there.

CHAPTER 7

Tears streaming down her face as yn remembers what she heard before. You trusted him, maybe you didn't at the start but you still wanted to give this relationship a try. You loved him. You loved Jungkook.

"I regret meeting her" that's what the love of her life Jeon Jungkook said to his side chick or whoever she was. Sarah didn't mean anything to you. You thought that Sarah must have gone after Jungkook for his wealth.

It was still not bad until it got worst. You couldn't believe her own ears but bitter pills are hard to swallow.

You could feel goosebumps on your skin arise as soon as she heard him confess

"I could even kill her for you baby!!"

Was Sarah that beautiful , was she that enticing to him that he was ready to murder you, to get her. Why did he even proposed you, acted like a Loverboy following and pestering you to get him to say yes.

You were confused and scared at the same time but all you knew was to get away from him as soon as possible. But could you really get away from this situation?.

Yn's phone rang, waking her up from her thoughts. She picked it up, hearing Sana's as usual cheerful voice.

"Are you coming for the component?" Sana asked.

YN remembered that there is a blood camp held in a far village, and she didn't want to go there because she couldn't celebrate her birthday with jungkook. She sighed as she remembers the earlier incident. She should go for the blood camp for reason.

1. She needs fresh air after the betrayal

2. Jungkook might kill her while she stays here.

"Can I go to the blood camp instead?" Yn asks nervously. There's a rule that if you won't go for camp you should do component, and they make a list beforehand. Hence, changing it in last moment is slightly difficult.

"But why? You don't want to celebrate your birthday here. In Seoul city." Sana was now worried but you reassured her that it's nothing.

This was wierd. You always shared your feelings with your best friends. And here you are now. Lying to them. You wondered how a simple man can change you so much. But Jungkook was anything but simple. He was a devil with a innocent face. At the end of the day he was a rich brat who can play with every other woman.

You were now sitting in a bus with your colleagues. Nayeon and Sana were going to do component in hospital. Nayeon didn't ask you any questions and simply obliged you. That made you worry, it felt like she was aware what's going in your mind but still unaware.

You sighed as you leaned against the window. You need to end it now. End your relationship with jungkook, end your suffering, your miseries as well as your chances of getting killed.

You wrote a break up message to your ex boyfriend, the network was slow. You hoped he would get the message and leave your life for better.

Jungkook woke up with a migraine headache, it looked like he just woke up from comma after years. That's how fucked up he looked in his mirror. Jungkook couldn't get his thoughts straight, it looked as if his memories of yesterday just disappeared into thin air. Jungkook thought it was enough, now he had to get his shit together and know what's going on with his life. He knew only one person could help him with that. His family doctor as well as his big brother.

"Jin hyung, help me please."

"Jungkook, do you remember what kind meals you have everyday, any idea?" Dr. Jin asked the question with confusion written on his face. He knew that it was drugs but he refused to believe that Jungkook will ever take drugs in his consciousness. Jungkook was a brat for sure but he wasn't a bad guy.

" I don't fucking know hyung!! It's like I'm in my own world nowadays and when I come back from that world all I get is my worsening health"

Jungkook let out all his frustration.

" Jungkook, you're being drugged by someone. And it's in the form of food. If they drug you one more time, you might be paralysed."

Realisation dawned upon jin as well as Jungkook at how serious this matter is.

Jin removed his gloves as he glared at Jungkook. " As I remember you're not a kid but a ceo Jungkook, who could have possibly fooled you"

It was taunt as well as hint for him.

He will fucking kill Sarah. Torture her to death. She didn't just drugged and manipulated him but used yn, his yn as a pawn to get into his bed.

But that was not his first priority, his first priority was you, only you. Jungkook remembered the fight, he remembered how upset you were when you walked out of his house. He could feel you now because he would have reacted the same if he saw you with any other man. Jungkook was determined now to make it up with you.

Jungkook had a nervousness building up in his guts as he drove to your apartment. He brought your favourite flowers as well as your favourite dessert. He knew that's bare minimum, but he wanted to make it up. Slowly. Baby steps. You always loved that, slow and sensual romance. Maybe that's why you were horrified when Jungkook bought you buggati while he was still courting. He chuckled as he remembered how you called your bestfriends saying he was some kind of maniac, while he was just standing there with confused face.

Your apartment was locked. You were not there. Jungkook was such an fool, ofcourse you must be in hospital. He turned around walking towards his car. Suddenly his phone pinged, he saw the sender's name. It was you, Jungkook opened your message eagerly but froze once he read it.

You told him that you wanted to break up and wished nothing but his happy life. Jungkook swore he felt his heart crack. It looked as if the ground had slipped from his feet. You must be kidding. This must be a dream more like a nightmare. Jungkook calmed himself before making a call to you, he can't lose you just like that.

You blocked him, was this seriously happening now. When he recently got his life together, he was losing you. Jungkook demeanour suddenly changed, his face lost all the emotions. No , he can't lose you. You were his, he was yours. An small hurdle like Sarah can't seperate you. Name of that bitch left a bitter feeling in his mouth.

On the very moment his phone ringed, it was Sarah. His priority was you, will always be you but he needed to show you that no one can ever replace you.

Jungkook smirked as he picked up the call. Sarah started the game but he will end it with pure malice.

"Hello!!! Jungkook, can we meet?"

YN came back from her camp, her colleagues celebrated her birthday. And yn felt loved and cared after a very long time. The village environment boosted her positive energy. You always loved blood camps that's the reason you this career to begin with.

You searched for keys as you reached your apartment but halted your steps. You couldn't believe she was here, how did she find your apartment moreover why the hell was she even here to begin with.

You were stuck to floor confused and baffled by the women standing infront of you. You bowed to her, there she was standing with a bodyguard behind her in all her glory. Mrs. Jeon. Jeon Jungkook's mother.

Taglist: @princess-sunshyn , @douknowbts , @ane102 , @jk97bam , @bangtanpov , @dodoneck , @hellbornsworld , @heyyymin , @loumin908 .

Author's note: Comment down what you think about this chapter. And if you wanted to be added into the taglist. 😚

I might make this series have 10 chapters 😅

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[bangtanficsforyou]

Girl Of His Dreams (04)

Pairing: Fuckboi! Jungkook x Reader

Au: Strangers to Lovers au

Genre: Angst, fluff, smut (eventually)

Rating: 18+

Word count: 9.5K

Summary: You think Jungkook is the utter definition of beauty. Jungkook thinks you’re cute but just not his type. Throw a magic ring into the equation, that makes you look like the girl of his dreams and you have the perfect recipe for heartbreak and tears.

Series Masterlist | Masterlist

Patreon | Playlist (coming soon)

The coffee has gone cold.

Not that you're aware of it though. All you have been doing for the past fifteen minutes is to stare intently into the cup and sighing occassionally. A few baristas have looked at you with worry and sympathy but again that's also something you remain oblivious to. 

You don't know what to do; a thought you have found yourself thinking quite often in the recent days. Why, for the love of god, do emotions have to be so damn complicated? Why can't they be simple and allow you to live peacefully? Why must you always feel the exact opposite of what you want to feel? 

The sole reason you put up with the idea of the ring is because you wanted to feel accepted, loved, seen and appreciated without having to go out of your way to prove to people that you are deserving of it. You did not consider the possibility of people talking about Jungkook taking an interest in you. It had slipped your mind that the ring is only going to fool Jungkook, not the other hundreds of people you will walk past on a regular basis. 

You could almost hear what they were saying. Her? Of all people her? Has he run out of girls? Maybe Jungkook wants to try something different. 

The whispers and not so subtle looks were too much for you to sit there and go through your class. Hence, you did what your panic filled mind asked you to; you left. Some might call it running away from your problems but you never claimed to be courageous enough to face your challenges with a firm grip. 

On your way to the cafe, while ordering your cup of coffee, while mindlessly staring at the liquid, you have been entertaining a question repeatedly; should you just remove the ring? 

It sounds simple. Then you can go back to your little hole and never worry about the things that you're worrying about now. It would be comfortable because you know what it feels like. This, however, is extremely unknown to you. 

The only thing that is stopping you from removing the ring right at this very moment is the image you had built in your mind as to what putting the ring to use would be like. What if you let go of things too soon? What if being patient is the key and you could have your one month of living like the person you have always wanted to be? 

Your thoughts are put to a halt by someone pulling the chair right across you. You look up and are fairly surprised when you find that person to be Brie. 

"What are you doing here?" The question leaves your mouth without a second thought. 

"I don't know myself," she shrugs. 

You frown and check the time on your watch which only confirms what you already knew. "Isn't a class going on right now?"

She hums, "That it is." 

You quirk a brow at her suspiciously, wanting to know the exact reason why she's here and not in the class, she so obviously had intended to attend. 

Brie squints at you for the look you're giving her but then complies. "I was looking for you, cause I was worried."

Oh. 

Well that's sweet. 

But, "how did you find out where I was?" 

"Bitch, you have your snapchat location on, which conveniently makes it easier for anyone on your friend list to find out where you're."

Ah right, snapchat location. 

You sigh and get a little comfortable in your seat, knowing that the whole blank staring thing isn't gonna work anymore. 

Brie only waits till she places the order for a cappuccino. Then she angles her body towards you in such a way that lets you know, for the next few moments you will be on the receiving end of all her attention. 

"So," she begins, "what is going on?" 

A lot. You want to just let all of it out and get it off your chest. Having someone who knows about everything that you're going through is honestly a blessing. But you resist yourself from spilling everything out, remembering that she too is someone who most likely finds that Jungkook showing interest in you is simply absurd. You remember the way she looked at you on discovering that you and Jungkook were going on a date. Although you do not fault her for having that reaction, admittedly her being a friend of yours, makes it a little bit disheartening to think that she too views you that way. 

"I honestly don't know what's going on either," you chuckle, the sound coming out empty and sad. "All I know is that I'm the one to be blamed for it."

She frowns at how tired you look. She's not quite sure what's going on but by the looks of it, something's troubling you and whatever it is, you're apparently blaming yourself for it. "You shouldn't say things like that. We all mess up, doesn't mean you have to point fingers at yourself."

You cannot not point fingers at yourself though. You were the one who went ahead with the ring–

Right. You still need to figure out whether you want to continue wearing the ring. Quickly figuring out that even though you might not be up for spilling every single detail to her, you can still take her insight on what you should do. That'd be the best. It would help you stop running in circles. 

"Brie, what would you do if you were to learn that love potions exist? Would you use them?"

Brie looks at you funny, wondering why you would ask a question about fictional things out of the blue. Nevertheless, she's not one to overthink things, if asked a question, she is definitely going to give an honest answer. 

"I'd definitely use them," she nods, very sure of her words. 

"You would?" Your eyes widen, mildly surprised at how quick her answer was. 

"Yeah, I definitely would. On Henry Cavill," a bashful, dreamy smile appears on her face as she gets lost in the world of her dreams. "He can be my personal superman."

Ah, that way. 

"No, no, no," you shake your head. "I mean would you use them on real life people?"

Brie looks disappointed for a split second for having to come out of the world where she's happily married to Henry Cavill. "What do you think Henry Cavill is?"

"No, but like real people. People you know in real life."

Brie wants to argue that she knows of Henry in real life and not from some animated world but keeps it to herself when she realises that for some reason you're really eager to hear her opinions and answers. 

"If it's about people I know personally, I think it would depend on the who and the why."

"Elaborate," you prod without missing a beat. 

"Nah, you elaborate on what scenario you want me to consider–", it's then that her coffee arrives. Thanking the barista, she takes a sip from her cup before continuing, "–technically there are an infinite number of scenarios I could consider for this hypothetical situation."

"What if you want to use the love potion on someone because you think that will make you feel better? Would you actually end up doing it?" 

"In what ways is it supposed to make you feel better? Like an unrequited love–"

"Better about yourself," you cut her off, finding your anxiousness getting the better of you. "Someone giving you that amount of love and affection would make you feel good about yourself. That is why you want to use the love potion."

"Hmm," a thoughtful look appears on Brie's face. "Validation you mean?"

Validation. Is that what you want? You just for once want to feel like you're worthy of the things you have always wanted. Is that validation? 

You're not quite sure. 

"Let's call it that for the time being," you suggest, now taking a sip from your coffee. You grimace when the liquid meets your tongue, finding the temperature just odd. It's neither warm nor cold. It tastes like water. 

"In that case–" she leans forward and rests her palms on the table "–no, I won't use the love potion."

You slouch in relief when you hear her words, finally having an answer. 

You had expected yourself to feel disappointed if the answer were to be in the negative. But surprisingly, you're not. It feels right. Maybe somehow you have always known that this isn't the right thing to do and have only wanted someone to confirm it. 

"But that doesn't mean, someone else won't do it," Brie comments after a little pause. 

Your relaxation disappears slightly. You had thought that was it, that no is the answer. However, now that she seems to be continuing from where she left, you once again are on edge. 

"What do you mean?"

She takes a deep breath, "I have done that thing where you look for validation from other people and I know I wouldn't do that ever again. But that doesn't mean someone else wouldn't."

"Everyone at some point or the other, has seeked validation. Now how they seek validation can vary vastly but that doesn't mean they're in the wrong, it only makes them human."

"You're confusing me," you say with confusion written all over your face. 

"Let me put it this way, if I were to read a story about someone using love potion to feel better about themselves, I'd most likely feel sympathy. Can you imagine how lonely and desperate they might have been, to do that?" 

For some unknown reason, those words cause a spark of something to ignite inside you. "What about the consequences? What about the fact that they would be using a person, fooling a person all for the sake of feeling better about themselves? Isn't that incredibly selfish?" 

"Woah, woah, woah," she looks taken aback and then chuckles softly at how riled up you look about this. "Why do you hate this character so much that you simply can't stand the idea of them using love potion?" 

Brie asks the question jokingly, not really meaning it but it hits you for some reason. Why do you hate this character so much? Why do you hate yourself so much? 

"Listen," she begins after another sip of her coffee, "my stance is simple, using love potion on someone is selfish but it's only the lack of love that makes us selfish." 

"I'm not condoning the use of love potion but I wouldn't hate a character for doing it, I'd probably only hope that they realise they didn't need to use it to feel better about themselves."

"Plus, who knows, maybe using the love potion is what would make them realise later in the story that someone else cannot make them feel good about themselves."

You could scream.

For so long you have been feeling this constant sense of guilt and shame for doing something so low. You have only run away from acknowledging it so that you can keep wearing the ring. Maybe all you needed was someone to shame you even further and scream at you for how selfish you are, for you to snap and admit to yourself how shameless and selfish you actually are. You wanted someone to tell you the things you have already been thinking and feeling about yourself for you to return the ring. 

However, you were not expecting compassion. You were not expecting words that are said with you in consideration. Her words were not spoken out of judgement rather out of understanding and sympathy.

You don't miss Brie's words about how one must be incredibly lonely and desperate. Desperate, you are. But lonely? 

If someone were to ask you even a minute ago, you'd say you're not. You're happy with the two-three friends you have. However, Brie's words seem to have thrown light to a part of you that's always been in the dark. Now, you feel as if someone's pointed out something that's always been there but you are only ever noticing it now. 

It makes you feel an overwhelming sense of emotion that makes you want to cry because you feel seen but at the same time confused. 

You close your eyes briefly to calm yourself down and will yourself not to let the tears out.

Nodding, you let go of the breath you were holding. "Thank you for indulging in this weird topic of conversation with me," you mean what you say, you might be still just as indecisive but you appreciate it so much that she was this willing to answer your weird set of questions. 

"You're welcome, it was fun," she replies. "But now if we are done with that, care to share what had you so stressed that you had to leave the class like that?"

The question has your insides twisting. But for some reason, you do not find yourself hesitating as much as before. Maybe it's the previous conversation that has opened you up enough to tell her why exactly you ran. 

"I didn't like how everyone was looking at me and whispering amongst themselves," you fixate your eyes on the table surface and refuse to look up. "I know they were talking about the picture and that just made me extremely uncomfortable."

"That makes sense," Brie muses, understanding that people repeatedly glancing at you and whispering while they are at it, cannot be a very nice feeling. "Although, it's none of their business, I can understand why they might be curious. Because you see, you and Jungkook are quite a surprise."  

You close your eyes when you hear her words. You really could do without the confirmation of what you already know. 

"I mean Jungkook is such a piece of shit and then you're, you."

Uhhhhhhhh. 

Did you hear that right? 

"What is that supposed to mean?" 

For a brief moment, it's almost as if Brie is surprised that you don't already know what she means. But then she entertains the thought that maybe you don't know Jungkook that well. Or maybe, you're viewing him through rose coloured glasses. Afterall, she doesn't know how deep you're in, for him.

"Jungkook is…shallow," she speaks after a few moments of trying to find the right words. "But you're, you. You're quite the opposite, you feel deeply. You take things seriously while Jungkook is very fickle minded. Simply put, you deserve someone better than him."

You feel perplexed. There is no other way to put it. 

Could that be the reason why she looked at you the way she did upon finding out that you were going on a date with Jungkook? Because she believes that you deserve better? 

But then how come she even believes that you are worthy of the better? 

Gosh, all of this is too hard to believe. 

You have half a mind to ask her how she can be so sure that Jungkook is shallow. Is she duducing it simply from the fact that he's a bit of a player? But then you decide otherwise knowing you don't want to make things even more confusing for yourself. Plus, Brie isn't someone who bad mouths or passes opinions about people for the sake of it. If she's saying something about Jungkook there must be some reason behind it. What is it, you're not quite sure you want to know. 

For a very brief moment you think back to your first date and how Jungkook didn't think it was disrespectful towards you that the waitress left her number with a note like that. Even if he did, he didn't say anything. 

Pushing the thought aside, you focus back on the present. "I honestly don't know him that well."

Brie's question about how far the both of you are, into the whole dating thing is answered. "That's fine, I just hope you don't learn about his shallowness the hard way. Stay a bit wary of him and don't trust him too soon."

You know Brie's words are well meant. She genuinely seems worried about it and it somehow warms your heart. "I'll try to keep your words in mind." 

She nods and smiles at you in approval. The silence that falls upon the both of you, urges you to get done with something you know you should have done much sooner. 

"I'm sorry, by the way," not beating around the bush, you speak in a sincere tone. You notice the way Brie looks confused at your apology and clarify, "I should not have snapped at you last day–", Brie's confused look only deepens, "–when you were asking me about the date with Jungkook."

Brie's look of confusion finally disappears but she waves off your words with a flick of her hand. "That's nothing worth apologising for. You looked stressed, I should have taken the hint."

"Still, that was wrong of me, I do owe you an apology."

"Apology accepted," she huffs at your words and shoots you a thumbs up. "Now are we attending the next class or do we need some more sad girl hours?"

Your lips lift up involuntarily and even though you're not sure if you're ready to go to class just yet, you feel like you have some support. It makes you feel like you'll be fine even if you were to get weird looks from people. 

"Let's go," you suggest. You take a look at your watch and your eyes widen when you notice the time. "We only have ten minutes till the next class begins."

She isn't bothered, as she leans further into her chair. "That means we still have like twenty minutes to chill." 

Her words cause you to snort but you're not surprised considering it's Brie. Sighing, you too lean back. 

Twenty more minutes, it is. 

You have come to a decision.

Fascinatingly enough, in the course of the last few days, Brie's words kept ringing in your head. The more you replayed her words in your mind, the more you were getting this undeniable urge and it was that little chit chat with her from that morning that prompted you to come to your decision. 

The decision wasn't that hard to make, honestly. It's just that a part of you kept overthinking if it were the right choice. But somehow you only found yourself leaning towards the option you now have decided to stick to. 

You will remove the ring. 

You simply couldn't get over the amount of relief you felt when Brie's words had briefly made you come to the conclusion that you should remove the ring. The way your shoulders felt lifted at the thought of not having to constantly battle yourself about what's right and what's wrong, was a tell-tale sign of what actually felt right to you. 

It's true you'd have to go back to being the Y/N you heavily dislike. But that's something that stays with you, it doesn't affect someone else. It doesn't involve manipulating and lying to someone else. It doesn't involve having to carry the guilt of using someone else.

You have always been the person who has only ever existed to watch other people get love the way you have always wanted. It's so simple for them, they enjoy the love as if it's the sun rays. It's so natural, so comfortable, so acceptable. It only makes you think how if you were to find love, you'd probably treat it like the rain that is bestowed to a drought-ridden field. You'd probably worship it. You'd thank the heavens for listening to your prayers. You'd cry tears of joy and gratitude. You'd promise the gods above that you'll always be good and never take it for granted. 

However, you have never quite had the fortune of celebrating love and you have complained about how unfair it is to you, an infinite number of times. 

But the complaining comes from a place where you feel cheated of something that was promised to you. However, how do you keep your right to complain if you cheat someone else? 

Feeling like a victim feels much better to you than to feel like someone who's only getting what they deserve. Feeling like life is doing you wrong, is better than feeling like you're getting back for doing wrong.

Even when you are at your lowest, you have had your head high because you didn't intentionally cheat someone, because you didn't do something you won't want someone to do to you. You have been mad at the world for encouraging you to see dreams and then being so cruel to crush it so ruthlessly. But then again, you'd very much like to feel like you have the right to be mad, to complain, to be bitter and to scream and shout in pain and anger. 

You have also decided to steer clear of Jungkook. Or of anyone who's similar to him. Anyone who tries to remind you of everything wrong with you. You are already aware that you're not perfect, that you're not someone who qualifies for the word 'pretty' and you won't mind the absence of people who don't hesitate to remind you of that. 

But for that, you first need to tell Jungkook that you cannot be his model. Which is why you're still wearing the ring. You do not have the courage to face him without it and what would he even see you as if he were to see you without the ring? Would he even believe he actually did choose you to be his model? It's not like you can explain it to him that this ring holds some magical powers. He would probably add the word 'crazy' to the list of adjectives he uses to describe you. 

Today is practise day. You have decided on informing Jungkook about your decision as soon as you walk in the room as that'd be the best. 

You walk with determined steps and swing the door open. However, your steps falter when you realise that Jungkook isn't alone. Taehyung and Jimin are already in attendance. 

Shit. 

How do you tell Jungkook in front of them that you want to quit? Even the thought of doing so somehow manages to shake your confidence as you keep imagining the range of responses they could probably have. 

Guess, you'll have to wait till they leave. 

Taehyung is the first one to notice that you're awkwardly standing at the doorway. "Hello, Y/N," his warm boxy smile greets you. 

Taehyung's words make the other two men in the room aware of your presence as they simultaneously look in your direction. 

"Come in, we were waiting for you," Jungkook says, getting momentarily distracted from the papers that are sprawled on his desk. 

You tentatively smile at him and Taehyung, with Jimin already getting back to what he was previously doing, without paying you an ounce of attention. 

You take a seat next to where Taehyung is sitting and ask no one in particular, "Am I late?" 

It's Taehyung who replies, "no, you aren't. We had a class together and we just headed here the moment it got over."

You acknowledge his words with a small nod. 

Deciding it's best to remain quiet as it might as well be the last day you are spending with these three, you look around the room and observe the various educational posters that decorate the wall. 

You precisely ignore any conversation the three of them might be having with each other. That is until a few of Jungkook's words catch your attention. 

"So, this is the final list of participants?"

Jimin hums as an answer to Jungkook's question. 

"Final list?" You perk up, your heart rate speeding up.

"Oh yeah, the final list of participants arrived today," Jungkook informs you. "You can have a look at it if you like."

You are both curious and worried and hence, of course you take up on his proposition of taking a look at the document. As it turns out, it contains the name of participants from all colleges along with their pictures. It doesn't take you long to find Jungkook's, yours and Taehyung's name. 

"How did they get my picture?" You are confused as you had no idea when things were in the process of getting finalised. 

"From the documents submitted to college."

Of course. 

"So does this mean no one can change their models or back out?" You keep your voice neutral, pretending to be looking through the document as you keep flipping through the pages. 

"Saying that'd be wrong," you are no longer bothered who answers you. You are only bothered with what the answer is. "However, someone quitting now will lead to deduction of marks, unless it's a medical reason or an emergency. In case of which, supporting documents are required."

Isn't that just…. lovely? The very day you made up your mind. 

Everything feels incredibly puzzled in your head right now. The determination that you had walked in with, fades away as you're filled with panic. What do you do now? 

You entertain the idea of the door of quitting being closed and start thinking about what the future events could possibly be like. You'll actually have to practise modelling, you'll have to put yourself out there for everyone to see and be open to the fact that people will judge you.  

Now you are no longer just skimming through the papers, you're also looking at the pictures of people you're supposed to compete with. There are plenty of faces, way more people than you imagined you'd have to be against and all of them are way better looking than you. 

"So many colleges are participating," the words come out of your mouth without your permission as you find yourself so occupied with the recent realisations that your mind momentarily ignores the presence of other people in the room. 

"Not all of them are good though," this time you know exactly whose words they are; Jungkook's. "Take these two for example–" his finger lands on the page you're currently on as he points at the participants from a college, "–they don't seem like the right choice."

"Why?" You're genuinely confused as to how he can derive that simply from the photographs.

"I mean, they quite clearly lack what one needs to be a model," he replies with a tilt to his head as he observes the papers.

His words stir up the pot of nervousness that is the pit of your stomach. Is there something special that one needs to have to be a model, except for regular practice? If so, how the fuck are you gonna make it? 

"What exactly is required to be a model?"

"They have to be pretty," Jungkook now looks up, almost as if he has come to his conclusions and is satisfied with them. "They have to have an appearance that people find attractive. They clearly ain't it. As a model, you need to catch people's attention."

Your hands, which were busy flipping through the pages, stop. "Why do you think they won't be able to capture people's attention?"

"Their features are boring, plain and regular," he shrugs, letting the words out as if stating something that's supposed to be simple. "Nothing worth looking at and definitely nothing that catches attention."

Plain. 

Boring. 

Regular.

Your brows furrow painfully hard and you look away from Jungkook. You look back at the pictures in front of you and all you see is two smiling faces. They don't appear to be plain, boring and regular to you. They seem happy. The girl, Skye, has soft eyes and a gummy smile. The boy, Mike, has curly hair and a button nose. You do not find anything that supports Jungkook's claims and observations.

However, it's not unknown to you as to how it feels to be on the receiving end of words that make you feel like that. Like, plain, boring and regular. Like you're someone who isn't worth taking a double look. Like you're just an ordinary nobody. Like you will only ever amount to being a side character. 

You know very well how it feels. How wonderfully it crushes your soul. Which is why it hurts you to think that someone else could be subjected to feeling that way. The thought that their smile could be wiped off from their face in the blink of an eye, just like that, makes you ache. You know how painful it is and your heart clenches at the thought of someone else having to go through that level of heartbreak. 

"Well, isn't that a little too harsh of a judgement, when you haven't even seen them for yourself?" This is probably the most confident you have ever sounded while speaking to Jungkook.

"I won't call it harsh, it's just how it is."

"Do you really go on commenting on how people look without considering how they might feel?" You're confused and angry at how he can be so careless with his words.

Jungkook is caught off guard by your tone, only noticing now that you do not appear like your usual calm and shy self. He doesn't quite understand why you're suddenly like this. "It's not like they are here in the room."

How considerate of him. "Firstly, that doesn't make it okay," your words are firm and spoken with intent. "Secondly, I doubt you'd stutter with your words even if they were here in the room."

It's when your words are met with absolute silence that you take in your surroundings and notice how uncomfortable the air feels. But you're angry. 

Angry enough to not back down on your words, angry enough to not feel guilty about having an outburst and angry enough to leave the room. 

You don't hurry on your way out. Your heels click against the floor as you walk and pick up your bag. You look composed from the outside but only you know how your insides are burning with wrath. And when you leave, you don't run away from the tense atmosphere, you walk out of the room. 

After your departure, Jungkook doesn't let the silence linger for too long. He has to get things done and there's nothing more important to him than securing first place in the competition. 

He coordinates things smoothly as if you  didn't just leave the room moments ago. He doesn't seem bothered at all by the little disagreement the both of you had.  

It's only when it's him and Jimin in the room, that the little event is first mentioned.

"So what are you going to do about Y/N?" Jimin asks, genuinely curious as to how things fold out. 

"I don't know," Jungkook muses in a relaxed tone. "Maybe I'll go talk to her or something." 

"Are you planning on apologising?" Jimin's brows shoot up at the thought. Don't get him wrong, Jungkook can apolgise. It's not like he's physically incapable of doing so. In fact he does apolgise when he believes he's in the wrong. But that's the thing, it's very hard for Jungkook's stance to change when he thinks he's in the right. 

"What's there to apologise for?" Jungkook is genuinely confused as to why Jimin would think there's a need for an apology. It's not like he did anything wrong. 

Honestly, Jungkook would have preferred to let you be and let you take your time until you decide to talk to him. But again, it's something that involves the competition. He cannot wait for you to let go of the residual emotions of whatever reaction you had earlier. He knows it's best for him to put aside his ego and go talk to you. 

If he wants to win the competition, he needs all his team members to work together. Which involves you.  

You're sketching a tree. 

You were not really fond of the idea of going to the canteen as you're still quite cautious of the looks people may be giving you. To add to that was your lack of hunger, which ultimately made you decide that this is what you'd be doing for lunch. 

You're not quite sure if you'd be able to finish it in the forty minutes lunch time your university provides. It's not impossible to complete it but you doubt you'd be able to capture the details as well as you'd like to, if you were to rush. So you take your time. What's the rush anyway? You attend college almost everyday and the tree isn't going to grow limbs and change location. 

You're not an expert with trees and do not have a single clue whatsoever about how long this tree has been here. But somehow the tree appears to be young. You have nothing to support this weird assumption of yours. For all you know, the tree might be extremely old or old in human years and young in tree years, you don't know. But to you, it appears to be young. 

It has that spirit of someone young whose branches are aiming for something higher and higher. It doesn't quite seem shaken up by the storms and scorching heat, life inevitably must have put on its way. Each branch is filled with leaves and for every dying leaf, there's three new nodes sprouting. The little birds that have found their homes in the branches, bring more life to it, with their chirps and constant movements. 

You only hope it has strong roots. 

"Sketching that tree?" 

Your pencil stops and you lift your eyes up to look at the source of the words. Jungkook. 

"Yes," you nod and resume your sketching, not looking up even when he takes a seat next to you. 

"It's rather odd to sketch a tree," he comments. 

"Why? Too plain and simple for you?" The words leave your mouth as soon as they come to your mind. And boy do you feel an odd sense of satisfaction at having said that.

Jungkook chuckles loudly and his whole body shakes with movement. You do not bother to ask him as to what he finds so amusing in your words. 

"So tomorrow, I was planning to take your and Taehyung's measurements. Hope you'll be there?" Jungkook queries with a hint of a smile still playing on his lips, a residue of his chuckles.

You hum absent-mindedly, not in the mood of thinking things through before you give him an answer. 

Jungkook is relieved to know that there won't be any hindrance, when he hears your response. However, he's soon faced with a dilemma as to whether he should leave or stay. It's quite obvious that you aren't interested in having a conversation with him. But he wonders if you'll take offence to him leaving just like that. Wouldn't it make it look like he was only here to make sure that you're still willing to model for him? It might be true but well, he doesn't need to make it obvious. 

Jungkook isn't someone who overthinks. Come to think of it, overthinking might just be the wrong word. Jungkook doesn't think twice before doing things. He likes being that way. He likes doing what he feels without giving much of a thought as to what it could mean or what it could lead to. 

But here you are making him think twice before making a move. It makes Jungkook think that it's only fair that he gets to ask you the question he's been curious about since morning. After all, he's never seen someone react the way you did over comments made about someone else.

"What exactly had you so riled up?" 

Your hands stop and you look at Jungkook with eyes filled with surprise. Is he really asking you that? 

Your surprise only magnifies when you realise Jungkook genuinely doesn't have a clue as to what could have possibly made you react that way. 

Wow.

"Do you really not see anything wrong with what you said?" 

Jungkook doesn't need to answer you with words because the way he looks at you with confusion is enough of an answer. 

"It's not okay to say things like that, Jungkook," to both of your surprise your words are spoken softly, without any trace of anger. "Words are powerful, they hurt people."

"You mean, saying things like they aren't good enough to be models?" He prods for further clarification. 

"Words that do not take into consideration the impact it may have on people." You correct him, resuming your sketching. 

"It's not like they will ever know that I said that about them, though."

You have half a mind to say that he's definitely not someone who hesitates to give his opinions irrespective of whether the person he's commenting on, is or isn't in the room. You know because you have experienced it yourself. 

"That doesn't make it right, it's the fact that you think that way," you breathe, choosing not to speak what's on your mind. It's true that you had made that point earlier but then things were heated. Now, if you repeat the point again, you doubt you'd be able to provide him with a proper answer if he were to ask how you're so sure of your words. 

Jungkook is amused with your words, for he thinks they are absurd. "So are you saying I cannot think my own thoughts now?" 

You shake your head softly, understanding he's not getting what you're trying to say. It makes you take a pause and you try taking a different approach.

"What even makes you think that they can't be good models?" 

"Well it's the truth, had it not been me, someone else would have said it sooner or later," he shrugs. 

"Have you seen them walk?" You question without missing a beat, with a challenging lift of your brow.

"No I haven't but that doesn't mean–"

"So you're judging their capabilities solely on the basis of how they look?" 

"Listen," he finds it absolutely ridiculous, because it's like you are turning a blind eye to something that's just so obvious. Modelling does require people to look a certain way. "If they want to pursue modelling as a career, sooner or later they will face such comments."

"That's the thing! And it shouldn't be that way!" You exclaim, your voice turning slightly high pitched. "No one should ever have to feel like they cannot do what they want or cannot achieve what they want to because of the way they are."

"There's never been a rulebook for what a person can and cannot do. But you know who comes up with these rules?" 

"People like you."

Woah. Woah. Woah. That's a heavy accusation. 

"I didn't do shit," he scoffs, surprised at how you seem so passionate about your words. "It's only how life works. You have got to be logical and swallow the harsh truths of life."

"And who decides what's the truth?" Your voice is back to normal again, for you find yourself questioning him once more in hopes that he'd realise how superficial he sounds. 

"Some truths don't need to be said, they are just facts on which the world runs," Jungkook answers, making his point.

However you counter him immediately. "They are not truths Jungkook, they are simply beliefs. Beliefs which do not have a proper ground because they originate from mere ideas."

Jungkook comes to the realisation that there's probably no point in arguing with you as to why he said what he said because you apparently have an entirely different perspective of seeing things. That's not to say he doesn't find your views interesting. 

However, your words only make him more curious.

"Why are you so affected by it when it doesn't involve you?" 

Jungkook has noticed how you speak the words as if it's you who's been hurt and as if it's you at whom his words were directed at. 

"I-I am not affected by it," your words come out unsure as you are momentarily caught off guard by his question. To add to that, you are not quite sure what is a good answer to that, you just feel the way you feel. 

"You are though," he states, quirking a brow. 

One thing about Jungkook, it's very easy to read him. You think the reason behind that is how Jungkook is always so sure of himself. He probably doesn't ever feel the need to hide the way he's feeling or say things that don't match with his inner thoughts. He is always so confident. You are yet to see emotions like nervousness, doubt, shyness on him. Now that you think of it, you find it very difficult to imagine Jungkook being any of those things. 

But thanks to his easily readable expressions and body language, you can tell Jungkook is curious. Curious enough that you know he won't settle for a vague answer. 

"I don't know why I'm affected by it," you claim, knowing those words are not entirely true. "I just don't like the thought of someone getting hurt or feeling like they aren't good enough. That's a very painful feeling."

You are aware that telling Jungkook that you know how hurtful his words were because you know the feeling very well, isn't a good idea. He won't understand. Plus, you're not really willing to have that level of vulnerability with him.

Jungkook is confused. To him it doesn't make sense. You got so agitated, that you didn't hesitate to leave the room, all because you didn't like the way someone else could feel on hearing those words?

Confusing, indeed. 

Despite feeling like it, he chooses not to ask you any further questions. He has come to the conclusion that you're someone who's quite difficult to understand, at least for him. You're an emotional person, that much is obvious but then the depth of your emotions are seemingly so deep that he can't quite get to the bottom of it. 

He nods at your words and with that silence falls over the both of you. 

However, the silence only urges you to break it. You don't know if you'll ever get comfortable enough around Jungkook but you know you aren't yet. And you're not really sure you'd like to hang around long enough for that to be achieved.

"If you're getting the measurements tomorrow, how long until your designs come to life?" 

Jungkook doesn't expect you to start a conversation but he's more than glad to be talking about his designs and the competition. "I'll have to go to the market to get the raw materials. After that it will probably take a month to get all six of them done."

"So you'd still have three weeks in hand?" 

"Yes," he affirms. 

"Are you excited for it?" 

"You bet I am," a certain twinkle enters his eyes and you assume it's excitement. "My mom will be in attendance and all I want is to win that day."

"Are you a mama's boy?" You tease. 

"Maybe I am," he admits, with a curl of his lips and you're admittedly surprised because you didn't think Jungkook to be the type of person who'd openly accept to being mama's boy. "But I'm looking forward to the day because I'll be seeing her for the first time in twelve years."

"Twelve years?!" 

He nods. "Yeah, she got remarried and moved to the states when I was eight." 

You have so many questions. 

You want to ask, if his parents got divorced? You want to ask why, even if his mom got remarried, did he not get to be in her presence the way a child needs to be? It's understandable that she's in the states but not seeing her in twelve years? You want to ask if he has at least been in contact with her, throughout the years to make up for the void he might have felt without his mother.

But you're not as confident as Jungkook.

You don't want to ask or say anything that could make him uncomfortable or that could make him recall things that he doesn't want to. But most importantly, you're aware that these questions are extremely personal and no way are you and Jungkook anywhere near close enough for you to ask him these questions.

"I am pretty sure she would be happy and proud regardless of whether you win or not," you say with a small smile. "You'd be the best to her, anyway." 

Jungkook is caught slightly off guard by your words. However, he finds himself smiling involuntarily and a certain feeling of warmth makes its way to his heart at the thought of his mother being proud of him. 

He really cannot wait for the day. 

Anger. 

It's a rather powerful emotion. One which makes you temporarily blind to everything else. It can have your mind narrowly focused at getting your point across. It's an emotion that replaces the blood in your veins with fire. It can also make you forget about everything else temporarily.

And that's pretty much what had occured. 

In the midst of the anger you had temporarily forgotten that you know shit about modelling. The relief that you had felt at the thought of discontinuing being a part of Jungkook's team, is now replaced with twice the amount of worry. 

All it took was a night's sleep for you to come back to your senses. With the anger being washed away from your veins, reality came crashing down. But now you carried an additional weight as you were also aware that this competition meant a lot to Jungkook as his mother will be in attendance. 

If all of that wasn't enough, there was that dream again. The one where you're a little kid getting laughed by other kids your age and where there suddenly appears this tall, hooded figure whose face just always remains hidden. And the way you crawl in pain everytime it starts laughing, the way it makes you numb is exhausting. Just like last time, this time too you woke up breathless and just couldn't go back to sleep after that. 

You're anxious and sleep deprived. 

The best you could think of was to still go forth with your plan and just leave. But then you were reminded things weren't as simple anymore. You leaving also means deduction of points, which would ultimately mean Jungkook starting off with negative marks. For obvious reasons, it serves as a major reason why you haven't left the team yet. 

But if you don't remove the ring and just decide to stay, would you be even able to do justice to Jungkook's designs? Had it not been for the ring, the model wouldn't have been you. It would probably be Tina, someone who's of Jungkook's choice. If you were to represent Jungkook's design, wouldn't it be morally wrong on so many levels? 

There was also a teeny-tiny part of you that just wanted to go for it and give it your best, just so that you could prove your point from yesterday. You found yourself thinking what it would be like if you were to actually do a fantastic job at modelling and get rounds of applause for your performance. 

However, the fear of failing and lack of confidence quickly shut down those thoughts. Chances of you doing it are next to null. 

But all of that makes it only more and more confusing to you. Do you quit now, knowing it would lead to the deduction of marks and do what's morally right? Or do you stick with it to avoid negative marks for Jungkook? 

Nothing is ever simple for you, for the love of god. 

"Y/N?"

Your steps momentarily halt when you hear someone calling your name. Turning towards the person who's called for you, you're surprised that it's Taehyung. 

"Heading towards your class?" He asks, quickly catching up with you. 

You nod at him, feeling a little nervous because you've never really chatted with him outside properly. "You?"

"Same," he replies, with the boxy smile that always seems to be on his lips. "Didn't know you too had a class this early." 

"Yeah, I have early classes most days."

"Well, don't they suck?" 

"They absolutely do," a small chuckle escapes you.

A brief moment of silence falls on the both of you, which gives Taehyung the time to choose his next words carefully. 

"By the way, you're coming today for the measurements right?" 

Hesitation plays on your face as you are yet to come to a decision if going forth with the modelling would be the right choice. However, it's not like you can respond to him saying that you won't be there for the measurements. That'd probably lead to a whole lot of questions you're not sure how to answer. 

"I'd be there."

Taehyung is glad that's the case. He didn't think that things from yesterday were serious enough for you to quit. But at the same time, he wasn't quite sure you'd be willing to take part in today's activities. 

Truth be told, you left quite an impression on him last day. It was rather satisfying to watch someone give their piece of mind to Jungkook, even if it was for a brief moment. 

An obvious question that could pop up is, why then, if he's someone who thinks this way, did he not object when Jungkook was making those comments?

The answer to that lies in the fact that he's known Jungkook much longer than you. They might not be all buddy-buddy like Jimin and Jungkook are but he still knows Jungkook well enough to know that talking to him about certain matters is fruitless and perhaps a waste of time and energy. 

"That's cool," he comments, with an excited grin. "I really look forward to going down the runway with you."

The image of Taehyung walking in all his glory while you stick out like a sore thumb, flashes in your mind. "I'm not quite sure how that'd turn out to be." 

"Why would you say that?" He frowns in mild confusion, not missing out on your nervous smile. 

"I've never done modelling before, I'm not sure I'd be any good at it," shrugging lightly, you let the words out without much of a thought. 

Any other day, you'd probably have said something else as you really do not like telling your insecurities to people. Especially the ones you're so entirely sure of. It feels the equivalent of asking them to console you. It feels very attention seeking. However, your mind is already riddled with questions and you simply do not have the energy to overthink as to what other response you could have given.  

"The key thing about modelling is confidence," he claimed, with his shoulders lifting to emphasise his point. "While walking on the runway, for those thirty seconds or so, you better believe you're a goddess."

All the more reasons for you to think you'll be shit at it. "Oh I'll definitely not be able to do that."

Taehyung frowns deeper at the way you laugh, apparently, at yourself. "Why not?"

"Because I'm shit at modelling." Your words have the same energy as someone saying duh, like it's the most obvious thing.

He shakes his head. "You think that way only because you aren't confident enough."

"I'm not confident enough because I know I'm not good at it," you laugh, kind of enjoying the conversation now that it has taken a playful turn.

Taehyung also has a silly smile on his face. "Nah, nah, nah, it doesn't work that way."

You roll your eyes jokingly and snicker, "I'm sure it'd be quite a sight if I were to walk like a goose with the confidence of a goddess."

"Come to think of it, gooses would make good models," he hums, imagining the scenario. 

"They'd sure garner a whole lot of audience," you comment, now the scene playing out in your head too and dare you say it's stress relieving.  

Taehyung laughs and it causes the soft curls of his hair to bounce. His laugh is loud and free, you notice. He laughs without a care in the world and honestly, it's as much of a sweet sound as it is infectious. 

"I was nervous too before my first modelling gig," he adds, a warm and light smile playing on his lips now that his laughter has died down. "But sometimes you just got to ignore that voice and put yourself out there."

"And believe me, you can do an exceptional job at it if you allow yourself to."

You had protests on your lips but they die when you realise how sincere and genuine Taehyung looks. It leaves you speechless.

"Ah, that's my building," he announces before you can fully grasp his previous words. "See you in like three hours?"

You nod wordlessly and before you know it, he's bidding you goodbye with another warm smile. 

The words he leaves you with swirl in your mind as you're taken over by a sense of disbelief. 

You're not used to believing people's words when they show faith in you. Taehyung, however, seemed so natural with his words as if they were so easy to be said. It didn't feel like he said them because that's what he thought he was supposed to say. 

You're in disbelief because a part of you believes he meant what he said. 

You can do an exceptional job at it if you allow yourself.

His words ring in your head and you feel this wave of courage wash over you.

Taehyung thinks you can do it. He didn't lie to you for the sake of it. Maybe you actually can do it. But then again, you'll never know if you don't give it your all.

The thought causes a shiver of nervousness to run down your spine. You were not expecting to have this sudden change of thinking when Taehyung called for your name. But now that the words have had a significant amount of effect on you, you cannot seem to be able to push down the thought of just going for it. 

Even if you were to go for the other option of quitting, it would ultimately be affecting Jungkook. It would admittedly be wrong to keep him in the dark and model for his designs, unless, you do them justice. 

You're not quite sure what kind of affect the ring has on Jungkook. But you're almost entirely confident in saying that he does not view you as the girl of his dreams or isn't irrevocably in love with you. Because from the times you have spent time with him, you have never once felt that way. 

It was only after yesterday that you felt like you could be sure of your assumptions. It was the moment when the first thing Jungkook asked after your little disagreement was whether you'd be there for the measurements. He was quite clearly concerned only about the competition. You had somehow managed to ignore the voice in your head about the waitress thing, but this, you could not.

The realisation, however, wasn't uncomfortable. It felt relieving to know that he isn't in love with you. Maybe the ring has made Jungkook feel attracted to you, but that's pretty much the extent of it. 

If, by some chance, Jungkook does happen to be in love with you, you think you might just have chosen the wrong guy to make you feel loved. Not that you ever plan to try the ring on any one else, though. You have learnt your lesson in the form of extensive overthinking that has drained you both physically and emotionally. 

Nevertheless, you're also sure that there's no spark between you and him. What you felt that day was simply physical attraction and what propelled you to be hurt so deeply is most likely his words which made you feel so lowly about yourself. 

You know that going forth with the modelling might mean Jungkook still finding you attractive to some extent but you'll make sure nothing ever romantically takes place between the two of you. 

You had made a crazy whimsical decision based on your emotions and you don't think it's fair if Jungkook were to suffer because of it. It's not like you're over the emotions that Jungkook had triggered within you with his words but you have gotten used to the constant nagging of that insecure voice. Now, you can ignore it enough to think. 

You still feel pathetic but at least now you have gotten used to it and have made peace with the fact that maybe you indeed are pathetic and that there's no changing that. 

However, somehow, Taehyung's words have seemingly given you enough confidence to put yourself out there. Another important lesson you have learnt in the past week or so, is that, it's for the best to just make a choice and to stick with it. The questions of 'what-if's are simply never ending.

You shut your eyes and take a deep breath and decide to face the consequences that you have been avoiding and have been incredibly unsure of so far. 

You're going to model for Jungkook.

Fun fact: when someone finds themselves unable to make a decision it can often be a sign that they don't trust themselves enough :)

Also, I'm gonna upload a sexy enemies to lovers au featuring Jungkook in one of those bikes (you know exactly what kind 🥰) on my patreon this Monday. If you want to read it before anyone else you know where to find me 😌

permanent taglist:

@bloodline1632 @embrace-themagic @jeonsorchid @fragmentof-indiffernce @royallyjjk @jeonninja @variety-is-the-joy-of-life @blairscott @jungkookslittlebun @hunbun07 @merlinkgeorge @i-have-no-life-charlie @cherryluvhobi

Series Taglist:

@youremyjinearth @charcutetaerie @hunbun07 @jyupuff @rosieatron @armydgirl @heartjiminie @leedoesntknaur @j3oooonsnsns @teteschim @azur3s @berryonasummerevening @zelchena @eegyo @oopscoop @itsdingdong

[frmisnow]

SLICE OF KOOK. ★ (series masterlist)

summary. slice of kook is all about situations within an established relationships with jungkook : from running errands, going to gym together, late night conversations, meeting the fam to full blown signing the marriage papers !

(📂) status - ongoing .. / (📂) pairings - non idol! jungkook x f! reader

(📂) genre - slice of life, est. relationship, fluff, smut

01. 🐬: OUR BELOVED SUMMER (f)

a chill beach with your boyfriend. / including: two lovey dovey cutie patooties, kissing

02. coming soon ...

masterlist key: s - smut a - angst f - fluff

[oddinary4bts]

Life Goes On | Masterpost

Here is a collection of fanfics that all take place in the same universe, with all the members falling in love one after the other.

☆summary:  Being the biggest boy band in the world can make it hard to find love. But in time, everyone finds the one that they were meant to find, the person that was forever theirs to begin with. Even the Bangtan boys aren’t an exception to that most simple rule of the universe, as they fall in love in the most unexpected places

☆rating: 18+

☆genre: snippets of life, idol!au

Park Jimin: I Want to Be with You

☆summary: moving to Seoul has always seemed like a good idea, until the bubble bursts when you realize your new neighbour is Park Jimin, and he’s not the sweet angel you’ve always imagined him to be. Will the reality of Park Jimin forever be a nightmare, or will he turn into a sweet dream?  

☆genre: strangers (fan) to friends to lovers, idol!au; fluff, some slight angst, smut  

☆warnings:  mention of cheating, asshole jimin for a few moments, a tiny little bit of jealousy, alcohol consumption, throwing up. explicit content: oral sex (female receiving), edging, fingering, badly written dirty talk, unprotected sex (wrap it before you tap it babes), slightly dom! jimin, reader is shy and awkward and might give you a little bit of secondhand embarrassment, sad love confession

➳ Teaser

➳ Complete fic

Jeon Jungkook: The Boy with Galaxies in his Eyes

☆summary: you had never thought the night sky could be found in someone’s eyes. That is, until you met Jeon Jungkook and his gravity pulled you in. Will he crush you with the galaxies in his eyes, or will you learn to explore his worlds and make them yours?

☆genre: fwb to lovers, idol!au; angst (a lot), smut (a whole lot too), fluff

☆warnings: oc’s ex-boyfriend died and it takes an important place in the story, swearing, fuckboy Jungkook, fuckgirl oc, a whole bunch of red flags, miscommunication (they learn how to communicate don’t worry), exes that can’t stay out of your life, alcohol, explicit content: fingering, pussy slapping, squirting, oral sex (male and female receiving), mouth fucking, dirty talking, jungkook has a slight begging kink and an exhibitionism kink (not that present in the fic), dom!jk, switch!reader, car sex, sex in a tent, hair pulling (I think), tits/nipple play, unprotected sex, a little bit of ass slapping  

➳Teaser

➳Complete fic

Drabbles

➳The First Time (teaser)

➳The First Time

Jeong Hoseok: unnamed

☆genre: dance partners to lovers, idol!au

Coming soon!

Min Yoongi: Now We Reign

☆summary: when Min Yoongi approaches you to collab on a song together, you know you can’t refuse such a golden opportunity. On one dreaded night, you find unexpected comfort in his proximity, and he finds solace on your lips. But are you made to be with him, or will the hurdles drive you apart?

☆genre: work collaborators to lovers, idol!au, smut, angst, fluff

☆warnings: alcohol, cursing, OC has family problems similar to those Yoongi went through, financial insecurity, loneliness, cheating but not cheating because they are on a break, sexist interviewer, explicit content: grinding, dom!reader, switch!Yoongi, big dick!Yoongi, oral sex (male and female receiving), jerking off, face riding, tits/nipples play, hickey, fingering, protected sex, choking, clit play, denied orgasms (due to consensual drunk sex), fingering, mentions of anal sex, handcuffs, anal plug, anal fingering

➳ Teaser

➳ Complete fic

Kim Namjoon: Emotions of the Soul

☆summary: when Namjoon reappears in your life after thirteen years of absence, you find yourself unsure of what he means to you, and of what you mean to him. Anxiety reigns over you, but will it be enough to drag you away from Kim Namjoon?

☆genre: high school sweethearts to strangers to lovers, idol!au, smut, angst, fluff

☆warnings: alcohol, anxiety, a reference to the reader in Now We Reign if you guys can catch it, cursing, stupid teenage threats of m*rder, an appearance from the reader in Forever, pet names, paparazzi, imposter syndrome, an ugly teenage breakup flashback, explicit content: mentions of blindfolding, switch!Namjoon, big dick!Namjoon, switch!reader, oral sex (male and female receiving), jerking off, dirty talking?, balls fondling, face riding, breast play, fingering, protected sex and unprotected sex, praise, hair pulling (ish), ass slapping, tummy bulge (? lmao), choking, cumshot, cum eating, he calls her a slut in the heat of the action like once I think?

➳Teaser

➳Complete Fic

Kim Seokjin: Forever

☆summary: three years ago, your relationship with jin ended in fights and tears. When life puts him back on your path, you catch a glimpse of light in his eyes that you thought had died when you broke up. Will your relationship blossom into a well-deserved forever or will you lose the love of your life again?

☆genre: ex-fiancés to lovers, idol!au, angst, smut, fluff

☆warnings: alcohol consumption, oc and jin fight a lot and don’t talk enough, oc is a little mean to jin and jin is a patient angel, cursing, inaccurate cooking terms, oc gets wounded on a nail, a bunch of nostalgia and regrets. explicit content: choking kink, grinding, a little bit of tits play, fingering, oral sex (female receiving), a little bit of dirty talking, dom!jin, big dick!jin, protected sex

➳ Teaser

➳Complete fic

Kim Taehyung: Crazy for You

☆summary:  you’ve known Kim Taehyung your whole life. When you meet again at a party hosted by your best friend, alcohol looses your lips and you spill your secrets to your childhood crush. Will Taehyung give in to your desire, or will you be struck by remorse?

☆genre: best friend’s brother to lover, idol!au, a smidge of fake dating trope, angst, fluff, smut

☆warnings: alcohol consumption, getting ghosted before the story takes place, lying/hiding the truth to a best friend for months, unclear relationship (and what comes with it), sort of miscommunication? but not really, cursing, mention of a grandparent passing away, a very awkward dinner with all the members and their own readers (no one is named, gets a little redundant? but since everyone is a reader, it had to be done), pregnancy (at the veryyyy end of the fic), explicit content: virgin and unexperienced!reader, dom!tae, praising, fingering, ass slapping, tits play, oral sex (female and male receiving), tied-up sex, whip (not really used in the fic), dirty talking?, protected and unprotected sex, jerking off, taehyung is lowkey a freak

➳Teaser

➳Complete fic

[jungk0oksthighs]

Over The Odds | 파트너

Pairing - jungkook x reader

Genre - smut, angst, fluff, S2L, ceo!jungkook, sugardaddy!jungkook

Word count - 6k

In which you meet Jungkook’s parents

warnings: swearing, toxic family relationships, mentions of sex 

FULL SERIES COLLECTION

Seoul is the most beautiful city in the world, it’s rich with culture and bursts at the seams with creativity – every corner springing to life with colourful artwork and lively energy, something about it feels almost romantic, it’s nothing like you pictured it to be on the journey here. As the car moves through the busy streets you find yourself glued to the window, drinking in your surroundings while you count your blessings. You’re so lucky to be able to travel here, to see what the capital is really like behind the scenes of K-dramas and K-pop music videos. You’re awe-stricken, staring at the pink haze of cherry blossom trees that dance in the wind.

Jungkook feels warm beside you in the back seat, even in his travel outfit he looks perfect. For the long-haul flight you’d both opted for comfort over style, the two of you settling for mostly black lounge wear. His tattooed hand rests on your thigh as he taps his phone with the other, presumably alerting his parents of your arrival.

“What do you think? Beautiful isn’t it.” Taehyung grins from the front passenger seat. Somehow he’d ended up joining you and Kook on your trip, not that you mind of course.

“I can’t believe you both grew up here, I’m kinda jealous.”

“Don’t be,” Jungkook locks his phone, training his face to yours, “London is much more exciting, nothing ever happens here.”

“Nothing really happens in London either,” You flash him a fond smile, “Aside from all the stabbings, muggings, burglaries, rapes, murders—”

“Mmm, you have such a way with words.” Your boyfriend chuckles with a low voice, planting a kiss to your temple.

“I’m still here guys don’t even think about it.” Taehyung glares back, his eyes comically wide and sharp jaw set tight. In the rear-view mirror you can make out the faintest smile ghosting Yoongi’s lips. “I know all about what you get up to in the backseats of cars and I won’t stand for it, no I won’t, not in my home country.”

“Okay dad.” You snort, resuming to the view from the window.

“It’s daddy to you,” Tae clicks his tongue in sync with a devilish wink before sighing exasperatedly, “You two are making me so depressed, I’m so alone.” He whines with pouted lips.

“Maybe you should get your own girlfriend and stop trying to get mine to call you daddy then,” Jungkook is smiling, watching you stare out the car window, “Just a suggestion.”

“She wouldn’t even be your girlfriend if I hadn’t convinced you to buy her a drink that night, realistically you should be thanking me right now. But I guess you can make it up to me by setting me up with Y/N’s hot twin sister.”

“I don’t have a twin sister.”

“That’s a shame. Do you have any siblings at all?”

All the air in your lungs escapes your body in a long, drawn-out sigh, “Just one, an older sister.”

It’s no secret that you and your sister do not get along, it had been that way since childhood – she’s two years older than you, arguably prettier than you, she’s always been more popular than you, more successful than you, it’s gotten to the point where you avoid mentioning her until moments like this arise and you’re forced to tell the truth. Twenty seven years is a long time to be living in somebody else’s shadow, the feeling is somewhat mutual though, as she’s openly admitted she feels like your parents favour you over her, giving you’re the baby of the family. Three years ago she moved away from London in search of a ‘quiet life’ and you’ve seen shockingly little of her since.

“She hot?”

“Not really.” You lie, the fact of the matter is she’s breath taking – but it’s very unlikely she and Taehyung will ever meet, thank god.

“You never told me you have a sister.” Jungkook’s brows are pinched, confused.

“I don’t like to talk about her, we don’t get along. Let’s just leave it there.” You’re still staring out the window, watching the beautiful streets of Seoul pass you by. Thankfully your boyfriend doesn’t pry and neither does his best friend, presumably sensing the energy shift in the car.

It’s not that you hate her – you don’t, she’s your sister and you’ll always love and support her no matter what. It’s just… She’s so draining to be around, always having to be the smartest, prettiest, funniest and most overbearing person in the room. She’s such a daddy’s girl too, whenever she visits you can never get a word in edgeways with your father, it’s interesting to you how she seemingly cares for him more than your mother yet never shows her face at the hospital when he takes ill. You purse your lips, vaguely irritated at the mention of her existence.

“Are you staying at your parents house?” Taehyung directs his question to Jungkook.

“Yeah, it’ll be a bit of a squeeze but yknow what my mom’s like, she’d be offended if we stayed anywhere else.”

“Mmm. Do you even have a double bed in your old bedroom? I only remember that skinny fish finger looking mattress underneath all your junk.”

“Wouldn’t surprise me if she’s bought a new bed especially for Y/N, you should’ve seen her face when I video called her and told her I have a girlfriend…” Jungkook chuckles lightly, “Poor woman nearly had a heart attack.”

“I can imagine, I think we all did.”

Conversation flows naturally between the two best friends as you zone out entirely, focussed on your surroundings. It’s hard to imagine Jungkook living anywhere other than his glorious penthouse apartment, the idea of him sleeping on a single mattress on the floor seems…foreign to you. Of course he’d explained to you before that he comes from nothing, everything he has he’s worked excruciatingly hard for, but there’s a part of you that always assumed he was exaggerating somehow. Except he wasn’t, as you pull up to a small, modest looking house you realise that this is his childhood home.

While the house isn’t big it’s still beautiful, the fence surrounding the property is pastel pink and littered with gorgeous hand-painted flowers and fairy lights. It’s a two storey building, there’s a small red Hyundai car in the driveway and as your journey comes to an end you realise this place is seemingly in the middle of nowhere, save for another little house just across the street.

“Don’t be nervous, their English is really good these days but if you need any help just let me know.” Jungkook’s voice is reassuring, as is the faint squeeze he gives your thigh before he steps out of the vehicle.

Perhaps this is too soon you wonder, suddenly feeling very anxious and very homesick. You’re in a foreign country, about to meet your boyfriend’s parents – whom you’ve only been officially dating less than a month. You feel overwhelmed, mentally bracing yourself for the next few days. At least Jungkook is an only child and unlike you doesn’t have any bitchy older siblings, there’s a silver lining to every situation.

“Where we going first?” You hear Taehyung’s deep voice ask as he gathers his belongings from the boot.

“Well I’m going to my parents house, and you’re going to yours. Don’t worry we’ll stop by tomorrow, but I think tonight should just be me and Y/N, my dad’s working so we’ll only be having a quiet meal with my mom.” Jungkook’s patting his friend on the shoulder while he collects both your bags.  

“Fine, but if you’re not at my house by midday I’m coming straight over.” Taehyung grins, waving you off as he crosses the road and heads toward the house across the way. “Say hi to your ‘rents for me!” No wonder they were so close they grew up as each other’s only neighbour, you smile, it must’ve been nice for them.

“You ready?” Jungkook opens the car door after he gives his driver the information for his hotel, “You look nervous.”

“I am nervous.” You climb out of the car and he shuts the door behind you.

“Don’t be nervous.”

“Can we stop saying the word nervous it’s making me more nervous.”

He drops the luggage to the floor and pulls you into his large body, pushing his palms underneath your oversized hoodie, fingertips grazing your lower back, “Come here.” He whispers, sinking his lips down to meet yours in a short, soft kiss. A genuine kiss, a kiss that makes your head spin and forget all about your worries until he pulls back with loving eyes, “Don’t freak out, just be yourself. Okay?”

“Okay.” You nod, bending to pick up your bags when he swats your hand away, grabbing them for you.

No sooner than you arriving on his parents doorstep, the front door opens and reveals a fair skinned petite woman around her mid-fifties, she’s stunning. Her dark hair is short and choppy, framing her rounded features perfectly – Jungkook looks so much like her, there’s no denying this is his mother. As your boyfriend greets her in Korean she beams with pride, wrapping her slender arms around his middle in a tight bear hug. Then, she looks at you.

“You must be Y/N, come in! I’ve heard so much about you!” Her smile is contagious, she’s already so welcoming and kind as she stands to one side, allowing you to enter her home, “Sorry about the dust, we’re renovating the kitchen.”

“You are?” Jungkook asks, placing the bags by the staircase before having a conversation with her in their mother tongue, giving you a moment to look around.

The house very homely, very lived in and you’re sure it’s full of happy memories, it’s the kind of place that makes you feel safe and warm inside, mirroring the personalities of the family who reside here. To your left is the lounge area, you can make out two small sofas in the room with a television on the wall but it’s the doorframe that grabs your attention. The wood is white, so the lines that mark Jungkook’s growth over the years really stand out, it’s hard to imagine him as a small child giving that he’s such a huge man now, but judging by the line drawn not even two feet from the floor there was a time when he was tiny.

You’re smiling as you poke your head around, making yourself familiar with the layout. The lounge, study and a small bathroom are on the left, staircase on the right. At the back of the house is a big kitchen and dining area which looks to be open planned, newly decorated grey.

“—Do you wanna wash up before we have dinner? And my mom’s made you a care package,” Jungkook grins, “I don’t know what’s in there but she’s insisting it’s all good things.”

It’s your turn to grin, taken aback by her kindness, “Thank you so much, you didn’t have to.”

“I wanted to.” She gestures to the kitchen and dining area, where there’s a large hamper basket atop of the table decorated with pink ribbons.

“Thank you… I feel so bad I didn’t bring you anything.”

Waving off your words she reassures you right away, “You did, you’re the reason my son has come home. It’s the least I could do.” At this Jungkook clears his throat before speaking Korean again, presumably telling her that he’s going to show you the upstairs before you both go to the next floor with the bags and the pretty pink care package.

“Sorry I keep speaking Korean, she’s just… So embarrassing sometimes.” He chuckles, swinging the door at the top of the stairs open – revealing his childhood bedroom.

“What do you mean?” You giggle, stepping over the threshold. It’s not how you pictured it, it’s much cleaner and more spacious than Taehyung gave credit for and thankfully there is a double bed in here too, pushed into the corner of the room where the window is.

“She thinks you’re very pretty.”

“Oh.” You’re blushing, looking around the room, there’s so many medals and trophies in the closet that it’s completely golden.

“And she thinks we’ll make beautiful children.”

“Oh.” Your voice drops, eyes widening. “Does she know we’ve been dating less than a month?” You’re smiling as you notice Taehyung’s parents’ house is visible from here, you can only imagine what kind of trouble the pair got up to when they were younger.

“She knows we’ve been dating for nearly three months.”

“Except we haven’t.” You hum, turning to face him.

“Kinda have,” Jungkook closes the bedroom door and sits on the bed, smoothing over the red and white covers with inked fingers, “I told her about you after our first date.”

“You did?” You’re shocked to say the least, chest swelling with something unfamiliar as you realise he must’ve had feelings for you for some time, perhaps even longer than you’ve had feelings for him. “What did you tell her?”

He sighs with closed eyes as he leans back on the bed, propping himself up with one elbow, he seems relaxed here, “That’s for me to know and for you to never find out… And I know you’re probably wondering why they still live here and not somewhere… More extravagant.”

“I wasn’t actually, I’m wondering what’s in that care package.”

“Right,” He playfully rolls his eyes, grabbing it from the floor, “Well I’ve tried to buy them a bigger place, better cars, holidays... But my dad refuses to take my money.”

“I see.” You pry the hamper from his hands as you finally sit down next to him, your thighs touching ever so slightly, “I like it here though, it’s nice. I can see why they don’t want to leave.”

“Mmm.” He pops his tongue, “Anyways I’m gonna go take a shower, you’ll be okay in here?”

You nod in agreement as you begin to unbox your gift from his mother. Without even meeting you she’s picked out your favourite scent, the basket is filled with all kinds of Korean skincare and cosmetics, perfumes, shower gels, and there’s even a dainty silver bangle with your initial on in there. Your heart tightens at her kindness and you pray to every higher power that you’ve made a good first impression with her. Namjoon’s mother didn’t like you when he grew to spend more time with you than her, she was very overbearing and controlling so your experiences with boyfriend’s mothers had been forever tainted – but thankfully Jungkook’s mother seems to be nothing like that.

Since his father is working night shifts at his restaurant you don’t meet him that night, instead you, Jungkook and his mother all enjoy an amazing meal together, it turns out she’s an incredible cook and you eat so much that you feel as though you’re going to burst at any given moment. The conversation flows effortlessly, she compliments your looks often and you learn that your boyfriend was a competitive child who excelled at pretty much anything he put his mind to, including boxing and taekwondo, hence the medals and trophies. This comes as no surprise to you, giving how strong and competitive he still is now. When you finally head to bed to sleep off your jetlag Jungkook reassures you with a proud smile that his mom really likes you, planting a sweet kiss to your temple as the long journey catches up with your body and you succumb to a peaceful slumber.

It’s the morning when you wake to the sound of Jungkook’s bedroom door being barged open, revealing a rather dashing looking Taehyung, wearing a beige suit with a crisp white shirt. You’re facing the wall but can just make out his reflection in the window with sleepy eyes, he’s grinning at the sight of you and your boyfriend cuddling in bed.

“Rise and shine love birds.”

“Go away Taehyung.” Jungkook mumbles into the crook of your neck, his bare arm lazily draped over your pyjama clad body.

“Not likely,” Tae chirps, clapping loudly, “Your dads home.”

“And?”

“And he wants to meet Y/N obviously.”

“What time is it?” Jungkook’s breath is hot on your ear, his body warm behind you as he stretches in place.

“Almost nine.”

At this your boyfriend groans, sounding as though he’s in actual physical pain, “You said midday.”

“I got excited, my mom’s downstairs too she wants to see you.”

“We’ll be down there soon.” You feel the bed shift behind you, his warmth quickly disappearing as he pulls the covers over your frame, rolling out of bed. “Is he in a good mood at least?”

“Dunno, didn’t speak to me as usual.” Taehyung sounds neither surprised or hurt by this, “So does she know that your dads an asshole or is it a gonna be a surprise for her?”

“The latter.”

It takes you an hour to wake up properly and get ready. The shower gel you’d been gifted upon arrival was among one of the nicest smelling toiletries you’ve ever owned, it’s subtly floral and sweet and you find yourself humming contently at the scent of your own skin while you get dressed. It’s warm in Korea, a lot warmer than London is and so you opt for a lightweight cream shirt, tucked into a pair of blue denim shorts. Natural makeup evens out your skin tone and you consider yourself good enough to head downstairs where Jungkook and the others are waiting, you spritz your body with one of your new perfumes and exhale the air you didn’t realise you were holding in. He can’t be that bad, you mentally assure yourself.

“You look nice.” Jungkook smiles, flashing you a mischievous wink when he’s certain nobody’s looking at him as you make your way over to the dining table.

“Thanks.” You fight an awkward laugh, feeling everybody’s eyes on you.

In a turn of events you realise Jungkook resembles his father even more so than his mother, he’s a tall and handsome muscular man, his features almost identical to that of your boyfriend’s. He’s sitting at the head of the table with an unreadable expression, wearing a plain white t shirt and slacks. Next to him is Taehyung’s mother, who is undeniably beautiful – she could be a runway model for Victoria Secret, even at this age. Envy brews in the depths of your stomach at her perfect physique and bright smile, she catches your eye and gasps.

“Is this Y/N?” Her voice is sweet like honey.

“The one and only.” Taehyung quips from beside her, stirring a silver spoon in his drink.

“When are you going to get a girlfriend Tae?” She asks with a small giggle.

“Y/N I’ve made you some tea.” Jungkook’s mother hands you a China mug with steaming liquid inside, to which you thank her and lower yourself onto the empty chair between your boyfriend and his father.

“Thank you so much,” You smile, your body immediately relaxing when Jungkook drapes his arm over the back of your seat, “It’s nice to meet you.” You flicker between the two members of the group you haven’t seen before, settling on the older man.

“Mmm.” He nods, eyeing you curiously, “So this is the girl?”

“Yup, Y/N this is my dad, dad this is Y/N, my girlfriend.”

You watch his father quirk a brow as he gives you a once over, he looks surprised, “She’s very pretty.”

As much as you don’t appreciate being spoken about like you’re not sitting right between them, you find the strength to stay quiet and smile politely, silently thanking him for the compliment with your eyes. Taehyung’s mom is nodding in agreement, as is her son before everybody resumes to eating their breakfast – and what a breakfast it is, the whole table is covered with bowls of freshly sliced fruits amongst pastries and breads with varying spreads, it’s like something from a movie.

“She is.” Jungkook’s voice is low yet soft, he’s looking at you with an expression that screams ‘I’m so sorry about this’ while you drink your tea.

“What do you do?” His dad asks and you already feel judged.

“I’m a waitress,” You answer, “But I am looking for something more suited to my degree, just waiting for the opportunity to arise.” It’s not a complete lie – you do want to make use of your qualifications and find another job eventually, though you haven’t exactly been proactive in searching for it lately.

“She went to business school.” Kook explains on your behalf with a proud profile.

“I’m surprised you haven’t given her a job yourself, or bought her a company to run,” His dad scoffs and you immediately feel uncomfortable, sensing the shift in atmosphere, “Being the big shot CEO you are.”

Taehyung watches the scene in front of him unfold with cautious eyes, as do the women in the room. The two men continue conversing in Korean so you don’t fully understand what’s being said, but what you do gather is that Taehyung was right – Jungkook’s dad is an asshole. Their voices are raised and they’re speaking fast enough to frequently run out of breath for a good ten minutes, you’ve never seen him look this…offended. His mom looks almost ashamed at what she’s hearing as the older man scoffs again, glaring at Jungkook expectantly. When he fails to get an answer from his son he clears his throat, putting down his own tea.

“It was nice to meet you Y/N,” His father stands from the table with a forced smile, “I’ll be upstairs.”

“I am so sorry about him.” Jungkook’s mother is the first to speak when she’s sure he’s out of hearing distance, awkwardly shifting in place, “He’s been working so hard recently.”

“I work hard too but I don’t speak to people that way.” Kook scoffs, “When are you gonna stop defending him and excusing his behaviour? You wanna know the real reason I don’t visit often? It’s because of him.”

You get the impression that his father disapproves of his lifestyle, for what reason you don’t know because Jungkook is a very successful man, the idea of somebody not approving of the empire he’s built for himself is silly. As his parents, you’d think they of all people would be beyond proud of their son’s achievements.

“Don’t say such hurtful things to your eomma Jungkook.” Taehyung’s mom puts down the croissant she’d been awkwardly nibbling at for the last ten minutes and shoots him a stern yet understanding look.

“Sorry.” He mumbles with a tight jaw, his features and shoulders eventually softening when he makes eye contact with you, “I’m sorry.”

The rest of the day is a blur, as much as you didn’t want to pry you can’t help but wonder what had been said at the dining table between Jungkook and his father, especially since everybody else had tiptoed around the subject all day. The five of you, yes Taehyung and his mom included, went to the Han River and enjoyed a lovely picnic. The sun was hot against your bare legs all day, though you didn’t love the humidity in the air. It doesn’t take you long to figure out that Taehyung’s and Jungkook’s mothers are also best friends, they told you the story of how they’d known each other since they were four years old and did absolutely everything together – including having children at the same time. Where Jungkook is an only child out of choice, Taehyung has two younger siblings, a brother and a sister, who attend an elite boarding school an hour away from London.

You don’t see Jungkook’s father again that day, he chooses to stay out of the way until the sun sets and he heads to work. It’s strange how little he seems to care about his own son’s presence, especially when he hasn’t seen him in such a long time. The situation is soon forgotten about though, and you enjoy another evening meal with the people who do care about your arrival, you help his mom wash the dishes once everybody had finished and Taehyung makes a joke about how you’re already ‘wife material’. Soon after that you and Jungkook head upstairs, leaving the three of them in the dining area with a few bottles of soju between them.

“We all have them you know,” Your voice is quiet as you climb into bed after your shower, your head soon finding it’s way to rest on Jungkook’s bare chest, “Family members who don’t approve of our decisions… My sisters the same.”

“I’m really sorry about this morning, I knew he was gonna go off but I thought he would’ve done it away from you at least.” Kook snakes his arms round your body, “Just wanted to have a nice break from work and introduce my girlfriend to my parents, is that too much to ask?” He sighs, this is a different side of him that you’ve not seen – usually he’s calm, cool and collected but as his heart hammers against your cheek you realise he’s stressed by the situation.

“Not at all, don’t worry I’m used to parents not liking me.” You’re trying not to take it personally, clearly there’s a much bigger picture here.

At this Jungkook kisses your forehead reassuringly, “It’s not that he doesn’t like you, he’s just… He has an opinion on everything I do, it’s really not you. My mom absolutely loves you.”

“That’s good.”

“I think she prefers you to me.”

“Doesn’t everybody?” You grin, squeezing his middle.

“Such a brat.” His voice is amused as he jokingly tugs your hair, “What’s the deal with your sister anyway?”

“We just don’t get along, that’s all there is to it.” Your heart drops, you hate having this conversation but deem it only fair given that he’s opened up to you about his turbulent family relationships, “She’s always been the smarter, prettier, more successful one and I spent the majority of my life living in her shadow. She moved away three years ago and I think I’ve texted her maybe twice? Okay three times tops. It’s not just me she doesn’t like me either, claims that my parents baby and favour me.”

“Two things.” Jungkook’s chest vibrates in sync with his deep voice, “First of all there’s no way she’s prettier, not possible. And secondly, you definitely have been babied by your parents.”

“Who’s side are you on here?” You snort.

“Yours, always yours. Just saying that you can be a bit of a…”

“Don’t say it.”

“Brat.” He chuckles sleepily.

While his mother has gone out of her way to make your stay enjoyable, there’s still a hint of discomfort in the air as you pack your bags the next day. Truthfully you’d like to stay longer but understand that Jungkook’s schedule simply doesn’t have the free time to allow that – you’re just about finished packing when his father knocks on the open bedroom door.

“Hello,” Surprise is evident in your voice, “Thank you for inviting me into your home.” As much as he and Kook don’t seem to get along you’re still polite, this is the first time he’s actually registered your existence since yesterday morning. It’s better to remain calm and respectful, you’d expect the same from Jungkook after all if he were to ever meet your sister.

“Are you only with him for the money?”

You immediately stop what you’re doing, dropping your cosmetics case onto the bed as you face him, flabbergasted and offended, “No.”

“Mmm.” The older man is unconvinced as he steps into the room with pursed lips, he knows full well that Jungkook and his wife are currently downstairs and decided to take it upon himself to corner you like this, “He’s a business opportunity to you then?”

What?! You’re frowning, toying with the idea of giving him a piece of your mind even though you know you should remain well-mannered. “I-,” You breath out, “I like your son a lot, I care about him, I would never use him like that.” How fucking dare he assume so little of you, and why? You’re his son’s first ever girlfriend, you understand some curiosity toward your situation with him giving that he’s nearing thirty and has never had a romantic partner – but this is… Infuriating.

“You know what they say about you in the press, don’t you?”

“No. I tend to avoid the articles.” You say between clenched teeth.

“They say you’re just another one of his flings, something pretty to keep him entertained until he gets bored of you and moves onto the next.” His words are venomous as they pierce the otherwise silent room, aiming straight for your heart.

“I wouldn’t be here right now if he was bored of me.” You defend yourself, slowly losing your patience.

“I’m curious to know why you’re here at all.”

“I don’t know what the situation is between you and Jungkook,” You’re vibrating with rage at this point, choosing your words carefully, “But he wanted me here, I’m sorry that you don’t.”

“Break up with him.” He barks, “If you care about him as much as you say you do, leave him, let him find a nice Korean girl to marry and mother his children. It’s the right thing to do.”

“The right thing to do for him or for you?”

Your question noticeably catches the man off-guard as it hangs in the air, remaining unanswered. From the moment you initially started seeing Jungkook you were well aware of the fact people would judge you, your appearance, your lifestyle, your choices… But you never expected that it would be his father scrutinising you the most. 

You don’t read the articles about your relationship so you’ve no idea if he’s telling the truth about what other people think of you – but something tells you he only uttered those words to hurt you. For some reason you feel…embarrassed that you don’t meet his requirements for a suitable daughter-in-law. It stings knowing that he doesn’t approve of you, and you let it bother you more than it should.

“—Yoongi’s on his way now,” You hear your boyfriend jog up the stairs, taken aback by his own fathers presence. “What’s going on?”

“Nothing.” The older man sighs, “It was nice to meet you.” And just like that he’s gone, but not before glaring at you over his son’s broad shoulder.

“What did he say to you?” Kook looks furious as he collects the bags with strong hands, probably noticing your discomfort.

“Nothing.” You lie, there’s a time and a place for everything and now is not the time nor place you decide, “Is Taehyung ready to leave too?”

“Y/N what did he say?” He stills his movements and scans your features for the truth, worry evident in his big brown doe-eyes. How on earth such a caring and considerate man came from his father you’ve no idea – thank god he hadn’t turned out anything like him.

“Nothing, really.” You feign a smile, running manicured fingers through your hair as you say goodbye to his childhood bedroom and make your way downstairs.

Yoongi’s arrival forces Jungkook to let it go and help him load the car, his mother gives you a warm embrace and begs that you’ll return again soon, she even cries when Jungkook explains for the fifth time that you really need to get going now. She and Taehyung’s mom wave the three of you off as Jungkook opens the car door for you, proving further how much of a gentleman he really is. Your thoughts are still poisoned by his father’s words as you make your way to the airport, completely zoning out of any conversation.

The flight back to London is equally quiet for you, save for the occasional ‘are you sure you’re okay?’ from Jungkook which you consistently answer yes to. At some point you drift off, accidentally falling asleep on Taehyung’s shoulder who sits next to you – thankfully he doesn’t try to move you and just lets it happen, mumbling to himself something about how he’s so painfully alone that this is the most intimate moment he’s had in months. When you eventually land you realise somebody’s jacket is being used as a makeshift pillow for you, separating your cheek from Taehyung’s frame ever so slightly.

“Oh,” You exhale, noticing you’d spent the entire flight with your head resting on somebody who’s not your boyfriend, you’re so embarrassed, “I’m really sorry! Ah, you should’ve woke me up sooner! I’m so sorry.”

“It’s okay.” Tae chuckles as he stretches in place, you feel guilty for how stiff he must feel right now – giving that he hasn’t moved from that one position in hours. Jungkook sits opposite you glued to a sleek silver laptop, he’s so zoned in on whatever he’s doing that he doesn’t register you’ve woken up straight away.

“Are the paparazzi even allowed to be here?” You’re frowning, gesturing to the swarm of camera flashes just a few feet away from the jet. Usually you’d try to ignore the media and much like Jungkook had advised you on your first date you do kind of get used to it after a while, but this, this is something else.

Jungkook displays an amused grin as soon as he realises you’re awake, closing his laptop. “Good evening sleeping beauty, did you sleep okay?”

“Uh-, yeah actually.” You’re surprised, Taehyung must’ve been really comfy to lay on.

“I’m glad,” Most men would be mad, maybe even a little jealous that their girlfriend had fallen asleep on the shoulder of another man, but he doesn’t seem phased at all. Gosh, he’s so unproblematic that it still manages to surprise you, “I’ve got a meeting early tomorrow so is it okay if Yoongi takes you to your place tonight? Or you can stay at my apartment but I’ll be leaving at 6AM, I’ll be out for the whole day but it’s up to you, what would you rather do?”

“Guk…” Taehyung interrupts, his thumb rapidly scrolls his phone screen, eyes borderline bursting from his skull. “Fuck, guys… This is bad. This is bad.”

“What?” You and Jungkook say in sync.

“Is everything okay?” You’re distracted by the paparazzi literally screaming at the security guards to get closer to the jet, there must be at least one hundred camera men on the ground all fighting their way to you.

“Shit,” Taehyung jumps from his seat and gathers his belongings, “We need to get out of here and away from them, now. Fuck.”

“You wanna tell us what’s going on?” Jungkook laughs at his friend’s sudden change in demeanour, looking equally as confused as you.

Rather than saying anything Taehyung turns his phone screen in hand, so you and Jungkook are able to see what the problem is. It’s an article, actually there looks to be several articles written about you and your boyfriend – you grimace, remembering his father’s words about how you’re portrayed in the media. It’s when your vision completely focusses on the words that your heart drops into your the depths of your stomach.

Billionaire Jungkook and girlfriend Y/N Bora Bora sex tape leak. Watch the video here. 

x

[bangficsx]

OVERLOVED ✧･ﾟ:

synopsis : Jungkook meets you when you are looking for someone to rent the other spare room in your landlord's house. Your landlord's apprehensions about him lead to you knitting a web of lies, will all your lies turn into reality or mean nothing in the end.

pair : jungkook x y/n

genre : enemies to friends to lovers, housemates, fake dating, smut, fluff

You can read it on wattpad -> link to wattpad

[foxymoxynoona]

Over the Falls Ch. 4

Sexy Banner & bar by @borabae-gx

Summary: Jungkook sees a lot of things as a pool tech. It’s…  fine. It pays the bills between mornings on the water and evenings  rocking out with his garage-band. His favorite thing to see on the job has been Grace Birch –older but a hottie, wealthy but nice, and  unfortunately very married. At least until Grace learns what her husband  has been up to behind her back. Now that she’s free, Jungkook finds  himself wondering: what does it take for a guy like him to catch the eye of a woman like that?

Genre: Poolboy Jungkook x Rich Divorcee OC

Tags: Age gap (older woman), socioeconomic gap, Surferboy JK, drummer/guitarist/vocalist JK, Wealthy divorcee OC, househusband

CW: Mature/Explicit,  Infidelity (not between JKxOC), language, alcohol, recreational drugs, lots of explicit sex, ageist/racist/classist remarks down the road, outdoor sex, beach sex

Chapter Three | Masterlist | Chapter Five

“It was a shitshow, is what it was,” Megan insisted, arms out as she picked her way through the tangled overgrowth of the front yard. In heels, mind you, with tight jeans that made it difficult to bend her legs so that she kind of waddled and teetered as she trailed after Grace around the wild beds and weed-devoured gravel path.  

“You’re exaggerating.”

“The toilets overfloweth,” Megan insisted, hands gesturing to demonstrate just how badly the bathroom had been destroyed. “Of course no one wants to admit it was them but someone brought the chicken casserole–”

“And you’re sure it was the chicken casserole?”

“Using my excellent detective skills–”

“That’s true, why would I doubt you?” Grace laughed. She stopped on the gray stone porch –cracked, chipped, and laced with mildew– and surveyed the yard. 

“It was everyone who ate the chicken casserole crapping their brains out,” Megan said, pulling herself up the steps. “But who made the casserole? No one in that set of people makes casseroles. I’m telling you, someone used rancid chicken.”

“You think it was on purpose?”

“I mean, it didn’t make Nancy look good to have a dozen people head to the ER with bubble-guts,” Megan said, eyebrows raised and lips twisted to the side like she knew what her opinion of it was. Who has it out for Nancy? The answer for any of them was most likely depends on the day. “But I suppose it could have been someone stupid. Decided to cook instead of letting their chef handle it and doesn’t want to admit it now.”

“I can’t believe Nancy did a potluck,” Grace admitted. 

“Oh she’s living in deep shame right now. Trish and Eugenia goaded her into her after someone… maybe me… suggested potlucks are trendy now.”

“You didn’t,” Grace laughed. Megan cackled shamelessly. 

“Well they can stop talking shit about me or I’m going to set them up like that! I said they’re all the rage now and we’re getting laughed at for being so outdated on the West Coast.”

“Why would Nancy care?”

“Oh some stuffy asshole from Georgia was going to be there, I don’t even remember his name, so I may have positioned myself as an expert on Georgia…”

“You’re from Georgia.”

“Sure, but not Georgia money,” Megan reminded her. “I’m from Georgia upper middle class. And I’m stretching that upper. We did potlucks at church but never when we hosted. Who would do that? You run the risk of someone bringing a rancid chicken casserole.”

“You don’t think it was Nancy herself– no, she wouldn’t cook for her own dinner,” Grace quickly corrected.

“No, I think it was someone else trying to be on theme. Instead they inspired their own theme…”

“You didn’t get sick,” Grace guessed based on Megan’s laughter about the whole thing.

“Lord no, I didn’t touch that casserole. I knew it would only disappoint me. Kind of like this house.”

Grace gave her a bemused smile and led her through the front door with the set of keys she’d picked up from the owners earlier. Megan’s tale of the failed dinner party had woven through their examination around the exterior of the property: overgrown, cluttered with potted plants, a slimy green and frog-infested pool, a garage door that no no one could find the clicker to. The patio furniture had all turned green with mildew, the iron frames rusted. 

“Woah, it’s squat,” Megan said, ducking her head in the entry way as though the ceiling wasn’t a full ten feet.

“It just feels that way because they painted the ceilings dark,” Grace explained. The entryway had a closet dead ahead too, making the space feel small. Two doors crowded them on the left, too, and so many doors right when you entered made a house feel like a maze. If you ripped off the closet door and turned it into a proper entryway, it would feel better. Maybe one of the doors to the left too. Shockingly, when she opened one it had dark carpeted stairs to the second floor.

“Why’d they do that? That’s creepy to put a door there.”

“People do lots of things to their houses,” Grace shrugged. “I always think it’s interesting. Maybe they were trying to cut down on A/C costs?”

“You must see some weird things.”

“I do. And it’s my job to paint those over so that the next person can envision a blank canvas to make their own personal type of weird,” she mused. She made notes as they wandered through the living room to the right –one of two family spaces. Big picturesque windows facing that overgrown front yard made the living room feel hidden and secluded –not a corner lot in a lively neighborhood and only several blocks from the beach and businesses.

“There’s so much stuff…”

Grace nodded, recalling what she knew. The house was built in 1952 and bought by the most recent owners in the 80s, only two owners in all that time which was remarkable for California. The husband had just passed and now the children wanted the place cleared out and sold to support the mother, who was in her eighties and moving in with one of her grown children. Grace glanced at the portraits mounted on the wall –far too many, so the walls felt like they were ready to erupt– that showed forty years of life in this place. 

“It’s really not in terrible shape though,” Grace corrected the easy judgment someone like Megan would make at first glance. “It needs to be cleared out, it needs paint, but the structure is good. I’d rip the carpet out and replace it with wood or tile. Paint everything, of course. Replace the appliances, though we may be able to clean these up enough to sell,” she considered, looking at her notes about updates and replacements as they wandered through the kitchen.The wood cabinets were dated by their oak finish but in good shape, the hinges squeak-free and sturdy as she swung a few open. 

“Oh, that’s kinda nice,” Megan gasped, rushing forward to open the French doors. Four double-doorways fanned out from the breakfast room: one back to the rooms on the ground floor, one to a back staircase to the second floor, one to an open-air dining room and the third to the patio before the pool. It created a very open, airy space when all the doors were open, as if the yard was part of the house. Right now it was in bad shape but when cleaned up, that would be beautiful. Also the doors needed to go on half the doorways, it must have been an A/C issue which made her think the place must get really warm during the summer.

“The carpet on the stairs needs replacing,” Megan pointed out as she led Grace up, as if she was the one on the job here.

“Trying to take my job?” Grace laughed.

“I see why you like this, it’s kinda fun. Like if you painted all these walls white, this feels like a resort up here with all these windows and the view of the yard.” The master bedroom and its massive his-and-hers bathroom and walk-in closet dominated by the back of the house. A walk-out balcony had creaky doors clearly not used for some time and Grace recalled that she’d been told the couple couldn’t enjoy the yard for the past several years. The children didn’t seem to have realized how badly their health was until the father died. She only got glimpses into the lives of the people whose houses she sold, and it was often a mixture of curiosity and tragedy.

“A built-in desk and shelves in the bedroom? That’s strange,” Megan decided, inspecting the furniture that did indeed seem built into the wall.

“I think it’s kind of neat,” Grace admitted, passing to peek in the closet. Musty and smelling of dust and mothballs but huge. 

“Damn, how many bedrooms does this place have?” Megan asked as they toured through others, all significantly smaller than the master but with decent enough space. One was an office, one a dusty old sewing room with tubs of fabrics against the walls, one a guest room with a sagging mattress and dated bedding.

“Four bedrooms,” Grace read from her sheet. “Three full baths. 3,450 square feet.”

“How much do you think they’ll get for it?”

Grace was flattered for Megan to ask her that, like she was such a pro she could just name it after this initial walkthrough. She checked doorways and vents and windows as they wandered, noting damage, searching for crucial flaws but finding nothing but superficial needs. The couple seemed to have put their money into the important things over the years –the electrical and plumbing were all relatively new, the roof was brand new, the fireplace in the living room unnecessary for most people somewhere as warm as California but apparently they’d burned wood and kept it well tended until the end. 

“Hm… depends if they want to do some remodeling before they sell, or sell as is,” Grace said. She did her best to sound more confident than she necessarily was, a skill instilled in her young. Except she did know quite a bit about this! “Maybe four, four and a half if they do… I’d guess three and a half if they don’t. The beach is close, the school district is good.”

“Damn.”

“The issue is just who we target. The dated decor won’t appeal to young people, but older folks are less likely to buy this near the beach. It’s got both a den and a family room, two bedrooms downstairs, the master and the second upstairs… It’s a lot of space for an older couple, really more for a family.”

She wandered again, seeing in her mind’s eye the changes she would make here and there if it was hers. Different paint here. Wallpaper there. Replace the carpet in the bedrooms and upstairs hallway, trade with wood or stone downstairs. Foam’s tree would have a great view of the garden from that corner…

“The yard is a mess,” Megan rattled off, peeking through the windows again. “That pool looks like a swamp.”

“It does.”

“And all this stuff. How do you clean out a place like this?”

“Well, I’d recommend to the family that they go through and remove everything they want to keep, then we do an estate sale. You’d be surprised how quickly they can clear out a house. After that is when I would usually stage the house and take the listing photos.”

“After they’ve had time to fix everything up nice?”

Grace nodded absent-mindedly as she crouched to look up the fireplace. She was no expert, it would need to be checked, but the fact they had been burning through the winter was a good sign, hopefully it didn’t need more than a cleaning. There ought to be glass doors installed though so they weren’t losing their cool air in the summer. 

“It’s hard to see through all the stuff,” Megan insisted, but Grace didn’t agree at all. She could see the potential. The big windows and wide doorways created such a nice flow. They blocked it off with odd furniture choices and misplaced wall decorations –too much here, not enough there to guide the eye. It was just superficial, the stuff that needed to be done. 

Grace could do that.

Grace wanted to do that. 

She wanted someplace that was a good investment, worth the money, but that she could sink her teeth into and really make her own.

She wanted some place that didn’t look at all like the home she’d built before, the one Tim destroyed.

Megan was mid-sentence criticizing the dated light fixtures when Grace touched her arm and interrupted, “I think I’m going to buy this house.”

“Hm? You’re selling this house.”

“To myself. I mean, I’ll have to have another agent take over the selling because it would be a major conflict of interests but–”

“Wait you really want to buy this place?” Megan asked. She looked around with disbelief. “But… it’s kind of a wreck.”

“Only visually.”

“Yeah…”

“I mean superficially. It’s in good shape, it’s just ugly, but the potential…”

“Do you really want a project like this though?”

“I do,” Grace insisted, feeling more sure of her answer. It would be work, but work of her choosing. Work to create a home exactly the way she wanted. Looking around, she already felt a sense of ownership welling up. She liked seeing what the house looked like now, knowing its past before they started their new life together. A rebirth for them both.

“I just think you’ve dealt with enough problems this year. Do you even know how to do this kind of stuff? Painting, carpeting, those ugly lights– I mean, the pool is a bog. I saw actual frogs. Are we sure it’s not actually a koi pond gone feral?”

“I know a guy,” Grace said without much thought behind it. She meant it as a joke, that any professional could handle any of the specific issues that felt beyond her limited skill set. She hadn’t meant JK specifically –though he could handle frogs and probably get that pool looking nice. The last thing she wanted was to remind Megan of the suggestion she’d made immediately after Grace confessed about the divorce… 

Quickly Grace added, “I’ll hire the help I need for the big stuff. Everything else will be fun.”

“If you say so…” Megan said. She sounded critical but also amused. “I don’t know what to say. You’ve already surprised me, maybe you’ll surprise me again.”

“What surprised you?” Grace asked, head tilting curiously.

“You left that saggy ballsack husband! Maybe you’ll surprise me with your speckling skills too.”

“Speckling?”

“Isn’t that what it’s called?”

“What what’s called?”

“You know, hm… that house repair thing.. Look I don’t know what I’m talking about, I just have house shows on in the background sometimes.”

“Spackling?” Grace guessed and Megan just shrugged. “That’s fixing holes in walls.”

“Can you do that?”

“Sure,” Grace said with gusto, despite having never done it in her life. It couldn’t be harder than getting a divorce from Tim, so hell yeah!

“Well congratulations then. Why don’t you have me over once it’s all cleared out and I’ll act surprised. I’ll forget I saw its unsavory past,” Megan laughed as they headed for the door. Grace couldn’t have felt more different: she wouldn’t forget the house’s past. Years from now, assuming it all went through, once she got the house the way she wanted it, she and this house could look back on how far they’d come.

“Ok, it’s a date,” Grace agreed. “Let’s head out, I’ve got to let the family know they need a new agent.”

“You’re just going to dump them? Damn girl, you’re really cleaning house–”

“No! I’ll just explain I’m interested and that they need new representation. I’ll even recommend someone I know will be good for them.”

“You know a guy, huh?”

“I do, yes.”

“You know a lot of guys,” Megan prodded as Grace locked up the house. 

“What do you mean by that?” Grace asked. Even though she knew.

“Just pointing it out. Don’t want you getting any clutter or cobwebs you need to clean out if you go too long–”

“Megan Eldridge!”

“I’m just saying! As your friend!”

“Is that all you’ve got on your mind?” Grace teased. “Adam’s away again, hm?”

“No, but I swear, these hormones are making me batty,” Megan sighed, hand reflexively resting against her leg, as if to protect it from even a verbal mention. She’d shown Grace the bruises the fertility shots left, physical proof of how dedicated Megan was for a child after she and her husband had put it off for years. “Now or never,” Megan had said, tapping her wrist as if her forty-three years were recorded on her watch. 

That’s sort of how Grace felt about starting her life over. She felt late. She hadn’t been on her own since she was barely an adult and now had to figure everything out all on her own. She could recognize she was putting unfair pressure on herself to “catch up” after her whole life got upended, and yet she was eager to settle into her new normal. Foam and her were a close, happy little family already, but the apartment still felt so temporary. It felt like she still lived in the shadow of Tim, in the wreckage of their marriage. She was ready to emerge, no more dragging her feet. Maybe it wasn’t now or never, but it was time.

“How long do you think it’ll take you to get this place fixed up?” Megan asked. She didn’t check behind her very long before backing out of the driveway and Grace resisted the urge to point it out. 

“I don’t know. A year? I have to actually buy it first.”

“That’s too long before you can host again.”

“I’m not in a rush to host anything.”

“You should be. I can’t wait to watch you make this place beautiful and rub it in everyone’s faces,” Megan grinned. Her quick reversal from criticism of the house to blind support for Grace’s ability to make this something beautiful was noted and appreciated.

“Let’s plan on a baby shower instead,” Grace suggested. “I think that’s nicer than petty revenge for gossip.”

Megan sighed loudly, “You’ve really got to work on your mean-streak. It’s painfully under-developed.”

Jungkook floated on the board, letting the waves scoop him like a tired child getting carried to bed. Max made him think of that. How badly he had envied Max at Mo’s memorial service when the little boy fell asleep stretched out in the corner despite the stifled sobs and loud music ushering from the best speakers Jungkook owned. Mo had been an incredible musician, far more talented at guitar than Jungkook could ever hope to be. His voice was a lie, sounding so alive as it wrapped around the room, and for the length of an album the guy behind the voice was alive and Jungkook was hearing the album for the first time and simultaneously understanding what he wanted to do with his life and what he could never hope to compete with.

Then the album ended, the memorial ended, Yoojin scooped up sleeping Max to carry him home, and the world was a little cold again. Cold for April, at least. 

At the beach, Jungkook could draw the warmth back into his skin, even early in the morning. He hadn’t slept well after all that, even once Jimin pounded on the wall for him to stop strumming his unplugged guitar, so it hadn’t been hard to drag his ass to the beach this morning. The sky was overcast though. Fitting, all things considered.

Bobbing on the water wasn’t a good idea. It gave Jungkook too much time to think things he didn’t want to think. It was hard enough to float through the memorial, he couldn’t hold on longer than that. It would drag him down. There was too much anguish there for everyone, and none of them knew what to do about it even years later. He sure didn’t know how to fix it for anyone though he was doing his damned best, trying, failing. 

If the roles were reversed, Mo would probably have known what to do.

Jungkook dashed at the salt crusting on his eyelashes and leapt up at the next wave. Manhattan Beach was starting to crowd up, and it annoyed him to have to navigate so many other surfers as he paddled back out once the dumped him unceremoniously on the sand. He watched Seokjin get a good one going only to have to bail as a fucking jake cut across his path. 

Jungkook shouted angrily on Seokjin’s behalf until his head broke the surface and he could shout himself, but the asshat had already flown off down the beach. Not someone Jungkook recognized, maybe a barney.

Jungkook shook his head. His frustration on Seokjin’s behalf made him reckless. He took the next wave but it was a poor shot, he realized too late. The wave broke too soon and he failed to pull off the aerial that could have landed him gracefully back on the surface. Instead the board clipped and shot him forward, then jetted narrowly over his head through the water as the surf tumbled him down down down. That had been the hardest part about learning to surf, at least Jungkook thought so. Learning not to panic as the water pushed you down, knowing it would pass in a moment. Hopefully. 

Well, sometimes it didn’t pass. Some people never could get out. 

Jungkook kicked off the bottom and paddled to the top, breaking through an easy smooth surface. The wave had passed. He lifted his feet to grab hold of the board tether and decided to call it a day. He wasn’t having fun, his head was a mess, and he didn’t want to disrespect the ocean by not being present when he rode it. He began to paddle to shore–

“JUNG–!!” was all he heard before something sharp and hard slammed into his shoulder. The shocking pain of it had him swallowing a mouthful of water as the force knocked him from his board. For a moment he just hung in the balance, scooped by the water, mind a dark void around the sharp pain. 

Burning lungs made his body move on its own, struggling to the surface –or maybe it was the relentless tug of his board’s cord. He drew in a chest full of air just as Seokjin grabbed his arm.

“Fuck!”

“FUCKER!” Seokjin shouted and finally Jungkook could process that a surfer had hit him. He dragged himself half across his board and let Seokjin push him closer to shore. “You ok? Where’d it get you– ah, shit, I see the blood.”

Jungkook craned his neck to look. All things considered, it could have been worse. Nothing broken, not even a massive gash, though the salt water burned the broken skin on his shoulder like shit. His neck hurt from the whiplash but that was better than the other thing. A direct hit there or on his head could have paralyzed him. Killed him.

“I’m ok,” Jungkook said, willing it to be true. “Just knocked me over.”

He stumbled as they got to the shallower water, the churn around his ankles trying to drag him back out, until he could sit heavily on the sand.

Embarrassingly, the lifeguard sprinted full speed over like this was a fucking Baywatch rerun. He sent sand spraying everywhere, nervous as though he’d never seen a collision before.

“You didn’t have to haul him out?” he demanded of Seokjin. He set the first aid bag down and leaned close to Jungkook’s shoulder.

Jungkook waved him away and groused, “I’m fine. Just stupid… I should have been watching better…”

“These assholes are all over the place this morning,” Seokjin complained. “I saw the whole thing. The tourist wasn’t watching and turned toward you too fast.”

Jungkook endured the poking and prodding as Seokjin and the lifeguard looked him over. He stretched and squeezed higher up and further down his arm, checking for anything that felt dangerous. Now that he was free of the water though, he realized it really had gone as well as it could; other than the bruise and cut, it didn’t seem any major damage was done. He promised to think about swinging by Urgent Care, just in case. 

“Don’t think you’re going to be drumming for a few days,” Seokjin admitted as Jungkook successfully chased the lifeguard off to go harass the reckless surfers instead.

“Yeah but I gotta work,” Jungkook sighed. He glanced at his shoulder again. Seokjin was right. He should get some ice and take it easy, and maybe he’d only be out of commission for a few days. At least it was his left hand but damn, of all mornings. “It’s fine though. I’m fine.” He said it again, willing his insides to stop churning. Surf accidents were scary, and the fear always lingered. He was definitely done for the day now. Probably a few days.

“Here, I’ll get your board– need me to call Tae or Jimin?” Seokjin offered. His straight-forward concern told Jungkook just how scary it must have looked from the shore. His own knees knocked as he stood but after wiggling and stretching to get a sense of his body, he felt more confident it was just the post-accident adrenaline rush. His shoulder was going to look gnarly with that bruise, but today had not been his last day.

Fuck, that would have been terrible timing.

“Nah, I’m good to drive.”

“You’re sure?” Seokjin pressed. By now some of the other locals Jungkook knew were trying to crowd around too. Someone grabbed his stuff, someone else hauled his board for him. It was mortifying, and Jungkook was red-faced by the time he’d been escorted the block away to his car. Seokjin was most reluctant of all to let him drive off but in the end Jungkook seemed outwardly chill and made the right jokes to convince him everything was fine.

He made it home before the shocked tears escaped. It was just the adrenaline leaving, that was it. He blamed it all on that as he showered the salt and sweat from his skin, and inspected his throbbing shoulder in the mirror, and did his best to bandage it. No one else was home, and the last thing he wanted to do was freak his family out asking for help. 

At times like this it was hard not to long for the kind of companionship he pretended not to care about. Not sex, not a drinking buddy, not someone to go places with, but a person to rely on, to reach for, to help. Someone who he could lean against for the brief moments where his cool guy image slipped and he felt too fucking much. Someone who could tap his hand to get him to drop the bandage and do it for him because contorting to try and get it on hurt his ribs and stomach. There wasn’t damage there, not that he could feel anyway, just a shock to his body from the rough hit. 

He’d be really, really fucking lucky. Maybe Mo keeping an eye on him this moment. Mo, who’d finally relented and let Jungkook tag along when he’d started to surf first.

It wasn’t helped when he left his room to find Jimin and Hoseok making out in the kitchen, half undressed already.

“Fuck, sorry!” Jimin laughed, looking only a little embarrassed. Hoseok’s face turned red and he hid it in Jimin’s shoulder.

“I thought no one was home. You’re lucky I didn’t walk out naked.”

“Are we lucky?” Hoseok joked, then waved his hands at Jimin’s glare. “It’s a joke.”

“We just got home. I bought my boyfriend coffee like a good boyfriend but…”

That kind of thing. Companionship. Jungkook decided not to give them shit about getting frisky –they weren’t actually violating the no-fucking-in-common-spaces rule. Yet. 

“Isn’t it too early for that kind of thing?” Jungkook joked. His heart wasn’t in the joke but they teased him about just waking up –even though he’d been up for hours– and he waved it off and left without an explanation of where he was going. The answer wasn’t exciting: work. Time to get back to it after his thrilling day off yesterday.

His phone chirped just before he pulled away from the curb, Yoongi asking about band practice tonight. Taro responded immediately, suggesting six and reminding them that they had another show at Flowerfest in a few weeks and needed to figure out a set list and replace the amp that blew out at their last show. As if they were all just swimming in money to replace an amp. Jungkook was hoping Yoongi could filch one from somewhere. He hoped moisture hadn’t caused the short somehow; he’d left the garage door open when it rained the other day but he didn’t think anything had gotten wet…

More things he’d fucked up. He wasn’t even looking forward to Flowerfest, though it was usually a fun show, the afterparty made better last year by their band coming in third. Taro had killed a cover of Garbage’s “Only Happy When It Rains.”

He didn’t feel like making music right now. At least not bickering about a setlist. He didn’t want peppy happy feel good music, he wanted something angry. Drumming his brains out sounded good but he had to fucking work. Bob wanted him to go check out some new rich shithole place –not how Bob had explained it, but apparently the pool needed a complete clean and reset and Bob said it sounded like it would need “his best pool guy.” Which he’d clearly said because he felt bad for Jungkook, like he could sense he was going through something. But Jungkook hadn’t been going through anything yet. Monday was fine! He just hadn’t gotten laid in a while, that was all.

Fuck, was he turning into a shriveled dick?! He didn’t want to be that kind of guy everyone took pity on because he seemed on the cusp of a breakdown. Or, you know, such a cranky fucker that no one wanted to be around him. Yoongi could strike the balance between anti-social and charming, but he couldn’t and he didn’t want to come off that way. He was Jay-kaaaay, just cool and chill. He just wanted to have a good time and this week was just not a good time.

Time to rage. Rage it out of his system. He took the CD binder from the passenger’s seat floorboard with him when he traded to a company truck at the pool shop, digging through until he came across an album that seemed like the right energy to get this all out of his system by the time he got to the job site. It was a light day for him anyway –inspection at this new client house, then inventory at the shop. Bob was probably going to ask him to stock the trucks, that was fine. If he had to deal with any obnoxious clients today he’d probably lose his fucking mind and do something he regretted.

The first track of Rise Against’s 2008 album Appeal to Reason had him drumming on the steering wheel, banging his head at a red light until it hurt his neck and he dialed that back. Damn, it was hard to keep his body still actually. It was impossible to hear the drum track of “Collapse” and not need to recreate it with hands and feet at his own set. Soyoon would kill the bass part. Yoongi would get the guitar lick so good and make it his own. Why couldn’t they do shit like this at the Flowerfest? 

He pulled to a stop in front of the house just as his favorite song of the album came on, track 11. The music hadn’t exactly healed him, but he felt held together in a hot, angry way that felt good. Fired up. So he stayed in his truck, singing at the top of his lungs.

“It kills me not to know this But I’ve all but just forgottenWhat the color of her eyes wereAnd her scars or how she got them”

He drummed through to the end, eyes closed, feeling the emotions of the week ride out of his body. The song ended and he opened his eyes to see an old white lady walking her dog, staring at him with some blend of horror and curiosity. 

“Yeah, whatever, lady,” he mumbled to himself as he slammed the truck door and headed towards the gate. It was so overgrown he paused to check the number and then wondered if this was really where he was supposed to go in, but he didn’t actually see a driveway. Around the corner probably. Annoying. People with properties that were big. His driveway was right there by the front door. Convenient.

There was a buzzer so he pushed that and waited. Then pushed it again. Then jumped when a woman’s voice came through grating and loud just as he’d pushed it a third time,

“Oh, that works? Hello? Hello?”

“Yeah, uh, hi.”

“Who is it?”

“I’m the pool guy. Here to see your uh, pool?”

“Oh, you’re at the front. Why don’t you come around the back instead? The front is a mess. The driveway is around the corner.”

He made an annoyed growl low in his throat. He didn’t feel like moving the truck. There was something insulting about forcing a contractor to take the back entrance even though he almost always did at a job. He was already here, couldn’t she let him in through the front? 

In a short-sighted stubborn fit, he decided to walk the length of the property instead of moving the truck. A green fence rang the length of the yard but didn’t completely hide the very large house rising up from what seemed like an unusual number of trees. Even in the rich neighborhoods, lots around here tended to have pretty sparse greenery but this place was practically lush. On the side, a higher privacy fence eventually transitioned to concrete columns on either side of a security gate; clearly the owners of the house trusted the front street a little more than this side street. 

Here was another box, but before he could push the buzzer, the gate slid open. He realized now how stupid he looked without his truck, like he’d just walked here or something. Had the owner watched him walk around? Probably had cameras everywhere.

The gravel driveway was odd to walk on and he wondered why rich people did that sort of shit. Just have a normal concrete slab like everyone else. You couldn’t play basketball or anything on this kind of thing. The rocks got into his flipflops and pissed him off.

But damn, the yard was pretty cool, he had to admit. The house was fancy as shit. Huge. Getting some work done, clearly, judging by the pile of lumber next to the open garage door. He could hear a wood saw muted drifting out of the open windows. There were a lot of windows. 

Instead of waiting for the owner, he wandered over to the patio area, and from there saw the pool anyway. Some furniture was shoved against the far side with brand new cushions, all of it yet untouched by sun or rain. A fountain was built against one wall of the patio –a big patio, clearly meant for hosting rich people BBQs or whatever– and he peeked in but not only was it not running, the thing was green and slimy and totally gunked.

New owners. He couldn’t remember if Bob had said that, he hadn’t been listening. Probably they’d got this place at a steal for millions of dollars, instead of doubles of millions of dollars, because it needed some work. Which they would spend more millions of dollars on. 

He squinted up at a balcony on the second floor. The sun was finally peeking through the clouds, like maybe it would break them apart. A breeze somehow made it through the yard. Somehow, despite being in a neighborhood and close to other things, it all managed to feel so private. Rich people. Jungkook’s bedroom window looked into his neighbor’s bathroom –and the asshole hadn’t bothered getting a curtain until Jungkook had marched over there to gift him one.

The pool was tucked away to the side, surrounded by more plants, mostly in pots, some broken and spilling dirt across the beautiful stone pool coping. A waterfall against a higher wall was all gunked up. Frogs soaked in the section above the waterfall. Green slime coated everything and he couldn’t see through the murky water to the bottom. It was a nice big pool though, it would be fucking awesome once cleaned, especially half sun half shade like this. He looked up to see how much sun it would get in the height of summer and only then noticed the hot tub in a gazebo not far away. Though covered, it was probably even more fucked; weeds grew directly on the cracked tarp cover.

“Hello? Are you back here?” 

“By the pool!” Jungkook called back. Oops, maybe he should have waited, but there was just something alluring about seeing such a rich house in such a state of disrepair. Humbled for a moment in time. Approachable. Touchable, like he wouldn’t transfer some dark smudge onto every smooth white marble surface with his working-class hands. He couldn’t do anything to the pool to make it worse. Time and neglect had fucked it five ways already.

“Oh good, yes. So you see, it’s… in need of some work.”

It only dawned on Jungkook as he turned that the voice was a familiar one. 

Mrs. Birch strode close to him, crossing her arms around her stomach as she surveyed the pool, as if confirming it was still as bad as she recalled. He forgot all about the pool, as surprised to see her as he’d been getting thrashed by a surfboard that morning. Maybe she had expected his surprise, maybe it was obvious on his face. When her gaze shifted to meet his, she gave him a little smile, like she’d predicted this.

“Hi again, JK.”

“Um… uh… yeah, it is. Looks like shit.”

“Thanks.”

“Not you, the pool!”

“I know not me,” she laughed, her whole face lighting up. “Well…” She gave a little self-conscious grin and tossed her head, lifting her hands which were covered with something powdery white. The same substance coated her dark red overalls –they looked fancy and designer and yet they were clearly her physical-work clothes, dotted with bleach and paint and dirt stains. Her blouse was rolled up past her elbows. It was a very amusing blend of designer and working girl and Jungkook thought she looked… 

“You look great,” he said without thinking. Then quickly lifted his hand to brush self-consciously at his hair and rushed on, “You, uh… selling this place? I thought you were gone.”

“Actually, the opposite. I bought this place.”

He was shocked. He grimaced. Then he joked to cover whatever was happening on his face, “This place? Damn, the agent who sold it to you must have been really good…”

“Hey, it’s a good place! It just needs a facelift. Happens to the best of us old girls. But a fresh coat of paint and a trim and we’re good as new.”

He swallowed hard, wrenching his first thought back from escaping his mouth. Trim where?! Haircut, she must mean; it was up in a messy ponytail but it looked shorter than the last time he’d seen her maybe? Haircut.

“Are you old?” was what came out instead.

She laughed and confirmed only, “Older than you. So, what do you think about it?”

“The haircut?”

“The pool?”

“Oh. It looks like shit.” He grinned, hoping it would make her laugh again. It did. 

“I know. But I figured you could fix it up.” A business tone came into her voice as she walked briskly around the pool, making him think she wanted him to follow, so she did. “I’m hoping you can make it nice, whatever that takes, and not that I have to rip it out or anything.”

“Rip out… what? The pool?”

“And put a new one in?”

“Ah, Mrs. Birch, that’s not really how you deal with pools,” he snickered. “It looks concrete, so it’s probably fine under all that shit. If there are cracks in the concrete it might need some repairs but it’s just a residential pool and it’s still full of water, I don’t think it’ll have that problem.”

“But if the concrete stays green, or…?”

He tried not to puff up too much as he assured her, “It won’t be green when I’m done with it. I’ll clean it and paint it. Bob was right, it’s going to be a big job though.” 

Speaking of Bob, Jungkook suddenly wondered if Bob had set him up for this. Had Mrs. Birch requested him, or had Bob just sent him because Jungkook was his best guy? Or was Bob taking on a meddlesome streak and had decided to throw Jungkook into this for other reasons? Surely he wasn’t trying to get more calls of complaint from Tinydick Tim. Surely he hadn’t read too much into Jungkook asking about a Cornelia… no, he must have just forgotten it all, otherwise he would have remembered that Jungkook didn’t want to clean for the Birches anymore and he always respected that kind of thing.

Jungkook looked around, waiting for that piece of shit to come strolling out. The shock of seeing Mrs. Birch began to slide into prepared annoyance. Was he really going to have to go through this whole thing again, watching her noodle-dick husband get away with everything? Jungkook had no interest in making this pool nice for that chode.

Mrs. Birch nodded, “I thought so too.” It Jungkook  a moment to remember what they were even talking about. The job.i

“I’ll give Bob my take and he’ll write an estimate for you. You can get quotes from other places but it’ll be expensive no matter–”

“I don’t need to shop around,” she interrupted. “The estimate will be fine. I trust you. Your work.”

Jungkook didn’t look at her, not wanting to reveal his internal debate. He’d missed seeing her. She looked good. She was nice to work for. But her husband sucked and he just didn’t think he could do this again. He’d tell Bob to send someone else.

So he nodded and just confirmed, “I’ll tell Bob and he’ll write an estimate for you. Thanks for thinking of us to take care of your pool at your new place.”

“Of course.” She sounded guarded now, her expression narrowed like she could pick up on his shift in mood. Actually he could have given her an estimate right there, he had a good idea in mind about it, but he worried it would make it seem like he was doing the work himself, or that she wouldn’t believe the quote, or that Tim would jump out of a bush and pick a fight. Instead he took it upon himself to leave the pool area, heading back towards the gate. He wished he could jump into his truck and peel out, get away from that friendly smile of hers. Damn it was weird to see her again. 

“That’s all you needed to see?” she asked him at the gate.

“Yep.”

“Ok, well… great, then. I’d like the work to begin as soon as possible.”

“Bob will send you the estimate, Mrs. Birch–”

“It’s Arison. It’s not Birch anymore.” 

He raised his eyebrows and pursed his lips at this bit of information, not trusting himself to say anything. Even an “oh?” would sound a little too much right now. Also he was pretty sure it would have come out a weird squeak.

“But you can just call me Grace, you know.”

“I’m just trying to be respectful…” he mumbled, stupefied. Divorced. That’s what it meant, right? She was divorced. Not a Birch anymore… Timothy was tossed out with the trash where he belonged! And now she was telling him to call her Grace. His confusion made him stupid anyway and he clarified, “Not Cornelia?”

“I hope not,” she laughed. “Only my dentist and my grandparents call me that. You know I go by Grace.” He did not know this. “Is Cornelia what it says on my account?”

“I’ll fix it,” he lied. “You like ‘Grace’ better?” 

“Wouldn’t you?”

“I thought it… suited you.”

“Ouch. Why does that sound like an insult?” He had never seen her laugh this much before. Divorce looked good on her!

“It’s not! It’s just…”

“An old white woman name? It’s fine. I’m self aware. But no, Grace is fine although it’s not much younger, and–”

“You bought this whole place by yourself?” he blurted out. He still couldn’t comprehend that she was divorced, that Mrs Birch was no longer Mrs Birch but a single woman named Grace. Unless she’d found someone new already. That seemed likely, giving her looks and his luck. Surely a single woman didn’t buy a house like this just for herself. She must be getting married again already.

“I did,” she agreed, then added, “Well, I have a cat now,” then grimaced, “The house is quite a project but I wanted something new to sink my teeth into. It’s a fresh start.”

“A trim.”

“Yes,” she grinned. He hadn’t meant to say that quite, but appreciated her pity laugh. Sink my teeth into. Really, she’d just said that? She had nice teeth. Rich people teeth. He wondered if she’d had braces as a kid –probably– but it was too humanizing, too normal person to associate with her. She might not be Mrs. Birch but she was still a rich white lady and he was a pool boy being hired to fix her pool. Not fuck her on the new patio lounger–

“K, I’ll get started on Monday,” he said without any actual thought about what his Monday schedule was like, or if she and Bob could actually sign a contract by then. He just needed to get out of here and let his brain settle down and that was the first day of the week he thought of. Maybe he had a concussion. Maybe the surfboard actually had him in the head.

“Great. I appreciate it, JK. I’ll see you Monday. Oh, and the code is 1-2-0-1, just let yourself in, in case I’m elbow deep in something and can’t get to the gate.”

Balls deep in–

“Yep, great, that’s not a very secure code though.”

“It’s my birthday.”

“Doesn’t make it a good code,” he snorted. He didn’t know if her sigh was amused or annoyed. Oops. “See ya Monday.”

“Where’s your truck? Oh, you can just park back here next time–”

“Got it, bye!”

He high-tailed it out of there, walking quick until he realized that looked stupid, and then trying to walk slow. He realized now she may not have let him through the front because of all the work being done. She’d given him the code to her gate to just come and go as he pleased. She was single.

Not that that was why she’d given him the code. Of course.

He’d have to ask Bob if he’d been set up on purpose. But he also couldn’t ask Bob, in case he hadn’t been and Bob would then realize that maybe it wasn’t the best idea for Jungkook to work for her. For Grace Arison. You probably shouldn’t work for a woman you’d wanked to… but he thought she was gone! 

Besides, if Bob had set him up, Jungkook didn’t want to give that fucking scheming old man the gratification. He wouldn't do that kind of thing though. Why would he? It wasn’t like he knew what went on in Jungkook’s head anyway.

Thank fuck she didn’t know what was in his head. He could control it though. It was just the shock and maybe a concussion. He was a fucking professional. He’d clean her pool so good. He’d make sure she had the cleanest fucking pool. Clean enough to fuck in– shit, he meant clean enough to eat in– eat food in, to be clear. Well, not that you would want to eat food in the pool… Other things could be nice to eat in a pool, perched on the ledge, legs spread, white bikini tugged to the side, or maybe a red one this time…

He must be concussed, his brain felt completely broken.

Shit.

“Shit for brains, shit for brains, shit for brains,” Grace chanted to herself because she couldn’t find any better words to vent her fury at the man she had stupidly loved for so many years. How? How?! Every interaction with him this past half a year as they dragged themselves towards official divorce had made her question her own intelligence in a way nothing ever had in life. How had she not known how awful he was? How had she fallen for his charm? What charm?! He was vile and she couldn’t believe she’d admired him. Now just seeing his name at the end of an email made her want to vomit.

He wasn’t making things easy for the divorce. They could be almost done but he continued to throw out obstacle after another, arguing with everything their lawyers tried to settle on, even when it didn’t serve him! She’d always thought Tim was a principled man, after all, and it turned out his core principle was to make Grace as miserable as he could. Of course he’d tried to raise a fuss about her buying the house but her attorney had been one step ahead. Now it was unclear whether Tim’s pride or greed would win out in the case of spousal support –a move her attorney seemed to be hoping for so she could rip it apart with the pre-nup. If anything, Tim might owe Grace spousal support, but she didn’t fucking want it. She just wanted to be free!

The phone rang as she drove, a call from her mother she knew she couldn’t answer right now at risk of running off the road or lacing her speech with too many profanities. She’d need to calm down first. Instead she fumed at being stuck in traffic, and then fumed at an Amazon truck pulled across the road, and then fumed at a lady walking her dog too slowly at the crosswalk. She just wanted to be home!

Not that home felt like home yet. The first few days in the house after closing had felt like magic as she floated through rooms on the wings of possibility. But she’d started so many projects so quickly that within days she felt like she was living in a construction site. Which she could handle for a while, but managing so many contractors was a full time job so it felt like she never got to check out. Half didn’t show up when they said they would, getting quotes had been like pulling teeth because no one wanted to put things in writing, and she’d already had two things broken as people worked. 

She could hear poor Foam yowling all the way from downstairs as she put away her keys and purse. She couldn’t let the kitty wander during the day because so many contractors in and out kept leaving doors open and she worried she’d never get him back if he escaped. He didn’t seem to mind being confined upstairs so long as he could keep eyes on Grace, and because he seemed pretty freaked out by boxes, but it just wasn’t possible as she did her own jobs around the house, one right after the other, all in an effort to get this place comfortable for the two of them. As contractors sanded and polished floors, re-tiled bathrooms, and painted just about every square inch of walls and ceilings, Grace followed in their wake hanging curtains, pictures, shelves, building furniture, and cleaning, always cleaning. She’d even replaced two light fixtures on her own, and all the light switch covers, and ripped old wallpaper out of an upstairs bathroom –which had been miserable and led to more contractors hired.

Maybe she ought to be doing more herself, but she didn’t know how and the contractors were supposed to do a good job. Maybe she ought to be doing less, but she wanted to get her hands dirty on this place. Her grandfather had built a cabin all by himself decades ago, learned how to do the wiring and everything, and even though it was secretly a family joke that the place was one surge away from burning down, she’d always admired his skill and determination.

Not to mention, she couldn’t really unpack with so much going on. She hated the feeling of living out of a suitcase. She knew not being able to unpack made this place feel even less settled, but after a whole rack of her clothing wound up covered in white flecks by the first idiot painter she’d hired who sprayed the bedroom without closing the closet door, she’d realized it was better to wait than risk ruining anything. 

But Foam didn’t like it either and let her know with a series of clicks and angry huffs as she sat on the ground and let him crawl all over her. He turned his head away and twitched his tail in anger, then changed his mind and ducked his head beneath her hand for affection. Foam might not be able to hear the voices of the contractors in and out every day, but he could no doubt feel the vibrations of all the work they did and spent most of his time lately hiding behind boxes shoved into the bedrooms that had already been painted, or ripping up Grace’s mattress from the bottom up. That had been a distressing discovery. She wasn’t going to replace it until time to unpack though, in case Foam repeated this form of protest until all the strangers were out of the house. No one could see it anyway, she’d only noticed when fishing some of his toys out from beneath the bed.

“Maybe I fucked up,” Grace admitted to Foam, who would never agree. “I took on too much,” she sighed. Her phone chirped, a message from the lawn guy she’d hired that he would be by to start weeding that afternoon. She was worried he was going to rip up things she didn’t want ripped up. She kept thinking she and the contractors had clear understandings about what was being done, only for them to then do something completely wrong…

The thing was, Tim had always handled this stuff before. Any time there was work that needed to be done on the house, even if she found a company to do it, Tim was the one who talked through it with them, negotiated the payment, made sure they did it, pitched a fit if they didn’t until it got done right. She’d thought his micromanaging was insulting, but he’d insisted it was the only way to make sure things got done right. She didn’t want to believe he may have been right… 

Foam butted his head against the bottom of her chin, surprising her and making her bite her lip. She scratched his head and rubbed her lip, then grumbled as her phone buzzed again, probably another contractor calling that they’d be late. Maybe the furniture place calling to cancel her order again –she was never going to get a fucking couch at this rate. The thought of her mother’s reaction if she bought something from a box store was almost enough to make her laugh.

[Stephanie]: drinks tomorrow night? There’s an art gala you can be my date

Grace didn’t respond. Stephanie, bless her heart, had been trying to drag her out for two months now, ever since Grace had stopped avoiding basically all of her friends. Well, she hadn’t quite stopped, but she’d admitted what was going on. It was embarrassing, admitting the failure of your marriage, admitting that you had been a fool, wondering if they had known it all along. Stephanie had gleefully launched into a tirade about what an asshole Tim was and all Grace could think was have you just watched me and thought how stupid I am for years? And you didn’t say anything?

 Grace felt tired. Bone-deep tired. The house was supposed to be fun but right now she just felt stupid, again. It was all going to be worth it, but it didn’t feel like it right now. She should have just bought a nice new place –maybe it would be impersonal, but she wouldn’t have to work so fucking hard…

She gave Foam some treats which he took to tossing around the bedroom and then dragged her ass downstairs to vent her frustration through manual labor. It looked like the kitchen was going to be the first room in the house to be finished –the new appliances were in, the tile was regrouted, and a new chandelier (not hung by her because she couldn’t even lift the thing) swung overhead. Nothing left to do but paint the cabinets and unpack –she couldn’t stand the shiny oak stain. At least the weather was nice today; she opened all the doors and windows to air out the lingering smell of paint inside.

She’d just finished prying all the doors off to set outside on newspaper when she heard an engine pause behind the back gate. A moment later the gate beeped open, and then the pool guy’s truck crunched across the gravel.

Shit, she’d forgotten he was coming over today! Out of habit, she touched her hair to make sure it wasn’t doing anything crazy. When she’d seen herself in the mirror after his initial inspection, she’d been horrified. It wasn’t like she’d known JK was the guy Bob would send out to do the estimates. She’d been too embarrassed to request him, and then annoyed with herself for not requesting him since she knew he did good work, and then shocked by nerves all over again to find him standing by her bog of a pool. 

The very same JK who’d shouted at her to leave her husband months ago after delivering her a DVD of her husband’s infidelity stepped from the truck now and gave her a short wave. The same relief and shame washed over her as it had the other day. She’d spent his whole visit last time desperate to let him know she was divorced now and also mortified to actually admit it –that he’d been right, that her marriage failed, that she wanted him to know. Only because he’d been tangentially involved in its demise and she wanted him to know that she knew she was stupid to have married Tim in the first place. He knew, she knew, everyone knew now.

Still, maybe it would have been better to never see him again. Maybe she should have called another pool company. And yet she hadn’t thought twice about calling, even knowing there was a chance JK would be sent out. She hadn’t thought twice about agreeing to Bob’s quote for the project –which, she learned, he had expected JK to give her on sight, as he considered JK more than qualified to do so. She had thought twice but still asked if JK would be the one doing the work, and then agreed that was fine when Bob asked if there was an issue. 

JK grabbed two nets on poles from the truck and hauled them across the patio to the pool. Unlike her last house, there was no real poolhouse, just a shed that she’d had completely emptied out of rusted old cob-webbed supplies. 

“Hey!” she called, crossing to intercept him. “I don’t have anything stored for poolcare. Could you make me a list of the things I should have here? That shed is big enough to store anything I need, right? Or do I need a bigger one?”

“Good morning to you too,” he grinned and she flushed at the insinuation she had been rude. She hadn’t meant to be. Just… 

“Yes, good morning,” she agreed even though it hadn’t been and also it was after eleven. She wondered if he’d gone surfing this morning or if his hair always just looked wind-swept like that.

“Sure, I can make you a list but for now I’ll just bring everything I need. It’s going to take me a while to get this thing cleaned up.”

“Yes, I know. Ok, that’s fine.”

“Today I’m just going to get anything big out and start draining it. I’ve got a buddy who will come by later and we’ll trade off watching the pump.”

“Oh… ok…” She didn’t really know what any of this meant except he looked eager to get started and like she might be bothering him. Things had seemed companionable the other day so she’d thought they could both be professional and friendly despite him knowing that embarrassing part of her failed marriage, but now she didn’t appreciate that he made her feel like a pest in her own house.

“Well I’m going to be working out here too today, hopefully I won’t be a distraction.”

“Uh… depends what you’re doing I guess…” he said, suddenly going very still so that she almost crashed into him. 

“Painting cabinets, why?”

“Oh. Nah, that’s fine.”

“Well… good,” she said with a nod. “I’ll hm, leave you to your work then. Let me know if you need anything.”

“Got any Cheetos?” he asked with a crooked grin, then clarified, “I’m kidding, I brought a lunch for later.”

“I’ll see what I can find…” She felt bad now because she did not have Cheetos, or anything else to offer him. She was living off take out and a fruit basket the real estate agent had left for her. Most of the fruit was going bad by now. She didn’t even have sodas or beers, in an effort to force herself to drink more water. It was backfiring because instead she just drank more coffee…

“No, don’t worry about it, I was joking. I brought my own Cheetos. I can share if you’re really that upset about it…”

“Hm? I’m not upset,” she said, brow furrowed in confusion. He looked at her, his brow furrowed with concern too, like she’d said or done something alarming. She didn’t think she had. For a moment they just looked at each other and she wasn’t sure why it was such a heavy feeling moment. What had just happened?! 

“Oh, ok. Well uh…”

“Ok well… let me know if you need anything else.”

She fled, embarrassed to have hovered too long. She didn’t want to be like Tim! 

It took her a while to get all the cabinets spread out and her supplies ready between the patio and driveway, face mask and coveralls ready. She could just barely see the pool area. JK had a big barrel with a bag and had begun fishing around in the pool, scooping up slime and leaves and sticks and who knew what else. It looked pretty awful but he didn’t seem bothered by it, just like it was a normal day for him. Every so often he’d stop to push the hair from his face until he finally pulled a bandana out of his pocket and tied it across his head.

Grace turned her attention from JK, grabbed the finish stripper, slid her facemask and goggles in place and set to work.

**

It was miserable work. Grace discovered quickly that stripping the cabinets was far more onerous of a task than the internet had made it sound. An hour or so later and she’d only managed to strip two of the doors and there were a lot to go. 

In stepping back to survey her paltry work, she realized JK was watching her from the tailgate of his truck where he’d unfurled his lunch.

“You’re really doing it yourself, huh?” he called over.

In an effort to not show that she was exhausted and frustrated, she retorted, “Yes, I like to get dirty.” His look of surprise made her realize her own words, and she quickly added, “My hands dirty. I like to work hard for… things.” With a shake of her head, she turned away under the guise of taking the unflattering safety gear off. She avoided counting the cabinets. Sweat dripped down her back beneath the coveralls, which she decided were not worth it. It was too hot. She might as well just ruin her t shirt and leggings and let that be that.

JK was still watching her, and she didn’t want him to realize she didn’t exactly know what she was doing. She felt like that had been painfully obvious to enough contractors already. She thought of herself as so intelligent and capable and confident and yet when discussing work estimates with contractors to fix things she didn’t understand in the first place, she worried she was just letting herself be taken advantage of over and over again. That’s why she’d gotten divorced, to put an end to that!

“I didn’t know you knew how to do this kind of thing,” he said between sips of a Sprite. “It’s impressive.”

The praise was too much when in fact it was a lie; she felt compelled to correct, “Honestly, I don’t really know what I’m doing.”  She appreciated that he looked surprised, whether it was true or not. “But I’m figuring it out.”

“Still… I mean, most ri– er, people would just pay to have it all done, yeah? That looks like hard work.”

“Many rich people would, yes,” she mused, amused by his self-correction. “My grandfather likes doing this kind of thing. He built his own cabin all by himself. I always thought that was really admirable, to learn how to do things yourself. Maybe the things I do myself in the house won’t be perfect but I’ll see them and know I figured it out. That I did things I didn’t know I could do.”

“That’s really cool,” he grinned. “When I see the things I fix around my place, I just think what a shithead my landlord is.”

“Ah.” She didn’t know what else to say. He didn’t seem insulted that she’d claimed as a hobby something that was a necessity for him, but the comparison made her feel bad. “Well I’m sure you’re much better at this than I am. My arms are already aching and I’ve got a lot to go.”

“You’re scraping them down?”

“Getting the stain off, then I’ll sand, then paint. I’ll have to do this for all the installed parts inside too.”

“Damn,” he snickered. “I’d just hire someone if I were you…”

Grace didn’t know what to say. It was tempting right now, but being witnessed also made her more determined. Even if it was hard, she wanted to look at her cabinets and see perseverance, not capitulation. 

He wadded up the remains of his lunch and tossed them into his truck. By the time he headed back to the pool, the carpet guys had arrived, and Grace took the opportunity of ushering them up to also scrounge up food for herself. Her arms were shaky from the effort so the break was welcome, though eating in the kitchen so ripped apart felt like a regretful step backwards. It was going to take her all week to do these cabinets, probably. 

Her aunt called while she ate and she answered even though her mom was going to give her hell about it, exaggerating the progress on her house since her aunt would never see it anyway. She promised to send pictures and mindlessly mm-hmed through her aunt’s family gossip. JK was done digging detritus from the pool it seemed and was running a very long hose all the way across her yard. It made her nervous, as she realized he might be about to dump all the water onto her property. She hadn’t thought about where the water from draining the pool would go, but already envisioned her flooded, ruined lawn.

“Hey!” she called, striding across the patio as soon as she’d said a hasty farewell to her aunt. “JK!”

“Yeah?” He squatted beside some sort of contraption he was hooking the hose up to.

“Um… what are you doing?”

“I’m going to drain the pool now.”

“But… where?”

“For now I’m going to put it into your front yard.”

“Won’t it flood my yard?” she asked nervously. “The lawn guys are coming to start work this afternoon…” She looked around because actually they ought to already be here.

“If I just let it go forever maybe. I’m hoping that because your yard has a bit of slant, most of the water will go down under the streets out front and away from your place. I’ll keep an eye on it though, if it starts to pool, I’ll move it and we’ll dump a few other places in the yard. I want to keep it away from this area though because…” He looked at her, as if assessing whether she actually cared. She did. She wanted to make sure he wasn’t going to ruin her property but also it was clear he had a rationale for his choices, and that was interesting. He was good at what he did. 

“Because why?”

“Well I’m pulling all the water out of this pool, right? So now there isn’t water holding the pool walls in place. The dirt outside the pool is going to be pressing on the walls without anything pressing back, and if I dump a bunch of water in the dirt around it, there will be even more pressure. If your pool was fiberglass or acrylic, it could pop out of the ground. That rarely happens with concrete ones but it still could, I don’t want to risk it.”

“Oh.”

“When I got the permit Friday I was hoping I could just–”

“You got a permit?” she interrupted.

“Uh… yeah. This is like 30,000 gallons of water, you can’t just dump it,” he pointed out. She hadn’t thought about that at all. “You’ve got to dechlorinate, debrominate, and dump in an approved place and manner. I already tested it though and the water is so old all the chemicals already broke down, saves me some time.”

“There’s a lot more to it than I realized…”

“Well that’s why you hired me, huh?” he beamed. “So I can be the one to think about it. So for now I’ll dump around your property –it won’t hurt the plants, I checked the levels of everything.”

“And it won’t flood anything?”

“Nah, I’ll watch it. If it did start to pool, I can get another permit that lets me dump into the sewer system, but I have to prove it’s not possible to dump on the property. I think it’ll be fine.”

Grace didn’t have any real reason to argue. He seemed confident and like he had a lot of experience with this. She had none.

“Ok then, sounds like you’ve got it all under control.”

He assured her, “I promise I’m not going to kill your jungle.”

“Thank you. I’ll leave you to your work then. I’ve got stripping to do.”

“Cabinets,” he said, cluing her into what she’d just said. 

She clapped a hand to her face and mumbled. “Yes, cabinets…” and walked quickly away. Why did she have to sound like such an idiot in front of contractors? She glanced back and saw him shaking his head and she wanted to shrivel up. 

 She really put her back into the stripping, determination restored. She was glad that’s how the carpet contractors found her when they came down to ask some questions. The day was nice to be out working in, sunny but not yet too hot. She put music on to have something to work towards and made a mental note to upgrade the sound system soon. She only owned a single CD and so had to roll through the radio stations instead of just listening to what she wanted, but it was all commercials so she went back to her music.

JK passed by to his truck again, and this time returned with his own goggles and mask. He looked hot with them propped on his forehead over the bandana, arms and neck all sweaty from his hard work so far. 

“Here to help with the stripping,” he announced, then gave her a cheeky grin and added, “Cabinets.” Grace failed to hold back the roll of her eyes –while flattered he was comfortable teasing her, she didn’t appreciate the evidence that the pool guy was probably another man in her life who had charmed her blind, and probably every other woman he came across. At least she got good pool work out of him, unlike her unhappy painful marriage with Tim.

He picked up the stain stripper can and looked it over, at which point she realized he really did mean to help.

“Wait, why– you aren’t here to do this.”

“I know, but I just need to monitor the pump for the next…” he looked at his wrist that didn’t have a watch, “Fourteen hours or so.”

“What?!”

“Don’t worry, I’ll sleep out here.”

“Wait, but–”

“I’m joking. My buddy will by this afternoon to watch it until dinner. Then we’ll let the ground settle and finish it tomorrow. I’ve got nothing to do now except check on it though so I’ll help you with this.”

“You don’t have to do that,” she insisted. “This is hard work. You could just read a book or something.”

“Oh yeah let me just dig through all the books I have in my work truck… nah, I’ll help. You’ve got a lot of cabinets here.”

“You really don’t have to. I feel bad. I mean, I can pay you for your help, just tell me how much–”

“You got something else to play?” he asked, pointing to the sky –by which he meant the music, she realized. Her only CD, Celine Dion’s greatest hits. She’d stolen it from her sister over a decade ago and it had somewhere traveled with her this far.

“No, the system only uses CDs.”

“Ok let’s deal with that first, let me show you what I’ve got with me.”

Grace felt like this day was getting very out of hand and yet led him to the system’s command console once he’d hauled a big CD binder from his truck. He let her flip through the book and she found herself captivated by this glimpse into his music taste. Lots of rock, ranging from Metallica to Red Hot Chili Peppers to Green Day to–

“Olivia Rodrigo?” she said with surprise.

“Yeah, what about it?” he asked. “It’s a good album.”

“So you still buy CDs. I thought you were young…”

“I get tired of YouTube ads. Besides, owned media is an investment.” She couldn’t tell if he was making fun of her or not.

“Well I don’t know anything about her but she’s the new pop girl, huh? I’ve heard her name a lot lately.”

“She’s rock-pop,” he countered. “You don’t like rock music?”

“I do, I guess. I don’t know that I pay much attention to what’s popular.”

“You like Celine Dion and what else?”

“I listen to a lot of classical,” she admitted. “And… dance? Or whatever is on the radio…” She was embarrassed now to admit that while she liked music, she didn’t have any very strong preferences. A lot of oldies played on her Pandora station because it was familiar and reminded her of what her parents had listened to growing up. Classical soothed her. Dance and dance-pop reminded her of her younger days going out with friends. Tim had liked jazz and classic rock; she doubted she’d ever be able to listen to any of it again without shivering.

“You don’t know much about music?”

“Not really,” she admitted.

“Damn. Let’s start with Olivia’s album then and work our way back from,” he said, popping the CD in. She didn’t really understand what that meant but felt like letting him pick the music while he helped her was only fair.

JK was a workhorse when it came to stripping the cabinets. She was stunned by how much more quickly the work went with the two of them, largely because his brute strength got the stain off much faster than she could. Granted, she found it distracting watching him mouth along to Olivia Rodrigo’s lyrics I’m a perfect all-American bitch with perfect all-American lips and perfect all-American hips.

Occasionally he’d go to check the pump. Occasionally she got called away by the carpet contractors, or the lawn guys showing up and needing guidance. The Olivia album ended and JK put on the next one.

“Who’s this?” she asked, trying not to notice the way the muscles of his bare arms glistened and flexed as he scraped at the cabinet door.

“Arctic Monkeys. Seemed like a good next step. Everyone likes the Arctic Monkeys.”

“Never heard of them.”

“Damn,” he laughed again. She didn’t know what he thought that said about her but decided it wasn’t anything good. She felt embarrassed not to know this music that “everyone” liked. 

“Are they really that famous?”

“They’re doing all right,” he shrugged. “This album is from 2007 though.” Grace tried to recall what she had been doing in 2007. She’d just graduated high school and was headed to college… “I mean, I was only in like fifth grade but my older brother liked them and I liked anything he liked, you know?”

Grace choked. She turned to the side and coughed. Well that was a timely reminder that this hot guy was very, very young.

“You ok? You didn’t eat any of it, did you?”

“No, no, I’m fine,” she assured him, and focused on the scraping and forced her eyes back to the straight and narrow.

He didn’t make it easy though. Only a song later, he sang along quietly with the lyrics, a steady stream of words that flowed without break for breath:

“Running off over next door's garden Before the hour is done It's more a question of feeling Than it is a question of fun The confidence is the balaclava I'm sure you'll baffle 'em good Will the ending reek of salty cheeks And runny makeup alone?”

“You have a nice voice,” she couldn’t help but remark.

He beamed and seemed to look away as he mumbled, “Ah, thanks… I’m in a band.”

“What? Really?”

He laughed at something she didn’t understand and admitted, “Yeah…”

“I didn’t know that. You never said.”

“It’s not that big a deal, just a hobby thing.”

“You’re the singer?”

“No no, I’m the drummer.”

“Oh!”

“Yeah it’s just a little thing with my friends but we play in bars and stuff– we’ve placed in competitions sometimes.” There was a grunt underlying his words as he scrapped and turned, scraped and turned. “You should check us out.”

“Hm, maybe I will,” she said, quickly and without conviction. She thought the last thing she should do was go somewhere specifically to watch this much younger guy who was working on her house drum in a band. 

Once upon a time she’d been college-age and gone to concerts with her girl friends and fantasized about meeting up with the band afterwards. And now she was a grown woman with no need to confuse those things, especially with the guy fixing her pool. Especially, she realized, since she technically could now. She wasn’t married. She was allowed the fantasy, allowed to meet someone, allowed to fuck around with someone in a band like her younger self had wanted to. 

It was too much, a rush of reality she wasn’t prepared for. Her divorce wasn’t even finished yet, she definitely wasn’t ready to wander down any paths of fantasy –and most certainly not ones that in any way would make her uncomfortable around a contractor who’d be at her house a lot for the next week at least and then every other week for the future beyond that.

This poor guy just wanted to brag about his band and here she was having a mental crisis because it had dawned on her that soon she’d be free to fuck around. Would she want to? How did people even do that?! Was she a fuck-around sort of woman or a lifer type? She had been relatively restrained in college and married Tim so young… she couldn’t picture herself suddenly turning into the sort of woman a rock star would invite backstage. Honestly, she didn’t even know how the opposite sex would react if she did start trying to date. What type would she be into? What type would be into her? And, most importantly, how did she make sure she didn’t get fooled into another Tim?

“You ok?” JK asked, setting his finished cabinet door aside and stretching forward to grab another. He reached and the sleeve of his tank moved to reveal the nastiest bruise she’d ever seen, a whorl of purple and black and brown that made her skin crawl.

“Oh my god, what happened to your shoulder?!”

“Oh, surfing accident.”

“Are you ok?!”

“I asked you first,” he teased.

“I’m fine, just momentarily overwhelmed by reality but your shoulder…”

“I’m fine, just got momentarily overwhelmed by a surfboard that didn’t see me.”

“That sounds dangerous!”

“It was but I’m fine. Just a little stiff.” He set the fresh cabinet door down in front of him and cleared his throat. “I’m working it out though. It’s fine. Ah… reality you want to talk about or something…?”

“Hm?”

“Nothing, nevermind.”

She felt like she’d said something wrong based on his sudden silence but couldn’t figure out what. He shook his head.

“Are you sure this isn’t hurting your shoulder?”

“Nah, it’s fine. I’m going to check on the pump.” He jumped up quickly and disappeared, which gave her a welcome moment to brush away the concern that had made her want to reach for his shoulder. It looked so bad! Holy shit! Leave it to a guy like that to shrug off such an injury. She’d be laid up in bed for a week and here he was not only working, but doing extra work to help her. 

She heard a truck at the gate and the buzzer. Assuming it was reinforcements for either the carpet-guys upstairs or the lawn guys tromping around her front yard, she left her things for a moment and went straight to open the gate herself.

The man at the gate hopped out of his truck and held his hand out in greeting, forward in a way that immediately put her on guard.

“Hi there, ma’am, the name’s Jon, your husband reached out about solar panels?”

“Hm? You must have the wrong place,” Grace said, not yet taking his hand.

“501? I don’t think so– ah, sir!” he called and brushed right past her to approach JK. “I believe you had some questions about solar panels? I’m happy to talk to you about our program and–”

“Who are you?” JK asked, then quickly amended, “I didn’t talk to anyone about anything.”

“That’s all right, since I’m in the neighborhood and I understand you recently bought the property, I’d be happy to talk to you about–”

“Ah, no. That lady you just blew off owns this place. I’m just here to pump and strip.”

Grace choked again, and coughed into her hand to hide her laugh. She didn’t know what was funnier, JK’s easy deferment to her in the face of such bold sexism, his repetition of her egregious verbal slip earlier, his addition to make it worse, or the fact he did not seem to have done it on purpose. He looked immediately regretful and reached up to scratch the back of his head, his grimace with a shade of apology.

“I’m just the pool guy,” he clarified, as this Jon turned to her with his own shades of regret.

“Sorry, I believe even if I need solar, it won’t be with–” She leaned to read the company name off his truck. “You can leave now, goodbye.”

Jon tried to stammer his way through an apology but Grace was over men’s shitty apologies. After her sharper, “Leave my property now,” he fled. 

“A day in the life of a woman calling the shots,” she murmured as she headed back to the cabinets.

“Hey I’m just flattered he thought anything about me looks like a potential owner of this place,” JK laughed.

“What does that mean?”

“I think it means he’s more sexist than racist?”

Grace didn’t suppress the laugh this time. It was a smart observation. It hadn’t occurred to her that JK would look any less an owner of this place than she did right now other than the fact he looked so young, since both were in a similar state of sweaty filth.

“Guess he thought I’m the mother-in-law?”

“Come on, you aren’t that old. I mean–”

“Not that old!” she repeated with a laugh. “Thanks, JK. You’re so charming.”

“I just meant… I didn’t mean it like that,” he grumbled. “I don’t even know how old you are… I don’t think you’re that old…”

She decided not to tell him, whether he was asking or not. It didn’t seem like something he needed to know. Information not relevant to pumping and stripping. 

“Ready for a new CD?” he asked suddenly, overly loud. “We’ll go back further in time– not because you’re old! But just because… uh… let me see what I’ve got, have you heard of Red Hot Chili Peppers?”

“Oh come, JK, I’m not a total idiot. Everyone’s heard of the Red Hot Chili Peppers.”

“Ok ok, I didn’t mean to insult you. This is a safe space for your musical education. What about… Linkin Park? Kings of Leon? Avenged Sevenfold? Rise Against? I was listening to that on the other day… ah, maybe that’s a little too…”

“A little too what?” she glowered, crossing her arms and following him to the console and his open CD book beside it. “If you say too young–”

“Too angry,” he clarified. 

“Hm…” She didn’t really know what he meant, but suspected it might mean the music was loud and hard and shouty. She probably wouldn’t like it. But her curiosity was piqued that he’d been listening to it on the way over –because he was angry too, or just because he liked it? She wanted to know what he’d been listening to. It was interesting learning about the music he liked. Young people. Being married to Tim had made her old, and she wanted to reclaim some of her youth. She wasn’t that old! “Let’s give it a try.”

“Ok, if you don’t like it, I can change it.”

“I’m going through a rather unpleasant divorce right now. Angry might be just my flavor.”

“Ah, sorry to hear that. I mean that it’s unpleasant, not that you’re getting divorced.”

She realized she shouldn’t have said that. And he probably shouldn’t have said that either, and now looked as uncomfortable as she’d felt. The line felt weird right now, because he knew this about her, and they’d known each other a while, but he was young and hired help and just being friendly –but Grace wasn’t sure a man and woman so many years apart could actually be friends, so there had to be some line of professionalism in there somewhere. The thought of accidentally crossing the line and making this nice guy uncomfortable actually sickened her. She didn’t want to be some gross older predatory woman. She wasn’t actually a cougar!

“Whatever you want to listen to is fine,” she insisted, and scurried back to the cabinets. He joined again a moment later as intense electric guitar roared around the patio. It was definitely a different vibe. She looked up just in time to see one of the carpet guys stick his head out the window and make a rock symbol with his hand. JK returned the gesture while Grace laughed. 

Well, as long as the men working on her house were all happy. And hey, the beat was really good, and there was a melody that was actually really nice to listen to even if she couldn’t quite catch all the words. The drums were fast. She wondered if JK could play that kind of thing, and what he looked like–

Nope. She only meant it as an innocent curiosity, but she wouldn’t indulge even that. He was being incredibly kind helping her with the cabinets now, and that would be that. Not to mention a small part of her still worried he was going to flood her house away. He sounded like he knew what he was talking about and she’d never had an issue with his work before, but could he really know so much while he was so young? It was very impressive to be that knowledgeable at his age…

“Oh wait, I’ve heard this,” she realized with surprise. “A long time ago, I think…”

“See? You know more than you think you do.” 

“I sure hope so. We’ll see if you still think that when I start sanding these cabinet doors. And before you ask: yes, I’ve done it before… a long time ago.”

“I wasn’t going to ask,” he insisted. “I would never underestimate you.”

“Thanks, JK. That’s really kind of you to say.”

He nodded but the words from his mouth next were song lyrics, as strong and steady and pleasant to listen to as the professional voice on the CD. He seemed really good at it, singing. That was crazy to her that he wasn’t even the band’s singer. He must just be really gifted at music. She was very, very much not. He seemed to have such talent, she wondered if he only sang this hard, fast style or if he could do slower too.

Singing! She was thinking about singing! She hadn’t had any issue with these kinds of thoughts a single day of her divorce so far. Was it a good sign something inside her was healing, or waking up, or whatever? Well she was certainly not going to put poor young JK in the middle of whatever divorcee sexual rebirth was stirring inside of her! Maybe it was just hormonal; she was ovulating or something. Awkward. 

“Miss, you want to see…?” Jacob the lawn guy motioned to her from across the driveway, like he didn’t want to interrupt. He wanted to ask her preference on something. He was kind too, like JK, even if he wasn’t great at being on time. But she believed he was going to do good work. She thought the carpets were going to look good upstairs. She was doing ok, finding the people to do a good job of the things she couldn’t or didn’t want to, doing a good job of the things she wanted to try. And sometimes help came in surprising places, like a pool guy who helped her strip cabinet doors while he pumped her pool.

Literally. A literal pool being pumped dry.

Good lord.

Chapter Three | Masterlist | Chapter Five

[jjkhz]

[CANCELLED] Flawless (2)

pairing: Yandere JJK x f dancer reader

words: 3.2k

reading time: 25 minutes

summary: In an alternate world, where everyone has a soulmate mark when they turn 18, it can be magical or not so much. Y/n has always wanted a soulmate, the thought of it makes her so happy! But when the day comes, everything in her life starts to change.

warnings: stalking, blood, alcohol, yandere, obsession, manipulation, death, smut, drugs, rape, blades, domestic violence,

chapter warnings: death, sexual violence(just a bit), depression, domestic violence, stalking and psychological issues.

Masterlist | Flawless list

The boys have always known something was off with Jungkook. When he finds something that he likes a lot, he gets intimidating. At first it wasn't a big deal and they just ignored it thinking that it's just his personality. But as the time went by, it got to the point where it was dangerous. When Jungkook was about 15, he got a small crush on a girl that he saw in his high school. He adored her so much that he started following her around. Everyday skipping plans just to walk behind her as she went home, shopping or to her friends house. The boys slowly started to notice that something was off as they tried to talk with him about it, but Jungkook just ignored them and walked away. As the boys kept trying to talk with the boy, nothing came out of it, so they made a plan to follow him. Obviously 6 pretty big boys following him will make him notice at some point so they picked Taehyung to follow him.

Next day after school he spotted the younger boy as he started to follow him, hiding behind walls from time to time so he won't notice his hyung. As Taehyung kept following him, his gaze spotted  how the younger male stopped in front of a white house and started walking towards their garden. Taehyung was confused but decided to keep following the boy, stopping in front of the house as he tried to peek into the garden so he could spot Jungkook. Before he could see anything, a whine left his lips as he was punched into a wall. Falling on his back as he groans from the sudden pain, rubbing his head as he tries to focus his eyes on the one who hurt him. His eyes went wide as he saw Jungkook staring right down at him, his chest falling up and down from the heavy breathing as his gaze was dark, burning from the anger. His eyes quickly softened a little as he saw that it's his hyung. A feeling of guilt starts to appear in his thoughts as he quickly brushes it off. Why should he be guilty when Taehyung is trying to get his girl?

Jungkook kneels down as he grabs Taehyung's shirt harshly, trying to scan his eyes. Something in him was happy and proud from seeing that he made someone scared like that. "Why the fuck are you here!?" He says quietly while his grip on the olders shirt tightens, the anger in his eyes never seems to go away at this rate. "J-Jungkook, I was- no- we were worried about you, you kept ignoring us and and cancelling plans…" Taehyung says while biting his lip after, trying to hold his tears from the fear and shock. He has never seen Jungkook like that and Jungkook has never hit anyone. The confusion and a bottle of emotions are going crazy in his head as he doesn't recognise his best friend at all. Jungkook's hold on his friend's shirt slowly starts to fall as he doesn't move his eyes off of him. He sighs and falls beside Taehyung, his back leaning against the wall. The older boy's body starts to relax a bit as he quickly wipes his tears away, eyes focusing on the ground as everything goes quiet.

After that accident, they all sat Jungkook down and had a long talk. Jungkook got so guilty that he got a panic attack, he kept apologising to his friend even though Taehyung said that everything was okay. Shortly after that day, as he was following the girl again, secretly because his hyungs told him to stop, but he just…. can't. As he turned towards the house he saw a big sign in front of it "SOLD". Confused and panicking he quickly made his way towards the window, expecting to see a girl's room before his face dropped even more. The room was empty.

No this can't be right… He thought as he ran to the other window. Empty.  He checked every room before he dropped on the ground, his body shaking as his eyes started to get wet. He feels more wet drops dropping on him as he looks up with his teary eyes, only to be met with heavy rain.

"Jungkook.. You haven't eaten anything in the past four days,  please come out.." Yoongi hyung's soft and calm voice says as he knocks on the door again. He sighs and leaves the bag with food beside his door, other six bags on its side. His parents were worried a lot. Suddenly their shy and good son is locking himself into his room, ignoring everything and everyone. As days went by, so did Jungkook's depression. After about two weeks being locked in his room, he let his hyungs in, pulling them all harshly. "Jungkook are you okay-" Namjoon was about to say before he felt the younger boy hug his middle tightly, heavy tears leaving on his shirt. Namjoon didn't waste another second as he wrapped his arms around Jungkook. One by one more boys joined the hug, their mouths leaving worried questions and comforting words for the boy. 

After about 5 minutes of hugging and comforting the younger, they all sat on his bed while keeping their worried eyes on the boy. Jungkook just kept his eyes on his sheets while soft hiccups left from his mouth from the amount of crying. Jin slowly moved his hand on Jungkook's shoulder, caressing it slowly to calm the other one's hiccups. "I- I'm sorry…" He said quietly while keeping his red, swollen eyes on the blanket still. "I d- don't know what got into me, b-but she was just so perfect and kind and- i just couldn't help it" His pouty lips said as he slowly moved his gaze on his friends and stopping on Taehyung's, biting his bottom lip as regret started giving in. "Jungkook, Everything is okay. We were just very worried about you." Jin said while giving a gentle squeeze on his shoulder. "We are glad that everything is okay, but Jungkook… This isn't right. You just can't follow people like that." Namjoon explained.

Jungkook's breath hitched as Jin felt the younger's body frozen. "But she is mine.." Jungkook breathed out as everyone felt the air getting heavier. "Jungkook… Did you even talk to her? I mean, you can't date someone like t-" "Maybe i didn't but that doesn't mean anything. I know her phone number, parents phone number, her grandparents addresses, her birthday, her phone code, her birth i-" "Jungkook stop." A smile he didn't even notice he had left his face, eyes on Jimin. "This is not normal…" Jimin replied, he was obviously uncomfortable by his body language so Jungkook chuckled. "This seems pretty normal to me. Shouldn't we all know everything about our lovers and take care of them? I love her so much that i would die for her" 

The boys just stared at the boy in pure shock, no words leaving from their mouths, Jungkook smiled at that and closed his eyes, humming satisfied. "I will miss my sweetheart so much… my dear Y/N…"

"Oh my god Y/N!" Rina called your name out as Yerin quickly looked up, they both stood up from their seats as you pulled your best friends into a warm hug. "What happened? Why are you late? You are never late" Yerin said while slowly breaking the hug. You just smiled at them both, they know you so well. You are a person who keeps promises and is never late, last time you were late was years ago back in high school since you lost your necklace that was really special for you. You just turned fifteen and got a gift from your mother for your birthday, a silver necklace with a pink diamond inside. You loved it so much that you started to wear it everyday and everywhere, until one morning you found out that there was nothing around your neck. Panic growing in your eyes as you made the whole house a big mess, crying in your parents arms as your mom comforted you by stroking your hair. 

Sadly three months later, your mom sadly passed away due to a car crash. Your life has never been the same. You didn't leave your dark room for days, spending all the days under your thick blanket. Your dad came to comfort you everyday, you loved it while hating it. How can he be so strong, it must be even harder for him but he keeps trying. "Y/N look what i found" you turned around in your bed, red swollen eyes looking at your father confused. He just smiled and took something from his pocket,  bringing it in front of your face. The necklace? A big gasp left your mouth as you quickly but gently took it from his hands, tears begging to flow from your eyes. "Where did you find it?" You sobbed out, eyes closed while holding the necklace close to your chest. "It was behind the door". You were confused but by the time you didn't care much anymore, as long you have the pretty accessorise,  everything is fine.

"Y/N?" You felt someone shake your shoulders as you quickly shook your head and looked at Rina. "Are you okay? Did something happen?" Now you were the confused one, you quickly shook your head as you sat down behind their table. "Everything is alright, i just- lost myself for a second '' smiling out at them both,  only to be met with suspicious glares. "I'm perfectly okay guys!" "if you say so…" Yerin pointed out while the both girls sat back down behind the table. "So your birthday is already in a week, we were thinking making a big party for you!" Rina explained excited, her eyes moving from Yerin to yours quickly. A party..? "Parties are fun and all but we just got here and i don't have much friends yet" "Yeah but parties are great places to make friends,  don't you think Yerin?" Rina pointed out while Yerin nodded quickly, looking as excited as Rina. You sighed, not wanting to upset the girls "I will think about it'' At that they both squealed out loudly, making some people in the library eye them annoyingly. They got quiet and focused on their school work to ignore everyone. Scoff left your lips as your phone vibrated in your pocket, pulling it out as you read the message. 

Suho: Come back to the dorm right now.

You sighed heavily as you looked up your phone, standing up from the chair as the girls noticed. "Where are you going?" "I have to go back to dorms, Suho wants something" Yerin groaned at that information while having a bitter look on her face. "Don't go" Rina said with a pout, pulling your arm back to the table. "I'm sorry, let's see tomorrow, yeah?" You said before giving a sad smile at them both, waving at them as you took your bag and walked out of the library.

You unlocked your dorm door, opening the heavy thing as you got in. Closing it as you took your boots off, placing your bag on the kitchen counter. "Suho, I'm here!" You half-yelled as you made your way towards the sink grabbing a glass and filling it with the cold liquid. You placed it on your lips before you felt hands on your waist, you accidentally dropped the glass in the sink as you quickly turned around. Your eyes meeting with your roommate's as you quickly push him away, shocked. He almost falls on the ground before grabbing the counter, pushing himself back to stand as he fixes his gaze on you. "What are you doing…?" You ask him confused and scared,  grabbing your shirt as you squeeze it. He just sighs and tilts his head to the other side, his gaze landing on your neck before he looks back at your eyes and just walks out of the kitchen. You were about to open your mouth before you heard a harsh slam of his room door. You stare at it for a minute before turning around, your eyes meeting with broken glass in the sink. 

After cleaning everything up you take your bag and leave to your room, closing the door as your lay on your bed. Groaning while staring at the ceiling, today has been a long day. You can't help but to think about Suho, is everything okay with him? You can't help but to tense by the thought what he could've done if you hadn't punch him away before. You sigh as you pull your phone out from your pocket, clicking on Hoseok's number as you place your phone by your ear. 

"Hey Y/N what's up?" You hear a cheerful voice from your phone as your lips form into a small smile. "Hey, everything is cool but i was thinking maybe you wanted to work on the choreography tomorrow?" You said while hearing a small hum from him "I would love to but i can't tomorrow, but I am in a studio right now with a friend so if you want to you can come right now!" He explained as you quickly sat up, looking at the clock on the wall. 5 pm, great! "Of course I can! Send me the location and I will come right away" You stand up and glance at your clothes, black pants, a white top and a black jumper. "Okay! See you then, Bye!" He said excitedly as he ended the call before you could say anything. You slide the little thing back to your pocket as you put your hair into a ponytail, pulling some bangs out in front. There's no use changing you thought as you leave your room, making your way towards the corridor as you take sneakers by the door and place them in a bag. You place the bag on the floor as you pull your black boots back on, your ears catching a door opening from the hallway as you quickly grab the bag and make your way out. "Y/N wait!" You heard a male voice say as you quickly closed the door, speed walking out the campus. You grab your phone as you see a message from Hoseok with his studio location as you start to walk towards it.

You walk into a black hallway, doors with small numbers on them being everywhere as you glance at your phone, "14" . You kept walking until you were met with a black door, a small fourteen being on it as well as some little flower stickers. You knocked on it and waited, looking around the hallway as you were about to knock again before the door opened in front of you. Your pupils quickly met with taller male's ones. Long black hair and bangs that slightly fall over his eyes, all kinds of piercings on his face and ears, forehead a little wet from sweat and those big, brown doe eyes that are starting right into yours. Everything went quiet around you as you kept your eyes on the boy, you have never seen such a beauty before. As you were focusing on his eyes, you noticed how his eyes grew bigger, quickly opening the door wider for you. You blink you eyes repeatedly as you shook your head. That was so rude, oh my god… What got into you girl? 

You quickly look back up at him as you smile, stepping into the dance studio. You were met with Hoseok on the floor, sitting while drinking some water as his eyes quickly spotted you, smiling as he put the water bottle away. The pierced male closed the door, leaning his back on it while keeping his eyes on your back moving his gaze from Hoseok to you. "Y/N! Hey! How is everything?" The cheerful boy asked while stepping closer to you, smiling wide. You couldn't help but to smile back as you answered "Everything is fine, how about you?" You wish everything was fine, you wanted to tell someone about your uncomfortable roommate but you guys aren't that close yet to trauma dump so you just shake it off. "Same answer for me! Oh, this is Jungkook, he studies film!" Jhope smiles as he grabs Jungkook's arm, pulling him closer.  You place your gaze on him as he bites his bottom lip slightly "Hi..!" He waves shyly as you chuckle, waving back at him. He is pretty cute, you thought as you eye more of him. Your eyes spot his all-black outfit and his black boots, he got some taste you thought before your gaze makes its way over his right arm. All kinds of tattoos on it as your mouth opens a bit, admiring the colourful sleeve.

 The both boys seem to notice as Jungkook's lips turn into a small smirk. "Those are cool aren't they?" Hoseok points out as he grabs his friend's shoulder, holding it. You nod as you move your eyes back up, the smile never leaving your lips. "Jungkook just got them done some weeks ago, he has always wanted a sleeve tattoo since he was a teenager" You can't help but to smile even more, focusing your eyes from Hoseok to Jungkook, noticing that his eyes have never left you. "Shall we dance now?" You just nod at that and turn around, placing your bag on the ground as you open it, grabbing black sneakers. Your butt meets with the ground as you pull your boots off, switching them with the sneakers. You then place the boots by your bag as you are about to stand up, a hand meets your eyes. You quickly look up, meeting with the tattoo boy once again as he moves his hand closer to you. You smile and take it, standing up with his help. You quickly take your hand back as you feel your heartbeats getting harsher and louder, placing your hand on it. Jungkook's eyes widen as he places his hand on your back, leaning down to see you better. "Are you okay Y/N?" The panic in his voice seems to make Hoseok notice you both as he quickly comes by your side too. You move away a bit so Jungkook's hand leaves your back, your heart calming down a bit. "I'm okay, it's nothing" You breath out quietly as the boys look at eachother, you then fix yourself as you look up at them both. They don't seem to notice as their gaze gets stronger. "Let's dance now…?" You said while scratching behind your neck, the awkwardness leaving the room slowly. Hoseok quickly looks at you and his whole expression changes, smiling and pulling you in front of the mirror. 

Jungkook makes his way over the wall as he sits on the floor, grabbing his phone as he keeps his eyes on you. He clicks his tongue on his cheek as spots the way Hoseok has to touch you for the sake of choreography, small anger building up in him as he starts to hear music through the studio speakers, moving his brown eyes back to you. He watches as your body moves with the beats, his body calming down a bit. He opens his phone and opens the camera application,  moving his phone camera more up so he could spot you with it as he presses record.

I finally found you again.

So how has been the series so far? Are you guys excited for the new chapter? My goal for now is to update every week :)

Please guys let me know your thoughts and theories <3

[hobisstar]

What are you hiding from love?| Yandere!Jk x Reader V Last Part

Summary: Being in a relationship with Jungkook you’ve always noticed the signs, the red flags if you will. Being so in love with him you ignored them, until the people you loved dearly started disappearing one by one.

Warnings: Murder, Jungkook victim blaming ( like he will say i killed you because you are too stupid or whatever), Possessiveness, Mentions of Smut, Controlling, Locking up YN.

Taglist: vante 🫶🏾

A/N: This is made to be scary! That is all. I honestly dont like mixing smut with yandere because i read yandere fics to be spooked not horny lol. This has been absolutely fun to write for you guys! Im so happy how much love it had gotten over the past month since ive been writing it! I love you all so so much! Enjoy!

Its been about two years since Jungkook decided to let yn go on her own! So far, yn has become the owner of the coffee shop, has opened up plenty of them across Asia and plans to open some in The Untied States.

Life has been looking absolutely beautiful for yn! But heres the thing.

Bodies have been discovered. Fresh bodies. Of course going through what she went through with Jungkook, she feared that this was his doing. That the so called hobby has now reached the news channels. Though it says that the crimes has been in only England, it was still capability of it being Jungkook.

“Yn! Are you even listening? Im telling you Namjoon wants to take you on a date!” Joy, yns now close friend that she has gained from opening the coffee shops.

“Sorry, but i dont think im ready to date. The last guy was for 5 years and it didn’t turn out well in the end.” Yn mumbled looking over at the tv that was on the crime scene of the killings.

But what was showed, made yns blood run cold.

What was at the crime scene was dandelions.

The flowers that Jungkook always used to gift her on days he felt like we did something wrong. He would cut the steam off and just leave the flowers to never be able to grow again.

Was he…back?

It was closing time and of course yn being the owner, she decided that it was her duty to close every single night.

But tonight, she couldnt shake the feeling that she was being watched.

As everyone was leaving she saw a guy with a big hoodie on taking his time to clean up his mess on the table. Putting his crumbs inside a napkin then taking the napkin and closing it tightly then throwing it out.

yn watched from behind the counter taking containers from the counter and putting them on the shelf behind her.

This mysterious guy has been coming in everyday. Same time. She never serves him but she knows Joy does and she hates serving him. ‘His glare, it can kill.’ She would say when describing the eyes of this mysterious man.

While cleaning she saw the guy get up and come up to the counter.

Face mask on and glasses… sun glasses.

Its night time.

Maybe it was a fashion statement. Thats what yn left it as. “ Hi sorry we are about to close soon so im gonna have to ask you to leave..” is what she was aiming to say but once she turned around she saw he just left a napkin with hand writing on it.

She grabbed it and began to read it:

“Hi baby! Oh its been such a long time, oh how i miss you. Our child also misses you. 2 years right? That is let you go? Ah, I remember something. Today is our anniversary! Our now 7 year anniversary. Im picking you up at 11! Be ready!

JJK,”

Yn was at this point shaking. Fear took over her body but was trying to hide it. She wasnt doing such a good job at that. As much as she wanted to call the cops, get him arrested, she knew that those cops had no chance in trying to get Jungkook.

Hed kill them all in the blink of an if he even knew that they talked to yn.

When yn got home she didnt let the fact go that when she got there she obviously saw Jungkooks car right outside her town house.

Mind you this is the 5th time this year she has moved. None of the reasons dealing with Kook but they definitely where personal reasons.

She braced herself, once she goes inside her home, Jungkook will be inside.

She could call the cops and run away from home then go to Jins house.

Actually now that Yn thought about it, what if Jin had something to do with it? He was always to calm for her liking honestly. Why was he always just so calm with him? I mean he explained it yes, hes seen it for so many years but why didnt he at least call the cops? Then again was the cops really gonna help him?

Entering the home, it felt like deja vu. Coming home on anniversary and Jungkook was cooking their favorite shared dish.

Spaghetti! Yn liked it because it was delicious and Jungkook probably like it because it reminded him of blood.

“My love! You are right on time! The Spaghetti is hot and ready to be platted. Get comfortable and come eat”

He didn’t need to turn around for yn to know that it was actually him. He colored his tattoos, became more swoll and also cut his long hair.

Yn didnt change anything or didnt get comfortable since this was all just too much for her.

‘Keep calm and go with his plan, yn.’ Thats all she kept telling herself.

Though what was his plan? Drug her? Kill her?

Well, none of those. He wanted her back. If that meant living in this house with her, then so be it. Jin had Bam so, they’d have plenty of time together.

Finally he sat down with two plates of spaghetti and there he was in all his glory.

He had the cockiest smirk while toying with his now new lip ring before sitting down across from yn.

“ Fucking finally, i have you again.”

[seokjins-luigi]

I hate everything about you | pjm | mini masterlist

pairing ↠ ex! Jimin x ex! f! reader

genre ↠ exes to lovers | a bit of love triangle | angst | smut | fluff

18+

banner: by the amazing @kookdiaries

summary ↠ accidentally, you bump into your ex who, mind you, previously cheated on you. so you're 99% sure the only feeling you have left for him is sheer hate. but the 1% leaves you questioning.

feedback is always appreciated 💜

permanent taglist ↠ @goldenhoney-cas @yuugehn

part 1 | part 2