#make you know love
Make You Know Love
Pairings: ot7 x female
Warnings: gaslighting
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“Crooked grins, sly hands, and a dangerous voice” - idk
This wasn’t a normal situation, spending the night out with your crush’s… somethingand then waking up with the borderline stranger in a hotel room . The intimacy Anastasia felt when Yoongi had looked up at her with his head in her lap, kept circulating in her mind. Now she was in the back of an uber with him, neither of them all that willing to separate as their fingers lay interlaced in the empty seat between them.
No matter how much she wracked her brain, she couldn’t come up with a reason why it all felt so natural. What reality was she living in that staying beside Yoongi felt more comfortable than going home to Jungkook?
Anastasia rested her head back against the leather seat, exhausted from all the overthinking she’d done the past week. As if on cue, Yoongi let go of her hand and nudged her head with his fingers. “You think too much”
She glared, “I could be thinking important things”
He sighed, “Are you?”
“What’s the measure of importance? It’s all relative. To each their own. If I’m thinking about it a lot, it must be important. Who are y—” Yoongi leaned over and grabbed her by the back of the neck, pulling her in close to press his lips against hers.
“You think too much,” he repeated, resting his head back against the headrest.
What?
How was she supposed to stop thinking when he goes and does things like that? How was that supposed to help clear her thoughts? It most certainly did not help. At least she thought it hadn’t helped until they pulled into her apartment complex and she realized she’d been too busy blushing and replaying the feeling of his lips on hers to think about much else.
Everything outside looked normal. She wasn’t sure what she’d expected to happen, but nothingwasn’t it. Why did she feel a little disappointed that Jungkook wasn’t waiting around for her? At the same time, she was relieved to have more time to completely accept and get over everything.
Through all the thinking, she didn’t notice Yoongi unbuckling her seatbelt and helping her out of the car.
What would Jungkook think about the relationship that had developed between her and Yoongi? How was she going to tell Jungkook when she wasn’t even sure what was going on herself?
Realizing suddenly that she was still holding Yoongi’s hand, she yanked hers back and sped off towards the cement stairs.
Grinning, Yoongi caught up and wrapped an arm around her shoulders, leaning in. “What’s wrong, jagiya?”
Ducking away, her head swiveled wildly, looking for witnesses. It was impulsive but the closer they got to her front door, the more guilty she felt. Had she even done anything wrong? Regardless, she needed to figure out what was going on between her and Yoongi before Jungkook found out.
“Stop it!” She hissed.
Yoongi didn’t protest, a lazy smile still on his lips as he shoved his hands into his pockets and walked on.
“Hey, wait!” She grabbed his sleeve. “Don’t…don’t tell Jungkook please”
He looked back, the picture of innocence, “tell him what?” His expression morphed into something darker as he stepped back into her space, “we didn’t do anything worth telling,” and with that he pecked her lips and jogged off up the stairs, leaving a gobsmacked Anastasia at the bottom of them.
When she eventually got into her apartment, the place felt cold and unlived in . Still, it was nice to be alone for a while, change into some clean clothes and finally do something with her hair. It was refreshing and by the time Jungkook showed up on her doorstep an hour later, she was in a much better mood.
Stepping to the side, she let him in. “Before you apologize, I already forgive you so let’s not make it a thing, yeah?”
As if expecting that response from her, a grin broke out and he wrapped her up in a hug. Lifting her off the ground, he wiggled back and forth and she held her breath to stop the unattractive wheeze.
“Did you have fun? Yoongi said you had fun,” Jungkook asked excitedly, setting her down.
Anastasia narrowed her gaze, unsure how much the little shit told Jungkook. “I didn’t realize I was so stressed. School, social life…the kitchen burning down was a catalyst”
Jungkook’s shoulder’s dropped slightly in obvious pity. She hated that look.
“Well, what’d you guys do to blow off steam?” The question seemed innocent enough, but she couldn’t help but be suspicious.
“We went drinking, I can’t remember most of it,” She lied. Her memory had mostly returned by breakfast.
There was a short pause from Jungkook, followed by the slightest narrowing of eyes before he smiled and pulled her down to the couch. She laughed, not fighting him.
Leaning back into his chest with a sigh, she asked. “What am I supposed to do about my kitchen?”
“Oh!” Jungkook jumped, like he’d just remembered something and cupped her cheeks, “Hobi-hyung is talking to the landlord right now, I promise we’ll do our best to make sure you still have a place to stay at the end of the month. I’m really sorry,” the way he bit his lip drew attention to the ring pierced through it and she couldn’t help but stare.
Hobi-hyung? We? She’d heard him call Hoseok that before, but what did any of them have to do with the situation? How could Hoseok help?
“He’s talking to the landlord?” She echoed. He nodded but didn’t elaborate.
“Um, alright,” She muttered, shuffling off the couch. “You’re paying for my food for the foreseeable future, by the way”
He laughed.
Grabbing her backpack, she settled down in front of the coffee table to do some homework. All her morning and afternoon classes had come and gone, but she still had one evening class she needed to make. It was a couple of hours away, though, so she spent the time doing homework as Jungkook sang quietly to himself behind her while scrolling through social media.
Stretching with a groan, she announced “I need to get ready to go”
Jungkook maneuvered until he was hanging off the couch with his head on her shoulder. “Skip? I wanna hang out with you”
Anastasia snorted. “I’m gonna fail because of you”
“You already missed your day classes, just stay”
“Jungkook, I can’t just willy nilly skip classes, earlier was a special case, but I shouldn’t purposefullyfail”
He pulled back with a huff, “You haven’t been spending time with me at all . You already missed the whole day, it’s oneday!”
“I spent the other day with you! I’m not trying to ignore you, we’ve both been busy”
“I would drop everything if you asked me to,” He crossed his arms.
“You’re being very selfish right now”
He guffawed, “I’m selfish because I want to spend some time with my best friend? I’m asking for oneclass on a day you’ve skipped all your others”
Anastasia didn’t know what to say. Jungkook looked so hurt, had she really been neglectful?
“Kook…” She trailed and Jungkook slumped at her expression.
“I’m sorry if I’m being too needy, you can go to class,” He sighed downtrodden, laying back down to face the back of the couch.
Guilt ripped at her chest.
“I can miss a day,” she folded, crawling behind him to hug him close. “I didn’t realize you were feeling this way”
He didn’t respond so she got up and encouraged him to roll over and look at her. “Forgive me?”
He stared for a moment before nodding.
“What do you want to do?” She continued.
Jungkook shrugged, arms snaking around her waist. “Anything you want, I just want to be around you.” Anastasia’s heart warmed.
“Should we go see a movie, then? We haven’t done that in forever”
Jungkook nodded, stretching back and she could hear some of his joints crack. “Let’s go~”
***
The pair walked in silence through the dark night, leaving the restaurant they’d visited after the theater. The area was still pretty populated despite the late hour, but not uncomfortably so. It was a youthful atmosphere like everyone was enjoying the little things without the stress of society.
Anastasia giggled into Jungkook’s shoulder as they tripped over each other while trying to weave their legs while walking. “You’re so clumsy,” She accused.
He rolled his eyes and nudged her off him, deciding not to correct her. “You’re dumb”
She couldn’t help the massive smile, lacing her arm in his. What did they look like to others? Did they look like a couple? She blushed at the thought. Wishful thinking, Taz.
Coming up to his car, a man leaning against the hood of the expensive vehicle with two women flirting with him, caused them to slow to a stop.
Jungkook snorted.
“Nice car, man” He complimented, the joke lost on all but Anastasia, who bit her lip to hide her smile.
“Thanks, man, it’s about time I upgraded, though” The man replied, standing up straighter at the sight of the other male. Anastasia held back an eye roll.
Amusement oozed from Jungkook. “Is that so? She looks like a beast, what’s under the hood?”
The man didn’t stutter, throwing out words that sounded like he was describing the powers of a pokemon.
“Come on, man, let’s hear her!” At this point, the other women seemed to be catching on to the situation a little bit, but the man remained oblivious.
“Nah, maybe next time,” He shook his head, beginning to look a little aggravated.
“Awe man, I really wanted to see you try and start the car without the key,” Jungkook sighed, feigning disappointment, “Next time”
The man spluttered, having the audacity to look offended. “What makes you think I don’t have the key?”
Jungkook smirked darkly, “The fact that I have it”
The man’s face dropped, eyes flashing around nervously. “What are you talking about?”
Everyone but Jungkook jumped when the engine suddenly roared to life, Jungkook hitting the remote start in his pocket.
The drive home was filled with giggles.
“Where is everyone?” She asked, plopping onto his couch. He shrugged noncommittal, rolling over the back of the couch and on top of her.
“Oof, did you gain weight?” She wheezed, wiggling so most of his weight was on the cushion.
He whined, “are you calling me fat?”
“Your abs cannot be argued —are you feeling okay?”
He pulled back from where he was cuddling into her, looking confused. “I’m fine?”
Booping his nose, she forced herself to move away. If she stayed pressed up next to him much longer, he’d notice how fast her heart was beating. “Ah, just clingy then?”
He clutched his chest, aghast. “I just love you”
It felt like she’d been hit with lightning. Please don’t say it like that, like you mean it the way I wish you did. She thought desperately, giving him her best smile.
Saved by the bell, her phone dinged with a message notification.
“Who is it?” Jungkook asked curiously, peeking over her shoulder as she pulled out her phone.
“Bee, I mean Beatrice. Do you remember her from high school? I met her again when I was studying with Namjoon,” She turned to see him thinking about it.
“Mm, I only remember you from high school.” He concluded.
She laughed and read the text.
Bee- yeah so I got her number we’re meeting up next friday
Anastasia grinned and began typing. omg i knew it! Yall were giving fuck-me eyes the whole time
Bee- shut up! we were not…
“Bee met this girl, a waitress, so pretty,” She explained to Jungkook who had his chin perched on her shoulder.
“Who’s pretty?” Anastasia jerked violently at Hoseok’s sudden appearance behind the couch.
“Beatrice’s girlfriend,” Jungkook filled in flatly.
Hoseok made a face, plopping down so Anastasia was between them, and peeked over at her phone screen. “Who’s Beatrice?”
Her jaw dropped, “You met her!”
Hoseok thought about it for a second before shrugging. A small smile grew on her lips at his exaggerated facial expressions. Cute.
“You really don’t remember? She was the one we went to lunch with”
Hoseok smirked, “You’re so pretty, how could I notice anyone else?”
Rolling her eyes, she bit her lip to hide her smile. “Don’t lie, you just didn’t care to remember”
Hoseok broke out into giggles, drawing the attention of the other boys that were making their way into the apartment. Jimin came around the couch, wordlessly curling into Jungkook’s side, who leaned back to give him more space.
Arms curled around her shoulders and she turned to see Yoongi. “Can I stay at yours? It’s too cramped with all of us here,” Yoongi’s deep vibrato rumbled as he embraced her over the back of the couch.
Weren’t they rich? “Why not a hotel?”
Yoongi pulled back, “I spent my cash on you”
Right, I owe him. He wouldn’t try something, though, would he? He’d become awfully brave…but also he didn’t do anything when she was dumb drunk…
“Okay,” she caved.
“Oh, I’ll take you up on that too”
“Me too!”
“My home is not an Airbnb!”
“But you do have a spare bedroom,” Jimin smirked, “I can pay to stay over if you want”
Anastasia was about to respond, but Hoseok butted in. “I thought you didn’t like Beatrice?”
She tilted her head, “What made you think that?”
“Namjoon said you were agitated when she interrupted you guys and since she was making those faces at you, it made sense,” he elaborated casually, glancing over at Namjoon and Seokjin who were conversing quietly in Korean.
“She was making faces?” She tried to wrack her brain.
Jimin sat up, “You didn’t notice?” She shook her head and there was a moment of silence before they all moved on.
Make You Know Love
Pairings: ot7 x female
Warnings: alcohol
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“I don’t remember falling in love with you, I just remember holding your hand realizing how much it was going to hurt when I would have to let it go” - Unknown
***
“Taz!” Jungkook exclaimed frantically.
“Jungkook? What’s wrong?”
The three men all turned their attention her way.
“Put it on speaker,” Hoseok demanded, grabbing her phone and doing it for her.
“-what happened! I just-I left to use the bathroom for like 2 seconds! That’s it!” Jungkook trailed off, Korean tumbling out of his mouth in what she knew was panicked curses.
“Hey, it’s okay, just tell me what happened. You’re okay,” She consoled, doing her best to bring his attention back to her.
“I won’t be after I tell you what happened,” He mumbled.
She paused. “…What the hell did you do, Kook?”
“I maybe, sorta, kinda…lit…your kitchen on fire?”
“You did what?”
“It was an accident, I swear!” He exclaimed and Anastasia could hear Jimin and Hoseok snickering behind her.
“Sh!” She snapped, making them flinch.
Turning back to her phone she asked, “are you fucking with me right now?”
“No”
She pinched the bridge of her nose, “Okay, so, how did you manage…that?”
“I was making food and I didn’t see the kitchen towel by the stove and I just left for a second to use the bathroom and when I came back….there were a lot of flames”
She hung up, rushing to the bathrooms, making it all the way into the hallway before slumping into the wall. She slid to the floor, clutching her mouth as she fought off the rising urge to puke.
She was going to be evicted, she was going to have to pay for repairs, she wouldn’t have a place to stay.
She flinched violently when a hand landed softly on her shoulder. “Don’t touch me.”
“Maybe it’s not that bad,” Jimin murmured, crouching beside her.
She could feel the tears welling but nodded nonetheless. They stayed there for a while, Jimin affectionately brushing her hair back behind her ear and rubbing her back.
“Come on, let’s go,” He hummed a minute or two later, encouraging her to stand up. “Hoseok, take-” Jimin hesitated, not remembering Beatrice’s name, “-Anastasia’s friend back, we’re gonna get a car.”
Anastasia didn’t have it in her to argue, so she just weakly said goodbye to her new friend and followed Jimin out.
It was a pretty busy area so there was a plethora of transportation available, Jimin quickly flagging someone down. He helped her in, sliding in right after, and told the driver her address.
***
The hoards of policemen and firefighters outside when the cab pulled up threatened to send Anastasia over the edge again, but Jimin was quick to comfortingly wrap his arms around her. She couldn’t fathom why she felt so safe when not even a half-hour ago she wanted the ground to swallow her whole every time he so much as glanced her way.
“Taz!” She was tackled the second she stepped out.
“Get off.” She wasn’t stable enough to put any emotion into her voice.
Jungkook flinched back, not expecting her cold demeanour.
“Taz?” He murmured cupping her cheeks but she shrugged him off.
If she paid him attention, she wasn’t sure she’d be able to stop herself from doing something she might later regret.
Nervously, she approached her apartment, her heart clenching uncomfortably at her roastedkitchen.
“Excuse me, Miss Lloyd?” She turned at the sound of her last name, coming face to face with the landlord.
***
Breach of contract. Evicted.
Anastasia sat on the corner of her mattress with her head in her hands. What was she going to do? Where would she go? So many thoughts swirled around until she couldn’t understand them anymore.
With a heavy sigh, she got up to take a shower. There was no way she would be able to sleep, so after the shower, she zoned out to a crappy tv show.
The next time she looked at the clock it was 4 am. She had class at 8 am.
Shutting her laptop and tossing it to the other side of the bed, she scooted down and rolled onto her side. She was so frustrated, too frustrated to sleep, so she tossed and turned until the sun began to rise.
The day continued in a blur and luckily no one came over to try and talk. She thought she might combust if Jungkook or one of his friends came over and hounded her for attention.
She had been left alone the whole day, so she was startled when a familiar hooded figure was leaning against her door when she came home from her evening class.
“Yoongi?”
He imperceptibly titled his head as his one visible eye met hers.
“What are you doing here?”
“Do you wanna get out of here?”
“Excuse me?”
“Jungkook, Hoseok, and Jimin are all in your apartment right now,” He said in his lazy drawl.
Anastasia glanced at the door, hesitating. “Okay”
She wanted to get away if only just for a little while, she didn’t want to be responsible and in charge of her future. She wanted to be free to run away.
The two made it all the way back down the stairs and around the corner before Anastasia started hyperventilating and had to sit down with her head between her knees.
Breach of contract. Evicted. The words repeated over and over until her head spun. Relaxing her head back against the wall, she closed her eyes.
Time passed unacknowledged until she eventually calmed down, and when she opened her eyes again, Yoongi stood beside her. His dark hair was almost completely covering his eyes and he had a black mask covering the rest of his face, but his silhouette was somehow comforting.
Holding her hand out, she silently asked for him to help her up.
There was a beat of silence before he cautiously pulled his hand from his jean pocket and gripped hers, pulling her up with more force than expected. Unprepared, she stumbled into his chest.
“Payback?” She snickered, deranged, into his chest.
What had gotten into her? Was she really that desperate that she’d run off with someone she’d just met? Someone that didn’t even like her?
Maybe so, but running off with him felt more favorable than facing her anger towards Jungkook and the weight of homelessness and responsibility.
And so they ran, hand in hand, away.Neither of them seemed to have a destination in mind, only away. When she looked back, his eyes were as blank as ever, but there was humor in them.
Taking a chance, they sprinted across the too-busy-to-be-jaywalking street and kept running until they could no longer see the dreaded apartment building. Multiple times they saved each other from hitting people until they eventually slowed to a stop, clutching their sides, laughter bubbling up inside.
Somewhere along the way, Yoongi had removed his mask and suddenly Anastasia was struck by his beauty. The sun was setting, complementing his expression with a beautiful pinkish-orange hue. He wasn’t quite laughing, but there was a grin on his lips that she’d never seen before.
Slowly, their smiles faded as they stared at each other, not saying anything. Anastasia furrowed her brow, what was this feeling?
“Come on,” She nudged, motioning to the taxi that rolled to a stop a little ways away.
There was an elderly woman inside the cab and Yoongi gingerly helped her out as Anastasia slipped in through the other side.
They drove in silence for around thirty minutes before they got to the more tightly populated part of the city, filled with little boutiques and tourist attractions.
“Here’s fine!” She called, startling the driver a little. Yoongi had his mask up again, but Anastasia thought she saw his cheeks lift and so she grinned back at him.
She felt good, happy.Nothing mattered at that moment.
Yoongi slipped the driver some cash and they both tumbled out of the vehicle, small giggles leaving her lips.
The foot traffic was considerably heavier there and, not wanting to lose Yoongi in the crowd, she laced her fingers with his. Or maybe she just wanted to hold someone’s hand.
Spotting what had prompted her to tell the driver to stop, she tugged gently on Yoongi’s hand and began making her way to the entrance. It was a small bar that she’d never been to but had always intended to visit
A little bell chimed the moment they stepped in and Yoongi pulled his mask down to rest under his chin, looking around. The place was beginning to fill up, but there was space by the bar for them to sit.
Grinning, she turned to Yoongi, “Let’s drink.”
That was how the night continued on, filled with alcohol and reckless decisions. As the hours passed, they ended up at a club, Anastasia dancing freely while Yoongi watched from the bar. She was still in the cropped t-shirt and jeans she wore to class, not nearly club-appropriate attire, but she didn’t care. For once she didn’t care.
“Yoongi! Yoongi!” She stumbled over, almost too drunk to stand.
“Yes, jagi?” He hadn’t drunk nearly as much as her and if she was a little soberer, she would have noticed the mirth in his expression.
“I had a th—I had a thought,” she giggled, leaning heavily into his side.
“Oh? What was your thought?” He humored.
She cupped her hand over her mouth like it was a secret, then proceeded to say loud enough for everyone around them to hear, “What if we got a hotel room? I don’t want to go home~” she whined.
Yoongi quirked an eyebrow but didn’t argue, the intoxicated woman reminding him of Jungkook and Jimin when they drank.
“Whatever you want,” He agreed easily, standing up and placing a hand on her back to guide her to the exit, making sure he grabbed her bag that he’d been watching.
Anastasia bounced to the music as they moved, her head bobbing offbeat.
…..
Let’s drink. Anastasia should’ve known that nothing good ever followed those words.
Where was she? Minimal light was shining through the cracks in the closed drapes, but she could still clearly see the room she was in. It was clean and empty of anything personal, just a dresser, a mirror, a small bench, and the bed. A very large bed at that.
She winced at the taste in her mouth, her tongue feeling like it was glued to the roof of her mouth. The pounding in her head was irritating, but not intolerable.
Rolling over deeper into the covers, she contemplated her life choices. She couldn’t remember most of what had happened the night before, the last thing she remembered was bar-hopping with Yoongi.
I’m never drinking again. She thought, her breath catching when the bedroom door suddenly clicked open. Please be Yoongi, please be Yoongi.
She held her breath as they clumsily plopped onto the bed, rolled closer, and wrapped an arm around her waist. She risked a glance down, closing her eyes in relief when she recognized the ring and bracelets adorning the hand.
Why was he hugging her? What happened last night?
“You scared the shit out of me,” She sighed, pulling away.
Yoongi didn’t fight her, letting out a muffled hum, his face pressed into the bed.
“Where are we?” She grimaced at the taste in her mouth, somewhat regretting opening it.
He let out an annoyed sigh and shifted to lay on his back.
“A hotel room.” He deadpanned.
“Did…did we do something?” She sat up, biting her lip nervously, her eyes not missing the opportunity to appreciate his good looks.
His hair was messily strewn over his closed eyes, his face a little pink from having just woken up.
He cracked one eye open, unexpectedly sitting up too, the proximity making their noses brush. “Why? Do you want something to have happened?” There was a mischievous glint in his eye, his minty fresh breath fanning across her lips.
She pulled back, self-conscious about her own breath and her heart beating too fast at their proximity.
“I have to use the bathroom!” She blurted, stumbling out of the bed.
The pressure in her head got exponentially worse at the sudden movement and she had to wait a second for the pain to ebb away.
“You good, jagi?”
“I’m —what did you just call me? ” She’d heard Jungkook call her that a few times before, but he’d always made it seem like it was a slip of the tongue. Yoongi had definitely just said it with intention.
“Ja-gi-ya.” He enunciated, slow and mocking.
She huffed, “What does that mean?”
“It means your breath stinks. Go brush your teeth, I’ll order breakfast.” He smirked, rolling off the bed and leaving the room.
Anastasia narrowed her gaze, glaring at the door he’d just exited out of before scoffing and stalking off to the bathroom.
She might’ve felt more comfortable with him, but he was now proving to be an ass.
Sitting on the marble countertop was an unopened toothbrush and some toothpaste placed next to a second, used toothbrush. Somewhere in the back of her mind, she wondered when he got toothbrushes and toothpaste, but she was more concerned with her missing memories of the previous night to give it much attention.
With her mouth full of sudsy paste, Yoongi walked in.
“What do you want?” He asked. He was the one that walked in, why was he asking her what shewanted?
She realized he meant breakfast.
Thinking about it, she spit and rinsed, almost choking when Yoongi carefully tucked a stray hair behind her ear before she spits on it.
“Thanks,” She muttered shyly, wiping her mouth.
He nodded in dismissal, “So?”
“Oh, um, anything is fine.”
He frowned but didn’t argue, closing the door in her face.
“Eggs and bacon!” She called out the first thing that came to mind, suddenly concerned that he was upset with her. Her shoulders drooped when there was no response.
Shaking it off, she turned back to the mirror and cringed at her reflection. Her hair was an actual rat’s nest and her complexion was worse for wear with mascara smudged around her eyes.
She tried to finger comb her hair as she slipped out of the bathroom, but quickly gave up and put it in a bun. Now that she was awake, it was clear they were in a hotel suite. She didn’t even want to think about the money Yoongi had spent just because she hadn’t wanted to go home. She had money on her but she couldn’t recall paying for anything.
How much did a room like this even cost? She wondered fleetingly. Oh no, and all the drinks!
She groaned into her hands, how was she supposed to pay him back?
Following the sound of Yoongi’s low voice, she found him on a couch with the phone the hotel provided pressed to his ear.
Noticing her in the doorway, he hung up and beckoned her over.
“They said it will be 15 minutes. How’s the head?” He asked, mocking her alcohol consumption the night before. As if she needed the reminder.
“It’s fine.” She snapped, cheeks red, “What time is it? And where are my shoes?”
He vaguely motioned to the end of the couch, his eyes not leaving her as she stalked around to find them lined up beside his own with her socks neatly tucked inside.
“Are you usually this grumpy in the morning, or is it just the hangover?” She glanced up in time to catch him brushing his hair out of his eyes and the arrogance in that simple action was infuriating.
“Are you flirting or just trying to piss me off?” She accused, hoping for somekind of reaction, be it irritation or, better yet, embarrassment.
He shrugged, noncommittal.
Scoffing, she plopped down onto the couch, as far from him as humanly possible.
Anastasia knew she didn’t have the right to be annoyed with him, he hadtaken care of her the whole night but she still was. A lot of it stemmed from her own embarrassment and she begrudgingly had to be thankful that he seemed to realize this as well.
A comfortable silence ensued, him scrolling through his phone and her staring absently out the window. The view was incredible, an oceanfront. There were tourist families already on the beach, their children running around delightedly.
When the table of food was wheeled in, Yoongi unpacked everything and handed her a plate full of food. Sitting down beside him on the couch in front of the trolley, she unraveled the napkin-wrapped utensils and prepared to eat.
“Do you want my bacon?” She offered.
He shook his head, “You eat.”
She winced, “I-I don’t actually like bacon…”
He squinted at her for a moment, probably trying to decide if she was mentally challenged or something. She avoided his glare, nibbling on a slice of apple.
The food was consumed pretty quickly, not much conversation made, and after they were done, Anastasia slipped away to take a shower, washing off the night before.
When she stepped out of the bathroom, half an hour later, she found Yoongi sitting in the bed, arms crossed and eyes closed. Perfectly poised yet still relaxed, how’d he do it?
Was he asleep? She couldn’t tell.
Deciding not to risk it, she tiptoed out of the room.
“Stay in here.”
Jumping at the sound of his voice, she squeaked, “Huh? Okay”
Walking over to the other side of the bed, she crawled in, careful not to jostle him too much. She squeaked again when he suddenly leaned over to rest his head in her lap. “What are you doing?”
He shifted his body so it was better aligned, “Getting comfortable”
***
Anastasia grit her teeth as Yoongi’s phone vibrated for what felt like the hundredth time and he still hadn’t shown anysign of getting up and checking who it was.
Noticing her glare, he rolled his eyes and sat up to check. Nodding, he turned to her, “It’s Jungkook. He’s worried about you.”
Her face dropped and she brought her knees to her chest. Inside her head was a mess of anger, guilt, and embarrassment. She had an audience for her life falling apart! How did one handle that? And then she’d just run off? What had she been thinking?!
She groaned and dragged her hands down her face.
If she was being honest, she was ready to forgive Jungkook, but she was notready to face the embarrassment. The walk of shame had a whole new meaning to her.
With Yoongi it was becoming comfortable, everything else could be forgotten. She just wanted to stay with him and perfect the feeling.
Sniffling, she mumbled, “I guess we should head back and face reality, huh?”
His lips twitched, “I’m not in a hurry.”
“I think he’s been stewing in guilt long enough,” She disagreed.
Yoongi stretched his arms over his head and nodded, “Whatever you want, jagiya”
She huffed at the nickname and got up to gather all her things, which wasn’t much, just her shoes and socks.
He’s so annoying, she thought.
After checking out, they decided to walk somewhere less popular to try and get a ride. Yoongi was prepared this time and had called an uber.
Walking out of the hotel, Anastasia was suddenly plowed into, sending her and the other person straight to the ground.
Yoongi immediately helped her up, glaring at the perpetrator. It was a man, around their age. His face was hidden by the blue hoodie he wore, but Anastasia instantly got a sick feeling in her gut.
“My bad,” The man mumbled, jogging off.
“Asshole,” she huffed, nudging Yoongi to continue walking.
Make You Know Love
Pairings: ot7 x female
Warnings: N/A
____________
“Isn’t it nice to think that tomorrow is a new day with no mistakes in it yet?” - L.M. Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables
When she’d gone back into the living room, she found that there was still a free spot on the 3 seater couch, Namjoon, Seokjin, and Jimin all sitting on the floor with Taehyung on the armrest, leaning into Jungkook’s side. But the free seat was between Jungkook and Yoongi and if Yoongi wasupset, she didn’t want to make it worse by sitting next to him. So she opted to sit on the floor and lean back against Jungkook’s legs and made a mental note to apologize to Yoongi the next day.
She didn’t even get the chance to settle all the way down before Hoseok called out to everyone to come and eat. Since when was he the host? She felt a little embarrassed about slacking. She didn’t have to like them to be polite, her parents raised her better, she should’ve been the one handing out the food.
Taehyung was the first up, practically vaulting off Jungkook as he darted to the table and Jimin wasn’t far behind, followed closely by the others. Only Seokjin and her didn’t immediately move, taking their time to get up. He offered her a hand to help her up and she gave a shy ‘thanks’ in return.
The rest of dinner passed with low energy and minimal talking, and what was said was in Korean, bringing an odd sense of relief to her as she was left to her own thoughts. The peace continued until they eventually migrated back to the couch to watch movies, somehow fitting five people on the couch, leaving Taehyung, Namjoon, and her to sit on the floor. Jungkook had offered her his seat, but she’d declined in favor of having more space on the floor.
Although the earlier tension with Taehyung had been somewhat relieved, she was still cautious as she lowered herself to the floor next to him, using Jungkook’s knee as an aid. After cozying up against Jungkook’s legs again, she was pleased to find that there was still a happy 30 centimeters of space between her shoulder and Taehyung’s.
He must have noticed the hesitance and all her nervous glances, because he smirked flirtatiously, the same smirk she’d noticed on Jimin’s lips a few times — like they had a secret that no one else was in on. Her face burned at the thought.
“You don’t have any classes tomorrow, right?” Junkook asked randomly when Yoongi got up to pick out a movie, pulling her from her thoughts.
“Uh, no, I don’t, but I have a lot of homework to get done so I’m gonna spend my day doing that,” She answered, shooting down any plans he might’ve wanted to make, proud that she hadn’t stuttered with the attention now on her.
He hummed, pouting a bit, “Are you still having trouble with your thesis?”
Her face dropped and her jaw clenched because partially, yes,shewas still having trouble, but mostly because Jungkook had no filter and had just blabbed to everyone that she was struggling with her schoolwork.
“You know, Namjoon is really smart, he could help you,” Hoseok offered, butting in.
Nammjoon looked up from his phone at the sound of his name. “Huh?” There were some snickers at the irony.
‘Really smart’, how smart could the guy be? He was like her age and college wasn’t a know-all situation, there were so many different majors and so much more to learn.
“Nothing, really, it’s—”
“Tasia was wondering if you could help her with her thesis,” Taehyung cut her off.
“Wha—” She whipped around to stare at him in disbelief. He just grinned innocently.
“Okay,” came Namjoon’s reply and she turned back, not really expecting him to have agreed, not really wantinghim to have agreed. On top of him being intimidating and unapproachable, she was worried she’d just be humoring him the whole time because he wouldn’t actuallybe of any help.
“No, honestly, you’d have to have taken the class to be able to help. I mean, I’min the class and I barely understand how to do it,” she waved off.
“Which class is it for?”
“Psychological Statistics”
He was quiet for a second before nodding, “I can help.”
“I just said—”
“I’ve taken the class,” he interrupted, sparking some irritation in her for being cut off again, but it was overshadowed by her surprise.
“You’ve taken the class?”
He nodded, “I got my Master’s in Psychology two years ago”
The nonchalant way he had said it made that tidbit of information seem like it wasn’t a big deal, but it most definitely was.
“I’m sorry, what?” Was he actually a lot older than he looked? She wondered.
“Yeah! Joonie has a bunch of degrees. Business, Finance, Psychology, Mathematics,” Hoseok bragged proudly.
Anastasia felt like her brain was going to explode. How?Who could have that many degrees when they didn’t look anywhere nearold enough to have gone to school for the amount of time it would require?
“He…what?” She could barely get the words out.
“He’s got a sexy brain,” Seokjin threw in with a chuckle and she got the feeling she’d missed some inside joke.
“So, if you want, I can help,” Namjoon offered, recentering the topic and ducking his head so their eyes could meet.
Her face flushed at the eye contact, but she nodded nonetheless.
Damn, he’s really attractive. She couldn’t help but think as her eyes scanned over his face. His blemish-free skin had a healthy golden glow, his lips were full and pink, and his eyes.She felt a confusing combination of trapped and at home while looking into his eyes.
“If you wouldn’t mind…” She trailed, almost scared that if she accepted his help, he’d be annoyed and grow to dislike her as well. He’d been fairly unproblematic, she didn’t want to push the boundaries of what he would put up with.
She wasn’t stupid, she’d noticed the change in behavior they all had towards her, but she’d be willing to bet money that it had more to do with Jungkook’s earlier ‘if you want to be in my life, you need to accept that she’s a part of it’ comment than it had to do with the kindness of their hearts. People just weren’t like that.
“I don’t mind”
“While you’re at it, Namjoon-hyung, help her with the rest of her homework. The faster she gets it done, the sooner we can hang out” Jungkook said, leaning down to wrap his arms around her shoulder. It felt more like an insincere chokehold than a hug, but she welcomed his touch nonetheless.
“Since when did you need me around to hang out with your friends? Besides, what about yourhomework, Kook? Have you done it?” She turned her head up, glaring at him suspiciously.
“I always do my homework, Taz,” Jungkook smirked, flicking her nose with his finger.
She couldn’t help the fierce blush that appeared on her face and once again she was reminded how truly and utterly whippedshe was for the man.
“Whatever,” She grumbled, pulling his arms away and shifting her weight so she was facing completely towards the TV.
“And we don’t needyou there to have fun, it’s just morefun when you’re there” he finished. She hadn’t missed the ‘we’, but she did ignore it.
And so it was settled, Namjoon would be over, bright and early the next morning to help her with her homework.
Why did it feel like these men were trying to get comfortable in her life? Anastasia had a lot of questions, but no idea how to voice them. She wasn’t even sure she wanted to.
Time passed and she soon found herself becoming fully engrossed in the movie that played on the telly. It was an old Chinese one that she’d never seen before and it had deeply captured her attention, which was probably the reason she didn’t notice when Taehyung fell asleep, his head slowly coming to rest on her shoulder. When she did realize, her stomach dropped as she panicked. She knew he likely wasn’t snuggled into her of his own volition, but that thought was of little consolation.
Looking around for some help, she came to find that most of them were asleep too. She couldn’t see Jungkook directly behind her, but Hoseok, Yoongi, Namjoon, and Jin all had their eyes closed and Jimin, who’d gotten up earlier to get water and opted for the floor when he’d returned, was now laying down, also passed out.
In a moment of weakness, her eyes trailed down to where his shirt had ridden up ever so slightly, highlighting his slim, fit waist.
Her attention came hurtling back to Taehyung when he looped his arm around hers and snuggled closer, her heart beginning to thump loudly in her ears. She felt faint, unsure what to do.
It didn’t help that he smelled so good, the perfect mix of shower gel and fresh cotton. Panicking, she nudged him awake and the second she did, she regretted it. But it was too late and his eyes slowly blinked open to stare up at her.
It took him a moment to become coherent and pull away, but his movements were still sluggish and he didn’t fall back asleep like Jungkook usually did. Instead, he watched her as she got up to turn off the TV and quietly gather up all the dishes on the coffee table before heading off to the kitchen.
With the way he was staring, she half expected him to get up and follow her, but he didn’t, leaving her to clean up in peace.
“I’ll help”
Maybe she’d spoken too soon, because, ten minutes later, she almost dropped a plate into the soapy water when he appeared out of thin air beside her.
“Taehyung?”
“Anastasia.” She bit back a shiver at the way her name sounded with his deep baritone.
“You scared me.” She accused with a scowl.
“I’m sorry,” he looked anything but sorry. In fact, he was most definitely amused. “I’m really good at washing dishes,” He continued, coming closer and submerging his hands into the soapy water as well.
“O-okay” She squeaked because honestly what else could she say? He already had his hands on a sponge.
She was pleased to find, as they continued washing in silence, that he wasn’t there to bother her and he didn’t break the silence until the kitchen was completely clean.
“I really am sorry”
“Huh?”
“For my behavior,” he continued, “I was angry, but it was wrong of me to take it out on you”
She was having a hard time processing. Why another apology? She’d already said that she forgave him, had he noticed her reluctance?
“So,” he paused, taking her hands in his, “I’m sorry for being intentionally rude to you”
Was this even the same person? Why all of a sudden did his apology seem genuine?
Don’t fall for it , that little voice of common sense whispered. She kept having to remind herself that he was a con artist and his sweet, innocent smile was nothing but a play to get something out of her.
But what, though? The million-dollar question.
“I forgive you,” She croaked out, the oxygen leaving her lungs as the most beautiful smile appeared on his face. How could someone be that beautiful?
All these mixed signals, but they could still make her heart race. If only it would get the memo that these men were off-limits.
There was no recovering from Taehyung’s disarming good looks, but she could pretend. And she did, patting his shoulder awkwardly and leaving to the living room.
Now what to do with them.She was honestly surprised that none of them had woken up, but when she’d mentioned it, Taehyung had assured that they could sleep through a tornado. That begged the question of what they’d had to sleep through before for them to be such solid sleepers.
Regardless, there was still the problem of the six men asleep in her apartment. She couldn’t just let them stay,she was a woman living alone!
She bit her lip, should she wake them? Well, she’d haveto wake them if she really had a problem with them sleeping over. The real question was wouldshe wake them?
Taehyung must have noticed the distress on her face because he offered to wake them.
Before she could think it through, her hand shot out and gripped his wrist, “No, don’t”
He looked back questioningly, but she didn’t have an explanation. It was just one night…
“They look so tired, is it okay to wake them?” She finally whispered out, suddenly feeling the need to be quiet even though they’d just been banging around in the kitchen minutes prior.
An odd look passed over Taehyung’s face but it was gone before she could place it.
“Where do you all sleep at Jungkook’s, anyway? He only has one guest room?” This question had been gnawing at her for a while.
He didn’t hesitate, “Three in Jungkook-ah’s, two in the guest and two on the couch”
“Threein Kook’s?” She couldn’t imagine. He only had a queen bed (he’d wanted to buy a bigger one but it wouldn’t fit in the room), how had they been able to fit three grown men comfortably?
Although looking at them all curled awkwardly around each other, maybe comfort wasn’t a necessity for them to sleep.
“Yeah, Jin-hyung, Hoseok-hyung, and Yoongi-hyung. Jimin and I took the guest bed and Namjoon-hyung and Jungkookie took the couches”
“Jungkook took the couch?” She was becoming more and more convinced that the Jungkook she knew and the Jungkook they knew were two different people. The Jungkook she knew wouldn’t even sharehis bed with any of his friends, much less give it up entirely. In fact, if he could avoid it, he wouldn’t have his friends over at his place at all. The Jungkook she knew was territorial and a bit selfish, always wanting to be the best at everything he did. And he was.
She didn’t notice Taehyung’s gaze, too caught up in her own mind.
“Anastasia?”
“Mm?” She hummed, tearing her eyes away from Jungkook’s form on the couch.
“Where should I sleep?”
She was confused, “Take advantage of the empty apartment next door and get a good night’s sleep”
He slouched into a pout, “But it’s lonely, don’t you have a guest room too?”
“A guest room will be less lonely?” She asked skeptically. She supposed she could understand how sleeping alone in an apartment when you were used to having people around you would be lonely, but he was a grown man. He couldn’t tough it out for one night?
Don’t find him cute, don’t find him cute, don’t find him cute. She repeated to herself as he nodded at her with wide, hopeful eyes.
“Can’t promise it’s very fresh, I haven’t aired it out in a hot minute” She warned, caving in. It was just one night.
“That’s okay, I’ll sleep with the window open” He shrugged and she rolled her eyes, showing him to the guest room.
She flinched back into the wall when Yoongi slipped into the room after him. He was so quiet, she hadn’t even noticed him following them. How long had he been awake for? Was he ever asleep?
When the door shut, her shoulders slumped. This was exhausting.
Doing one last sweep of the apartment, routinely checking the locks, and turning off the lights, she made her way to her own room and changed into a pair of pajamas. After a quick trip to the bathroom to wash up, she climbed into bed and forced herself to relax. She had a full day of studying with Namjoon tomorrow and it would do her well to get a good, restful sleep or at least the illusion of it.
***
“Turn that shit off,” A deep voice growled in her ear the next morning, effectively pulling her from unconsciousness. Patting blindly around her bedside table, she did as told and shut off the blaring alarm coming from her phone.
“Kook, get off,” She grunted, slapping Jungkook’s arm impatiently after she’d attempted to roll onto her back but the arm firmly wrapped around her waist restricted the movement.
He groaned and rolled away, falling right back to sleep. When had he even come into her room?
She usually didn’t let him sleep in her bed, having set that boundary a long time ago for the safety of her heart, but she couldn’t exactly blame him for choosing her bed over sharing a couch with multiple people and she was grateful that he didn’t go back to his own apartment and leave her alone with a bunch of strange men.
Still, she feigned annoyance at his presence with a huff and climbed out of bed, stumbling over to her closet to pick out a change of clothes.
Tip-toeing to her door, clothes in hand, she carefully opened it and peeked her head out, taking a second to listen for any sign of life. She grinned, pleased when everyone appeared to still be sleeping before stepping out and darting to the bathroom.
After closing and locking the door as quietly as possible, she turned towards the shower and winced, turning it on and praying that the noise wouldn’t disturb anyone.
She was in and out of the shower in record time, speedily drying off and throwing on the change of clothes. Being naked, even with a locked door between them, when there were 7 gorgeous men in her apartment was nerve-wracking.
This time when she opened the door, she was positive that someone would be awake, but when she peeked into the living room, everyone was still asleep.
The night before they’d looked peaceful and even somewhat cute, but with the light shining through the window, now illuminating the room in a gentle golden glow, the sleeping figures held a darker edge to them. Like a knife catching the sunlight.
Namjoon shifted and she flinched back, scared he would wake up and catch her staring. Would they still be personable when they woke? It was hard to imagine when they looked threatening even in their sleep.
A shiver went down her spine, but it wasn’t entirely from fear and in a moment of horror, she realized she likedthe thrill. They felt dangerous but in a controlled way. They were confident and subtle, strong but lean, and she was such a fucking cliche.
Knowing she’d been standing there watching them sleep for far too long, she spun around and headed back to her room, intending to confront Jungkook. He’d know how to handle the situation.
“Psst! Kook!” She hissed, jabbing his shoulder none too kindly, “Wake up!”
His eyes didn’t want to open, but slowly they did as he licked his dry lips. When his gaze eventually focused on her, his mouth stretched into her favorite smile. Why’d he have to look at her like that? How could he not know what that did to her?
“Hey, baby,” She jerked back at his morning voice, despite having heard it a thousand times before.
“Get up, you have to wake everyone,” It took everything in her not to melt when he addressed her like that, but when he frowned and pulled away, curling into the blankets, she wished she’d never opened her mouth.
“You do it,” he grumbled.
“Jungkook, I can’t, they’re your friends, not mine!” She insisted, shaking him again.
He barely turned to look back, “I don’t wanna. It’s okay to wake them, they won’t mind if you wake them” his words were becoming progressively more garbled.
“Jungkook!” She resisted stomping her feet lest she anger the downstairs neighbors.
He didn’t respond, tempting her to act on violent impulses. But she wouldn’t, she would never try to hurt him.
So she ended up where she started, standing before a group of sleeping men, not sure if she was anxious or excited. She didn’t even like them, so why was her stomach in knots and her heart beating as if she’d just brushed hands with her crush for the first time?
Forcing herself to relax her shoulders and take a deep breath, she eyed the possible candidates. There was absolutely no way she was going to wake up Hoseok or Jimin, and Namjoon was far too intimidating, which left…Seokjin.
He wasn’t particularly inviting, (none of them were), but he also hadn’t done anything to offend her. She wasn’t feeling particularly enthusiastic about undoubtedly ruining any good feelings he had for her by waking him up, but her only other option was Taehyung and he was with Yoongi who she was still terrified of and if she accidentally woke him up too, it would only make everything that much worse.
Biting her lip, she accepted her fate and carefully stepped over a sleeping Jimin on the floor and crouched in front of Seokjin, not wanting him to find her looming over him when he woke. From that position, however, she wasn’t able to reach his broad shoulders without running the risk of falling into his lap, so she very, verygently patted his thigh and called his name.
The man woke up as if he’d never been asleep, his head raising as his eyes opened easily. The only tell-tale sign that he’d actually been sleeping was the slight puffiness around his eyes and the blank stare he gave like his brain was still catching up.
“Hi,” she whispered with a small wave, still crouched.
“Hi,” he responded, his voice low and raspy as he turned his head to take in Hoseok next to him and Namjoon on the floor. His gaze came back her way but didn’t stay long as he focused on Jimin’s figure behind her.
“I was hoping you might help me wake them up?” Initially, she had planned on making him wake them up on his own, it wasn’t that big of a task, but she already felt bad for waking him up.
He nodded, taking her in for real now that he was a little more awake.
“Your hair is wet,” he murmured so quietly that she almost missed it, reaching out to feel it between his fingers.
“I just took a shower,” she explained, tensing at the closeness.
“You look pretty,” he concluded, not giving her a chance to reply before he slapped Hoseok’s shoulder, who jumped.
The action startled her and she lost her already precarious balance, which would have been fine except Seokjin tried to grab her hand in an attempt to catch her but only managed to make her lose her footing entirely and go sprawling back…on top of a sleeping Jimin.
The said victim cried out, curling into a ball with his hands over his crotch that had just been elbowed.
She couldn’t get off him fast enough.
“Oh no! I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to! Are you okay?” Her hands fluttered uselessly over him, not sure what to do to make things better. She’d never stuck around after nailing a guy in the jewels, so she wasn’t exactly sure what the proper protocol was or if there even wasa protocol. Was there a way to lessen the pain or did he just have to wait it out?
A little voice in the back of her mind made the comment that that was his karma for kissing her without permission.
“Fuck off!” He growled and she quickly pulled back, not expecting his tone even though she should’ve. She could hear Seokjin and Hoseok snickering behind her and her humiliation grew.
“I’m so sorry” She murmured one last time before standing up and dashing to her room, fully prepared to never leave it again.
_____________
Make You Know Love | Masterlist
Hey everyone! A lot of people have been confused, so here it is! The rewritten MYKL! It’s way better and I have the whole book planned out. Please enjoy!!
Growing up, Jungkook had always shared everything with his hyungs; toys, food, clothing, friends, and even girls. The seven were inseparable — secrets were not allowed. Halfway through senior year, Jungkook was sent to a school halfway across the world. Years later, he has an adjoining apartment with his best friend (who is hopelessly in love with him) and 6 hyungs he has yet to tell her about. One night, she comes barging into his home unannounced, only to be met with a group of sexy foreign strangers.
Chapters:
7.Art
12.Falling
Make You Know Love
HEy guys….sorry it took so long. I was on some meds that had me super anxious and for a while, I was convinced anyone who read something I wrote would hate me.
Pairings: ot7 x female
Warnings: N/A
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“The ‘you’ I used to know is gone and the 'me’ you used to know is gone” - Agust D, Dear My Friend
**
After Jungkook left, slowly like a shunned puppy, Anastasia crashed onto the couch with a hiccuped sigh, emotionally drained. Time passed, unacknowledged, as she mapped out images in the paint on her ceiling until her lids began to droop. Before she knew it, she was asleep.
Hours must have passed, because when she opened her eyes next, her body now half off the couch with her feet in the air, it was dark. She checked the time on her phone with a groan, wincing at the brightness.
9:38 PM it read. Still groggy and uncoordinated, she rolled off the couch with a thump. She stayed face down in the rug for a moment before slowly raising herself up, blurry eyes searching the room. For what, she wasn’t sure.
Her stomach decided her next move as it gurgled angrily at not being fed.
She nodded in agreement with her stomach. Food.
Rising clumsily to her feet, she barely escaped face planting again after tripping over her own toes and stood still for a moment with her arms out and eyes wide, waiting for her brain to catch up. Nodding a second later, she took a careful step out from behind the coffee table and relaxed once she trusted she wouldn’t fall victim to her own clumsiness.
Focusing back on the task at hand, she turned her attention to what to eat. She didn’t feel like cooking and going to a restaurant seemed far too big a feat, so pizza it would have to be. Making a mental checklist of what she needed to bring, she began grabbing things.
Phone, wallet, keys, jacket…she checked off as she went about grabbing the items. And shoes, she ended, dropping all the collected items onto a heap on the floor as she bent down to slip on some shoes.
Finally walking out the front door, she awkwardly shuffled into the jacket. It wasn’t all that cold outside, in fact, there was a pleasant, warm breeze blowing through her hair, but something about a coat made her feel safer. A feeling akin to hiding from the monsters under a blanket as a child.
Jogging down the steps, she hurried towards her destination. The pizza parlour that she had in mind wasn’t too far from the apartment complex, maybe a fifteen-minute walk, but there were a lot of deep alleyways and daunting buildings along the way.
Not long after she crossed the street and headed down the road, she felt eyes on her. She could feel them raking over her skin — following her — and it had her skin prickling and her hair standing on end as she contemplated just turning back. Instead, she pulled her jacket closer and gripped her phone tight, picking up her pace to just short of a jog.
She kept up the pace for a couple of minutes, but the feeling of being watched never faded. Unsure if it was just paranoia, she paused and looked around, searching the streets for anything suspicious.
Coming up empty, she huffed, “You’re so paranoid, Taz.”
However, even after double and triple-checking her surroundings, the feeling didn’t go away. Every crime show she’d ever seen was coming to mind and horrifying possibilities manifested themselves in her head. She was going to end up cut up and dumped in the ocean!
A few more minutes passed before she swallowed her pride and unlocked her phone to dial the only person she knew would make her feel safe. Cautiously moving forward, she waited impatiently for him to answer.
“Hello?” Her shoulders involuntarily relaxed at the sound of his soft voice.
“Jungkook, I—" What was she supposed to say? That she got scared of her own shadow? Her own thoughts? She hadn’t thought this through.
She squinted and covered her eyes when a passing car’s headlights shone right into them.
"Are you outside?" He must’ve heard, she thought.
"I was just going to get some pizza,” She explained, lowering her hand as the car turned the corner, not sure why she felt like she’d done something wrong or that she needed to defend herself.
“Alone?”
“Jungkook, I’m not a child,” she scoffed, kicking a loose pebble.
“Then why are you calling me?”
Her face dropped — he had her there.
“That’s beside the point.”
He hummed, unconvinced.
“Nevermind, I’m fine. Thanks for picking up.” She ended the call, trying to convince herself that the butterflies in her stomach were just her body reminding her she was hungry.
“This is getting out of hand,” She mumbled, so pathetically in love with him.
“You're disappointed with him,” She uselessly reminded herself.
The minutes passed as she carried on, too lost in her thoughts to notice the vehicle creeping up beside her or the man climbing out.
When his hand landed stiffly on her shoulder, she screamed and almost dropped to the ground in fright. Whipping around to face him, she recognized him.
“Seokjin?” She squeaked, her heart beating too fast in her chest.
The man in question stood still, hand slowly lowering back to his side.
“What…you scared me,” she scrambled, straightening out the wrinkles in her shirt as if that would make her seem more presentable. She was doing her best not to look affected or embarrassed by her reaction.
But what was he doing there? Had he been following her?
When he still didn’t say anything, she cleared her throat and began nervously tapping her thigh.
“Are you…Did Jungkook ask you to find me?” It was the only reason she could come up with to explain his presence. Other than kidnapping her, of course, but she didn’t honestly feel like she was in any danger, now. He’d been so intimidating earlier, but now, in the dark of the night, he felt…normal. He was just like any other young adult and he’d given her no actual reason to fear him.
He shrugged, turning his back to her, and headed towards a parked car. Was she meant to follow?
When he looked at her and nodded towards the passenger seat, she took that as her answer and hopped into action.
Climbing into the car, her bum sliding easy on the fancy leather seats, she admired the interior. From the outside, the car looked…average. New, but nothing that would catch the eye. The interior, on the other hand, was beautiful and sleek with a large screen on the dash showing the time and temperature. Everything was lit up, too — the dash, the overhead lights, there was even a soft glow coming from under the seats that illuminated the floor space.
When Seokjin shifted into drive, everything dimmed and the headlights lit up what felt like miles of road. Anastasia felt like she was in a sci-fi movie.
She’d never really been into cars or kept up with the next up-and-coming models, but the car felt expensive. She knew Jungkook liked to drive, but that was the extent of her interest in cars — watching Jungkook drive.
Although she hated to admit it, Seokjin was handsome. One hand on the wheel, the other resting lazily on the center divider, there was a beautiful nonchalance about the way he held himself.
“Where to?” He finally spoke, jerking her out of her staring.
“Huh?”
***
Sitting across from possibly the most gorgeous man she’d ever met, in a crowded, run-down pizzeria, was not how Anastasia had pictured her night going. The fact that he was also her best friend’s family, a family she had no idea existed that same morning, made everything all the more surreal.
But there she was, eating pizza.
There hadn’t been much conversation up until that point, neither of them having much to say. Surprisingly, it was the staring from the other customers that made her the most uncomfortable, not the lack of communication.
“How long have you known Jungkook?” Seokjin eventually asked as they left, not much later. He hadn’t admitted to it, but she was willing to bet that the stares made him uncomfortable too.
Surprised by the question, or more so the cold and uninviting tone with which it was asked, she raised her eyebrows. It was a stark contrast to the warmth that was usually associated with the question.
“Uh, since senior year, high school,” she provided nonetheless.
He nodded, checking the street for cars before they both made their way across to where his vehicle was parked.
“How’d you meet?” He asked once they were both seated in the warm vehicle. Why did he have the temperature set so high? She fleetingly wondered.
Thinking back to Jungkook’s and her’s meeting, she grinned. He had been known as the reclusive new kid, but she’d never actually interacted with him until about one or two months into the new year. Their first interaction had been when he’d walked out into the parking lot, not paying attention enough to notice the oncoming vehicle. Anastasia had grabbed his waist and yanked him back before he got hit, sending them both toppling to the ground. She’d busted her elbow and his hands were pretty scraped up, but overall, they’d both walked away with minimal injuries.
She remembered the first time she’d ever heard his voice, soft and angelic. Looking back, she probably should have expected it, after all, his appearance had been just as soft and sweet, but she remembered being surprised nonetheless.
“I tackled him,” she replied, an unconscious smile playing on her lips.
“Tackled him?” Seokjin sounded bewildered, even if his face didn’t show it.
“Yeah, he was on the phone with someone and wasn’t watching where he was going. Walked right out in front of a car,” She explained, reminiscing old memories.
“You were watching him?”
Anastasia hesitated, unsure how to respond to that. Should she be embarrassed?
“Uh, I guess. Never really thought about it,” She admitted. He nodded.
The rest of the drive was in silence.
***
Anastasia woke up the next morning feeling anxious and it took her a second to remember why — she had to face Jungkook.
After a full night’s sleep and her night out with Seokjin, she felt a little embarrassed about how she’d reacted to everything. Yes, he hadn’t told her about his friends, but it also had nothing to do with her. It wasn’t news that he didn’t like her around his friends and she’d accepted that. Or at least she thought she had. He was possessive and protective, always shooing others away when they tried to approach her — and she’d let him. Why the sudden change on her part? It wasn’t his fault that she all of a sudden wasn’t okay with it.
He was flaky and a recluse, but he was loyal and she knew he loved her. Even if only as a friend. She shouldn’t have taken it so personally and acted like a shunned girlfriend. She wasn’t his girlfriend.
Sighing deeply, she rolled onto her back and stared blankly at the ceiling. How should she approach him? On second thought, he’d probably come to her when he was ready.
Dragging her feet, she headed to the bathroom, freshening up before thinking about breakfast. However, just as she made her way into the kitchen, her doorbell rang.
Glancing at the clock, she furrowed her brow. Jungkook wouldn’t be up for another four hours at least, so who was at the door?
Approaching it as quietly as possible, she peeked out the peephole.
It was Jungkook and he was accompanied by two others — Taehyung and…Jimin, if she remembered correctly.
Eyes wide, she dashed back to the bathroom, checking herself in the mirror. Her hair was a mess and she still had her pajamas on, but at least she’d brushed her teeth.
Throwing on a hoodie to hide the fact that she wasn’t wearing a bra ( she threw up the hood too, for good measure), she ran back to the door.
“Jungkook!” She greeted, probably a little too animatedly.
“Why did it take you so long to answer? Your alarm goes off at 7:00, it’s 7:30,” He started off as he invited himself inside, eyes scanning her apartment.
She rolled her eyes and stepped back, letting his entourage in as well.
“What, I’m not allowed to sleep in?” She argued. He tongued his cheek but didn’t argue.
When he didn’t immediately tell her why he was there, she raised her brows questioningly.
“Why are you up so early?” She countered.
“Oh, right, ” He seemed to jerk back to reality, “Jiminie-hyung and Taehyungie-hyung wanted to get food and I-I wanted—, I thought—, Do you want to come?” He stuttered, not meeting her gaze.
He was always so back and forth between bad-boy and innocent, she should’ve been used to it by now. Still, without fail, it made her heart race and her cheeks flush.
“Okay,” she found herself saying.
Make You Know Love
Hello! This is the rewritten version on MYKL! I’ve worked very hard and am eager to share! A few things have changed, like the POV, but I have also altered the events to better fit the flow of the story. Please enjoy!
Previous|Next
Pairings: ot7 x female
Warnings: Sexy bts
____________
“I don’t want to love you. I want to be free, I want to be me. But when I shut my eyes, all I see is you” - d.j.
***
Sweat dripped down the side of Anastasia’s face as she trudged up the stairs, her body feeling too heavy from the heat.
“Why is it so hot?!” She complained to herself, hitting the tip of her boot against the rusty steel step in an attempt to dislodge the tiny rock stuck under the ball of her foot.
The day up until that point had been exhaustingly long, filled with back-to-back classes and faceless people. When you’re younger, college is advertised as a new, free world with endless possibilities, when in reality it was just more homework, only now you paid for it. But at least she was almost inside where it was air-conditioned — things wouldn’t feel so bad after cooling down. Probably.
Reaching her front door, she fumbled with the keys to unlock it. The navy blue door was old with an even older lock which often stuck, needing a heavy hand and a specific angle to release. An annoying trait initially, but had since become muscle memory.
A gentle cool surrounded her as she stepped through the door and she let out a small breath of relief. Tossing her keys onto the small table next to the door and dropping her bag beside the shoe rack, she toed off her shoes. There was always a small pleasure in taking off the heavy boots that she never bothered to lace up all the way. She smiled, her feet finally getting a chance to breathe,but the smile quickly dissipated when she turned to face her living room. Dishes covered her coffee table, blankets and pillows were strewn across the floor, and — was that a shirt tossed across the back of the couch?
Jungkook.
It wasn’t unusual for her best friend and long-time crush to come over unannounced while she was gone; he was very introverted. Sharing a space without the other present was his way of feeling close without leaving his comfort zone. Normally, it wasn’t an issue, but every now and then he’d leave her place completely trashed. The two had gotten neighboring apartments straight out of high school four years ago — he had his own apartment to trash.
Initially, Anastasia was skeptical about more or less living together. Jungkook came from money, while Anastasia was barely middle class. Finding a place they both liked and could afford in the city just hadn’t sounded very realistic. However, contrary to what she’d assumed, he’d made the process very simple by agreeing to every place he was shown until they eventually landed in a humble apartment complex within walking distance of their college campus.
All the accumulated stress and annoyance from the week suddenly flared up as she stormed back out of her apartment barefoot and stomped her way over to her best friend’s door. Anastasia wasn’t in the mood to be patient with him today.
Pounding angrily, she waited for him to answer and the longer he took, the angrier she got. She knew he didn’t have a schedule today, he had no excuse for being a dick. As soon as she heard the door unlock, she burst through, stopping herself from spitefully knocking his things over and making a mess in hishome.
“Jungkook! Are you seriously incapable of respecting other—oh!” She stumbled back into the wall, almost tripping over a pair of shoes because the person with his hand on the doorknob was most definitely not Jungkook. Instead, a tall man with dark, curly hair falling into his eyes stood in his place. It was unsettling how beautiful he was, standing like he owned the air she breathed.
“Don’t let me stop you,” He smirked, closing the door with a small flick of his wrist as he brushed past her.
She had to take a minute to gather her thoughts and convince herself what happened had happened. She narrowed her gaze at the wall, fighting down her irritation so as not to overreact and make a scene. Just who the hell did he think he was?
As she slowly stalked into the main room, she knew she’d made the right choice to stay calm when she came face to face with two more men that had the hair on the back of her neck standing on end. An instinct deep inside cautioned danger.
The one that had opened the door was thin and a bit lanky, but there was something so intimidating about the way he met her gaze from across the room. It felt like a dare for her to do something — Anastasia had to look away.
The second man, who had yet to look up from his phone, had the majority of his face concealed by his hood. The arrogance with which he’d positioned himself with an arm along the back of the couch and his legs spread wide, put her on edge.
The last one, dressed head to toe in black, was reclined back into the couch and appeared to be asleep. Still, there was a poised aspect to his posture, like he was ready if anything happened. He wasn’t doing anything special, but something about him…Anastasia wasn’t sure she wanted to get acquainted.
Swallowing the lump of fear from being alone with three strange men, she forced herself to ask, cautiously, “Where’s Jungkook?”
The beautiful one with fluffy hair sighed and plopped down onto the couch, resting his head back onto the arm of the one on his phone. “Jungkookie is getting food.”
Their blatant disinterest in her offered the tiniest bit of solace, leaving her feeling less like she was about to become a victim of a heinous crime at one wrong move. Deciding it was the safest option, she backed up into the hall and quietly left the apartment. She would wait for Jungkook outside, in the public eye.
Paranoia had her back inside the safety of the walls of her apartment.
She didn’t feel so angry about the mess, anymore, more worried and admittedly curious about the men she could now afford to admit were attractive. Even the one sleeping was attractive, who’s attractive when they sleep?
Jungkook is. Her brain unhelpfully supplied.
Shifting her attention to cleaning the mess Jungkook had left, she piled up the dishes on the table and took them to the kitchen. As she soaped up a sponge, her mind wandered back to the three men. What if Jungkook didn’t know them, or worse, was on bad terms with them? It was very unlike Jungkook to let people into his personal space, much less leave them unattended. Did this mean they were close or did it mean he was being threatened? They wouldn’t attack Jungkook in his own home, would they? No, they were Korean too, she could tell by the familiar accent Jungkook had long since lost. They must be friends, or maybe cousins visiting. But if so, why hadn’t Jungkook mentioned anything? Given her a heads up? Did he not know they were going to show up? That meant they weren’t close, right? So he was in danger?
She gnawed on her lower lip, going back and forth, contemplating what to do.
Once the dishes were dry and put away, she took out her phone and dialed her best friend. The longer it rang for, the more anxious she became until finally, he picked up.
“Hello?” The moment his gentle tone came through the speaker, her shoulders relaxed.
“Hey, you okay?” She ought to start there.
He laughed softly, “What? So suddenly? Are youokay?”
“There’s just…” She didn’t know how best to approach the subject, “There are people in your apartment,” she whispered.
He was quiet for a moment, “Oh yeah, did you…meet them?”
She frowned. That wasn’t the reaction she’d been expecting.
“Briefly,” she admitted, hearing someone call his name through the phone.
He stuttered, trying to split his attention between her and whoever had called him.
“Taz, I have to go, food is ready. I’m on my way back now,” He rushed and shuffling could be heard. She imagined him shoving his phone between his shoulder and ear, accepting bags of takeout.
Her frown deepened, “Is it safe?”
The phone let out a small beep, signaling the person on the other end had ended the call. Anastasia pulled the device away from her ear and stared at it questioningly. Jungkook was never so flippant, his insouciant attitude rarely ever directed towards her. What was going on?
She wasn’t exactly hurt by his actions, but there was admittedly a bit of irritation present.
Tapping a finger against her jean-clad thigh, she debated her next move. She didn’t often feel nosey or curious about other people’s business — even Jungkook’s — but this particular situation had her burning with curiosity. She’d never met any of Jungkook’s friends or family from Korea, and she wanted to.
Jungkook’s past had always been a bit of a mystery. When she first noticed him back in high school, he’d been an aloof kid, sitting quietly in the back of class while diligently taking notes. Of course, being the attractive, foreign new kid that seemed to have no interest in anyone around him, everyone vied for his attention. After somewhat serendipitously befriending him, she learned he lived with a sponsor family, so even after 5 years of friendship, she’d never met his family. He never even talked about his family, always growing visibly uncomfortable and fidgety when asked about his personal life. Eventually, years of new memories together caused the curiosity to fade into the background.
Now that long-dormant curiosity was rearing its ugly head again.
Decidedly, Anastasia slipped on her shoes and exited her home. She would wait for him on the stairs, after all.
She knew it might seem like an ambush, but the desire to know beat any guilt to the side. He knew everything about her, it was about time he gave a little back.
It didn’t take long, no more than ten minutes, before she heard his familiar bell-like laugh from the small parking area around the corner. It was followed by indistinct chatter, the teasing tone the only comprehensible sound.
Waiting in silence for Jungkook to come into view, she prepared herself to meet more of his friends. How many more were there? Two at least.
When he rounded the corner laughing, someone riding on his back with their face nuzzled into his neck, Anastasia’s eyes widened. Had she taken a wrong turn on the way home and ended up in the twilight zone? The day just kept getting weirder.
As far as she’d witnessed, Jungkook didn’t like people in his space and always kept a polite distance between himself and others. She’d thought herself special for being accepted into his personal space, but obviously not.
He hadn’t noticed her yet, still a little ways away from the stairs and too preoccupied conversing with a second stranger to notice her form through the metal railing. The one Jungkook spoke with was beautiful in a way that was difficult to describe. Every feature on him was sharp and defined, from his jawline to his broad shoulders, and even his knees. And yet there was something so soft about him, something so untouched and pristine.
She had to remind herself to breathe.
An adorable noise left Jungkook when he saw her on the steps, his mouth making a tiny ‘o’.
“Taz!” He greeted her warmly, her favorite smile on his lips and if she hadn’t known him for so long, she wouldn’t have noticed the nervous shift in his eyes.
“Hey Kook,” She returned with the same warmth, even though she wasn’t exactly in a warm mood. She never did have any control when it came to her best friend.
The man on his back dropped down, almost completely out of sight behind Jungkook.
Jungkook stepped away and grabbed both the men he was with, shoving them forward to the base of the steps. They stumbled, grabbing onto each other in an attempt not to trip and fall, and the taller of the two whipped around to glare at Jungkook, who giggled nervously.
“Who are you?”
Anastasia shifted her focus to the shortest of the three, but hesitated in answering, waiting for Jungkook. When he noticed her gaze, he promptly motioned for the taller man to turn back to her.
“This is Anastasia, Taz, these are some people I want you to meet,” Jungkook filled in, shifting anxiously, but she could tell from his body language that her reaction was the one he was afraid of.
“Hello,” She greeted them, doing her best to conceal the raging feelings inside behind a friendly facade.
They both bowed and voiced their greetings, an action she had half expected after knowing Jungkook for so long.
“I’m Jimin,” The shortest of the three introduced, keeping his heavily accessorized hands to himself, opting for a nod instead.
Following his lead, the second kept his hands in his pockets, also nodding. “Seokjin.”
Making an effort for Jungkook’s sake, though she really wasn’t any more comfortable around these two than she was around the three inside, she smiled, “Nice to meet you, I’m Anastasia.”
“Namjoon is still in the car, he had a phone call, and…you’ve met the others?” Jungkook added, coming forward to meet Anastasia halfway as she descended the stairs.
“Namjoon?” She repeated, “And not really.”
“Oh, okay, I’ll introduce you,” He grinned.
Taking a deep breath, she changed the subject, “Where’s the food?”
His eyes widened comically, “The food!”
He turned and dashed back to the parking lot.
Jimin watched him jog out of sight before slipping his hands into his pockets and casually slipping past her, up the stairs. She turned to follow him with her eyes, observing the way he freely entered Jungkook’s apartment.
Turning back, she found Seokjin leaning comfortably against the steel banister. Was he waiting for Jungkook?
“So, um, how long have you known Jungkook for?” She’d never been good at small talk.
His lips twitched as if to hold back a smirk, “A while.”
Anastasia pursed her lips and nodded, she’d figured as much.
Footsteps stole both their attention and the sight of the man that rounded the corner had her reeling. He was closely followed by an unbothered Jungkook, but Anastasia couldn’t help the urge of fight or flight. She hadn’t thought it possible, but this man’s intimidation blew the others out of the water. His walk, his expression, his confidence…he had the kind of aura one might associate with the Godfather or old money.
He didn’t even seem to notice her as he passed her on the stairs, taking them two at a time as Seokjin followed closely, his hands never having left his pockets.
Jungkook smiled, nodding for her to follow as well. She wasn’t sure she wanted answers anymore, after all, ignorance is bliss, right?
“How much did you buy?! Let me help,” It wasn’t up for debate, but Jungkook just laughed and spun around to dodge her hands, jogging up the steps with all four food bags.
“Careful! You’ll crush the food!” She scolded, making him hesitate and look down.
“They’re fine.” He concluded, continuing up the stairs. She quickly overtook him, determined to at least open the door.
He snickered, scrunching his nose up adorably and she wiggled her eyebrows in return, feeling a twinge of reassurance from the familiar dynamic.
Slipping through the doorway after him, she made sure the door was securely shut before cautiously following. When she rounded the corner, Jungkook had just barely set the bags onto the coffee table before multiple pairs of hands shot out towards the food.
“Sit down,” Jungkook motioned to the couch behind him, the same couch that only had one seat available between two of his friends.
Hesitating, a sudden, overwhelming urge to run enveloped her. She felt so out of place, like the awkward kid at a house party or the only friend without a significant other.
“Uh, actually Kook, I have a lot of homework I need to get done,” She excused, backing up.
“No,” Jungkook denied, wrapping an arm around her waist to stop her from leaving.
She scoffed, “What do you mean ‘no’?”
“I said what I said.” He concluded, pushing her onto the couch and turning back to the food.
She stared incredulously at his back for a moment before meeting the eyes of the sleeping man in all black. Uh oh, had she woken him?
“Hey, how you doin’?” She waved with an obviously forced smile. Much to her relief, he cracked one in return (albeit a more amused one) and rested his head back against the couch, leaving her to spend the next few seconds wondering how someone’s teeth could be cute.
Jumping slightly, a little startled when Jungkook squeezed himself between them, she accepted the plate of food he held out. When she shifted to the side to give him more room, she accidentally bumped into the man on her other side.
The irritated and somewhat disgusted glare she received was uncalled for, confirming what she’d suspected — her presence was unwanted. It was so obvious, why was Jungkook insisting she stay? Was the tension in the room all in her head?
For the first time, she wanted Jungkook’s possessive behavior. She wished he would stake a claim like he usually did and then send her on her merry way. She wanted to leave.
Looking about the room, she tried to come up with an actual reason to leave. A reason more acceptable than just feeling like it. Consequently, she accidentally met gazes with Seokin. He was studying her, that much she could tell, and suddenly she came to the realization that Jungkook might be more important to him than she’d initially assumed.
She couldn’t help but wonder why that didn’t make her feel any better — shouldn’t him caring about who Jungkook kept in company warm her heart? Instead, she felt her blood run cold like she should be cautious of the consequences of being around.
Keeping her distance from Jungkook’s friends felt like the safest option for the time being, but of course, Jungkook had to make that more difficult.
“So you met Seokjin and Jimin, that’s Namjoon, and this is Yoongi, Hoseok, and Taehyung,” Jungkook introduced, pointing to each individual character.
Normally, the second a name left someone’s mouth it was forgotten, but there was no way she could forget them this time. The atmosphere was the closest she’d ever felt to a life or death situation, every moment was being ingrained. She also couldn’t stop her gaze from returning to Namjoon. She felt like a frightened bird keeping an eye on a predator, even when the predator seemed to have little to no interest in her.
“Hello, I’m Anastasia. You’re all Jungkook’s friends?” She was running on survival mode, trying to keep the peace by being as polite as she knew how.
Jungkook nodded, “They’re my brothers.”
Now that got her attention.
“One more time?”
“Not biologically, but we were raised together,” He continued, oblivious to the tension filling the room as he happily munched on his food.
Anastasia felt like she was spiraling. She was Alice and this was Wonderland because nothing made sense. The confusion and anxiety were only just overshadowed by the hurt she felt. She’d always assumed that Jungkook never spoke about his family because he wasn’t on good terms with them, but that was clearly not the case here.
He just hadn’t wanted to share with her and so for the first time since they’d become friends, Anastasia felt alienated. She didn’t belong in his world, or more accurately, she wasn’t welcome.
Following the hurt came thinly veiled anger. He didn’t have enough respect for her to even give her a heads up that his brothers were in town? Fine, she wouldn’t waste her energy playing along.
“I’m leaving.” She stood, stepping around Taehyung’s legs, and headed for the exit.
“What? Taz, wait,” Jungkook spoke through a mouth full of food and got up to follow her.
Not wanting to lose her cool in front of a room full of strangers, she ignored him and left.
She barely made it out the door before Jungkook reached her.
“Hey, whoa, what’s up? I know it’s a bit of a surprise, but—”
“You’re right, it was a surprise. You didn’t even have the decency to let me know you had family in town. That’s not even the bare minimum, though, no the least you could do was let me know they existed in the first place!” She snapped, roughly shoving her door open, having just enough self-control not to let it slam against the wall.
“Jagi, wait, I didn’t mean to, I didn’t know they were coming! Hey, hey, hey,” Jungkook gently grabbed her wrist, trying to dissuade her from storming off to her room where he wouldn’t follow.
“You even trashed my place, you know? I yelled at one of them thinking it was you, do you know how fucking mortified I am? Do you even care?”
Jungkook opened and closed his mouth, not knowing what to say.
She sighed, pinching her nose. As much as she wanted to solve things with him, understand what was going on in his head, she wasn’t calm enough and Jungkook had guests to get back to.
“Nevermind. Get out, we’ll talk about this later.”
Pairings: ot7 x female
Warnings: I can’t tell you otherwise it will spoil the read!! It’s nothing too bad though <3
____________
I sat in my closet, rummaging through my clothes. I had told the boys that I wanted to go to the mall and see a movie. Save for Jimin, who I assumed was hungover, everyone agreed to come. Step one: complete. Now all I had to do was find the loudest, most obnoxious items of clothing I owned.
As I was sorting through an old bag of clothes I had planned on donating two years ago and just never got around to, an item caught my eye. My estranged cousin had gifted it to me and honestly, I never thought I’d wear it. Suddenly the satin piece of material that only stayed on your body with two chains seemed like the perfect top. Thankfully it was summer so I had that as my excuse if anyone asked. I told myself that the discomfort would be worth the satisfied curiosity.
A strange mix of giddy and dread filled me as I got dressed, pairing the top with a simple pair of jeans. Once I’d finished my makeup and hair, I picked out some shoes and waited for one of them to come to get me. I hadn’t asked them to, but how long would it take before one of them came to find me?
Lounging back on my couch, I took out my phone, ready to wait an hour or two.
Barely fifteen minutes passed before someone came bursting through the front door. I almost chucked my phone to the floor in a classic guilty fashion.
Scrambling to my feet, I came face to face with Jimin.
“I—” He paused whatever he was going to say to look me up and down, before shaking his head. “So what, you were just going to invite everyone but me?” He crossed his arms.
I wasn’t sure what I was expecting, but that certainly wasn’t it.
“I thought you had a hangover,” I spluttered.
“So? You were just going to go on one big group date and not even ask if I wanted to come? Looking like that, no less?” He looked positively offended.
“It’s not a date!” I defended, though we both knew that I wasn’t being entirely honest. It was a date, to some degree, just….an experimental one.
He scoffed, “Nuh-uh, get back in there and get ugly.” He demanded, pointing at my bedroom door.
I wanted to get angry, I really did, but the laugh that bubbled up couldn’t be stopped. He didn’t look quite so amused.
“Get back in-in there and get uh-ugly.” I mimicked, barely getting the words out through my laughing. “I’m not changing!”
In one swift movement, he tugged his black t-shirt over his head and threw it onto the couch.
“Fine,” He shrugged, taking my hand and tugging me in the direction of the front door, “We’ll match.”
My eyes grew wide at the sight of his muscular tattooed chest as I tried to come up with a response, but nothing came to mind quick enough as he pulled me out the door.
“Jimin!” I hissed, trying to cover him with my body as a mom and her child walked by.
He wrapped his arms around me, my bare back against his chest. I could feel his silent laughter.
“Hi, sorry Mrs. Reynold.” I waved apologetically as Jimin and I shuffled like crabs to Jungkook’s door. I only got a disgusted scoff in reply.
Once we were safely behind closed doors, I elbowed him off me and shoved him into the door. If I had been paying attention, I would have noticed the dark look in his eyes before he neutralized his expression.
“What the hell was that?!”
“You put on a shirt, I’ll put on a shirt.” He bargained with another shrug.
“I am wearing a shirt!”
He scoffed, “Bikini’s cover more than that.”
“My entire front is covered!”
He didn’t say anything, so we just glared at each other in silence.
“Stop trying to dictate what I wear,” I growled. I hadn’t expected myself to get so defensive over my outfit choice ( I didn’t even want to wear it), but a part of me was enjoying the fight.
“Back at you, sweetheart .” He countered, “I won’t stop you from leaving, but if you go wearing that, I’m following wearing this.”
I let out a frustrated groan.
“Jimin, go put on a shirt, we’re leaving,” Namjoon ordered, shuffling past to get his shoes.
I crossed my arms smugly, daring Jimin to argue. He scoffed and stomped off like a petulant child. The pride I felt at winning the argument was petty, but it felt good.
More of the boys gathered to put on their shoes, but none of them made nearly as big of a deal as Jimin had. That is until Jungkook came round the corner.
“Why are you wearing a bib? Go put on a shirt.” He said, not even pausing.
Yoongi almost snorted iced-coffee out his nose and Taehyung put his hand up over his mouth to hide his silent laughter.
“Would you shut up?” I hissed and slapped his arm, my face burning. That was not the reaction I’d been hoping for.
Jungkook said something in reply, but I was too distracted by Jimin suddenly trying to shove one of his shirts over my head to catch it.
“Jimin!” I shrieked.
“I put on a shirt, you put on a shirt!” He giggled, not giving up.
I ducked under his arms and made a dash for the couch, clumsily jumping over it. Jimin was quick to follow, wrapping an arm around my waist before I could land on the floor and we both toppled to the cushions. Our laughter could likely be heard from the downstairs apartment.
“Let me go!” I giggled.
I didn’t know what happened, but something in me had just clicked. It felt like I had nothing left to lose and had gone crazy.
But I was having fun.
I’d fought my love for Jungkook for so long and Jimin made it so easy like it was all just in the moment and I didn’t have to worry about tomorrow. I didn’t have to worry about any broken hearts.
As the laughter subsided and I finally let Jimin put the shirt on me, I acknowledged the others in the room. Surprised looks across the board, but there was also an undertone of pleasure in their expressions. I elected to ignore the details.
“You’re like an over-possessive boyfriend,” I grumbled as I got up from the couch. Jimin just smirked in reply.
“Tasia?” Jungkook called as I made my way to the front door.
Not wanting to answer the questions I knew he had, I shook my head. “Let’s go!”
I grabbed the hand closest to me — Seokjin’s — and skipped out the door.
…
I was in the back of Hoseok’s car, Seokjin to my right, and Jungkook was in the passenger, giving directions to the mall. The others were in a second car I hadn’t known existed.
Seokjin and I didn’t interact much until he pulled a bag of gummy bears out of nowhere, the crinkling of plastic catching my attention as he silently offered me some. It felt like his way of breaking the awkwardness that had grown between us throughout the silent ride. I nodded and thanked him as he shook a couple out into my palm.
We arrived before the others, despite having left at the same time, and ended up hovering around the car in the parking lot, waiting. Jungkook had draped himself over my shoulders, whispering made up stories about every stranger that passed. He was in the middle of narrating a 101 Dalmatians spin-off when a car door slammed and the sounds of bickering could immediately be heard.
Standing up straighter, I peeked around the car to see Taehyung huffing into sight.
“Ya! What took so long?” Hoseok called out as the others also exited the car.
Jimin refused to meet anyone’s gaze as he answered, “I put the wrong address into the navigator.”
Seokjin and I started laughing, though I had the decency to at least try and hide my reaction, while Seokjin pointed and laughed.
“Whatever, it’s done and over with,” Namjoon finished, cutting everyone off.
“Yeah! Let’s go eat something!” I cheered, skipping off towards where I knew a collection of restaurants were.
If I thought Jimin and Hoseok drew a lot of attention, I was not prepared for the attention all of them drew in a chic restaurant in the middle of a popular mall. The attention carried on throughout the entire meal and I had to escape to the bathroom to fight off my annoyance after the third woman came up and asked for their number.
Was this what it was like for them every time they went out? I wondered bitterly.
Rinsing the soap off my hands underwater I didn’t wait for to warm up, I noticed a woman standing behind me in the mirror. I gasped, not having heard her coming up behind me, but I recognized her as one of the women who had come up and flirt heavily with the boys.
Expecting that she wanted me to hook her up, I opened my mouth to crush her dreams, but I didn’t get a chance to say anything before she ripped me back by my hair.
I let out a small scream but was quickly silenced when she bashed my head into the tile wall. Fear ripped through me as I attempted to fight back, my vision going foggy.
“S-stop.” I weakly muttered, feeling my consciousness begin to slip, my wet grip on her wrists loosening.
“Took a while, but we finally found him, all cozy with his girlfriend.” She hissed.
“Who-who?” I could barely comprehend her next words.
“Jeon Jungkook,” She laughed cruelly, “Boss is gonna love this.”
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Make You Know Love
Pairings: ot7 x female
Warnings: spicy
____________
“Call me friend but keep me closer” — Billie Eilish
Anastasia stumbled over herself the next morning, the 2 hours of sleep, thanks to the boys, taking its toll. The hour was 6 in the morning and she had a class in an hour that she couldn’t afford to miss. Luckily, she’d woken up to an empty bed, no snoring Jungkook beside her. As much as she’d love to wake up to him, she knew it would only break her heart harder in the long run if she gave in to the fantasy.
When she’d walked out of her room to head to the bathroom, Jimin was spread out on her couch, phone in hand.
“You’re still up?” She croaked, afraid to look at herself in the mirror.
He hummed in confirmation, not looking up. Furrowing her brow, a thought occurred. How did none of them get jet lag? Unless delayed onset jet lag was a thing.
“Seokjin-hyung, Namjoon-hyung, Yoongi-hyung, and Hoseok-hyung all had schedules before coming to see me, so they’ve been here for like 3 weeks already,” Jungkook explained later, when they met up on campus for lunch, “Taehyungie-hyung wasjet-lagged and Jiminie-hyung always has a fucked sleep schedule”
She nodded, eyes following a group of people walking by.
“And Taz…” She turned back to Jungkook, who looked nervous as he fiddled with his lip ring.
“Hey, what’s up?” She leaned forward to let him know she was listening.
“The landlady was pretty adamant about you leaving,” He explained.
She nodded in understanding, “I figured”
“But! Hobi-hyung talked her down from pressing for repair money,” He looked more excited about this news. Anastasia was too, of course, but something was bothering her.
“Is she dumb?” She laughed, pulling back.
“Hobi-hyung is just veryconvincing,” Jungkook snickered with a wink.
Her eyes widened comically, “He slept with her?!”
Jungkook’s locks swished as he shook his head, “No, but he probably flirted enough that she thought he would”
Anastasia rolled her eyes, “He knows he didn’t have to do that, right?”
Jungkook’s smile fell as he stared intently at her, “And you know that if you’re special to me, you’re special to him, right? Whatever I’d do for you, they would too”
She pulled back, stunned, “Kook, I get that you guys have a unique bond, but that doesn’t mean you all feel the same things”
It was his turn to roll his eyes, “When you care about someone that much, when you lovethem, when you’d do anything for them…the people they love, you love”
“What are you talking about? Jungkook that’s… no,” She shook her head. “That’s not how it works”
He scowled, crossing his arms, “So you’re telling me you didn’t make the effort to get along because they were important to me?”
She paused. He had a point… Still, what he was talking about was beyond anything she’d ever thought about doing.
“You’re dumb,” she huffed, giving in. A genuine smile brightened his face and she reminded herself not to stare like a lovestruck fool.
“Oh, also,” He moved seats so he was closer and grabbed both of her hands. “Move in with me”
A startled laugh left her lips, “What?”
“Yeah,” He scooted closer so her legs were fully trapped between his. “You have to move anyway and I don’t want to be where you’re not, so it makes sense?”
“I can’t live in the building anymore, Kook” she pointed out obviously, forgoing mentioning all the other reasons why living together was a bad idea. Although it wasn’t completely unfathomable (they basically lived together already), there was something so intimate about officiallysharing a space. It was crossing lines they’d blurred for years and she wasn’t sure if she was ready to break her heart like that.
“Well, I was thinking we’d look at someplace new,” He blushed, playing with her hands. It never took much from him to make her cave, and she did just that. “Okay, let’s do that when we get home”
He beamed. “Great! Okay, I have to go, my class started like 15 minutes ago,” he informed, kissing her on the cheek before jogging off.
The two weeks following passed slowly, ritually. Anastasia got up, got ready, went to classes, did some homework, and then came home to search for a new place and pack.
She hadn’t interacted much with Yoongi beyond the occasional passing sly touch and she was pleased to find that there was no awkwardness between them. He more or less kept to himself, though, and she was much too concerned with finding a place to live to seek him out.
Hoseok and Seokjin had come over every day to help pack everything up and occasionally, Taehyung would show up too, although she’d quickly understood that he had no particular interest in actually helping. He played DJ and went throughher stuff, but didn’t do any work. She was thankful nonetheless.
“Where was this?” Taehyung asked from where he sat in her closet.
Anastasia finished placing the books she was holding in a box before walking over to see what he was talking about.
“Taehyung!” She gasped, “I justfinished packing that!”
There he was, sat in front of the box filled with all her photos. Well, it usedto be filled with photos, nowthey were scattered on the floor around him.
“His hair was so long…” He mumbled, brushing a finger delicately across the photo in his hand. The longing in his voice made her curious, which photo was he looking at?
Stepping over a few boxes to get to him, she peered over his shoulder.
Her expression immediately softened, “That was a few years ago, Christmas break. We visited my family’s farm, he really liked the animals,” she laughed at the memory behind the photo of Jungkook holding a lamb.
Noticing Taehyung’s frown, she thoughtlessly combed her hand through his hair.
“I’ll take you to meet the animals too if you want,” She offered, snapping her hand back when he leaned into the touch. She hadn’t meant to be so affectionate, it just came so easy with the pouty man.
He tilted his head back to look up at her with a smile but she was too lost in my thoughts to notice. She also didn’t notice when Taehyung grabbed another photo and grinned knowingly. It wasn’t until he started softly rapping “Baby Got Back” that she realized which photo he was holding.
“Okay! And that’s the end of that,” she quipped, snatching the photo from his hands. “Clean this all up, I’m going to go check on Seokjin and Hoseok”
“Neh~” He hummed grin never faltering, much to her embarrassment. And so with her face burning bright, she stalked off.
Expecting to find them in the kitchen, where she’d last seen them, she was confused when Hoseok was nowhere to be found. The box he’d been filling with appliances sat neatly on the counter, labeled and taped shut, the tape roller placed next to it. His keys and sunglasses, that he’d left on the table were gone along, with his shoes.
Why had he left without saying anything? She felt like an absolute idiot for being offended, it wasn’t like he was obligatedto report his whereabouts to her.
“What’s wrong?” Seokjin murmured in her ear, scaring her so bad she tripped over her own feet. He caught her easily, pulling her to his chest. “Hobi just went to get food, no need to make such a sad face”
“I wasn’t sad,” She denied petulantly, her back pressed to his front.
“No? Bummer, I wanted to make you feel better,” He sighed and she could feel his hot breath against her neck. And then he was suddenly pulling away, leaving her feeling cold and flushed at the same time. “Maybe next time,” he winked.
***
Jungkook hadn’t stopped pushing for them to move in together, which had initially made her heart beat fast, but then he’d implied that his entire entourage would be following as well and she didn’t know what to think. She couldn’t live with seven men. She couldn’t.
Throughout, all seven of the men kept approaching her with places to move to, which would have been great if they weren’t all in Korea.
“For the last time, I can’tjust get up and move to another country! Would you let it go, already?!” She expressed exasperatedly, dragging her hands down her face. She’d just come over to relax as most of her furniture was covered with boxes, but so far, things had been everything but relaxing.
“Whynot?You’ve exhausted all your resources, there are no other places here that you can afford! You have to move away anyway!” Jungkook hissed, losing his patience. The two had been arguing for the past 15 minutes.
Her jaw clenched with an audible noise as she took a deep breath, “Cause I don’t wantto!”
“Why.Not?!” He fumed, clenching his fists. He looked genuinely angry, something she couldn’t recall him ever directing at her (aside from one time, years ago, that she was caught snooping through his phone).
Letting out a shaky breath, she tried to convince herself not to do something rash like kick the glass coffee table or chuck his PS4 controller at the wall. “I do not speak Korean, how am I supposed to go to school there? I don’t know the culture, or what’s socially accepted! I don’t want to relearn how to live, Jungkook!”
An angry growl left his lips, “Then just stay inside! You have us, you don’t need anything else”
“Jungkook!” How could he say that? “Why are you so dead set on me moving to Korea? Did you really hate living here with me that much?!” It was a somewhat baseless accusation, but it’d been weighing her down.
“Why would I be trying so damn hard to convince you to come with me if I hated living with you? Don’t put words in my mouth,” He growled and she felt like a bucket of ice water had just been dumped over her head.
“Comewithyou?” She repeated, “You’re leaving?”
He rolled his eyes, “Of course, I’m leaving. My life is in Korea, there’s nothing for me here. I only stayed this long because of you and now you won’t even…” He cut himself off.
“Of course, I’m leaving”, His words echoed in her head, but what did she expect? Him to choose her over them?
“Do you know how that feels? Knowing I gave up so much time to stay beside you and now you won’t even considerme? Even though you have to transfer anyway, and your reason? You don’t want to .” He gripped at his hair. “And if you won’t move, what the hell am I supposed to do?!”
“It’s not —it’s not about you, I—”
“Itshouldbe about me. I shouldbe your priority. A little discomfort is all it takes for you to ditch me, huh? So every time you said you wanted to stay with me forever, that we’d grow old together, what you really meant was we could be together as long as it’s convenient for you”
“You like it here, you enjoyed being here,” she tried to rationalize, ignoring the guilt churning in her belly.
“I liked you,” he clarified. “Why would I like being away from my family?”
She shook her head, “Let’s talk about this later.” Seokjin and Yoongi had just walked in and she took the opportunity to escape. Jungkook didn’t try to stop her.
Pulling out her phone, she decided to call Beatrice for a shoulder to lean on.
“Hello?” She answered.
“Hey Bee, you got a moment?” Anastasia asked as she stepped into her living room.
Beatrice hesitated, “Actually, can I call you back in a bit? I’m right in the middle of something”
Anastasia agreed easily, ending the call. What now?
“Taz?” Hoseok’s voice met her ear moments before his head popped out from the hallway, his eyes meeting hers.
“Hoseok? What are you doing here?” She’d thought he’d left hours ago.
A mischievous smirk crept onto his lips, “Oh, nothing” he singsonged, disappearing back down the hall. She followed immediately, not trusting him, and walked into her room just in time to see him disappear into her closet.
On her bed lounged a comfortable Jimin, staring beguilingly at her. All thoughts stuttered to a stop for a moment.
“I was thinking,” Hoseok began, returning from her closet with something behind his back, “that we deserve to celebrate”
“Celebrate?”
He nodded innocently with closed eyes, “Our hard work. And look!” He pulled out what he’d been hiding. It was a calf-length fitted velvet dress, one she’d only worn once to her cousin’s wedding. The color was a deep purple and it had thin straps with a low back. “I found the perfect dress for you”
“That’s—” she laughed, taking it from his outstretched hand and holding it up to herself, “I don’t think I’ll even fit into this anymore. Besides, I’m not exactly in a spot financially where I should be out celebrating”
“I’ll pay, now go try it on,” Jimin shooed, rolling off the bed and pushing her from the room.
“Ah—wait—but!”
An hour later, she was out of the shower and successfully zipped into the dress. Although she was not at all in the mood to go out, she felt she owed Hoseok for all his help. If what he wanted as repayment was a fun night out with her and Jimin, she would do it.
Uncapping her lipgloss, her thoughts drifted back to Jungkook. Finding out that for all the years he stayed by her side, he’d wanted to be somewhere else, hurt. Why hadn’t he just been honest from the start?
He didn’t want to give you up. She knew it was the truth but that just made everything so much harder! Jungkook was always intense and overbearing, he liked to be in control, or at the very least in the loop, when anything had something to do with her. His attention to detail when it came to her was part of what had made it so easy to fall in love with him, but was she ready to move to a different country for him? He would meet someone and get married someday, then where would she be? Still, it was selfish to ask him to stay and suffer the same things that made her not want to go.
Saying goodbye though…that wasn’t something she ever wanted to do. Even the other six had unnoticingly grown on her.
Pulled from her thoughts by the doorbell ringing, she quickly finished applying her lipgloss and went to check.
Behind the door stood Jimin and Hoseok looking like a pair of gods and she felt herself stop functioning for a moment, her brain having trouble processing what she was seeing.
Jimin was in a flowy black satin top with a sinfully deep neckline and a matching scarf tied around his neck. He’d traded in his usual hooped earrings for long, thin, dangly ones and his hair was brushed back on one side, his makeup flawless.
Hoseok was the epitome of fashionable in his oversized blazer with a unique white trim and pearls adorning his neck. Tinted sunglasses, that held no real purpose in the dark night, rested low on his nose and his hair was curled to nicely fit the formal grunge style.
Feeling underdressed around them wasn’t an unfamiliar feeling to her, but at that moment she felt severelyunderdressed. They looked expensive, next to them she felt like river rock compared to diamonds and rubies.
Trying not to show her insecurity, she gave them a smile.
“You look beautiful,” Jimin complimented, his ever-present flirtatious smirk playing on his lips. Hoseok made a loud noise in agreement, making her laugh and suddenly she felt comfortable again. Well, as comfortable as she could while being overwhelmingly attracted to them. Who was she becoming?
“Let me just grab my bag and put on some shoes, hold on,” She said, dashing to her room to grab her things and buckle on some heels she’d dug out of a box.
When she returned, Yoongi and Namjoon had joined, talking in hushed tones to the other two. Noticing her presence, they quieted, sending her bright smiles as Hoseok held out his hand.
“Ready?” He asked, tilting his head.
“Uh, yeah,” She replied, taking his hand. What was that about? Had something happened?
Shaking it off, she let Hoseok and Jimin lead her out the door. It only took her the time it took to get to Hoseok’s rented car to realize she was not going out on some friendly outing, but instead on a date with two of the most beautiful humans on Earth. With the warmth of Jimin’s palm on her waist, seeping through the material of her dress, and Hoseok’s hand in hers, there really was no question. Butterflies erupted in her stomach.
“Where are we going?” She murmured, feeling like the atmosphere required a softer tone.
“It’s a surprise,” Hoseok winked, opening the passenger door for her. She ducked her head to try and hide the blood that was rushing to her face.
Why was she being so shy? She’d spent every day with him for weeks!
Settling into her seat, she let out a small squeak when Jimin bent down to buckle her up. No one else had ever buckled her up before, past the age of like 5, and yet he’d done it twice now. His smell surrounded her, making it hard to focus, his face just a hair’s breadth from hers. Even that close, the man did not have a single flaw.
He was probably in her space longer than necessary, but she couldn’t find it in her to complain, and when he pulled back, he turned his head ever so slightly so his lips brushed lightly over hers. She sucked in a sharp breath.
“Sorry,” he breathed, pulling away entirely.
It felt like intense deja vu, why did they all think it was okay to just do things like that? Mind and heart racing, she tried to make sense of her life. So caught up in her thoughts, she didn’t even notice Hoseok slide into the driver’s seat.
Jimin’s lips against hers brought back when he’d had kissed her in her classroom what felt like months ago. So much had happened between then and now, she’d forgotten all about it. Suddenly, she could recall, with perfect clarity, what kissing him felt like.
Soft music drifted from the speakers as the car pulled out onto the road and she might’ve actually enjoyed the drive and beautiful city lights if it weren’t for the confusion and over-thinking clogging up her brain. Jimin, Jimin, Jimin. Jimin…andHoseok. Did this mean they bothliked her? There was no doubt in her mind that she was on a date with them, but… how?How were they okay going on a date with the same person? Where did they see this leading? Did they think she would sleep with them?
Eventually, the car rolled to a stop in front of a beautiful restaurant by the coast. She had never eaten there before, only occasionally driven past, but it was exactly the kind of place Hoseok and Jimin seemed to thrive in.
Cool air rushed in when Jimin opened his door,
“I’m not sleeping with you,” She blurted before he could step out, gripping her seatbelt tightly, not quite confident enough to look up and meet anyone’s gaze.
There was silence until the rear door clicked shut again.
“You’re not… what?” She raised her head and took in Hoseok’s obvious bewilderment.
“I won’t sleep with you, so if this is all just some strategy to get me in bed with you before you leave for Korea, it won’t work,” She bit her lip hard, trying her darndest to keep her composure. At that moment, she needed to stay strong, despite Hoseok’s heavy gaze making her want to submit.
“And where, may I ask, did you get that idea?” He spoke low, clearly displeased with her accusation.
“J-Jimin…” She trailed off, losing her nerve for a second when she turned and saw the said man staring intently at her from the backseat.
“Jimin can’t help himself,” Hoseok interrupted, stealing back her attention, “He doesn’t mean to flirt, he just is.”
“But he kissed me,” She argued, not about to believe that that was an accident,“and you and Seokjin are helping me with my apartment even though you barely know me”
“Jagiya, I kissed you to make a point, not to come onto you,” Jimin rebuffed, coming forward to lean on the center console.
“What point?”
He frowned, “Jungkook thought we didn’t like you, that we weren’t trying to make you like us”
“…So you kissed me?” He wasn’t making sense.
He shook his head, “No, I kissed you because those girls were insulting Jungkookie’s intelligence. As if Jungkook would associate himself with someone that wasn’t worth our time,” he scoffed.
She wanted to tell him that that wasn’t sufficient reason to kiss someone without their consent, but she held back. She was afraid if she told him, he’d never kiss her again. Why thatmattered most, she didn’t know, but something in her thought; better safe than sorry.
“Jagi, we asked you to dinner because we enjoy your company,” Hoseok assured, interrupting her thoughts.
Studying his expression, she tried to discern whether or not he was being genuine. This was dangerous territory, she shouldn’t be making connections with them. They were Jungkook’s family and there was a chance she wouldn’t see them again when they left.
Despite knowing what she shoulddo (run and never look back) she let them lead her into the restaurant, wondering if she’d make it out of this with her heart in one piece.
As they made their way to the front podium, the hostess didn’t spare her much of a glance, but Anastasia couldn’t find it in her to take offense. She understood, she’d much rather look at Hoseok and Jimin, too.
Straightening her posture, the hostess gave them a warm smile, “Hello! Welcome, do you have a reservation?” She spoke directly to Hoseok, who’d waltzed in like he owned the joint.
“Hoseok Jung.” He announced loud and clear. It was obvious by his brief, dismissive tone that he had about as much interest in her as he had in Beatrice. Anastasia pursed her lips at his behavior, but as it wasn’t a familiar environment to her, so she kept her mouth shut.
The woman through the building and out onto the back deck where fairy lights lent their gentle glow and a live band played a soft, calming melody. Almost every table was filled, but they were spaced far enough apart that the quiet chatter wasn’t a disturbance.
Anastasia felt a rush of excitement, never having eaten by the water like this before. Hoseok was still handling any and all interactions, so she turned to Jimin with wide eyes. He returned her look of awe with a wink before motioning for her to sit in the chair he’d pulled out as Hoseok took a seat across the table.
They’d barely settled in and picked up their menus before a cute, doe-eyed boy appeared beside Jimin, introducing himself.
“Good evening, my name is Miloh, I will be your server tonight. May I start you off with something to drink?”
“Do you have a wine menu?” Jimin smiled politely in that enchanting way of his and Miloh just blinked owlishly at him for a moment. Jimin’s smile faded slowly as his eyebrows raised in question, snapping the poor boy out of his staring.
“Yes, of course, I’ll be right back with that.” Anastasia felt bad as the boy almost tripped over someone’s chair in his haste to retreat.
Neither Jimin nor Hoseok seemed phased, though, turning their attention back to their menus.
“See anything you like?” Jimin asked, looking up at her and nodding to the menu in her hands.
“O-oh. Right.” Jeez, she was no better than Miloh. Tearing her gaze away from him to scan the options, she bit her lip in contemplation. She’d never tried lobster before…
Glancing down at the price, her eyes bugged out. “Jimin, you’re paying, right?”
Both the men erupted in giggles. “Yes, we’re paying”
She smiled charmingly, “In that case, can I try the lobster?”
Jimin’s giggle broke out into a full laugh (that was somehow neither loud nor obnoxious). Hoseok looked thoroughly amused as well, but unlike his usual happy-go-lucky self, he was holding it together.
Her smile turned sheepish, but she was relieved to see that they hadn’t taken any offense at her cheekiness.
The night carried on smoothly after that. Miloh had collected himself and returned the epitome of professionalism, serving them their food and wine with practiced ease. Hoseok kept her attention most of the night, flirting and making her laugh with his effortless charm. Jimin stayed fairly silent, casually leaning back into his chair, sipping wine. He looked at ease.
By the end of the night, they were all tipsy, giggling their way down the beach, Hoseok with an arm over her shoulder, as usual.
“Awe~,” she whined, coming to a stop.
“What’s wrong, Jagi?” He hummed contentedly as he rested his head against hers.
“My shoes! They’ll be — oh!” She cut off, almost losing her balance when she lifted a leg up to take them off. Maybe she was more intoxicated than she realized.
“I’ll do it!” Jimin pranced over from where he’d been toeing the waves. He’d drank more than either Hoseok or her and was teetering on the edge of fucking drunk. Evidence of it showed in the way all his movements swayed.
Dropping into a crouch at her feet, he began unbuckling her shoes, biting his plump lower lip in concentration. She couldn’t help inhaling a sharp breath when he looked up at her with a dark grin after successfully removing the first shoe. When he finished, he tossed both of them carelessly to the side, letting himself tip backward onto the sand — landing like a starfish. She watched with a stupid grin as Hoseok took it as an invitation to jump on top of him and pinch his cheeks.
The two busied themselves rolling around in the sand, roughhousing, as she turned her attention to the waves, feeling the cool sea breeze envelop her. The air had just the perfect amount of chill in it.
A startled shriek left her when she was abruptly — and quite literally — pulledfrom her thoughts and down to the sandy ground. There was a moment of laughter between the two men and she couldn’t help but join in in their contagious sounds of joy.
The three ended up laying there for a while, just staring up at the black, starless sky. Anastasia didn’t know how long the comfortable silence went on before it was broken. It was a treasured moment of peace that felt like forever. Her thoughts hadn’t been that quiet in…she couldn’t remember how long.
“You look lovely in this dress,” Jimin murmured out of nowhere, brushing a strand of hair back behind her ear. She turned to look at him, wondering absently how long he’d been watching her.
Smiling, she returned the compliment, “You look ‘cutie, sexy, lovey’ ,” she teased, repeating what she’d heard him say a couple of times, but the amusement faded when she looked him up and down, “Maybe just ‘sexy, lovely’. ” she amended.
“Jagiya, why do you have to live so far away?” Hoseok suddenly huffed, leaning in to rest his head on her lap. The atmosphere instantly became more somber at his reminder.
“Hey, I’m not the one moving to an entirely different country.” She evaded, sitting up to boop his nose.
He scowled and pushed her hand away, sitting up to face Jimin.
“Jiminie, you’re so lucky, you got to kiss her!” He whined.
“I know.” Jimin sighed, a little too dreamily for her piece of mind.
“I —he—what?” she stuttered. What was happening? She was too drunk for this.
Hoseok cupped her blushing cheeks, staring intently into her eyes. “Can I kiss you, Jagi?”
Anastasia froze, unable to process the request. Her blood rushed in her ears, making it hard to think. Did she just nod her consent?
Eyes fluttering shut, she felt his lips gently land on hers. With his hands still cupping her cheeks, the kiss had to be one of the sweetest kisses she’d ever received.
Anastasia blamed the wine in her veins for her next move.
Surging forward as he began to pull back, she latched her lips onto his in a deeper kiss, stunning him for a moment. It didn’t take long for him to recover, his grip becoming firmer. They made out like that, awkwardly sprawled in the sand until an impatient whine beside them caught her attention.
Springing back from Hoseok, she covered her mouth. Shit. Shit. Shit!What was she doing?!
Jimin just stared seductively, his head tilted to the side almost erotically —like an invitation to mark up his neck.
She quickly shook the thought away. “No, no, no, I didn’t mean to do that.”
“Tasia, wait.” Hoseok rushed when she stood up to walk away.
“I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have kissed you like that.” Shame enveloped her.
She was in love with her best friend, yet she went around kissing the people most important to him? What kind of person did that make her? Did Jungkook know she’d kissed Jimin? What would he think if he knew she’d now kissed Yoongi and Hoseok, too?
He would think she was a horrible, three-timing, bitch.And he wouldn’t be wrong, because allthe kisses were equally amazing and as much as she hated herself for it, she couldn’t bring herself to wish they’d never happened.
They were so different. Jimin was passionate and needy, lighting a fire inside her, Yoongi was cheeky, daring her to challenge him, Hoseok was sweet, but firm, gentlemanly but in charge. When they’d kissed her, it felt like she’d never been kissed before, like anything before them didn’t exist.
Stop thinking about it!
“Anastasia.” Something in Jimin’s voice made her stop, but she resisted turning around to face him. Slowly, he approached her, wrapping his arms around her waist and planting a gentle kiss on her exposed neck.
She didn’t dare react, but her body refused to pull away.
“I liked it.” His smooth, angelic voice murmured in her ear, “I like watching. You looked so good together, I just wanted to watch.” His arms wrapped tighter, a hand trailing up to rest just under her breast. “I wanted to see what you looked like, all flushed and stretched around him. Would you let me watch? Would you let me watch him fuck you dumb? I’d be good, I wouldn’t touch.”
She felt her eyes become lidded, “Ji-Jimin.” her voice trembled and it was all she could do not to moan as his warm hand palmed her chest, contradicting the promise he’d just made.
“Yes, Jagi?” He answered between gentle kisses and suckles on her neck.
“I…” she licked her lips, trying to force a coherent thought that wasn’t just Jimin.
“Jimin.”
They both startled at the commanding tone, Jimin sighing and pulling away. Anastasia instantly missed his touch.
“Next time,” Jimin promised when she turned to face him, his thumb wiping across her bottom lip.
They ended up taking a lift home, as none of them were in any state to drive and she was once again squished in the middle seat, Hoseok’s fingers drumming absentmindedly on her thigh as he stared out the window. But of course, jumping his bones would notbe a good idea. It wouldn’t.
Fuck, she was so pathetic.
When they arrived, she all but shoved Jimin out of the car in her rush to get out and he let out a grunt of surprise at the force with which she blew past him. Her whole body was flushed and she knew if she didn’t get away from them now, she would make a mistake she couldn’t come back from.
“Jagiya,” Hoseok hummed in a way that made her pause, against her better judgment, long enough for him to reach her and pull her into his arms. “We won’t fuck you tonight,” They both ignored Jimin’s noise of complaint, “so let us walk you in, yeah?”
Looking into his warm eyes, she couldn’t deny him. She knew—she knewhe was being manipulative. She didn’t miss his ‘tonight’, implying it wouldhappen another night, she wasn’t so naive to believe they had pure intentions for her, but she was dumb.So, so dumb that she nodded her head and let them lead her up the stairs and into her home.
Make You Know Love
Pairings: ot7 x female
Warnings: depictions of violence
___________
“She denies it, but the truth is, she’s falling in love” - idk
“Actually Taz…” Jungkook grimaced, rubbing the back of his neck.
Anastasia’s shoulders dropped, “You’re not coming?”
“Don’t pout,” He complained, cupping her cheeks, “I just have to run some errands. Hobi-hyung and Namjoon-hyung will drop me off, they got called into work”
Despite Jungkook’s request, she couldn’t help the pout on her lips, “Okay”
“Let’s go,” Seokjin whispered in her ear, gently tugging her away.
Yoongi, Jimin, and Taehyung followed wordlessly to Seokjin’s car—just as sleek and expensive as she remembered.
Taehyung opened the passenger door, bowing dramatically and motioning for her to get in. Biting her lip, she held back a laugh and slid into the seat.
“Where to?” Seokjin interrupted her thoughts after the other three buckled in.
***
Stepping into the chain restaurant, one in walking distance of the movie theater, felt like a scene out of a movie. As expected at 1 pm on a weekday, there weren’t a lot of people there, but everyone present hushed and stared. Anastasia almost tripped over herself at the sudden attention, Seokjin holding her waist steady.
“They have wings,” Yoongi announced, reading off the menu, seemingly unbothered by the stares.
“Oh? Really?” Taehyung asked, pulling away from Jimin—who’d been hanging off his shoulders—to get a better look.
“I’ll get us a seat,” Anastasia muttered, eager to not be the center of attention anymore. Most everyone had gone back to their meals, but there was still a fair amount of people that repeatedly glanced their way. Slipping back out the entrance, she looked for a place to sit, noticing on the way in that no one had made use of the outdoor seating.
Getting comfy at a table with a large umbrella that was too tall to be of much use, she waited for them to find her.
“Anastasia, love,” She could hear the amusement in Seokjin’s voice as he bent over to talk to her, running a hand up and down her back, “You have to tell us what you want to order before you run off”
Face flaming she ducked her head, “R-right. I’ll have whatever you’re having”
He nodded and disappeared back inside, only to return a minute later. Looking up questioningly, she watched him sit down.
“They’ll order,” he answered her unspoken question.
Nodding, they fell into a comfortable silence, watching people go about their lives. Well, shewatched, he glared.
Taking the opportunity to admire him in perfect daylight, she felt her face heat up. He was so attractivein an impossibly beautiful kind of way. Lean, with wide shoulders and a slim neck that lead up to a soft and pleasant face, and a jawline that could cut diamonds. And his eyes, his eyes were the darkest shade of brown, even in the sunlight, almost black.
Gradually, his expression morphed from cold and unapproachable to something akin to arrogance. It took her a second to realize it was because of her staring.
“Excuse me?” A petite girl with big blue eyes interrupted, saving Anastasia from coming up with something to excuse her staring.
Seokjin didn’t even turn to acknowledge the girl and Anastasia was tempted let her squirm until she left, but second-hand embarrassment won out and she gently kicked Seokjin under the table.
Languidly, as if it was the biggest inconvenience, he turned to face the girl, “Yes?”
Batting her lashes innocently, she fidgeted with her hands, “I-I was just wondering…could I have your number?”
It was clear that her question came as no surprise to him, his response already in progress before she’d finished speaking, “Ask her,” he nodded in Anastasia’s direction.
Looking about as embarrassed as Anastasia felt, the girl spluttered out an apology, “Sorry, I-I didn’t realize you two were together”
Anastasia felt a little offended by that but didn’t comment. It was kind of hard to believe that anyone wouldn’tassume two people sitting alone together at a restaurant were together. The more likely alternative was that the girl suspected they were together, but still thought it was worth the shot to get Seokjin’s attention. Just in case they weren’t together. Which they weren’t, not really.
“Who are you?” Came Taehyung’s familiar deep timber, breaking the awkward silence before it could really begin.
The girl’s eyes blew wide at the sight of him and for a moment, Anastasia felt understood, “I’m Belle”
“Hello, Belle,” Jimin smiled enchantingly, slipping in beside Tae.
“Hi,” she breathed, completely captivated. People gravitated towards Jimin by nature, without much effort on his part, but when he didtry, he had everyone and anything under a spell. Belle was no exception.
“Do you need something?” He asked, tilting his head, earrings catching the light at just the right angle and making it look like he sparkled.
Still in awe, Belle shook her head, dazed.
Yoongi grabbed Anastasia’s attention, sliding in beside her and wrapping an arm around her waist.
“Food?” She asked.
“They’ll bring it out,” he assured, kissing her temple.
Turning back to a smirking Jimin, she noticed Belle’s retreating figure. He took care of that fast.
By the time they finished lunch and made it to the movie theater, they’d been approached by 2 more people trying to ask one of the boys out. Anastasia was thoroughly irritated.
Leaning over the armrest in the dark theater, Yoongi whispered, “You look hot when you’re jealous”
“I am notjealous,” she hissed, unconvincingly. Yoongi snorted, sitting back.
The lights dimmed as the movie began, Anastasia pulling her legs up to cuddle into herself. For the next 30 minutes of the movie, she was hyper-aware of Yoongi and Jimin on either side of her. Neither of them reached out to touch her or get closer in any way like she had half expected, but still, in the darkness of the theater, everything felt so much more intimate.
Shifting, she leaned over to Jimin, who sat closest to the exit, “I’m gonna use the restroom”.
He nodded in acknowledgment and she stood up, ducking her way out. Hearing someone’s footsteps following her down the hallway, she glanced back to see Yoongi with his hands in his pockets.
Letting her curious expression do the talking, she tilted her head.
“I have to pee,” he shrugged, breezing past her. Rolling her eyes, she skipped up to his side and shoved him lightly. A smile broke on his face as he teetered to the side, glancing down at her.
“I don’t need a chaperone to use the bathroom,” she accused.
Eyes widening in faux surprise, he stared back and a giggle bubbled out of her.
“You’re so lame,” she snickered, just as he grabbed at her and pulled her into a kiss.
It was now her eyes that were wide with surprise, though herexpression was sincere, “What was that for?”
He shrugged, nudging her towards the bathroom, “no reason”
Glaring suspiciously, she decided to let it go.
“Go back, you’ll miss the movie,” She nudged back. With a deep, airy laugh, he took a step towards their theater, but before he got far, she cupped his cheeks and pulled him into a deep kiss.
Keeping his hands to himself, understanding that she wanted to be in control, he kissed back gently. Smiling, a giddy feeling in her chest, she pulled away and darted into the bathroom. She really did have to pee.
Looking at herself in the mirror after washing her hands, she realized how silly she looked. Jimin’s shirt was unflattering on her frame, conflicting with her styled hair and makeup. She looked like she’d spilled something on her shirt and this was the only thing that fit in the lost and found bin.
Huffing, she pulled off the shirt and draped it over her arm. She wasn’t sure she could pull off the outfit, it was very bold, but she wanted to feel pretty so she ignored her nerves and straightened her shoulders.
Just then, someone walked into the bathroom, a woman with pin-straight black hair and a build that looked like she did MMA.
Nodding cordially, Anastasia waited for her to move by so she could exit.
The woman hesitated by the stalls, “Who are the guys you’re with?”
Anastasia’s brows flew up, who was this woman? Had she noticed them when they’d entered the theater together? How was Anastasia supposed to answer? They weren’t her friends, but they weren’t her boyfriends either.
“Just some…people I know,” There, that was vague enough.
“Are you dating any of them?” The woman persisted.
Anastasia understood that the woman was probably asking because she was interested in them, but the questions still made her uncomfortable.
“Um, excuse me,” She nodded in parting, escaping, almost jogging back to her seat.
Noticing her expression, Yoongi leaned over, “What happened?”
“You all attracted too much damn attention is what happened,” She huffed back, crossing her arms. Was this what her life would be around them? Constant attention from strangers? She felt Yoongi’s stare but refused to turn back.
When the lights came back on, after the movie ended, she was abruptly pulled into someone’s arms.
“You’re so fucking annoying,” Jimin hissed in her ear, his arm around her waist. It took her a second to realize he was annoyed that she’d removed his shirt.
Turning around in his arms, she wrapped her’s around his neck, leaning in to whisper in his ear, “You’re not my boyfriend”
She felt his jaw flex against her cheek, “Exactly”
Pulling away, eyes wide, she watched him walk away.
The afternoon passed quickly after that, their time together bleeding into the evening. It was easy to have fun with them, everything came naturally like it did with Jungkook, a feeling she thought she would never feel with anyone butJungkook.
They ended up at the beach, Anastasia and Yoongi watching the sunset while Seokjin, Jimin, and Taehyung chased each other around, throwing sand and kicking water at each other.
“You missed your class,” Yoongi pointed out casually, sitting next to her in the sand.
Pouting, she nodded.
“Jagiya,” He coaxed, patting his lap and she wiggled around so she was laying with her head on his lap. Soothingly, he rubbed her arm.
“What does it mean?” She asked after a while, playing with his necklace, nervous to know the answer.
He paused, “What does what mean?”
“Jagiya”
Leaning back, he propped himself up with his arms, “It’s…a term of endearment,” he explained.
Anastasia frowned, “How come you only use it with me, then?”
He smirked and looked down, “It’s just for you, jagiya”
Shivers raced down her spine, his voice was so deep. Raspy. Sexy.
“Oh,” she breathed.
They stared at each other a while longer until she heard her name being called out. Sitting up, she had just enough time to brace herself before she was yanked to her feet by Taehyung.
“Come play!” He ordered, pulling her against his soaking wet frame.
“Tae! You’re wet!”
He smirked devilishly, “The goal is to get youwet”
That was all the warning she got before Seokjin hauled her over his shoulder and he and Taehyung took off towards the water.
“Put me down!” She screeched, her laugh too prominent to be taken seriously.
It was completely dark by the time they settled, all four of them dripping wet. She was sure that her makeup was running down her cheeks by now.
“I’m hungry,” She whined, head resting on Taehyung’s arm (he was spread out like starfish in the sand).
“Me too,” He agreed.
Sitting up, she nudged his thigh, “Go get us food, then”
He’d been about to say something to Jimin, but did a double-take at her, “Why me?”
Shrugging, she shifted her weight so that Jimin, who’d scooted closer, could slot himself behind her. “Yeah, Tae, go get food,” Jimin chimed, perching his chin on her shoulder as he wrapped his arms around her.
“I’ll go,” Yoongi offered, stumbling to his feet, Seokjin ambling after him, shaking sand and salt out of his drying hair.
Huffing a laugh when Taehyung smirked in satisfaction, she rested her head back on Jimin’s shoulder.
“Where do you think they’re gonna go?” He asked after a while. Jimin and she shrugged simultaneously.
The sound of waves lulled her into a relaxed state, everything feeling so surreal. But it wasreal, Jimin really had his arms around her, Taehyung was really lounging next to them, it was real. She was having a hard time understanding how they’d gotten to that point.
Their perfect moment was broken when Taehyung opened his mouth, “Are you still talking to Beatrice?”
Narrowing her gaze, she pulled away from Jimin, who made a noise of protest, to face them both. “What’s your obsession with my relationship with Beatrice?”
Taehyung sat up, “She’s a psycho, why wouldn’tI want to know if you still talk to her?”
“You shouldn’t call people psycho, Tae. And she’s not.”
Taehyung rolled his eyes, “Then why is she so damn nosy about shit that has nothing to do with her?”
Frustrated, she challenged, “Maybe because you’re all so overbearing and controlling that she’s concerned about her friend?”
Taehyung’s face dropped, his expression becoming infinitely more intimidating, “Taking you out for food, helping you with your homework, helping you pack your shit, keeping you safe when you’re shit-faced drunk, taking you on dates, that’s all called caring about someone, Anastasia. Why the hell are you taking her side right now?”
Opening and closing her mouth, she struggled to find words, “I’m not taking anyone’s side!”
“Like hell you aren’t,” He snorted, “Shit, Anastasia, if you don’t like us, just say so, you don’t need to look for a fucking excuse to start a fight every other day”
She didn’t know what to say, they always made her feel like she was crazy, but maybe she wascrazy. This was the first relationship she’d ever been in that she actually wantedto be in, she didn’t know what she was doing. Where did she draw lines? What were her boundaries? Did she know the difference between a hard no and the discomfort of meeting someone halfway?
“I like you a lot less when you yell at me,” she pointed out, her pride wounded.
“And I like you a lot more when you aren’t pretending you’re better than everyone else,” He sneered.
“Taehyung…” Jimin warned lowly. They both ignored him.
“I’ve never thought I was better than anyone else, out of the two of us, you’rethe one with a god complex,” she refuted and Taehyung rolled his eyes.
“No one can do right by you, can they? If we spend time with you, we’re overbearing, if we try to protect you, we’re controlling, if we’re confident, it’s a god complex. What the hell do you even want?”
Scowling, she grunted, “I want Jungkook”
Out of everything that had been said, Anastasia could tell that those words hit hardest. Even Jimin tensed up.
“Well,” Taehyung muttered, getting to his feet, “I won’t waste my fucking time then”
And then he was stalking off across the beach.
They watched him leave, Jimin only turning to her when Taehyung was out of earshot, “We have a genuine interest in you, Anastasia, if you’re only with us for Jungkook’s sake…then you’re hurting him too,” Jimin’s voice was soft, almost like a lullaby. It was grounding, filling her with remorse.
“No, of course not. I really like all of you, even though I know that’s insane. I just…I think I took my frustration out on him,” She sulked, ready to chase after Taehyung and apologize. “Things are just a lot right now. Getting evicted from my apartment, trying to keep you all happy, finishing all my schoolwork early so I can keep my credits through a transfer, I’m so stressed!”
Sighing, he reached out and pulled her into his lap, “I’m sorry you’re having such a hard time, but you don’t need to do so much. We’ll do it for you, we’ll take care of you. Helping you pack, encouraging you to remember to take breaks, offering a place to live, it’s all because we care. Just trust us to take care of everything, you don’t have to fight so hard anymore, Taz, it’s okay”
His words soothed something deep inside her, tears overflowing. Nodding into his chest, she consented, “Okay”
Nodding too, he nudged her to get up, “Let’s go chase him down”
Brushing the sand off their clothes, they looked to the direction Taehyung had left in, eyes widening in horror. A hooded figure, five or so paces from him, aimed a sleek black gun at his head.
Jimin hastily covered Anastasia’s mouth before she could scream, “He’ll be fine,” he reassured.
Fine?How could he be fine? He was being held at gunpoint!
Faster than she could really follow, Taehyung lunged forward, grabbing the barrel of the gun and tackling the man. Jimin’s hand couldn’t completely muffle her terrified screech when Taehyung didn’t hesitate to pull the trigger.
And then arms were shooting out from behind them, ripping her and Jimin apart.
“No!” She shrieked, writhing and punching at the arms holding her hostage, “Jimin!”
New tears, fueled by terror, clouded her vision and she could barely make Jimin out as he struggled against the three men holding him down, gagging him.
Stop it! She thought desperately, a gag being shoved into her own mouth. You’re hurting him!
“We’ll kill him,” A tall man in a suit threatened, casually slipping between his two hostages. It wasn’t until he’d spoken that Anastasia noticed Taehyung, much closer than she’d last seen him, a sparse trail of bodies left in his wake.
Were they dead? She couldn’t handle the thought, but to her relief, she noticed some of them move, groaning into the sand. The ones that weren’tmoving, well…she had to tell herself that they were just unconscious.
“No, you won’t,” Taehyung’s voice was chilling — absolute.
The man’s expression morphed into a smirk and he shrugged, “Maybe not, but I’ll kill her”
With renewed vigor, she began to struggle, desperate to get away. She didn’t want to die!
That was the last thing she saw was a bullet searing through Taehyung’s abdomen, before she felt a pinch in her neck and everything faded away.
Make You Know Love
Pairings: ot7 x female
Warnings:
____________
“I’d like to hang out with you for my whole life” - TS
***
Splashing cold water onto her freshly washed face, Anastasia let out a heavy sigh. How had she gotten herself into this mess? Hoseok and Jimin hadn’t stayed long, leaving her to gather her wits in peace, but it hadn’t been much help. She needed to talk to Jungkook. Staring at herself in the mirror — hair pushed back with a fluffy headband and her dress still clinging to her body —she looked ridiculous, just like the mess her life had become.
Exiting the bathroom, she didn’t see anyone on her way to her room, and perhaps that was a good thing, despite the loneliness that settled in her stomach. When it came to them, she had no self-control, always wanting more, wanting what she shouldn’t want. Worrying her bottom lip, she absentmindedly picked out one of Jungkook’s old white t-shirts and began to try and unzip her dress.
“Need help?” Squealing, she recoiled into a crouch, relaxing when she recognized Jungkook in the doorway.
“Dammit, Kook, you scared me,” Her voice was rough and he smiled sheepishly. The air between them felt a little forced, but Anastasia couldn’t imagine it lasting long. Everything about him made her want to give him everything.
“I’m sorry, I thought you’d heard me come in,” He explained, taking a step into her space. She knew his signs, he was moments from wrapping himself around her. Bracing herself, she let him wrap her in his arms and nuzzle his nose into her neck. Closing her eyes, she reluctantly hugged him back.
Why couldn’t she have met a nice averageboy and fallen head over heels for him? Why did her heart flutter every time Seokjin was a subtle gentleman? Why did she feel like she could trust Yoongi with her every secret, even when he was so obviously not to be trusted ? And Hoseok with his arrogant swagger sweeping her into his world, even when she knew she didn’t belong there? Why did Namjoon’s attention make her feel like she was the only relevant subject? What about Jimin’s hot and cold act made him so alluring? Taehyung,she just knew if she showed him even an ounceof weakness, he would take it and run, spinning spiderwebs in her head. And Jungkook, she felt like she no longer knew him. In the weeks passed, she’d realized, maybe she never really knew him at all. She didn’t know what was truly important to him, and maybe that was the worst part of it all — realizing nothing was real.
“Jungkook, do you love me?” She regretted asking immediately.
Pulling back, he tilted his curiously, his expression softening, “Anastasia, you’re more important to me than I will ever be able to put into words. I know the last few weeks have been overwhelming, but I don’t want to lose you.”
His fresh, minty breath fanned across her face and she closed her eyes, accepting that her next move might be a mistake. He let out a small grunt of surprise when she yanked him down to her level, silencing him with her lips. He reacted instantly, hands cupping her cheeks to deepen the kiss. There was no hesitation in his movements, spreading warmth throughout her body.
Shuffling backward, they made their way slowly to her bed until she was on her back with him above her.
“Wait, wait.” She gasped, pushing him back and taking a moment to catch her breath. His gaze impatiently flicked down to her lips, but she could tell he was making the effort to listen.
“I need to tell you something,” she confessed, but by then he’d finished waiting, moving closer to connect their lips again.
They made out for a couple more seconds before he pulled away, just far enough for their lips not to touch. “Yeah?”
Jungkook was the most jealous, possessive person she’d ever met, she knew confessing might ruin everything, but there was no taking the words back. “I-I kissed Jimin”
“I know, Seokjin-hyung told me,” He mumbled against her lips.
“Not just then, and Hoseok and Yoongi, too!” She blurted, disgusted with herself.
His whole body became still and she wished he would pull back so she could see his expression and hopefully read his emotions. She was afraid of his reaction, who would he be angry at? Her for kissing them or them for kissing her?
“When?” His tone wasn’t what she was expecting. Instead of angry, he sounded…confused? Curious? As if the whenmattered more than the act.
Pushing him away, she analyzed his expression. She was right, there was no anger in his doe-eyes, just curiosity. His reaction felt like a piece to a puzzle but she didn’t know what the end picture was supposed to be.
“Tonight…after dinner, and when I went out with Yoongi” She watched him take in the information, then nod and lean in to kiss her again.
“That—it doesn’t bother you?” A horrible realization came; what if this didn’t mean anything to Jungkook? Was that why he wasn’t bothered? He cared more about the others, so there was nothing to be jealous about?
He shook his head, leaning down to nuzzle the crook of her neck.
“Why?” She needed to know.
He sighed, rolling off her. “I love you, I want you to be loved by them too.”
“But…they don’t love me.” How could he be so…so nonchalant?
“Not yet,” Jungkook shifted onto his elbow, “but you can tell they’re trying, right?”
Her mind was spinning so much she felt dizzy.
“I—I don’t…” She couldn’t form a coherent sentence, a coherent thought.
“Does it bother you?” His voice was soft, the vulnerability grounding her somewhat.
Licking her lips, she asked, “Does what bother me?”
“Us. Being around you, taking you on dates. Do you not like it?” He was staring so intently at her, but she didn’t have an answer. Not even an hour ago she’d been certain that Jungkook would think she was a whore and now, knowing he’d known, knowing he supportedit, she didn’t know what to say.
They were moving to Koreaand she had been dead set on notmoving. What was she supposed to tell him?
“I think I need some space.”
He didn’t waste time getting off the bed and kneeling on the floor.
“No, no. I mean, I need some time alone. I need to think,” she explained. It was a request he was visibly less eager to obey. “Please.”
Before either of them could make a move, they heard someone burst through her front door, urgently calling for Jungkook, who was up in a flash.
“Namjoon-hyung?”
The man in question came into view, “Seokjin needs you,” Anastasia could tell he’d said it in English for her sake.
Jungkook did not share the same sentiment as he asked something in his first tongue. Namjoon jerked a nod and Jungkook’s gaze tightened. Turning to her, he assured, “I’ll come back”
Namjoon watched him leave with a furrowed brow, his chin jutting out ever so slightly. Turning to her, he chastised, “You need to lock your door”
Considering his intrusion, she agreed readily, “I really do”
Taking a seat on the corner of her bed, he stared into the hallway, getting lost in thought. The act suggested that he would be waiting with her for Junkook’s return.
Catching herself staring, she realized she was still laying in her dress and scooted to the edge of the bed, getting up, “I need to change…”
He barely glanced at her, nodding once, as if he was only responding so as not to hurt her feelings. Snorting, she grabbed Jungkook’s old t-shirt and made a move for the bathroom. Grabbing her wrist, he glared, “Where are you going?”
“I need to change,” she repeated. His eyes flit over the room in confusion, his grip sliding down to hold her hand.
“What’s wrong with this room?”
Her face fell flat as she stared at him pointedly. Catching on, he smirked, dimples popping, and guided her to stand between his legs. Her heart instantly began beating faster but her expression didn’t change. Why did she always feel so touch-starved when they were around?
Refusing to get distracted by him, she asked, “Why are you here?”
His brow furrowed, “Have you noticed anyone…out of place, around?”
“You mean, besides you?” She teased. He poked her stomach in retribution. “No, have you?”
He shook his head, “I just think you should be careful. A woman living alone? Couldn’t hurt to have extra protection”
Narrowing her gaze, she daringly reached out and laced her fingers together behind his neck, “That’s weak, Joonie, if you wanted to spend time with me, all you had to do was ask”
Dimples reappeared at his closed-lip smile, eyes becoming crescents. “I need to ask?” He challenged.
Jutting her lower lip out, she shrugged. They stayed there, staring into each other’s eyes, expressions slowly becoming serious.
“You look very beautiful in this dress,” He murmured, tracing her silhouette with his fingers. A fierce blush warmed her face.
“The zipper is stuck,” she admitted, shifting her weight.
Leaning in, he let his hand trail up her side where the zipper was sewn in. “Need help?”
Gulping, she shook her head and he nodded, retracting his touch. Grabbing his hands, not wanting him to pull away completely, she stammered, “Jungkook said—he said you all…you want to share?”
Namjoon took his time to think about his response, leaving plenty of room for Anastasia’s nerves to grow. “It’s more than that. Jungkook loves you, like he loves us”
“Are you all—” She left the question hanging.
He tilted his head back and forth as if weighing her question, “More than friends, less than lovers?” It came out as a question, like he wasn’t sure she’d understand. She didn’t, but she wasn’t sure anyone could. “And because he loves you so… encompassingly, just as we love him, loving him now includes you. It’s not sharing, you’re not a toy, you’re just ours” He shrugged.
Groaning, she dragged her hands down her face, “That’s a lot to take in”
It felt like she was finally getting some answers, a little sneak peek into their minds, but they were insane.Worse yet, she wasn’t completely repulsed. But their emotions for each other were so strong.Obsessive. She couldn’t just ignore that.
“You don’t get jealous?” She asked, incredulous, but before he could answer her phone rang. Going to grab it off her nightstand, she checked the caller ID. Beatrice! Anastasia had missed her call earlier, she must be calling back again to make sure Anastasia was okay.
“You’re still talking to her?” Namjoon sneered, peering over her shoulder. Ignoring him, she sat on the bed and answered, “Hello?”
“Taz! I’m sorry I couldn’t talk earlier, I needed to finish my paper,” Beatrice immediately apologized.
“Put it on speaker,” Namjoon interrupted, coming to sit beside her on the bed.
Side-eyeing him, she did as told. “It’s okay, you’re on speaker by the way”
“Oh—is someone else there?” Beatrice sounded hesitant.
Namjoon shook his head, indicating for Anastasia to deny his presence.
“No?”
There was a pause, “Why’d you call?”
Anastasia giggled, “Well, technically you called me, but earlier,” she glanced uncomfortably at the man leaning into her side, “Jungkook and I were arguing and I wanted some advice”
Namjoon’s expression tightened, returning to that irritated expression he’d first walked in with—chin jutted out and tense brows.
“What happened?” Beatrice sounded concerned.
“He wants me to move with him to Korea,” She conveniently left out the part where he wanted her to live with his entourage, too. She felt intensely uncomfortable with Namjoon listening so intently.
“Korea?”
“Um, yeah. I haven’t been able to find a place here, so he’s insisting”
“Wow, are you okay?”
“What do you mean?” Why wouldn’t she be okay?
“Well…I wasn’t going to say anything because I know it would be overstepping, but…it’s just—okay, so when you left with Jimin that day, the others seemed very…smug? And after them acting all weird the whole time, I just—this might be a long shot, but…was the fire actually an accident?”
Namjoon tensed beside her and Anastasia turned to him with a gasp, “Is that true?”
“I swear! Of course, I could be mistaken, but—”
“I’m sorry, I have to go” She interrupted, ending the call. “Is it true? Was the fire purposeful?”
Namjoon rolled his eyes, “Don’t overreact”
“Don’toverreact?!How am I supposedto react?” She felt like she was going crazy.
“Anastasia, do you honestly think Jungkook would do something that wasn’t in your best interest?”
That made her hesitate, but if it wasn’t true, why had Namjoon reacted like that? “Then why did you react like that?”
He scoffed, “Hoseok already told you she was a bitch, but you listen to her when she tells you about yourbest friend, like she knows us better than you do?”
Anastasia opened her mouth to refute, but he was right, Hoseok hadmentioned something about Beatrice before, but Anastasia had wanted to form her own opinion before deciding. That had obviously been a mistake, cause now she was making her doubt Jungkook.
Regret burned her insides as she felt the urge to apologize. “I’m sorry. A lot has been happening and I don’t know, I’m just really overwhelmed with it all”
Still irked, he turned away slightly, clearly not ready to forgive. Crouching before him, in an attempt to get him to meet her gaze, she tried again to make amends, “I’m really sorry for suspecting you and getting angry”
Brown eyes flashed down to meet hers with a sudden fire, “I don’t care what you think Jungkook did, but you’re so quick to doubt our intentions. He lovesyou, yet you doubt him all the time, I see it in the way you react when he’s around us”
Shaking her head vehemently, she said, “I know, I know, I’m sorry! Everything was suddenly all different, I just wasn’t thinking straight”
“Are you now?” His gaze was intense, reminding her of when she first met him, feeling like a cornered animal. Nodding in earnest, she hoped he would see her sincerity as he studied her expression suspiciously. After a few seconds, he rolled his eyes, “Get up”
Following the command immediately, she sat anxiously beside him, her body angled forward slightly to try and see his expression. Was he still upset? Would he tell Jungkook she didn’t trust them?
Meeting her pleading gaze, he sighed and moved back onto the bed, motioning her closer, “Come here”
Laying down beside him, she let him pull her in close, and against her better judgment, she felt herself relax.
“You don’t need to worry about Jungkook or anyone else, okay? We’ll take care of you,” He promised softly, his warmth seeping into her bones. She felt herself nod.
***
Anastasia’s limbs felt stiff the next morning, the same way they always did when she slept soundly enough not to move. Warmth showed through the open curtains, illuminating Jungkook’s face on the pillow next to her. Stretching, joints popping, she slowly became aware of the arm still wrapped around her middle and shifted so she was laying on her back. She was still in her dress, the straps now digging uncomfortably into her shoulders, but she didn’t want to get up yet to change.
Groaning lowly, she rolled onto her stomach and carefully wormed her way down off the bed. Forcing the zipper of the dress down, not caring if it broke, she wiggled out of the dress and slipped into a tank-top and shorts.
Staring at herself in the bathroom mirror minutes later, she contemplated what to do next. The attraction she possessed towards the seven men was undeniable and she found herself humoring the idea of them and her. She was already way more involved with them than she’d ever planned, so if she was going to break her heart, might as well do it thoroughly.
Deciding to test the waters, she quietly left her apartment and headed towards Jungkook’s. Pausing at his door, Namjoon’s words from the night before echoed in her mind; “Have you noticed anyone…out of place, around?”
Tensing up, she turned around slowly, scanning what she could see of the parking lot. There were a couple of people loitering around, but she had no way of knowing who they were or if they belonged. Everyone looked suspicious when you were paranoid.
Shaking off her nerves, she tiptoed through the door, forgoing knocking. Tentatively entering the living room, she smiled at Taehyung who stared wide-eyed at her from the floor in front of the TV. His hair was a mess, like he’d just woken up, and he wore a super oversized white t-shirt that engulfed his entire frame. Jimin lay passed on the couch across the room and she could hear someone else shuffling around in the kitchen.
“Good morning.” She greeted, hesitantly.
“Did you come alone?” Taehyung questioned, leaning over to try and see past her. His accent was much thicker with his rich morning voice.
Thrown off, she stuttered out a confirmation. Taehyung had a knack for keeping his expression stoic, she rarely could tell what he was thinking and it intimidated her.
Seokjin walked out, then, with a bowl of ramen, eyebrows raising at the sight of her. “Good morning,” he smirked.
Desperate to avoid Taehyung’s intense gaze, she grinned at Seokjin, coming closer to peek at his food, “Wow, that looks good!”
His unsure response sparked an idea.
“Can I have some?” She begged, staring up at him with wide eyes.
Glancing back and forth between his food and her, he hesitated. She tried to hide her disappointment.
“This has bacon in it.”
Her eyes went wide, bewildered. Had Yoongi told him that she didn’t like bacon?
Studying her expression, he offered, “I can make you some without bacon”
Shaking her head and waving her hands she said, “That’s okay, I’m not hungry enough to finish an entire bowl”
He didn’t argue, moving past her to sit on the open couch. Taehyung watched the exchange silently and Anastasia had to remind herself that they had no idea that Jungkook had proposed a poly relationship.
Taking a deep breath, she asked, “Are the others still sleeping?”
Two nods in response.
Biting her lip, she wondered if she should wake them. If a decision was to be made, she needed to know whether or not she was accepted. If they didn’t all like her, it didn’t matter what Namjoon said about their feelings, a relationship wouldn’t work. Finding out if they genuinely liked her or if they were just pretending for Jungkook was crucial.
“I’ll go wake them,” She announced, spinning and heading off towards Jungkook’s bedroom. She wasn’t sure where the other two were sleeping, but Jungkook’s bedroom was the closest.
Peeking into the room, she found Hoseok already awake, scrolling through his phone. Turning to look at her, he smiled brightly.
“Have I slept in too long?” He jested, his voice deep and scratchy. He must’ve justwoken up.
“It’s already two in the afternoon!” In truth, she hadn’t checked the time yet.
“Liar,” he snorted, rolling over to stretch.
Next, she headed to the guest room, finding Yoongi asleep on the far side of the bed.
“Yoongi?” She tried, coming around to see his face. Eyes fluttering open, he stared blankly at her for a moment.
“Anastasia?” He croaked, understandably confused.
“Hey, wake up, do you wanna do something with me today?”
There was a moment of silence as he comprehended her question, “What do you want to do?” He, like Taehyung, also had a stronger accent in his sleepy state.
“You’ll have to wake up and see,” She teased, leaving the room. When she entered the living room again, Hoseok was already out of bed and brushing his teeth.
Crouching before Jimin, the one she was probably most nervous about, she gently rubbed his arm. “Jimin?” There was no immediate response, so she tried again, “Jimin?” Stirring, he shifted his weight but otherwise didn’t respond, so she decided to just let him sleep. He was probably hungover.
Moments later, Yoongi stumbled into the room, looking far too good for someone who had just woken up. “What did you want to do?” He caught everyone’s attention with his question.
“Well, it’s been a pretty stressful month, I thought maybe we could relax, go out to eat, maybe see a movie?”
They all exchanged glances, Hoseok meeting her gaze with a smile. “Okay, let’s go”
Her shoulders relaxed, “Get ready, I’ll go wake up Joon and Jungkook”
Sitting in her closet half an hour later, she still couldn’t find something to wear. Irrationally nervous about spending time with them all together, she wanted to look good, but there was a bubble of excitement inside of her, too. Feeling bold, she reached for a top that her estranged cousin had gifted to her. It was something she thought she’d never wear, but suddenly the satin piece of material that only stayed on your body with two chains seemed like the perfect top.
Would they say anything about it? She couldn’t even predict Jungkook’s response because she never wore things like this.
An odd mix of giddy and dread filled her as she got dressed, pairing the top with a simple pair of jeans. After finishing getting ready, almost an hour and a half had passed, yet none of them had come to get her.
If they came to get her, that meant they actually wanted to spend time with her, right? What if they didn’t come? She decided to sit on the couch and wait.
Barely fifteen minutes passed before someone came bursting through the front door. She barely stopped herself from chucking her phone to the floor in a classic guilty fashion.
Scrambling to her feet, she faced Jimin.
“I —” Cutting off, he took in her appearance, before shaking his head and continuing, “So what, you were just going to invite everyone but me?”
Panicked, she reached out, “I tried to wake you, but I thought you had a hangover,” She spluttered.
“So? You were just going to go on one big group date and not even askif I wanted to come? Looking like that,no less?” He looked positively offended.
“It’s not a date!” She defended, though they both knew that wasn’t entirely true. It wasa date, to some degree, just….an experimental one.
He scoffed, “Nuh-uh, get back in there and get ugly.” He demanded, pointing down the hallway where her room was. A surprised giggle bubbled up without permission and she knew she probably should’ve gotten offended, but the petulant frown on his face was too cute.
“Get back in-in there and get u-ugly.” She repeated, barely getting the words out through her laughter. “I’m not changing!”
In one swift, startling movement, he tugged his black t-shirt over his head and threw it onto the couch. “Fine,” He shrugged, taking her hand and tugging her towards the front door, “We’ll match.”
Her eyes grew wide at the sight of his muscular, tattooed chest, unable to come up with a response fast enough before he tugged her out the door.
“Jimin!” She hissed, trying to cover him with her body as a mom and her child walked by. Jimin shamelessly wrapped his arms around her, her bare back pressed to his chest. She could feel his silent laughter.
“Hi, sorry Mrs. Reynold.” She waved apologetically as they shuffled like crabs to Jungkook’s door. They only got a disgusted scoff in reply.
Once safely behind closed doors, Anastasia elbowed him off and shoved him against the door. If she had been paying attention, maybe she would have noticed the dark look he gave her before neutralizing his expression.
“What the hell was that?!”
“You put on a shirt, I’ll put on a shirt.” He bargained with a shrug.
“Iamwearing a shirt!”
He scoffed, “Bikini’s cover more than that.”
“My entire front is covered!”
He didn’t say anything, glaring at her in silence.
“Stop trying to dictate what I wear.” She growled. She hadn’t expected herself to get so defensive over her outfit choice (maybe she was insulted that he didn’t want her to wear it in public), but she couldn’t deny that a part of her was enjoying the fight.
“Back at you, sweetheart.” He countered, “I won’t stop you from leaving, but if you go wearing that, I’m following wearing this.”
“You’re not wearing anything,” She growled.
“Jimin, go put on a shirt, we’re leaving.” Namjoon suddenly ordered, shuffling past to get his shoes.
Crossing her arms smugly, she silently dared Jimin to argue. Scoffing, he stomped off, still behaving like a child. Anastasia smiled to herself, it felt good to win.
More of the boys gathered to put on their shoes, but none of them made nearly as big of a deal as Jimin had. That is, until Jungkook came round the corner.
“Why are you wearing a bib? Go put on a shirt,” He huffed, slipping past to grab a pair of shoes. Yoongi almost snorted iced coffee out his nose and Taehyung put his hand up over his mouth to hide his silent laughter.
“Would you shut up?” She hissed and slapped Jungkook’s arm, face burning. That was not the reaction she’d been hoping for. There was a lot of effort put into her appearance this time.
Jungkook said something in reply, but she didn’t catch it because Jimin was suddenly trying to shove one of his shirts over her head.
“Hey!” She shrieked, wiggling around to try and avoid his ambush.
“I put on a shirt, you put on a shirt!” He giggled, not giving up.
Ducking under his arms, she made a dash for the couch, clumsily jumping over it. Jimin was quick to follow, wrapping an arm around her waist before she could land on the floor and they both toppled to the cushions. Their laughter could likely be heard from the downstairs apartment.
“Let me go!” She giggled. She was having fun. Jimin made it so easy, like it was all just in the moment and she didn’t have to worry about tomorrow.
As the laughter subsided and she let Jimin put the shirt on her, “You’re like an over-possessive boyfriend,” She grumble, getting up from the couch. Jimin smirked in reply.
“Taz?” Jungkook called as she made her way to the front door.
Not wanting to answer the questions she knew he had, she shook her head and grabbed the hand closest to her — Seokjin’s — and skipped out the door. “Let’s go!”
Pairings: ot7 x female
Warnings: they make out
____________
You’re not supposed to catch feelings, stop liking their company! You’re being sleazy, what would Jungkook think? They’re playing you, you know that, so why are you being tempted? You told them outright you weren’t going to fuck them! Save some face, don’t change your mind. It would not be a good idea to change your mind. My thoughts raced a mile a minute, berating me as I tried to decipher my feelings.
I paused from washing my face for a moment and stared blankly at myself in the mirror. My eyes resembled that of a raccoon, and I wondered; how had my life had gotten to this point? With my hair pushed back with a fluffy head-band and the same dress I’d worn that evening still clinging to my body — I looked ridiculous.
Finishing up and applying my skincare routine (which was the grand total of one step: moisturizer), I cleaned up the mess I’d made and exited the bathroom. I didn’t see anyone on my way to my room and perhaps that was a good thing, despite the slight loneliness I felt.
You’re already too attached!
Worrying my bottom lip, I absentmindedly picked out one of Jungkook’s old white t-shirts and began to try and unzip my dress.
“Need help?”
I squealed and spun around, clutching my chest.
“Dammit, Kook, you scared me.” I complained. He smiled sheepishly, rubbing the back of his neck.
The air between us still felt a little awkward, but with the lamp on my bedside giving off a calming kind of glow, it was less.
“I’m sorry, I thought you’d heard me come in.” He explained, taking a step back as if he were afraid of making me uncomfortable.
I hated this. Everything had been so easy before his friends had arrived and I wanted that blissful ignorance back. Why did everything have to be so complicated? Why, oh, why did I have to start catching feelings for his best friends of all people?!
Why couldn’t I have met a nice average boy and fallen head over heels for him? Why did my heart flutter every time Seokjin was a subtle gentleman? Why did I feel like I could trust Yoongi with my every secret, even when he was so obviously not to be trusted? And Hoseok with his arrogant swagger that just swept you into his world, even when you knew you didn’t belong there? Namjoon with the way he made me feel so special, like when his attention was on me, I was the only relevant subject? What about Jimin’s hot and cold act made him so alluring? Taehyung, I just knew if I showed him even an ounce of my weakness, he would take it and run, spinning spiderwebs in my head. And Jungkook, I felt like I no longer knew the man before me. In the weeks passed, I’d realized I never really knew him or what was truly important to him. Maybe that was the worst part of it all — realizing nothing was real.
“Jungkook, do you love me?” The words came out before I had a chance to properly think them. I regretted it immediately.
Visually shocked, he came close and cupped my cheeks.
“Anastasia, you’re more important to me than I will ever be able to put into words. I know the last few weeks have been overwhelming, but I don’t want to lose you.”
His fresh, minty breath fanned across my face and I couldn’t stop myself from reaching for his collar and yanking him down to my level. He let out a small squeak in surprise, but I silenced him with my lips.
His reaction was instant, the hands that were still on my cheeks pulled me closer, deepening the kiss. There was no hesitation in his actions and that made warmth spread through my body. We slowly made our way to my bed until I was on my back with him above me.
“Wait, wait.” I pulled back with a gasp. He waited for me to continue speaking, but didn’t move away. I could see every detail of his face.
“I need to tell you something,” I whispered, getting distracted when he moved closer to kiss me again.
A couple of seconds later, he pulled away, just far enough for our lips not to touch. “Yeah?”
“I-I kissed Jimin.” There was no taking the words back now.
I’d expected him to get upset or maybe even leave, but he just nodded and said, “I know, Seokjin-hyung told me.” And then he was kissing me again.
“And Hoseok!” I blurted.
That caught his attention and he pulled back completely.
“You kissed Hoseok?” He didn’t seem particularly upset, just curious. His every reaction felt like pieces of a puzzle and I just didn’t know what the end picture was supposed to be.
I nodded.
“When?” The when seemed to bother him more than the fact.
“Tonight…after dinner.” That confession was the hardest of all as it dawned on me that I’d kissed two men in the same night.
“Oh,” Was all he said before he was leaning back down to attach our lips again.
“That—it doesn’t bother you?” A horrible thought came to mind; what if this didn’t mean anything to Jungkook? I couldn’t think of any other reason he wouldn’t be bothered by me making out with Hoseok.
He just shook his head, leaning down to nuzzle the crook of my neck.
“Why?” I needed to know.
He didn’t hesitate, “I love you, I want you to be loved by them too.”
“But…they don’t love me.” I didn’t know how to react. I couldn’t imagine sharing Jungkook with another woman, how could he be so…so nonchalant?
“Not yet,” Jungkook lifted his head, “But you can see they’re trying, right?”
My mind was spinning so much, I almost felt dizzy.
“I—I don’t…” I couldn’t form a coherent sentence, I couldn’t form a coherent thought. Everything was too much.
“Does it scare you?” His voice was soft, almost vulnerable.
I licked my lips, my voice higher than normal, “Does what scare me?”
“Us. Being around you, taking you on dates. Do you not like it?”
He was staring so intently at me, but I didn’t have an answer. Not even an hour ago I’d been certain that Jungkook would think I was a whore and now that I knew he supported it, I didn’t know what to say. I didn’t know what to feel!
They were moving to Korea and I had been dead set on moving on from Jungkook, I had even planned to cut him out of my life! What was I supposed to tell him?
“I think I need some space.” I finally said.
He didn’t waste time getting off the bed and kneeling on the floor.
“No, no. I mean, I need some time alone. I need to think.” I explained. That was a request he was visibly less eager to obey. “Please.”
Eventually, he nodded, slowly getting to his feet and exiting the room.
The hours passed without acknowledgment. I just laid there, staring at the ceiling as I tried to understand the mess that was my life. Every passing second with any of them felt like quicksand. The more I tried to understand and move forward, the quicker I sunk — losing focus on what was up and what was down. I didn’t know what I knew anymore.
It didn’t feel like a lie, but nothing was real — the more I came to know, the less I understood.
As the sun rose in the sky, illuminating my room, I decided to just give in to the curiosity boiling beneath the surface, even if only temporarily. The goodbye was going to break my heart either way, might as well get as much as possible in return.
When I finally rolled out of bed and made my way to the bathroom, the bags under my eyes glared at me like a neon sign. I looked horrible.
As I washed my face, I noticed that my apartment was unusually quiet, absent of any freeloaders, and I was willing to bet money that it was because Jungkook had warned them to give me space. But I’d had my space and now I wanted to play my own game. I wanted to test the waters, see how much they were actually interested in me. I wanted the truth.
Would they let me get in their space? Take their food? Play with their hair? Do all the other annoying, invasive things that are only cute when you like someone? And so, plan: “Annoy the boys” commenced.
Dressing down, in a tattered old t-shirt and sweats, I threw my hair up in a bun and pranced over to Jungkook’s. I waltzed through the door, forgoing knocking, and looked around the room. Two figures were passed out on the couch, I could hear someone in the kitchen, and Taehyung stared wide-eyed at me from the floor in front of the TV. He looked about as dressed up as I did, though he was pulling the look off like haute couture. I squashed down my pesky jealousy over his natural beauty.
“Good morning.” I greeted calmly. I needed to be stealthy, casual.
“Good morning.” He greeted back stoically, his accent much thicker in his rich morning voice.
Right then, Seokjin walked out of the kitchen with a bowl of ramen that he almost spilled, jerking in surprise at the sight of me.
“Ah, good morning.” He nodded with a slight bow when he recovered.
Channeling my inner actress, I zeroed in on his food. “Wow, that looks good.”
He looked a little unsure.
“Can I have some?” I asked, looking up at him with my best puppy-dog eyes.
He shifted uncomfortably, glancing around the room. I tried to fight off my disappointment at his unwillingness to share.
But then, “This has bacon in it.”
I couldn’t help the look of shock on my face. Had Yoongi told him that I didn’t like bacon?
“If you want, I can make you some without bacon.” He offered, almost like he was apologetic that what he’d made wasn’t what I liked.
Still a little shocked, I shook my head. “That’s okay, I’m not hungry enough to finish an entire bowl.”
He didn’t argue and went to sit beside Taehyung on the floor. The same Taehyung who was studying me like he was trying to understand my play.
Taking a deep breath, I asked, “Are the others still sleeping?”
All I got were nods in response.
The silence that ensued gave me a second to think and an idea came to mind. Would they still go out in public with me if I wore something embarrassing?
“I’ll go wake them!” I was too excited to test my theory to be shy. And after all, I’d woken them up before and nothing bad had happened.
I started with the two on the couch, coming around to find it was Namjoon and Jungkook. Seeing Jungkook’s face had me hesitating, but I quickly pushed the memory of us kissing out of my brain.
I started with Namjoon.
“Hey,” I whispered, shaking his shoulder gently. “Hey, do you wanna go somewhere with me today?”
It took a second to rouse him and as he came to, he groaned and blinked blurrily up at me.
“What?” He croaked, rubbing his hands over his face.
“Do you wanna do something with me today?”
There was a moment of silence as he comprehended my question, but when he did, he shot into a sitting position. The swift movement startled me, but I held my ground.
“With you?” He clarified with a look that asked if I was being serious. I nodded.
“Oh! I’ll come too!”
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Pairings: ot7 x female
Warnings:Subby Jimin, kinda/sorta but also not really??
WHY AM I SO NERVOUS TO POST THIS? I’ve almost posted this so many times, but then I keep thinking “but you’ve waited so long to, what if it isn’t worth the wait?” and so then I don’t and then when I go to post it again, i’ve made you wait even longer and so the ritual continues. Maybe this time I’ll actually press ‘post’.
____________
“I was actually attracted to your personality, but I like that you look good, too” - Unknown
….
As we made our way to the front podium, the hostess didn’t spare me much of a glance, but I didn’t take offense. I’d much rather look at Hoseok and Jimin, too.
She straightened her posture but had enough dignity not to thrust out her chest. She was actually very beautiful and I couldn’t help the once-over I gave. She was the kind of girl that stabbed you in the self-esteem, just by walking into a room. Still hot though.
“Hello! Welcome, do you have a reservation?” She spoke directly to Hoseok, who had waltzed in like he owned the joint.
“Hoseok Jung.” He announced loud and clear. It was obvious by his brief, dismissive tone that he had about as much interest in her as he did the painting on the wall. I pursed my lips at his behavior. This wasn’t my environment, though, and I didn’t know what was normal or expected so I kept my mouth shut.
The woman led us through the building and out onto the back deck where fairy lights lent their gentle glow and the live band played a soft, calming melody. Almost every table was filled, but they’d been spaced far enough apart that the quiet chatter wasn’t disturbing and instead added a nice touch to the ambiance.
I could feel the rush of excitement hit me, never having eaten by the water like this before. Hoseok was still handling any and all interactions, so I turned to Jimin with wide eyes to express my joy. He returned my look of awe with a wink before motioning for me to sit in the chair he’d pulled out. Hoseok sat down as well and the hostess bid us a good night.
We’d barely settled in and picked up our menus before a cute, doe-eyed boy appeared beside Jimin, introducing himself.
“Good evening, my name is Adrian, I will be your server tonight. May I start you off with something to drink?”
“Just water, thank you,” Jimin smiled politely in that enchanting way of his and Adrian just blinked owlishly at him for a moment. Jimin’s smile faded and he raised his eyebrows in question, snapping the poor boy out of it, a blush warming his face.
“Yes, of course, I’ll be right back with that.” I’d never seen someone walk away so quickly.
Jimin turned his attention back to the table, a knowing smirk making its way onto his lips and I knew he knew the effect he had on people.
Not wanting to get caught up in Jimin’s charm, too, I turned to look at Hoseok, only to find he was already staring.
“See anything you like?” He asked, nodding to the menu in my hands.
“O-oh. Right.” I tore my gaze away from his and scanned the options. Understandably it was mostly seafood and although I was known to be a picky eater, I’d never tried lobster before and I wanted to. That was until I took a look at the prices.
Squinting my eyes, I looked up at Hoseok, gathering the courage to ask, “You’re paying, right?”
Jimin didn’t even try to hide his giggle, but I didn’t take my eyes off Hoseok.
He grinned, radiantly, “Yes.”
“In that case, can I try the lobster?” Jimin’s giggle broke out into a full laugh (that, contrary to human nature, was not loud or obnoxious at all). Hoseok looked thoroughly amused as well, but unlike his usual happy-go-lucky self, he was holding it together.
I smiled sheepishly at my bold comment but was relieved to see that he hadn’t taken any offense.
The night carried on smoothly after that. Adrian had collected himself and returned the epitome of professionalism. Hoseok had my attention most of the night, flirting and making me laugh. I hadn’t noticed before, but he was extremely charming and I found myself having to remind myself to not catch feelings. Jimin was fairly silent the whole night, but in a comfortable way, leaning back into his chair and observing.
By the end of the night, we were all a little tipsy, giggling our way down the beach. Hoseok had an arm over my shoulder as we tried to walk in time with each other.
“Awe~,” I whined, stopping.
“What’s wrong, Jagi?” He hummed contentedly as he rested his head on my shoulder.
“My shoes! I have to—oops!” I cut off, almost losing my balance when I lifted my leg up to take them off. I was slightly more intoxicated than I’d realized.
“I’ll do it!” Jimin pranced over from where he’d been toeing the waves. He’d drank more than either Hoseok or me, so he was teetering on the edge of fucking drunk, and it was apparent in the way his movements swayed.
He dropped into a crouch before me and began unbuckling my shoes, biting his plump lower lip in concentration. I couldn’t help the sharp breath I inhaled when he looked up at me with an easy grin after he’d successfully removed the first shoe. When he finished removing the other, tossing them both carelessly to the side, he let himself tip backward onto the sand — landing like a starfish. I watched with a stupid grin as Hoseok took it as an invitation to jump on top of him and pinch his cheeks.
The two busied themselves rolling around in the sand, roughhousing, so I turned my attention to the waves, feeling the cool sea breeze envelop me. Although it was a little chilly, it was refreshing.
A startled shriek left my lips as I was abruptly — and quite literally — pulled from my thoughts and I came crashing down. There was a moment of laughter between the two and I couldn’t help but join in in their contagious sounds of joy.
We ended up laying there, just looking at the black, starless sky. I didn’t know how long the comfortable silence went on for before it was broken, but it was a treasured moment of peace that felt like forever. My thoughts hadn’t been that quiet in…I couldn’t remember how long.
“You look lovely in this dress,” Jimin murmured out of nowhere, brushing a strand of hair behind my ear. I turned my head to look at him, wondering absently how long he’d been watching me.
I wasn’t sober enough to get embarrassed or shy from his comment, so I just smiled and returned the compliment.
“You look ‘cutie, sexy, lovey’,” I teased, repeating what I’d heard him say a couple of times, but my amusement faded when I looked him up and down, “Maybe just ‘sexy, lovely’.” I corrected myself.
“Jagiya, why do you have to live so far away?” Hoseok suddenly asked, leaning in to rest his head on my lap. The atmosphere instantly became more somber at his reminder.
“Hey, I’m not the one moving to an entirely different country.” I evaded, booping his nose in an attempt to lighten the mood.
He scowled and pushed my hand away, sitting up to face Jimin.
“Jiminie, you’re so lucky, you got to kiss her!” He whined and my eyes went wide.
“I know.” Jimin sighed, a little too dreamily for my piece of mind.
“I—he—what?” I stuttered. What was happening?
Hoseok cupped my blushing cheeks, staring intently into my eyes. “Can I kiss you, Jagi?”
I froze, unable to process. My blood was rushing in my ears, making it hard to think, which resulted in my dumbass nodding my consent.
My eyes fluttered shut at the feeling of his lips gently pecking mine. With his hands still cupping my cheeks, it went down in the books as the sweetest kiss I’d ever received.
I blamed the wine in my veins for my next move.
Surging forward as he began to pull back, I latched my lips onto his in a deep kiss, stunning him for a moment. He recovered quickly, his grip becoming tighter.
We made out like that, awkwardly sprawled in the sand, until a movement to my side caught my attention like a bucket of ice water being poured on me. I sprung back from Hoseok as I remembered Jimin’s presence.
Shit. Shit.Shit!What was I doing?!
Looking at Jimin, he met my gaze with a dark look, his head tilted to the side almost erotically — like an invitation to mark up his neck.
I quickly shook the thought from my head. “No, no, no, I didn’t mean to do that.” I stood up, backing away from them.
“Tasia, wait.” Hoseok rushed, jumping up to follow. I quickened my pace.
“I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have kissed you like that.” Shame enveloped me as I recalled my actions.
I was in love with my best friend, yet I kissed his friends? Did Jungkook know I’d kissed Jimin? What would he think if he knew I’d now kissed Hoseok, too?
He would think I was a disgusting, two-timing, bitch.And he wouldn’t be wrong, because both kisses were equally amazing and as much as I hated myself for it, I couldn’t bring myself to wish they never happened.
They were so different. Hoseok was sweet and firm, gentlemanly but in charge. Jimin was passionate and needy, like a fire being lit inside. When they kissed me, it felt like I’d never been kissed before, like anything before them didn’t exist.
Stop thinking about it!
“Anastasia.” Something in Jimin’s voice made me stop, but I resisted turning around to face him. I felt his presence come up behind me, wrapping his arms around my waist and planting a gentle kiss on my exposed neck.
I didn’t dare react. My body refused to pull away, but I had just enough self-control not to lean in.
“I liked it.” His smooth, angelic voice murmured in my ear, “I liked watching. You looked so good together, I just wanted to watch.” His arms held me tighter against him, his hand trailing up to rest just under my breast. “I wanted to see what you looked like, all flushed and stretched around him. Would you let me watch? Would you let me watch him fuck you dumb? I’ll be good, I won’t touch.”
My gaze became lustful at the image he painted. “Ji-Jimin.” I stuttered and it was all I could do not to moan as his warm hand palmed my chest, contradicting the promise he’d just made.
“Yes, Jagi?” He answered between gentle kisses and suckles on my neck.
“I…” I licked my lips, trying to force a coherent thought that wasn’t just Jimin.
“Jimin.” I jumped at the stern tone of Hoseok’s voice. Jimin’s response was immediate as he sighed and pulled away. I instantly missed his touch.
“Next time.” Jimin promised when I faced him, licking his lips as he stared shamelessly.
We ended up taking a lift home, as none of us were in any state to drive. I was squished in the middle seat between the two, Hoseok’s hand resting absentmindedly on my thigh as he stared out the window. I kept having to remind myself every time his thumb brushed back and forth that it would not be a good idea to jump his bones.
Self-control. I repeated to myself.
When we arrived, I almost shoved Jimin out of the car in my rush to get out and he let out a grunt of surprise at the force with which I blew past him. My whole body was flushed and I knew I had to get away from these sex gods before I made a mistake I couldn’t come back from.
“Jagiya,” Hoseok hummed and I paused, against my better judgment, long enough for him to reach me and pull me into his arms. “We won’t fuck you tonight—,” Jimin made a noise of complaint, “—so let us walk you in, yeah?”
Looking into Hoseok’s warm eyes, I knew, I knew he was being manipulative. I didn’t miss his ‘tonight’, implying it wouldhappen another night, I wasn’t so naïve to believe they had any kind of pure intentions for me, but I was dumb. So, so dumb that I nodded my head and let them lead me up the stairs and into my home.
Taglist:@–xxchrissyxx–@littlewolfieposts@catsandstrawberries@m0chilattae@shortpeoplematter@hodginss@asifetch7@catsandstrawberries@btsenchanting @multifandomgirl29@trinityautumn@bubbletae7@ditttiii@iamunrecognized@katbonv@naturebaby1@merakiiverse@namjoonsslutakakoreanmanswhore@moments-of-melancholy@deathkat657@sunkissed725@outrodepression@missseoulite@livetay84@futuristiclovezone95@sadgurllayha@shootingstarsaretearsofheaven@the-obsessive-fangirl@jiminsrightnostril@bwibwiko@plutoneu@helloevilmuffins@depressed-dude20@hazuki22@imascreamerbabymakemeamute@borataehyung@shinyplaidbagellamp@bts-edits-bitch@namjoonies-dimple@scentedsope@bena-baby@alphajevie@jiminie-08@telenari@chittabonss@fangirl125reader@sonderkook@cheese123344@purpleskysunset@chatsgotmytongue@bubbless1975@vantaescupid@something-better-everyday@celaenaelentiyavox@kbiancahirang@iridescenthobi@torigirl21-blog@novastarpie@tea-and-taiko@5sauceluver24@lovely-lilly-love
Pairings: ot7 x female
Warnings: N/A
____________
“I can resist anything except temptation” - Unknown
….
The days went by too quickly as I packed up to move back in with my parents, needing some time to save up money. Jungkook hadn’t missed a single day of trying to convince me to follow him to Korea, still not understanding why I wasn’t going to just pick up and follow him to another country. Our relationship was becoming strained, I could feel it, I could feel myself pulling away, preparing myself for the inevitable goodbye. I knew it was causing him pain, and I was in pain too, but it was a necessary evil.
Taehyung and Hoseok had come over every day for the last two weeks to help me pack up my stuff, but Hoseok was the only one of actual help. Taehyung, I’d learned, was only present to keep us company, having no particular interest in actually helping. He played DJ and went through my stuff, but he did nothing to help pack and for some reason, that was less annoying and more endearing.
If I was being honest, I didn’t understand why they were all being so friendly to me, even when Jungkook and I’s relationship was so strained. Weren’t best friends supposed to back you up no matter what? Despite my thoughts, I was thankful for the help.
“Where was this?” Taehyung asked from where he sat in my closet.
I finished placing the books I was holding in a box before giving him my attention.
“Taehyung!” I gasped, “I just finished packing that!”
There he was, sat in front of the box filled with all my photos. Well, it used to be filled with photos, now they were scattered on the floor around him.
“His hair was so long…” He mumbled, brushing a finger delicately across the photo in his hand. The longing in his voice had me curious of which photo he was looking at.
Stepping over a few boxes to get to him, I peered over his shoulder to take a look.
My expression immediately softened, “That was last year, Christmas break. We visited my family’s farm, he really liked the animals,” I laughed at the memory behind the photo of Jungkook holding a lamb.
Noticing Taehyung’s frown, I combed my hand through his hair.
“I’ll take you to meet the animals too, if you want,” I offered, snapping my hand back when he leaned into my touch. I hadn’t meant to be so affectionate, it just came so easy with the pouty man-child. Again, I had to remind myself not to get too close — too attached.
He tilted his head back to look up at me with a smile. My returning smile was strained with the knowledge of an empty promise.
Lost in my thoughts, I didn’t notice Taehyung grab another photo and turn to grin knowingly at me. It wasn’t until he started softly rapping “Baby Got Back” that I realized which photo he was now holding.
“Okay! That’s enough of that,” I said, snatching the photo from his hands. “Clean this all up, I’m going to go check on Hoseok”
“Nae~” He hummed in amusement, much to my frustration and embarrassment.
With my face burning bright, I stalked off to find Hoseok.
I had expected to find him in the kitchen, where I last saw him, but he was nowhere to be found. Standing pointlessly, a little confused, I did a once over of the room for any clues to where he’d gone or if he planned on coming back today. The box he’d been filling with appliances sat nicely on the counter, labelled and taped closed, the tape roller placed next to it and his keys and sunglasses that he’d left on the table were gone along with his shoes.
I couldn’t fathom the reason behind the hurt I felt or why had he left without saying anything. Had Taehyung known? Clearing my throat, I pushed down the uncomfortable feeling bubbling up and returned to my room to finish packing away my books.
As it turned out, Hoseok had only stepped out to get food, returning less than thirty minutes later. I felt like an absolute idiot for getting offended, I mean, it wasn’t like he was obligated to report his whereabouts to me.
At the announcement of food, Taehyung stumbled out of my closet wearing a scarf I’d forgotten I owned and an old pair of glasses I’d stashed away because they were too big for me. I took a moment to take in his appearance, wondering how the hell he was pulling that off. He looked amazing — like he’d just finished a fashion shoot in my closet.
Shaking my head in bewilderment, I followed him into the main room to eat dinner with him and Hoseok.
***
A few more days passed and I found myself getting ready for a dinner that Jimin and Hoseok had somehow talked me into. It was supposed to be a celebration for getting everything in the kitchen all packed up, but I knew it was more likely their boredom that triggered the spontaneous outing. I was even wearing a dress, a nice sleeveless velvet midi that I’d worn to my cousin’s wedding last year. Taehyung had picked it out, but I had my sneaking suspicions that Jimin and Hoseok had put him up to it.
As I put the finishing touches on my makeup, I heard the doorbell. Screwing the lipgloss cap back on and taking a moment to give myself one last once over, I left the bathroom.
My face dropped into a deadpan expression when I found Yoongi and Namjoon lounging on my couch, Yoongi doing something on his iPad and Namjoon nose deep in a book — neither of them making a move to answer the door.
“Please, don’t overexert yourself,” I drawled sarcastically.
They both glanced up.
“You look pretty,” Namjoon murmured quietly and Yoongi nodded ever so slightly in agreement before they both went back to what they were doing.
I could feel my cheeks heating up, but I tried to hide it with an eye roll and huff.
Opening the door, I was surprised to see Jimin and Hoseok standing there because for the last few weeks they’d all become more than comfortable just walking in unannounced.
Then their appearances registered and my brain stopped functioning.
Jimin was in a black button up top with a sinfully deep neckline, a dark, glittered blazer atop it. He’d traded in his usual small hooped earrings in for long, thin dangly ones and his hair was brushed back on one side, his makeup flawless.
Hoseok had so much going on with his suit, I wasn’t sure where to start. Not unlike Jimin, his shirt opened to show off his chest, though not as deep. His blazer was an oversized style with a unique white trim and pearls adorned his neck, matching the white. Tinted sunglasses, that held no other purpose than fashion, rested perfectly on his face and his hair was curled to nicely fit his formal grunge look.
I always felt underdressed around them, but at that moment I felt severely underdressed. Like I shouldn’t even be in their presence. I felt like river rock next to diamonds and rubies.
I tried not to show the insecurity threatening to swallow me whole and gave them a smile.
“You look beautiful,” Jimin complimented, his ever present flirtatious smirk playing on his lips. Hoseok made a loud noise of agreement, making me laugh and lessening some of the anxiety.
“Let me just grab my bag and put on some shoes, hold on,” I said, dashing to my room to grab my things.
When I returned, they were all standing together, talking in hushed tones to one another. They sent me bright smiles when they noticed my presence and Hoseok held out a hand to me.
Him and Jimin quietly led me out the door, down the steps and to Hoseok’s rented car. When they’d suggested dinner before, I’d thought nothing more of it than a friendly outing, but with the warmth of Jimin’s palm on my waist and Hoseok’s hand in mine, I realized I was about to go on a date with two of the most beautiful humans on the planet. Butterflies immediately erupted in my stomach.
“Where are we going?” I asked quietly, feeling like the atmosphere required a softer tone. It was already dark out, the only noises being my heels against the pavement, crickets, and the distant sound of cars.
“It’s a surprise,” Hoseok winked, opening the passenger door for me. I ducked my head to try and hide the blood that was rushing to my face.
Why was I being so shy? I’d been spending every day with this man for two weeks!
Settling into my seat, I couldn’t help the small squeak that left me when Jimin bent down to buckle me up. His smell surrounded me, making it hard to focus and his face was just a hair’s breadth from mine. The man did not have a single flaw on his face.
He was probably in my space longer than necessary, but I couldn’t find it in me to complain, and when he pulled back, he turned his head ever so slightly so his lips would brush lightly over mine. I sucked in a sharp breath.
“Sorry,” he breathed, pulling away entirely. We both knew he wasn’t sorry.
My mind was racing, trying to make sense of what just happened and it wasn’t until Hoseok slid into the driver’s seat that I snapped out of it, only to find that Jimin was already buckling his seatbelt in the back seat.
So much had happened in the last week, I had completely forgotten the kiss, but his lips brushing mine brought the feeling of his mouth on mine reeling to the forefront of my mind. He was gentle but passionate,in a way I’d never experienced before.
Soft music drifted from the speakers as the car pulled out onto the road and I might’ve actually enjoyed the drive and beautiful city lights if it weren’t for the confusion and over-thinking clogging up my brain. Jimin, Jimin, Jimin. Jimin…andHoseok. Did that mean they bothliked me? There was no doubt in my mind now that I was on a date with them, but…how? How were they okay with going on a date with the same woman? Where did they see this leading? Did they think I was going to sleep with them? Is that the reason behind Hoseok helping me pack? Was Taehyung in on it? Were they all in on it? Jungkook did seem pleased to see me holding hands with Yoongi…
Instantly I felt bad for thinking that.No, there was no way Jungkook would be a part of such a horrible scheme. I wouldn’t put it past the rest, though.
The car eventually rolled to a stop in front of a beautiful restaurant by the coast. I had never eaten there before, only occasionally driven past, but it was exactly the kind of place Hoseok seemed to thrive in.
I was pulled from my thoughts when cool air rushed in, caused by the opening of a door.
“I’m not sleeping with you,” I blurted out, gripping my seatbelt tightly, not quite confident enough to look up and meet anyone’s gaze.
There was silence until the rear door clicked shut once more.
“You’re not…what?” At the confusion in his voice, I raised my head to look at Hoseok.
“I won’t sleep with you, so if this is all just some strategy to get me in bed with you before you leave for Korea, it won’t work,” I bit my lip hard, trying my darndest to keep my composure. At that moment, I needed to stay strong.
“And where, if I may ask, did you get that idea?” Hoseok spoke low, clearly displeased with my accusation.
“J-Jimin…” I trailed off, losing my nerve for a second when I turned and saw him staring intently at me.
“Jimin can’t help himself,” Hoseok interrupted, stealing back my attention, “sexy is his default. Flirting is the nature of his being”
“But he kissed me,” I argued, “and you and Tae are helping me with my apartment even though Jungkook and I are fighting right now”
“Jagiya, I kissed you to make a point, not to come onto you,” Jimin assured, coming forward to lean on the center console.
“A point?”
He nodded, “And Jungkook thought we didn’t like you, that we weren’t trying to make you like us”
“…So you kissed me?” He wasn’t making sense and his explanation wasn’t adding up.
Jimin shook his head, “No, I kissed you because those girls were insulting Jungkookie’s intelligence. As if Jungkook would associate himself with someone that wasn’t worth our time,” he scoffed.
I wanted to tell him that that wasn’t enough reason to kiss someone without their permission, but I hesitated because a part of me was afraid that if I did, he’d never kiss me again.
“Jagi, we asked you to dinner because we enjoy your company,” Hoseok assured, interrupting my thoughts.
I studied his expression, trying to discern whether or not he was being genuine. This was dangerous, I wasn’t supposed to be making connections with them. They were leaving and I would probably never see them again after they left. I should walk away, turn them down. I should turn tail and run, never look back.
Instead, I let them lead me into the restaurant, wondering if I’d make it out of all this with my heart in one piece.
Pairings: ot7 x female
Warnings:You’re going to hate me, but please bare with me haha.
——————–
“Honestly, I miss you, but now I’ll erase you because that will hurt less than resenting you” - Spring Day, BTS
….
Just as I’d thought, Hoseok hadn’t been able to talk me out of eviction. He hadbeen able to get me out of paying for all the repairs though, which was very much appreciated, though I was fiddling with the idea that he’d really just paid the expenses himself. I mean, it didn’t make sense that he could talk down payment but not eviction. I had no evidence, though, so I wasn’t about to accuse him of it.
The days passed slowly, almost ritually. I got up, got ready, went to classes, did some homework, and searched for a new place. Jungkook hadn’t been subtle about letting me know that he wanted me to move in with him, which would normally have made my heart beat too fast and my face get red, but now there were the implications that his entire entourage would be following as well and I didn’t know how to handle that.
I hadn’t interacted much with Yoongi after those two days, but there was still no awkwardness between us. He more or less kept to himself and I was much too concerned with my next move to seek him out. Hoseok, Namjoon, Taehyung, and Jungkook though, kept approaching me with places to move to, which would have been great if they weren’t all in Korea.
“For the last time, I can’t just get up and move to another country!” I expressed to my best friend exasperatedly, dragging my hands down my face.
“Whynot? You’ve exhausted all your resources, there are no other places here that you can afford! You have to move anyway!” Jungkook hissed, losing his patience. We’d been arguing for the past 15 minutes.
I grit my teeth, “Cause I don’t wantto!”
“Why.Not?!” He fumed, clenching his fists. I’d never seen him so upset before and definitely never at me.
I let out a shaky breath and tried not to do something rash like kick the coffee table or chuck his PS4 controller at the wall. “I do not speak Korean, how am I supposed to go to school there? I don’t even know the culture or what’s socially accepted! I don’t want to relearn how to live, Jungkook!”
He let out a loud, frustrated yell.
“Why are you so dead set on me moving to Korea? Did you really hate living here with me that much?!” I finally asked what’d been on my mind for the past week.
“Why would I be trying so damn hard to convince you to come with me if I hated living with you?” He growled, his words feeling like being douced in ice water.
“Come with you?” I repeated, “You’re leaving?” My worst fear was coming to fruition. He was leaving.
“I don’t have a choice. My parents…” He trailed off, gripping his hair. “And if you won’t move, what the hell am I supposed to do?!”
My irritation flared, “Quit treating me like I’m some fucking ball and chain! If I’m just a problem you have to solve, then fucking leave! Problem solved!” I snarled and shoved past him, storming out of his apartment.
“Tasia!” He snapped after me, not sounding any calmer than I felt.
“No!” I whirled back, jabbing a finger at him. “You can’t talk your way out of this. This is it. I fucking knew it,” I growled as anguish bubbled up in my chest, threatening to swallow me whole.
We weren’t compatible, I’d know that for years. We were from different worlds, but we worked so well and he’d treated me so special that I’d been foolish enough to hope that one day he might love me back. I hadn’t even considered that he might leave.Stupid, stupid, stupid. I was so stupid! Of course he would leave! He had no life here! No job, no history, no family, nothing! But I’d deluded myself into believing that he would always be with me.
I could hear him knocking, could hear him pleading for me. But if I wouldn’t go with him, how could I ever ask him to stay? No, I needed to move on, get over this stupid crush first. He would be just fine, he had six other people (that I knew of) that would be there for him, that would love him as much as I did, if not more. Rationally, I knew we could make it work, we could face time, call, text, email if we had to, but if we did then I would never get over him. The pain in my heart was a reality check that I needed to let him go or these feelings would swallow me whole.
He would go home and I would stay here. He could thrive and be happy without me and I needed to learn how to do the same. But to do that I needed to erase him from my life or I’d never move on.
So I did.
