#juminweek2020

She hesitantly pressed send, watching as a small smile lifted Jumin’s lips. She saw him begin typing, her heart jumping at what he would have to say. But as she looked back to the chatroom in anticipation, she was met with the exact reaction she’d expected from Zen.

ZEN: No!!!!!!!!!

She couldn’t help but giggle to herself, the sound drawing Jumin’s gaze as he finished typing.

Jumin Han: Your pajamas will be delivered soon in perfect size.♛ 

ZEN: No!!!!

ZEN: Never!!

ZEN: Don’t even think about pajamas.

ZEN: Since you’re not spending the night there! 

She couldn’t help but be amused, rolling her eyes a little at how worked up Zen was getting and how she’d been able to guess that he’d have that reaction.

But the whole conversation sparked an idea in her mind, one that rapidly grew into a plan. She was undoubtedly grateful that Jumin had gone to the trouble of ordering tailored clothes for her, but seeing how adamant Zen was about her not wearing his shirt stirred a sort of childish mischief in her.

Before she could convince herself otherwise, she stood from the couch and met Jumin’s gaze when it was drawn to her.

“Is it okay if I use the bathroom?” she asked. He nodded, standing from the couch to meet her.

“Of course. It’s that door just there,” he informed her, gesturing with his hand towards the door she’d already guessed led to the bathroom.

“Thank you,” she smiled, stepping forward to walk past him. She quickly realized she could have gone the other way, noticing how small of a space she had to squeeze between him and the coffee table. A bright blush rose to her cheeks as she clenched her jaw in embarrassment.

“Sorry,” she breathed out as she moved past him, feeling her body lightly brush against his. His soft scent washed over her senses, making her heart jump against her ribs. But she kept walking, moving to the bathroom quickly and almost regretting getting up at all.

She closed the door as gently as possible, leaning against it and breathing out. She hadn’t gotten a glimpse of his face, but if she had, what would his expression have looked like?

Shaking her head, she pressed her hands to her cheeks, hoping to cool them down. She had been sent to his penthouse to make sure that he was okay, not to flirt with him. She couldn’t deny her attraction to him, but she hadn’t even known him for a full week.

Taking a deep breath, she lifted her eyes to look around the spacious bathroom. It was pretty fancy, but the laundry basket adjacent to the shower was the only thing that caught her eye. She moved over to it quickly, pulling the wicker lid from the top and peering inside.

A short sigh left her lungs in relief, and a giddy, almost nervous smile stretched across her face. She’d guessed that Jumin would change when he arrived home from work. Even though he was still wearing a dress shirt and slacks, it seemed like a casual outfit for him. And it turned out she was right because a pinstriped, button-up shirt was lying in the basket waiting for her to take it.

She briefly laughed, taking the shirt from the basket and sizing it up. She figured it would be quite big on her, but the fabric was so soft, and it smelled like Jumin. It would be more comfortable than any other clothing she could sleep in.

Her phone vibrated against the marble countertop by the sink, prompting her to pick it up and read over the messages she’d missed in the chatroom. Jumin had suggested a party guest at Zen’s request and then said that it was probably time for her to sleep. Zen said his goodbyes, leaving her to continue on with her plan.

She was beginning to undress when there was a knock at the door.

“Y-yes?” she answered, sliding her arm back through her shirt quickly.

“Excuse me. Your pajamas arrived. Would you like to change into them?” Jumin spoke through the door, putting a smile on her face at both his kindness and his soft voice.

“Oh, sure,” she replied, placing his shirt back in the hamper before opening the bathroom door. He stood there, the draft from the door brushing his hair across his forehead, with the folded pajamas in his hands.

“Thank you,” she smiled, reaching to take them from him. His hands brushed hers, his skin soft and warm and immediately making her stomach tie itself in knots. He pressed his lips together, returning his hands to his sides before taking a gentle breath.

“It’s my pleasure,” he responded. “I want you to be comfortable here, so please, if you need anything let me know,” he told her, his tone genuine and kind. She hugged the pajamas to her chest, feeling her heart swell at his hospitality. It was more than she could ever ask for though; all she really needed was his company.

“Okay,” she breathed out, completely charmed by his words and his warm look. She began closing the door, seeing him nod and turn to walk back towards what she guessed was the couch.

When the door was closed, she locked it, placing the pajamas on the bathroom counter and taking a deep breath. His sweet words made her second-guess herself, and she worried her bottom lip between her teeth and she went over it again in her mind.

She knew she would be much more comfortable in something simple. The pajamas looked to be made of something expensive, and although grateful, she knew she would feel slightly nervous to be wearing something so fancy to bed.

She also knew that Zen’s reaction would almost certainly make her laugh, and it might even amuse Jumin too. That was enough to push her forward, leaving her undergarments on as she pulled on his shirt and carefully buttoned it up.  

It was definitely oversized on her, the ends of the shirt meeting just above the halfway point of her thighs. The sleeves fell past her hands, the button cuffs at the end undone. She looked in the mirror, glad that the fabric wasn’t see through and making sure that she’d buttoned it up high enough.

She turned and took a deep breath, placing a hand on the door handle and letting out another quiet laugh at what she was doing. But she steeled herself, opening the door and stepping out to find him waiting for her on the arm of the armchair near the couch. His hands were in his lap, and it seemed like he had dimmed the lights.

But it was as clear as day when she was met with a shocked expression, an uncontrollable blush spreading across her face.

“D-did…” he started to say, his voice faltering before he stopped to clear his throat. He stood to meet her, walking a few paces forward but staying a safe distance. He kept his eyes firmly on hers. It was hard to tell in the dim light, but she could have sworn there was a hint of pink just above his cheekbones.

“Did the pajamas not fit correctly?” he asked her, his intense gaze making her throat run dry. She looked down at herself, gripping the end of the shirt tightly.

“I just thought this would be a lot more comfortable,” she replied, seeing his eyebrows furrow slightly at her words. “I hope this is okay,” she added quickly, hoping she hadn’t upset him. He let out a breath that sounded shaky, his hands moving to adjust the button cuffs on the ends of his own sleeves.

“I see. I wouldn’t want you to be uncomfortable...” he spoke tensely, his voice trailing off as his eyes moved to her hands. She pressed her lips together, glancing down at them and back to him in confusion.

“Let me help you with those sleeves,” he offered, taking a careful step towards her and extending his hand. But before he touched her, his hand froze, their eyes meeting once more in an electrified gaze.

“May I?” he asked, raising his eyebrows at her. She nodded, feeling her breaths move in and out of her lungs at a quick pace. She’d had no idea that she would get so nervous once she was in his sight.

Jumin found her wrist beneath the fabric of the shirt, his cold fingers lifting her arm towards his chest. The soft sleeve slid from her skin, exposing her shaky hand as he turned it over and signaled for her to hold her arm there. His adept fingers worked to fold up the sleeve to a comfortable length for her, securing the buttons just above her wrist.

She was about to thank him, but then he took her hand in his again, leaning down to press a soft kiss to the inside of her wrist. Her heart leapt into action, the heat already in her cheeks spreading into her neck.

But Jumin remained silent, seeming to calm slightly as her heart rate only rose higher and higher. He lifted her other hand, adjusting the button cuff there and then kissing the same spot on her wrist.

It was only after his lips left her skin that he met her gaze, his gray eyes shadowy but warm in the dim lights of his penthouse. She could no longer find it in herself to speak, feeling like she couldn’t trust her voice after the tender care he’d offered her.

“I never thought seeing someone else in my clothes would stir such a strong reaction in me,” he said, his voice deep and throaty. He searched her eyes, seeming to be waiting for a response. She had been distracted trying to put a name to the warmth spreading through her chest, but she’d heard him loud and clear.

“Is it a good reaction?” she asked, glad that her voice didn’t fail her.

“Yes,” he replied quickly, his eyes burning into hers. “Very much so.”

It was then that he lifted his hand to her face, his fingertips ghosting across her jaw before he brushed her cheek with the back of his hand. Her skin felt like it could ignite under his touch, and her lips fell open in a soundless gasp when he moved to cup her cheek. His palm felt cool again the heat of her skin, her heart fluttering rapidly.

He pulled his hand from her face, pushing a lock of hair behind her ear before running his fingers through the length of it incredibly gently. His eyes were wide, seeming as if he wanted to take everything in and never forget it.

His hand returned to her cheek, and she watched his eyes wander her face, landing on her lips.

“You’re so beautiful,” he whispered, the softest smile gracing his countenance. She felt weak, but she never wanted him to stop, his touch being a drug that she was willing to be addicted to.

His thumb moved to her bottom lip, slowly tracing the gentle curve of it. She felt his left hand move to caress her other cheek, removing his thumb from her lips and starting to move closer. She let her eyes find his mouth, anticipating his next move, but it was then that he stopped himself, searching her eyes as his widened once more.

Jumin began to pull back, letting his skin slide off hers disappointingly. She immediately missed the warmth of his touch, a look of confusion drawing her eyebrows downward.

“Forgive me. I’m keeping you awake,” he spoke gently, remaining so close to her. She didn’t want to pressure him, especially when there was so much going on in his head, but her heart was still racing from the thought of kissing him.

But she composed herself, trying to reign in the fire just beneath her skin and put on a smile.

“Where will you sleep?” she asked him, feeling her stomach drop when he averted his eyes, opting to look at the floor. Even though she moved to amend her question, she couldn’t deny that seeing his cheeks flush felt like an accomplishment.

“I-I just feel bad for stealing your bed,” she explained, hearing a short, breathy laugh come from him as he met her gaze again.

“I’ll be fine,” he said, crossing his arms over his chest as he took another half-step back from her. “I don’t think I’ll sleep. I have some things to think about,” he told her. She was unable to help the worry that settled into her features, guilt pressing against her conscience.

“But nothing for you to worry,” he smiled, making her expression lighten. “Just rest up on my bed.” She nodded, looking over at the large bed that waited for her. She glanced back at him, wishing the pain in his eyes could be taken away by sheer will.

“Goodnight, Jumin,” she spoke softly, wanting to reach out to him but restraining herself. He bowed his head slightly, offering her a smile that she hoped she would get to see more often.

“Goodnight,” he said, watching her walk over and crawl into his bed. She smiled at him as he flipped the lights off completely, seeing him move towards the kitchen.

When he disappeared from sight, she let out a dizzy sigh, the thought of his hands on her making her heart race all over again.

As she laid in his bed trying to calm down, she admired how quiet the penthouse was. She felt safe there. It was so silent, in fact, that when Jumin let out his own shaky sigh and laughed, she could hear it loud and clear.

~~~~~

hehe, as I was writing this, I was thinking that if this happened in his route, it would probably be on the way to a bad ending...yikes

anyway! aaaaah! I can’t believe this week is already over! thank you all so much for all your kind comments and support!! it means more to me than you know! <3 

I sit at the edge of the pool, my legs submerged up to my calves in the cool water. I'm not quite on Jumin's level where I'd want to stay as far away from the pool as possible to avoid any mischief, but I'm not quite ready for any energetic interactions within the water yet. Sitting and swinging my legs in the water, creating small, therapeutic ripples across the water's surface is quite enough for me at this moment. It's relaxing to see everyone together and having fun! Even if V couldn't make it...

"MC!" I hear a voice call. I look up to see Yoosung waving his arm vigorously as he struggles to keep balance in his inflatable ring. The others all gather around him and look in my direction. "Come join us!"

"I will in a little bit!" I shout back, adjusting the pair of sunglasses sitting on my head.

"Okay!" His voice drift slightly as he starts to swim away.

"Don't be too long, yeah?" Zen adds, following on in Yoosung’s direction. Jaehee and Seven tag along behind.

A relaxed laugh emerges from my lips as I watch them slowly shrink in the distance the further away they get. A warm summer's breeze blows gently against by back, pushing my hair to expose my skin not covered by my swimsuit. The sun shines brightly, creating a shimmer across the water that bounces from the splashing that my friends create. It's like I'm lost in a trance. I feel so calm and happy.

"If you're not going to join them, why don't you join me?" A baritone voice suggests from above. I turn to see Jumin, his hair falling down in front of him as he tilts he's chiselled chin down to me. His sunglasses held to sit at the tip of his nose by his toned hand, staring at me with his grey eyes that I love so much.

"I thought you said you didn't want to get near the pool? Yet here you are!" I snicker jokingly. His lips pull up into a wholehearted smile, letting out a deep, playful sigh.

"May I?" He gestures to sit next to me. I lift my hand up out of the way and nod. The proximity closes quickly once he's sat by my side, his gaze not leaving my face. His hand sits where my own once laid, asking for mine to be placed on top. Our arms barely touching as we both have our legs dangling into the pool water.

It's nice to finally get him to join me. I didn't want him to sit so far away from everyone the whole day. I want to be able to spend some time together in the pool and have some fun! Even if he's not keen on that idea.

"Have I told you how beautiful you look right now?" My husband's voice barely a whisper. My cheeks heat up, turning red as if I've caught the sun.

"You have. If I recall correctly, that would have been the seventh time today!"

"And I'll happily keep telling you." His laugh melts my heart! I tangle my fingers on top of his and bring my body in closer. I feel his head lay on top of mine as I rest my face against his shoulder. The fabric of his buttoned shirt is like silk against my rosy cheeks. Just his presence alone makes this moment feel perfect and I somehow am able to relax even more.

We sit here together for a moment. Nothing ever beats being with him, even if there's other people around me who I care about. I wouldn't be able to be this still and calm with anyone else. I feel my eyes slowly close and a smile form on my face. This is really the best feeling. The sun on my face, the laughter of my friends and the presence of my husband. I couldn't as for anything more!

Suddenly the calmness is broken as I'm pulled to the ground. Jumins arms wrapped tightly around my body as if to protect me. His grasp as tight as a knot. I couldn't see what happened as my eyes were closed but when I open them again, I see Jumin's body on top of mine. I hear a burst of laughter from afar. I feel cold and wet on my legs as if I've been splashed. Is that what happened?

I look up over Jumin's shoulder to see Seven not far away. He's in hysterics over the action he just pulled. I can't believe he just splashed us!

The dark haired man lifts his body up from mine, looking rather uncomfortable at how drenched his back has now become. I cannot help but to start laughing. I cover my face to try and conceal my laughter but it only gets worse when I see him turn to face Seven.

"Luciel!" There's annoyance in his tone. Seven's joker smirk fades instantly and is replaced by wide eyes filled with fear. He retreats to the others as fast as he could swim to avoid any conflict from Jumin. My own laughter continues to grow.

Jumin's attention shifts instantaneously to me who is now trying to suppress as much laughter as possible. It's a near impossible task!

"Are you laughing at me?" A devilish smirk grows on his face, a glint of playfulness in his eyes. This doesn't help the giggles that are still seeping out of my mouth behind my hands. I shake my head, tears from the laughter threatening to now fall. My stomach now hurting too.

"You are laughing at me!" He snickers. His body leaning in closer to me. I lean back to avoid him, trying my hardest not to let him see how much the laughter is making me hurt.

His hand reaches into the pool and flicks forward, splashing me wet with the cold water. I squeal and flinch in response which only makes my laughter grow even more. I didn't think it was possible! Has Seven created a catalyst of events which are changing Jumin as we speak? Is Jumin… Fooling around?

"Now we're both soaked! Is that better?" My husband stands and cups my face in his hands. He places a loving kiss on my forehead before retiring back to his seat under the umbrella. My cheeks grow redder by the second.

"Oh, come on, Mr. Trust-fund! Seven was trying to do you a favour! Do you really plan on staying over there the whole day?" Zen yells, teasing Jumin into joining everyone in the pool. Jumin stops in his tracks and turns to look out at the pool. That playful glint still in his eyes.

"Luciel has already made me alter my plans..." He shoots back, shocking not only Zen but everyone else too. Even me! What exactly does he plan on doing? Jumin Discreetly removes his shirt, revealing his back before turning around. My heart begins to flutter but the others faces become even more shocked.

He adjusts his trunks and slicks his hair back when out of the blue he starts to run. His destination: the pool! What has gotten into him? This isn't like him! His feet leave the surface of the edge as he morphs his body to create the perfect dive. His body barely makes a splash when he enters the water. He's like a dolphin as he swims under the surface before emerging for air.

He flicks his soaked, ashy hair as his head exits the water and runs over it with is hands. I've become mesmerised by how stunning he looks! With the sun reflecting off of his dewy skin, it's hard to believe he's even real!

Everyone claps and cheers, amazed by what just happened. However, Jumin doesn't acknowledge the round of applause from the others. He only focuses on me.

He swims forward, meeting me at the edge of the pool, only a couple of feet away from where I sit.

"Will you join me, sweetheart?" he pleads with his arms wide open. "I'll catch you!"

My smile widens. I move to stand at the edge of the pool and prepare to jump in myself. Jumin readies himself, moving a little closer in the water. I jump. His arms stretch out and grab me around my waist as I enter the water.

He lifts me up, chuckling with joy. Seeing him act like this is in many ways alien but to me, it's a common sight. He treats me so preciously and shows his best self, his happier self, when he's with me. This is an example of that!

The others swim over to join us as Jumin lowers me back down into the water.

"I cannot believe you jumped in like that!" Yoosung exclaims excitedly. "That was awesome!"

"It was rather unexpected, I might admit." Jaehee humbly adds.

"Well, as we're all here now, are we going to go and have some fun?" Zen announces. Seven yells in response before diving back under the water with everyone following him.

Your eyes gleamed as you watched your husband backstroking through the indoor pool. His muscles flexed as he moved - he looked like a powerful swan, each stroke having a purpose. He looked...

"So beautiful."

"What's that?" Jumin asked, his voice suddenly behind you.

"Gah!" You jumped from your chair and hastily fixed your bun. "How...! You were in the water a second ago!"

"And now I'm not," Jumin laughed, shaking his hair dry into a towel. "Darling, I can't comprehend why you refuse to get in the water. It's relaxing, and if you gave it a chance, you'd be surprised at how much you like it."

"Thanks but no thanks," you shuddered, hugging your elbows. "I told you about the last time I entered a pool."

"Fifteen years ago?" Jumin sat beside you, resting his hand on your hip.

You turned yourself to face him. "Yeah! I almost drowned, and that was a traumatic experience!"

"I understand," Jumin nodded. "I would never pressure you into doing anything you wouldn't want to do, dear. If sitting here makes you comfortable, then, by all means."

You squinted. "What's that supposed to mean?"

Jumin raised a wary brow. "Hm?"

"I see what you're doing, Jumin Han. You're trying to guilt-trip me into getting into the water, aren't you!"

Jumin stared at you, his eyes searching your face.

"I knew it! You think you're so slick, trying to manipulate me with your smooth words and passive-aggressiveness! I'll have you know before I had that incident, I used to be an excellent swimmer!"

Jumin's brow furrowed. "Dear -"

"In fact! I'll show you right now!" You stood, throwing your towel from around your shoulders, kicked your flip flops from your feet, and lightly jogged to the deep end of the pool.

"MC, wait a minute," Jumin called, moving to chase after you. "I wasn't implying anything - you can't run around the pool - MC, come back."

"Check me out!" You raised your arms above your head, sucked your breath in, and dove. A whirl of bubbles obstructed your vision, and you felt your feet touch the stony bottom, but you shut your eyes and swam towards the surface. You felt a vibration rush through you - no doubt, Jumin had jumped in after you. Opening your eyes slightly, you noticed his figure sloshing towards you. You swam as fast as you could towards him, feeling the air supply from your lungs depleting rapidly. His arms wrapped around you before you began to see spots and, with urgency, he speedily paddled to the surface.

As soon as your head broke through the water, you gasped wildly for air.

"I've got you," Jumin spoke, pulling you towards the edge of the pool and lifting you against the ledge with ease. "Breathe, darling..."

"S-See!" You heaved, pressing your hand to your chest. "Behold my... untapped... potential!"

"... Please tell me you're joking, MC."

You pouted and turned your head down. "... Yeah, that wasn't a very good joke, I'm afraid."

"Mm," Jumin grinned, rubbing your hand. "Your jokes are about as good as your swimming skills."

"Yeah... hey!" You yelled, lightly tapping his toned back.

"Come on," Jumin sighed teasingly, grabbing and kissing your hand. "We'll dry off, I'll have you checked out by a doctor, and we can do something we both enjoy."

You gasped eagerly. "Karaoke?!"

"... I said, something we both. Enjoy."

The place was crowded with all kinds of people. Reporters, business folks and of course the staff of Vine Han. Mc heard voices and laughter out of every corner and couldn’t decide where to listen to first. 

Jumin noticed her being a little bit overwhelmed and took her to a quieter place, where V already saved at a small table for four persons. He waved over to the both of them and greeted them with a warm smile, when they sat down. “Hey, you two would really make a great couple.” he blurted out, immediately regretting it after seeing his best friend’s grimace.   Before Jumin could even answer him, a waiter gave them their cards. 

“Shall I give you a hand, Mc?” V asked, when he noticed her staring helplessly at the card.

“I think I’ll just follow your orders, I’ve never done something like this before.” she confessed and held the card up to hide the blush on her cheeks. The young men looked at each other and placed their order.

Soon after the crystal glasses clinked together. Each person sipping a little bit of the wine, feeling it on their tongue, savouring the aromatic taste of every wine. Each wine had a different taste. Bitter, dry, sweet.

Even if they never swallowed any of the wines, Mc felt a little bit dizzy after her fourth try. The young woman began giggling at the boys jokes and funny stories they told each other. Wiht the new found courage she also started to open up a little bit more and talked a lot about the work she did before she stumbled into the RFA. “I feel like I’m talking too much just now. How about you guys, how did you meet?”, the brown haired girl asked when she realized that she was balbbering aorund. Mc listened them carefully, watching the young men very closely when they told her the story of the first time they saw each other. 

Another few glasses of sweet wine followed, the three of them felt lighter around their hearts. The flush of red on their cheeks got brighter with every glass that followed.

Only a few moments later - or were it hours?- V rose from his seat and rubbed the back of his neck. He cleared his throat before he tried to make his statement. “I think, I’ll pick up another bottle of the sweet wine, take good care of Mc, Jumin.”, was what he wanted to say, but only gibberish came out of him. 

Jumin and Mc looked at him, both of them breaking out in heart warming laughter. Jihyun pouted, turned around and disappeared into the crowd. Hopefully he’ll get a bottle of water too. 

“Hey, Mc, uhm, thank you for coming with us again, I really enjoyed this evening a lot.” Jumin said suddenly, breaking the silence that broke out ever since V disappeared. “No problem, it’s really fun. I’m sorry for taking my time to open up with you guys.” Mc said, her fingers ran softly over the glass, as if she was about to say something else. Jumin wanted to ask at first, but he held himself back again, just like he did a gazillion times before. He didn’t feel like it was his right to ask her all those questions. Then he heard the soft music playing and got an idea. 

He stood up and reached out his hand, smiling at Mc with soft eyes. 

“May I ask for this dance?”, the smile grew softer when she actually placed her tiny hand into his, while standing up. 

“I’d gladly be your dance partner, Jumin,  BUT I’ll never make it up to your dancing skills, so I hope you won’t regret this.” her voice was trembling, and all of a sudden her heart began to race. Why was she feeling so nervous?

They swayed around to the music that was hard to hear. With the grass under her feet she felt as if she was about to lose her balance. But Jumins firm grip steadied her, giving her back the balance she needed.

“If it’s easier for you, you could also stand on my shoes.” his soft chuckle was merely but a whipser, because he was too anxious to talk without a lowered voice. as if the bubble would break when he talked louder than that.

“Isn’t that cheating?” Mc asked. However she got rid of her pumps and placed her feet on the young man’s shoes. Her hand let go of his and she placed them both around his neck. His free hand wandered to the free side of her waist and before he could even say something, he felt her head leaning into his chest. 

The time seemed ot stay still around them, they only moved slowly to the beat. Both of them Moving very carefully. The young girl looked up at Jumin after some time, an angelic grin on her face made it hard for Jumin to keep his cool. 

“Can I tell you a secret?” she blushed when she tilted her head to keep eye contact. “Of course you can. What is it?`” 

“I think I fell in love with you. You’re such a kind, heartwarming person Jumin and actually I was super afraid of coming with you today. But I totally don’t regret it. I just, really started to like you… and … and..” Mc’s outburst was cut off by Jumin who placed a finger on her soft lips. 

“Shhh… Don’t say something like that Mc, you’re drunk. It’s probably just the sweet wine speaking, right?” “I don’t think it is. It’s the truth!” She babbled and took the chance of surprise and jumped up a little bit to place a quick kiss on his lips, or the corner of mouth to be more exact. 

“I hope I will remember this.” she mumbled into his chest, nuzzling her nose in his striped shirt. 

“Oh don’t worry about that, I will remember this crystal clear.” Jumin said and kissed her hair, stroking over it with one hand.