♡marble moonstones♡

⊹ ࣪ ˖ series ⊹ ࣪ ˖

catharsis masterlist

after a chance encounter with a handsome stranger, you find yourself living with him and his six boyfriends. all of whom are the most kindhearted men you’ve ever met. who will fall first? you or them? collegestudentreader!au status: finished

bangtan boys x taylor swift eras masterlist

starting a new series where i’m writing each of the boys as taylor swift eras! i’m choosing a song from each album and then writing a story with a specific trope about one of the boys. since there are ten eras and only seven members, three of the stories will be ot7. 💗 had to do this for the fellow army swifties out there! status: on hiatus

⊹ ࣪ ˖ drabbles⊹ ࣪ ˖

stiletto

bangtan may think they’re the mafia kings, but little do they know you are the rising queen. mafia!au wc: ~2.3k

vii

seven men and how you came to date them. fluff !! wc: ~1.8k

coming soon!

snow flower

moments of a perfect christmas with jin. fluff!! wc: ~2.5k

coming soon!

coming soon!

lucky

a cute date involving your boyfriend, the barbie movie, and one strawberry shortcake milkshake. fluff!! boyfriend!parkjimin wc: ~2.2k

gone astray

you and taehyung are scared, but at least you’re together. lovewinsall!au angst!! wc: ~3.1k

cravings

A few more beams of the morning light stream through the curtain and fall across Jungkook's sleeping form, leaving slices of gold on his face. He's so angelic when sleeping, lips pouting slightly even in sleep. 

"Should we wake up Kookie?" Jimin asks me, a bit more awake after stretching and rubbing his eyes. 

I nod and roll out of bed, seeing that it's almost noon. Jin told us he'll let us sleep because we're on break, but will be coming to wake us up always for lunch because he says we need to eat. 

Jimin walks to the window and grins at me before pushing the curtain open, letting in all the morning light. 

"Hrrgh..." Jungkook mumbles, the light doing its job and waking him up, but I ignore his morning grumbles in favor of-

"Snow! Oh my god, we might just get a white Christmas," Jimin says, peering eagerly out the window at the fluffy flakes that are falling. 

I quickly join him and smile as we watch the thick flurries blanket the ground. 

"Guys, can we please shut the curtains?" Jungkook says from behind us, sleep evident in his voice.

"No." Jimin and I say in unison, making us giggle. 

"You guys are like a bunch of kids, my god, you'd think it never snows," Jungkook grumbles, but we hear him get out of bed and pad towards us. 

"Look Kook!" I say excitedly, bouncing on my toes a little, "It's so pretty." There really is nothing like a white Christmas. 

"I guess," Jungkook says from in between Jimin and I, a small smile finally gracing his face. 

"Ah, I see you kids finally woke up," a voice says from behind us, and we all three look and it's Jin, crossed arms but with a fond look on his face. "Now, c'mon. Step away from the window and come eat." 

~

After a nice lunch we all lounge around in the living room, a Christmas movie on in the background as we talk and just relax on the couches. But I get distracted by staring out the window at the fluffy snow that's still falling. I want to go play in it. As childish as that may sound, there's nothing like building a snowman or making a snow angel to enjoy the snow. And having Jin's hot chocolate afterwards sounds like a good plan too. 

I try not to fidget too much, or mention my want, but it seems that Taehyung read my mind.

"Hey guys, let's go out and play in it!" He suggests, and I perk up. 

"Okay, who wants to? I'll get the coats. And gloves. And hats. And scarves..." Jin mumbles, already walking towards the coat closet. 

In the end, it's everyone that decides to come out. Yoongi didn't want to at first, but I begged him to until he agreed.

"Please, Yoodles? You're the only one who's not coming," I whine, tilting my head at him as I sit next to him on the sofa. 

"For good reason. It's cold out, and I don't like the snow that much," he says, arms crossed, looking like a pouty kitten in his oversized sweatshirt. 

"But pleeeease? For me?" I clasp my hands and widen my eyes, blinking as I stare into Yoongi's eyes, his cheeks now dusted with blush as I make a show out of it. 

"Oh, c'mon hyung. Just give in," Jimin says knowingly, rolling his eyes and smiling, "You can't deny her." 

I stare at Yoongi for another second before he sighs. 

"Fine."

I cheer and thank him, making all the boys laugh.

"But only for a little bit." 

I roll my eyes teasingly. "Sure, sure. Now, let's go get bundled up."

After being properly (in Jin's eyes) clothed, we make our way outside to the backyard. It's even more pretty in person, and I find myself catching snowflakes in my gloved hands. 

"Snowball fight!" Jungkook cheers, immediately throwing and hitting Taehyung with a ball. 

"Oh, it's so on," Tae says, eyes flashing with mischief as he makes two and promptly fires them at Jungkook, hitting him square in the back. Jimin soon joins in. 

I shake my head as they screech and run around, instead choosing to help Namjoon and Yoongi make a snowcat (Namjoon's idea). Jin and Hobi are making snow angels on the ground, as well as throwing themselves on the ground in other ridiculous silhouettes. 

"Hobi, Hobi look, I'm running," Jin says, before freezing in a running pose and falling back into the fluffy ground. Hobi laughs before throwing his arms and legs into an "x" pose and falling back. 

"I'm going to go look for sticks for our snowcat's arms," Namjoon says, walking towards the trees and avoiding the shrieking as the maknaes continue their ruthless snowball fight. 

"Our snowcat needs a bow," I say to Yoongi, before bending down and grabbing some snow. Yoongi looks like a cute little marshmallow in his puffy coat and black hat with a pom pom on top. His cheeks are flushed from the cold, and his nose is pink. He really does look like a cat. 

I try to shape the snow into a bow shape, but it's harder than it looks. I laugh, showing Yoongi.

"Hey, what do you think of-" 

"I love you." 

I freeze, the snow dropping out of my hand. 

"I mean, we all do. Isn't it obvious?" Yoongi continues, hands in his pockets like he's not turning my world upside down. 

"Wh-what?" I whisper, still frozen in place, the maknaes' yelling and the Seoks' laughing fading into the background. 

The snow continues to fall, dusting Yoongi's hat in white. Namjoon comes stomping back with two sticks. 

"Hey guys, I found these-is everything okay?" He asks, noticing how Yoongi and I are just staring at each other. 

After a couple seconds of silence, he asks again. "Uh, guys? You're being really weird. What's up?" 

I wish I could turn to him and ask him if it's true. If he loves me. If they all do. But I can't. I'm in shock still, processing the way Yoongi said it so casually, like talking about the weather. 

Yoongi finally tears his gaze away from me, and looks at Joon. 

"I'm sorry, Joon. I told her." 

Namjoon's eyes widen. "Told her what?"

Yoongi just smiles. Something clicks in Joon's brain.

"No. Not that. Anything but that."

Yoongi just nods, making Namjoon stutter. 

"What-but. No. I thought-"

"I couldn't wait," is Yoongi's response before gently taking my hand. 

"Let's go inside before you freeze, sweetheart," he says, and I can only numbly nod as he leads me in, calling over his shoulder, "Gather the rest of them, Joon and meet inside!" 

I don't see Namjoon's response, too busy on focusing on getting myself in the house and the way Yoongi delicately removes my scarf and coat. 

"Take your gloves and hat off too, love," he says, and I do, my brain finally starting to work again. 

"Do you mean it?" I blurt as Yoongi is putting our scarves away. His eyes soften, and he walks over to me. 

"Of course I do. Now, go sit on the couch while I get you some hot chocolate." He heads towards the kitchen and I go sit on the couch, pulling a blanket up over my legs absentmindedly. 

A few minutes later and Yoongi reappears, two steaming mugs in his hands. He gives me one, and I take it, thanking him quietly before sipping it. Jin's recipe for hot chocolate makes me warm, but I'm still in a daze. 

Yoongi and I drink in silence before the rest of the boys come thundering in in a cacophany of shouts and questions directed at Yoongi.

"Is it true?"

"I can't believe you, hyung."

"What made you tell her already?"

Yoongi just rolls his eyes, face a mixture of annoyance and fondess.

"Stop you lot. We'll talk once you all take your coats and shit off. Hot chocolate is in the kitchen."

All of them (minus Namjoon) look like they want to protest but take one look at Yoongi's stern face and scurry towards the closet. 

After a couple minutes the rest of the boys join Yoongi and I on the couch, each cradling their own mug of hot chocolate. 

"Okay. Now that we're all here, let me clear some things up," Yoongi says, and I try to ignore how everyone is staring at me instead of him. 

"Yes, I told Y/n about our feelings. No, let me talk first, please," Yoongi says, looking pointedly at how almost everyone opened their mouths to protest.

"Guys, we need to trust Yoongi," Jin says, one of the only ones who didn't open his mouth. 

"Thank you." Yoongi looks at me gently, and I can only see what can be described as love in his gaze. His eyes are warm and crinkled at the edges and his cheeks plump up as his lips turn at the corners into a painstakingly gently smile. 

"Now, everyone needs to stop looking at Y/n. She's nervous and confused, and you lot staring at her just makes it worse. Look at me instead," Yoongi commands, and the six pairs of eyes shift off of me and I can take a deep breath. 

"Good. Now, the reason why I confessed now instead of waiting until Christmas is because of one simple thing." I see the boys waiting with bated breath, and mentally remind myself that Christmas is only three days away. What could be the reason that Yoongi couldn't wait?

"Time is meaningless, and I couldn't wait." is the not the response everyone expects. The room explodes. 

"Hyung! What the fuck!"

"Seriously, that's your grand and elaborate response?"

"Aish! Out of everyone, it's you, Min Yoongi, that couldn't wait?"

Yoongi shuts everyone up with a look. 

"Stop, god, you guys are overreacting. Before we proceed and you can get mad at me, we need to ask one important question to Y/n."

Their attention is turned back to me, and I flush under the blanket. I can only look at Yoongi right now, wondering what this important question is. 

"Y/n, do you have feelings for us? And if so, all of us?" 

It falls silent, a sharp contrast to the noise and energy filling the room mere minutes ago. 

I can feel my heart beating within my whole being, hear the shallow breathing of the seven men around me. Of course, I already know my answer. Yes. But finding the courage to say it is the hard part. And yet, the strength blooms in my chest, like flowers blossoming in the bitter and scared soil of my heart. 

"Yes," I breathe out. "Yes, I have feelings for all of you." 

The looks of disbelief on their faces is almost comical, and I want to reassure them, tell them that there's no way that anyone could not love them. But I blink, and suddenly there are lips on mine. 

I melt, closing my eyes as my heart aches with happiness. The garden in my heart is in full bloom, even though it's the dead of winter. 

After a couple moments I open my eyes and Yoongi gently pulls away, arms wrapped around me still, holding me like I'm his home. 

"Been wanting to do that for a while," he murmers, and I can only stare into his beautiful eyes, until a whistle interrupts our moment.

"God damn, get a room you two!" Jimin says teasingly, and I whip my head to look at the six boys watching us. Ah, fuck. 

"And no fair! We all wanted to kiss you first," Jungkook whines, and I laugh, not believing that these are the men that I get to love. 

"You all will get your chance, but we don't want to overwhelm her," Yoongi says, glancing at them for a second before he gazes reverently at me. "Besides, we have forever." 

Later, after being kissed by all and tangled up in bed cuddling, I find myself replaying Yoongi's words in my head. Forever. That sounds nice. 

a/n: omg i'm about to cry but that's the end of catharsis! sorry i didn't include christmas but i thought that this was a good way to end the story, even if it's a bit short. i'm really proud of finishing this, and thank you to anyone who has read this series. i truly appreciate each and every one of you. with that, i have more wips i'm excited to continue working on, but for now, this is em signing off!

After a bit we reach their studio, dark since the students are on winter break. We grab our bags and walk up to the green door, which Hobi unlocks and then turns on the lights in the waiting area. 

"Have you been here before?" He asks, walking past the receptionist desk and past empty studios. 

"No," I say, slowing to look at the different bright murals on the walls and spacious studios. 

Hobi slows down to match my pace, a thoughtful look on his face. "Hmm. I would've thought by now that Jimin or I would have shown you the studio, but I guess not."

It's a very welcoming place, and I can see personal touches embedded inside the building. There's a couple group photos on the wall of all the boys together, sometimes with Hobi or Jimin holding flowers after a recital. But the walls also house photos of different students smiling with Hobi or Jimin or another teacher.

We keep walking until we finally reach a studio labeled Hope World in bright orange letters. 

"This is my personal studio. The passcode is 0613, if you ever want to just come in and dance," Hobi says, punching in the numbers. The door opens with a click. 

"Oh, okay Hobi. Thanks," I say, confused as to why he gave me the code so easily but grateful nonetheless. 

"Jimin's studio is next door. His code is 1343," Hobi says, turning on the lights as I walk around. It's a nice and open space, with one wall of mirrors and the opposite wall painted bright red. The wall facing the outside is a full glass window, and I look outside to the bustling streets of Seoul. 

Comfy black couches sit against the red wall, and a fancy stereo system is set up with speakers. There's also a screen attached to the stereo system by the couches. 

"You like it?" Hobi asks, setting his bag on the floor by a couch. I do the same, setting my duffel and water bottle next to his. 

"Yeah, it's cool," I say, thinking about how the studio matches his bright personality. 

"Let's stretch then I'll queue up the video and we can learn the choreo," he says, connecting his phone to the screen before playing some upbeat music. 

We stretch, chatting about aimless and unimportant things. 

"Omg, I know, it's crazy and-" I stop, mouth open in shock as Hobi lowers himself into a right split. 

"Hey, you okay?" He asks, just casually sitting in the split. 

I shut my mouth. "Uh. Yeah. Just uh, well,"

"Wasn't expecting me to be this flexible, huh?" He asks, though his tone is teasing. 

"No!" I rush to correct myself. "It's just that, well, I thought you mostly danced hiphop, which doesn't require much leg flexibility, but uh, it's cool that you can do a split-"

"Y/n, I'm just kidding," Hobi says, shifting to a left split. "Now, show me your splits." 

I gulp, nervous before hesitantly sliding from my lunge to my right split. Hobi nods in approval and I switch to my left. 

"Well, it seems you're pretty flexible too, Y/n," Hobi says, tilting his head and watching, still in his left split mind you, as I reach forward in my left split. 

"Thanks, Hobi," I say, self conscious as I stretch. "I really try and keep up with my flexibility, and I hope that I can continue dancing even after I graduate."

"That's a good goal," Hobi says, doing a butterfly stretch now. "I know you'll be able to do it." 

We both stretch some more before attempting our final stretch: our middle splits. 

"Aish, I can't go all the way down," Hobi says, stopping with about a foot left beneath him, elbows holding him up. He looks kinda ridiculous and I laugh before going down myself. 

Luckily, I have very flexible hips and am able to go all the way down in my middle splits. I prop my head on my hands as I grin at Hobi's incredulous look. 

"Aw man, no way! You're so lucky you have good hips," he whines, pushing back to sit as I move to lay flat on my stomach in my middle splits. 

Hobi just groans dramatically, holding a hand out and closing his eyes. "No more. I get that you're the flexible one here, but I can't bear to see it!" 

I laugh before sitting up and standing. 

"How about that choreo?"

~ 

We both analyze Dayoung's dance practice video before attempting to learn some of the moves. 

"So, what's a girl to kick kick back kick, twist, hand hand," Hobi says in time with the music. We both practice the moves to his vocalizations. 

"Make sure to twist your foot here," he says, showing me. I nod, my goal of footwork in my head, 

After a while, we have the core moves down. Now it's a matter of making it look good. Hobi does that on his own, his hiphop background coming in handy as he adds groove and flow to his moves. 

I try my best, adding sharper moves and angles with the beat while trying to focus on my footwork. 

"Okay, let's try it again," I say, after I mess up and forget what comes next. 

"Sure." Hobi turns the music back and we take our positions. 

Oh, oh, Do you want me like I do? Don't know, So what's a girl to do?

We finish running through it and pause to get some water. I chug my bottle as I feel my sweat dripping down my back. I take my shirt off, now clad in my black sports bra. 

"Whew, I'm tired. But I still want to refine that one part, when we go back," I say, turning to Hobi. He's frozen, water bottle in hand. 

"Uh, Hobi, you okay?" I ask, suddenly self conscious. "Oh, is it my sports bra? Sorry, I can put my shirt back on." 

I move to grab it but Hobi frantically shakes his head. "No! I mean, it's okay. Sorry, I just kinda blanked there for a second. Don't change if you don't want to, I know you're probably hot." 

I nod slowly, and gently lay the shirt on my duffle. If Hobi's face looks a little more red, I chalk it up to being sweaty and tired from the dancing. 

Speaking of sweaty, Hobi looks damn good even while doing it. He's wearing a thin black tank top that shows off his muscular arms and a bandanna is tied around his head to keep his hair away from his face. Hot hot hot. 

I finish my drink then push my glasses up. The sweat always makes them fall down, but that's just how it is. 

"Alright," I tighten my ponytail. "Do you want to do it once more and then record it?" 

I always like to record myself dancing so I can look back and analyze it to see what could be better. Hobi does too, but his recordings are more public than mine. Whereas I keep my dance videos solely on my phone's camera roll, Hobi has an Instagram page where he showcases his dancing skills to a couple million people. Same with Jimin. 

"Yeah, sounds good." 

We take our places and run it through once more before I sigh, frustrated.

"What's up?" Hobi asks, crossing his arms to look at me. I try to ignore the sweat dripping from his handsome face down his neck and onto his muscled arms. 

"I keep messing up the first part, where we kick our feet. I sometimes feel off balance when I do it," I say, thinking about how I almost fell last time. 

"Oh, I understand. It's all about balance, y'know?" Hobi says, slowly going through the kicks. "You have to slightly bend your left leg so you have enough balance to be able to kick consectutively." He demonstrates slow. 

"Ah, I see," I say, furrowing my brow as I try to copy him. 

"Another thing is that your arms and core can also help you stay balanced. Have your arms like this," Hobi gently moves my arms to the correct position, "And it should help you have a strong foundation." I nod, not daring to breath as he's so close. 

"Make sure your core is tight too," Hobi says, lightly using one hand to gently press on my stomach. I tighten my stomach and hold my breath. He's so hot like this, focused and intense. 

He pauses, hand lingering on my stomach before tightly nodding and moving away. I let out my breath as Hobi suggests we try it again and then record. 

As we practice then film, all I can think of is that I'm fucked. 

~

We stop for lunch at a cute cafe before heading back home. 

"I need to take a shower so bad," Hobi complains, fanning himself with one hand as he drives. 

I laugh. 

"Me too," I agree, feeling a little icky even though the air conditioning is on in the car. 

Hobi pulls into the garage and we hop out and enter the house. Jimin and Jungkook are cuddling on the couch under a huge blanket, watching some anime on the TV. They turn to look at us when we enter.

"Hey! Where did you guys go?" Jungkook asks, sitting up a little against Jimin's chest. 

"To the studio for a while, we wanted to work on a combo," Hobi says, hanging his keys on his hook by the door. 

"Aw man! We could've gone too," Jimin pouts, his pink hair rumpled from the couch.

"I think that you guys were...occupied," I say, removing my shoes and smirking as they both flush. 

"Right. Well, anyways, I think Jin-hyung wants to go out to eat tonight after everyone gets home to celebrate the end of the semester for us," Jungkook says, diverting the topic. 

"Okay, sounds good. We're going to go take showers and freshen up," Hobi says, going to the stairs. I follow with a wave, and the two boys go back to watching their show. 

After a nice, hot shower I change into comfy sweats and an oversized shirt. I put moisturizer on my face and do some minimal makeup before going back downstairs, checking my phone as I go.

"Hey Y/n, wanna watch something with us?" Jimin asks and I look up from my phone and shrug. 

"Sure," I say, walking over and sitting next to him on the couch. He arranges some of the blanket over me and I put my phone on the coffee table. 

"So, what should we watch?" Jungkook asks, looking like a cute burrito on the other side of Jimin with the blanket bundled up over him with only his eyes and hair sticking out. 

"I don't care. Did you guys finish your anime from earlier?" I ask, hesitantly moving a little into Jimin's side. He responds in kind by practically melting into me. 

"Yeah," Jungkook says, sticking an arm out from under the blanket to scroll on the remote. 

"Oh, why don't we watch this?" I ask, looking as he pauses his scrolling on a k-drama titled "When Life Gives You Tangerines."

"Okay," Jungkook says, clicking play with the remote before shoving his arm back under the blanket. 

The first episode starts, and I'm immediately hooked. I don't even notice Jimin sliding down to put his head on my lap. 

I absenmindedly run my fingers through his bubblegum hair and he relaxes even more. 

"Wow, Jiminie-hyung. You look pretty cozy over there," Jungkook teases, and Jimin just lazily flips him off. 

The show progresses, and I continue to thread my fingers through Jimin's hair. I can't help but think that the position we're in is very boyfriend-girlfriend like. 

Absently, I accidentally tug on Jimin's strands. 

"Oh, sorry Jimin-" 

He whimpers. 

"Uh..." he says, face turning red as he looks up at me sheepishly. 

"Jiminie-hyung, this reminds me distinctly of earlier," Jungkook says, smirk deep on his face as he looks at Jimin. 

"Right! Um, sorry Jimin," I say, my face flushed, "And I don't need to know any more, Kook, so can it." 

Jungkook just winks at me but doesn't say any more. 

We continue to watch, and I tentatively continue to pet Jimin's hair, taking great care to not tug on the soft strands. But my thoughts can't help but wander. What would it be like to hear Jimin's noises without restraint? Oh god, he'd look so hot-

"You good, Y/n?" Jungkook asks, eyes dancing with mischief. 

Ah shit. "Yeah, I'm good," I say, forcing myself to focus back on the TV. 

We laze around the rest of the afternoon as the boys one by one come back home. It's around 5:30 when Jin finally arrives. We're all on the couches, waiting for said man. 

He takes one look at the seven of us, rolls his eyes, and says "Yah, you lazy lot. Go get ready for dinner. We leave in fifteen!" before promptly heading upstairs himself. 

The boys immediately get up off the couch and start bustling around, most heading upstairs to change. I do the same, knowing how Jin gets if we're not appropriately dressed for the nicer restaurant he's chosen. 

I touch up my makeup and tie my hair into a half up style before looking in the closet for something suitable to wear. I decide on a thick cream knit sweater with dark cherry jeans and black patent flats that I can't believe I found in a thrift store. I grab my black purse and double check that I have my phone and other essentials before heading to the door. 

I stop, noticing my dish of jewelry on the dresser. There sits Jimin and Taehyung's ring, as if asking me to wear it. So I do. 

Most of the boys are loitering by the garage door, and I notice that Jimin is the only one missing. 

"Yah! Jimin-ah! Hurry your butt up or you're driving yourself!" Jin shouts upstairs, and a muffled "Coming! I'm coming!" is heard. 

Moments later a harried Jimin comes down the stairs, his hands hastily running through his hair. 

"Took you long enough! Let's go, our reservation is soon." Jin huffs before herding everyone out the door. 

"Jimin always takes the longest to get ready," Yoongi mutters to me, making both of us smile. 

We do end up taking two cars, as it's easier than cramming outselves into one. The hyungs go in one, and I go with the maknaes in the other. 

"Good luck, Y/n. Don't die," Namjoon wishes me somberly as Jungkook drags me to the car. I send Joon a salute as I get in the front passenger seat. 

We reach the restaurant without incident and pile out of the car and meet the hyungs. 

"I am so hungry," Jungkook says for the fifth time since we started the drive. 

"We know, Kookie. Just be patient," Jimin says, rolling his eyes. Jungkook shoves him playfully, leading to a full fake fight all the way on the walk to the restaurant.

It's a cozy-looking brick building, with outdoor patio seating and twinkle lights strung around the top of the building. A hand painted white sign reads Moonshine in black paint. 

"After you," Jin says, opening the oak door for all of us. The tiny bell attached chimes as we enter, and a woman in a server outfit greets us. 

"Hello, do you have a reservation?" She asks, tablet in hand. 

"Yes, party of eight, under Kim Seokjin," Jin says, and the lady scrolls on the screen then nods. 

"Wonderful. Please follow me," she says, leading us into the restaurant. There are elegant chandeliers casting dim golden light around the room, and comfy looking black booths and vintage wooden tables that are filled with people. The cream wallpaper is dotted with subtle beige flowers and I note how it smells absolutely delicious as we're led to a big circle booth in the corner of the restaurant.

"Someone will be here to wait on you shortly," the server says before leaving us with menus and napkins with silverware. 

We all slide into the booth and I end up sitting in between Jin and Yoongi. It's not too tight of a fit, but their thighs end up pressing against mine and I'm grateful that I chose to wear pants. The order of seating is Hobi, Taehyung, Jimin, Namjoon, Yoongi, me, Jin, and Jungkook. 

"This is a nice place, hyung," Namjoon says, looking at the art on the walls. 

"It is. I'm very glad I stumbled upon it once," Jin says. 

"Hello everyone, my name is Yujin and I'll be your waitress for today," a very nice looking girl says, holding a notepad and pen in her hand. "Can I get everyone started with some drinks?

Namjoon and Yoongi order wine to split, as well as Jimin and Taehyung. 

"I'll just have some lemon water, please," Jin says. Hobi orders a Sprite and Jungkook gets a Dr. Pepper while I get a Shirley Temple. 

"Alright, and would you like to order any food now or do you still need a minute?" Yujin asks. One glance at Jungkook's wide eyes makes everyone laugh and Namjoon tell her we need a few more minutes. 

"Kook, don't get a refill or else you'll be up all night," Jimin warns, and Jungkook sighs. 

"Yes, hyung."

I look at the menu and wonder what to get. It's clear that this is an Italian restaurant, but everything looks so good. 

"Can't decide?" Yoongi asks me quietly, evidently noticing my struggle. 

"Yeah, everything looks so good," I say, eyes scanning the vast menu options. 

"Do you want to each get something and then we can each have half?" Yoongi asks, and I eagerly nod. 

Yujin returns with our drinks and by that time we're all ready to order. She takes our many orders before leaving and we turn to talking about random things, multiple conversations happening at once. 

The wine seems to make Namjoon more philosophical, and he's deep in a conversation with Yoongi. Yoongi just listens with the ends of his lips curved up slightly, endeared but not annoyed as he takes another sip of his wine. Hobi seems to be telling a funny story, and has Taehyung and Jimin enraptured as he uses his hands to describe something. I wish Hobi could see the looks of pure adoration on their faces, staring at him like he hung the sun in the sky. To my left, Jungkook and Jin bciker about something unimportant. I can tell because Jungkook's eyes twinkle mischieviously as he says another thing to make Jin sputter and promptly refute him. But Jin's voice is laced with false anger, and it would only take a glance to tell that they're not really fighting. 

I feel content as I sip on my Shirley Temple, happy to simple exist around these wonderful people. then, for some reason, my eyes start to tear up. 

Shit. There goes my sentimentality. Why do I always feel it so strongly? I ask myself in my head. I futilely try to avoid anyone noticing, and take a deep breath and look slightly up towards the gleam of the chandelier. But I should've known that these observant people would notice.

"Y/n, are you okay?" Yoongi asks, quietly, but enough for Jin to hear and stop his jabbering with Jungkook. 

"What's wrong?" He immediately asks, making Hobi stop his story and look at me worriedly. Now, the whole table is staring at me, with varying looks of concern and worry. 

"Uh," I try to keep my voice steady, "Nothing." 

They all give me the same look, and I would laugh if I wasn't so embarrassed. 

"It doesn't seem like nothing. Do you need a tissue? Is there something wrong?" Jungkook asks, holding up a mini pack of tissues. 

I could cry at the gesture. 

"No, it's fine, thank you though, Kook," I say, my brain running a mile a minute as I try to decipher how to tell them that I'm simply happy. 

Oh. Maybe it is that easy. Should I be brave? Or brush it off as something else?  

"You don't have to tell us anything," Jimin says, and the rest agree immediately, because of course they would. They're the most thoughtful, considerate, caring human beings I've ever met. And for that, they deserve to know. 

"I'm just happy," I say as tears threaten to fall. But I hold them back and blink furiously, trying my best to smile as I look at the boys. No crying now. Later, tonight, probably. But not right now. 

Everyone's faces soften and I look away. 

"Oh. We're so happy that you're happy, Y/n." Taehyung almost whispers, but I hear it just the same. 

I smile fully at them and they leave it at that. Our food arrives and I dig in, splitting a delicious lasagna and soup with Yoongi. 

At the end of the meal, Jin raises his glass of water.

"Now, before we leave, a toast! To the end of a successful year with many accomplishments, including our dear Y/n coming to stay with us," he winks at me as I hold my Shirley Temple glass up, "And, of course, for our two students for finishing their semester!" 

Jungkook and I lock eyes and he gives me a small smile, chuckling quietly as we all clink our respective glasses together before finishing our drinks. 

"Ugh, I think I had too much wine," Jimin complains, hand on his head. Jin shakes his head and clicks his tongue, but gives Jimin medicine he had in his bag. Of course. 

Yujin comes to take the bill and Jin pays, saying it's his treat for all of us and that no one better even consider trying to pay. He tips her large before looking at the drunk Jimin (and semi drunk Taehyung and Namjoon. Yoongi can hold his alcohol well enough). 

"Well, I guess it's time to get this one home to bed," Jin says, gently wrapping an arm around Jimin's shoulder. We all leave the restaurant, happy and full of good food. The cold air outside seems to help sober everyone who's drunk, and Jimin stands up a little straighter in Jin's hold. 

We're almost to the car, when I see a man approaching our group.

"Hey! Y/n, is that you?" He shouts, and his face becomes clear. 

No. It can't be. How did he find me? I thought he didn't care about me anymore. So why is he here?

I flinch, hard. My heart is pounding so loud like it's going to burst out of my chest, and the horrible, dreadful feeling creeps in, like someone doused me in ice. 

"It is! You fucking bitch," he spits out, eyes flashing, and by the way he's swaying I can tell he's drunk. 

The boys surround me, and I can feel myself shrinking into them. Two of them step in front of me and block my view of him. 

"You don't get to talk to her like that. Who are you?" I think it's Namjoon speaking, and I've never heard his voice be so hard. A warm hand grabs mine, and I hold it tightly. 

He laughs. "The fucking bitch didn't even tell you about me? Figured. She was always stupid and forgetful anyways." I tense up at the word stupid. It's been a while since I've heard that, and it only makes it harder to breathe. 

"Say another word about her and we'll make sure you regret it," an angry and gritted voice says. Yoongi.

I hear my ex shout and suddenly comes into view, Joon and Yoongi pushed aside. The next couple moments happen so fast. 

My hand is ripped out of whoever's hold, and he's holding my wrist in an iron grip. I can see his face up close, and I'm frozen, scared of what he'll do if I say something or move. 

"Ah. I see you're already whoring yourself out to another man. Or should I say men, considering how many are here," he sneers, and I look at the ground, trying but failing to control my breathing. 

"Look at me when I'm talking to-" I can't help but raise my gaze, always obedient if it means no violence, but I see a hand coming towards my face. My eyes water, already anticipating the sting of the hit when the brusing grip releases my wrist. I stumble backwards into warm arms, and they cover me so I can't see him anymore. I hear my heart beating like the banging of drums, so loud and making it hard to hear what they're saying.

"Shh, it's okay. I got you, you're safe." Murmers like these hit my ears and I feel boneless in the warm hold I'm in. 

"It's okay, honey. He's gone. You're safe. Breathe." I can tell it's Jin's arm that I fell into, and I exhale shakily. It's only then I realize I'm crying, tear tracks dried on my cheeks. 

"You're shaking, love," he says, worry on his handsome face. 

"I-I'm sorry," I manage to stutter out, which only makes him shake his head.

"Don't apologize, my sweet, sweet girl," Jin says, holding me even closer. "Don't ever apologize because of that bastard." 

I can only nod my head, overwhelmed and cold. 

"C'mon, love, let's go to the car so you can warm up," Jin says, draping his denim jacket around my shoulders before helping me stand. 

He keeps me warm on the walk to the car, and I'm aware of the other boys walking with us, talking to each other in hushed whispers. 

"Is-is everyone okay?" I ask, as Jin sits me in the back seat and buckles my seatbelt. I would normally be moritified at the gesture but I'm too exhausted to care. 

"Yes, they're fine. Now, let's get home before you catch a cold." Jin climbs in next to me and buckles his own seatbelt before producing a bottle of water. "Drink some of this." 

He opens it and I drink some before sinking into the seat, wanting to disappear. 

"Do you want your jacket back?" I ask and Jin shakes his head. 

"No, you keep it for now, sweet girl," he says. I register Yoongi and Namjoon getting in the front seats and Yoongi starts the car and pulls out. 

It's silent in the car, and I wish a hole in the ground would swallow me up. I just want to be away from anyone for a while. I pick my fingers, thoughts racing about what the boys will think of me now. I look like an idiot, not even being able to defend myself. We didn't even date for that long! Why was I so affected?.

Something delicately stops my picking, and Jin threads his hand through mine so I can no longer pick. His eyes are gently sad, and I can't look at the pity swimming in them for long. I avert my eyes and stare out the window at Yoongi drives us home. 

~

We get home and head inside where the rest of the boys are already there. 

"You go shower and wash up. We won't make you talk about anything you don't want to, so don't worry," Jin lays a gentle hand on my shoulder, "If you don't come back downstairs we understand and respect your choice. We know you're exhausted."

That's an understatement. I feel like I could fall asleep right now, and can barely manage to nod. 

"Thank you," I say quietly, avoiding everyone's eyes and pitied gazes as I head upstairs to my room. 

I carefully put Jin's jacket on a chair then grab the most comfortable clothes I can find before getting in the shower. The hot water feels great on my skin, but my arms feel so sluggish as I try to wash my body. 

I manage, then dry myself off as best I can before slipping on the baggy tee and sweats. The sweatshirt smells like Namjoon; paper with a hint of his musky cologne. I must've stolen this a while ago. 

It comforts me as I slip under the covers and turn off the light. I hesitate, lying there in the dark, before removing my glasses. Jin said they would understand if I didn't come back downstairs, and I have no reason to not believe them. Sleep comes almost instantly. 

~

Bitch. Bitch. Bitch! 

I startle awake, the word bitch ringing in my ears. Shapeless and faceless people, surrounding me and taunting me while calling me names haunts my brain. 

It's okay. Just a dream, no need to worry. 

I grab my glasses and take deep breaths, and try to calm my racing heart. Then I check the time. 2:37am reads the clock. 

I feel so sweaty, so I pull the covers back and go to the bathroom, trying to cool and calm down. I splash some cold water on my face, and it helps me to not feel so hot. But it's hard to fully relax again. 

I stand in the dark of my bedroom like a ghost, staring at my bed. I know I should get back in and try to find sleep again. But what if the nightmare comes back? 

It's at this moment a pang hits me. I know what I need. I need a warm and loving body, and someone who will make the nightmares go away. I need Jin. 

Despite myself and the thought that he's probably sleeping, my feet take my out into the dim hallway and across the floor to his bedroom. Now that I'm here, I hesitate. Would he be mad? 

No, it's Jin. I remind myself. One of the most caring and gentle people I've ever met. 

I gently knock twice on the door before waiting. I don't want to barge in there, that would be rude.

A couple moments pass and I contemplate scurrying back to my room, but before I can act on it the door opens to reveal a tired but still ethereal Jin. His hair is mussed and he is wearing the cutest pink pajama set with flowers on them. 

He hums. "Y/n?" He asks, eyes snapping open as he realizes who is outside his door. "Are you okay? What's wrong?" 

I stare at a flower on his chest. "Um, I had a nightmare," I blurt, internally cringing at how childish that sounds. But Jin only tsks his tongue.

"I'm so sorry to hear that, love. Do you want to come be with Yoongi and I?" He asks, stepping aside so I can see his big bed, where Yoongi is tucked under the covers. 

"Oh! I didn't realize-" I start, but Jin just gestures me inside. 

"It's okay love. We're only sleeping. After all, we're not the maknaes," he says with a knowing smile on his face. I blush, but step inside his room, Jin closing the door behind me. It's different in the dark than in the light, but I can still make out the bookshelf with figurines and cookbooks, as well as his gaming system in the corner. 

"Come, love. In you go." Jin pulls the covers back and I get in, handing him my glasses, next to Yoongi, who's on my left. I just now realize that he's awake. 

"Everything okay?" He asks me, voice gravelly with sleep. His eyes are barely open but I can tell he's listening.

I nod, then open my mouth to apologize for waking him up but he shuts his eyes. "That's good. Now, let's sleep." 

Jin chuckles as he slides in on my right and pulls the covers up. "You heard the man. Try to relax. We'll be right here."

Those words comfort me, and I try to follow his instructions, turning over to face Jin. I can feel both Yoongi and Jin's warmth from either side, close but not enough to touch. Respectful, even in bed. 

I close my eyes and try to fall asleep. Just as I'm about to drift off, I feel Yoongi's arms snake around my waist, holding them so delicately, and my back press against his chest. I also feel Jin's legs entwined with mine. 

Being cuddled by both of them makes me feel so safe. And loved. With that in mind, I finally drift off. 

a/n: soo close to the end! this story has really helped me improve my writing, and for that i'm grateful. i have few more wips and also am going to try to continue (key word: try lol) the taylor swift x bts oneshots, but we'll see how much i actually get done lol. thanks for reading! 🩵🩵

~ 

After a ride with a lot of whining (guess who?) we finally make it, and get out of the car, grabbing Joon grabbing the tote out of the backseat with our picture books and coloring books we brought. 

“Alright! Who’s ready to have fun with kids?” I ask enthusiastically, clapping my hands as we reach the entrance. I am so excited! I don’t get to interact too much with kids because I’m in class all the time, so it’s so fun to get to be able to play with some today. 

"Me! I love kids," Taehyung says, smiling dreamily as he locks the car. 

I coo internally, and Namjoon fondly rolls his eyes.

"He's not kidding. Any child he sees on the street he feels the need to interact with," he says as we go up the brick building's steps. 

"That is so adorable, Tae," I say, opening the double doors to go inside.

Inside, the atmosphere is bright and welcoming, in addition to bright aqua couches, there are bins of toys scattered around the entire waiting room. A young college-aged looking boy sits behind the wooden receptionist desk and smiles brightly as we enter.

"Hello! Are you the volunteers for today?" He asks excitedly. As we approach, I notice his bright blue shirt patterned with ducks and the cloud-shaped nametag reading Jaehyun. 

"Yes, we are! I'm Y/n, and this is Namjoon and Taehyung. I think I wrote their names down too on the sheet," I say, as Jaehyun rustles some papers around before nodding.

"Yes, here we are. Choi Y/n, Kim Namjoon, and Kim Taehyung! I'm so glad you guys are here. The kids have been kinda bored lately because of the colder weather, so they will definitely be glad to see you guys!" 

Jaehyun gives us name tags and colorful markers while he talks, letting us write and decorate our name before gesturing to the glass double doors beside the desk. 

"Go through those doors and take a right! Keep walking until you find the room that says 'Play Area.' Wendy should be in there already-she's the superviser right now-and will be with you as you play with the kids!" 

We thank Jaehyun before heading through the doors and down a brightly lit hallway with sage green walls. Pictures of happy kids dot the walls and before we know it we approach a door that has a hand written sign reading "Play Area" hung on it.

"Okay, we're only here for an hour so we should be done around 2:30," I say, checking my watch. 

Then we push open the door. 

Loud talking and occassional screams meet us when we enter. The play room, like many of the other rooms in the shelter, has a bright wall color, this one being an energizing yellow. Around fifteen kids are playing with various toys set around the room, and comfy looking couches and kid sized chairs are also in use. 

A women is sitting in a polka-dotted beanbag chair talking to a kid with cute cheeks, but when we come in she stands and makes her way over to us, dodging a Lego and hopping over many puzzles spread around the floor. I notice as she approaches her name tag reads Wendy.

"Hello! You three must be our volunteers for today," she says, smiling as she gestures to the kids. "We're so glad you could come! The kiddos love when we get volunteers." 

"We're so glad to be here!" Taehyung says, boxy smile on full display. 

"What were your names again?" Wendy asks, voice raising a little to be heard over the wild peals of laughter and talking. 

"I'm Y/n," you say, and Taehyung and Namjoon both introduce themselves as well. 

"Awesome, great to meet you guys. I'm Wendy. Now, let's introduce you to the kiddos." Wendy puts her fingers in her mouth and blows out a piercing whistle. All movement and noise ceases immediately, and the kids all turn their full attention to Wendy.

"Thank you everyone! Now, here are the names of our volunteers for this afternoon." She looks at us and raises her eyebrows and I take that as a hint.

"HI everyone! My name is Y/n." The kids nod.

"I'm Taehyung, but you can call me Tae!" 

"And I'm Namjoon." Joon looks a little nervous, but then a girl whose hair is in lopsided pigtails grins, two front teeth missing.

"Your glasses are so cool!" She bursts out, eyes wide and sparkling. 

She's not wrong. Joon is wearing normal wire rimmed glasses, but they have a small silver crab embedded on each temple. A small detail, but if it's one thing to know about kids it's that they notice everything. 

Joon blushes, and I can't help but admire how good he looks in his glasses. While he typically wears contacts, on the weekends and after school he usually swaps them out for one of his many pairs of glasses. 

“Thank you,” he replies, smiling through his blush. 

“You kiddos get to play with our volunteers for an hour!” Wendy claps her hands once, and the kids start squeal in and being noisy again. Quite a few run up to us, and pigtail girl immediately grabs Namjoon's hand and drags him over to the play kitchen in the corner. I cheekily wave as he lets himself be dragged. 

Taehyung gets drawn to the art corner, and sits down in a brightly colored red chair and enthusiastically begins finger painting with the kids. 

I smile fondly as the boys go, then feel a gentle tug at the bottom of my shirt. I look down, and there's a cute girl with a bob haircut and the biggest eyes I've ever seen (they rival Jungkook's). One hand clenches a small white stuffed cat and the other holds onto my shirt. 

"Hello honey," I say, smiling, "Do you want to play?" She pauses, eyes darting around nervously as she holds the hem of my shirt. Ah. A shy one. I understand, and was quite the anxious kid too.

I crouch down to her level, and put my ear by her mouth. "Was there something you wanted to play with?" I ask quietly, paitently waiting for her to speak. 

"Yes." She speaks so quietly, I'm afraid of missing something. "What's in your bag?" 

"Ah, yes." I keep my voice as quiet as possible, as not to scare her. "It's got some books and coloring books with crayons too. Do you want to color something?" The girl hesitates, then nods. "Do you want to choose where we sit?" I ask her, and she nods again, eyebrows creased. 

I stand, then gently take her hand. She leads me to a corner away from the main din of the room, and we sit on the kids sized yellow chairs. I pull out the multiple coloring books and tub of crayons, putting them in front of her. She chooses an animal coloring book, and I choose a food one. 

I flip in the book to find a picture of a cake and choose my colors. She searches in her book until she finds a picture of a cat with kittens. I smile, as it's clear that's her favorite animal. In addition to her small stuffed cat sitting gingerly on the table, her lavender overalls have a patch of a cat on the front. 

I let us color in silence for a couple minutes, then I gently ask her, "Are cats your favorite animal?" 

She pauses, crayon halting over the paper before answering. "Yes." 

I lean by her ear as if I'm whispering a secret to her. "I also love cats. And bunnies. They're two of my favorite animals." The girl's mouth curves up a little, bashful and endearing as she continues to color. 

My heart just about bursts, and we continue coloring until she says, "My name's Ae-Cha." 

"Nice to meet you, Ae-Cha. My name's Y/n." Ae-Cha mumbles my name under her breath before continuing to color. 

I pause in my coloring of the cake's flowers and look around the room. Namjoon is now full on pretending to flip a fake egg in a plastic pan, much to the amusement of the kids, and Taehyung is impressing the kids with his painting skills. They meet my eyes, and I smile before continuing to color. 

As the hour passes, I stay with Ae-Cha the entire time, coloring, but also getting her to open up a little. I learn that her cat's name is Snowball, and that she also loves the color purple. She learns that I am going to school to be a teacher and that I love chocolate cake. 

Wendy whistles after a while, and it falls silent once again. 

"Attention, kiddos! We only have about ten minutes left with our volunteers, so please starting celaning up. To finish up, our volunteers will read a book." She claps once, and the kids start cleaning up. 

I put away my crayons and shut my book. Ae-Cha finishes coloring a kitten's fur before quietly cleaning up her crayons. I notice she's also written her name at the bottom of her page. 

I'm about to stand when she creases her eyebrows again, eyes widening as she turns to me. 

"Is everything okay, Ae-Cha?" I ask as I notice her hesitation.

"Can you..." She trails off, and breaks eye contact, looking at the floor as her hands hold Snowball. I can tell that she's been through something, even if she's only about five. Her eyes hold unspoken pain, yet innocence at the same time. 

"Yes, honey? Don't be afraid. I'm here to help you." I try to be reassuring, and eventually Ae-Cha looks back up at me. 

"Can you please rip the paper out?" She finally asks, and I smile. 

"Of course, Ae-Cha." I gently rip the page out, and hand it to her. But she hands it back to me. 

"It's...it's for you," she whispers shyly, eyes looking at the floor again. 

I feel the urge to cry, but don't. 

"Oh, why thank you, Ae-Cha. I will be sure to keep it safe. Did you have fun today?" I ask her, and gingerly put the coloring page in my bag. 

"Yes." It's only a word, but I somehow feel that it's more. 

I hold her hand as we walk over to the rest of the kids, who are getting ready to listen as Namjoon sits in the front with a book. Taehyung sits in the back with a couple kids by his side.

I sit in the back with Ae-Cha next to him, and she crawls into my lap. 

I try to pay attention as Joon reads his book, but all I can focus on is Ae-Cha. Did someone hurt this child? And if so, who would do such a thing to such a gentle and kind soul? 

Namjoon finishes up and the kids clap as Taehyung goes up to read a book, Namjoon sitting where he was. I smile as Joon looks endearingly at Ae-Cha in my lap. 

Taehyung's story goes by quick, and it's my turn. But as I get my book out, Ae-Cha grabs my hand. 

"No. Don't go." I freeze, and Wendy comes over. 

"Ae-Cha, honey, I'm glad that you had fun with Y/n today. But now it's her turn to read a book! Don't you want to listen to her story?" Ae-Cha nods, but doesn't let go as I try to think of a solution. then I realize it's simple. 

"I can just read the book here, if that's okay," I ask Wendy. She nods, then tells the kids to turn around so they can face me. I open the book, Wemberly Worries by Kevin Henkes (quite a fitting book for Ae-Cha), and begin reading. 

At the end of the story, I put the book away as the kids clap. 

"Great story, Y/n!" Wendy says. "Now, kiddos, our volunteers must say goodbye. Can you all say goodbye to them?" The kids run to Joon and Taehyung, hugging their legs and calling out their goodbyes as I'm still sitting with Ae-Cha on my lap. Wendy comes over and sits next to me, speaking quietly. 

"Ae-Cha, honey, Y/n has to go now. She's very busy, but maybe she can come back to visit sometime." Wendy looks at me questioningly, and I immediately nod. 

"Of course I can come back to visit. I will try to come back within a couple weeks, okay?" I ask Ae-Cha, giving her a hug. But she still refuses to leave my lap.

"Okay, honey. I understand, you really like Y/n, but she has to go. It's time for snack, so let's go see what Miss Joy has made today, okay?" Wendy continues to talk gently to Ae-Cha until she finally gets up from my lap. I attempt to stand, but almost fall because my legs are slightly asleep from being in the same position for so long. 

"Woah there," Joon says, reaching out and steadying me. I gently shake my legs until the tingling feeling subsides before thanking him. 

Ae-Cha gives me a huge hug around my legs, wide eyes shimmering, as I hug her back. She reluctantly lets go as Wendy takes her hand, but keeps her eyes on me as she walks away with the rest of the kids. 

Wendy thanks us again before leaving with Ae-Cha and the rest of the kids. The other kids chorus 'goodbyes' to Joon and Tae, but Ae-Cha just watches me, head turned, as her little feet walk slowly through the door. 

After all the kids leave and the door shuts, my mind still thinks about Ae-Cha. What would be the reason such a sweet and innocent child would be here in the children's shelter? Sometimes the world's cruelty amazes me. I hope she can be adopted by a family that gives her all the love and care that she deserves. For now, I will just have to continue to come visit her at least once a month. 

"Y/n?" A voice breaks me out of my thoughts, and I blink. Right. We have to leave.

"You okay?" Taehyung asks, eyebrows furrowed as he looks at me. 

"I'm fine," I whisper, realizing that I have Ae-Cha's drawing in my bag. I want to put it on my dresser in my room so I can see it every day. 

I see Taehyung and Namjoon exchange a look, but don't say anything as we file out of the room and out of the shelter, Jaehyun cheerfully wishing us a good day. 

I tell the boys that I can take the backseat, and I can tell they want to protest, but don't. As I buckle my seatbelt, my mind still runs to Ae-Cha. Maybe I care too much about this little girl I just met, but I just want her to be happy and, most importantly, loved. 

"That little girl...Ae-Cha, right?" Taehyung asks, and I nod. "She sure seemed to have formed an attachment to you." 

"Yes." I try to smile, but inside my mind I still am wondering what happened to have her be in the shelter. Maybe I should email Wendy? Or would that be private information? 

"You two looked cute together," Namjoons says, and normally, the compliment would make me blush, but I just nod and thank him. 

There's a couple seconds of silence before Taehyung speaks up again.

"Hey, Y/n. I think something's on your mind, and while we will never force you to talk about it, just know that we're here for you if you need someone to listen to." 

I pause, thinking. Should I ask them if it would be weird to email Wendy? Or should I just leave it be? I feel like I tend to care too much about situations I cannot control. Screw it. Might as well ask them their opinions. 

"Do you guys think that I could email Wendy and ask her about Ae-Cha's story? I'm so curious about her, and I feel like she's been hurt in the past and doesn't trust easily. But she was so sweet and innocent, with those big eyes that remind me of Jungkook." Shit. Too much.

Joon laughs. "I agree. She does look a little like Jungkook. Those big eyes tell a story though, for sure." He sobers. 

"I think that it would be okay to email Wendy," Taehyung says, glancing at me from the driver's seat. "The worst she could say is that it's a confidentiality breach and leave it at that." 

I nod, thinking about what he said. I guess the worst would be rejection, but it would be over email and I don't have to be embarrassed in person. 

As soon I get home, I thank the boys for coming with me, remove my shoes, and go upstairs and open my laptop. I have an email to send. 

~

A couple hours later I'm working on an essay at the dining table while Jungkook works on his own homework when I receive an email. I pause my typing and open it. It's from Wendy. 

from: [email protected] 

to: choiy/[email protected] 

Hello Y/n! 

I was quite surprised and pleased to receive your email. I am glad that you enjoyed coming to volunteeer today. The kids really enjoyed meeting and play with new faces, and please know you and your two boyfriends are always welcome back to volunteer. 

As for Ae-Cha, I am more than happy to share some of her story. Please note that I cannot share more due to confidentiality practices. But, Ae-Cha was taken from her home and put into the shelter at the age of three due to her parents. I cannot share why, but I can say that her experiences from birth to age three have significantly impacted how she acts and interacts with others today. I was very pleased that she seemed to have opened up a little to you. I sincerely wish you the best on your studies, and know that you will be a fantastic teacher. 

Please let me know if you ever need anything. 

Best, 

Shon Wendy

Seoul Children's Shelter Leader

I wasn't expecting Wendy to respond so quickly, and I'm grateful she did. I type out a response before sighing and rereading the part about Ae-Cha. 

"Everything okay, Y/n?" Jungkook asks, pausing his work. 

"I'm fine, Kook. Thanks for asking," I murmer, rereading the words over and over until they're burned into my brain. Ae-Cha was taken from her home and put into the shelter at the age of three due to her parents. Age of three. Due to her parents. Her parents. Parents. 

"Uh, Y/n?" Jungkook asks, breaking my eyes away from staring at the word parents. "You sure you're good?" 

I shake my head to clear my mind and vision. 

"Yes. Sorry, Kook. I just got distracted for a moment." I force myself to pull up my essay and continue typing. Jungkook stares at me for a couple seconds, curious, before going back to his own work. I try to focus but yet I still wonder how parents could be so harmful to such a small and innocent being, let alone their own kid. 

After a couple minutes of thinking about Ae-Cha, I force myself to zone in on my essay. I really need to do well on my finals, which unfortunately means not thinking about a cute girl with wide eyes who loves cats.

a/n: here's another chapter! we're in the final stretch 🥳 i have about two to three more chapters planned and then catharsis is done. it's been almost three years since i started this story, and it's been through a lot with me. i hope to finish it over the summer and then finish writing some of my other wips because it's summer and i have more time to write. thank you for reading!!! xx em

"What are you saying, Hobi? I don't understand," Namjoon says, walking towards our little group with Jimin and Hoseok. Oh no. Not Hoseok!

"Hide me Jinnie!" I cry, turning my head into Jin's shoulder, careful to not smush my glasses, and close my eyes. 

"Why?" He asks, and I can practically hear the bemusement in his tone. 

I don't answer, suddenly embarrassed. They're all dating Hoseok, so I can't say that he's mean. 

"Y/n, why?" Jin gently lifts my head up and I keep my eyes closed. If I can't see them hopefully they won't ask again. 

"Y/n, please answer." Namjoon's tone is serious and I sober up for a moment and open my eyes. 

"No. It's fine. Forget I said anything," I say resolutely. Shit, I'm going to ruin Jimin's birthday with my probelms. 

"Guys, hold up. I think I may know why she's 'hiding' from me," Hoseok says, and my eyes widen and I shake my head at him. 

"No, Hoseok! It's okay, really. I don't wanna ruin anything tonight." I plead with my eyes.

"Okay, now I'm worried. What happened that's making her call you Hoseok instead of Hobi?" Yoongi demands, and I survey everyone at the table. They, like me, are sobered up. Their backs sit a little taller in their chairs while I shrink into mine, even though everyone's eyes are on Hoseok.

Hoseok takes a moment before speaking. "Well, earlier, when Y/n had just started staying with us, I may have acted in ways-" 

Yoongi's eyes narrow onto Hoseok's.

"-that I regret now! Hyung, please, I don't need a lecture. I already know how I acted was wrong, and I've apologized."

"And you're going to again, right after you explain how you acted towards Y/n," Yoongi says, crossing his arms. 

"I know, I know. God, okay, so y'know back when Jin-hyung had just brought Y/n home?"

Everyone nods.

"Yeah. Well, I'm sure you noticed that I may had been...not the kindest person at the time." Hoseok winces but Namjoon is already putting the pieces together.

"Wait, are you saying you said some mean things to Y/n in addition to icing her out in the beginning when she first came to stay with us?" 

Hoseok sighs, but nods. "I swear I wasn't like cursing her out or anything! I just implied that maybe she was change and I didn't like change but I stopped and we agreed to tolerate each other! And now we're fine!" 

Hoseok isn't yelling, but his voice raises more the longer he talks. I don't want the entire bar to know what's happening so I quickly jump in.

"Look, it's fine. He didn't say or do anything horrible-no Yoongi, don't give me that look. I swear, that was months ago. We're good. I was only acting stupidly earlier. I'm not actually scared of him. I was drunk."

Yoongi opens his mouth but then I remember something else.

"And, he even defended me against Haneul!" The boys stiffen at mention of her name, and I see trace of anger in their eyes. 

"I'm sorry, I was acting stupid earlier. Let's just pretend nothing ever happened. Please," I beg. I shouldn't have ever drunk a sip tonight. Hell, I shouldn't have even come tonight. I just ruin everything.

"Y/n, we can't pretend that didn't happen, but we all realize that was in the past," Yoongi says, shifting his attention towards me. 

"And I'm so so sorry, Y/n. I hope you know that. How I acted was not right, and it never will be. You're a part of our group now," Hoseok says, eyes wide and shiny i the dim lighting of the bar.

I nod. "I know, Hobi. I know. I was acting like a fool earlier, so let me apologize for acting stupid."

Hobi just shakes his head as if my apology isn't necessary but doesn't say anything. 

"Well, I think it's time we head home," Namjoon says, rising from his chair. The others follow and I mentally smack myself for ruining the night. God, why can't I do anything right? I can't even celebrate someone else. 

Yoongi matches my pace as we leave the bar, falling in step beside me. I don't wobble in my heels now, too sober and sad for my mind to be clouded. 

"Hey," he murmers. I keep walking, not ignoring him but not acknowledging him either. 

"It's not your fault."

I hear him, yet I don't believe him. We reach the car and I climb into the backseat, mindlessly putting on my seat belt. Yoongi crawls in next to me, fastening his belt too. Jungkook drives and Taehyung sits in the passenger seat. The rest are in a different car, and Jungkook pulls out of the parking lot as he and Taehyung chat quietly, occasionally throwing glances towards Yoongi and I in the backseat. 

I look out the window at the night sky. It's a beautiful night; the moon glows and the stars twinkle bright behind the skyscapers of Seoul. 

"Hey, Y/n. It's okay. Jimin was, and still is, happy tonight. It was a good night for everyone, and I'm glad you came with us." Yoongi is talking to me, and I suppose that I should talk back so he doesn't worry about me being quiet all of a sudden.

I turn my attention away from the stars and towards the man next to me. My breath hitches at how breathtaking Yoongi looks in the dim light. The streetlights outside blur and bathe him in a glow that makes him look like a God. 

Yoongi's lips turn up softly when I look at him.

"Please don't worry. Truly. What happened tonight was bound to happen eventually, and I'm glad that it eventually came out. We all saw the way Hobi acted when you first arrived, so it's about time we clear the air."

I nod, eyes darting anywhere but him, the boy bathed in liquid gold and shining ever bright, like the stars outside. 

"I know," I say quietly, trying to will Yoongi to believe me. He looks skeptical but doesn't say any more, nodding his head. Golden light dances over his dark hair like a halo.

We arrive at the house and the exhaustion hits me like a truck. Suddenly, everything aches, including my heart. 

I get out of the car and we all head inside, the rest of the boys joining us. I immediately follow Jungkook up the stairs and head to my bedroom, locking the door behind me. I turn on the nightstand light before  taking off my tight dress and flinging my heels off. I don't know if I will ever be able to wear them again. The memories of tonight will cloud the enjoyment of wearing the heels. 

I haphazardly search for comfy clothes and grab sweats and an oversized tee. I barely finish dressing when I feel bile at the back of my throat. 

Shit. 

I dash into the bathroom and hunch over the toilet, thowing up everything I ate and drank tonight. I sit there for a moment, stomach aching from the convulsing and body exhausted. 

I hear a knock on the door that goes into Jungkook's room. 

"Hey, Y/n, are you okay in there?" He asks worriedly. 

I'm too exhausted to reassure him, and wipe my mouth with toilet paper before responding. 

"Yeah, I just threw up. But I'm fine." I flush the toilet and try to stand. 

"What?! Are you okay? Wait, can I come in?" Jungkook sounds panicked and if I wasn't feeling so deadbeat I would've laughed at his concern. Isn't it a normal thing to throw up after drinking?

"Yeah, sure. But I'm fine," I say, going to the sink and washing my hands.

He bursts in the room, changed from his leather jacket to his usual big tee and sweats for sleeping (like me). 

"Hey, are you sure you're okay? Did you have too much to drink tonight?" Jungkook asks, feeling my forehead as I dry my hands. 

Aw, that's so sweet. 

"Thanks, Y/n, but I'm worried about you. Let's get you to bed. Are you ready?" Jungkook asks, and it takes me an embarrasingly long time to realize that I said that out loud. And that he asked me a question. 

"Oh. Yeah, I'm mostly ready. I just need to brush my teeth and probably take some meds for the inevitable headache I'm going to have tomorrow," I think aloud. 

"I can go get you some meds! You do anything else you need to to get ready, and I'll be right back." Jungkook's eyebrows are furrowed and he dashes out of the bathroom. 

I hastily wipe my makeup off and wash my face. Then I use the bathroom. Jungkook still isn't back, and I wonder if he's okay. 

Just as I'm about to go look for him, he reappears, flushed and with water bottle in hand with the medicine.

"Sorry, we had to open a new one," he apologizes, giving the pills and water to me. 

I thank him and take the pills before getting my toothbrush. 

Jungkook lingers in the bathroom, seemingly awkward.

I put the toothpaste on my toothbrush and ask him if he's okay. 

"Yeah yeah, it's just. Um. DoyoucareifIbrushmyteethwithyou?" Jungkook avoids my eyes after he spits out that jumble of words.

I blink. 

"Sure? I don't care. If you brush your teeth with me, that is." I hope I heard him right. I'm too tired to function and begin brushing my teeth. 

Jungkook hesitantly gets his toothbrush and squirts his toothpaste, looking at me the whole time like I'm going to yell at him. 

He starts brushing and becomes more visibly relaxed the more time goes on. I spit and rinse, then he does. The whole scene is disgustingly and hopelessly domestic. And I'm too tired to even feel nervous about that thought. 

"Well, I'm going to go to bed," I say, heading towards my bedroom door. "Good night Jungkook."

I shut the bathroom door behind me and practically throw my glasses onto the nightstand before burrowing into my warm bed. I fall asleep instantly. 

a/n: sorry this was mostly a filler chapter, but i do have the rest planned out! it will (per usual unfortunately..) take me a while to put them out, but i promise i have a plan. thanks for reading! 🩷😊

We get into our starting position, holding hands but turned away from each other and reaching our other arm towards our respective wings of the stage. Jimin gives the sound guy a thumbs up and he starts our music. The song Jimin chose when choreographing this was IU's version of the song "Autumn Morning," a beautiful piece that starts out with her singing acapella but transitions beautifully to a slow guitar accompanying her. It was perfect for the showcase. 

We begin to dance together, the moves muscle memory as I extend and weave with Jimin while IU's voice projects out. I twirl and extend my leg into an arabesque as Jimin holds my waist, lifting me as I extend into a split in the air. He gently brings me down and we continue, twirling and leaping to our best ability. The final lift is coming up, and I internally brace myself. I do a fan kick with a forced arch with Jimin then turn and jump into his arms. He lifts me up as I pull my muscles taut, then he gently but powerfully tosses me into the air. I bend both of my knees and point my feet hard as I reach my right arm to the sky. ( https://pin.it/4id96qUND think this but in the air)

A smile ghosts my lips as I'm in the air, then I'm falling back into Jimin's waiting and safe arms. I arch my back as the last notes ring out and we fully extend to our ending pose. ( https://pin.it/4uHHo7vim ) 

We hold it for a few seconds before I exhale and try to catch my breath. Jimin lets me go and we walk over to our water bottles. I grab mine and give Jimin his and we both drink in silence for a couple moments. After I've thoroughly caught my breath I put my bottle down and say to a still drinking Jimin, "Well, that went pretty well." 

He nods and finishes drinking, screwing the cap back on as he replies, "Yes, I agree. But, there was one part where I felt that I was a bit sloppy and that screwed you up, you know? That one section-"

"Where you twirled me. Yes, me too," I say, thinking about the section where Jimin didn't hold my hand tight enough so I wobbled a little at the end of my turn. 

"Okay, glad we're on the same page. Should we go over it now?" He places his bottle down and looks at me expectantly. I nod and follow him to the middle of the stage. 

If only he knew how hot he was when he was in dance mode. Always so specific and detailed with his review of himself and I, I can't help but feel warm when he focuses so much. And it doesn't help that he's sweating, and often wears thin shirts/tank tops when we practice. A girl can only take so much!

We practice and clean up that section before Jimin deems it good enough for tonight, and then we head out together, Jimin already having had his solo practice before mine. 

The day passes by quickly. After eating lunch the boys and I decide to watch a movie before Jimin, Hobi, and I have to head to the auditorium again. After some arguing we decide on "The Avengers." 

After the movie finishes, I stretch my arms as the maknaes argue whether or not Tom Hiddleston is hot. The hyungs don't get involved, but I swear I hear Jin say to Namjoon, "Villain or not, he is a good looking guy. Just not as good looking as me." 

"Boys, are we really arguing over whether Tom Hiddleston is hot? It doesn't really matter," Namjoon says, exasperated. All three stop to look at him, eyes in disbelief.

"Of course it matters, hyung! Taste is important, and obviously anyone with taste would think he's hot." Jimin narrows his eyes pointedly at Jungkook, who rolls his eyes so hard I think he may have seen the back of his head. 

"Hyung, I'm not saying he's not hot, but in this movie specifically he's not! I mean, he's the villain for fucks sake. I can't feel attracted to him because his character killed so many people!"

Taehyung scoffs, clearly on Jimin's side, then turns to me. "What do you think, Y/n? Is Tom HIddleston hot or not in 'The Avengers?'" 

The room goes uncharacteristically quiet as all eyes turn to me. I gulp, as even the hyungs are paying attention.

"Uhh, I don't wanna get in the middle of any arguments that are happening, so, uh, no comment." I can tell that's not the answer they wanted, at the maknaes groan and even Yoongi shakes his head, faking disappointment.

"Geez! Why does it matter so much?" I ask, throwing my hands up. Obviously I think he's hot. I mean, he's Tom Hiddleston. And Loki is a morally grey character, making his tragic and misunderstood backstory all the more attractive. But I could never mention that to the boys.

"We just wanna know. Is he your type, Y/n? If so, what do you like about him?" Jimin grabs my arm before I can try to leave the room. 

"Uhh, I like his acting. And him as an actor," I say, trying to wheedle my way out of answering the question. I don't like how Jimin is not letting go of my arm. 

"That's not answering the question, Y/n," Taehyung says teasingly, shaking his finger.

I finally cave, ready to go up to my room and get dressed for the showcase, but mostly to get Jimin's unwanted touch off my arm. 

"Fine!" I exclaim. "I think he's hot! Tom Hiddleston has always been and always will be hot, and Loki's a morally grey character so he's just misunderstood and not such a bad guy! And Tom Hiddleston being such a kind and sweet guy in real life makes him more attractive in both real life and his chacters that he plays!" 

I catch my breath, and notice that Jimin's hand is off my arm and huff out a breath, my face flushed.

There's no noise from the boys as I wordlessly head upstairs, still annoyed about Jimin. 

I go into my bathroom and lock both mine and Jungkook's door so no one can come in. I take a deep breath, trying to ground myself. Why do I feel shaky? I shouldn't care this much about Tom HIddleston, for heavens sake. But, the voice in the back of my head knows that it's not about Tom. It's about Jimin and his hold on my arm.

I grip the counter as I remember how he used to grab my arm to get my attention. Never enough to bruise, but enough to cause a little pain. He often would start yelling while holding me so I couldn’t eave and was forced to listen to him. 

Huh. This is the first time I've thought about my ex in a while. I guess living with the boys and being so wrapped up in university and the arts week distracted me. It's funny how this is what makes me think of him. Just because I can't handle some touching. 

I know Jimin didn't mean any harm, and that he would have let go had I asked. I can't believe I'm such a fool. 

Distantly, I feel my legs buckle as I drop to the ground, but I ignore the feel of the cool tile beneath my legs and focus on my head. 

Why did I believe that I was doing better? Why did I ever think that? I'm so stupid. And now he's even making me not be able to get ready. Get up, Y/n. You've got so many things to do. Like how you need to be getting ready for your dance showcase tonight! You have to be ready and show them and JImin that you're not a coward. 

Oh god, I have to dance with Jimin. He's going to be so mad at me. I shouldn't have snapped at him. He's going to hate me. I can't dance with him. I need to pull our duet. But how can I tell him that? That I’m tired? That sounds stupid. Oh god. I think I just need to cancel all my dances. But what about my friends? I promised to support them. I can't disappoint them-

"Y/n!" 

"Y/n! Open the door!"

Someone must be calling me. I look up, vision blurry and oh my cheeks are wet. 

"Y/n! Can you hear me? Are you okay?" A voice comes from Jungkook's bathroom door. 

"Do you think something happened hyung?" "We didn't mean to make her upset!" "Should we break down the door?" "Don't be ridiculous, Jimin." 

I jolt.

"Y/n! Please, open the door!" I now know it's Yoongi at the door, and the plea in his voice makes me sick. I scramble off the floor and hastily unlock Jungkook's door. I open it and there's Yoongi. I've never seen him so distressed. 

He wraps his arms around me and breaths a sigh of what I think is relief. 

"Thank god, Y/n. Are you okay? We were so worried after you ran off downstairs." He's still hugging me, and after a moment I pull my arms around him and hug him back. 

Hugging Yoongi feels right. It feels like being able to be vulerable and honest and raw, like talking with someone you fully trust and are open with. It just feels right. 

The rest of the boys crowd my vision, especially Jimin. 

"Y/n, I am so sorry. Are you okay? I didn't mean to make you upset." His eyes are wide and shiny, and are those tears shining in them?

"It's okay, Jimin.” I try to reassure him, knowing it's not his fault that I got upset. I should’ve not snapped at anything of them like that.

"No, it's not. I clearly upset you," Jimin says, pursing his lips. "Again, I'm so sorry Y/n. If you want to tell me what happened you can, but I'm not going to force you." 

I sigh, and lean back a little, signaling to Yoongi to unhook his arms around me. But he still holds my hand, a gesture so tender I could cry. 

"No, it's okay, Jimin. I'm sorry for snapping at you and running off. Everything's fine," I say, avoiding all their eyes. 

"Are you sure? And there's no need to apologize," says Jimin, eyebrows creased in worry still. 

"Yes, I'm sure. I'm just a little stressed about the showcase tonight," I lie, coming up with the easiest excuse at the moment.

"Okay. If there's anything you wanna tell us, please feel free to," Namjoon says seriously, looking deep into my eyes. I feel like he can tell that I'm lying, but he doesn't say any more.

"I will." I won't, but I have to pretend that everything is fine. Because it will be. Hopefully, eventually. But for now I have to focus on the dance showcase and getting ready. I'm going to be late, but hopefully not much depending on how fast I get ready. 

I go into the bathroom and lock Jungkook's door again. Then I pull out my makeup bag and get started. 

~

After speed running my makeup (I can add finishing touches when I get there) I hurriedly curl my hair (again, can add touch ups when I get there) and change into my solo outfit, a simple black flowy number that has mesh that swirls around me when I dance and shows off the lines of my arms and legs. 

I double check my bag and leave my room, hurrying downstairs. Shit shit shit. It's already 3:50 and I haven't even left yet. I’m not making it on time. 

At the bottom of the stairs I toe on my shoes and ask Jin, who's also waiting there, "Hey, I'm gonna take the bus unless everyone's ready now so I'll see you later, Jin-"

"It's okay, honey. I'm driving you, so let's go now so that you aren't too late." 

I give him a confused look. "But don't we have to wait for everyone else? Jimin and Hobi also have to be there the same time as me so shouldn't we at least wait for them?"

"Nope." Jin hands me my water bottle and ushers me out the door as I sputter.

"But Jin-"

"Not another word, sweet girl. It's kind of you to worry about them, but they're not your responsibility. They can drive together when they're ready, or with the rest of the boys. My job is to get you, and only you, there safely and hopefully on time." 

We're in the car by now as Jin had taken my bag off my arm and put it on the backseat as I distractedly got into the passenger seat and buckled up. 

"Okay. But I'm still worried Jimin and Hobi won't get there on time. I mean, they're earlier in the program than me and I don't want the directors becoming worried because they're not there." Is this really a good idea?

"Honey, don't worry about them. I promise, they were almost ready when we left but they also wanted to drive separately because they might get food before they go." 

Food before dancing? That doesn't sound like a good idea to me. Snacks, maybe, but not a full fledged meal. 

"Your job is to not worry about them and to focus on your dancing. We are all so excited to see your solo, sweet girl," Jin says, speeding down the road. He's not going too over the limit, so I find myself relaxing a little in the plush seat. 

"Okay," I murmer, recalling my choreography and what I need to do to finish getting ready when I get there. 

We make it to the auditorium in good time, with it only being 4:03 when I start walking in. 

"Break a leg! We'll see you later!" Jin calls as he pulls away. I wave and hurry into the lobby, beelining downstairs to where the dressing rooms are. 

I hastily set my bag down and hang up my duet costume so it doesn't get wrinkled. Then I plug in my curling iron. I only have until 4:30 to finish getting ready. Then, at 4:30, all the dancers warm up together on stage until about 5. House doors open at 5:30, giving everyone half an hour to clean any dance sections they need to before we dancers are banished to the basement and dressing rooms until it's our turn to dance. 

As I wait for the curling iron to heat up, I put the finishing touches up on my makeup. Because of my glasses, I have to apply a very heavy amount of eyeshadow and liner, so I quickly blend my smokey eye and add some winged eyeliner.  

"Hey girl, glad you made it," Hwasa says, leaning in the doorway of our dressing room. It's just us and Momo in the room, but she’s a senior dancer so she's probably upstairs getting a head start on stretching. 

"Me too, but barely," I say, leaning close to the mirror to check my eye makeup. Pretty good for someone who was just crying earlier. 

“Is everything okay? I haven’t heard from you in a while. Me, Jackson, and Felix are worried about you.” Hwasa pauses, brows furrowed in worry.

I didn’t mean to worry them. My life’s just been so hectic lately because of the prep for arts week. I tell Hwasa this, and that I’m sorry I couldn’t hang out as much.

“It’s okay girl, I get it. Just let me know if you ever need anything,” she says, giving me a quick hug. I thank her, and with one last look in the mirror, we head upstairs to stretch.

As I catch up with Hwasa while stretching, I wave to Jimin and Hobi, who are sitting across the stage with their respective groups.

Hwasa waggles her eyebrows. “Ooh, finally making some progress?” She asks suggestively.

I blush and smack her on the shoulder. “Stop! Oh my god, there are people around!” I hiss, looking around to make sure no one heard.

She rolls her eye playfully. “Girl, no one’s listening, I promise. But, you didn't answer my question. Did you finally makes some progress on operation bangtan baddies?” 

I laugh. “Bangtan baddies? Really, Hwasa? That’s all you could come up with?”

“Jackson came up with it,” she deadpans.

We dissolve into a fit of giggles, pre show nerves catching up to us. I thankfully don’t have to answer the question as our director starts talking after that.

~

We’re dismissed and given the half an hour call until house opens and we’re banished downstairs until a few dances before ours. 

“Do you have anything you need to clean?” Hwasa asks, standing up and stretching her arms. 

“No, but I do need to have a quick chat with Jimin before we go downstairs about our duet,” I say, knowing that I won’t be able to see him until right before our duet because he’s doing so many numbers. He has his contemporary solo, contemporary group, and hip hop group number with Hobi. 

“Okay. Break a leg! And I don’t just mean on stage.” Hwasa winks and heads downstairs and I make a beeline for Jimin.

“Hey, Jimin,” I say, approaching him where he’s amid his contemporary dance group.

He turns, giving me that smile that makes his cheeks look so squishy. 

“Hey Y/n! Did you have anything you wanted to go over?” He asks, as his dance group bids him goodbye and heads to their side of the wings.

“No, I just wanted to check in with you before our duo, and I know you’re busy until then,” I say, not knowing for sure what I’m trying to say. Maybe it’s nerves talking, but I really don’t want to mess up our duet.

“Okay! Thanks for checking in. I think that we’re gonna do great! Let’s just do our best, and whatever happens happens. I got your back and I know you’ve got mine,” he says, pumping his fist in a ‘fighting’ motion.

We part ways, me heading downstairs and Jimin to the wings. I grab a drink from my dressing room and chat and catch up with Hwasa until the showcase begins. 

Hwasa and I head to the main viewing area outside the dressing room where there's a tv set up so we can watch everyone's performances. Jimin and Hobi do amazing in all their group and solo performances. Jimin looks like an angel during his solo (imagine 2019 mma jimin solo dance..) and Hobi lights up the entire stage with his solo (watch literally any solo hiphop number by hobi..).

I'm so focused on their numbers I don't notice Hwasa poking me until she finally says my name.

"Huh?" I say, turning my attention away from the tv. Hwasa is giving me a look and finally points upstairs. Shit, it’s already time for my solo? I look at the tv and then stand up abruptly before going to do one last mirror check in the dressing room. Then I head upstairs as Hwasa wishes me good luck with a flying kiss. 

I reach the dark wings and take a deep breath, going over my solo in my head. Both Jimin and Hobi are downstairs changing so I stand next to Momo in the wings, as her solo is two before mine. 

Mina finishes her solo and we all enthusaticially applaud as she comes offstage, immediately beelining for the dressing rooms to change. 

Momo goes onstage next, and while I should be focusing on running my solo in my head, I can't help but watch her. Everyone is. She's one of, if not the best dancers we have, and I know our director will be disappointed when she graduates in the spring. 

Momo finishes her solo and I break out of the trance I was in while watching her, applauding loud as she comes offstage, sweaty but smiling. 

She bows her head to us as she heads downstairs, and I laser in on preparing myself for my solo while Dino performs his. 

Prep, turn. Prep, turn. Prep, turn. I do a couple triples backstage to warm myself up for the eight-flouette combo in my solo. 

Dino finishes his solo and the lights dim. He comes off and I walk on and get into my beginning position. It's time to do what I love. 

The music begins and I confidently start dancing. This is what I love, my passion hobby. Contemporary dance gives me the chance to show off my extensions and emotions. My turn sequence approaches, and I focus in.

Extend, twist, contract. Reach, prep...turn. I spot hard and tighten my core. Seven, eight! I successfully land them and finish my solo. As I extend my arm in my ending pose, I blink and the audience applause catches up to my ears. I hope the boys liked my solo. 

 The lights dim and I walk offstage, feeling proud as other fellow dancers compliment me. I bow my head and say thank you, and head downstairs to my dressing room where Hwasa gives me a huge hug.

"I'm so proud of you, girl! You did amazing," she says as I shut the door and start to change into Jimin and I's duet costume. It's the opposite of my solo costume; white with flowy sleeves and delicate layers that shimmer when I move under the light. 

"Thank you! I'm sure you're going to do great too," I say, done changing but sit to do my makeup change. I wipe the dark makeup off my eyes and change it to a shimmery white eyeshadow that blends into a soft pink. When I'm done touching up my lipstick, Hwasa remarks, "I can't wait to see you and Jimin's duet. I bet it's so smexy." She waggles her eyebrows and I laugh despite myself, checking the dance number we're on. 

"Sure, Hwasa. We're dancing to IU's cover of Autumn Morning, an acoustic and slow song. SO 'smexy' as you said." I stand and jerk my head towards the door. "Also, we should probably head upstairs. Your solo is soon and my 'smexy' duet with Jimin is also."

Hwasa just grins and we head upstairs back to the familiar wings. 

Hoseok's hiphop group is finishing their performance, and while I could only catch the end of it, my eyes are immediately drawn to him. He moves so smooth yet sharp at the same time, and the smirk on his face makes mine heat up. Wow, he's really hot, I think unhelpfully. 

"Damn, I always forget your man can dance," Hwasa whispers next to me as they pose and the lights dim. 

I turn my head to respond but they're already coming offstage so I just grin and mouth "amazing job" to all the dancers. Hobi gives me a finger heart and smiles, the opposite of the hot dance machine I just saw on stage. 

"Girl, you gotta believe me when I say they like you," Hwasa whispers as they head downstairs. 

I stare at the door Hobi just exited, not comprehending what she said. "Huh, what?" 

Hwasa laughs. "Never mind. It's clear you like them too." 

I turn my heads towards her and give her a deadpan stare. "Shouldn't you be focusing on your solo? You're almost up," I whisper.

Hwasa shrugs but starts to run through it in her head. 

Two more dances pass and soon enough Hwasa goes onstage to perform her solo. She performs amazing, just like I knew she would. Her confidence and sharp body moments draw the eye and I cheer and clap loudly for her as she comes offstage.

"You did so good!" I whisper in her ear, side hugging her proudly. She grins and thanks me before grabbing her water bottle and chugging it. 

"Okay girl, now that I'm done I can't wait to watch you and Jimin's duet," she whispers, making my heart thump. I thought I was prepared for this, but now that there's only two more dances until our duet I start to feel the nerves creep in.

"Thanks," I whisper back, mentally running through the dance in my head. Since Jimin starts on the opposite side of the stage, I can't discuss anything with him before we go on. But I trust him. The question is, do I trust myself? 

Irene and Seulgi finish their duet and Mina goes on to perform her solo. Jimin and I's duet is after. I position myself closer to the edge of the wings and spot Jimin on the other side. He gives me a thumbs up and a smile, which I hesitantly return. Oh god, I can't mess this up, especially with all the boys watching. 

"We got this," he mouths, nodding his head. I make a heart with my hand in response. 

Mina finishes, posing gracefully as the lights dim and the audience applauds. 

Jimin and I walk onstage and melt into our beginning pose. The lights fade on, hot and bright, but Jimin's hand is cool as I hold it. IU's beautiful voice rings out. 

Then we dance. 

My nerves disappear as Jimin and I do the thing we love. We extend and turn and leap in tandem, two halves coming together to be whole. I never knew that I could dance so well with a partner. It's like a piece of my dance puzzle is intertwined with Jimin’s whenever we move together. 

I can't help but soft smile the entire time as I turn and extend my leg into an arabesque, just like rehearsal. Jimin holds my waist as I extend fully, and his hands are firm and trusting as he lifts me. I point my toes hard as I extend into the full split. 

We continue, euphoria taking over me with every step and extenstion. The final lift approaches for the last time, and as we do our fan kick I notice out of the corner of my eye Jimin soft smiling at me. His eyes are scrunched up slightly and I do a slight nod, as if to assure him we can do this one last time.

So I turn and jump into Jimin's waiting arms for the last time. He casts me into the air and I feel like I'm flying. I reach towards the bright lights with my head up and think about how this is what it feels like to be with the boys. Free and cathartic, yet I'm still yearning for more. I want more. But it's just barely out of reach.

I land safely into Jimin's arms and we finish the dance. The lights dim on us and the audience applause suddenly hits my ears like an ocean wave. 

Jimin and I walk offstage and before I can compliment him, he wraps his arms around me. I freeze for a moment before hesitantly wrapping my arms around him. We're both sweaty but I can't find it in myself to care. 

After a couple moments Jimin pulls back, whispering in my ear, "I'm sorry about earlier at the house."

Our faces are mere inches apart as I reply, "There's nothing to be sorry about." 

He looks like he wants to say more but only nods, his face tight. 

~

After the showcase is over Jimin, Hobi, and I grab our stuff and head upstairs together. The lobby is packed with people, and Jimin grabs my hand and starts leading me through the crowd. I look back briefly at Hobi and hold my hand out. He takes it, grinning, and we walk through the crowded lobby like a three person train. 

I finally spot the boys gathered by a poster for the fall play and nudge Jimin towards that general direction. He gets the memo and starts walking even faster that Hobi and I can barely keep up and I feel like I'm being dragged.

"Our three dancers!" Namjoon says, his dimples popping. Yoongi, Taehyung, and Jungkook are all holding a giant bouquet of flowers.

"For Hobi-hyung!" Jungkook hands him the bouquet he's holding; one bursting with pretty pink-purple orchids. Hobi grins and takes it, smelling it and wrapping an arm around the younger man.

"For my one and only Jimin," Taehyung says, presenting his bouquet of white roses to Jimin dramatically. Of course, Jimin takes it and holds it against his chest like the drama queen he is. 

"I guess we're doing it this way," Yoongi grumbles, and holds out his bouquet to me. "For you, Y/n." 

I take the bouquet that houses gorgeous pink camellias. 

"Thank you, Yoongi," I say. "You really didn't have to."

He scoffs but holds back a smile. "Did you really think we would get the other two bouquets and not you?"

I can only shrug and smile, but I see him watching me as I gently sniff the delicate petals. 

"Can we talk for a sec about you and Jimin's duo?" Hobi says as we head to the car. "You two executed that choreography like it was nothing! I was so impressed."

"Aw, thank you Hobi," I say. 

"Yeah, thank you. It was definitely mostly Y/n though," Jimin says. 

I protest as I get into the passenger seat. "No! You literally choreographed the dance, Park Jimin, so don't say that. It was a team effort."

Jimin rolls his eyes as he buckles his seatbelt but lets it go.

"Oh my god, I just wanted to say that your solo was absolutely breathtaking, Y/n," Jungkook says from the back row. 

The rest of the boys echo his sentiments and I blush, hoping the dark and my bouquet can hide my cheeks. 

"Aw, thank you guys," I say, turning around to give them all a heart. "Jimin and Hobi also did absolutely incredible with their solos too." 

We laugh and chat happily as Jin navigates the drive home smoothly. 

I go to bed exhausted but happy that night. The arts showcase was a stressful yet rewarding week, but I'm ready to go back my normal classes and schedule. 

a/n: arts showcase week is finally over! that took me a while to write all of the chapters but i am satisfied and happy that the story will be progressing more now. thank you for reading! 🤍

*also bts tour dates dropped..as a midwest girl i unfortunately will probably not be able to go see them as every location is so very far from where i live 😔 😭 but to those who are going to face the ticket bloodbath, good luck! i’ll be cheering for you 💜

"I always come prepared," he says with a wink, opening my car door for me. I slide into my seat (shotgun because of my outfit), still in a slight daze at Jin's effortless shawl move. He gets into the driver's seat, ready to chauffer me to the concert hall.

After a smooth ride, Jin parks and hops out of the car, telling me, "Don't open your door!"

I hold back a smile as he dashes to my car door and opens it for me, helping me out. I feel like Cinderella getting ready to enter the ball. 

"Thank you Jin, always the gentlemen," I say, which is totally true. I haven't forgotten ysterday's elevator incident, but Jin is acting the same that he's always been. I'm grateful because I'm still trying to process the events that happened. 

"Of course, my lady." He does an exaggerated bow, and I laugh while the rest of the boys come around the van. 

"Let's go!" Jungkook says, skipping ahead with Taehyung. 

I walk fast, trying to get out of the cold, even though Jin's fancy shawl has blocked some of it. The bite is still in the air, chilling my bones. But, alas, my heels cause me to not be as fast as I want to be. 

"Hey Y/n, do you..uh..want me to..uhh..." Namjoon stutters from his position on my right. He almost trips over a rock and I reach out a hand, afraid that he's going to fall. 

"You okay, Joon?" I ask, concerned for the man. 

"I'm fine," he mumbles, pink dusting his cheeks. "I was just gonna ask if you wanted me to carry you." 

He says the last part so quietly I almost wonder if I heard it right. 

"Oh, uh, well that's nice of you, but, uh..are you sure..." I can't find the right words but then I stumble on a piece of gravel and stop for a minute to adjust my heels. 

"Dammit, Joon, just carry the lady already!" Jin calls from in front of us. Yoongi gives us a look, raising his eyebrows at Namjoon. 

"Okay okay hyung." Namjoon gently sweeps me up, bridal (or princess) style. "This okay, Y/n?" He asks, not even struggling to hold me at all. 

Why is it so hot? 

"Um, yeah, it's fine, thank you Namjoon," I say, suddenly feeling a rush to my cheeks and warming my whole body. 

Namjoon holds me steady as he takes big strides towards the entrance, and I can't stop myself from gazing up at him. His brows are furrowed and his lips are sllightly pursed, as if he is afraid he'll drop me. But I know he won't. 

"You alright there?" He asks me, sharp lines softening into soft creases and dimples as he looks down at me. 

"Yep," I say, aware of how close our faces are. His lips look really soft and pink, especially in this lighting of the sunset. 

"Hey lovebirds, we made it!" Jimin cheekily says, holding open the door for us. 

Namjoon hastily clears his throat, setting me down carefully, as if I'm glass. 

"Thanks Joon," I murmer to him, ignoring the big smile stretched across Jimin's face. 

"We'll go find the waiting area," Yoongi says, gesturing for the boys to look at the directory. 

"I'm gonna go downstairs! Bye guys," I say, walking as fast as I can in my heels towards the stairs. 

"Break a leg, Y/n!" They call. 

I descend the stairs slowly because I'm thinking about Namjoon (and I'm trying not to fall). Sure, he's always been handsome, but I hadn't realized how strong he was too. I knew he worked out and had muscles, but to be carried by him really makes me realize his strength. A gentle giant, I think.

I reach the basement and find a place to put my purse and Jin's coat. 

"Hey Y/n!" Seungmin says, waving to me from across the room. I walk over to him and Jihyo.

"Hey guys! How are you doing?" I ask, crossing my arms. 

"Good! Finally ready to sing these songs that we've been practicing forever," Jihyo says with an eye roll. But I can tell she's not serious. Jihyo is one of the best singers we have, and she mastered our songs before anyone else. Of course it would seem like we've been rehearsing forever to her. 

"Yeah yeah, miss star singer," I say teasingly with a fond eye roll of my own. 

"Anyways, let's not talk about choir. Let's talk about something more important." Jihyo has a gleam in her eye as she leans her head forward towards me. "Something like..you and those boys. There's seven of them, right?" 

I look at her, confused as to how she knows about them. Then I turn to the culprit, who is smiling guiltily.

"Seungmin!" I cry, smacking said boy on the shoulder. 

"Ow! Hey! Listen, I didn't mean to, it just slipped out." I don't believe him, but I can't be mad at him. Jihyo is kind, and I know she won't tell anyone. 

"It's okay, Y/n, no need to be shy," Jihyo says, waggling her eyebrows, "Of course, I'm dating Jeongyeon, but anyone with eyes, attracted to men or not, can see that they're absolutely gorgeous. And kind." Jihyo starts counting on her fingers. "And loaded. And jacked. And have a fine-"

"Okay! That's enough!" I say, cheeks on fire yet again because of the way Jihyo is so brazenly talking about them. 

"You should totally go for it," she urges, suddenly serious as she places a hand on my shoulder. "You deserve a good relationship, and by the way they act around you you have nothing to worry about." 

I sigh, not wanting to talk about my relationship with the boys. Yes, I had hope, but I don't want to make a fool of myself. 

"Look, I'm not going to force you to talk about it, but you should at least know that they care for you, whether it be as just a friend or something more. Try to talk to them, and if you don't feel comfortable then try to notice how they act around you." Jihyo pats my shoulder once more before she heads off to warm up. Since when did she give great advice? 

"I didn't mean to tell her, Y/n, but she had heard of the bad rumors Haneul was saying. So, I had to clear them up and it just kinda came out. She has such a warm presence and made me just wanna..I don't know..talk. I'm sorry," Seungmin apologizes. 

I sigh yet again, still a little irritated but understand where he's coming from. Jihyo does radiate big sister energy, and I'm sure Seungmin felt like he could trust her. 

"It's okay, Seungmin, I understand. And her advice actually did help me in a way. But for now, let's go focus on warming up and performing good." I change the subject and start going through vocal exercises. Seungmin looks like he wants to say more, but doesn't, instead joining me. 

We warm up and then join the rest of the chor in doing scales and such. 

"Okay everyone! We're on in ten," Professor Park says, "You all know your lineup spots, so break a leg!"

Everyone disperses, some going to get water, others (like Jihyo) practicing their notes one more time. 

"Alright, let's do this," I mumble to myself. I'm not that nervous because I don't have any solo parts, and while my singing may not be good enough to make me famous, I am confident in my voice and my harmonies that I have to sing. 

"Good luck, Y/n," Seungmin says, flashing me a smile as he heads upstairs on the opposite side where the tenors and basses go. 

"You too," I say back, drinking one more swig of water before going upstairs with my fellow sopranos and altos. 

We get into order, and I stand in between Momo and Jihyo. 

"Break a leg, girls!" Jihyo says to us, smiling before we head into the lights. 

We walk on in a line, going up onto the riser, and I don't trip in these stupid heels, which I count as a win. The choir settles as Professor Park raises her arms, ready to cue the pianist and us. I hurridly scan the crowd for the boys, and find them in the middle of the third row. Yoongi catches my eye and softly smiles. My heart twings but then I have to focus Professor Park. 

Our music starts and I take my breath and sing. 

Singing was always a hobby to me in primary and high school, never serious enough to make me audition for honor choir, but I always enjoyed it. My voice was not the best, but I knew the notes and could hold singing against the other vocal parts. 

Jihyo's solo starts and I am happy for the short break. I listen to her, and hope that she can get out of here and become a singer, which is her dream. She's majoring in music education, and while she would be an amazing teacher, I think that her true dream lies in performing. 

The songs go smoothly, but I find my eyes being drawn to the boys instead of Professor Park. The maknaes are encouraging, big smiles and cheeks drawn up. Yoongi and Namjoon are more subtle, softer smiles on their faces, looking as if they're being transported to another world with the music. Jin and Hobi bob their head to the music, and I wonder if they know that they're in sync with each other. 

Our set finishes and we bow with Professor Park and the pianist. The boys all clap zealously and I flash a smile at them, hoping that they see. 

Once backstage we head downstairs until everyone else finishes their set. I watch with Seungmin and Jihyo on the TV. 

"Great job, everyone!" Professor Park says, grinning as she congratulates us on a successful concert. I bow and thank her before grabbing my purse and coat and say goodbye to Seungmin and Jihyo. 

"Think about what I said, Y/n!" Jihyo calls as I head to the stairs. I nod and wave to her. 

Oh, I'll think about it. Talking to them is out of the question; it's too scary of an option. I guess I'll just have to notice how they act around me. Like when Namjoon literally carried me inside today. Or when Jimin gifted me this ring. Clearly they care about me, that much is obvious. But is it as a friend does, or something more? 

These thoughts are all clouding my brain I hardly realize that I've made it up all the stairs, ignoring the dull ache in my feet. 

There are hordes of people, but I only search for the boys. Namjoon is pretty tall, so I should be able to see him. I walk slowly into the crowd, scanning all over for them. But where in the world are they? 

I feel a warm and gentle hand lay itself on my shoulder. I turn around and it's like he knew I was thinking about him. 

"Namjoon! I was looking for you, but I couldn't find you or anyone else!" I exclaim, seeing the familiar faces of the boys behind him. 

"We're here now. And you did absolutely amazing, sweetpea," Namjoon says, taking his hand off my shoulder to gesture at Jin, his dimples creasing his cheeks. 

"To your beautiful performance, babe!" Jungkook cheers as Jin hands me a giant bouquet of flowers. 

I'm in awe of how big it is, and it almost dwarfs my view of them. 

"We hope you like peonies," Jimin says, plucking one effortlessly from the bouquet and slipping it into my hair like a lead from a teen romance movie.

Okay, definitely noticing these actions. 

"They're gorgeous! Thank you so much. I can't believe I didn't see these when we came in," I gush, holding the bouquet in my arms and inhaling the sweet fragrance. 

I hear the sound of a camera click and catch Taehyung holding a Polaroid. 

"Tae! Did you just take a picture of me?" I chasten, but unable to keep the smile off of my face. 

"Of course I did. You look so regal, like a queen in that dress and holding those flowers." Taehyung grins his endearingly boxy smile. 

"You can sing, you can dance..is there anything you can't do?" Hobi asks, giving me a big hug.

"There's plenty of things I can't do," I say, giving him a big squeeze back. He is radiateing happiness and I feel myself smiling even bigger.

"Why don't we take a group photo?" Asks Namjoon, handing his phone to a random person.

The boys bunch in around me, Yoongi and Jungkook beside me. 

"I'm proud of you, Y/n," Yoongi murmers into my left ear as everyone settles. 

"One, two, three!" We all smile as I hold the monster bouquet in my hands. 

"Thank you, Yoongi, that means a lot," I say quietly back to him as Namjoon checks the photo. 

"Of course, sweetheart." He smiles at me, showing his gums. 

Namjoon deems the photo good and thanks the stranger. 

"Alright! Should we get ice cream or go home?" He asks me. I'm tired, but I'm not going to turn down ice cream. 

"Let's go get ice cream," I say, and the maknaes cheer. 

"Yay! I knew you'd make a good choice, Y/n," Jungkook says, practically skipping to the doors. 

"Hold on, before we leave, uh, Y/n, I brought you these." Namjoon reaches into his bag and pulls out my Converse. 

"Oh! Are those for me to change into?" I ask, touched at the thoughtful gesture. I really was dreading walking into Baskin-Robbins with these heels on. 

"Yes! I mean, only if you want to," Namjoon says, flushing as the boys laugh at his hesitant tone. 

"That would be wonderful," I say, making Namjoon break into a grin, his dimples popping out as he hands me the shoes. 

I sit down on a bench and quickly slip off my heels. My feet are grateful to Namjoon, as my Converse feel so good when I slide them on. 

"Here, let me take your heels," Namjoon offers, putting them into the bag. 

"Alright!" I pop off the bench, ready to go eat some delicious ice cream. "Let's go!" I shrug on Jin's coat and push the doors open. 

We walk into the chilly fall air and head to the car. After arriving at Baskin Robbins, we pile out and go into the store. I carefully place my bouquet on my seat in the car before shutting the door. 

"What are you going to get, Y/n?" Jungkook asks me, opening the door for me. 

"Hmm, I'm not sure," I say, contemplating my options as I head to the register and look at the menu. "I usually go for chocolate, but I'm thinking maybe something different." 

"I'm going to get mint chocolate," Jungkook says, making Namjoon scoff.

"I still don't know how you like that monstrosity, Kook," he says, rolling his eyes. 

"We all have different tastes, hyung, so don't be salty that mine is superior." Jungkook smiles smugly as Namjoon turns to me. 

"What about you, Y/n?" He asks, crossing his arms, "Surely you don't like the horrendous flavor of mint chocolate?" 

"Actually.." I say, making Namjoon's eyes widen in disbelief. "I don't think it's bad. Is it my favorite flavor? No. But do I hate it? No. Will I eat it? Yes." (a/n: sorry to anyone who hates mint choc, it's okay imo)

"Wow, Y/n. I can't believe you'd betray me like this," Namjoon says, ordering his rocky road ice cream. 

Jin orders cookie dough, and Yoongi orders vanilla. "You're so boring, hyung!" Jimin says, but Yoongi promptly ignores him. 

Jimin orders cotton candy while Hobi orders cookies and cream. 

"Tae, what are you getting?" Jimin asks as he steps up to order.

"Can I have one strawberry cone, please?" He orders, and steps aside so Jungkook and I can go. 

"Hello, could I get one mint chocolate chip cone please?" Jungkook asks, making many of the boys' faces twist in disgust. 

"Ew, Jungkook," Jin says, nose wrinkling as he takes another bite of his cookie dough. 

"Could I please get one chocolate cone?" I order, then before I can pay Jungkook swiftly puts his card into the reader.

"Jungkook!" I exclaim, but the boy just replies, "Let me treat you, Y/n. You just performed and deserve to be treated." 

I scoff but thank him, as it's too late to do anything now. 

After receiving my ice cream, I head to the table where the rest of the boys are. They're talking about the dance showcase tomorrow. 

"Yeah, my rehearsal is at 8am tomorrow," Hobi complains, making Jimin snicker. 

"Tough luck, mine's at 9," he boasts, making Hobi steal a bite of his ice cream.

"Hyung!" 

"Mine's at 10, so I guess I win," I say, sliding into the open seat next to Jin. 

"Yeah, and our partner rehearsal is at 10:30," Jimin says, stealing a bite back from Hobi. 

As we chat about tomorrow and nonsense (like mint chocolate chip as a flavor), I find my eyelids becoming heavier. I feel full, warm, and happy, and I could totally go to bed right now. 

"Looks like someone's tired," Namjoon teases as I lean my head against Jin's broad shoulder, ice cream long finished. 

"We'll leave soon, honey," Jin reassures me, gently carding his fingers through my hair. 

Sure enough, we pile back into the car and head home. I fight the urge to fall asleep all the way home, telling myself that I need to shower and take off my makeup properly. 

As soon as we reach home I open my door but am swept into the strong arms of Jin. I'm too tired to protest and find myself enjoying it, much like earlier with Namjoon.

You've been carried twice today, my brain says unhelpfully. 

"C'mon, honey, I'll carry you upstairs." He opens the door and gently takes my shoes off before carrying me upstairs to my room. He sits me on the bed and peels the shawl off of me, draping it on my chair. 

"Okay, honey, which drawer are your pajamas in?" I point to the right one and he pulls out a pink set with strawberries on it. "These okay?" He asks, and I nod. "I'll put these right here, okay?" He lays the set down next to me then heads to the door. "I'll get out so you can shower. Be sure to take off your makeup properly, sweet girl." 

He disappears into the hallway, shutting my door with a soft click. I count backwards from five before heaving myself up and getting ready to take my shower. I do properly take off my makeup, not wanting to disappoint Jin. 

I take a quick shower before drying off and changing. I avoid trying to detangle the nest that is my hair so I brush my teeth and use the bathroom. I then try to untangle the knots in my hair, hardly succeeding, when I hear a soft knock on the door.

"Come in," I call, hoping that my voice is strong enough to be heard. 

The door opens before Jin pokes his head in. 

"Hey, honey. I brought you your water bottle." He comes in, now clad in soft-looking blue pajamas with clouds on them. He places my water bottle on my nightstand before seeing my struggle with my hair.

"Thanks Jin," I say, tugging but with basically no strength. Damn hair. 

"Do you need help?" He asks, and my tired brain doesn't think before replying, "Yes please." 

He leads me to sit on my bed and I give him my comb. He's so gentle, untangling the knots without any pain at all. He then brushes my damp hair, and I swear I'm in heaven. Jin's movements are so soft and light, and I instinctively relax my shoulders and close my eyes. 

"All done." He puts my brush away before asking me, "Are you all ready for bed?" 

"Yes," I say, having gotten completely ready before trying to do my hair. 

"Perfect. Why don't you get in bed for me, honey?" Jin pulls back my covers and helps me in. He tenderly takes my glasses off and puts them next to my water bottle on the nightstand. 

He tugs the covers up around me and turns off my lamp. I drift off almost immediately, and before I completely succumb to sleep, I swear I feel lips ghost my forehead. 

a/n: yippee another chapter done! i binge wrote this almost all in one day lol. music week is almost over, and i hope that it hasn't been too boring or repetitive! one more chap to wrap it up, then on to the next plot point! hugs, em 🩷🩷

“Jungkook…” I hear another voice but it sounds like I’m underwater. 

Whoosh! A burst of cold wraps around me and I shoot my eyes open. There’s Taehyung grinning at me, my precious blankets and sheets in his hands. 

“Hey, what was that for?” I grumble as I put my glasses on.

“Come on, Y/n,” Jungkook says, stretching and going to stand by Taehyung, “Don’t be upset now. I told you you had to get up.” He has a bunny smile on his face and I sigh.

“Fine, fine. Let me go freshen up before I head downstairs,” I say, stretching too and then heading to the bathroom. 

“Sure. Also, it’s really late so we’re having brunch downstairs so hurry down! Jin-hyung made mockmosas!” Taehyung chirps, pulling Jungkook out of my room and shutting the door. (a/n: are those a thing? if not, they are now)

I laugh as I get ready, freshening up then pulling on jeans and another sweatshirt of Jungkook’s. I descend the stairs and see that everyone’s at the table, with Jin at the kitchen mixing up the drinks. 

“Hi Y/n,” he greets, “Sit down, have a waffle and some fruit and a mockmosa.”

I thank him then sit down next to Jungkook and Jimin. 

“Jin-hyung made you a special mockmosa,” Jimin says, pushing a glass towards me, “He says that it tastes fruitier than the others because you prefer that.” 

I’m touched. 

“Wow, Jin, how did you know that?” I ask, taking a sip. It’s the perfect blend of fruity and fizzy. 

“I have a sixth sense, honey,” he says with a wink. 

I roll my eyes with a smile and thank him nonetheless. 

“Wait is that my sweatshirt?” Jungkook asks making me cough on my drink. 

“Woah woah, careful princess, don’t want you to die.” Jimin hits my back to try to get me to stop coughing, but it doesn’t help. And now I’m blushing AND coughing. 

After my coughing fit subsides, I answer hesitantly.

“…Maybe?” I smile sheepishly, my cheeks burning.

“Uh huh. I know that’s mine because Joon-hyung gave me that for my birthday last year,” Jungkook teases, sly smile on his face.

“Oh gosh, I didn’t know it was a birthday gift!” I hastily say, “Let me go change! I just thought it was cute and I’m sorry for taking it-“

“Babe, it’s fine.” Jungkook places his hand on my wrist to stop me from getting up, his expression worried instead of the smirk on his face a second ago. 

“Yeah! It looks better on you than Kookie anyways,” Jimin teases, causing Jungkook to glare cutely at him. 

“Hey! What’s that supposed to mean?” He asks, crossing his arms. 

Jimin cackles. “Oh baby, I know you’re cute, but Y/n is just adorable in anything she wears.”

I want to sink into the floor and never come back. Can’t I just enjoy my mockmosa in peace?

“Yeah, that’s true. The embroidered carrots just match her vibe, you know?” Jungkook smirks again and as I look to my left Jimin also wear a devious look too. 

“Hey, stop teasing the poor girl,” Yoongi says, but still shooting a small smile my way. 

“Yeah, listen to Yoodles and shut up,” I mumble, trying to focus on eating. 

Jungkook and Jimin laugh but change the subject to today’s event. 

It’s Yoongi’s music showcase, and I’m so excited to listen to his music. I have listened to a couple of his songs, but today he’s showcasing his new album D-Day. 

After an hour we all pile into the car, minus Yoongi, who left earlier. Jin drives, with Jungkook sitting shotgun (he fought hard for that spot, and no one wanted to fight with him today). Hobi and Namjoon sit in the middle and Jimin, Taehyung, and I sit in the back.

The 94s are avidly discussing Yoongi’s work, being the only people who have heard his new songs. 

“He really is a genius with his lyrics,” Namjoon praises, smiling fondly at the thought of Yoongi. 

“No wonder we call him Min genius,” Hobi says, matching Namjoon’s dreamy look and big smile.

“Aww, look at those two geeking out..” Taehyung whispers into left ear, making me snap out of my daydreaming and suppress a shiver. He’s sitting next to me, as I’m squeezed into the middle seat.

“I know,” I whisper back, “They’re so passionate about Yoongi. It’s sweet.” It is sweet, how much they care about each other. 

“You know, Namjoon-hyung and Hobi-hyung also used to write rap lyrics,” Jimin says, whispering into my right ear. 

It’s really hot in the car. Or maybe it’s just me? 

“Really? That’s so cool. I wonder what their lyrics were like,” I muse, imagining Namjoon and Hobi with microphones in hand, gold chains around their neck, caps on backwards. Oh my god, they would definitely wear dark sunglasses too. I puff out a laugh at the thought of that.

“We can go to Yoongi-hyung’s studio and look into the archives, I know the password-what’s so funny?” Taehyung asks, stopping mid thought. 

“Nothing,” I reply, smiling at the thought of Namjoon and Hobi wearing thick chunky rings and earrings. Ha! Namjoon wearing chunky earrings.

Jimin pouts. 

“Y/nnnn just tell meee,” he whines, “Don’t tell Tae, just tell me.” 

I roll my eyes fondly.

“Never mind, you two. We’re almost there.” I gesture out the window. Jin is turning into the parking lot of the music building at our university. 

“Hmph.” Tae pouts like the baby he is, and I resist the urge to coo and pinch his bread-like cheeks. 

“Everyone out!” Jin shouts, unbuckling and opening his door with a haste. 

Jungkook rolls his eyes.

“Jin-hyung, we’re not even late,” he says, leisurely unbuckling and getting out, stopping to stretch in the sunlight.

“We should’ve been here ten minutes ago!” Jin practically shrieks, making all of us cringe. 

Oh boy. An annoyed Jin is not a happy Jin, and that’s not going to be good energy for Yoongi’s showcase.

“Jin,” I say, going around the van to talk face to face with the man, “It’s going to be okay. Technically, Yoongi’s exhibit doesn’t open for another fifteen minutes.” He’s about to protest but I continue on, “I know you wanted to be here early for Yoongi, but we can’t even get up there until it officially opens, and the important thing is that we’re here, and here in one piece.” 

“But-“

“She’s right, Jin,” Namjoon says, slipping his hand into Jin’s. “We’re here, safe, and ready to cheer our love on. That’s all that matters.” He gives Jin a peck on the cheek. 

Jin sighs.

“Fine. I know you guys are right,” he mumbles, leaning into Namjoon and starting to walk. He and Namjoon look so cute together and I snap a photo before I too start heading to the building. 

Hobi and Jimin catch up to them, with Hobi murmuring a quick “Thank you.” to me. 

Taehyung and Jungkook, on the other hand, stay back and walk with me, Taehyung on my left and Jungkook on my right. 

We chat about random thoughts as we walk, and I notice Jungkook and Taehyung pressing their sides close to mine. I smell Jungkook’s fresh and airy scent that mixes with Taehyung’s warmer and more woody scent. They make me smile, the perfumes as complimentary to each other as the people are.

We reach the doors and head inside. The sleek yet elegant lobby greets us, with signs to direct us to the correct rooms. Jin is with Namjoon at the front desk, grabbing what looks like brochures.

“Okay guys,” Jin says, handing out the brochures, “I know we’re just here for Yoongi, but after seeing his work we could check out other producers too.” 

“Oh my god, Kim Woosik is here? Tae-hyung, Jimin-hyung, please come with me to see his work!” Jungkook begs, grasping his hyungs shoulders. 

“Okay, okay, Kook. We can go there after we see Yoongi’s exhibit,” Jimin says, ruffling Jungkook’s hair fondly. 

Jungkook scans the brochure, then his eyes widen.

“No no, hyung, we have to go now.” He says, panicked. “His exhibit leaves in half an hour, hyung! Half an hour! We need to go now. We can visit Yoongi-hyung after!” 

“Okay, fine-“ Before Taehyung can get any more words out Jungkook drags him and Jimin towards the stairs. 

“Bye guys! We’ll see you later, I guess.” Jimin calls, then grins as Jungkook forces him up the stairs.

The remaining guys and I look at each other, bemused at what just happened. 

“I’ll be more mature, but Hobi-hyung, do you want to check out SUMIN’s exhibit? It’s also only here for another half an hour,” Namjoon says, turning to Hobi. 

“Sure, Namjoon-ah,” he says, looping his arm through Namjoon’s. “Lead the way.”

They wave and head to the elevators, leaving me with Jin.

“Well, I know I don’t know much about the music industry, but I just want to go see Yoongi first,” I say, awkward at the sudden quiet. 

“It’s okay, I’ll go with you,” Jin says, placing a hand on my shoulder. “It’s on the fourth floor, so let’s go this way.” 

He steers me to the elevators and clicks the up button. 

“Don’t you have famous people that you want to see?” I ask, confused as to why Jin didn’t go with any of the others.

“Sure, but I want to see Yoongi too,” Jin says, a soft smile on his face. “And what better company than you?” 

Ding! The elevator slides open, and a couple steps out as Jin and I get in. 

“That’s so sweet,” I say as I click the four button. “I’m glad to have you as company too.” 

We start going up and get past the second floor. Then, clunk. 

Oh no.

“Um, Jin,” I turn to the man next to me. “I think we’re stuck.” 

“Ah shit, seriously?” He asks, looking for the emergency phone. 

For some reason, I find this situation funny. 

“I guess the universe just doesn’t want us to see Yoongi.” I throw my arms up, making Jin chuckle. 

“Yeah. And our lazy asses didn’t want to walk like four flights of stairs so we took the elevator. Wait until the maknaes find out about this.” 

Jin finds the red phone and holds it up to his ear. 

“Hello? Hi, yes we’re stuck. Mhm. Okay. How long?” 

As he converses I look at the mirrored wall on the back of the elevator. I fix my hair and Jin hangs up the phone. 

“Okay, so they said that it should only be about 10-15 minutes until they can fix it,” Jin says, and I turn back to face him. 

“Okay. That’s not too bad I guess,” I say, sliding down to sit on the floor. I pull out my phone. Damn. Ten percent. 

Jin sits next to me and laughs as I wince at my phone charge.

“Low battery?” He teases, pulling his phone out smugly and shows me. 

Sixty seven percent? Screw him, I think.

“Yeah yeah, whatever,” I grumble, annoyed that now I can’t play Block Blast while we wait. 

“We could always play a game,” Jin suggests. 

“I guess so. Do you have any on your phone?” I ask, shifting to reach for it. But the guy just pockets it and chuckles. 

“Nope. Sorry. I’m not a game type of person,” Jin says, shrugging while I roll my eyes. 

What kind of weirdo doesn’t have a singular game on their phone? 

“Not even those stupid default ones, like Wordscapes or Sudoku?” I whine, desperate to do something. Yeah, I think I might be addicted to technology.

Jin scoffs. 

“You know, not all games are online,” he says, poking my side. I flinch and scoot away from him. 

“Like what?” I ask, suspicious of the look in his eye. 

“How about we play two truths and a lie?” He suggests, making me sigh.

“Fiiine. Only because there’s nothing else to do.” I adjust to now sit cross legged in front of Jin. 

“Okay, I’ll go first.” Jin leans forward. “I have a trust fund, I’m bisexual, and I can open a bag of chips with my toes.”

What the hell are these options? I side eye Jin.

“You seem like the type to be a trust fund baby..” I ponder, making a smile tug at his lips. 

“Go on.” He just smiles as I struggle to decide. 

The bisexual thing came out of nowhere, but opening a bag of chips with one’s toes also is so weird. But, the chip one is oddly specific, making me think it’s the truth. 

“The lie is that you’re bisexual,” I say confidently. I mean, Jin is gay, so the likelihood of him being bisexual is lower than the likelihood of him not having a trust fund. 

Jin smirks, then leans in towards my ear. I wait eagerly to hear that I’m right.

“Incorrect,” he whispers.

He pulls away, leaving me stunned. What was that? He is bi? Oh my god. So he likes girls too, like Hwasa told me. 

“Okay, you got me there,” I say nervously, suddenly aware of how small the elevator is and how hot it is in here, “So tell me the lie.”

Jin just shakes his head, that damn smirk still on his plump lips.

“There is no lie, honey,” he says, relishing in my lack of a response. 

My brain feel like it’s short circuiting. So Jin has a trust fund, makes sense. He’s bi, which is definitely new information. Maybe he’s bluffing about that? I should ask one of the boys about it. Maybe Namjoon? Or even Yoongi? Wait that means-

“You can open a bag of chips with your toes?” I blurt out, flushing as I see Jin laugh. 

“Yes, I can. And don’t look so weirded out,” he chides, making me change my expression. 

Then I realize something.

“You cheated in the game!” I cry out, shoving Jin’s shoulder. “You’re supposed to have a lie! Not all truths!” 

Jin holds up his hands in a surrender motion. “Woah, woah. I just wanted to spice it up a little, honey,” he says. 

I pout childishly. “Yeah, but how am I supposed to beat that? It’s not like-“

Clunk. 

Woah, the elevator started again. That was quicker than I thought, which I’m grateful for because Jin is making me flustered. Not that I would admit that, though.

Jin hops up and holds out a hand to me. I ignore it, making him chuckle. 

“What’s wrong, Y/n?” He asks innocently. 

I cross my arms and ignore him, enjoying the petty game I’m playing. 

Ding! The doors open and I step out. Having memorized where Yoongi’s gallery is, I immediately pivot to the right on the tiled floor. 

“Y/n!” Jin is beside me but I walk faster, ignoring him. “Come on!” 

I hold in my giggles until I reach the sturdy-looking wood door with Min Yoongi on it. 

I hurriedly open and shut the door, right in Jin’s face. This time I do giggle, because I hear a “Hey!” from outside. 

Inside is a spacious room with headphones all around connected to screens with the title of a song. I guess people listen to each song individually with the headphones. 

There’s only one person in here: a girl in the corner, listening to a song titled “Haegeum.” 

“Is there someone out there?" 

I turn my head and there's Yoongi, sitting in a comfortable looking gray chair with a sign that has his name on it behind him. He has a bemused look on his face. 

"Oh! Uh, no. No one important," I say, still holding the door shut. It's quiet outside, making me wonder if Jin gave up. 

"Mhm. Sure." Yoongi's phone starts to ring, and he looks at the caller ID then answers it. "Yes, hyung?" 

Oh shit. 

"You want me to open the door?" He asks, a smirk beginning to form on his face as he looks at me, my back still pressed against the door and hand on the knob. "Okay, no problem." 

He hangs up and walks casually over to me. 

"Hey Y/n," he says, looking me straight in the eye. 

I gulp before responding. "Yes?" 

"Mind moving? What if other people want to come in to see my exhibit?" He crosses his arms as I contemplate my choice. 

If I don't give in, then I risk other people not being able to come see Yoongi's work, which could be harmful. And, I think I've taken this game a little far now. 

"Okay fine," I say, moving away from the door. No sooner do I step to the side, the door swings open and Jin bursts in. 

"Finally! Yah, Y/n, were you really going to continue to keep me out of Yoongi's exhibit?! That's the whole reason why we're here!" He's being really loud, and the girl in the corner quickly exits through the door at the other end of the exhibit. 

"Shh, Jin," I chasten, "We need to be quiet and not dwell on the past. Yoongi here is going to show us his songs, right Yoodles?" 

I grab his arm and lead him to the first set of headphones, Jin sputtering but following us. The song title reads "D-Day." 

"So, tell us about this album of yours Yoodles," I say, now genuinely curious about his new songs. 

Yoongi pauses, trying to find the right words. Jin is silent now, making it a thoughtful quiet in the room. 

"This album, titled D-Day, is all about me showing my personal path to being free of social expectations. Liberation, per se, of those pressures that people put on me." He thinks some more before speaking again. "It's also about my internal struggles too. I tried to really tell my story in this album, and I hope that you and everyone who listens to it can resonate it some way."

Yoongi's cheeks are slightly pink under the dim lighting, and I can tell he doesn't like talking about his work much. 

"Wow. That was so..beautiful," I say, even more excited to start listening to the songs. "I'm going to start listening now!" 

I pick up the headphones and press play. 

~

I finish listening to all the songs and reach the end, where Yoongi's sitting back in his chair. Jin is currently listening to one of my favorites, "AMYGDALA." 

"Yoongi, I don't know what to say," I stop in front of his chair. "That was..amazing. You have such a beautiful way with words."

"Thank you," he says, happiness seeping through his words, "That means a lot. This album was my most personal one yet, and I'm glad you enjoyed listening to it." 

"You know, AMYGDALA and Snooze were my two favorites. The rest were good too, don't get me wrong!" I say, "But those two just stuck out the most to me." 

"Why's that?" Yoongi asks, tilting his head, his expression unreadable. 

I pause. Why was is those two struck something in me? Maybe because of the meanings and stories behind them both. 

"It's okay if you're unsure." Yoongi smiles gently at me as I look down at my Converse on the dark carpet. "Music and art in general can be so hard to describe and one may not understand why a piece may be more meaningful than others. So, if you can't tell me, now or ever, it's okay. I'm just glad my music made you feel something." 

How can such a person exist? He put my thoughts exactly into words, but I still want to try to express my thoughts to Yoongi.  

"No, I want to try," I say, determined to attempt to explain. "AMYGDALA just felt so personal, and I'm grateful to be able to listen to your story in such an emotional and raw way. I could sense your internal struggles too, during that song, and the want to be quote unquote 'saved.'" I fidget as I try to think of a way to describe Snooze. Yoongi nevers breaks eye contact, silently urging me to continue with the calming weight of his stare. So I do.

"Snooze felt more directed towards the listener too. You're telling the listeners that the road to success and happiness may be hard, but don't give up on your dreams. It's okay to have good and bad days, as we are all only human." I'm on a roll now. "Every day, good or bad, you tell the listeners that you are there for them; that you will be a pillar of support for them even if they are struggling. That's what so beautiful about Snooze: the way you assure your listeners that everything will be okay, even if it's not right now."

I stop, and look at Yoongi. He's gazing up at me, looking like an angel under the dim lighting. The ebony color of his hair is highlighted with the light, making it seem as if he's glowing. His eyes are impossibly soft, and his lips are curved up slightly. The almost admirable look on his face makes me nervous, for some reason. 

"What's wrong. Why are you looking at me like that?" I ask, worried that he may think my interpretation is bad. Oh no. What if I misunderstood what he was trying to get across? This is why I don't say my thoughts out loud. 

"No reason," he replies, fully smiling now. I look away, still slightly confused about his weird behavior.

"Okaay, so how much longer is your exhibit?" I ask him as Jin comes over to us, also finished listening to the album. 

"About an hour. Will you guys still be here when I'm done?" Yoongi asks, directing the question mostly to Jin. 

"Ah, probably. The rest of the crew needs to come in here and see your exhibit still, and I don't doubt that they will come at the end because they lost track of time in their current echibits," Jin says, rolling his eyes but with no malice behind it. 

"Speaking of, did you guys have any other exhibits you wanted to visit?" Yoongi asks, resting his hand on his cheek as he looks at us. 

"There was one," JIn says, checking the brochure. "And it closes in half an hour, so I'd better get going. You coming, Yn? Or are you staying here with Yoongi?" 

I look at the empty exhibit and think that this would be a good time to ask Yoongi about what Jin said in the elevator. 

"I'll catch up later," I tell Jin. 

He nods and waves goodbye to Yoongi and I. 

The door shuts and I'm left alone with Yoongi. 

"So, any reason as to why you wanted to stay here with me?" Yoongi asks shifting in his chair. 

My stomach starts to get a weird feeling in it. How do I bring up this? It’s a very sensitive topic and what if Jin was just teasing me in the elevator? I don't want to be wrong or sound rude. 

"Hey." Yoongi's in front of me now, concerned look on his face. When did he get up?

"Hmm?" I ask, looking up at him. 

"Is everything okay?" He asks, eyebrows furrowed with worry. "You seem to have drifted off in your thoughts again." 

Oh gosh, he must think I don't care. 

"Oh sorry! I didn't mean to, I was just thinking-" I start to say, but he interrupts me.

"You don't need to apologize. I noticed that sometimes you have longer thoughts in your head that may need a moment to process. I just wanted to make sure those thoughts weren't bad," Yoongi explains, gently leading me to his chair. 

I try to protest, saying that I don't need to sit, but his look makes me sit. 

The chair is very comfortable, I will admit that.

"Now, what's wrong? Clearly something is on your mind," he says, pulling out a stool that I didn't see earlier.

I guess I’ll just go for it. But I definitely need to explain some context. 

"Jin and I got stuck in the elevator coming to see your exhibit," I start, but pause when Yoongi laughs. "Hey, it's not that funny," I pout. 

"Sure it's not. Continue, please," he says, crossing his legs. 

"We were bored. So, we decided to play the game of two truths and a lie." Oh boy, here we go. "Jin went first. He said that he had a trust fund, could open a bag of chips with his toes, and..." I trail off and swallow. God, why is this so hard? It shouldn't be.

"What did that idiot say?" Yoongi asks. "If he said something inappropriate or weird, you can tell me. Sometimes he says things that he doesn't mean," Yoongi says, making eye contact with me. 

"No, it's not that," I say, "It's just something that was weird. He said that he was bisexual." 

There. It's out in the open now. 

I can feel my heart pounding in my chest as I wait for Yoongi's response. I can tell he's thinking about what to say. 

"So there was no lie?" Is the first thing out of his mouth. 

"I guess not," I whisper, as Yoongi just confirmed that Jin is bi. 

"Does him being bi make you uncomfortable?" Yoongi asks, and I can tell he's analyzing my reaction. How do I explain to him that it makes me the opposite of uncomfortable? That is gives me hope that I shouldn't have about Jin and the rest of them? 

"No, of course not." I say firmly, not wanting Yoongi to think that I'm judging Jin for being bi. 

"Okay, so tell me. How do you feel?" Yoongi gaze is pinned on me, but not in a harsh way. Instead, it's one of curiousity. 

I choose my words carefully. 

"I feel a little surprised. To be honest, I thought that he would only be gay." I hope that came out not in an offensive way. 

"Yeah, that's fair. All of us are obviously gay, but some of us are bi too. And then some of us don't have a specific label on our orientation." Yoongi shrugs, then continues. "Jin-hyung, Jimin, and Hobi are all bi. Namjoon, Tae, and I don't have a specific label. We just like who we like, and don't worry too much about the specifics. As for Jungkook, he's still figuring it out. He knows he's gay, that's obvious enough. But on whether or not he likes women, that remains to be seen for sure." Yoongi stops for a moment, letting the words sink in. 

That helps me have some insight on the boys and their feelings. Hwasa was right, in a way. They all may like girls, some more sure about that than others. The selfish part of me is happy that I could have a chance. 

I nod, and Yoongi continues, seemingly satisfied with my minimal reponse.

"But Jungkook has time. All of us have time, to be honest. There is no timeline to figuring yourself out. I could be 80 and still finding out new things about myself. I hope that clears up some things."

He is so poetic. I love the way that he describes things, and helps me to understand without feeling stupid. My ex would often explain things to me, but I would feel small and stupid after. 

"It does, thank you." I appreciate the insight that Yoongi gave me about him and the rest of the other boys. I know it can be difficult to share that part of yourself, but it's clear that the boys and Yoongi aren't afraid of telling me about themselves. 

As I visit other exhibits by myself, I find my thoughts straying to what Yoongi said about figuring oneself out. I feel old, but in reality I haven't even lived half my life yet. Those six months I wasted on my ex have still impacted me, even after we broke up. Why am I letting him affect me so much? My time with him may have felt long, but I have so many years ahead without him. I need to progress without worrying about him. The journey may be bumpy, but I need to try to figure myself out now, even if it does take time. 

When I meet the boys in the lobby, I feel more more calm with my thoughts, Yoongi's words helping me more than he knows. 

"Everyone ready?" Namjoon asks, as we all nod then head out. We're going out to dinner to celebrate Yoongi's album, and split between two cars, with half of us going with Jin and the other half going with Yoongi. 

I go with Yoongi, along with Jimin and Hobi. 

"I call shotgun!" I cheer as the other two groan, too busy talking to even think about it. I smile at Yoongi as I climb into the passenger seat. 

Jimin and Hobi are distracted by their own conversation, so I take the chance to quietly talk to Yoongi. 

"Hey, I just wanted to say that our conversation this afternoon was really helpful, so thank you" I look at the road, not having the courage to look Yoongi in the eye. 

"I'm glad," he replies, glancing over at me, then focusing back on the road. 

There's a lull. Jimin and Hobi's conversation is still happening, but it's like background noise. I gaze out the window at the sky, painted in fiery hues of orange and red. 

It happens so quick, like a blink. 

One second and Yoongi's hand is on mine. His touch is warm, comforting. I don't look at him and he doesn't look at me, but I can tell in that moment there's a shift. The air seems lighter, the sunset more vibrant. 

I hold his hand tighter.

a/n: i have the next couple chapters planned out, so hopefully i can write them pretty quickly. next week i have my dance recital all week tho, so no writing then. but after i will!!! much love, stay safe and healthy ☺️🫶🏼