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Fuck.

This wasn’t supposed to happen.
Seokjin winced when the sunlight started to seep through the window pane of his bedroom and land on his face.

Ugh, Seokjin, remind yourself never to go drinking with the boys after a long flight.

Seokjin just came back from vacation with his family. Tired, he wanted to go directly back home, but his cousin Namjoon thought otherwise. Namjoon picked him up from the airport and drove him to straight to McLarens; the bar that the gang usually hangs out from. The guys night out + drinks + drinks + more drinks usually don’t bode well for next-day Seokjin.

This hangover is killing me .

Grabbing his phone from his nightstand he realized it was almost noon.

I'm supposed to meet with the family for brunch.

Groaning to himself that he overslept, he decided to roll off of his bed, but once he started to move he noticed another body on the other side.

Crap,
did I bring a girl over last night?

He doesn’t remember much from last evening, just bits and pieces.
All he remembered was playing pool, taking too many shots, and stumbling around in the middle of the night.
He can’t see what she looks like. Her body was facing the opposite direction of him, only seeing her naked back and long flowing black hair. The blanket was covering her from the waist down.

Shit, I hope we didn’t make a lot of noise last night. Riley is going to give me an earful.

Riley, Seokjin’s childhood friend, also one of his best friends, aside from Yoongi. And as of a few weeks ago, his temporary roommate.
Recently, the whole floor of her apartment was infested with bed bugs and a water leak. The landlord informed the floor tenants that it would take weeks until they can all come back to their rooms. Jin, being a good friend, allowed her a temporary stay in the guest bedroom of his apartment. The funny thing was that they both lived in the same complex; she lived just two floors below Jin.

--- 2 weeks ago ---

“WHYYY” Riley was yelling while stuffing her face with popcorn.
Jin chuckled as he placed the beers in front of her.
“I mean my apartment is clean! There are no bed bugs at my place and the water damage isn’t so bad! Why do I need to move out during that time?”
He settled himself on the couch next to her, flicking through channels on the TV.
“They’re being cautious. Plus, over half of your floor got it. Yugyeom and Bambam thought they were in the clear too and then they found a couple in theirs.”“Still, why does it take that long to kill them? I mean I would’ve just gotten a blow torch and lit those lil bastards up.”“And that is why we leave it to the experts to deal with the business, not manics like you who want to fire blast anything you dislike.”“I mean I dislike you from time to time, but you don’t see me pointing a torch toward you.”“Hey, who is letting you stay at their apartment while you are ‘homeless’, ME!” - Jin exclaimed.
“Can you guys just kiss and makeup, I really want to watch a movie, not seeing you guys squabble.” - Hoseok finally spoke after looking back and forth at the bickering friends.
“Over my dead body, I would ever let Jin kiss me!” - Riley yelled out.“Oh really?” - Jin smirking, he leaned over Riley just enough that his face was just inches apart from hers.“Babe, you know I am handsome and desirable; you’re just lucky I don’t see you that way, overwise you would be all over me.”“Oh please! It’s the opposite. Like you can resist me?!” Someone was already getting tipsy.
She started to sit up straight giving Jin a staredown while he still towered over her, faces still inches apart. She wasn’t going to back down.
“You would be chasing me if I ever gave you a sliver of hope!” - Motioning her fingers towards him, jabbing his chest.“I’ll have you know I got complimented and asked out twice last Saturday at the club and all I ever did was smile at them.”“Yeah, they don’t count.” - Jin jeered.
“Why not?”
“The compliments were from Jungkook and we all know he has a puppy crush on you. And those ask-outs you received were from those random guys you were drunk dancing with them at the club. I am sure their beer goggles were on otherwise they would’ve seen your true plain-looking face.”
“Why you lil asshole -”“What are you gonna do.... princess ...” -
He stood up from the couch and gave a smug look.

Princess . Riley hated that word with a passion. He knew it ticks her off and makes her quiet. She hates responding to anyone who calls her that. He knew he won this round.

Seokjin: 1 Riley: 0

Her face was not pleased by seeing her best friend soon-to-be not giving himself a high five.Before this feud could look like an epic Super Smash Bros battle, with Riley grabbing the bucket of popcorn and Jin clutching twizzlers -

“GUYS! JUST SHUT UP!” - Yoongi exclaimed.

Silence.

Yoongi, a stone that has been patiently sitting on the recliner finally speaks. A man who never says much, but when he does, he commands the room and people heed his words.
“You guys can have your usual banter later when Hoseok and I aren’t here, but for now just shut up and pick a god-damn movie. You have the remote, Jin.”

Yoongi commands the room and people heed his words.

That is true... until -

“YAH, you think you can yell at me like that you punk? I’m older than you!”“Well, you sure aren't acting like it.”

Oh look, there goes a flying twizzler heading toward Yoongi’s direction.

---- End Flashback ----

Jin quietly laughs at reliving this moment, thinking about how Riley somehow managed to get between Yoongi and him. Their argument ended with Yoongi having popcorn spilled over his body and Jin lying flat on the ground on his chest with Riley sitting on top of him with a grin on her face. Of course, Hoseok was just cracking up a storm in the corner while recording this incident. This was way better than watching a movie.
His laugh suddenly brought the other person to move. Jin froze.

Crap, who is she...what’s her name... why don’t I remember bringing someone back? Ugh, I never should’ve taken those shots with Hobi.

Muffled sounds came out the girl's mouth as her face was pressed into the plush pillow.
It’s not the first time he’s had a one night stand, he’s had multiple. Ever since puberty hit him like a bullet train girls flock to him. He wasn’t a playboy, he was a gentleman. He never dragged a girl around with their emotions, always telling them what they would get into. He was a gentleman, but every gentleman has his needs .

As much as how calm, cool, and collected he portrays, internally Seokjin is freaking out in this situation.

Do I just ignore her and slowing walk to the bathroom… or say hi and have that awkward morning conversation?

“Wi--” - a gargle of words comes spewing out of the girl's mouth.

What did she just say?

“Wine…”

Wait…

Did that just sound like…

“Ugh.. “ the girl moaned
“Wine...too much wine...”

No...no…

I'm still hungover...

My mind is playing tricks on me cuz that just sounded like…

The girl turned around to face him still eyes shut due to the sunlight. Lo and behold the girl, ahem, woman was not a stranger. It was in fact, Riley.

Riley… Riley with his blankets, only slightly covering her naked body.His mouth went slack, his eyes staring down at her and her body.

Riley.

Naked Riley.
Naked Riley in bed.
Naked Riley in Seokjin’s bed.
His bed. His Riley.
No no, not his Riley.

Just Riley.
Best Friend Riley.
Childhood friend Riley.
21 years of friendship Riley.
Riley.

Naked Riley.

I slept with my best friend.

I’m screwed
.

He could only imagine the response Riley would give him. A scream, a slap to the face, and his buddy from downstairs needing some ice to heal from her unforgiving kick. Riley finally opened her eyes and found herself in front of a boy, ahem, a man.

Seokjin.

Her best friend Seokjin.
Shirtless Seokjin

No wait.. why was he in her bed?
Her eyes moved just a bit to look at her surroundings. It dawned on her that she wasn’t in her bed, she was in his. She felt the wind from the direction of the open window behind Jin touch her face...touch her chest…

Her bare chest ...

It was then she realized she was naked.. in his bed...
Shirtless Seokjin

No... naked Seokjin...

She and he were naked … in the same bed...

WTF. She screamed in her mind.

Silence.

It felt like hours when it’s only been 30 seconds. Since it seemed that she wasn’t going to say anything, he felt like he should be a gentleman and be the first to speak - though the current position and environment seemed ironic.
The only thing that Seokjin can say as he bored straight into her gorgeous, confused brown eyes was not awkward -

Good morning.
“Fuck.”

He
thought he said good morning, but no his stupid mouth instead swore out loud.

Fuck.

Yep… Not awkward at all...

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Fuck.

This wasn’t supposed to happen.
How in the hell did this happen?
Riley kept staring at Seokjin, shocked at this weirdly picturesque scene going on between them. She was going through her mind figuring out how the evening went from having drinks with her girlfriends to being in bed with Seokjin.
Trying to retrace her thoughts, she was zapped back into reality by the word that came out of Seokjin’s mouth.

“Fuck.”

Well isn’t that the truth.

She blinked a couple times at Seokjin, noticing his eyes go wide from the word that came out from his mouth. She needed to say something to break this awkwardness.

“Already did that with you last night.”

Riley, you idiot, why would you make a joke out of this.

Stuttering, Jin replied: “I - I’m sorry, I meant to say -”“Good morning to you too, Jin.”

He looked at her with a confused face.

Why is she so calm...shouldn't she be yelling, heck screaming at my face, telling me how I am a pervert.

Calm down Riley, before you go berserk on him, just relax and try to remember last night... Whoa, he looks so timid and frozen. What’s up with him?

For a split second his eyes wandered back down from her face. Following his eyes, she then realized that she didn’t entirely cover herself up. Wrapping the blanket close to her body, she felt her face get flushed, embarrassed by his brown eyes boring into her.

“Can you stop staring at me.”

Shit..how long was he staring at her. Seeing Riley blush, he realized he’s never made her do that. He’s seen her blush before, but it was usually from her crushes and other guys showering her with compliments. Any time he complimented her, she would just curtly look at him and say thanks or say something sarcastic; completely unfazed.

What the hell is going on?

“Why are you at home?”“What do you mean?”“I thought you were flying back tonight, not yesterday”“I told you I was flying back Saturday night, not Sunday.”“No, you said Sunday -”“I said Saturday - seriously Riley, I told you that like 10x, I even texted you the other day - ”“I was busy, I didn’t see your message.” she sharply replied.

Well, at least they are back to their usual banter...
sort of.

Silence.

“I need to pee.” - she whispered.“What?”“I need to use the bathroom.”“Then go-”“-I can’t find my clothes.”

They both looked around the room. Heck, the place was a mess. Jin is a clean-freak, so his room is always spotless, but from the current look, it was clearly the opposite.
Clothes were all over the floor, from the button-up shirt bundled next to the door entrance to the lace panties hanging on the desk lamp.
Underwear;
her lace panties and bra just splayed out on his desk. Pulling on his boxers that were conveniently next to the bed, Jin walked to his desk and gently took the items to give to Riley. Her face was now 2x redder than before. The corner of his mouth went up.

Cute.

He decided to go to his closet, grabbing a black t-shirt and tossing it to her.
“Here, you can borrow this and use the bathroom first,” he stated as he turned his back to her trying to make the current situation less awkward.
Still embarrassed Riley took the shirt and sprinted to the bathroom, slamming the door shut and locking it. This is what not what she expected to happen this morning.

--- 1 hour later ---

Jin was dressed up, ready to go depart from the apartment to his parent’s house. Namjoon just messaged him that he was on his way to pick him up. Luckily his hangover isn’t as worse as before but as a precaution, he grabbed two painkillers pills to subside the discomfort.

Alright, act like this is just like a normal day. Grab some coffee, wait for Joon, and grab brunch with family.

Act like it’s a normal day.

What a lie
.

Jin quietly walked into the kitchen, hoping to not disturbed Riley since her temporary bedroom was just down the hall from it.

Is she still in there? Should I say something before I leave?

Ever since this morning, Riley just stayed in the guestroom. Too embarrassed and tried to leave her temporary sacred space. Her mind kept flashing back to this morning, seeing Seokjin sitting next to her on the bed with the sunlight behind him and his sculpted shoulders.

No Riley, what are you thinking, this is Seokjin.

It was true that Seokjin was godly good-looking, but she never thought of him in a romantic sense.
Puberty hit him like a bullet train when he came back from summer vacation during their high school sophomore year. Puberty and Jin became more athletic, working out more and even became captain of the swim team the following year. All of those effects made him be the devilishly handsome guy he is today. However, she never wavered to his new good looks; he was still the same “Jinjin” she knew since they were 3.
She never wavered until this morning, just for a split moment, but in her mind, it was a fluke. Honestly, she wanted to forget everything that happened in the last 24 hours.

Snap out of it. Just forget what happened and move on.
She stared at herself in the mirror.

Yeah, Riley, you got this. Just get out of the room and pretend last night and this morning didn’t happen.

She turned and approached the door, but stopped her movement once her hand was on the doorknob. No...I'll just stay here all day and forget the world.
Her stomach growled. Dammit. Her body was not functioning with her moods. Her food mood always conquered everything else.

Conceding to her hunger, Riley stepped out to go to the kitchen. She paused her step and sees Jin, well, back of Jin grabbing a cup to pour coffee into.

Act normal. Nothing happened last night. Everything is still the same.

Seokjin turned around as he felt her presence.

Silence.

Everything is still the same.

What a lie.

“Want some coffee?”“Uh yeah sure, thanks.”
Jin grabs another cup while Riley scavenges the fridge for some food.
“I’m going over to my parent’s place today so I won’t be back till later tonight.”“Oh okay, yeah I’m meeting up with Hobi to go over some dance moves so I won’t be back until the evening as well.”
They both nod at each other's words.

The silence is killing them.

“About last night -” Seokjin quietly spoke“-Nothing happened.”“What?”“I mean.. something did happen... I just… ”“I don’t remember anything last night!”“Neither do I!”

At that moment, they both started to tumble out what they wanted to say.

“I took a lot of shots with Hobi -”“I just went out for drinks and clubbing with Amy and Hana -”“I think tried to bridal carry Yoongi as a dare -”“The bartender was giving us free drinks -”“So much whiskey -”“So much wine -”“What happened last night -”“I mean last night was -”

- “It didn’t mean anything!”

- “It didn’t mean anything!”

Something they both agreed on.

“...Right” - Jin whispered, looking at Riley.
“Right -” Riley said confidently “...I mean we were both drunk and didn’t know it was each other, otherwise, this would’ve never happened .”

“Yeah...of course...” Jin scratched behind his neck.

So why does it
sting to hear her say that...

“Riley -”
A doorbell ring interrupts their conversation. Seokjin hurries over and opens the door.
“Hey hyung, you ready to go?”“Yeah Namjoon just one second.”

While Jin goes to his room to grab a hoodie, Namjoon quietly waits by the entrance until he notices Riley.

“Afternoon Riley,” Namjoon smiling enough to see his dimples.“Hey Joon.” - she smiles back“Aren’t you supposed to be meeting up with Hoseok soon?”“Yeah, just woke up late that’s all... my mind is still charging up from last night.”

Namjoon laughs.

“Had too much fun last night with the girls?”“Something like that...”

He nods. A glint of something shiny dawns on his eyes.

“Hey is that your dress hanging on the coat rack?”

Fuck.

Yep, that was her dress she wore last night; hanging like mistletoe on Christmas.

“Yeah -” she squeaked while running towards the area to grab the dress.
“ - I must’ve flung it there the other day... haha..”“You’re lucky Jin didn’t see that he would’ve given you another lecture about how you are making his place a pig style.”

He probably threw my dress there last night.

“Okay, let’s go Joon.”Seokjin stops himself, noticing Riley holds something sparkly in her hands.

That looks familiar.

He suddenly had a recollection of kissing her, his hands gripping her body, grabbing the zipper on the back of the dress and trying to quickly peel it off and carry her to his room while her legs are wrapped around his waist.

No, not right now. I don’t want to remember.

“Joon, let’s go we’re late!”“Alright, calm yourself hyung,” Joon said as Jin was pushing him out of the apartment.“See you later Riley.”“Bye Namjoon.”

As Namjoon walks ahead toward the elevator, Jin turned his body to the close the door. But before he shuts it completely he spoke softly to Riley.

“Let’s talk tonight... if that’s okay with you?”

Nervously rubbing her hands together. Why does he still want to talk about it, we both said it was a mistake. She pauses before she nods.

“Sure, I’ll see you tonight.”“K. Bye.”

The door closed and Riley let out a big sigh.

Dammit. So much for moving on and forgetting the past.

------
“Dude, what’s up with you? You’re acting so quiet.”
Namjoon spoke after driving for the past 10 minutes.“Huh? Oh nothing just dazed out that's all... my mind is still charging up from last night.”

Namjoon chuckled.

“What’s so funny?”“That’s what Riley said this morning.”

“What?” Jin’s eyes went wide.

“She said the exact same thing - My mind is still charging up from last night.”“Oh really? Huh...”“Yeah...it’s like you guys synced up together last night or something.”

Yeah... something like that.

“Yeah... actually I noticed something this morning…”Seokjin started to panic, but he kept his poker face on.

“Was Riley wearing your shirt this morning?”

Seokjin has a terrible poker face.

“What? What? No... no...”“No, I’m pretty sure it is your shirt, it’s the Supreme shirt I got for you for your birthday.”

Damnit Joon.

“Oh yeah, I think she ran out of clothes to wear since she didn’t do laundry so I gave her a shirt, that’s all... no biggie.” Seokjin said in a quick tone. He flashbacked to this morning, her looking so effortless in his sheets.

AHHH stop picturing her from this morning.

Namjoon notices Seokjin looking unnerved. Jin’s head keeps shaking left and right, quietly mumbling, but not loud enough for him to hear.

Huh.. wonder what’s going on with him.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

여기 붙어라 모두 모여라We gon' party like 리리리라라라맘을 열어라 머릴 비워라불을 지펴라 리리리라라라정답은 묻지 말고 그대로받아들여 느낌대로 가 alright하늘을 마주하고 두 손을 다 위로저 위로 날뛰고 싶어 oh나나나나나 나나나나나Wow, fantastic babyDance

BigBang’s song was booming throughout the studio. Riley was trying to concentrate on the dance moves, hitting each step with ease and precision. She was concentrating on the music, but more importantly…
Trying to forget a certain raven-haired man.
Dancing was a hobby for her, the one thing that can set her free from any negative thoughts or the weird distortions of the real world. She always found time to dance, even if it was only just for a few minutes or an entire day prancing around her apartment or at the studio. Dancing was just a hobby, though everyone at the dance club knew that she clearly could be a professional like Hoseok.
In a way, Riley dancing is her way of communicating to herself, body and soul, to her, she can express stuff that is too deep to find for words.

“Wow you are working up a storm today,” Hoseok spoke as he tossed a water bottle to her.She nods, “I’m just making up for lost time this morning.”“Yeah, I heard from Amy that you got wasted last night.”“It’s all your girlfriend’s fault for giving me half of her drinks throughout the night!”“Hey you know my baby can’t drink that much. Though, she is adorable when she gets tipsy.” He chuckles.“Well your baby was trying to do something, I swear I kept meeting guys throughout the night because she and Hana kept pushing them towards me.”

“You are the single friend here,” Hoseok noted.

“Shut up - I don’t want to find my future boyfriend at the clubs - all guys you meet at the clubs are fuckboys.”“Hey, Amy met me at the club, are you calling me that?” he yelled.“No, you guys met because of me! The location, by all means, was at a club.”

--- 8 months ago ---

“Amy come on let’s go to the club - it’s literally just 2 blocks from here,” Riley and Hana whined. They were having a much-needed girl’s night, just coming out from a sushi restaurant in downtown.
“No no no...you know I can’t dance like you guy,” Amy pouted.“Oh come one we’re not going to break out and dance like a musical, besides there are too many bodies in a small space to do any moves.”“Yeah, it's literally standing there and shaking your butt and arms to the music,” Hana remarked“But -”“Come on, the three of us haven’t gone out in a while.”“Plus you get to meet the guys from the dance club again,” Riley noted while Hana nodded her head eagerly.“Oh yeah, there’s a couple of new guys that you would get along with,” Hana expressed with glee.“No - you know I don’t like meeting new people.”

“Amy... Hoseok will be there.”

Amy’s face flushed hearing his name.

“AHH I knew you had a crush on him!” - Riley cheered. "You always have that smile on your face when you see him."
“No - no, besides he totally won’t fall for me, especially with all those other girls in the clubs - they match him more than me”“Hoseok would totally like you, I have known him since middle school, he is not a shallow fuckboy,” Riley stated.“Guys seriously, he’ll think that I’m so dull.”“I don’t believe that - we’re going,” Hana grabbed on Amy’s arm on her left while Riley grabbed the other, dragging her with them.“Ugh, I hate you guys.”
Riley and Hana high fived each other over Amy’s body, happy that they succeeded.

The club was busy as usual, luckily they didn’t have to wait in line considering they knew the bouncer and were regular guests at Club Lauv. Once inside Riley searched for the dance crew, finding Hoseok’s flaming red hair at the end of the bar.

“Hey, you guys made it!” - Hoseok yelled.“Yeah and we brought another person you might be familiar with,”
Hana pushed Amy up to the bar, almost colliding with Hoseok.“Amy... haven’t seen you at the clubs in a while, didn’t think clubbing was your style.”“It’s not -” Amy quietly stated, but due to the loud music in the background, Hoseok couldn’t hear, making him lean closer to her face, just an inch of her ear.“What did you say?” - Hoseok spoke.

Amy froze. His eyes looked at her with curiosity.

“Did you drink a lot before you got here... your face is super red.”“No -” Amy squeaked “just... it’s hot in here...”Hoseok smiled at her.

She’s so cute.

“Here, let me get a drink for you.”“Oh no, it’s okay I’ll just chill with Hana and Riley,” Amy said as she backed away slowly. She turned around, noticing that her two best friends were not by her side anymore. Scanning the room, she found them on the dance floor, already moving to the beat and waving at her from afar.

Those bitches.

“Here you go -” Hoseok gave her the drink “it’s a screwdriver - just vodka and orange juice. I know how you can’t drink a lot, so I told the bartender to add a bit more OJ.”“Um.. thanks, how did you know?” Amy was shocked, did her friends talk to him about her behind her back?“I asked Riley awhile back why I haven’t seen you around and out at the clubs with her.”“Oh yeah? I’ve been busy and to be honest, this isn’t my style, I just come to keep her company... I rather just stay at home and watch a movie.”He nods, “I totally get it, I like being a homebody too, but I’m glad I got to see you tonight... next time we should chill and watch a movie together back at my place.”

Did he just say we... as in me and him?

Hoseok notices her frozen again, flushed by the obvious remark he made, not from the drink she was trying to down.“And yes, that was me trying to ask you out - if you don’t mind.” giving her his biggest smile.

--- End Flashback ---

“See, it worked out for Amy and I - ” Hoseok declared. “we are the most adorable couple everyone has seen!”

Riley rolled her eyes.

“Yeah yeah, sometimes it’s gross to see you guys together and your gushy PDA.” Amy is usually the one who is more reserved, it’s mainly Hobi hugging Amy to death whenever he hasn’t seen her for days, heck
hours due to work.
“Well when you find your person, you’ll be like that too.”“I highly doubt that.”“Aww come on, there’s plenty of guys who would love to go out with you. It’s been forever since you’ve been on a date, heck it’s probably been forever since you got some di-.”“I get it Hobi!” - Riley shouted. “How in the hell do you know so much about me not having gone on dates much less not getting some action?”

Hoseok face went blank.

“Just a little birdy told me...” Hobi whispered.“You mean your girlfriend...” Riley bellowed.

That bitch.

“She wasn’t talking a lot about you...” Hoseok couldn’t look her in the eyes, just glancing around the studio. “she just maybe mentioned to me that you seemed stressed lately and perhaps needs to release some tension… maybe in a form of physical or not…”

Note to self: call Amy and wreak havoc on her.

“I don’t think she thought I was listening to her, but she was looking so cute in that dress I got her and how her face was concerned about you and her eyes just -”

“I GET IT HOSEOK… I GOT THE PICTURE.”

He mumbled sorry and walked away, scared that Riley the Dragon will rise up and throw fire and burn him to ashes.
Riley was stressed, Seokjin and her were finishing up their masters in Business this year and just a semester left, she was still figuring out her thesis. After graduation, the goal was getting a position in the family’s business… the family’s goal to be exact. For Riley, she was still pondering about dance. She said it was a hobby, but in the back of her mind, she still had a small voice saying it could be more.. right?

Working at the family company isn’t so bad, heck she would probably be working with Namjoon and Seokjin since their families are also co-founders of the business: Luxe Hospitality. Namjoon graduated earlier and already has a position in the Accounting Department (he does love numbers and algorithms). Seokjin is a bright student; excelling in all the classes and was almost done finishing his thesis. He would for sure land in a great position in the Marketing Department. For Riley.. she was probably going to do the same, join Seokjin in Marketing since their major was the same.

Seokjin.

Her best friend.

A faint memory came back from that night. One of her hands holding on his robust shoulders while the other has her fingers gliding through his silky hair. His puffy pillow lips were on hers, moving toward her cheeks, nipping on her ears, and landing on her neck ever so teasingly. While he was showering kisses on her neck she remembered something that she wishes she never said. “ Seok- ”
she moaned his name as he grabbed the back of her thigh
“Jin… just... fuck me.”

Fuck.

Did I initiate it?

No.

No...

Why did last night happen?

“Hello - earth to Riley” someone was waving their hand in front of her face.“No, I did not initiate it!” Riley suddenly muttered.“Initiate what?”

Following the hand in front, Riley’s eyes finally found the person who had a cheerful laugh.“Hi noona.. you okay? Your face looks flushed... Did you remember something embarrassing?”

What a perceptive little guy.

“Taehyung -” Riley spoke “Wh- what are you doing here on Sunday? Have you finally decided to join the club?”“Oh no, I’m just dropping off a friend before I head off.”“Honestly you are pretty much part of the club, always cheering and taking photos of us despite not ever participating in dance.”“I just like seeing you guys perform, especially you and Hobi-hyung, noona.” Taehyung grins, showing off his famous box-squared smile.“Plus you guys are great for my photography class. My project this semester is all about body movements.”“Oh really?”“Yeah, I was actually wondering if you can be my one of my subjects.”“Subject?” Riley spoke with curious eyes.“Yeah, don’t worry, it won’t just be you. Hobi-hyung said yes.”“Umm.. sure. I wouldn’t mind being partners with Hobi for your project.”“Oh no, Hobi-hyung already chose to be the solo subject so I can’t put him with you,” Taehyung explained. “I need 3 subjects...a solo and a duo/partner, I need to show the movements of two bodies moving in harmony.”

Riley blinked.

“Well, who can I be with?” There were other great dancers, but Riley considered only Hoseok to equal if a not better level of a dancer that she wants to keep with. That’s why Riley never did a partner dance; she couldn’t find someone compatible with her movements.“Hyung already suggested someone be your partner and I completely agree with him,” Taehyung said with a cheeky grin.“Who?” Riley raised her eyebrows.

“Jimin.”

What.

Park Jimin.

2 months ago, Jimin transferred to Seoul University from Busan, majoring in Arts - Dance specifically.

And damn was he amazing at it.

Just a year younger than Hoseok, they both became fast friends once Jimin discovered the dance club. She’s never seen anyone who can master contemporary dance as he could.
Dancers all believed that dancing is all about displaying the freedom of movement, allowing their bodies to freely express their innermost feelings.. pushing boundaries, gravity, creating intricate gestures, knowing when to be in movement versus being in stillness. Dancers know it...
And Park Jimin had all of that.
She hasn’t talked to him much, he usually comes in when she’s finishing and ready to head out. Over the weeks, she’s seen his dual personalities... Dancer Jimin and just Jimin. Dancer Jimin was a chameleon, knowing how to adapt to any type of song. He gave an aura that was methodical and confident.
As for just Jimin, outside of the dance club, he was friendly and approachable, but clumsy... way more clumsy than expected.
But again, Dancer Jimin and just Jimin were both Park Jimin. As much as a talented dance genius he was, he didn’t show any obnoxious side to him. Sweet and lovable like his best friend Taehyung, he helps anyone in the dance club with their moves without any hesitation.
She wondered how someone could be very composed in dancing and then be clumsy just by walking down a smooth sidewalk. Riley thought he was an enigma.

She may have a crush on him.

Just maybe…

And Hoseok had a feeling about it...

“Oh really...Hoseok thought Jimin would be a great choice?” She spoke loudly so a certain guy could hear. She turned to look at Hoseok, who already can sense the glare coming from her as his back was facing them. With a slight body turn towards them, Hoseok just smiled but knew he would get an ass-whooping from Riley.

That bastard.

“You are so dead,” Riley mouthed to him.His smile was instantly gone.

Riley the Dragon was out to play.

Yep, Hoseok was going to die tonight by the hands of Riley.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

“You son of a bitch!!” Riley kept punching Hoseok’s arm.
“Ow Riley, I already said I’m sorry.”
They were sitting at McLaren's, grabbing dinner before parting ways. It was more like Riley forcing Hoseok to join her to eat since he was the one who put her in the awkward situation at the dance studio with Jimin.
“Why would you partner me up with Jimin?!”“What -” Hoseok snapped back, “I thought you would be happy?”“Excuse me?”“I mean I’ve noticed you staring at him while he dances at the studio. You look like a kid who saw snow for the first time, looking in awe,” he said with fries stuffed in his mouth.“No I don’t” Riley pouted.

“Riley, I know you and I know that look….you had the same look when you first met JB in high school.”

JB, Im Jaebeom, her first love. Riley bumped into him and Hoseok during her sophomore year when she was chasing Seokjin in the hallways for pulling a prank on her. He was the same year as Hoseok and Namjoon. Broad shoulders and a stoic face, he pulled off the tsundere vibe at first glance, but when they made direct eye contact with each other it made her second guess who he was. He was strong-willed, decisive, and strongly opinionated, but he was also soft-spoken, he used his conviction and sensitivity not to create advantages or for personal gain but to create balance. He was an enigma, her enigma. Their relationship ended during her 2nd year in Seoul University not because of any betrayal or disinterest, but because of distance. JB managed to get into an elite music & arts program in LA and while they tried the long-distance relationship, it was too unbearable, both concentrating on what was given around them and not to each other. They both wanted what’s best for each other, and they amicably decided to break up. He stayed in California; she stayed in Seoul.

“I have no idea what you are talking about,” Riley commented as she poured back the beer down her throat.

JB... I wonder how he is doing.

“Ugh fine, forget I said anything. So are you going to tell Taehyung you don’t want to be a part of his project?” Hoseok looking at Riley while he drank his beer.
“No, I’m not... I’m just... confused…”“On what?”“It’s nothing.”“Riley - what’s going on with you today?” Hoseok spoke with a worried look.“Don't worry Hobi. I'm fine… just an off day.”“Nothing bad happened last night when Hana and Amy separated from you?”“No - no. I went home just fine.”

And somehow managed to sleep with my best friend also.

Not convinced, Hoseok just stared at her. “Fine I won't push it, but you know you can tell me anything.”“I know.” Riley gave a small smile. “Thanks for being a good friend Hobi.”

She thought back to the studio.

--- 2 Hours ago ---

“Jimin -” Taehyung yelled across the room “come over here!”Jimin settled his duffle bag down and walked across the room.

Damn did he work out recently, why does his shoulder look buffer?

“Hey guys, what’s up,” Jimin said.“I told Riley noona that you and she were going to be partners for my project.”“Oh good, you told her.”“Wait, you knew about it?”“Yeah, Hoseok hyung and Tae came over to tell me while you were dancing. Why... you don’t want to be partners with me?” Jimin looked at Riley while one of his hands ran through his hair.

That hair.

Oof I wouldn't mind running my fingers in that.

It also triggered her to remember her fingers going through Seokjin’s hair last night while his long fingers found a certain lady digit to massage.
She could feel herself getting warm by that thought.

“Um... no, I want to!” she said excitedly by accident. “I mean - I - I want to help out Taehyung too.”

Jimin smiled.

“Sweet, so we should figure out soon what song we want to dance to then.”“Y-yeah.”“How about we meet up this Friday?”“Fr -Friday?”“Yeah, the studio will be free after the last class, is that okay with you?”“Su-sure.”

What the hell, why am I stuttering so much.

“Great, we can grab a coffee before we head to the studio, there’s a new cafe that just opened and I know one of the baristas... I’ll text you the address.”“Ye-yeah.”

“Ahh this is going to great... I get to hang out with my favorite people and I’ll get full marks on this project!” Taehyung stated with delight as he put his arms around Jimin and Riley.

--- End Flashback --

Shit, what's going on with me.

Jimin...

Seokjin...

Damn feelings.

----
Seokjin found himself back at the apartment after hanging out with his family. He hid everything pretty well, immersing himself with jokes and stories from the vacation. He would get an occasional look from Namjoon. The younger male knew something was going on with Seokjin...he was more quiet than usual, more in his mind than reality..he just didn't know what. But it wouldn’t be Namjoon to get Seokjin to confess what’s going on.

“Hyung -”“Yeah JK?”

“What do you think about Riley noona?”

WHAT.

Does this punk know everything already?

Jungkook, step-brother to Seokjin. Seokjin’s dad remarried a few years ago when Seokjin’s mom passed away due to cancer when he was in grade school. He wasn't upset that his father got remarried, he was happy he found love again and he got a little brother too as much as an annoying brat Jungkook was from time to time.
“What do you mean by that question?”“I mean - have you ever thought about noona in a romantic way ?”

Jungkook drove Seokjin back to the apartment and was now leisurely sprawled on Jin's living room couch, munching on the nearest snack he could get his hands on.

This boy is always hungry.

“Why are you asking me this?”“I just - there's this girl who I've been friends with for a while and lately I've started to develop other feelings toward her. I want to ask her out but I'm not sure she feels the same way. I'm just wondering if you've ever had that with Riley noona.”“Wait - I thought you had a crush on Riley.”

“I mean I do -” Jungkook said while eating the last crumbs in the chip bag, “I would love an opportunity to date her but I know noona doesn't see me like that.”

“So you went on to liking someone else instead?”“You haven’t had multiple crushes before hyung?”“No - I mean yes - I had, I just didn’t know you were easy to not go after Riley since you always are trying to get her attention and time.”

“So...do you want me to go after noona?” Jungkook spoke with an unsureness as he looked at Seokjin.

“I mean -”“- Cause I remember telling you this before and you adamantly said no -”“I didn’t say that -”“You literally gave me an hour lecture about not being able to keep noona safe.”“She's my best friend - of course I want her boyfriend to be able to protect her.”“I got buffer - I’ve been going to the gym almost daily.”“ -and I can still kick your ass you brat.”“You wanna test our strength out right now in a wrestle?”“-No I rather not hear your baby cries and tears ruining my carpet when I defeat you.”“Whatever - also” as Jungkook grabbed a bottle of water. “- you insulted my intelligence.”“-Cuz you just finished high school not long ago JK, you’re practically a baby still.”“I’m an adult now, I’m almost 21.”

“Still Riley wants-”
“-Since when did you know exactly what she wants ”“I’ve known her longer than you - she’s my best friend .”“Well I know she wants a boyfriend, not a best friend, and I can be that title for her.”“Okay, confident brat I know what she wants.”“How do you know -”“-I just know.”

Jungkook rolled his eyes.

“Right... Always Mr. Right .” Jungkook scoffed.

This brat.

“What I meant to say is ...” Seokjin sighed

Hell, what am I saying?

“...that Riley is someone worth pursuing wholeheartedly and if you do like her, you shouldn't give up on her, you haven’t even told her your feelings for her.”

Wait… what that for him or for me?

Stupid.

For him... Duh...

Why am I second guessing myself...

Pull it together man...

Seokjin ears were red, he looked like he’s been cooking a lot of thought in his head.“Just talk to her Jungkook..you never know what her answer is if you don’t ask. ”

“If that was your twisted way of approval but still hovering over me that I can ask noona out then thanks… but I’m gonna see if Jiyoon likes me first seeing how I don’t need a lecture from you about asking her out.”

Ugh so much for the brotherly love talk.

Silence.

“You know...you never did answer my question.”
“What?” Seokjin paused before taking a sip from his
soda.“- About what you think about Riley noona...”“I did tell you.”“No, you didn’t -”“-Yes I did.”“You literally turned the question to me without answering the question I gave to you.”“No, I -”“Hyun-”“ -I gave -”“ -Hyung”“ -an answer you lil -”

“-JIN HYUNG.”

Jungkook gave Seokjin a blank face. Jin decided to shut his mouth, why was he making such a big deal in answering Jungkook’s question? He looked away from Jungkook for a moment and stared at the fireplace mantle with framed pictures of his closest family and friends. His eyes roamed around all of the photos until it stopped at a particular one. It was a photo taken 2 months ago, during Christmas; it was a photo of him and his group of friends ice skating. It was a candid photo of Hoseok, Namjoon and Riley laughing at Seokjin's lame jokes while Yoongi, Amy, Jungkook and Hana looked away in embarrassed or in anger (that was Yoongi). As much as it was a group photo, the focus on the picture was on Riley - mid laughing out loud, head back and her hand covering her stomach and Seokjin next to her laughing, body leaning forward toward her and an arm mid-way to touch Riley’s shoulder with tears in his eyes from his laughing.

For some reason, he loved that photo and ask Taehyung if he could get a hard copy. He didn't know why... maybe because of everyone's expression at his impeccable jokes making him the rock star or the ajusshi that his friends always call him…

... maybe because it showed a glimpse of everyone's personalities that he loves so fondly…

... or maybe because Riley was showing her best-laughing smile he's ever seen before because of him …

Maybe it was the latter...

Just maybe ...

Jungkook's question echoed back to him; “What do you think about Riley noona?”

What do I think about Riley?

She’s my best friend.

That’s all I’ve ever seen her as.

Well with the exception of some moments...

But those don’t count…

Just subtle moments...

And last night...

I mean.. She’s just Riley... She’s always been Riley.

...right?

“...I think... I did have romantic feelings for Riley, but those were puppy crushes when we will little.”“Okay -” Jungkook nodded.“ -and as we grew up it faded away..”“yeah since you started to date Sinclair and then Hyori and there was Kim and -”

“I mean Riley is Riley...”

“- Didn’t you have a fling with Hana too one time, hyung?”“- She’s the best.”

“Alright hyung I get it... used to be puppy crush and now just friends.”

Jungkook looked at Seokjin to confirm but he noticed Seokjin’s face changed subtly...like he was struggling with an idea or answer he didn’t agree with.

But...

You remember kissing her.. the way her lips felt against yours...

It felt nice hell, it felt amazing...

You liked it...

You enjoyed it...

Come on Seokjin...

Deep down you know the answer...

Riley is…

Riley.

But...

“But… “

You want to kiss her lips once more...

“Riley is Riley too.”

“So….what does that mean hyung?”“I…”

Jungkook gave Seokjin a confused face.

“Did something happen to you guys?”

Oh hell why am I stumbling, it was a mistake.

That kiss was a mistake.

Those kisses were a mistake.

Having sex with her was a mistake.

A mistake.

One big drunken mistake.

It meant nothing.

Nothing.

“We kissed...drunkenly kissed each other last night... It didn’t mean anything.” Seokjin said confidently.“You kissed Riley noona?!” Jungkook stood up so fast it gave Seokjin a scare and made him jump back.“By mistake!” Seokjin screamed. “Look... I was drunk from going out with the guys last night and she was the same with the girls. We kissed at the apartment...and -”

Slept with each other but the brat doesn't need the details.

His hands covered his face from embarrassment. “- w- we probably imagined someone else when we kissed.”

Silence.

“Huh...you kissed noona.. so do you have feelings for her than?” Jungkook smirked.“I repeat.
Me. Her. Drunk kissed. Mistake. One. Giant. Mistake. Never will happen again.” Seokjin moving his arms like he was playing a game of charades.“Look no one knows about it and let’s just keep it that way. You know how the guys always joke about me and Riley’s close relationship and that we are within inches of boning each other. Let’s not give them more ammunition to this drollery.”“Okay, okay, your secret's safe with me.” Jungkook nods.“Thanks.” Seokjin sighs with relief.

Silence.

“So who did you imagine then?”“What?”“You said you imagined someone else when you kissed Riley noona... Who was the girl?“I…”

Who did I imagine…

It wasn’t my ex…

Who was it?

A memory popped in his head of Riley saying his name out loud with lust dripping out. Her hair was spread out around her, looking like a greek goddess in those paintings. Her lips swollen and red by all the action it was receiving from his own lips. Her fingers clutching his bedsheets so tight her knuckles were almost ghost white while the other still barely holding on to his shoulder as he was moving into her with all he had.

God, she looked gorgeous under me.

“I - I don’t know.. I don’t remember.”“Pfft.. or you don’t want to say.. you’re no fun.”

Aish this kid.

“Can we just move on from this topic now?” Seokjin roars as he grabs a soda from the fridge.

Let's just forget what I've been thinking and talking about...

I can't think of her like that...

“Fine geez old man.. don’t get a heart attack,”
Jungkook said as he grabbed another bag of chips from the snack cabinet. Seokjin was holding his temper in.

Patience Seokjin...you don’t want your dad and step-mother freak out to see their youngest with the biggest bumped on his forehead.

Silence.

“So.. how did noona’s lips feel like?” Jungkook spoke while looking at Jin with wide eyes and a smirk.

I'm going to kill this punk.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Hoseok drove Riley home, being the paranoid friend he is. He walked her all the way to Seokjin's apartment door.
“Hobi I'm here...see... all safe and sound,” she noted as she twirled around, aiming her head toward the door in front of her.“Thanks to me.” He winked.“Ugh...ok yes, you strong sexy man.” She joked while trying to hug him.“Whoa lady I’m taken already...see I have this girlfriend named Amy…” His hands went up as Riley moved toward him. He knew she was trying to make him squirm and feel uncomfortable but he knew how to play the game.“Oh yeah her…” She had her right hand on her chin, making the Thinker statue look. “I need to call her because apparently she's been talking to you about me and giving out too much information too.”He mumbled sorry. “She’s just looking out for you.”

“I don’t need her to…” she retorted. “I know she’s being a great friend… but I’m a capable, independent woman. I don't need a man to make me happy. If I want to then I will allow myself to meet one… I am the leader of me and I choose to determine whether or not I say yes or no to someone.”

“She’s not saying it like that -”“I know... but sometimes I feel like people keep throwing me at guys. My parents keep asking me if I’m dating, my mom is this close to forcing me to go on a blind date and last night with the girls…” she paused and gave a sigh, “I just want to be alone and make my own decisions...” “Well don't isolate yourself.. maybe your man is just around the corner and you don't even know it.“ Hoseok chirped.“Ha right!” Riley jokes “Like a man will just pop up out of nowhere right now and be the answer to my prays.”

It was that moment that the door suddenly opened and a male’s head popped out.

“I thought I heard voices outside...hi noona, hi hyung.”

The younger male opened the door more to Riley and Hoseok, getting a better view of him and the apartment. The tall used-to-be lanky boy was now a full-fledged adult, his built was almost bigger and buffer than Seokjin when he was in high school. Although, he still had his baby-boy face, hair-cut layered with a side-partition and the bunny teeth that any girl would giggle and swoon over.

Well, I didn’t expect him.

“Jungkook what are you doing here?”“Oh I just drove Jin hyung home, I’m heading out now.”“How was the family’s vacation this year... Melbourne right?”“Melbourne and Adelaide” Jungkook nodded his head. “It was fun, got some sun, ate some delicious food, went surfing and learned how to wakeboard.”“I totally demolished Jin hyung in both sports,” he spoke with a grin on, still snacking on a bag of chips.

“Stop lying you brat -”

The door moved wide opened now with Seokjin in the visual. The man just looked like he came out of the bathroom. He was just wearing his pj pants, shirtless with a towel wrapped around his shoulders and a white tee in his hands.

Damn those abs.

Ah, snap out of it Riley.

It’s just Seokjin and his near perfection 6 pack.

“ It was
a tie… I won the first round and you won the second.” Seokjin declared.“Dude would you put a shirt on... we all know you have killer washboard abs,” Hoseok noted.

Thank you Hobi, my favorite boy.

“If you can see Hoseok, my shirt is in my hand... I was in the process of putting it on until I heard this boy lying through his teeth.”

Seokjin put his shirt on while Jungkook chimed in. “Pshh... whatever hyung -” he turned to Hoseok and Riley, “So what were you guys talking about before I opened the door.”“Well, it seems our Miss Han Riley is discovering herself,” Hoseok stated with whim and concern.Jungkook scrunched his face. “Like... discovering... sexually?”Riley’s face turned bright pink.

This is so embarrassing.

This is not the group of friends I would be imagining talking about this subject.

Figuring out how he phrased it, Hoseok exclaimed.
“Oh my god no Jungkook, I meant... wow I didn’t mean to put that into that context... she’s taking some ‘me time’ and denouncing dating life.”Riley nodded slowly, feeling awkward about the conversation.

Hmm... I wonder if it’s because of the supposed drunk kiss between noona and Jin-hyung.

Taking a side look at Seokjin,
Jungkook found this as an opportunity to tease his older brother.
He proceeded to cast his charm on Riley, a charm that most girls fall for in an instant.

“Did something happen recently noona?” Did a guy make it awkward for you?” He gave his pouty concerned eyes at Riley while noting Seokjin’s rather stiff appearance as Jungkook was talking.“Uhh no Kookie, it’s just -”Jungkook approached Riley closing the distance between them and took her hands, “Let me know who it was and I’ll hurt the bastard.”

Tsk. this kid, he’s using my trick... Trying to be chivalrous but a bad boy.

Face starting to flush, Riley was stumbling out words, “I- it’s not like th- that Kookie, it’s just a lot of people have been meddling into my life..my parents, the girls.. - ”“- I’m trying to set her up with Jimin,” Hoseok announced.

WHAT.

“Hobi! -” Riley shouted“What? I am - I think you guys would match.” He grinned from ear to ear.Jungkook and Seokjin noticed Riley’s face blushing by the mention of Jimin.

Whose Jimin?

“Jungkook, you met Jimin before through Taehyung, don’t you think they would be a cute couple?”“Yeah I guess, I mean they both like to dance and their personalities are somewhat similar...”“See Riley, I am not the only one who thinks so,” Hoseok happy someone agreed with him. “What do you think hyung?”

Seokjin was in a daze, did he really hear his friends trying to set up Riley with another person? This wasn’t the first time, he’s always encouraged her to approach someone if she was interested but he never pushed it (well unless he was Drunk Jin - then he was the ajusshi wingman). As much as Riley is a very loud and outspoken person, she was very introverted and kept many things to herself and only told things to select few friends, Seokjin being one of the lucky ones. So why did he feel uncomfortable about the situation?
“Hyung -” Jungkook and Hoseok spoke together “did you hear what we said?”“Huh? Uh.. yeah sure, Riley and umm... Jimin... cool... yeah...”
Riley looked at Seokjin, something felt off about his response.
He is usually happy to see his best friend taken interest in someone (hell he keeps giving her ‘tips’ about future dates and how to dress to make that person want you).

What’s going on in your brain?

“Jin - everything ok?”“Everything is cool Riley.”

Everything was not cool.

Seokjin has a terrible poker face and remembering their previous conversation Jungkook saw his older brother looking unbearable when hearing the topic of Riley having a potential date with Jimin. Maybe he does have feelings for her?
The boy decided to change the subject.
“Well that’s unfortunate, as much as I wish you good luck with Jimin, I wanted to ask you out on a date noona.” He spoke coolly.

Jungkook sucks at changing topics.

Seokjin’s eyes bugged out.

WHAT.

What is this brat doing, he told me he was going to ask Jiyoon out.

“Wow, your timing is impeccable.” Hoseok chuckled.“Jungkook… I - I am flattered but -”“Haha just kidding noona, I know you don’t see me romantically. Besides... Jin hyung forbids me to go out with you.” Jungkook noted as he ate the last pieces in the chip bag.

WHAT.

Suddenly the atmosphere in the room turned 180. Everyone felt it, especially the male counterparts in the room.

No.. no JK don't say it like that…

He wants me to kill him…

This stupid kid...

Riley was silent. She thought she heard Jungkook say something that was unexpected. Wasn’t she just talking to Hoseok about she being the leader of herself, and that she was sick of her family and friends meddling into her love life? Amy & Hana, her parents, Hoseok jumping the gun with Jimin, and now her best friend trying to intervene. Out of all the people, she thought Seokjin, her best friend, would know how she felt about dealing with dating and relationships. He was there for all the crushes, loves and heartbreaks she’s experienced. He knew that she didn’t like to talk about icky lovey-dovey stuff; he knew that she was a grown adult (she hated being babied with a passion) and knows her boundaries, she didn’t need anyone to help her with stuff and if she did, she would come to him when she needed.
She never needed help, heck she was the one who always had to bail him out of situations, and that was their relationship - Seokjin - her (rare but always reliable) ajusshi bodyguard, and Riley - his (good luck/get-out-of-jail-free) fairy. That was their dynamic - he trusts her and she trusts him and everything else falls in between them so well. So when she heard her best friend was going behind her back and intervening into her romance life (albeit she didn’t have feelings for Jungkook but the overall accord), she thought she could be fine.. but no, instead she felt her blood boil and her heart rate go up.

She felt he broke their trust.
She was upset. No... she was pissed.

All of these incidents together made her furious and poor Seokjin was the straw that broke the camel’s back.

“He what?” Riley looked back and forth between the siblings.

Crap.

I'm screwed.

“Uh… did I say something wrong?” Jungkook timidly said, sensing the tension in the room. Hoseok was directly behind Riley, he couldn’t see her expression but could feel the aura surrounding her; it was like she was Vegeta exerting some energy after Goku would make a stupid comment.

Oh, Jin-hyung...

Jungkook…

This the wrong time to mention this…

Riley the Dragon came out to play… but from the looks of it, she wanted to kill instead.

Back in Riley’s mind, she keeps repeating Jungkook’s words.

Seokjin forbid…

He forbid...

Forbid...

What the fuck.

“Can you repeat that again Kookie?” Riley spoke with a thin-lined mouth on her face.“Well hyung...he -” Jungkook gulped. He looked like a lost puppy, he's never received a scolding look from Riley, not that this moment she was giving him one, but he was standing right next to Seokjin so that made it pretty much felt like he was getting it.Riley’s face was not a pleasant sight to see… you could almost see steam coming out of her face.“What do you mean he forbid you?”

What does Seokjin think, that he owns me?

That he can answer my own questions.

That he gets to choose what I want.

This asshole.

“Did I say forbid? I mean no, he didn’t forbid me - he interdicts -”

SHUT UP JK!

No JK you are making this worse.

Seokjin knew he had to intervene this before Jungkook kept digging him and himself into a hole. He could see the grave sign now: this lies the Kim Seokjin and Jeon Jungkook where they died in the hands of Han Riley.“It’s not what you think Ryles-”

Oh, he is NOT buttering me up with the nickname he gave me.

“I am not talking to you Jin.” she snapped.“Ry-” he tried to grab her hand to calm her down. Every since they were little, whenever Riley will get overemotional (whether it was anger or sadness) him holding her hands always soothed and calmed her down. But this time, his attempt did the complete opposite.

“Shut up, you overgrown Alpaca !”

Whoa, what the hell is happening...did I touch a nerve?

“And you -” she pointed at Jungkook, “repeat what it exactly told you.”

Ouch.

“I -” Jungkook was frozen, he couldn't speak and move. He did not want to be a part of this.

Okay Jungkook, remind yourself to never get on noona’s bad side and learn to pick your words carefully.

Just stop talking, maybe all of this will go away.

Yeah...

Sure...

Jungkook just stood there silently, just like the Hoseok and Seokjin.

Silence.

It seemed like everyone was holding their breaths, afraid to make a sound. The only thing that could be heard was the ticking from the living room clock hanging over the fireplace.

No one moved. No one made eye contact.

Riley couldn't take the silence anymore.

“What makes you think you can tell Jungkook that he can’t ask me out?!”“I’m sorry, do you have feelings for JK?” Seokjin spoke sarcastically.

Argh, stop acting like this.

Seokjin don't be stupid.

You can't respond to Riley like that.

Shit... she looks like she's gonna kill me...

“No, but I would like to think any person who does have feelings for me is able to tell me, not be rejected by someone else who isn’t that person they were interested in.”“I didn't snub him from telling -” Seokjin quipped.“Oh like you didn’t -” Riley rolling her eyes at him and suddenly remember something in the past. “OMG, you did the same thing in during our 3rd year!!”“What.. what are you talking abou-”“Yes, you did! Lee Minhyuk, he had a thing for me and I heard it from Hana that he wanted to ask me out but never did… apparently, you talked him out of it or something.” Riley stated with disdain.“I didn't -”“Oh like hell you didn’t -”

Are we really having this conversation Ryles?

Seokjin was having a hard time trying to understand what was going on and defending himself.

“You just got out of a relationship with JB!! You were still recovering. I didn’t want Minhyuk to be a rebound. It would hurt his big sweet heart.”
“Oh, so you were defending Minhyuk’s heart huh?!”“You are overreacting -”“I am not!”

Seokjin and Riley were at it again, just like old times but in Hoseok’s and Jungkook’s eyes it was 10x more intense than usual.
“Hey Jungkook,” Hoseok quietly spoke and tapped the younger man’s shoulders as the best friends were arguing at each other, “I think it’s time for us to skedaddle... I sense another long ‘JinRi’ argument.”Jungkook nodded eagerly, “Yeah... we should sneak-out and leave.”Jungkook slowly put on his sneakers, while Hoseok was already out the door, fast walking toward the elevator that was down the hall.

“JK, where the hell are you going?”

Crap.

Jungkook looked up, just finished tying up his shoelaces and gave a small smile.
“Hey, hyung... so it’s getting late, I have class bright and early tomorrow morning, so why don’t I let you and noona have this conversation in private.”He gave his bright bunny smile that can stop any fights.. that is.. if the fight or argument did not involve his beloved older step-brother.. in which it just made Seokjin 10x more angry at him. His smile had little to no effect on him.
However it did affect Riley, she softens her look when she turned to look at him.“Okay drive safe, Kookie...I'll see you at the dance studio.” she waved at him with a small cheerful smile.

WHAT.

How in the heck does he get that and I get the look like I’m going into the pits of hell?

She turned around and gave her a stoic face back to Seokjin.“So you were saying that you were so-called ‘helping’ me?!”

Jungkook took the opportunity and sprint away; Hoseok was holding the elevator for him.
“Dude hurry up, I do not want to get dragged back into the apartment.”

They both managed to get in and clicked the closed elevator door button as fast as possible.

“How long do you think they will be angry at each other this time, hyung?”“It usually takes a day or two, but at this rate, it could be all week long… you know how stubborn they both can be if they want to, especially if it’s between them.”“Jin-hyung is going to have to bake her favorite foods for a while to butter her up again.”“Jin-hyung is going to have to do more than bake her food to get her happy again,” Hoseok remarked.

-----

Exhausted from all the arguing, Seokjin wanted to sit down and find a resolution to this unexpected mess going on between him and Riley.
“Ryles can we sit down and talk - not scream at each other's throats.”“No, I’m too angry at you.”He sighed. “I didn’t do anything -”“- You were intervening” she proclaimed.“What -”“You were intervening in my love life -”
“- You aren’t even interested in Jungkook!”

She yelped; a sign of frustration. She walked past Seokjin, walking closer to her temporary bedroom before she turned around and look toward him again. Her body language and facial expression switched to something he rares see from her..the last time he saw it was days after she and JB broke up.
“I am so sick of everyone trying to make me go on dates, see new people, and out of all the people - YOU doing this me as well - that hurts Seokjin…”
Seokjin was about to speak but he could hear Riley gasp once more, holding a breath in before speaking. “You know me better than everyone...I wouldn’t expect you to do that to me...it’s like you don’t even know me...”

Shit. He did something wrong and knew it wasn’t just a small thing to bounce back from like always.

Silence.

She sighed.. she was irritated and drained from arguing with Seokjin
“Whatever… I'm gonna go to bed…” still standing there staring at him.
Seokjin shut his mouth and gazed at Riley; trying to read what was going on her mind. He always knew how to end their squabbles, but he never saw her looking like that when they have a row. Her face was flushed red from all the yelling, but he noticed her watery eyes; tears so close to falling down her face (if she blinked a few more times they probably would). Her body was rigid but slouched slightly from all the power it kept her from standing up and yelling, knuckles gripped so tight that he was scared she was going to lose blood circulations from them. She was hurt, something he promised himself back when they were grade school he would never do to her.

And yet here they were...

She was hurt.

He broke his promise.

Damn it.

He slowly approached her, still gazing into her eyes and continued to until he stops walking, standing right in front of her, just centimeters apart. Once, he saw a moment that she eased her facial expression, he took his arms and wrapped around her body, firm but softly enclosing his body to hers, gently letting her head rest on his shoulders and chest so she could cry on while he lowered his face and nuzzled just between her neck and her back.
He waited a few seconds before he felt her entire body relax onto his and said his sorry to her, softly talking to her, just below her ear. She was crying, she was so tired and numb she didn’t realize tears were streaming down her face, wetting Seokjin’s t-shirt. She didn’t know why she was crying, she knew she overreacted, but at that moment she felt hurt by him… but also she wanted to get comforted by him too. She was just thankful in this situation it was just Seokjin who was the only one in front of her to see this ordeal.
They stood there for a good 15 minutes, he was holding her up and singing to her to calm her down. He was so frustrated at himself for letting this happen, yes it was blown way out of proportion, but he knew he made mistakes too. Riley was the only person in his life that he would do anything for, and despite their love-hate relationship, they were each other's best friends. Seeing her in pieces because of him broke his heart. He knew what he had to do. He didn’t want to ruin what they had, even if he started to realize his feelings for her.

He wasn’t going to break his promise again.
He wasn’t going to make her doubt him.
He wasn’t going to ever hurt her again like that.

He wasn’t going to let her know what he is feeling.
He was going to be there for her like always.

As her best friend...

And he was fine with that.
Even if it meant her finding love in someone else’s arms and not his.

Because her happiness meant everything to him.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Seokjin managed to carry her back into the guestroom, tucking her into the bed and closing the door just halfway, wanting to make sure he could still hear her if she woke up in the middle of the night.
Morning came by very fast, Seokjin woke up later than usual. It wasn’t long till he got out of his bedroom, all dressed and ready to go. At first, he wanted to go straight to her room when he woke up, but he decided against that notion, giving her space. But when he noticed the apartment was quiet, too quiet, he walked over to the guest room, and slowly knocked on her door before peering into it. Riley wasn’t there. It seemed she left the apartment before him which was a rare occurrence since their first class was the same (he’s an early riser and likes to grab a coffee by the campus while she slept in more and left the apartment complex at the last moment).

I hope she’s doing okay.

As he grabbed his backpack, he moved his body out of the apartment but noticed a yellow post-it note stuck next to the entrance door.

Went to clear my head.
See you in class.

x. Riley

Seokjin sighed, he was grateful she was still speaking to him, sort of.

You have a lot to make up to her, Seokjin.

He went to their Marketing class, sitting in the middle row, the left-side of the classroom as always.
He arrives to class at least 10 minutes early and put his backpack on the left seat next to him, saving a spot for Riley as always. The girl usual barrels into class a minute before class starts. He reads the notes he wrote from the previous lecture, making sure he is up to date with the class syllabus.

Crap, I need the notes from Riley since I missed the whole week.

His head moves up, away from his notebook when he hears the professor starts the lecture. The seat on his left still empty with just his backpack.

Where is
Riley?

His eyes slowly scan the lecture room and find Riley sitting on the other side of the room, in the back right corner. He frowned.

Maybe she isn’t ready to talk.

He sighed before someone taps his shoulder. Turning toward the presence of the tap, he looked at the person in front of him.

“Hi, Seokjin-sshi.”Choi Luna gave a small smile to Seokjin, “Sorry to bug you but is this seat available, all of the other seats are all taken.”He gave her a smile back and removed his backpack, “No, you can sit down.”

Not much talk was going on between them, just an occasional question about what the professor mentioned. As the professor gave a 10-minute break, Seokjin moved his head toward where Riley was, only to see the back of Riley get up from her seat and go out the doors to the restroom.

Maybe I’ll talk to her after class.

He didn’t know how to bring up last night’s argument. Should he approach her or wait for her to approach him? He apologized to her last night, but it seems as though it didn’t make any difference. Should he mention it later back when they’re at the apartment? Should he just go on like its a normal day?
Seokjin was thinking so much that he didn’t notice the girl next to him calling out his name trying to strike up a conversation. He finally heard her voice once she mentioned a certain female’s name.
“Why isn’t Riley sitting with you?” Luna spoke.“Hmm?” He turned to look at her.“Um…I- I guess... I have never seen you guys separated from each other during class, yo-you guys always sit next to each other.”“Oh... yeah…that’s true...” Seokjin murmured.“Did you guys get into an argument?”“What?”“Oh, so-sorry I shouldn't be asking and meddling in. I-I stutter when I’m nervous.”

Seokjin looked at Luna, her face was blushing and her eyes were diverting away from his.

“Why are you nervous?”“Um.. ca-cause I guess I am talking to you nor-normally... I mean it's not like I don't talk nor- normally… I do. haha...I just never thought to ap-approach you before considering you always have people surround you.”

Cute.

He smiled at her, noticing her stumble with words. It was an effect he always had with the ladies, they would flounder and stumble when he would talk to them. He knew his good looks gave him effects, the only one who doesn’t appear affected by them was sitting in the distant corner of his eye.

Speaking of which...

--- 2 Hours Ago ---

Riley… as a willful and hard-headed woman she is, she felt super bad about last night. She woke up just before the sunrise, something she rarely does. After seeing herself bundled up in a burrito blanket in the bed, she recalled what happened last night.

“You are overreacting -”

“I am not!”

“You were intervening in my love life -”

“- You aren’t even interested in Jungkook!”

“You know me better than everyone...I wouldn’t expect you to do that to me...it’s like you don’t even know me...”

Seokjin’s gaze at her, the way his body wrapped around hers so perfectly. His voice; talking and singing so soothing to her while she cried in his arms. She literally slept in his arms as she remembered feeling him put her into bed, wrapping the blankets on her and kissed her forehead before he walked away.

His eyes…

He looked so hurt when I said he didn’t know me.

Oh dammit Riley, you sounded like a whiny bitch last night.

She groaned, frustrated how the night turned out. The past 24 hours have been tumultuous.
She slowly crept by the bathroom not trying to make a noise since Seokjin’s bedroom was next to it. His door was wide open which is rare since he always closed his bedroom door when he's going to sleep. She stepped half her body in, seeing him sleeping peacefully; his body facing towards the doorway with one pillow under his head and the other was cuddled against him, arms wrapped around it like it was another body.
She smiled, it was these moments Seokjin looked like his younger self, “Jinjin” in her eyes. Still innocent, wide-eyed and a little follower to Riley (she was a bit taller than him growing up). She kind of missed those days, when it was just him and her playing around the playground, trying to collect 4 leaf clovers and playing house (Seokjin was the dog, she was the owner).
Oh how those days are all gone now, in their mid 20’s and already embarking on adult life, her 7-year self (heck her 18-year self) would never imagine the current predicament she had with Seokjin. She needed to get some fresh air; as much as she finds comfort at his apartment, she felt clustered with all the recent memories of their night rendezvous. Stepping out from her room, wearing band tee, dark jeans, and a comfy cardigan, Riley gathered her school materials and walked toward the apartment’s door, but she stopped when she saw Seokjin’s door in the corner of her eye. She groaned. She couldn’t just leave without saying something to him, but she was scared and didn’t know what to say.

I can’t wake him up, he would want to talk more about what happened last night.

Riley, be a woman and suck it up, just tell him that you’re sorry about your sudden outburst and then go to class.

Right…

I can do this…

She walks towards his doorway, looking at Seokjin once more.

But…

He looks so tranquil...and his little snores...

Agh, I can’t confront him right now.

Turning her back and walking away from his door, it was then she noticed the bright post-it lying on the coffee table. She decided to leave a note, just in case Seokjin was worried about her. She took a post-it note and jotted down a few words and placed it on the doorway.

He will see it there...hopefully.

She took her time and walked through the neighborhood park before reaching her destination; it was a coffee shop that Seokjin usually gets coffee from on his way to campus: Brew Ha Ha Cafe. He sometimes would grab her a drink or a snack in case she needed it. She doesn't know how but he always knew when she is in a mood for something and lo and beholds a chocolate chip cookie will be on her desk waiting for her. Waiting in line, she felt tug on her cardigan.
“Hey, Riley.” The white-haired gentleman spoke as he removed his headphones away from his ears.“Yoongi, Good morning.”“I’ve never seen you around here this early.”“Yeah well, I just needed some fresh air.”“Oh yeah,” Yoongi bobbed his head, “I heard from Hoseok that you and Jin got into another heated argument last night.”

WHAT.

“How did you- oh… I forget you guys are roommates now.”

I need to expand my friend’s circle… everyone knows everything within hours.

Noting Riley’s facial expression, Yoongi spoke: “You must’ve scared the crap out of him, he kept telling me to avoid you like the plague for the next few days or not mention Seokjin’s name or else you’ll turn into Smaug from The Hobbit .”Riley’s face scrunched up.“Hobi.. ah, I’m gonna kill him… he’s overreacting… Seokjin and I made up… sort of...”

Yoongi gave Riley a blank face. He could easily see through all the bullshit she was saying.

“Right …speaking of he-who-must-not-be-named … where is he? He’s usually here at this time.”“He’s sleeping, I think I tired him out last night.” She spoke while stretching her arms.Yoongi looks at her once more, giving her a double take, this time a smirk on his face.“Oh really?
… you tired him out?

Riley....
you minx.”

She tilted her head, confused at Yoongi’s sudden change in expression. It took a couple of seconds before she realized what she said...more like how she said it… she freaked out.

“NO, NO, NO!” Riley was waving her hands around, “I mean… it’s not like that! I- I did ti- tire him out- I mean I was being loud last night- there was shouting and screaming- god I wanted to strangle him...”Yoongi kept his smirk on.“Oh, so that’s your kink… huh... never knew you are into asphyxiating someone Riley.”He knew what she meant, they were bantering like usual. He was just amused about how squeamish she was acting.

She usually retorts back. Why is she squirming so much?

OMG

Did I just describe us having sex again… this time rough?

AHH, Riley, you are not explaining things well...

“- NO Yoongi it wasn’t like that… no-not in a sexual way - we didn’t have sex last night… I wasn’t roughing up with him like that… umm-uh..he just got me riled up so much...”

Technically he did rile you up the night before as well…

Just a different approachment ...
Like how his hands were touching you everywhere …
And also his mouth finding those certain spots …
And also his luscious tongue when he did those gestures …

And how thick his co-

AHH stop visualizing Riley!!!

Riley looked like she was having a mental breakdown. Yoongi didn’t think she would overreact by the smallest look he gave her but shrugged it off for now.
“Chill Riley, I get it.”She snapped out and calmed herself by doing a breathing exercise.

Remember the image of Seokjin last night (sad puppy dog eyes hugging you), not the previous night (sexy smoldering eyes on top of you fucking you into oblivion).

You can do this! Calm yourself down.

“Sorry, I-we, just got into a more serious argument last night… it rarely happens,” Riley rubs her temple with her fingers.“Yeah, I know.. I mean I’ve been friends with you guys since high school… so let’s just forget about what the idiot hyung did last night and let’s grab a coffee?”
He pointed behind her, notifying the barista that was patiently waiting for them to order.

Embarrassed by her reaction, Riley quickly tells her order to the barista. Yoongi steps in next to her, “put her drink on my card,” handing his credit card to the cashier.

“Yoongi, you don’t need to -”“It’s done already okay,” he quipped.

What did this idiot do this time to make her act like this?

Riley grins at Yoongi, “Awww Yoongi, you’re being so sweet to me.”

Okay, white knight thank you.

“When am I not?” Yoongi retorted.“True… you're always on my side of things compared to others.” Riley and Yoongi never get into arguments, both are like sibling cats; they can bounce back from snide remarks to each other, don’t mind each other’s company but also love being alone and silently judging others.“Besides… that’s why girls like calling me Suga,” giving a self-satisfied look.Riley rolls her eyes.“Oh my god, you’ve been hanging out with Seokjin and Hoseok too much.”“Whatever. Don’t tell them I bought you coffee. Jin would throw a fit since he always offers me coffee and I don't reciprocate and Hoseok will just give me sad eyes.”They both grabbed their coffees from the will-call table.“I promise.” she nodded.

“So are you avoiding him?”“Hmm... no,” Riley sips her drink. She turns towards Yoongi, seeing him give her a blank face again.“What?”“You are, you’re doing it right now .”“No, I’m not…”“Seriously Riley?”

She knows Yoongi can see through her facade.

“Fine, I am… I just don’t want the first thing we talk about this morning be about our argument.”“Then when will you talk to him about it?”“Sometime later today … or tomorrow ... or next week...” she murmured.

“Riley …”

“Look I know! I am avoiding him… but I mean we do this all the time, we argue, we don’t talk for a couple of hours or a day or a two and then after that, we are all good.”Yoongi looks at her again, this time with a more cold-looking face.

“Riley -”

“- Okay, so this isn’t an argument like we normally have…I-I just don’t know what to say to him...”“Just talk to him.”“I can’t,” Riley said dramatically, ”can you talk to him for me?”“No.”“PLEASE Yoongi? You’re also his best friend, you are more blunt than I am... I am begging you. ”“You can fix this yourself.”“No, I -”

“RILEY.” Yoongi chide. Riley sulked. She knew he was right but she couldn’t help but try. Yoongi usually is the therapist of the group; he doesn’t hide much of his feelings and blatantly tells everyone how they are acting. Sometimes her acting cute to him lets her off the hook, so she gave him her pouty sad eyes.“Stop being a little child and go talk to him.”

Ouch. Denied.

It didn't work on him today.“Fine…”“You guys always find a way to overcome these moments, what’s the big difference this time?”

Oh, I don’t know maybe cuz we stupidly fucked each other...

We both said it was a mistake...

WHICH IT IS.

But now I’m slowly remembering everything that happened...

And my body and mind can’t act the same as before…

There’s a difference...

“No, there’s no big difference …” Riley murmured.“You know I-”“-that you are right... I know …”

Yoongi sighed. He always had a soft spot for Riley, after the conversation he had with Hoseok last night, he figured out this situation was not the typical occurrence. He already texted Seokjin a message this morning to have lunch with him later today. Seeing her freak-out and have a tiny melt-down made him wonder that something else happened besides the argument last night.

“ Fine… I’ll go talk to him for a bit… but you still have to talk to him today.”Her expression changed, beaming like a light, Riley gave Yoongi a giant hug.“Yay, you’re the best!”
He just stood there like always, not hugging her back.
“Oh I gotta get going, I’ll see you later Yoongi.” She walks away from him and heads to campus.Yoongi sighs.

I need to stop being so nice.

--------
She just entered the classroom, seeing Seokjin in their usual spot, all ready for class and had his backpack situated on the desk next to his as always.
She smiled.

It’s fine Riley, everything is cool.

Just go down there and sit next to him as always.

You can do this!

But once she entered the classroom, she just stood there, feet barely moving down the stairs to her seat next to Seokjin. She moved to the side when the rest of the colleagues started to fall into the empty spaces.

Come on feet...move!

Her feet still weren’t moving.

Okay...I’m not ready...

Maybe I will talk to him after class…

She saw her professor enter into the room and she finally found her feet moving to a corner seat in the back row before the lecture was about to start.

--- End Flashback ---

She looked straight the whole time but not without noting Seokjin’s face when he scanned for her at the beginning of the lecture. She didn’t get a good look but she saw a bit of sadness on Seokjin’s face when he found her. After that, his face continued to look straight, writing down notes and watching the slides. Although there were a few times his face turned to his left to talk to another person, someone who was sitting in her seat .
Choi Luna is a sweet, smart girl and was top of their department. Quiet, but was always helpful in class. Riley didn't get to know her much, but over the years, Luna was in most of her and Seokjin classes as people filed into their majors. A few group projects with Luna, she always got along with her, but when she saw her sit next to Seokjin in her seat, she felt a different feeling in her… she wanted Luna to stop smiling at Seokjin. She didn’t know what was going on with her… was it jealousy?

No, I am not jea- no... I’m not going to even say the word.

Because it’s not true…

I am not…

Why would I even feel that way?

She continued to look over to them, not realizing she was glaring at the two of them chattering away.“Hey, Riley did you get the last statement Professor Chan said?”“Hmm? Sorry, Mark did you say something?”“Whoa… you’ve barely been writing down notes since the break, you good?”

Why do people keep asking me that?

“Sorry Mark, I spaced out.”Noting the direction of Riley’s eye, he follows and sees Jin and another girl talking in small whispers to each other.“Who's sitting with Jin? … Oh, Luna? … Huh, are they dating? Is that why you’re sitting here?”

Mark Tuan was a good looking, smart, but also a lazy man. He usually sits in the last row, back of the class since he comes in late and leaves early to meet up with his buddies.

“No, they’re not,” Riley opened her mouth to make a cutting retort. “I just got late into class and sat here, she took my seat.”“But I could’ve sworn I saw Luna get into class later than you...”“You’re seeing things Mark, maybe stop playing so many games on your phone and laptop.”Mark shrugs, “Whatever… well, they look pretty chummy to me.”

He’s always nice to the ladies...

They wouldn’t be together…

I would know…

He would’ve told me…

I mean after all we did recently together…

No…

She’s not his type …

Right?

“I think Seokjin is just being nice to her… you know as classmates .”Mark just nodded, barely listening. “Hey, do you have last week’s notes? I kinda skipped a couple of lectures and I need them for the midterm coming up.”“Yeah sure,” Riley grabbed her notes from her backpack, “I wrote a lot down last week considering I have to give them to Seo-”

Crap, I am supposed to give him the notes since he missed class last week for his family vacation .

She paused at giving the notebook to Mark, what is she suppose to do? Give Mark the notebook or to Seokjin?

If I give it to Mark, then I have to explain to Seokjin that he needs to wait and based on the recent events I don't know if we can exchange any more awkwardness… but if I give Seokjin, then it just leaves Mark without any and I just said yes to him.

Mark was a nice guy, she met him through JB when they were dating. Although he likes to do acrobatic moves, he was a pretty good dancer like JB so they use to hang out at the gym after school to work on dance moves with her and Hoseok.
Mark would always joke about how JB and she would be the ultimate couple, the dancer and the singer - world performers. How the world is different since those years...

“Han?”“Yes, Tuan?”“Are you going to give me those notes?” Mark asked as she kept a hand on the notebook while Mark still had the other side in his hand.“What... umm yeah… here.”

She released her grip on the notebook.

“Thanks Riley, I’ll give it back to you next class, on Wednesday.”“No problem, Mark.”

The professor just ended the lecture. Students started to gather their belongings and exited the lecture room. Seokjin noticed Riley talk to Mark quickly and then left without looking at his direction. He left a long sigh of despair.

“Hey, I noticed you weren’t in class at all last week,” Luna spoke while she was exiting with Seokjin out the door.“Yeah, I was on a family vacation.”“If you want, I have notes from those lectures you missed.”“Oh it’s okay Luna - I’ll get them from Ri-”

Crap, Riley… I don’t even know if she’s still mad at me or not.

Before Seokjin could respond again, Luna placed her notebook in his hands.“Here… it’s not a problem. You can give it back to me whenever.” she smiled.

Well, I guess I don’t need notes from Riley then…

“Thanks Luna,” Seokjin replied back. “I’ll buy you coffee or bubble tea as a repayment.”“Oh, you don’t have to Seokjin-sshi.”“Non-sense, I’ll want to.” He smiled back, Luna blushed. “Besides you can call me Jin, you don’t need to add the honorifics, we've had classes with each other over the years.”“Okay… thanks… Jin…” she gave a small smile back to him.

Cute.

Riley, on the other hand, was quietly listening to their conversation, she waited for him outside the lecture room, but his focus was turned to Luna while he was leaving, not noticing Riley’s presence. She didn’t notice herself frowning.

So I guess they are getting to know each other...

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Monday sped by. Riley went onto her normal Monday routine: classes, lunch with Hana and/or Amy and studying at the library. It was her normal routine... that is until she decided to do go to the dance studio to burn off some steam.
She didn’t feel like going back to the apartment... not just yet. She texted Jin to let him know that she had an errand to run after their class so she left in a hurry, lying to him instead of telling the truth… that she saw the interaction between him and Luna.
It didn’t bother her…

nope, it didn’t...

… Did it?

How do you face someone you’ve known all of your life and then one day, find yourself looking at them in a completely different way?

No, no… she wasn’t looking at him
completely
different... just noticing subtle things she didn’t see before.

His attitude for once; as much as Seokjin gets annoyed when the guys whine to him or whine about him, he secretly smiles behind them, loving to be the person they rely on and jest about.
His features ; everyone knows about his pouty lips and broad shoulders, but his eyes…she’s stared at them so many times before... but last night she just noticed a few hazel colors in them; like cinnamon swirls.
It occurred to herself that she could get lost into his eyes... never wanting to be found.
And his touch ; how his fingers look rough and callus but once you’ve had your hands woven with them they are soft and warm… feeling so protected by just a hold... like his hands were the only ones that fit her hands so perfectly.

Maybe she finally understood why all the ladies look at him that way... attracted to him... wanting to get to know him and more.

She didn’t know how to think with her body reacting differently towards him, so the only way she could reflect through this strange new dilemma was one thing she loved more than anything; she danced.
별은 운명을 던져간절히, 절히 원하게 됐어온종일 갈구해 또 절망해와 모든 게 놀라울 뿐이야어떤 수식어로도 부족한로맨틱보다 좀 더 복잡한도대체 이 감정이뭔지 모르겠잖아
넌 차고 뜨거워 Devil한 여름 소나기 샤워달궈진 온몸을 적셔온 뒤에그리곤 또 목 타오게 하지넌 저 먼 사막의 소금새빨간 적도의 그늘한 순간 쾌락을 맛보게 하곤그리고 또 목 타오게 하지넌 차고 뜨거워
Dancing for 2 hours, she finally finished, working her whole body into a sweat. The last song was one of her favorites to dance to; not noticing how those lyrics are ringing true to her. She was being hot and cold toward Seokjin, not knowing how to get rid of the complicated emotions she was having.

I’ll apologize tonight…

Yeah… just go up to him and tell him I’m sorry and hug it out like always...

Yeah… that will work...

She looked at herself in the mirror. Sweat dripping down her forehead, face fully flushed from exhaustion and her tank top looked worse; water splotches everywhere.

The first thing I need to do when I get back is taking a shower and then I’ll talk to him.

Her phone pulls her out of her thought, it rings and vibrates loudly. Picking up the call she hears the voice of her landlord, informing her that her apartment was leak-free and bed-bug free and she could return as early as Thursday.
She gave a sigh of relief, thanking the landlord. She was happy, jumping up and down, relief that she could finally go back to her domain. She was happy for a second until she realized she wouldn’t be rooming with Seokjin anymore.

I just need to tell him and he’ll be happy I’m out of his hair.

It will be fine… things will go back to normal…

Tell him you are sorry about last night and everything will be gr... wait what’s the word Taehyung likes to say… was it ‘gucci?’

Riley silently looked at herself in the mirror.

Ugh, I can’t handle these new slang words.

--------
Meanwhile, Jin was busy in the library, furiously typing up his thesis and catching up on missed lectures when someone taps him on his shoulder.
“Hey, I’ve been trying to reach you,” said the pale-faced male.“Hey Grumpy-Cat, sorry for not texting back, I got a bit carried away with my work.”
Yoongi looked around Seokjin’s area, he had the whole table to himself as always; but books and papers were scattered at every corner and his lunch seemingly half eaten. This place was tucked away in a corner of the library.
Ever since Jin found this while wandering the library looking for a table to study during his undergraduate, he’s kept this as his prized domain. It was far enough from the sounds of the footsteps and noise from the other college students, has a clear view of outside (the pathway that leads to the main square of the campus), and close by to the nearest vending machine if he desired a snack. He managed to become friends with the librarians whose desk resided 100 ft away; he always greeted them and gave snacks whenever he came over to study. One day, he even found that his table got a reserved-plated sign just for him.
“Ah, I forget it’s crunch time for you and Riley in regards to your thesis papers.”“Yeah, well I am a bit ahead of schedule on my thesis but I really need to crack down on the other homework considering I missed classes last week,” Jin spoke with stress.“This is why I decided to not go to graduate school... I hated that lifestyle and being on campus.”“Yet, you’re on campus on the daily considering you are one of the DJs for the college campus radio station.”“Hey, it pays the bills till I find a job at one of the big media companies, plus I get access to all the music equipment to work on my stuff during my free time,” Yoongi smirks.

Seokjin chuckles, Yoongi always found a way to amuse him.

“Let’s grab dinner, it looks like you haven’t eaten much today,” Yoongi pointed at the half-eaten soggy sandwich. Looking at the time on his watch, he didn’t know it was already 8 o’clock.“Sure, you know I never turn down food,” Jin grinned.

----
They walked to a local Japanese robata restaurant, ordered a handful of skewers and plates before ending it with another warm bottle of sake. They talked about the recent music and movies, catching up on the latest dad jokes Seokjin came up with while traveled to Australia.
“And of course I asked him, why do mother kangaroos hate rainy days? Because then the kids have to play indoors,” Seokjin cackled while Yoongi gave his usual stupor facial expression.“Hyung, that is not even your best joke.” Yoongi piped while filling up his cup.“But the bartender loved it, gave me and JK a free round of drinks,” he grinned. “I think that was the first time in a while that JK wasn’t so embarrassed by my jokes.”“I’m pretty sure he was, he just wanted to get free booze.”
The waiter came by to drop off the last order.
“Careful, that plate is hot!”“It’s ok, so am I.” Seokjin pulled out his fingers like they were miniguns.

Oh god, I gave him too many drinks.

Yoongi shook his head.
The waiter blushed, “Do you guys need anything else? The kitchen is closing shortly.”“Oh maybe another sake-”“No, we’re good,” Yoongi spoke sharply, “This doofus can’t finish what we ordered much less get more.” He pointed at Seokjin.“Hey Yoongi, don’t raise your voice in front of the nice waitress. I’m sorry that my small friend was being rude to you,” Seokjin spoke with his glistening eyes and a flushed face.The girl’s blush was more prominent than before. “That’s okay, enjoy your food, let me know if you need anything else, I’m just around the corner,” she smiled sweetly.

Jin nodded and proceeded to eat the freshly grilled squid. Yoongi just remained still and stared at the older male with curiosity.

“How the hell do you do that?”“Do what?” Jin spoke with his faced stuff and a squid leg just poking out of his mouth.“Look absolutely a mess with crumbs on your mouth, spewing stupid dad jokes, and still managed to get every girl wanting to come home with you every night.”“It takes practice and my looks - my grumpy-cat mate,” Seokjin chirped as he poured himself another cup of sake.“I mean you got it Yoon, if you ever move a muscle on your face that is.”

Yoongi just gave his usual blank stare to his best friend.

“Yeah well I’m definitely on the good side of Riley instead of you right now,” Yoongi muttered as he drank his cup.

Ah, the mention of a certain female suddenly sobered Seokjin up a bit. He halted his munching and finally looked at the younger male.

“What did you say?”“I heard from Hoseok about what happened last night. Can’t say I am not surprised by her reaction,” Yoongi noted.

Seokjin gulped his drink before pausing to speak.

“You talked to her today didn’t you?”"Maybe I did, maybe I didn’t.” Yoongi stoically spoke while he poked at his skewer.“She had a coffee cup from Brew Ha Ha this morning and by assumption, that’s the time when you will be swinging into the cafe.”

They both stared at each other. Both giving each other a silent agreement of the statement.

“Did she ask you to talk to me Yoongi?”

Yoongi was not surprised by Seokjin’s question, Riley and Seokjin definitely knew each other’s movements after an argument, they’ve done it too many times where most of the crew knew how to react and avoid but Yoongi was usually the failsafe to prevent things from going disastrous.

“What do you think?”

Another silent agreement bestowed them while they both drank from their cups.

“We’re fine ... I apologized to her last night.” Jin softly expressed. “I just didn’t get a chance to talk to her all day considering she’s avoiding me.”

Yoongi looked at Seokjin.

“I know she’s avoiding me, Yoongi… I know how she acts.”

“So why are you avoiding her too?”

Seokjin paused his movement at Yoongi’s statement.“I know both of you are stubborn, but you usually don't go out your way to avoid her. You rather sulk and give glares in front of her.”

Jin was quiet. He didn't answer Yoongi's question.

“Come on, I know you guys well enough to see that something else happened other than an argument.”“Look... I was out of line in regards to her love life and she took it to heart. I didn’t know she was getting pressure from the girls and parents lately. Heck, my stupid demand was just to Jungkook.”

Yoongi blinked.
“So, it was just about you intervening in her love life?” Yoongi trying to uncover the truth.

Yeah and perhaps unintentionally kissing her and more.

“Yeah... Jungkook and Hoseok were there, they saw the argument... what made you think it was anything else?”
Yoongi looked at Seokjin again, trying to see if there was anything else he was hiding from. There was something there, but he couldn’t figure out what. Jin’s face looked normal... but there was a different aura that was showing.

You guys are so annoyingly stubborn.

Why did I become friends with you?

He was tired, drained from the Monday blues and decided to give up the questioning for now.

“I don’t know,” Yoongi shrugged, moving his focus on the food.“Did she mention anything else to you...” Seokjin cautiously spoke, trying to read Yoongi’s expression.“Well no…”

He sighed a relief.

“She was so out of character when I talked to her this morning. She flailed around the moment I mentioned your argument and some joke about you guys getting intimate-”Seokjin eyes flickered too fast that Yoongi didn’t notice a change.“- It was like she recently imagined something about you and she didn’t want anyone to know.”Seokjin blinked a couple of times.

No…

She would never think of me like that…

He had a small flashback to that night.The moans, the touches, and whispers between them.How her body molded so well under him.

And then he remembered the morning after.

The awkwardness. Being unfazed, her calling it a mistake.

“Right -” Riley said confidently “...I mean we were both drunk and didn’t know it was each other, otherwise, this would’ve never happened .”

She wants to kill me more than anything…

“If she did then,” Yoongi laughed, “she would know we would tease the hell out of her.”“Dude, this is Riley... she definitely doesn’t have a thing for me,” Seokjin trying to regain his demeanor while Yoongi was immersed in his skewer and sake.“As much as you guys like to joke about our relationship... Riley and I will never get together.”

Liar.

“She will never have feelings for me like that.”

“And I will never have feelings for her.”

Liar liar pants on fire.

You need to stop lying to yourself, Seokjin.

It was these moments where Seokjin can act as if nothing has happened. Like an actor, he can perform such a smooth transition that no-one would know about it…
… that and no one else was around except Yoongi, and the Yoongi himself being slightly drunk and not on his A-game for that.

“Whatever man, you know we just love making fun of you guys. Don’t take it to heart.” Yoongi stated.
They continued finishing their plates and drinks, making snide comments about events coming up. The subject of Riley died down much to Jin’s pleasure… that is until Yoongi had one more question.

“But seriously... I mean, have you ever heard of a close friendship between the opposite sexes to never have a moment where one had feelings for the other?”

Silence.

“I guess you guys would be the first that I know,” Yoongi noted.

Silence.

“I did … back then I had a crush on Riley.”

Yoongi straightened himself up and stared at Jin, his quietness urged Jin to continue his story.

“This was back in grade school...she… she chose to play foursquare with me and the other boys than jump rope and hopscotch with the girls,” Jin quipped. “I thought she was joking...for a second she looked like a boy in disguised since she chopped her pigtails off the day before in spite of her mom.”“So you liked her because she played foursquare with you? And 2 other people?”“I mean it wasn’t just that… she was… is… different from the other girls growing up.”

Yoongi continued to stay silent.

“She kept hanging out with me. I mean sure, we are neighbors and our parents are good friends, but I thought once we got into grade school she would decide to hang with other girls… but she didn’t… she wanted to be with me. ”“The next day I saw her wearing a green dress and I was thinking she would go over to the other girls, but no...instead she ran up to me, asking me to be partners with her in dodgeball. My mom scolded me for hours because I let Riley play and got her dress dirty and her legs bruised by the balls.”Seokjin chuckled. “You know what Riley said to my mom?”“She blamed you for all the bruises cause you suck at playing dodgeball?” Yoongi sarcastically spoke.Jin shook his head, “No… she said she didn’t want anyone to protect me except her, because I’m her best friend ... even if someone was better at protecting me, she wanted to be her no matter what or else she would lose her best friend title.”

“That was the first time I heard her say I am her best friend,” he smiled.

Silence.

“So you did have feelings for her?”“I was 7, I didn’t know what I was thinking or feeling... so yeah now that I think about it… I did have a crush on her when we were younger… that or I thought she was my savior… she still is. ”He felt himself get sucked into remembering other childhood memories but he shook himself out it. “Yeah… so once we hit middle school the feeling was gone.”“Because she didn’t hang out with you as much?”“I don’t know… maybe not having the same classes, meeting other people, doing different activities had an effect but we still hung out together… the feeling just vanished.”

Yoongi sat there, morosely contemplating.

“So the feeling never came back to you?”“What do you mean?”

Yoongi paused for a moment, trying to find the right words to say.
“I mean feelings don’t fall off, it doesn’t just halt and vanish... there’s always a reason why it enters and leaves…” Yoongi pointed out. “‘feelings’ are always lurking just around the corner, just waiting to pounce at the most inopportune moment.”

Yeah like 2 days ago…

Wait…

Does that mean I’ve always had these feelings for her?

No…

No…

No?

“Nope...I guess I haven’t experienced this feeling return,” Seokjin declared.

“I definitely won’t ever.”

I won’t...

Liar.

-----
Seokjin arrives back into the apartment after 11 pm. He decided to walk back home instead of taking Yoongi’s offer to drive him back once they both sobered up. He opens the door, noticing Riley with her wireless headphones on, bobbing to the music on her phone.
He leaned his left shoulder on the doorway, arms crossed over, staring at the current environment. Dressed in her pajama shorts and an oversized t-shirt, her back was facing him and the door. She was in the dancing groove; shaking her butt and her right hand holding a brush like a mic trying to sing to what it seems was a cutesy song.
I wanna know 하루 종일 웃고 있다는데I wanna know 세상이 다 아름답다는데I wanna know, know, know, knowWhat is love? 언젠간 나에게도 사랑이 올까

He smiled.

Cute.

I could enjoy seeing that more often.

He enjoyed the scenery for a couple more seconds until his then smile immediately turned upside down when he noticed a brown box next to her.

Huh… guess she finally got the call that she can move back.

That was bound to happen.

She couldn’t be your roommate forever.

Riley turns around, eyes still closed and took a swift left turn, accidentally bumping into Seokjin and almost falling down if it wasn’t for his swift hands grabbing her by the waist and her hands finding protection on his shoulders.Eyes finally wide open, she stared into his.

Cinnamon swirls.

He could hear the lyrics that were booming on her headphones.
Ooh 언젠간 내게도이런 일이 실제로 일어날까그게 언제쯤일까? 어떤 사람일까?

Crap.

Was the music god telling both of them a sign?

Riley was the first to be pulled out of their stare. She quickly untangled herself from his body, muttering something but he couldn’t hear, instead just stood in the same position.
“Sorry, I didn’t hear you come in,” as she took off her headphones and paused the music.“Well it makes sense since your hearing appendages were being muffled by something,” Jin sarcastically spoke.
She rolled her eyes and was about to give a sarcastic comment back to him but noticed his ones moving toward the left side of her, on the coffee table a brown box being slightly filled up.She gulped.

Well, I guess I better tell him now.

“So our landlord called and said I can go back to my apartment.”“That great Ryles.”“Yeah… I was just getting an early start to the packing, just wanted to let you know I’ll be out of your place by Friday.”“I mean it would be an easy move, you don’t have much here. Besides, you’ve always kept leaving stuff here before you moved in.”

She nods. They both stood there silently.

“You didn't sit with me today.”“I came to class late.”

Liar.

“Yeah... Luna took your spot since everywhere was full.”“I saw.”

Both still couldn’t look at each other.

Silence.

“I'm sorry -”

“I'm sorry -”

Both finally deciding to focus on each other.

“I’m sorry about last night.”“It’s okay Ryles, I’m sorry too. For making you doubt me.”“I was overreacting -”“No you weren't, I made an honest mistake. I didn't mean to poke into something when you can take care of it yourself. I went overboard.”“You were just trying to help me, I went overboard on my reaction. I know you were helping me, protecting me and I acted like a bitch,” Riley yelled.“You weren’t acting like a bit-”

Riley glared at Seokjin.

“Okay... maybe you were… just a tad bit…” Seokjin gestured his fingers to motion the size of her anger.She sighed. “I didn’t mean to lash it out on you… there were other factors, but I was just… surprised by your actions…” she twiddled her thumbs around, looking at the pictures on the mantle. “I mean I feel like I’m walking eggshells around you lately… ever since we-”“- Same here…” His breathy tone sent shivers down her spine. His distance was still far away but she could feel his movements, his presence so close she smells the sake breath and grill smells.Even if his smell was overrun by the robata restaurant…

She could still smell him…

Strawberries and coffee…

Silence.

“I'm sorry Jinjin,” she said as turned her body to face him, giving her guilty face.He walked closer to her, giving his soft smile to her that she comes to find when he's trying to soothe her.

“It’s fine... we’re fine,” Seokjin spoke softly as he put his hands on both of her shoulders.

“We're still best friends, right?” he hesitantly asked, eyes looking cautiously at her.

Cinnamon swirls.

She nods, still unable to say a word. She couldn’t help but look at his lips for a bit longer than usual, his lips so inviting... urging her to put her lips on his… just one more time. He looks at her tenderly once more before he changes the atmosphere.

“I’m just glad I don’t have to deal living in your pigsty life anymore,” he laughs. This throws her back into focus, regaining her composure before she hit him.“Hey, I am a great roommate!” Riley quipped, smacking his hands off her shoulders.“Okay Pig-Pen, let’s move on... I’m gonna go take shower and go to sleep,” He walks off into his room. “Don’t make a mess in the living room while you pack!”“I got it, germaphobe!” Riley yelled back.She started to clean up and collect the materials around her and the couch.

“It’s fine...we’re fine... ” echoed in her ear. The way he gave her a tender look before he walked off. She felt her heart beating rather fast.

“It’s fine...we’re fine...”

She clearly heard him say it with a straight face, but why did she feel like he was putting on a mask then?

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

The days started to blend together. Monday turned to Tuesday, and Tuesday turned in the next day and so forth. Before Riley realized it, she was circling “Friday” on her calendar. Luckily Riley’s Friday class session was canceled, which made perfect timing to move back into her apartment. After their makeup, she and Seokjin’s relationship went back to normal as it could be.
He helped her packed most of her belongings into boxes (big and small). It took a while to finish packing the night before due to Jin pulling things out of boxes, noting how many things were actually “his” and not “hers.”
Their squabbles were normal, both acknowledged that despite the recent events, they were still best friends nothing more or less. Although … there were times that she couldn’t help but take a second glance at him. Yesterday, Seokjin helped carry boxes and move some of her recently purchased furniture into her apartment. He was wearing a muscle tee and she couldn’t help but notice more of his physical features. He was going to the gym more often; his arms were more defined than before, shoulders still broader than most, and she could slightly see his abs due to the sweat clinging on to his tee. She wouldn’t mind trying to drink a body shot off of him. She didn’t notice she was zoning out until a stuffed animal bonked her in the head.
“How did I get sucked into helping you move back?” quipped Amy.“Because you love me and owe me,” Riley said as she grabbed the stuffed alpaca from the floor and placing it on her bed.“Owe you for what?”“Blabbing about my love life and more to your boyfriend.” She glared at Amy while removing tape off a box.“Okay, fine I’m sorry.”“- Hey I didn’t blab to anyone so why am I here,” Hana yelled, removing a beanie off her head due to the heat in the room.
“I purchased some new furniture since I can’t get the image of bed bugs everywhere on the original ones. Also, because you’re my friend you dork and I am pretty sure you owe me for all the times I had to bail you out with stuff.”
“I don’t remember the last time I ne-”“- That one time at the one Italian restaurant where we bumped into your ex with his new girlfriend.”“That was like -”“That was 2 and a half weeks ago Hana,” Riley scolded. “And I am pretty sure you were in the verge to clobbering him when you heard him talk about how he never met someone so beautiful and kind like her.”“Cause he’s a liar that’s what!! To think I was dating him for 3 months, a waste of my time,” Hana muttered.

Riley stared at Hana.

“Okay, whatever Riley... you owe me an Italian dinner now.”“Yeah yeah, that and a couple of drinks too.” Riley begrudgingly nodded.“Seriously, how did you have all of these things when you’ve only been at Jin’s place for only a few weeks?” Amy noted while taking things out of the box.“What… I’m pretty sure you have a box or two at Hoseok’s & Yoongi’s place,” Riley noted.“Well I mean yeah since I switch back and forth staying over there and I am dating one of the roommates,” Amy pointed out. “You, on the other hand, are just a hoarder and stuff everything at Jin’s.”“Well I don’t have a lot of space... he has a bigger apartment than me, I just have a one bedroom studio.”“Honestly you might as well take his 2nd bedroom, you get like a housekeeper and a cook,” Hana uttered.“As much as it sounds like a tempting offer, staying at Jin’s for the past few weeks wasn’t all glamorous.”
“Why not? I wouldn’t mind seeing his beautiful face and body every morning,” Hana simpered. eyebrows moving up and down.“Hana, you really want to get in his pants don’t you?” Amy quipped.“All I am saying is that I did have a chance years ago but he turned me down. Such a shame… he's great
kisser though.”“Since when did you guys kiss?” Riley gave a curious look.

“Don’t you remember that New Years Eve party at Seo Eunkwang’s house? Well, I mean.. everyone was wasted so maybe people don’t remember stuff ...but yeah we made out. It was after his breakup with Hyori but do you remember how he went full-on gym mode. He was at his fittest then with all the working out and swimming.
Honestly, I don’t remember why we stopped kissing, but he got up all of a sudden and left in a hurry. All I remember was his lips being unworldly. .. I wonder how his lips feel with certain ‘body areas’,” Hana exclaimed while daydreaming.

Riley didn’t realize her face started to twitch when she heard what Hana stated. Amy saw her facial expression.“Hana, I’m pretty sure Riley doesn’t want to hear her best friend with that description about his lips doing you know what with your or other people’s body.”

Hana stopped daydreaming and looked at Riley. Riley’s face wasn’t twitching as much, but her face was still showing some uncomfortableness with the information.
“Hey, you ok?”“Hmm? Yeah, I’m fine.”“I mean I know you don’t see Jin like that so sorry to creep you out. If you mentioned that about my little brother Yugyeom then I would make that face too,” Hana noted with a shudder regarding her baby bro.“It’s okay Hana,” Riley gave a small smile.They all resumed unboxing and placing items around the studio.

Silence.

“But you have to admit, Seokjin got some fine lips.”“Yes Hana, I know he does,” Riley chuckled before she realized what she said.“No.. n-n-o... I don’t know what you mean. Because ob- obviously I’ve never felt his pl-plushy lips before,” she was nervously explaining. “I just mean I get what you are saying, cause he keeps on telling everyone about it since his ego is inflated like a blimp.”“Yeah we know,” Amy shrugged nonchalantly, continuing to grab items out of the box while Hana was immersed on her phone.

His lips...

Lips like pillows, you wish you can land on every time...

“Riley you feel so good,” Jin whispering, lips gently tugging on her ear as she was moaning, writhing under his touch...

“Tell me what you want baby,” Jin said right before kissing Riley again, making her feel another wave of pleasure coursing through her body…

“Baby… baby...”

How his voice calling her that name...almost like he was calling her “his ” made her smile and her body miss his.

Ack stop daydreaming Riley!!

You guys moved on and are back to normal.

He does n’t see you like that.

A girl that he would be interested in.

Both of you were not thinking at all that night.

It was a drunken one-night stand.

Both of you were drunk.

Both of you were horny.

Both of you haven’t had sex in a while.

Both of you were temporary living together.

Mix all of that together and one thing led to another and bam! Next morning.

A simple reason.

Nothing more… nothing less.

“Baby…” she could faintly hear him right now in her mind, his lingering ghost of that night. She was internally moaning.

Don’t reminisce. Repeat. Don’t reminisce.

She looked down at her watch, 4:45.. crap I’m going to be late. She was supposed to meet Jimin at 5 pm.
“Hey guys I’m late to meet up with Jimin, can you lock my apartment when you guys leave? Just give the spare back to Seokjin?”“Oh, you’re meeting lover boy eh?” Hana smirked.“What do you mean lover boy... he’s just a friend and we are both helping out Taehyung. It’s just friends meeting up, nothing serious.”“Uh-huh sure… then why are you dressed a bit more cutesy than usual?”

It was true, Riley looked more femininely composed. Usually, with just a t-shirt and jeans, she opted this time to wear a flowy pastel top, knitted cardigan, shorts with tights underneath and a pair of ballet flats.

“I’ve always had these clothes in my closet, I just haven’t worn them since it’s been cold lately,” Riley declared.Amy and Hana just looked back at each other and then to Riley, signaling their agreeance that she was lying.
“Right Riley.. well if you aren’t interested, just let me know, last time I saw him he definitely looked like a snack that I wouldn’t mind taken a bite out of.”“Hana!” Amy yelled.“What?! ” Hana yelled back. “I mean he is… come on Riley agrees, right?”“He is very talented,” Riley chirped while running to the door. “I’ll catch you guys later. Bye!”“Go get him, tiger!” Hana yells as Riley leaves the apartment. Hana turns around to Amy. “$20 bucks Jimin will ask Riley out for a date by next Friday and she chickens out.”“If you want to lose then fine, I will wager that.” Amy smiles. “I am confident Riley will want to get to know Jimin. Prepared to fork over the money.”
------
She remembered Jimin texting her the coffee address. She walked in and looked for the boy with the dark brown hair.
She found him next to the coffee machines, talking to a barista.
“Hi Jimin.”
“Hey Riley-sshi glad you could make it, you didn’t get lost, did you?” Jimin spoke with a smile on his face. Riley couldn’t help but look up and down at Jimin’s current wardrobe. Instead of wearing his dance clothes (sweat pants and an oversized sweater), Jimin was wearing black skinny jeans, white tee and yellow/blue flannel covered by a moto jacket.

Damn.

“No,” Riley shook her head, “Sorry for being late, I had to move some things back into my apartment.”“Oh, you were moving in today? You should have told me, I could've rescheduled our time or helped you out.”

He doesn’t even know me that well and is already giving me sad eyes he wasn’t there to assist in moving back.

“It’s okay Jimin. The floor in my complex had a temporary water leak so I’ve been staying at my friend's place for the time being but now it’s all good for me to move back, I had a couple of my friends helping me so don’t worry about it.”Jimin nods.

Silence.

“Oh I suck at introductions, this is my friend who works at this coffee shop, Taemin.”Riley waves at the barista, “Hey how’s it going?”“Hi Riley-sshi, welcome to SunShinee Cafe,” Taemin spoke.“He’s also a dancer too,” Jimin announced, “goes to K’ ARTS though instead of Seoul U.”“Jimin told me a bit about you.”

He did?

Jimin nervously chuckled. “He means just now. I don't blab about you to all my friends… he just asked why I haven’t ordered my drink yet. I was waiting for you.”“Oh yeah.” Riley couldn’t help but nervously laugh as well.“Yeah... again I’m sorry. What are the most popular drinks here?” she spoke as she turned to Taemin.“The matcha latte or rose latte are the most popular ones.”“I’ll have the matcha then.”“Same here.”“Cool... two matcha lattes coming right up. Take a seat and I’ll bring it over to you guys.”Both nodded and went to the corner booth of the cafe.

Silence.

Neither of them saying a word as they both looked around the cafe, either nervous to start the conversation or look at each other. Riley hated silence.

This is so awkward…

What should I say…

Hey you look really handsome today…

Why are you making yourself look more like a meal than a snack??

Ahh I need to stop learning these remarks from Hana.

She needs to say something before her mind wanted to tell her to bail on this project.“So… how was your day, Jimin?”

Great Riley… way to get a conversation going…

I’m so basic… Riley was internally slapping herself for her stupidity.

“Uh good… yeah,” Jimin spoke while he scratched part of his neck. “Just finished class and had lunch with Taehyung.”“Yeah...Taehyung, what an interesting guy. You guys are best friends right?”“Yeah, known him pretty much my whole life.”“He talks about you quite often but he never told me how you guys met.”
“We actually met when we were in grade school, Taehyung used to live in Busan back then and we became best friends really fast. However, his family moved back to Gwancheon during high school and sadly we both got into separate colleges, but I studied and got a scholarship to transfer to Seoul U.”
“Yeah, he’s mentioned all the time about his elusive friend from his hometown when he stops by the club. Telling everyone how his best friend would be a perfect asset to this club and one day he would be a star.”“Ah, really? Tae sometimes needs to shut up, I’m not really that good.”

“I disagree. I’ve seen you a couple of times and you definitely have moves. I haven’t practiced much in modern dance but your interpretation of Nadan’s ‘Pin-Up Girl’ is beautifully choreographed.”“Thanks Riley-sshi...it was actually the dance in my audition tape to get into Art’s Department and full scholarship.”“You know you can drop the honorifics with me, you can call me by name, Riley... it’s only Taehyung and Jungkook that call me noona because they feel obligated… well more like Taehyung just likes calling me his noona just to annoy Seokjin.”“You sure? I mean I have to admit, we’re not so close so I feel...”“- We’re friends at least Jimin, right? I feel like we'll get to know each other well during this project so we might as well get comfortable.”Jimin chuckles, “Yeah... true… sure... I’ll call you Riley or noona.”

Taemin comes by the table just in time to present the matcha lattes to them.
“Here you guys go...two matcha lattes.”Riley notices the foam on top looking like a heart. Taemin smiles to both of them, “enjoy the drink.”
Riley smiled back before sipping on her latte not noticing Taemin’s wink toward Jimin in addition to mouthing him to “talk to her/ask about her day”. Jimin’s panic face instructed Taemin to “go away” though he put on a content face one Riley looked back at him and Taemin walked away.

“You know you are pretty graceful too,” Jimin softly spoke after he sipped his latte and gave a kind smile. “For someone who didn’t study in contemporary dance, your movements are fluid, your version of S.E.S’s Be Natural choreography you performed a week ago is… smooth. ”
Jimin tried to mimic the hand movements she did for the dance, only to accidentally hit the sugar container and make it spill half its contents on the table. Riley couldn’t help but snort a laughter while Jimin clumsy trying to clean up the sugary mess. Taemin from afar noticed the event unfolding, rolling his eyes at his accident-prone friend.
“Ahh I’m sorry Riley,” Jimin panicky wiping down the mess. He didn’t see the tears were going down Riley’s eyes from all of her laughter.“Hahaha, I’m sorry for laughing so much, but oh my gosh you are so clumsy .”

Jimin paused his movements.

“I mean, that’s not a jab or negative thing about you,” Riley started once she saw Jimin’s paused demeanor, “it’s actually refreshing.”His eyes looked at hers with curiosity, trying to understand what she meant. She subsided her laughter, composed herself.“Honestly, when I first met you, you seem so stoic and too cool , and then you smiled, completely giving a 180 vibe. When you dance, you don’t like you have a single flaw on you, but outside of dancing, seeing you being clumsy… it just.. made me smile even more knowing someone who can be… flawless not be actually… flawless.”

Silence.

“You know… you’re the first person to say that to me… well besides Taehyung.”She looked at him, silently urging him to continue.“Growing up, I felt like I needed to prove myself a lot, other students somehow always tried to one-up on me to the point where I did isolate myself from others.
However… Taehyung… Tae… he embraced me the moment he saw my face.”“He does have that certain aura about him -”“No, he literally embraced me when he first saw me… he ran into me because he thought he was being chased by a vampire.”

“A vampire ?”

“Yeah… I think one of the other students told him that rabbits don’t like to be pet and have their food being eaten by someone else turning them into a little-boy-eating vampires.”Riley laughed. “Wait...he believed that?”“I mean we were 6 when we met … so yeah … he believed it. We had a rabbit as our class pet and not once he wanted to take care of it. I think he still believes it to this day actually… he tends to walk around rabbits very slowly as to not ‘disturb them’ or else they will change into their ‘true form’.”“Taehyung is a weird little guy.”“He is ...but he’s my best friend for a reason. Because he’s ‘weird’, he doesn’t follow much of the rules compared to me, he doesn’t care what other people think; he just does what he wants. He tells me all the time that I don’t need to prove to anyone but myself, but also know that these ‘so-called flaws’ are there for a reason… it what makes us flawlessly human .”“Taehyung is a perceptive guy that’s for sure.”

Jimin hummed in agreeance.

“Thanks Riley, for reassuring that about me. Sometimes I need it.”“No problem Jimin.”They both smiled back and drank their latte.

Maybe this won’t be as awkward as I think...

--------
After coffee, they walked together to the dance studio. The atmosphere wasn’t as weird anymore. Both were feeling more comfortable around each other.
They arrived at the studio; the last class was just ending. So happened, Hoseok was teaching this class.“5, 6, 7, 8 and --” Hoseok spoke. He watched the younger class moving to the beat while noting the missteps that some of the students were taking.
Jimin and Riley stood next to the doorway as they took a peek to see inside.

“I want to be like Hoseok,” Jimin spoke.Riley turned her face towards him, “What do you mean?”“As much as I want to be a stage performer, there’s a part of me that wants to be a dance teacher like him.”“Seeing the reactions of those kids when they get the moves correctly, they just light up.”Riley hums in agreement, facing toward the studio again. “I get what you mean.. It’s definitely….”“- definitely keeps the day going well.” He finishes her sentence. “You get those moods too yeah?”She looked at his face again, trying to understand what he meant. He turned towards her.“You dance to express your feelings… all your emotions… like I said, I’ve watched you dance, you have a knack for it,” Jimin smiled, showing his crescent eyes.
Riley blushed.

They were having a moment, not realizing that Hoseok was staring at them inside the studio, beaming like a sun to see them interact.

Ah so it is working!

I need to tell Amy this.

Hoseok walked over to open the door and coughed, pulling them out of their focus. “Hey guys, what brings you over?”“Oh hey hyung, we reserved this studio after your class to work on a routine dance for Taehyung’s project.”“Oh… I see,” Hoseok spoke with a hint of gleam in his eyes, especially pointing it out to Riley’s direction.“Yeah, hopefully you didn’t need to use this room after class?”“Oh well I do need to work on my solo performance too but it’s okay.”“You can join us hyung. There’s plenty of space in the studio.”“Oh no no,” Hoseok shaking his head, “I made plans with people after this and I don’t want to interrupt you guys’ moment.”“What moment?” Jimin being the confused person in the conversation while Riley was glaring at Hoseok’s meaning.“Nothing!” Hoseok quipped.

He turned his body back, informing his student that class ended for the evening and praising them for all of their hard work.
Finally giving a high five to all the little ones, he grabbed his duffel bag and water bottle and headed out doorway.
“I’ll be off, see you guys later,” He gave a smirk and deviled eyes toward Riley. Mouthing “have fun.”Riley was mouthing back to him “I’m going to kill you” while giving him the middle finger.“Hobi hyung is weird at times, don’t you think?” Jimin suddenly spoke as he turned his body away from his bag and stood up just to see Hobi’s shadow figure disappear from the doorway.“Hmm what?” Riley changing her posture, turning her attention to Jimin, “Yeah... he’s a prickly fellow.”

Jimin starts to stretch as Riley phone vibrates and lights up, informing her of a text message. She takes a look at her phone, not surprised at who was texting her.

[Hobi] (6:37pm):
This is a great chance to get to know him.

[Riley] (6:37pm):
I know… now buzz off.

[Hobi] (6:37pm):
Is this you guy’s first date?

[Riley] (6:37pm): No this is NOT A DATE.

[Hobi] (6:38pm): … I think so. 😁
[Hobi] (6:38pm): Can’t wait to tell Amy. 😮

[Hobi] (6:38pm): She is going to freak. 😱

[Riley] (6:38pm): YOU BETTER NOT TELL HER IT’S A DATE.

[Riley] (6:38pm): THIS IS NOT A DATE HOBI STOP SAYING THAT.

[Hobi] (6:39pm):
👀
[Hobi] (6:39pm):
👀

[Hobi] (6:39pm):
No… it totally is.

[Hobi] (6:39pm): I’m off to meet the guys BYEEE.

[Riley] (6:39pm): HOBI YOU BETTER NOT TELL THEM THIS IS A DATE!

[Riley] (6:40pm): HOBI...

[Riley] (6:40pm): HOBI!!

[Riley] (6:40pm): DON’T TELL SEOK-

Riley was trying to finish texting Hoseok when she felt a tap on her shoulder.
“Riley?”“What!? ” Riley accidentally snapped, instantly apologizing to Jimin.“It’s fine, you okay? Something happen?” He pointed at the phone.“Oh no just…. stupid spam emails I’ve been receiving.” She puts her phone down, silencing it off.“I’m totally just going to focused on you ... I mean me... I mean we… us… our song selection and dance!” she stuttered with a nervous smile.Jimin chuckled. “Okay... so I have a few songs picked out on my phone, shall we listen to them and go from that point?”“Sure,” Riley smiled.

---- ~30 mins ago ----

Seokjin is waiting for the crosswalk to change. Wearing his sneakers, gym shorts and pullover hoodie, he just came out from swimming at the gym near the apartment.
He receives a text from Namjoon to come down to McLarens, notifying another TGIF hang out.

[Namjoon] (6:10pm): Hey the guys want to grab food/drinks at McLarens. You down?

[Seokjin] (6:10pm): I think I’m gonna stay at home... probably have a movie night with Riley.

As he is about to respond to declining the invite, wishing to stay indoors instead and perhaps message Riley for a “best-friend movie night” when he hears a certain laughter closeby.
He looks up from his phone and turns to his right to see Riley and another person, an unknown male, leaving a coffee shop together, going in a different direction than him...looking all chummy.
He frowns.
His phone pings a sound, telling him he got a message.

[Namjoon] (6:12pm): I already asked Riley, she apparently has plans for the evening.

[Seokjin] (6:12pm): With who?

[Namjoon] (6:12pm): I don’t know, didn’t ask.

[Namjoon] (6:12pm): So… you coming?

Seokjin looked up again, see Riley’s and the other person’s body slowly becoming small figures until they stop at the mid-crosswalk block, waiting for it to turn. He quickly texts Riley.

[Seokjin] (6:13pm): Movie-night in 2 hours? You get to pick which film.

He looks up, trying to see if she received the message. He faintly sees her grab her phone, fingers texting quickly before putting it back into her cardigan.

[Riley] (6:14pm): Can’t. Next time! 🤞

He frowns again. He tries to see who the other guy is… skinny jeans and making a lot of hand movements and dancing steps while Riley looks at him with a laughing smile on her face.

So that must be Jimin…

He felt something odd in body… a feeling he rarely gets… he was feeling…

Jealous?

No…

No…

Damn it.

He couldn’t be jealous, he didn’t even know their story… only that Hoseok was trying to set them up. Riley was allowed to make friends… meet new people, he couldn’t and shouldn’ t stop that.

Remember you’re just friends.

Best friends still.

Stop thinking differently.

Stop acting like a jealous boyfriend.

She doesn’t see you like that.

A potential boyfriend.

Only you see yourself with her in a romantic relationship.

She won’t...

Ever.

Jin has been having so many inner battles with himself he didn’t notice that Riley and Jimin were almost gone from his peripheral vision. He couldn't help but be annoyed at his own emotions and responses to this predicament. He stares at Riley for a few seconds before looking back down on his phone, texting Namjoon back.

[Seokjin] (6:17pm): I’ll be there in 30.

Maybe hanging out with his friends will relax him.

If only Seokjin knew then what will happen that night…

Maybe he would wish how to make time rewind.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Seokjin went straight to the McLarens.
He could have stopped by the apartment for a quick shower and a change of clothes but no, he beelined to the bar.
Yoongi and Namjoon were at their usual booth, sitting and conversing while food and drinks started to make their way over to the table.
Seokjin made his way over, greeting the younger males and making himself unfazed about what he saw just less than an hour ago. They talk for a while, conversing about their week was.
Namjoon was given leadership for a project at work, making this the first time for him and he was nervous. Yoongi just got a call this morning that a small music company heard his mixtape and radio broadcast and wanted him to interview for an internship, he was mildly shocked. Finally, Seokjin talked about being worried in regards to coming up tests and his graduation thesis… also worrying about a certain dark-haired friend but he didn’t announce anything about her to them.
“Dude whoa calm down. Stop chugging all the soju, Hobi isn’t even here yet.” Namjoon rebuffed.“What’s wrong? Someone swam more laps than you?” Yoongi smirked.“No, I’m just exhausted and I needed to drink.”“You know water would be the better option,” Namjoon quipped.“Yes, I know you smart-alec, but I want to drink.” He chirped, grabbing the unopened soju and pouring himself and the others a drink.“I guess we are all stressed out this week.”“Yeah man, being an adult sucks - you gotta worry about paying for the bills, apartment, finding a job, etc.”“Dude my mom just came by the office and literally broadcasted to the whole floor that I am single. It was so embarrassing.”
Namjoon noted, pounding back a soju shot.

They heard footsteps coming over to their booth and a mild yelp, apologizing to a waiter for almost colliding into them.

“Hoseok, what took you so long?” Namjoon asked.“Hey guys sorry I’m late. I had to stop by the apartment and change.”“Why are you dressing so nice?” Seokjin noticed.
Hoseok was wearing slacks, a rarity to see the younger male in nice attire compared to joggers and jeans. He also had a nice simple sweater on, not wearing his usual bright and graphic tops he fancies. This was a complete 180 of the Hoseok everyone knew.

“Because I might see Amy’s parents tonight since I’m picking her up from their dinner.”“Oh meeting the parents eh Hobi?” Yoongi smiled smugly.“Yeah... which means I have 30 mins to have a drink before I need to sober up for another 2 hours.”“I thought you met them already?”“Well, yes and no. Amy and I accidentally bumped into her mom at the mall one time and I've never met her dad yet. That's who I'm worried about.” Hoseok grabbed an empty shot glass while Seokjin poured him the soju.“I'm sure it will be fine Hobi, you're a good guy, you graduated from college, got a job, have your own place..well sharing with Yoongi but you don't have any detrimental issues,” Seokjin noted.“Thanks guys but you know how dads see it, they hate every guy that comes along to ‘steal’ their daughters from them. Amy is working on her law degree while I am a dance instructor, I am totally the opposite of
what a dad wants for their daughter. Heck Namjoon over here would be the perfect candidate.”

Namjoon frowned. “Don’t discount yourself Hoseok, you’re a great guy, any dad would be lucky to have a son-in-law like you. Honestly, you are doing what you love, the passion you have for dancing and also the success you’re making. If I followed my dream, I may or may not be in music production like Yoongi hyung here.”

“Yah Hobi, aren’t you planning to sign up for another dancing world tour with KNCDC (Korea National Contemporary Dance Company)?” Yoongi asked.“Maybe, they are choosing people in a couple of months to join on tour with them. I am hoping some people from our dance club gets chosen, perhaps Yugyeom, Jimin or Riley if she wants to.”“Riley wants to go on tour?” Seokjin questioned. This was first news to him.“I mean I have no idea but you guys know she’s talented. Honestly, I am hoping she gets discovered by one of the directors of the company and goes on tour with me for the summer.”

Both Namjoon and Yoongi nod in agreeance, whereas Seokjin just didn’t move. He is proud to say that Riley is unbelievably talented when it came to dancing, but the thought of her going for a longer period of time with Jimin or any other good looking dancers rubbed him the wrong way. He knew he couldn’t stop her if she did go… he is supportive of her but ever since he realized his feelings for her he couldn’t help but feel small compared to other guys around her… even if he is her best friend.

He poured another drink to himself, “She should go.. it will help her clear her mind if she truly wants to pursue dancing. Graduation is coming up for us and after that,
the plan is to work at the family company but... Hoseok, help her get an audition with them.”Hoseok hummed in agreeance. “Sure hyung.”“To new beginnings and new opportunities,” Seokjin spoke while raising his glass, they all grab their glass and cheered each other before drinking. Seokjin knew he needed to retain his mindset before everything happened a week ago, he needed to think what was best for him and for Riley.

Don’t cloud your judgment Seokjin.

You need to prepare yourself if things change between you two.

Just keep being there for her.

As a best friend.

---------
Hoseok left early and said goodbye to the guys before he hopped off and picked up his girlfriend. Namjoon & Yoongi tried to help Jin get on his feet, but the older male declined, noting that he wasn’t as drunk and useless as everyone else thought.
While Namjoon paid for the bill and Yoongi went to the restroom, Seokjin walked out of the bar trying to get some fresh air before he called a cab. He was fine walking out, the cool evening breeze filled his lungs up reenergizing his mind and body. He was fine... until he walked on an uneven tile outside the entrance door, tripping and bumping him into someone on his left.
“Oof, sorry.” He managed to catch himself before falling on his ass, eyes tethered to the concrete sidewalk.“Jin?” the unknown person spoke… well not unknown … he knew perfectly well whose voice was that.He looked up slowing, noticing a certain pair of flats in front of him first before his eyes went up to see a lovely face he was so fond of.“Ryles.”

It was Riley that stood in front of him; her confused and worried eyes staring back at him. He was somewhat squinting, trying to narrow his vision to make sure what he was seeing was true.It was her… but she wasn’t alone.
Jimin was next to her, curious to know who this person was in front of them.

“Seokjin, are you ok?” She voiced with concern, holding his elbow so he could regain his stance.“Yeah, sorry,” he quickly removed himself to her touch, creating a big gap between them.

How awkward.

Noting the weird tension, Riley spoke first.“I was going to stop by and see if you guys were still at McLarens, but I guess you guys are leaving.”“Yeah we're done for tonight,” Seokjin remarked.

Silence.

“Oh this is Jimin,” Riley pointed out. “We’re helping Taehyung with his art project… Jimin, Seokjin… Seokjin, Jimin.”Both bowed their heads toward each other.“Hi, nice to meet you. Riley's mentioned you a bit.”“Hey Jimin-sshi, Riley hasn't told me much about you.”

Ah Seokjin stop acting like a jerk.

You know you are better than this.

Stop acting jealous.

You don't even know their story.

You don’t even know if he likes her.

You don’t even know if she likes him.

She doesn’t…

Right?

Seokjin was bitter, he knew he was acting a bit jealous but he couldn't comprehend the feeling he was outputting. He made sure to hold-in any romantic feelings around Riley, but the moment he saw her standing next to Jimin so close he lost all means of rationality.Before Riley could scold Jin she heard a familiar voice calling her name; Namjoon and Yoongi. Both exiting the bar and walked towards Seokjin, noticing Seokjin’s lack of posture and trying to help him out much to Seokjin’s dislike.
“I’m fine guys. I’m gonna go home.”“Let me call you a ride hyung,” Namjoon said.“I can call one myself,” Jin retorted.

I just need to get out of here.

Riley on the other hand, didn’t like Seokjin’s attitude.“Hey, don’t be so mean to Joon, he’s just trying to help.”

“- And I appreciate it, but right now I’m not in a mood to be babied at.” He waved his arm up to catch the nearest cab driver. Luckily a cab was just a block away, instantly coming up to the sidewalk for Jin to swoop inside. The driver would’ve left right away had it not been Riley holding the door with her body, trying to wedge in the cab.
“What are you doing?"
Seokjin uttered.“I’m getting in the cab with you.” Riley declared.“No you are not, don’t you have plans with Jimin?” He noted while flicking his eyes at the younger male.

She turned to look at Jimin.

“I’m sorry Jimin, but can we have dinner some other time? I need to make sure this idiot is ok.”“Yeah sure, don’t worry about it.” Jimin gave a soft smile.

Jin was giving a disdain face at the interaction between Riley and Jimin... and Yoongi noticed. It confirmed his suspicion.

“I’ll take him home,” Yoongi stated, moving Riley away from the cab’s door and maneuvering himself into the cab. “Riley, you haven’t had dinner yet... go and eat with your friend, I will take our idiot friend home.”“No Yoongi, you don’t live near me and Jin’s place, the car is going the opposite direction of where you live.”“It’s fine.”“Yoon-”“- RILEY, go have dinner,” he spoke sternly at her.

Riley shut her mouth. She knows he was trying to be the responsible adult and Seokjin would be in good hands with him.

“Hyung, do you want me to go with you too?” Namjoon asked.“It’s fine Joon, just get yourself home safe okay?” Yoongi spoke with concern.
Namjoon nodded his head.Seokjin and Yoongi left in the cab, taking them to Seokjin’s apartment.

After seeing the cab turn a right... disappearing from sight, Namjoon turned his attention to Riley.

“Sorry we go him a bit drunk, honestly we didn’t know he was pounding down the soju until it was too late.”“It’s okay, thanks Joonie for taking care of him. Did he mention anything to you why he was acting out?”Namjoon paused thinking back to the conversation at dinner.

He was fine.

He was stressed about midterms coming up and finishing his thesis.

Graduation is coming up soon.

He was fine.

Well…

Until Hoseok mentioned something.

More like someone…

He mentioned your name and then there was something in hyung’s eyes that changed.

Something is going on.

But I can’t tell what it is.

Namjoon decided not to tell Riley, not wanting to say something that may be in fact nothing at all.
“No noona, he didn’t mention much other than school-work stress. You might want to talk to him tomorrow morning and see what’s up with him.”She nodded.Fortunately, a cab came up behind them, dropping off a couple, Namjoon quickly moved himself to the cab.“I’ll talk to you guys later, enjoy dinner!” he smiled, showing his dimples.Riley and Jimin waved at the cab before looking back at each other.

So I guess it will just be dinner for 2 then.

“Are you still hungry Riley? I mean we can eat a different time, you look really worried about your friend.”“It’s okay Jimin, he’s in good hands with Yoongi right now. I’ll just give him an earful tomorrow.”“Is he your roommate?”“Oh no,” Riley chuckled “I mean... h-he was… I lived at his place while my apartment was being fixed...we don’t live with each other anymore…”Riley was trying to explain but she kept stuttering. “We- we didn’t share a bed… he has a sp-spare guest room…. we’re not a couple… haha… just be - best friends.”

Jimin hummed.

“So you still want to eat at McLarens?” he motioned his head toward the entrance signage.“Ye-yeah, if you don’t mind. They have really great late happy hour dishes.”“Sure, let’s grab a quick drink and some appetizers and get you back home within the hour or so.”“There’s no hurry Jimin.”“I know… but I can tell you are worried about Jin,” he spoke.

It was true... as much as she trusts Yoongi, part of her wished she stayed in the cab and went with him home to make sure he was doing well. She could never stop caring for Seokjin.

You idiot, what happened to make you drink that much?

Haven’t you learned from last week?

Riley sighed. “I’m sorry.”“Don’t be... if it was Taehyung in that position I would be acting the same as you.” He softly smiled at her.“Let’s eat, lead the way Riley,” Jimin stepped to the side, leading his arm out for Riley to walk by, directed at the entrance.
Riley smiled back. She just needs to clear her head for a bit before she went back to the apartment to check on Jin tonight.
-----------

The drive only took 15 minutes, Yoongi and Seokjin returned to the apartment complex, though Seokjin didn’t want to go straight back home so they both decided to walk around the park next door for a bit. It was a quiet 20-minute walk, Jin didn’t want to say anything and Yoongi just walked with him quietly in support.
“You know you can go home Yoon,” Seokjin quietly spoke.“I know, I don’t want to yet.”“I’m fine… really.”

Yoongi didn’t respond, instead he just quietly stared at Seokjin, declaring his disagreement with his statement.They walked around again quietly; 10 mins later they finally decided to go to Seokjin’s apartment.

“Come in, let me grab you water before you head out and call a cab.”“Thanks hyung.” Yoongi plotted himself down on the couch.“Ugh I smell like grease right now, why didn’t you tell me how bad I smelled?” He noticed as he tossed the bottled water to Yoongi.“I mean I smell like that too but less odorous than you considering you chowed down half of the food and drink orders by yourself.”“I’m gonna take a shower, you can head out.” He went to his room to gather his sleepwear, when he came out to go into the bathroom he noticed Yoongi was still here; didn’t move a single bit on the couch.“Dude you can go, I’m fine right now...it’s getting late, don’t you have a morning broadcast tomorrow?”“Yeah but… I think I’ll stay here for a bit more.”Seokjin rolled his eyes.

Lazy cat.

Seokjin knew what Yoongi was doing. He was making sure that Jin was going to be fine before he left; that and to make sure Jin wasn’t going to drown himself in the shower. This was one of his favorite traits of Yoongi which Seokjin always admired. Yoongi was the most caring person he knew other than Riley; he just didn’t show much on the outside.
He’s seen all the details Yoongi has done over the years. The extra snacks he would provide to others, tissue packs, giving his umbrella to someone, paying for food, staying by your side even if you rejected him over 1,000x… doing all those actions while still showing no expression on his face; Yoongi never wavers to anyone. Jin bit his tongue to not give a sarcastic comment.

“Fine... I’ll be done shortly.”Yoongi waved his left hand up as acknowledgment, grabbing his phone out and going on his social media apps.After a nice shower, Seokjin finally sobered up. He was embarrassed by his reaction tonight. Finally stepping out of the bathroom, Jin looked around the corner and saw that Yoongi was still here, now stretched out on the couch listening to some music.
He was about to say something but Yoongi beat him to the punch.

“Feeling better now hyung?”

How does he do that?

“Yeah actually… thanks for staying longer than usual Yoon.”“No problem man, you do the same for me.”Seokjin swung by the kitchen to grab a bottled water before sitting down on the couch with Yoongi.

Silence.

“So... the feeling did return.”“Huh?”“You like her.”“What?”“Jin... you like her.”“No, I don’t -”“- Stop denying.”“- I don’t have feelings for Riley.”

“Bullshit -”
“- You’re bullshit.”

Yoongi gave a blank stare, unfazed but Seokjin’s statement.“Sorry Yoongi, that was uncalled for.”

Seokjin covered his face with his hands, his elbows touching his thighs.

Letting the cat out of the bag.

Damn it.

Yoongi noticed how unnerved Seokjin was feeling.“Is this why you were so off during dinner?” Yoongi questioned. It was a minor change in Seokjin’s appearance, but Yoongi managed to see the micro-expressions he was giving off. Dinner and seeing the look on Seokjin face when he looked at the exchange between Riley and Jimin.

Seokjin sadly nodded.

“I -” Jin paused, mouth to dry to talk. “- I don’t know what to do Yoongi.”

Yoongi tilted his head like a cat, curious to hear what Jin meant.

“What do you mean?”"This is wrong. Riley is my best friend. I can’t have feelings for a friend. It’s like having feelings for you.”“Wow, thanks man... I am honored you said that,” Yoongi sarcastically replied.“You know what I mean.”“No I don’t... elaborate .”

Seokjin was getting frustrated by Yoongi’s psychology questions and the younger male knew it. It was the only way to fish things out of people.
Maybe that’s why Yoongi majored in Music and minored in Psychology; his love of producing music and the artistry of the human behavior.

“Yoongi, you don’t understand. This will change everything between us. I can’t let her find out.”“You can’t bottle this up hyung... maybe telling her is a good idea.”“Are you crazy?!”“No I’m not, but it seems like you are by the look on your face.”“She doesn’t feel the same for me.”“Are you sure?”“Yes I am sure!” Seokjin hollered “She’s out on a date right now with that guy - Jimmy - Chimichurri or whatever.”

Seokjin started to pace around the living room, mumbling to himself. Yoongi couldn’t help but feel sorry for his buddy.

“Yoongi you can’t tell anyone else.”“I’m not going t-”“You can’t tell the guys-”“-Hyung, I’m not.”“Cuz once one person knows, then everyone knows.”“I -”“- I mean how fast does our group of friends gossip?”“Jin hyung-”“I mean Hoseok is like a revolving door, always has new information to spill-”“Jin hyu-”“- I mean there’s usually not a lot of gossip going on but this would spread like fire -” “- Hyung-”“- It’s like lightning speed ya know? I mean with technology you get all the information in your hands in like a split second-”“- Jin-”“- I miss growing up without a cell phone, landlines were fun… except trying to get on dial-up internet -”“-KIM SEOKJIN!”

Seokjin stopped his rambling, noting Yoongi’s warning glare. He was acting crazy, he knew it. He sat back down.

Silence.

“Yoongi…”

“Yeah hyung?”“This can’t be happening… this is a lie…” Jin chuckling to himself.“Jin…” Yoongi was worried.“She can’t ever know,” he quietly spoke.“What if-”“- SHE CAN’T EVER KNOW.” He turned to Yoongi, staring back at him.

Yoongi saw fear in Seokjin’s eyes.

Fear.

Something that he rarely sees in Seokjin but understood why.
Seokjin was scared of revealing himself and his true feelings .
Something that could paralyze what Riley and he have together.

Distort everything in place which has been solid for so long.

Fear.

The fear of rejection.
The fear that Riley will distance herself from him once she knows.
The fear of losing something so important to him.

And never ever getting back once lost.

“I don't want to lose what we have.”

“I don't want to lose her .”

It was tearing him up inside.

“You won't ever lose her,
but I’m sure your sulking and giving glaring
looks at her will make her want to create some space between you guys.”
Yoongi was right. Seokjin knew it. He was creating more of a mess. But he had his reasons. “You guys can overcome your feelings for her.
Yes, it would be awkward to confess but you guys have been best friends since childhood, I know your friendship weighs more than just a one-sided feeling. Hyung, like you said… your feelings vanished,
it might do the same again and maybe you’ll find someone else to like.”

Maybe Yoongi is right, maybe this feeling will vanish.

Seokjin looked back in his mind of memories of him and Riley. Each one is so different but so special. He couldn’t help himself smile but as his mind kept changing moments, he kept looking at Riley with more distinction.

Her Hair. Her eyes. Her nose. Her lips. Her neck. Her shoulders. Her hands. Her breasts. Her waist. Her stomach. Her womanhood. Her butt. Her legs.

But most importantly.

The crinkles in her eyes when she makes a big laugh. How she boldly told no to a boy in the 2nd grade when they wouldn’t let her play soccer with them and she still kicked their butts. The boisterous yell she emits when she’s angry or excited. How she tries her best to cook lasagna, only to fail so many times but still never gives up. Her “delightful” snores she emits after drinking too much wine. How she silently cries when she sees a dog within her sight. When she finds a 4-leaf clover she instantly starts to make a wish. How she is the “mother” of their group but acts 10 years old most of the time when she’s just with him. How her body moves to the sound of music and can instantly describe the feeling, the raw emotion. Her hugs... even if she is half a foot short than him she still somehow can bear-hug the crap out of him.

But most importantly.

Her voice calling his name.
Whether it was to yell at him or make him laugh.
Her eyes boring into his.
Just one look he could tell what she was feeling.

But what ultimately confirmed his feelings for her...

How her lips felt against his.

She felt like home.

Everything about her...

He knew it then and there…

Seokjin was falling for Riley.

And he hated himself for realizing it.

“-I mean when she was with JB and those other guys ...you didn't have that worry did you?”“No but that was after I realized my feelings... after we kissed … after we slept toge -”

Seokjin stopped talking, realizing he spilled the beans to Yoongi.

Shit.

I just told him.

Damn man, you can't hold secrets long.

Seokjin looked at Yoongi, his face was blank as a new whiteboard.“Huh…”

That was all Yoongi said for the next few minutes.

So that’s what happened…

God they are both stubborn...

Yoongi finally knew the truth, what was making both Seokjin and Riley feeling out of character to him. What to do… he thought to himself.Seokjin wasn't quite sure if he was supposed to explain what he said to Yoongi or just pretend he didn't hear it.Yoongi pondered for a bit before he spoke.

“Fine. I won’t tell anyone… as long as you acknowledge that you do have feelings for her.”“I did.”“I need you to actually say it.”“Come on man I already said I like her.”“No, I asked and you nodded, then went into denial and then proceeded to have a mental breakdown… I need you to say her name.”Seokjin looked at Yoongi. Yoongi again with a stoic blank face.

God he is a stone.

“You want me to say it out loud and clear, then fine!” Seokjin stood up.

“I like Riley, there you have it?” he spoke quietly at Yoongi.Yoongi’s facial expression didn’t change.“I didn’t hear you hyung, can you repeat what you said?”

This ass.

“I like Riley, I have feelings for her. I have romantic feelings for my best friend.” Seokjin spoke louder.Yoongi’s expression slowly changed to a small smile. Seokjin was annoyed by this.

“You happy now?! Are you happy about my confession?! Do you want me to yell it outside too?!”He was irritated that Yoongi was digging into his skin to get him to confess. Seokjin went to his apartment’s door and opened slightly, screaming out loud.

“I, Kim Seokjin,
have romantic feelings for my best friend, Han Riley!!”

He turned his back away from the door, facing Yoongi who was still sitting on the couch quietly.“I like Riley!! Does that make you happy now that I confessed why I was being twitchy all week?! I found out that I like her and even if I am scared to tell her I don’t regret falling for her!!” Seokjin spoke confidently, breathing heavy from all the yelling.

Silence.

Yoongi just sat there still, now a smirk on his face...happy he accomplished his goal.

“Wait what ?”

It was that moment a voice came out of nowhere, a voice that wasn’t either Yoongi’s or Seokjin’s. They both turned their attention towards the direction of the voice.
The voice was coming from behind the apartment door, and the figure of the shadow finally pushed the door wide open to reveal themselves.

“Is this true?”

Both surprised to see that person.

Shit.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

“Wait what?”

Is that…

It was that moment a voice came out of nowhere, a voice that wasn’t either Yoongi’s or Seokjin’s. They both turned their attention towards the direction of the voice.
The voice was coming from behind the apartment door, and the figure of the shadow finally pushed the door wide open to reveal themselves.

“Is this true?"

No...

Both surprised to see that person.

Please tell me I’m dreaming...

Shit.

“Namjoon, what are you doing here so late?” Yoongi spoke.Namjoon just stood at the doorway in shock.“I-I realized I left my credit card at the restaurant so I went back to grab it and I didn’t feel uncomfortable not knowing how you were Jin-hyung so I came over to check on you.”

Damnit Namjoon.

You and your tendency to lose things.

You and your caring way.

Stupid cousin of mine.

“Hyung...so is this why you have been abnormal ever since you came back from your Australia trip?” Namjoon questioned.“NO… yes…” Seokjin was in disbelief. Another one of his closest people found out.

So much for not letting everyone know.

At this rate, all of his family and friends would find out what happened between him and Riley. It was unraveling too fast to much of his dislike.
“Joon you need to forget what you heard.”“Heard? You mean what you were wailing out loud outside your apartment?“Yes Namjoon, THAT! FORGET EVERYTHING YOU HEARD JUST SECONDS AGO!”“Jin calm down...”“I will not calm down Yoongi, everything is happening as I imagined... It’s a nightmare.”

He felt his wall coming up, he was trying to protect himself from all of his family and friends laughter and jokes... that after all these years of them saying they would finally having feelings for it each other turned true.He was waiting for Namjoon and Yoongi to fully laugh at him, jest toward him at his sudden acknowledgment. Jin wanted to crawl right to his bedroom and forget the world.

Rewind Time.

Please just let this whole night be a dream...

Let me change the course of tonight…

But you can’t…

This is happening right now Seokjin...

This is real...

Just like how you are feeling for her...

It’s real...

Fuck my life.

“Hyung, I’m happy for you.”

Seokjin moved his head up from his turtle-of-a-shell posture. He didn’t hear that correctly... right? Namjoon congratulating him, dimples pointing out.

“I mean I always kinda knew you would have feelings for Riley, I mean who wouldn’t?” Wait... what did that mean? Seokjin looked at Namjoon.“I mean Riley does balance you out, even if you guys bicker way too much.”“Joon… do you have a crush on-” Jin asked.“Before you finish that. No. I never had feelings for Riley. She’s like the sister I never had. I care about her but not to the extent that you do. So you can brush aside that jealousy right now hyung,” Namjoon announced.“I’m not jeal-”Namjoon gave a look to Seokjin. Jin didn’t finish his sentence. Was he that much of textbook definition of jealous?

“Riley has always been around you since you guys were toddlers. As best friends, you guys have seen each others flaws; you’ve seen each other’s lows and highs. You guys made a connection from the get-go.” Namjoon pointed out.
“It makes sense that you’ve fallen for her, you’ve managed to see her vulnerable side immediately unlike most,” Yoongi noted. “You know how Riley is, how she tends to hide most of emotions until she is willing to show herself, she rather show the best parts of her… in a way she and Hoseok are similar… they both hate showing any negative emotions upfront.”
“So it makes sense when Hoseok and Amy met each other... she was able to see all of Hoseok right away due to her personality and they complement each other so well. I mean you are definitely not like Amy at all… but with Riley… you guys somehow contrast and complement each other’s abilities.”

Am I really having this conversation with them?

About me and Riley being an actual couple?

“You know, I was jealous of Riley when we were little,” Namjoon stated. “I always wondered why my cousin wanted to hang out with his neighbor besides me… I am blood and we didn’t have anyone else close to our age group, most of our cousins were at least 5 years older than us... and when I found out the neighbor was a girl… it made me mad, like you replaced me so easily. ”“Joon... ““Don’t worry about it hyung, that was over 15 years ago.“ Namjoon smiled. “The only reason I never mentioned it because I could see why you wanted to hang out with her once you introduced me to her. She could tame you… not like a dog or anything - but she just knew how to react and adapt, she instinctively knew everything about you.. and it same goes for you to her… you guys can read each other very well.”

Seokjin just stood there, listening to Namjoon explain. Still in disbelief of the conversation he was having with his friends.

“Honestly, if it wasn’t for Riley...I highly doubt we would be close as we are now.”“Why do you say that Joon?” Seokjin tilted his head to the side.“Cause I used to break all your toys and dolls so much you would have a tantrum the size of Bowser’s castle. If it wasn’t for Riley’s quick thinking of repairs and distracting you, you would’ve found out how many times I broke your gundam toys and mario collection.”“OMG so I wasn’t going crazy when I thought my Wing Zero Master Gundam was missing for
hours and the colors seem to wear off fast… or how I kept finding my Marios in different locations... I thought they were coming to life like Toy Story characters!!”

Namjoon nervously nodded.

“You guys went behind my back and lied to me?!”“Hyung, it was a long time ago…” Joon trying to calm Seokjin’s rising boiling point. “Technically we didn’t lie to you … we just convinced you were seeing things and diverted your attention to other things.”Seokjin glared at his cousin. Namjoon rarely gets scolded… he's the perfect child… well in his parents and adults eyes… for Seokjin… he's a clumsy nuisance.“Yeah…” Namjoon rubbed the back of his neck. “I had Riley quickly take it and put it back together while I asked you to teach me how to bake cookies and brownies for us.”

Silence.

The honest and clumsy baby cousin Namjoon lying behind his back… with his best friend. Sure they were only 5 and 7 years old but they were being sneaky partners while he bakes all the delicious food for them. He didn’t realize how much Riley was a part of his life.

How many people know now?

First Jungkook.

Well he only knows about the drunk kiss. This brat.

Then Yoongi.

He knows everything. That dick.

Now Namjoon.

Knows my confession... My feelings for her. Worse-timing cousin.

Crap.

Riley is going to find out.

What should I do?

“Stop it.” Yoongi spoke as if he heard the conversation in Jin’s head. Seokjin and Namjoon looked at Yoongi.“I can see your head turning inside, you need to just stop worrying at it. Go to sleep hyung.”“I can’t stop-”“-Stop.”“Listen you-”“- brat? You know I’m not Jungkook so that won’t stop me from tell you off.”“I’m older -”“-Than me? Yeah by a few months but I still don’t care.”“Okay you ass-”“Guys!” Namjoon’s eyes are pleading with both to not argue.“Jin hyung... Yoongi hyung is right. You should get some rest, you’re overwhelmed with anxiety and fear. If you want I can sleepover tonight so we can get breakfast in morning.”Seokjin sighed,
“No Namjoon you don’t need to stay over, I appreciate your concern but I’m okay.”

He needed to take a step back… breathe ... and sleep.

“Sorry for my outburst Yoon… go back to your apartment, you have work in the morning. Thanks for staying with me and helping me tonight but I just need to be by myself right now.”
Both younger men conceded their ways. It was foolish to continue the conversation, knowing Seokjin’s stubbornness and the fact it was getting late; everyone was tired out.
“You can give me a call tomorrow hyung. Let me know if you want to hang out, I’ll just be at the cafe or the park,” Namjoon gently spoke.Seokjin nodded, walking towards the door and leading both men out.“Jin…” Yoongi said before he walked out of the apartment.“Don’t beat yourself up, we can’t control who we fall for.”
Seokjin gave a small smiled before he waved his hand toward Yoongi to usher him out. He closed the door behind him. Body slumped on it and gradually sloped down to the floor.

He just wanted to sleep.

To forget tonight.

To rewind.

“We can’t control who we fall for... ” echoing in his mind.

Yeah… but I can control my actions…

I can control my irrational behaviors…

I can control me.

------
After having dinner, Jimin rode in the cab with Riley. He wanted to make sure she got home safe.
“You really didn’t have to ride with me Jimin.”“No worries, I don’t live that far from where you are it seems. Maybe we can do this often.”Riley looked at him curiously.“I mean… since we just started working on the project for Taehyung, we’re going to be spending time with each other and being friends too…” Jimin nervously laughed.“Yeah I know what you mean,” Riley smiled. “I mean we only narrowed down the song choice and have a rough idea what stylistic dance, we need Taehyung thoughts as well.”“Very true... Listen Riley… I-” Jimin pausing his speech.

The car stops in front of her complex, the driver turns towards them to confirm the location.

“Yes this is it, thank you sir,” she says as she grabs her stuff and proceeds to get out of the car.She turns to Jimin, “I had… fun today with you. Maybe we should do this more often… meet up outside of the dance club.”

If it wasn’t night-time skies, Riley would’ve seen Jimin’s face turn pink.

“Ye-yeah, we should.”“I’ll text you later… figure out a day to meet again?”“Su-sure.”“Good night Jimin.”“Good night Riley.”

She waved him and the cab driver off. Not realizing her face was pink as well and smile still on her face. She walked to the elevator, waiting for it to arrive on the main lobby before she went to her floor.

Did I really ask him out?

No no Riley you were just scheduling another hang out between friends...

Yeah…

I mean… even if I did sort of ask him out… then that's not a problem.

Right?

She was smiling to herself, stuck in a daze, relieving the conversations she had with Jimin that she didn’t notice two figures stepping out of the elevator.
“Riley,” Namjoon spoke with surprise.“Oh Namjoon… Yoongi, what are you doing here? I thought you went straight home from the bar and Yoongi I thought you dropped Seokjin off a while ago?”“I was concerned about hyung so I came over, I didn’t know Yoongi hyung was still here with him.”“Seokjin and I were just chilling in his couch, watching TV,” Yoongi noted. “There was some Dragon Ball Z reruns on and I lost track of time with him before I realized he dozed off.”

Namjoon looked at Yoongi, confused why Yoongi was lying to Riley but he quickly figured it out. He was trying to convince Riley that Seokjin was unable to talk to her right now; sleep and dead to world until the following morning.

“Oh… I was going to pop by to check on him too.” Riley sadly spoke.“He’s fine Riley… just sleeping like a baby.”“But did he say why he was acting weird… acting like… moody?”“He's just stressed with school and I'm pretty sure his dad is getting ready to set him up with some leadership at the company or whatever.”

Work?

I mean… I knew he would join the family company.

But he never told me all of this.

I mean I would've known.

He always tells me stuff...

“You should get some rest noona, Jin hyung is fine… just talk to him tomorrow.” Namjoon spoke.“Yeah... I should,”
Riley yawns. “It’s been a long day… plus god knows how Hana and Amy rearranged my belongings.”

All three bid good night, Yoongi and Namjoon called a cab and Riley went up the elevator to her floor. She took her shoes off at the doorway, taking off her cardigan and slowly walked through her apartment to her room.

“Ahh hello new mattress… I love you clean and bed-bug free mattress,” she mumbled as plopped herself on the bed.She took a shower, brushed her teeth and put her pjs on ready to get into bed… into dream world, but she noticed a certain white fluffy plush doll on the corner of her bed…

RJ.

--- Flashback ---

A year ago, Riley finally moved into her own apartment, so grateful she didn’t share with anyone anymore. As much as she loved Hana, she didn’t want to deal with taking care of her lovable but very horny friend. The girl was messier roommate than her and constantly had a new boyfriend every couple of months.
“Hey, get out of way I’m trying to bring your couch into the apartment,” Seokjin huffed.“Oh sorry!” Riley yelled, directing herself out Seokjin’s and Hoseok’s way as they placed her couch next to the wall.“I hope you want it there cause I am not moving it again.”“It’s perfect, thank you Jinjin.” She smiled and pat his head as a reward to his detest.“Hey don’t I get thanks too?” Hoseok whined.“Yes, you too my sunshine!” She ran and gave him a high five and booty bump.Jin rolled his eyes, “Alright Ryles tell me how many more things we need to bring up?”“Hmm... not much, a couple of boxes but it was the furniture that I needed help the most.”

“Can we take a break? I am starving.” Hobi stated as his stomach began to grumble.

“Yeah, I’ll order pizza and have we can eat it at Jin’s place,” Riley spoke while finding the nearest pizza spot to the apartment complex.“Wait, why my place?”“You have more space than my apartment and as you can see… this place is still a jumbled mess with all my boxes and things everywhere. There is no way we're are eating here until my place is perfect.”“Ha, this is the first time I am hearing Riley wanting to leave a place clean,” Jin laughed.“Hey I am a clean person!”“Right... like a side of a poop,” Seokjin sarcastically declared.

She threw the nearest object that was next to her at Seokjin; luckily it was a plushy white doll.

“Hey don’t throw RJ, he’s too precious. I gave him to you!!” Seokjin blared out while checking to make sure the alpaca doll was unharmed.“You’re just lucky it was RJ, otherwise it would’ve been a DVD of Robin Hood Men In Tights flying at your face.”“Guys can you please stop squabbling at each other. I’ve heard you guys yell at least 20 times in the past 2 hours while we move stuff around… my ears hurt from the pitch screams.”
They both apologized to Hoseok.
“I’ll order 2 large pizzas and some wings.”“That’s a lot of food Ryles, even for me.” Seokjin chirped.“I am not ordering just for us three, Amy is going to come over and help too.”

“Amy ?” Hoseok’s eyes went wide.

“Yeah, I helped her move into hers a few weeks ago and she wanted to return the favor when she heard I found an apartment.”“Oh well we should hurry up and finish moving the heavy furniture before she comes so she doesn’t have to help with that,” Hoseok started to move a heavy dresser into Riley’s new bedroom.

Seokjin and Riley blinked a few times at Hoseok before they turned to look at each other. It looked like they were having a psychic conversation with each other before they looked back at Hoseok.The red-head hair male looked at the couple in front of him.

“What?”

“Hobi… do you have a crush on Amy?” Riley said with smug on her face.“What… no ... why do you ask,” Hoseok nervously stated while trying to lift the dresser.“Cause you are acting all masculine right now,” Seokjin noted.“What’s that supposed to mean?”“It means you, Hoseok are trying to act all buff and aggressive by trying to move that dresser by yourself while we both know you rather move a vase instead.” Jin spoke with sardonic smile.“Hey!!” Both looked at the younger male with an unfazed look, just like Yoongi would if the male was present.“I-I… whatever, you want this dresser in your room right? Then help me out.”She turned her head to Seokjin, and he proceeds to do the same to her. Both silently agreeing that their sunshine friend had a puppy love for their certain quiet friend.

Riley laughed, “Fine you big baby I’ll drop the conversation.” She proceeded to walk over and help the distressed Hobi but instead, Seokjin cut her off and placed himself on the other side of the dresser.“Here,” Jin placed RJ in Riley’s hands “Apologize to RJ and keep him in a safe place, while I’ll help Hobi.”

She blinked at him.

“Go on... look at his face, he’s sad that you proceeded to launch him like a torpedo at his father.”“What you mean father?!
You gave me this as a gift, he only has a mom.”“But I bought him for you! I found him, hell I made him at that wannabe ‘Build-a-bear’ shop. That placed closed down a month after and I’m pretty sure this alpaca is a one-of-a-kind plushie.”“First of all… you already named him RJ before I could make a name, and this is my plushie!!”“He’s an RJ! Look at his face, what were you going to call him Snoopy? Cuz that black and white plushie’s name is already taken.” Seokjin sarcastically jokes.“You only named him RJ cuz those are the only letters you knew in English! You might as well call him RK too you cretinous dunderhead !”“Are you calling me stupid?!”“You’re the one who couldn’t say the alphabet in order when we were little, you kept saying A, B, T, S, R, J, K, M, N, O -”“-I had a minor dyslexia when I was little!”“Liar, you were lazy and didn’t study for the english test!”“I was 6! I didn’t care about English because no one spoke to me in that language other than the teacher.”“This is why you can’t be RJ’s father, he needs someone who can take care of him-”“Are you comparing 6-year-old me versus now me?”“What’s the difference... other than the height.” she sniggered.“Why you -”“What are you gonna call me? Princess? That’s not gonna work on me today... Twinkle Toes.”“Yah!! That’s unfair, you know I’m not as nimble as you and Hoseok on the dance floor!”“You’re the only who tried to dance with two left shoes-”“-The lights weren’t on the room and all the shoes were black, how did I know someone decided to group up all of our shoes together?! I just grabbed 2 of them and left-”

This argument proceeded to continue for awhile. To the point they didn’t realize that Amy came by and she instead helped Hoseok move the dresser over to new bedroom among other furniture.

“Oh foods here, should we tell them?” Amy looked at Hoseok.“Ehh, give them a few more minutes, it’s fun to see them argue sometimes.”

They both cut the pizza and proceed to toast each other with a slice while they watched the argument unfold.

“When do you think they will realize their feelings for each other?” Amy mumbled while eating a pepperoni.“HA! me and guys have been telling them since grade school, but they both too stubborn for their own good to understand their relationship. If it wasn’t for Riley dating JB and few random guys and Seokjin as his ladies’ man ways… they might be together.”“Although,” Hoseok spoke again after sipping on a can of sprite. “I’ve never really seen them look at each other in a romantic approach … maybe it’s all in our minds, but have you really seen two people of the opposite sex be that close like them and not have feelings for each other?”“No,” Amy said, “but then again … there’s only one Riley and one Seokjin.”

They both nodded their heads toward each other in agreeance. Hoseok noticed some red sauce on the corner of Amy’s mouth.

“You got some… umm…” motioning to the corner of her mouth.“Huh?” Amy was confused and proceeded to clean the other corner of her mouth.“No, uhh -” he proceeded to grab a napkin and take off the stain off her mouth. Not noticing how Amy’s face turned bring pink as he continued to clean.“There… you are now red sauce free,” he chuckled while staring at her face. He didn’t notice how their faces were within inches of each other.

Silence.

“Thanks,” Amy whispered.“Anytime,” Hoseok whispered as well.

Both lost in each other eyes until they heard a can of sprite fall onto the ground.

“HEY! What are you doing Hobi, - Amy when did you get here?” Riley noticed.“Yah you’re gonna leave a sticky residue on her kitchen floor Hobi --WHY DIDN’T YOU TELL US THE FOOD ARRIVED?!” Seokjin screeched, running towards the stack of pizza and wings.

--- End Flashback ---

She chuckled, amused about the nostalgic memories she gets when she looks at RJ.
“RJ-ah, your dad got stupid drunk again,” she spoke to the plushie.“Don’t tell him I let you call him dad… his ego would inflate even more than it is.”

Should I go up there and visit him?

No… Yoongi said he already fell asleep.

I’ll visit him tomorrow morning.

But maybe… I should check up on him still?

She stared at the plushie.

“RJ, do you want to visit daddy?”

The plushie just stared at her. She’s had too many conversations with this doll than she could remember. In a way... RJ is a physical diary to her, she could always look at RJ and remember her childhood… her happy moments and sad ones… Yes, RJ doesn’t speak back or show any emotion other than the smile on its face, but for some reason, she could always get the right answer just by talking and looking at him.
“Yep, you’re right… you will make him feel better.”
She grabbed her keys, phone, RJ, an oversize hoodie she stole from Seokjin and the spare key he gave her of his apartment and proceed to his floor.
She knocked first, making sure he wasn’t awake, noting the lights in the living room weren’t on. She proceeded to use the spare and open the door quietly to not disturb him, she wasn’t sure if Jin fell asleep in his bed or the couch.
Nope, there was nobody on the couch.
She walked toward his bedroom, saw that his door was wide open.

Yoongi probably dragged him back to his bed.

Seokjin was there in the middle of his bed, dressed in his pjs, somewhat curled up like a fetus. She walked towards him and sat at the side-end of his bed near one of his pillows he was half using on his head.

“You stupid, what happened today?” she whispered to him.“Why did you drink so much?

He looked peaceful, the opposite of what she last saw him. She wanted to run her fingers through his hair; he always liked that feeling of comfort. But she stopped herself before her fingers were centimeters to his hair. Confused by her reactions, her second guessing... she turned to take RJ out of the hoodie’s pocket.

“RJ missed you, so we came by to say hi…”She motioned the plushie to wave back at Seokjin.“RJ do you want to stay with dadd- I mean… Jin tonight.” She couldn’t help but feel her face flush by the statement she almost made in front of the sleeping male.

Ahh Riley what are you doing?

Why are feeling embarrassed right now?

Seokjin is asleep... he can’t hear a thing.

She let out a sigh, kissing RJ before putting the plushie right next to Seokjin’s chest. The male moved slightly to lean into RJ, she could hear him with the little snores coming from his mouth.

She chuckled.“I’ll take RJ back tomorrow… RJ… take good care of Jinjin...ok?”
Of course the plushie doll made no acknowledgment, just laid there next to the cuddled Seokjin. She stared at the RJ and Seokjin for a few more seconds before she let out a small groan.
“What’s going on with you twinkle toes?” she spoke softly.“You’ve been acting strange… like you’re there… but not …”“I feel like we're not talking to each other like we used to…”“I thought we got past everything… but you seem to take a couple of steps away… from me .”

“Did I do something wrong…” she trembled, looking at him... hoping she can get a response, but no... the male was under a sleeping spell.

“I’m sorry…”

She didn’t know why but she felt that she needed to tell him that. That maybe those two words can solve what was hiding behind Seokjin’s eyes.

“I want to see you smile… your smile … not the 10 other smiley expressions.”“Why are you putting on a face?”

I wish you were awake so I can talk to you.

She lightly kissed his forehead; like how he did for her the other time. She proceeded to scoot herself off the bed but she felt a hand grab hers, pulling her back down.

“Stay.”

She thought she heard that word amongst the mumble in his mouth.

“Seokjin? Are you awake?”

“Bacon is the best thing...” Jin mumbled.
He slightly moves, his hand still laced together with hers, his grip wasn’t as strong as before but still enough for him to hold onto her still.
“Hey Jin, it’s me… Riley.”“Did you hear what I said?”

No response.

Who are you talking to?

Is he talking to me?

Is he talking to the guys?

Is he talking to his ex?

He’s still drunk isn’t he?

He’s drunk dreaming…

He’s drunk dreaming about food again…

She rolls her eyes, shaking off what little thought to her inebriated friend. She tries to pry off her hand from his. She succeeded, only to see his hand move from hers to her waist, pulling her whole body next to his.

Seokjin moves again, muttering the word “bacon” “mine” over and over.

She was shocked at this quandary she was in. Her body was once again in the same bed with Seokjin; only this time she was sober and awake and he was sleeping and drunk talking about “bacon.” His hand was still on her waist, not firm or tight, but just there … she could easily maneuver her way out but for some reason, she just laid there next to the sleeping body… wondering why her body didn’t want to leave this position and her heart beating faster than normal.
She was staring at Seokjin, observing every detail of his face, the tiny baby hairs sticking out the other way from the rest, his 5 o’clock shadow slowly appearing, how long his eyelashes were, how his nostrils were moving with his breathing pattern… and how his lips were just there almost calling to her to kiss him.
She didn’t realize she moved her face closer to his every time she stared at his facial details… that she felt his breath on her face. Her hand instinctively went through his hair... her fingers gliding through each strand.
His pillow lips just centimeters to hers.

She was close to him.
Too close than normal.

But…

She didn’t want to move away.

What is he dreaming about?

Who is he dreaming about?

Why do I want him to dream about me?
She looks at him with pleading eyes. Hoping he would give a sign… open his eyes and see what a weird situation they are both put in again. Hoping for him to open his eyes, be embarrassed and push himself away once he realized it was her, his best friend in bed with him.

But also…

Hoping for him to open his eyes and give his smile she always found comfort from and pull her closer to him… letting her stay in his embrace till the morning comes and greets them.
To tell his lips to kiss her on her forehead again… give her solace, but craving him to place his lips on hers
once more … give her confirmation.

Wait… confirmation... on what?

OMG.

What am I doing?

Why am I thinking like that?

This is Seokjin.

She was frozen by her behavior, her intimate thoughts of him and her again. She stayed on the bed with him, still unable to figure out if she wanted to leave or to stay. Her eyes felt heavier than ever, her body molding to the comfort of the mattress and before long, Riley is fast asleep… her fingers resting between his neck and hair… still cuddled next to Seokjin with RJ in between them.
Moments later... small snores emit from Riley’s mouth. Seokjin slowly opens one of his eyes, peeking out to see if she was truly asleep.

Rewind Time.

Yes, Seokjin wanted to rewind time and change what happened tonight.

But perhaps keep this moment.

He knew he was acting selfish, but he wouldn’t mind having this moment between them in his memory.

That...

Or he wouldn’t mind waiting for this moment to happen again.

He released his hand that was on her waist to grab her wrist slowly off his neck and proceeded to place it back on the bed next to her body, right next to RJ.
But before he could place her hand back down... he ghostly kissed her fingers, knowing the slightest of touch could wake her up but just wanting to give her some affection.

You didn't do anything wrong…

It's not your fault...

I'm sorry Riley…

I wish I could tell you…

But…

I'm such a coward…

He did the same thing she did… he stared at her… noting all her facial details.
Her tiny nose wiggling from the tickle of pillow grazing her. The smell of green tea lotion on her skin. A few strands of hair falling down onto her face, sticking to her moist lips. He took those hair strands and placed it back behind her ears, giving her the attentiveness that she deserves. Her lips… so tempting to give her a goodnight kiss.

Seokjin.

Foolish Seokjin.
Foolishly in love.

And he doesn’t even know he is.

In love...

He's never experienced it before… so how would he know he is?

All that he knew was he was utterly infatuated with Riley.

Infatuated… but not in love.

Because after all... he is in control of his irrational behavior.

He is in control of himself.

Right?

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

I'm sorry Riley…

I wish I could tell you…

But…

I'm such a coward…

Riley woke up, dazed at her dream, thoughts, and where she was. Plush pillows and a dark grey down comforter engulfing her body. She looked around with her half-lidded eyes, only seconds realizing where she was located.

Oh yeah… I came over to his place last night with RJ.

She turned around, noticing that Seokjin wasn’t sleeping beside her anymore but just RJ next to her and a blanket over her body.

He must've woke early and placed it on me.

She looked at his nightstand clock… 9 AM…

Argh... It’s so early.

She groaned, shoving her face back down on the comfy pillow and trying to get a couple more minutes of snooze until she craned her head up, thinking she dreamed of Seokjin apologizing to her last night.

That was a dream.

Right?

Why would he be a coward to talk to me?

She looked back at the clock… 9:05 AM.

Riley, you’re just messing with yourself… it's too early to think.

She couldn’t help but snuggle herself into the bed even more, noting how his bed was much cozier than hers. She grabs RJ who is beside her and cradles the plushie next to her body.

It smells like him.

Strawberries and coffee…

She also smelled something… something aromatic...
something cooking in the kitchen. She got out of Jin’s bed and made her way to the kitchen. His back was facing her, Seokjin wearing his jogger pants and an athletic tee; probably just came back from a morning run. He was just humming to the music that was playing on his phone while trying to finish cooking the rest of the breakfast. Hearing footsteps, he turned around to look at the half-awake female, seeing her yawn and try to put her hair up in a ponytail.
“Hey, you’re awake,” he grinned.“Morning, couldn’t resist the smell of food,” she smiled.“I just refilled the coffee pot, grab a cup.”Riley nodded, walking over to the coffee station.“You want a refill?”“In a bit… I am almost done making your favorite breakfast.”

Riley’s eyes sparkled. The best thing about having Seokjin as your best friend… he’s a brilliant cook. Riley doesn’t need to ask him what to eat considering he already has hundreds of recipes in his head he wants to try out.

“Oh really... french toast?” She spoke as she sat herself down on the kitchen island.“No… pancakes.”“Oh…” Riley gave a small pout.

Seokjin squinted his eyes at her.

“You love pancakes... you always had them when you came over to play when we were younger…”“Actually… you love pancakes… I just ate them because you already were making them.”

This was news to Seokjin… he thought he knew everything about Riley.

Apparently, that was false.

“You never told me that.”“I feel like I didn’t need to… you were always happy to make them… make different flavors and toppings to them. I just prefer to eat french toast.”He blinked.

The hell?

“You’re not cooking bacon?” Riley observed.“Why would I?”“Because you kept muttering bacon over and over again last night.”“Wh-what?” Seokjin stuttered forgetting that he was mumbling in his sleep when she came over last night.“Yeah, you muttered ‘bacon is amazing ’ a couple of times and ‘bacon is mine’,” she imitated Jin’s voice.

“I-I… I don’t have any bacon in the fridge.”

“Oh… well, that sucks cause now I’m craving for them,” she drank her coffee and took her phone out to look at her emails and social media.
Seokjin sighed he turned back to finish cooking the breakfast... he was grateful she didn’t know ‘bacon ’ was in fact her.

Control yourself, Seokjin.

You can’t tell her.

Not when you don’t even know if everything you’re feeling is true.

Of course, it’s real.

You’re just being an idiot.

He was having too many battles in his head. The stupid “rational” side of him kept popping on his shoulder (a little mini version of him wearing a suit and glasses), telling him this and that.

Great… I am even arguing with myself.

“So what happened last night?”“What?” Her voice asking him took him out of his thoughts.“Why did you get drunk… why did you get all annoyed when I saw you?”“It wasn’t-”“- Was it because I skipped out on your request for movie-night?”“No…-”“- Cause I already made plans.”“- I could see you were out on a date already,” Seokjin noted with a bit of envy.“Is that why…” she paused her statement before talking. “You thought I bailed on you because I was on a date?”“No… ”
He paused.

Yes.

Read my eyes and see that I am annoyed that you decided to hang out with Chimichurri boy instead of me.

No... Seokjin don’t be a jealous asshole.

Ah shit...

Come up with an excuse… she’s staring at you intently.

“It was… that you didn’t tell me... because then I would’ve helped you picked out an outfit or help practice your manners,” he quickly recovered himself.“What does that mean?”“It means you haven’t been on a date in forever… you lost your mojo and I could’ve helped you out.”“Wait,” Riley scoffed. “So what you are my love/dating guru now?”“Well aren’t I? The last time you went on a date, you practically forced me to help you pick an outfit, almost tailed your whole date since you met the dude online and wanted to make sure you weren’t gonna get kidnapped by a serial killer.”“I am sorry but that was what you decided to do! I didn’t tell you to follow us the entire time. I just asked you to periodically text me and I pinged my location to you just in case.”Seokjin rolled his eyes, “Yeah sure… I am sorry for being a terrible best friend, trying to make sure your date isn’t a serial killer.”

Both glaring at each other.

“Ugh whatever…” Riley went back on her phone, debating whether or not to just text one of her friends to meet up today or just stay indoors all day.He finished cooking breakfast, setting down both plates on the kitchen island as he took a seat next to her.
She muttered a small thank you to him and proceeded to eat the pancakes.

Silence.

“So… how was your date with Jimbo?”“His name is Jimin … and it wasn’t a date.”“Really?” Seokjin’s eyes perked up a bit.“Well... not that I think of… I mean sure we originally met to talk about the project for Taehyung and then we decided to get dinner together and then he took me home…”She paused and turned to look at him.

“Do you think it was a date?”

Seokjin blinked.

Of course, it’s a date.

He obviously likes you.

No... don’t tell her that... tell her he was just being a nice guy.

But wouldn’t that make her want him even more?

Don’t you want to deter her from getting to know him?

No, don’t be a jerk, you’re her friend.

This Jimin guy seems nice, even your friends like him.

What are you doing?

Are you trying to support yourself or support the other dude?

Ahh , I need to stop arguing with myself.

“Jin…”“Hmm?”“You ok? You kinda just froze for a bit.”“Sorry I just was thinking about… bacon.”“Do you want me to go grocery shopping with you today?”“No no no, I can go by myself.”“Hmm... you and bacon... It’s almost like you are talking about something else instead of bacon.”“You wouldn’t even believe what you are saying is true...” he mumbled.“Did you say something?”“Nope! Nope... just talking about what to add on the grocery list.”

Riley shrugged her shoulders and went back to finishing her breakfast.

“So what do you think?”“... About?”“Do you consider that a date? The meeting, dinner, and cab home… if you were in Jimin’s place… do you consider that evening a date?”

I wish I was in his place.

“Uhh… maybe?”

AHH, why did you say that you stupid?!

Now you gave her more ammo to pursue him.

She’s going to constantly think about him now.

“I mean - maybe it was, maybe it wasn’t … you shouldn’t overthink… otherwise, you are going to just mislead the dude.”

Riley sat there, playing with her food, trying to hear what Jin was saying to her.“I guess you’re right… I mean… it was our first meeting. I’ll get a better understanding after our next meet up.”“Wait... you’re meeting him again… so soon?”“Well yeah, we’re working on a dance choreography…” Riley noted.
“What… are you scared that Jimin is going to take time away from us?” she smirked.

“No…”

YES … YES YES.

Just tell her the truth and say you want to hang out together…

Alone… just the two of you.

Just like old times… plus the stupid catching-the-feelings for you.

He didn’t notice his ear turning red.
“Awww... is my Jinjin embarrassed to say that he misses his best friend’s company?” Riley cooed at Seokjin while trying to pinch his cheeks.“Hey stop it,” smacking her hand away from his face. “I am not embarrassed. I was thinking about something else.”“Like what?”“None of your business.” He remarked, poking at his strawberry pancakes.“Fine you big baby…” Riley pouted.

Silence.

“I miss you too.”His heart beating fast when he heard her say those words.

“If I haven’t told you lately… I do… I miss you.”

Was he hearing things? I mean they’ve told each other they miss each other when they go on separate vacations or they haven’t seen each other in a couple of days/weeks, but it sounded like she said it in a way he felt…

Like she had feelings for him too.

Am I overthinking again?

I am… right?

I mean… she wouldn’t...

Would she?

“I’m gonna head to the campus library today, work on my thesis. You wanna join me?”“Maybe later, after I get some grocery shopping and other errands are done.”Riley nodded. “Okay, I’ll see you later then… maybe movie-night tonight?” He nods his head and smiles. She downed the rest of her coffee and proceeded to leave the apartment.“Hey, can you...” Seokjin wanted to say something.“Bye!” and she went out the door, walking to her apartment.

Great... She left her dirty dishes again on the table.

He sighed. After finishing his breakfast, washing both of their plates, he moved back into his bedroom to change out of his workout clothes. He sees RJ still sitting on his bed, proceeded to take the plushie in his hands and stared at the doll.
“RJ… you know why I named you RJ yeah? ... Because your mommy is named Riley and your daddy is named Jin… well, Seokjin.. but RS doesn’t sound like a good name compared to RJ.”“You would tell me if Riley was liking someone right? You wouldn’t hold out on telling me what’s going on… you wouldn’t betray daddy?”

The plushie just stared at Seokjin, the same reaction it did to Riley last night.

I’m talking to a doll...

I’m a grown ass man talking to a plushie…

About a girl that I have feelings for…

I’m talking to a doll...

And it’s not even mine...

What the hell is going on with me?

He gave a loud groan. Mentally slapping himself for his stupidity and his irrational behavior. He was being pathetic. He didn’t even know why he drank so much last again. No… he did know. He was drowning out his sorrows, seeing her look happy with Jimin instead of having her by his side.

But then again…

Riley comes walking in late last night to his apartment… to his bed … just to make sure how he was. It seemed like she wanted a reply last night… and he could have sworn he felt her staring at him intently. He was surprised he kept himself cool and didn’t open his eyes or even hug her body to move closer to his. He was surprised she didn’t hear his heart beating faster the moment her hand started to flow through his hair. How he knew her face was just centimeters from his… too close.

He should have known that the moment he remembered how her lips felt against his, the taste of Riley’s mouth… he was trapped.

There was no going back to thinking Riley as just a friend.

No… he wanted more…

He’s just in denial.

I need to get my mind off of her…

I need to figure out what I am feeling is real...

He grabs his phone and dials a number.“Hey, you free to meet up?”

-----
“Price check on cashier #2,” echoes in the grocery store.
Seokjin slowly goes through the meat section, looking at the varieties of pork on each shelf and column to make dinner for the week.
“Hyung, there you are.” Seokjin turned to his right to see his cousin next to him.“Namjoon… here,” Seokjin responded taking something out of his backpack; giving his sachon dongsaeng a small tupperware of cookies.“Hyung… what’s this for?”“A gesture of me apologizing for being an ass last night.”“You weren’t-”“- Just take it Joon.”

Namjoon nodded not wanting to make a scene; a dimpled smile appeared on his face.
“So why did you want to meet me at the grocery store? I thought you would want to go to the park or coffee shop?”“I needed to pick up bacon.”“Bacon? ”“Bacon.”“Bacon?”“Yes, Joon... bacon!” Seokjin grunted.

Silence.

“Why bacon?”Seokjin sighed.“Because apparently I was dreaming and talking about bacon last night… so in order to get bacon off my mind… I need to buy bacon right now.”Namjoon blinked at Seokjin.“Uhh… okay…”

Seokjin sighed. Why did he ask Namjoon out to help him buy groceries? The younger one rarely if not ever cooks food.
Maybe he needed a friendly face to not judge him as the others would… Jungkook would tease him… Yoongi would want him to face the truth… and Hoseok doesn’t know the situation.

It all boiled down to Namjoon.

Clumsy, caring, cousin of Seokjin’s.

“Joon, about last night…” Seokjin said while pushing the cart around the grocery store.“Yeah hyung?”

“What do you think about Riley… me having feelings for her?”

“I already told you, I am happy for you.”“I know that… but… how do I know if what I am feeling … is real?”“Ummm…I don’t follow what you are asking hyung?”

“What happens if I confess to her, only to realize my feelings were misguided by stupid pheromones and I make a mistake -”“Uhh…”“- Or I confess to her and she denies the crap out of me, only to have her yell at me telling me how much I am a pervert-”“Hyung-”“-That she thought she could trust me but apparently all I want is to get into her nice lace panties.”
“Wait lace panties?”

“- Or maybe she thinks I’m pulling an April Fool’s joke on her and just laughs at my face and broadcast to everything I am some kind of joke.”“Jin hyung!” Namjoon spoke firmly without echoing his voice in the public area.

Seokjin stopped himself… he knew he was rambling… again … and almost saying too much like last night. He pouted his face like a child. Namjoon chuckled at his older cousin’s pouty face.
“You know Riley... she won’t act like any of those scenarios at all.”

Silence.

“Hyung… I know you are still worried about your feelings but think of this way… your feelings for Riley is like bread.”

“Bread?”

Namjoon proceeded to walk to the bakery section, taking a loaf of bread in his hands.
“Feelings just don’t sit there like a stone; it has to be made, like bread … remade all the time, made new. It rises, falls, can sometimes grow stale, can be so sweet and delectable, and it can nourish and energize you. It all depends on how and when you use it. Feelings need time to grow to rise, so does bread. It will take some patience to develop but when it’s done, it will be worth it… much like bread.”Seokjin just stares at Namjoon. Trying to comprehend what he was saying to him.“So maybe… all this time hyung… you were creating ‘this bread’ and right now it’s ready to be open and available to be shared with that certain someone.”

Kim Namjoon.

Clumsy, caring, cousin of Seokjin’s.
And perhaps now…

Maybe not a clumsy nuisance as Seokjin thought.

“Any girl would lucky to have you Namjoon, I’ll tell imo to try not to embarrass you again at the office during our next family dinner.”Namjoon smiles.
“Thanks hyung.”

They continue to go down each aisle, Jin grabbing the necessary items needed to make meals for the week.
“I get what you mean Joon… but I just still feel uncertain about whether or not I want to tell her.”“Maybe writing a list of pros and cons about confessing to her or not will help out your thoughts.”“I don’t know…” Seokjin kept shaking his head while choosing which vegetable to get.“Hmm how about this…” Namjoon takes out his wallet and a penny slips out into his hand.
“When faced with two choices, simply toss a coin. It works not because it settles the question for you, but because in that brief moment when the coin is in the air, you suddenly know what you are hoping for.”
Seokjin looked at Namjoon with concern.“Isn’t that a line from No Country for Old Men? ”Namjoon sighed. “Yes… but-”Seokjin looks at him with uneasiness.“Look you don’t need to tell me what’s head or what’s tails… one is yes you will confess, the other is no you don't. Just think of them in your head. Tell me when you decided what is what and I’ll flip the coin for you.”“Okay… yeah sure...” Seokjin closed his eyes, thinking what's is heads or tails.

Heads… I’ll confess to her.

Tails… I don’t and just wallow forever until this “vanishes.”

He looks at Namjoon, “okay I’m ready… flip the coin.”
Namjoon flips it, catching it in his hands and covers the coin until Jin motions him to reveal it. He looks at his cousin’s face, trying to see if the coin gave the correct answer Seokjin wanted. Seokjin stares at the coin, disappointed by the answer it gave him.
“So…?”“It told me no… don’t tell her,” he spoke with a frown.“There’s your answer, you should tell her.”

Seokjin blinked, looking at Namjoon with confusion.

“Joon, it was tails… I made tails as ‘not to confess’... the coin told me to not tell her; not confess my feelings.”“Hyung... don't go by how the coin flips; you go by your emotional reaction to the coin flip. Are you happy or sad it came up tails? You can’t see yourself in the mirror right now but from where I am looking at… your face was displeased when it came up tails.” Huh, maybe Namjoon’s idea was right, it did uncover his true answer.“Jin hyung… I know it will be hard for you tell Riley… but don’t worry. I know you guys will be fine.” He puts his hand on Seokjin’s shoulder.“I got your back cousin!” Joon proudly yells inside the grocery store, accidentally startling an 80-year-old woman that was just behind them, trying to pick out a bouquet of bok choy. Namjoon bows his head and said sorry to the elderly lady. Seokjin chuckles at his baby cousin.

Maybe I should tell her.

… Just when?

------
Riley stayed at the library all day. She needed to finish her thesis paper. Only a couple more months of school and then graduation. Weary and hungry Riley grab all of her materials and proceeded to leave the library, searching on her phone for a restaurant nearby to crave her hunger before she decided to go back to her apartment and sleep. Her phone vibrates and text message icon pops on her screen.

[Seokjinnie] (7:33pm): Still on campus?

[Riley] (7:33pm): Heading out right now to go grab a bite.

[Seokjinnie] (7:33pm): Perfect. I just made dinner. Come over.

[Riley] (7:34pm): It’s okay, I’ll just grab dinner at the nearest mart.

[Seokjinnie] (7:34pm): I made pasta.

[Seokjinnie] (7:34pm): Carbonara specifically.

She was halfway writing her reply, declining until he texted her back with something she’s been craving ever since this morning.

[Seokjinnie] (7:35pm): With bacon.🥓🥓

Her stomach growled once she read that Jin made dinner.
She stares at her stomach.

Yeah yeah yeah… we all know that eating Seokjin’s homemade food is better than instant noodles at the 7-Eleven.

She stares at her phone, wondering if she should come over to his place or just go with her initial choice at the local mart.

[Riley] (7:35pm): You had me at bacon.

[Riley] (7:35pm): Be there in 30.

[Seokjinnie] (7:36pm): See you soon.

-----
She drops off her backpack at her place and goes to Seokjin’s floor level and knocks on his door.
“It’s unlocked,” Seokjin yells from the kitchen. Riley opens the door and walks in leisurely into the kitchen.“You know… if it wasn’t me at the door then you might’ve let in a complete stranger… a serial killer … even worse… one of your ex-girlfriends.”“Please, I can tell it was you at the door with my eyes closed and if one of my ears lost its hearing.”“How would you know-”“- I just do.” He spoke with confidence as he gazes at her.Riley felt her heart skip a beat.

Ahh, why is he looking at me like that?

Why is my stomach feeling something different?

Why did my heart do that?

Damn cinnamon swirls.

She didn't realize until her eyes scanned his place that Seokjin made the dining table spotless… and dressed up. Normally just a wooden 6-seater table… Jin added a nice gray table cloth on top, a small candle, two wine glasses and a vase with flowers in it as the centerpiece.
“Jin… what's all this?”“All what?” he calmly asked while placing the pasta on the plates.“The tablecloth and the flowers?”

He's not…

No Riley… don't think like that…

Seokjin is not trying to woo you…

He totally isn't…

Why would he?

He doesn't have any interest in you…

You're the only one who has her heart occasionally skipping a beat when you look into his eyes...

The table was dressed nicely, but Seokjin still looked the same… instead of wearing his work out clothes this morning, he’s dressed in dark jeans with rips everywhere that can show his toned thighs and calves, with a fitted tee that you can see his defined pecs and small waist, and a pink denim jacket to enhance his broad shoulders.
He dressed the same as usual...
But Riley felt herself looking at him differently with those articles of clothing… intimately remembering how firm his shoulders are and the way his hands felt touching her and her body. She felt her face blush, a small warmth tickled her cheeks… and also her lower part of her body.

“Riley… Ryles… hello?” Seokjin waved his hands in front of her, concerned by her frozen stupor. He was about to grab her hands into his when she suddenly came to life.“Huh? Yeah I’m here... I am present!” She exclaimed and she jumped back when she realized how close he was to her.

AH why I am being loud?

How long was I staring at him?

Why am I gawking at him like that?

Calm down, calm down...

He laughs at her demeanor.

Cute.

He moves around her as he places the two plates on the wooden table.
“Foods ready, sit down.”“You decorated your table,” Riley mentioned.“Yeah, getting ready to do some spring cleaning... making the place a bit more colorful,” he pointed at the flowers.She nodded.

See it’s just your imagination.

It’s almost spring now… he’s just making his place look nice.

They sat across from each other, eating and drinking; making small talk regarding their senior thesis papers and talking about the updates on their friends’ lives.

“Ryles… I need to tell you something.”“Sure what’s up?” She spoke, trying to ease into her last pieces of pasta.“I wanted to tell you why I’ve been weird lately… especially to you.”She stops eating, placing her fork down and wiping her mouth with a napkin. Riley gives all her attention to him; facing directly with worriment. He grabbed a last-minute sip of his red wine before talking.

Okay.. just tell her.

“The thing is…” He paused.

“I-I… I-”

You can do this Seokjin.

Suck it up!

“When we-”

Fighting, fighting!

“Uh…”

Shit don’t freeze up, talk from the heart.

“Riley I care about y-”A phone vibrates on the table… Riley’s phone to be exact.

“Oh wait... Jin can you hold on for a second?” Riley asks as she grabs her phone from the end of the table.“Hello? ” she gently answered.

There was no coin flipping at that moment…

Why?

Because the universe already made a decision without Seokjin’s opinion.

And at that moment...

“Hey Jimin… what’s up?” Her face lighting up when she said his name out loud.

The universe gave him tails.

Seokjin saw her face; her eyes brightened up, a big smile on her lips, her grabbing a loose strand of hair in front of her face and started to twirl it.

At that moment all her attention was toward the voice on the other side of the phone.

The comfy circle Seokjin was trying to make tonight to tell her about his feelings… his confession… popped like a bubble.

There were all the signs she was exhibiting which said what he didn’t want it to be true.

Riley has feelings for Jimin.

And he hated himself for not telling how he feels for her 30 seconds before Jimin called her phone.

Perhaps that 30 seconds would have changed her actions… her thoughts about him.

She wouldn’t have answered Jimin’s phone call while Jin was professing his feelings to her.

He may have gotten a chance to see if she reciprocated his feelings.

If…

But no…

Seokjin was 30 seconds too late...

Rewind Time.

And all he could say in his head was…

Riley I like you...

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

“Sorry... sorry!!” Echos in the hallways and through the concrete pathways.
Riley is running past other students to get to her appointment. She was already 10 minutes late. She ran past the main square of the campus, ran past the main food hub and down a flight of staircases, to a familiar building she goes to frequently.
“I’m here!” she yells out heavily as she opens the door, trying to catch her breath.

A laugh comes out right behind her, a figure standing next to the doorway.

“This is the third time you’re late. Should I be expecting this from you from now on?”“What are you talking about? I just got caught up in pedestrian traffic.”“Uh-huh… sure,” a smile turns up on his face.

She settles her backpack and duffle bag down in the corner of the studio. Trying to retrieve her water bottle and a protein snack bar.

“Hey babe,” she smiles at the tall figure.“Hey right back,” he said smiling back and pecking her lips.“You left without saying goodbye this morning.”“I’m sorry but I was in a rush considering I slept over at your place.”“Well, I like waking up... seeing you next to me.”“Oh really?”“Yeah… your body is so soft next to mine…”

“Jimin…”

“What?” he chuckles. “There’s no one here beside us.”“I know but… you can’t say it out loud like that in public. People will gossip.”“Are you shy?” “No.”
“Really?” his hands around her waist, pulling her closer to him, her hand naturally goes around his shoulders to his neck.
“Yes… I, Han Riley never gets shy.”“Hmm… okay then,” Jimin smirks and whispers in her ears.

Riley’s face starts to turn pink, her cheeks feeling hotter than ever.
“Yah! you can’t say that here!” she slaps him on his shoulder.“Haha see? You are shy,” he smirks.“Whatever,” she tries turns her face away from him but one of his hands move from her waist to her face, moving her face back to her previous spot, both pair of eyes staring at each other.“Sorry… let me make it up to you,” he softly says.“How are you going to do that?”“I have an idea…” his eyes move down to her lips as she flicks her tongue over it. “We didn’t finish what we were doing last night.”

She couldn’t help but roll her eyes, but hearing him say that made her stomach flip. They kiss, mouths moving together for a while until she parts from his lips. She opens her eyes and stares at him, him looking back.

“I love you Seokjin,” Riley said.

“I love you too baby,” Seokjin smiles.

Wait... what?

Jimin was gone and Seokjin suddenly was in front of her, a hand on her waist, a hand on the back of her neck and looking at her with such love in his eyes that she’s ever seen. She couldn’t help but grind her body towards him and kiss his pillow lips again with fervor.
“Oh, so you want to do it here then?” he said once they part their lips from each other; his eyes piercing at her.“No…” with a mischievous smile on her face.“Han Riley… you’re not shy… you’re a dirty girl.”“Yah!” she tries to slap him on his shoulder but he catches her hand mid-way.“Awww,” Jin coos, “my baby is naughty… I need to teach you a lesson.”“Lesson?” she tilts her head.“Yeah,” he steps away from her and proceeded to lock the dance studio door behind them. “Right here… right now.”

He walks back to her, she's still in the same spot, unmoved because she couldn't help but feel her legs weak from him talking to her like that. He holds her body tight against his.

“You brought your dance clothes?” he mumbles as he presses his lips on her cheek… moving down to her neck.“Yea- mhmm,”
a moan slips from her mouth while he nips on her skin, probably putting another mark on her flesh.“Good… you’re going to need a new pair of clothes to wear after I’m done with you,” he proclaims.
He picks her up, hands on the back of her thighs and hips… moving closer to place Riley on the window sill. Luckily the studio room they rented was on the top floor, view only showing the empty soccer field down below. He continues to give butterfly kisses around her upper body.
“Jin… ” she whines, grinding her lower body on his.“What baby?” He asks softly, looking at her eyes.“I want you… ” she says in a low voice, one hand gliding through his hair while the other starts moving down his chest… to his abs… to the zipper and button of his jeans.“Well, I guess I can't keep my princess waiting then.” He smirked while she's already giving him her “fuck me” eyes.

Few pieces of clothing start peeling off and it wasn't long till Riley starts moaning out his name while he showed her a good time again, his face between her legs… his tongue doing intricate movements around and in her bloom, hands gripping tight on her thighs and ass while Riley's hands found Jin's hair… grabbing a fist full of his hair and pushing her hips forward to his mouth.

“Jin… Jin … SEOK-ah” she cried out of pleasure.

AHHHHH!!

Riley wakes up, her whole body covered in sweat. Her chest moving up and down at a fast pace due to her loss of breath.

Not again…

Why do I keep having that dream?

It's becoming almost a frequent dream for the past few weeks. It started out like normal, her usual late self running to a destination… coffee shop, library, or class… and she would find herself meeting up with someone… talking to a friend, colleague, or Jimin. Eventually, the dream would change the person she was with and Jin would replace them and after that, they would kiss or make out. This is the first time the dream went further… where they were having sex with each other…

But the most important part…

This dream had them both saying “I love you” to each other.

What the hell dream was that?

Why do I keep having it?

Why Jin?

Why did I say “I love you” to him?

Why did it sound so natural to say?

She looks at her phone… 10:15 AM.

Crap… I’m going to be late again.

She started to get out of bed before realizing that her underwear was damp due to her “surprise” dream. Crap. I need to shower. She couldn’t meet up someone smelling like she just had some “fun-time” in bed.

-----
Riley was running across campus, running to a particular building.
“I’m here!” she yells out heavily as she opens the door, trying to catch her breath.A laugh comes out right behind her, a figure standing next to the doorway.“This is the third time you’re late. Should I be expecting this from you from now on?”

Shit... this was just like her dream this morning.

“Hey Jimin… sorry again,” she bows her head, giving her puppy eyes to him.He chuckles, “It’s okay, I just got here too.”“I got you this,” he pulls out a chocolate chip cookie out of his duffle.“I figured you might need something sweet to energize you.”“Thanks,” she gives a small smile. “I don’t have anything for you but umm… a high five?” she lifts her hand up.“Wow a personal high five for me? That’s better than a cookie.”He takes up on Riley’s offer and high five her back. They both laugh at their dorkiness.

“Alright, so we got most of the choreography down. Just need to tweak a bit more when we move in sync with each other.”
Riley nods at Jimin’s statement; both start to stretch on their own and together.

The past month, she’s been seeing less Jin and more Jimin. Maybe that’s why she was dreaming of Seokjin, but it wasn’t as if they weren't hanging out or speaking to each other… just less. She did notice how he fell off the face of the earth for a bit, got sick for a couple of weeks she kept bringing over soup to him much to his dismay, then stuck himself at the libraries or gym, rarely going out to meet her or the others. Graduation was approaching, both just turned their thesis papers to their department; just awaiting the final confirmation.
Though… it wasn’t just him that was avoiding; she was too. She couldn’t help but give some space between her and Seokjin, especially with all the recurring dreams she’s been getting about him. And whenever they did meet up was for a quick bite or drinks… someone was always there with them. Coincidence or reason?

Riley didn't know.
She just wants to know why she’s been having intimate dreams of him lately. Keeping it in and not telling anyone was killing her. She could ask her friends (probably Amy) but they would just tell her it was the lack of sex she was getting and the decade long emotions were finally coming to the surface. She laughed at herself… no… there was no way she has feelings for Seokjin. It was impossible, it was just pheromones due to Seokjin being the constant male in her life… and the last person she fucked.
That has to be the reason. If she did have romantic feelings for him wouldn’t it been similar if not the same as what she is feeling for Jimin. She likes Jimin, she enjoys hanging out with him. Yes, they haven’t actually gone out on a date yet. Part of her wishes Jimin would ask her out… but at the same time ... when he does seems to approach her regarding that topic she brushes it aside and changes the topic to something else, something more “friendly” than “more than friends” level. Maybe all the nervousness and fear she is having is because she hasn’t been on a date in forever… or maybe a certain constant male has been in her unconscious mind more than ever.

Where is the normalcy?

Well... her girlfriends were still around as usual (the triple threat gals), the dance club still in the same place. A dance showcase was approaching soon and most of the members were hyping themselves up, trying to practice their performance or helping one another. Hoseok managed to convince Jimin and Riley to perform their choreography at the showcase; itching on the idea of them joining him on the summer world tour with KNCDC.

“Ready to practice?”“Yeah, round 32 right?” Riley laughed.“Yeah or like 78,” Jimin sarcastically joked.“Let’s grab a smoothie after this practice?”“Sure,” he nodded “Oh and kimbap!”“Oh yes kimbap! Who can turn down kimbap?!” Riley laughed.

“Hey Riley…”
“Yeah Jimin?”

“Are you free next Friday?”“Hmm… that I know of… what’s up? Want to add another dance practice before the showcase?”“Actually… I was wondering if you want to go have dinner with me that night… like a date.”

Riley blinked and Jimin just stood there waiting for her response.

“Oh... umm Jimin…”“Sorry, maybe I am reading things wrong… I-I thought maybe you felt the same way but I want to get to know you, more than just friends.”“I…-”“I-I guess all this time practicing for this dance, spending time with you outside of it as well… grabbing lunch and dinner together... I realize that I like you Riley… and I wanted you to know that.”

Jimin slouched his body for a bit, head turned down and stared at his feet. He was nervous… it’s been a while since he’s gone out on a date with anyone. It looks a lot of long conversations with Taehyung for Jimin to prepare himself to ask Riley out. There have been a few times Jimin asked topics similar to dating, he noticed Riley flirts with him when they hang out by themselves or with other people like Taehyung or Hoseok, but he had a feeling Riley was also figuring her situation with a friend.
He’s only met Seokjin a couple of times, but it has been more of a 2-minute conversation before the older male walks off to do an errand or meets up with his friend named Yoongi. Riley has told him how she and Seokjin have always had a strong bond and they are just best friends, but he could tell that Jin felt uncomfortable when Jin sees him with Riley. Regardless of what was going on with Riley and Jin, Jimin didn’t want to push aside his feelings for Riley… she was a one-of-a-kind woman who understood dance similar to him. He was instantly mesmerized by her when he saw her at the dance club and overtime... he got to know how down-to-earth she was and it felt such ease to find commonalities between each other.

Silence.

“What time?”

Jimin’s head perked up.

“What?”“What time do you want to meet up?”

Jimin blinked.

“Time?”“Time for our date silly,” Riley chuckled.

She needed to stop what was holding her back…

Herself.

She likes Jimin, she truly does… and perhaps since JB she hasn’t found someone that she was willing to get to know.
Jimin has been patient, never overstepping himself when he would dance around the topic of meeting up. He had all the qualities she was looking for, it was his passionate side to dance that really drew her attention to him… something that she hasn’t seen in anyone else. So why not give it a go? Why not take the risk? It was just one date. Hopefully it would lead to more if not they can still be friends… right?
“Umm… how about 7pm? I can pick you up from your apartment… do you have a restaurant you want to go?”“Surprise me,” Riley said “So far you’ve done the surprising well… keep doing that.”“Uhh... yeah sure,” Jimin gave a small smile. “Ready to practice for the 42nd time?”“Don’t you mean 68th?” Riley laughed.
Jimin presses the “play” button on his phone. They both dance to the groove of the music, their movements, they look so synchronized it would seem that they’ve been dance partners for years.
For a bit Riley didn’t seem to have a worry in the world, enjoying something that she truly loves to do… dance.

Seokjin on the other hand…

----

Heads… I’ll confess to her.

Tails… I don’t and just wallow forever until this “vanishes.”

Listen to your emotional reaction to the coin reveal.

Stupid cousin of mine
, the coin told me tails.

It was right… I don’t tell her.

But no… I decided to do the opposite.

God, I am an idiot.

Seokjin was bitter and crabby. He thought he got “great” advice from his cousin… but it backfired on him. He can recall the steps to make that evening go smoothly.
He bought the ingredients with Namjoon at the grocery before they parted way. He went over to nearest Crate & Barrel and got all the fancy table cloth, candle holders and whatnots. He wanted to make his place different because he wanted the moment to feel different... but comfortable.
He went to the flower shop nearby the apartment to buy flowers last minute before she confirmed to come over to his place. Initially, just a bouquet to give her, but he didn’t want to scare her off... thinking it was a grand gesture from him to her so he decided to get one for his dining room table instead… and also a bouquet to give to her later...
The beautiful smeraldo bouquet was hiding in his bedroom… waiting for the perfect opportune moment to give to Riley…

But he never got a chance to give it to her...

And now… it was in his trash can…

Correction… still in his trash can…

Because he can’t bear to toss out the flowers…

Even if it hurts every time he sees them...

Flowers withering and losing color…

Just like him.

It’s been more than a month since that event happened and weeks he’s been holding it in whenever he sees her.

Riley.

His best friend.
The girl he has feelings for.
The girl that doesn’t like him back.

He didn’t profess that night, instead came up with a reasonable excuse as to why he was acting weird around her. She acknowledged and hugged him, making sure she didn’t have any remorse to his weirdness around her. They had movie night, only to have Seokjin pretending to sleep halfway through to cut the night short. After that night Seokjin couldn’t help but stay away from her… he pretended to be sick for weeks or forcing himself to the gym more often whenever he knew her schedule was free to meet up. Or he made himself to go over to his cousin’s place and do work. Because at least his clumsy nuisance cousin would let him sulk and wallow.

Unlike Yoongi.

Yoongi, on the other hand, kept bugging Seokjin every time they met up, telling him that he wasn’t taking care of himself. That he needed to get out of this crappy behavior and talk to Riley. He never threatened Seokjin, he was close, but Seokjin almost went off the deep end, almost disowning their friendship.

Yeah.

It was that bad.

He found out what happened through Namjoon.
Apparently, Namjoon tried to call a few days after the event, wanting to know what happened but after no response… no calls or texts back from Seokjin, he decided to knock on Seokjin’s door. Only to see the older male open the door and walk himself back in his room and lock it. Namjoon was worried, and he knew Yoongi was the only person who knew the whole story.

---- a month ago ---

“Open the damn door Jin,” Yoongi was pounding on the door for the past 2 minutes, trying to get his best friend to come towards the door.“Go away,” Jin spoke with a grunt.“God you stubborn ass, get out of your room… you’re scaring Namjoon and me.”“I’m fine Joon… just go home.”“I sent him home already… it’s just me here, now open the door before I gasoline the place and light it on fire.”“Then tell him I'm fine. I'm just not feeling well-.”“- Bullshit.”“Just let me be... by myself.”“Don’t make me call Riley.” Yoongi knew what to say to make the man come over to him; he wasn’t afraid to go all out.

Seokjin shuffled his way to the door, opening it slightly. Yoongi tried to push the door open but the older male was stronger than him, Seokjin’s body leaning against the door so it wouldn’t budge.

“What do you want Yoongi?”“I need you to think with your head and not with your ass and wake up.”Seokjin rolled his eyes. “Dude I’m sick and tired, just let me just wallow for a bit.”“Jin it’s been days already. Namjoon told me what happened. Let’s talk.”“No I don’t want to, the conversation would be moot anyway.”“So you didn’t get to tell Riley about how you feel, how about tomorrow or next week?”“No, I am never telling her. I had an opportunity and it blew up in my face.”“Jin, you are really going to stop after only one try?”“Yoongi... it was the perfect opportunity. Before Riley got to know Jimin, before we graduate… everything... it was bread.”

“Bread?”

Seokjin let a big sigh out and decided to allow Yoongi into his bedroom as he sat down on his comfy bed. Yoongi looked around the bedroom, the place was a complete mess. It was unlike Seokjin to leave his place in such a pigsty...it was almost as if Jungkook and Riley combined stayed there for a few days.
This is bad. Yoongi thought to himself.
“Yeah bread… the perfect dough … the combination of yeast, flour, and water to create something so rare and good to not be true, ready to be shared… and now the bread is expired, out of date, stale and molding,” Seokjin said with a distaste as he moved a crumbled potato chip bag away from his nightstand.“Jin, you are overreacting-”“-I don’t want to hear your therapist tone at me, Yoongi.”“Dude stop being such an asshole.”“I’m sorry but like I told you, I don’t want to talk about… I don’t want to talk to you or anyone, I don’t want to deal with anything. Just leave me alone!”

This was the first time Yoongi seen Jin act out and be irritating. He couldn't help but also snap at him.

“Fine… I’m gonna get Riley to talk some sense into you,” Yoongi started to turn around and headed out the apartment toward the elevator.“NO!” Seokjin roared at Yoongi, glaring at the white-haired man like he was going to cut him down the moment he moved his feet.“I’m serious Yoongi... you talk to her, mention anything about how I am doing and feeling to her and I will end our friendship … I’m serious. ”

This was the first time Yoongi saw fire blaze behind Seokjin’s eyes. It wasn’t a normal yelling at him… usually Jin is trying to get a reaction from others or expressing his mediocre anger…

No…

Seokjin meant it like it was the end of the world.

Yoongi realized at that moment Seokjin was at his
lowest point.

Seokjin was bitter and crabby.

That was true…

But what he was really feeling …underneath all the bitterness...

Seokjin was heartbroken.

Seokjin’s heart was broken into pieces and Yoongi couldn’t help his best friend as much as he wanted to. All he could do is respect Jin’s space and just try to be there for him.

--- end flashback ---

Ever since then Yoongi kept his mouth shut whenever Riley mentioned Seokjin’s name, whenever he bumped into her on campus or at the coffee shop. He was the “third wheel” if Riley wanted to meet up with Seokjin... he would tag along or call Jin to come over, help make an excuse for his friend. Because although he was angry at his best friend for being a joke, trying to “end” their friendship… he couldn’t help be feel guilty and empathic at his friend’s shattered heart.
Yoongi has never been in love… and silently agreed to himself that he would be in Seokjin’s exact shoes if the person he is loving found someone else to be with; not reciprocating the same feelings back. In a way, Seokjin and Yoongi were very similar… they both have a tendency to do whatever they want but for the reasons to help others… Yoongi just doesn’t show much outer appearance to it, whereas Seokjin beams it out in front of your face. Although Seokjin sometimes annoys Yoongi, the two accept one another’s eccentricities and both can’t help but merit each other’s personalities (Seokjin’s openness vs. Yoongi’s bluntness).
It took Yoongi awhile to even let anyone approach him in the manner that Jin did. Jin’s constant chirpy and charming manner managed to grasp the attention of stone Yoongi. Amidst all the humor and happiness Jin’s shows, Yoongi was the few to really know the other side of Seokjin, the side that is full of emotional worry and doubt, Yoongi actually managed to get Seokjin to embrace his other side. Maybe that’s why Yoongi chose Seokjin as his best friend. They were both too much alike to be different and too different to be alike.

----

Seokjin didn’t know why he was still in such a foul mood.

Even if the event past more than a month ago.

He acknowledged that he was jealous of Jimin.

Someone who managed to capture Riley’s attention for the first time in forever.
Someone who actually might understand Riley as much as he does.
Someone who did it faster than him.

Seokjin couldn’t even look at himself in the mirror anymore without noticing how pale and scruffed he was.
Riley and Jimin weren’t even dating yet.
Well… not that Seokjin knew due to his distance.
They are probably dating right now.
He avoided all talk about Chimichurri boy.

Relationships.

That topic he avoided.
Seokjin rarely does relationships. It’s not like he’s had a terrible ex-girlfriend which made him rethink about it, but he just never really had a relationship worth noting to himself. His first real girlfriend was during his sophomore year in high school; Sinclair. She was pretty and level headed person, they dated for over a year before he called it quits due to her clinginess and her slightly jealous persona whenever she saw Riley hang out with them. It kind of happens once in a while. Girls “dating” him tend to get jealous of his and Riley’s close relationship. Not once did Riley or Seokjin demonstrate any romantic displays toward each other, heck Riley was already dating JB at that time, but girls were still thrown off by their bond.
Yes, he’s a ladies man, but a gentleman, always telling every girl that showed him interested that he doesn’t want a girlfriend, he likes getting to know people and have a good time. Overtime, after having a few girlfriends... he stopped being the perfect "boyfriend" image. He would go to homecomings or go out with girls but he never did the hand holding or back hugs, etc. things labeled as “dating” or “exclusive.” Pretty much things that Riley was doing with JB when they were going out, he didn’t do with other girls, other than an occasional make out and one-night moments. It happened to Sinclair, it happened to Hyori and some others… and Kim was the last one that was maybe a “girlfriend.” After that Seokjin never found anyone he was willing to connect to.

Except Riley.

But again… Riley was his best friend.

Correction ... still his best friend.

Correction … his best friend that he’s fallen for.

“So this is how it feels… to have a broken heart,” Seokjin murmured to himself in his apartment. Finally realizing his true emotions underneath all the anger and sulking.
He was having a pity party for a party of one. Sure he looked fine after gloominess after a few weeks, no one could hardly know that Seokjin was beating himself up, deflated and dishearten by anything worthwhile to him. He managed to fool almost everyone that he was fine, that him being “sick” for a couple of weeks and the stress of graduation and the pre-practice of working at the family’s company made him malnourished and grouchy. He fooled almost everyone… even Riley … but not to Namjoon or Yoongi.

Both knew why he was not “Seokjin.”

It was because of Riley.

Not Riley’s fault.

But Seokjin’s lack of care after he gave himself hope…

Hope…

It is the feeling that things will turn out for the best. It is consistently looking forward to that positive outcome to something planned in our life.

That small but glimmer that shines so brightly… hope…

Gone.

Once hope was gone... it just completely disintegrated all cogent parts of him. He wanted to crawl into a hole and never come out. Or
rewind time… again changing the moment on that individual Saturday evening that started this whole ordeal.

And that’s what he did for weeks and weeks... he crawled into his cave until one day he finally decided to get out of his bed... out of his funk... and do something about it.

Because in the end, he can only pull himself back.

Not Namjoon.
Not Yoongi.
Not Riley.

Kim Seokjin needed to pull himself up.

And he never felt so alone and strong by realizing that.
-----

A knock at the door woke up him from his thoughts. Seokjin walks over and slowly opens his apartment door, only to have it pushed with full force by a male on the other side sending Jin backward.
“Damnit JK I’m not going to let you move-in here if you start damaging the place beforehand.”“Hyung, I did something bad,” Jungkook said with a gasp of breath and a mild sweat running down his forehead.“What did you do?” Seokjin said. He knew his little step-brother couldn’t help but be a troublemaker from time to time.“I may or may not have told someone about your kiss with Riley noona.”

“Wait WHAT?!”

Jungkook couldn’t look Seokjin in the eye, his head facing downwards and his right hand started to scratch his left arm.
“WHO?! Tell me right now you brat!!”“Uhh… I told Jiyoon… BUT IT WAS BY ACCIDENT! Like we were walking and talking about how spring season is so pretty with the flowers blooming and she mentioned how the flowers and the season make a lot of people want to do activities together like as a couple and that leads to asking people out... which I started to get the clue that she wanted me to ask her out so then I did ask her out and she said yes hyung!!” Jungkook was beaming, bunny teeth exposed.
Seokjin glared at Jungkook.
“Right, right… not the point... back to the story… so then she said she kept on hinting to me for months now and I told her how I am not an oblivious person like what most people think of me, like that nickname “Jungshook” is a total lie and that if I was an oblivious person then you hyung and Riley are definitely the most oblivious people in my life who can’t even tell they have feelings for each other and that even a drunk kiss which you guys do remember can’t even tell you guys that your underlying feelings are right in front of your faces… which then she may have said it louder that you guys kissed when we were getting in line to order smoothies and then the person behind us repeated what Jiyoon said and I turned around and it’s someone we know and I didn’t know that person was there and so I totally went into silent mode but then I realized that didn’t work when Riley noona was creating a tornado in your apartment the last time I saw her so I decided to explain but yeah… I think they heard it.”

Seokjin couldn’t move.

His idiot step-brother is the worst secret keeper of all time.

Jin took a deep breath before he started to analyze what Jungkook told him in his fast 30-second ramble.

“So… who found out?”

Jungkook blinked, mouth partly open to say something but no words coming out.

Great… when the boy wants to talk he will talk 100mph/minute to say everything and when he can’t find words he looks like the Pikachu meme. Seokjin just scowled at JK defiantly.

“Uhhh… Amy noona and Hoseok hyung.”

WHAT.

“Well… I’m not sure Hobi hyung knows, he was on the phone with someone and stepped out of line for a bit so I don’t think he heard most of the conversation, but Amy noona definitely knows. I kinda had to take noona out of the line and begged her to not tell anyone else… even her boyfriend or else you would kill me.”

At least he’s that smart to know I would hurt him.

Seokjin sighed. Great…

“Jungkook… what the hell am I going to do with you?”“Well you can’t kill me. Mom and dad would be so upset to see their favorite go missing.”“You really want to make a remark like that… after you broke your promise to me and exposed my secret.”“Okay… sorry hyung,” Jungkook gave his sad eyes at his brother.

Seokjin sighed.

“You’re lucky that I love you JK… besides, you’re not the only one who knows this,” he slightly mumbled the last part, only to forget that Jungkook has bionic hearing.“Who else does?” the younger male was eager to know.“I’m not telling you! You would just try to talk more to them about the subject.”“But hyung…” Jungkook whined.“If I was a teacher you would be definitely getting detention right now! JK go make me lunch, I’m starving.”“Fine… ” Jungkook moved his body to the kitchen begrudgingly accepted his fate.

Seokjin saw himself in the reflection of his TV… he decided to clean himself… ideally shave off his small scruffy beard and clean his room for the first time in forever. His phone rings and vibrates, signaling an incoming phone call.
“Hello?”“Hey Jin hyung!!” the other line yelled into the phone making Seokjin pull his ear away from his cell for a moment as he walked toward the kitchen, putting his phone on speaker and placing it on the kitchen island while he grabs a cup of water.“Hobi you’re too loud... what’s up?”“Hey man where have you been? You’ve been skipping out on group hangouts lately. Yoongi and Riley told me you weren't’ feeling so well.”“Yeah, just got back feeling better. Taking small steps… what’s with the phone call?”“Oh yeah… I’m sure Yoongi told you about his news but I’m planning a group hangout… we need to celebrate Yoongi’s new job!! Dinner and Club Lauv Saturday night! You have to be there man!” Hoseok yelling into the phone.

Seokjin still didn’t want to go out and be in an area with a large crowd but for his best friend’s new job he couldn’t turn it down, especially since Yoongi has been there for him throughout his meltdown.

“Sure... what time?”“Dinner is at 7:30pm, going to Club Lauv around 10pm.”“K… Jungkook is here too… can he come?” Seokjin asked, seeing JK’s face light up when he heard about dinner and dancing, his eager bunny face nodding swiftly.“Sure man, the more the merrier.”“K see you then.”Hoseok said bye on the phone and hung up.“Oh Yoongi hyung got that job at the music company?” Jungkook asked while making two bowls of ramen.“It seems like it,” Seokjin muttered.

He couldn’t help but frown, Yoongi didn’t tell him the news... he heard it from Hoseok making Jin feel like a shitty friend for not asking how his other best friend was doing. This past month and more he’s been moping about himself, he didn’t realize if it affected his relationships with others.

I need to get out of this funk.

Seokjin, you got to move on.

You’re not helping anyone at this rate.

You’re not even helping yourself.

“JK, wanna go shopping with me after lunch? I need to buy a present for Yoongi.”“Sure hyung.”“K, let me change and I’ll come out and eat with you,” nodding his head to Jungkook as he walked to his bedroom. Seokjin closed the door behind him, staring at his messy room… clothes and snacks are seen at every corner.

And the bouquet of flowers… still nestled in his trash.

He crouched down and stared them, looking at each flower … each petal for a brief moment before he started to throw other materials in the trash can.

Seokjin… it’s time to move on.

Remember the goal.

Take a day one step at a time.

Hearts heal…

It will take some time...

Riley didn’t mean to hurt you...

Because she doesn’t know...

And it’s okay...

Regardless of the outcome… always be there for everyone…

Especially for Riley.

Be the sunflower to her.

But most importantly…

Always be there for yourself.

For the first time in over a month, Seokjin actually smiled… a genuine smile. And for that one moment… a glint of hope came back to him.

Everything will be ok.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Dinner was enjoyable. They all decided to dress up nicely and eat at a nicer restaurant to celebrate Yoongi’s new job title. After a couple of minutes of silence from Seokjin, he pulled himself out of his slumber personality he’s been showing lately and regained the Seokjin personality everyone knew of. Eating and drinking definitely helped ease the tension that he felt around the others... especially to Yoongi. He needed to apologize to Yoongi before he made things go upside down.
“Hey, Yoongi…”“Yeah hyung?”“Here,” Seokjin pops out a small present from his coat jacket. “Congrats man, I knew you didn’t have to worry.”Yoongi gave a small smile. “Thanks man you didn’t need to give me a gift.”“Yeah but this is more than just a congratulations gift... it’s also an apology gift too for me being a sucky friend to you this past month and more.”“Jin…”“Yoongi I know what I did… and I still created such a mess and took it out on you when you were trying to help me. I’m sorry.”

Yoongi just looked at Seokjin, finally seeing Jin’s eye come back to normal, no grey confusion or firey distinction that he has seen lately. He placed his hand on Jin’s shoulders.

“Thanks man, glad to have you back.”

Silence.

“Dudes… are you guys going to kiss?” Jungkook loudly asked, breaking the silent agreement and stare between the best friends.

They both turned their heads toward the baby of the group, both glaring at him with full force.
Everyone else broke out of laughter. Helping ease everyone’s shoulders. Seokjin couldn’t help but break out in a laugh too. After the laughter finally died down, everyone resumed eating or talking with each other.
Seokjin gestured Yoongi to open the present. Yoongi removes the bow and opens the box, revealing a pair of earphones… expensive earphones that were worth at least a month’s or two pay to Yoongi’s new job.

“Dude… these are Shure KSE1500 Earphone systems!” Yoongi yelled.“Jin… these aren’t even in store yet... they’re not supposed to be released until the end of the year.”Seokjin scratched his neck...
getting red by the mention of its limited edition.“Yeah… I managed to get them before the release date.”“How?” Yoongi questioned.“I asked my dad for some connections.” “Seokjin… you didn’t have to do that.”

Yoongi knew how Jin didn’t like to ask his parents for money or their connections to other companies. He respected Jin for trying to make his own, saving his allowance, taking some small internships when he could’ve worked at the family’s company over the summer.“It’s not an issue Yoon… besides… it’s what you’ve always wanted… I’m just glad I got to give it to you,” he smiled.

Yoongi couldn’t help but bear hug Seokjin.
Everyone was shocked… Min Yoongi doesn’t… IF NOT EVER allows anyone to hug him… much less he initiates it.

Seokjin was shocked too. Jin is usually the one who hugs Yoongi without reason and the younger male just stands there still… but no … this was the first time in history that Min Yoongi actually showed some physical affection. Hoseok couldn’t help by tear up by Yoongi’s gesture.“Yoongi does have a heart!!!” Hoseok yelled.Everyone couldn’t help but laugh or clap at this historical sight. Yoongi immediately moved away when the attention was focused on him; a tint of pink appeared on his cheek.“I don’t know what you mean… I’ve always had a heart… that’s how a human survives.” he noted while glaring at everyone.
And the claps and laughs dissipated the moment Yoongi opened his mouth and the environment became at a standstill.

Oh well... It was good while it lasted.

Seokjin couldn’t help but grin at the moment. He’s always wanted to get a real hug from Yoongi. He just didn’t think it would come so soon… only 10 years in the making… but hell that was light speed for Yoongi.He was just happy to make Yoongi's day so good.
----
During the family style dinner, Jin’s chopsticks almost collided with Riley’s… both grabbing a piece of roasted pork. His eyes finally made contact at Riley’s for the first time in a few days.
“Oh sorry,”“No, you should get it.”“It’s okay, grab it Ryles.”

Ryles… he hasn’t called me that in a while.

“Um… thanks,” she gave a courtesy smile and took the piece and placed it on her plate. Hana nudged Riley’s arm, not noticing Riley’s eyes locked with Seokjin’s a bit longer… Hana wanted to ask Riley a question regarding a girl’s night topic.Seokjin couldn’t help but stare at her while Riley conversed with the girls. She was wearing all black outfit, a low cut silk top with buttons, and a sheer short cardigan to cover the top. He remembers seeing her walk in the restaurant with Hana that she was wearing a short black skirt that seems to be made just for her body and heels that made her legs look endlessly long and toned.

Regardless of his moping, she looked perfectly fine.
Regardless of everything that happened.
She is more beautiful than ever in his eyes.

----
The group came a bit early to Club Lauv, just before the line started to form outside of the club. Luckily Hoseok comes here often that the owner of the club gave them a premiere VIP booth, one that was close but private from the other ones. Once inside though Seokjin beelined to the bar, trying to grab a drink before the bartender would be surrounded by other people.
“Seokjin oppa,” a voice called to him from his right.Seokjin turns and sees Amy just a couple meters away from him.“Amy,” Jin nods. “What’s up?”She shakes her head, “Nothing… but I can see that you also don’t want to be here.”“What makes you say that?” pouting his face trying to be inconspicuous.“You literally ran away from the group the moment we got into the club, the guys already got a reserved table beforehand and you went to the opposite side of where everyone is at.”“I just wanted to grab some drinks right away since the waiter isn't at the table.”“Hmmm… okay,” Amy passively agreed, she took a seat next to him.“Well, why are you over here then?” he questioned.“Just going to the restroom since it's in this direction… but mostly checking on you. ”

Jin was hesitant, he wasn’t quite sure what to say, considering what he heard from Jungkook. Noting Seokjin’s pause, Amy continued.

“Look we don’t talk one-on-one with each other without Riley or Hoseok with us, but I wanted to talk to you.”“About what?”“I think you know.”

Silence.

“Nope... no idea.”

Liar.

“Well if I am wrong… then Jungkook definitely did not sprint like a gazelle when he was talking to me the other day, muttering he was going to die by your hands.”“Oh... what did Jungkook do now?”“You can stop pretending… besides, you know I'm studying to be lawyer… I can tell when someone is lying if not I can pry it out of you within minutes.”

Seokjin gulped. Amy is a smart and gentle person, exteriorly she is very quiet but once you progressively know Amy she can change into a confident fireball when issues arise within her environment.And right now Amy has a look of an unpleasant person… or a badass lawyer.

“Okay… so JK did tell me he ran into you and Hobi… and you may have heard him say something regarding me,” he spoke with vague truth.“Yes, about your kiss with Riley.”

The girl knew when to be blunt like Yoongi.

“Yeah…” Jin said as he looked away, looking at Riley from across the club with the other friends who were walking toward the dancefloor and around the club.“I don’t know if you talked to Riley about it, but I think you should.”“About our kiss? Why… we both said it was a mistake, we both moved on.”

Liar.

“You think it was a mistake?”“Yes, Riley said it was a mistake.”“I asked what you think… not her.”“Yeah I agree with her statement.”

“Huh… ” Amy noted with a small smirk.

“What?”“You can’t even say it.”“Say what?”“That you think it’s a mistake.”“I did say it... I said we think it’s a mistake.”“You never said ‘I think it was a mistake… or I know it was a mistake… you kept including her opinion… never thinking about your own… just yours.”

Damn she’s good.

Hoseok is a lucky man.

“I know Hoseok is very happy to introduce Jimin to Riley, but maybe you should tell Hoseok too before he gets too invested in setting them up together… if he knew you are finally realizing your feelings for her… he would back off on it.”“No… Riley likes Jimin regardless of Hobi’s push… and… the dude seems like an ok guy.”

Amy looked at Seokjin.

“Are you really that blind in seeing Riley’s expression?”“...What?”“She’s been acting weird for a while… especially concerning you.”

What?

“The weirdness with Jimin is normal… she’s interested in him… doesn’t know how to act around new people… but with you… she’s acting in a similar way towards you… but quieter.”Seokjin was confused with what Amy was saying.“You haven’t noticed her reaction to when your name gets mentioned or when you are just in her presence?”

Was he that blind to notice? Was he too self-absorbed in his own worries and movements to not see Riley’s?
Amy stood up, started to walk away and Seokjin followed her with a drink in his hand from the bartender.

“Wait Amy!” he yelled. He stood next to her and started to wonder what Amy meant by Riley being weird around him.“What do you mean? Riley hasn’t been awkward… I’ve been.”Amy shook her head.“I guess it's true what they say… the blind leading the blind. You and Riley talk to each other like nothing has happened but I have a feeling both of you are just beating around the bush, not wanting to change anything between you guys.”

Seokjin couldn’t help but stumble into what he really wanted to know. He trusted Amy’s opinions regarding his dilemma.

“Maybe if I remembered what happened that night... I can let this go… remember the details,” Jin said.“Let it go?” her eyes furrowed.“Ever since we kissed I’ve been feeling differently about Riley… I-I think… I know… I care about Riley. I… I just don’t think she feels the same way as I do for her.”

Amy gave Seokjin a sympathetic look. She’s never had to experience what Riley and Seokjin were going through, her relationship with Hoseok is different from theirs but if it wasn’t for Hoseok being the open big-hearted person he is and confessing his feelings for her first… she wouldn’t be with him right now… she would've been chickened out. She patted Seokjin on his right shoulder.

“I’m not willing to risk our friendship if this is just a one-sided love, but it’s been killing me this past month and more… I almost did tell her… but this guy… Jimin… he makes her happy… I don’t want to jeopardize her happiness.”“You know they’re not dating? Well… just yet.”Seokjin slowly nodded.“Look... this awkward tension filling the space between you and Riley won’t go away until you guys talk about it. Seokjin, you are a great guy… tell her how you feel. You shouldn't give up on her, Riley is someone who is worth pursuing wholeheartedly.”He remembered saying something similar to Jungkook a while ago regarding him giving about asking Riley or Jiyoon out.

There is no way around this… is there?

You don’t want to be that person who holds in their feelings for the rest of their lives…

Having it chew your soul every time Riley gets in a relationship with someone else…

Never telling her what you really feel…

It’s time Seokjin…

Time for you to tell her…

It's okay...

Be her sunflower…

But don’t lose yourself because of it.

----

Everything was going well, everyone was scattered throughout the club, some were at the reserved booth, some were at the bar area, and some were on the dance floor. Jungkook brought his friends Eunwoo, Bambam, and Yugyeom (much to Hana’s dismay to see her little brother in the same vicinity as her.) Some of the older guys from the dance club came by to congratulate Yoongi (Taehyung and Jimin were out of town that weekend visiting Busan).
Yoongi’s coworker from the radio broadcast also came by to have drinks with Yoongi considering Yoongi does not like to dance at all even if Hoseok threw a party for him at the club. Everyone was having a blast. Seokjin even couldn’t help but get on the dancefloor with Hana, Riley, Hoseok, and Amy.
The latest Super Junior D&E song was on...
Danger모조리 겨냥해 겨냥해거침없이 danger싹 다 겨냥해 겨냥해 모조리 겨냥해난 거침 없는 놈 그런 놈난 겁이 없는 놈 그런 놈La la la la la겨낭해 겨냥해 모조리 겨냥해
How the lyrics rung true to Seokjin… the lyrics convey the message of believing in yourself and moving forward despite the negativity that surrounds you. He needed to remind himself to be happy, and Riley may not be the whole factor to his happiness. All the turmoil he placed in himself, it was time to let go. Enjoy the moments right now… they were here for Yoongi, and right now he needed to be there for his friends.
Halfway through the night, the rest of the group moved back to the VIP booth, leaving just the younger group, Hana, Seokjin, Yoongi (yes he’s a bit drunk now), and Riley dancing to the beat. Riley managed to move across the dance floor with ease, away from the group. It wasn’t until she accidentally bumped into someone she finally stopped dancing.

“Oh sorry.”“Oh no worries… what are you doing by yourself on the dance floor?” a taller male moved close to Riley.“I’m not… my friends are here,” she pointed at them, all of them were in their own moments.“So you’re just dancing by yourself?”“Yes and no, I like to dance with others but I tend to move around… it depends on the music.”“They look busy… why don’t I dance with you… you know… take care of you gorgeous,” the man started to grind his body up on Riley’s. She immediately moved away.“No thanks, I’m good dancing by myself,” she snapped at him, she started to move back to the group.“Come on babe… let me give you and your body some tender care,” he grabbed her arm.“I’m good now please let go,” but the man gripped stronger on her wrist, she can smell the alcohol coming from his breath.

The man didn’t budge, still having a firm hold on her.

“No… get away, don’t touch me!” she tried to slap him away from her but he already got a hold of her, moving her close to his body, his other hand started to move down her body… to her butt and gave a handful grasp.“See.. it seems like your body likes mine too, it fits so perfectly,” his eyes were looking at it with lechery… something she didn’t want from him. There’s been a couple of times she’s dealt with perverts like him at the clubs, she manages to thwart their movements towards her… but this guy was insistent... not letting Riley walk away from him.“Stop you-” his hands were trying to go all over her, while she was trying to kick him in the shin but he was too strong.“Let go you dick -”“Let’s go to the corner and I’ll show you a real good time,” the guy smirked. “I’m sure your pretty little mouth would look good sucking my cock,” as his finger tried to touch her lips.

She was dumbfounded that a vile person like him existed, much less allowed to be in public.“HEL-”The man proceeded to grab her face and try to kiss her to shut her up, she moved her face away and he kissed her neck instead... trying to leave a mark; she felt so disgusted.

“STOP TOUCHING ME-”

A sudden punch was landed on the side of the guy’s face, knocking him backward at full force, but the man still had a strong grip on Riley… sending her with him. However, two hands grab both sides of her waist to move her back to her position… closer to the person’s body who threw the punch at the pervert.

What the?

Who?

She looked up to see Seokjin right next to her… his body clinging onto her, his hands wrapped around her waist like a shield... the expressions of anger and revulsion
on his face.

Seokjin...

“You think you can do that to her you jackass?! You think you can touch a woman, let alone any other human being like that without consent?!” Seokjin yelling at the stranger.“Who the fuck are you dude? I was just having fun with my girl.”“She’s not your girl, she’s mine! ” Seokjin growled.“Jin- ” Riley was trying to calm down the inferno that was engulfed in Seokjin’s body, she tugged on the sleeve of his shirt, trying to grab his hands to calm him down like he does with her.“Listen dude, if she was your girl… she would definitely not be coming up to me and putting her body on mine.”

Seokjin started to form fists in his hands again.

“That’s a fucking lie.”

Riley couldn’t help but stare at Jin… she’s never seen him so provoked before. He’s helped her out in situations similar to these… but this … he was acting more protective than ever. The anger in Seokjin’s eyes was piercing through the other man, making the stranger give a big scoff at Jin. The man walked up in front of Seokjin, their faces just inches apart.

“Really? I’m pretty sure your little slut wanted to drag me to a corner and suck me off… she was begging me to fuck her.”

Oh.

That set a new level of nerve for Seokjin.

He’s felt anger…

Sure…

But...

He felt a towering rage…

He wanted to kill that man.

No…

He is going to kill that man.

And for that split second before the guy could say anything else, Seokjin started to throw punches at the dude before the guy could react. Their bodies collided and moved down a corridor near the other bathroom hallway.
“SEOKJIN!” Riley yelled, trying to move around the half-stunned dancers on the side of the club. She didn’t know if her other friends saw the incident… they were on the other side of the dancefloor. She managed to weave her way around, trying to find Seokjin among the loud music and bright lights moving every second.
She finally found Jin and the stranger, Jin on top of the man, she could still see his muscles flex underneath the blazer as he winds up his arm to strike the man’s face again but he was stopped by security which finally made their way through the crowds and separated them.
She could hear Jin still yelling, spitting fire at the asshole while being restrained from the security guards. She managed to get in front of Jin, trying to get his attention.

“Jin!!… Seokjin, hey… it’s me, it’s Riley… look at me,” she touched his chest and cupped his face to move his focus on her.He was still in a rage, glaring at the asshole from afar as security escorted the man out of the club. “You bastard!! I’m going to tear you apart the moment I see you next time!!”“Jin… focus on me… hey babe look at me… Seokjin,” she grabbed his face to make him look at her instead of the bastard.

It took a moment before he finally calmed down due to hearing Riley’s voice calling out his name. He locked eyes at hers, realizing he didn’t even notice she was in front of him.

“Seokjin…”
“Riley.”“Are you okay?” she looked at him all frightened.“Am I okay? Are you?! That jackass was sexually harassing you!!”“I’m fine Jin… he didn’t hurt me.”

She moved her other hand to touch his cheek and lip. “But I guess he landed a few punches on you.” Seokjin’s face twitched as her finger lightly touch his face, noting the contusions.
“Let’s get you out of here Jin, I have ice in my fridge.” She moved away from his body and started to walk in front of him, only to grab her arm to pull her back.“Ow,” she yelped.Seokjin looked down at her arm, seeing a bruise form around her wrist… the pervert managed to squeeze her arm so tight that she was getting a black-and-blue mark on it.“Riley you’re hurt!” he bellowed.“I’m fine, it’s okay… let’s go home first… please Jin? ” Her eyes pleading him.
He instantly took her other hand, fingers laced and moved in front of her so he could make a path without anyone bumping into her. He waved a cab outside the bar and sat next to Riley inside... her head positioned on his chest and his arms wrapped around her body, trying to protect her from anything or anyone.
The cab ride was silent… Riley was at her most delicate and Seokjin was hitting himself in his mind about not being able to stop the incident. If only he was dancing with her, keeping an eye on her… she wouldn’t have gotten into that mess, bumped into that despicable human trash. Riley wasn’t making a sound… worried about her, Jin kissed the top of her head to signal that he was still awake and that he was there for her.

----

He walked with her to her apartment door and followed her in so he made sure she would settle herself.
“Come let's get you to bed.”“I'm fine Seokjin,” she noted as she took off her heels.“Really? Cause that guy was about to do god-knows-what with you and he was 10x the size of you if it wasn't for me coming in.”“I could've handled him.”“We know that's a lie… come on.” Seokjin took her hand and led her to the bedroom. He plopped her down on her bed.“Change out of your clothes and I'll grab you some water and medicine to help with the bruise on your arm.”“What about your bruises?” Her eyes staring at the bruise on his lip and cheek.“I’m fine… not the first time I've been in a fight,” he gave a small smile.

“Jin… ”

He ignored her call and proceed to leave her bedroom, only for her to grab his hand and move him back near her bed. She went silent... not looking at his face, just staring at the floor.
“What?”“I want to remember,” she mumbled.“Huh? I can't hear you,” he squatted down to her level, eyes worried she might be crying. “What's up? What's wrong? Did he hurt you somewhere else?” He moved her strands of hair and placed it behind her ear, trying to look at her eyes but she kept focusing away from him.“I want to remember,” she quietly said but just loud enough for him to hear her.“Remember? Remember what?”

“I want to
remember every detail.”

She finally looked at him, trying to see if he knew what she meant. Seokjin looked at Riley in the eyes, a new kind of fear inhibiting his.

No…

She didn’t hear the conversation...

She couldn’t have...

She started to take off her cardigan and unbuttoning her top while Seokjin just stood there bewildered at the sight in front of him... Riley was just wearing her lace bra.

“Seokjin...”

He couldn’t believe his eyes, he knew Riley wasn’t drunk… but there wouldn’t be a reason why she would act like this.

All this time of wanting to see her like that… lying on her bed wantonly… looking at him like he was the one...

And now he was going to do the
exact opposite of
what he wanted… this was killing him.

“Get some sleep,” he announced while pulling the blanket up to cover her chest… although he couldn't help but stare at her heaving chest, her breast covered in the lace bra… enticing him to take it off once more. He couldn’t help but wonder why she was acting like this… maybe because she wanted to get rid of the pervert’s touches all over her body.

Snap out of it Jin.

Get her water and ice and bandage.

He started to shift off the bed after he placed the blanket on her. Luckily or unluckily... Riley was stubborn like him, she couldn’t take “no” as his answer so when his hand was parting away from the blanket she grabs it and pulls him down on top of her.“Seokjin… ” she whispered his voice, her eyes boring into his. He could feel the hairs on his arms tingle.

Calm down man she’s not herself.

She would not be acting like this if it wasn’t for you rescuing her from that jackass pervert.

“Ryles… let me get you ice and an ointment and then go to sleep,” Jin was trying to push himself off of her but her hands were grabbing him strongly.“No.” she declared.She wanted to get his attention, she wanted to be a brat right now and do the opposite of what he was saying. She didn’t know why all of a sudden she expressed the desire to be with him.

But then again…

She’s been having these feelings… thoughts for weeks … almost months.

She was just too scared or uncertain.

Maybe the way he protected her from that stranger... the way he’s been acting around her lately… the way his eyes been telling more than usual.She used to know what he was feeling the moment she looked into his eyes… but lately she couldn’t concentrate… thinking she was seeing something complex in his stares… his looks at her.It was almost like he was feeling what she was sort of feeling…

The urge to become one with her.
It was an itch she’s been having for so long.
The itch that she desperately wants to scratch.
And she just knew this is the time to express her desire.

It was just him and her…

Finally alone.

To see if Jin felt similar if not the same as she did.

Just let me remember.

I want to remember.

Give me clarity.

“I want you.”

The hell did she just say?

My ears didn’t hear correctly.

“I want you Jin… just one more time... let me remember.”His eyes went wide, finally realizing what she meant… meaning she heard the conversation he had with Amy. He couldn’t help but feel little Seokjin twitching down in his jeans... hearing her say these words with such need and desire.“Ry… no.”

Holy shit.

Did I just say no to her?

What the fuck is going on with me?

You are being a good friend.

His rational side coming out.

No... you are trying to avoid fucking her you stupid.

His fiendish side coming out.

But look at this moment… she’s right in front of you…

This isn’t a dream… this is real!

He hated these inner angel vs devil battles in his mind. Her hand moves to the back of his neck before he moved away… pulling him closer to her… faces just inches apart. His body couldn’t help but just want to be closer to hers… feel her warm body touch his. He felt a wave of heat going around his body.

“Oppa…”

Fuck.

She never calls him oppa.

Never.

Maybe a few times growing up, but they both determined when they were young that the hierarchy went out the window and they’ll be best friends... chingu.“Oppa… please,” Riley desperately said as she rolls it off her tongue.
Her hand moves down to cup his cheek, the other smoothly glides down his shoulders and lands on his chest... her fingers giving small circles like butterfly touches.Seokjin was losing his mind.His head rests against hers… he closed his eyes for a few seconds… thinking this was a dream. It’s a dream right? But once he opened it again… he came in contact with her smoldering stare…

Fuck.

“Riley…”

She doesn’t move, doesn’t blink away… just staring back his eyes.

Fuck.

He closed his eyes again. Trying to make sure whether this was just a prank… a joke that Riley wanted to play to see how far she can cross the line before Seokjin crosses the line too. But he opens his eyes… still seeing her look at him with such yearn and hunger.

“Damnit babygirl we shouldn’t do this… we can’t do this.”

“Why not?” she looked into his eyes, her eyes filled with ache and lust.

“We can't come back from this Ryles… we can’t baby.”“I think it's too late … especially if you keep calling me ‘baby' like that,” she moves her head and whispered in his ear, her breath tickling him, her mouth starting to nip at his ears and down to his neck… sucking on a certain part of his nape. Her mouth on his body was making him groan even louder and his mind thinking of all the intimate ways he wanted to be with her.“Oppa… Seokjin … just once more.” Her eyes returned back to staring at his… before her eyes locked down to his lips... her lips moving closer to his… her lips brushing against his.

Restrain Seokjin. Stop yourself.

You can’t. Not like this.

Why not?! She’s literally begging you to fuck her.

She’s already half naked and she’s not drunk, she’s sober and knows what she’s doing.

No. This isn’t Riley. She wouldn’t act like this.

I can’t. This isn’t how I wanted to be with her again.

Stop fighting.

Let it happen.

No!

“Ry-”Her lips crashed onto his without warning, his eyes bulged out seeing her closed eyes and pushing her lips onto his. His body instinctively knew what to do, hands on both sides of her head, gripping the sheets to help him restrain himself while hers was entangled in his hair, pulling him closer to her… her moans luring his body to grind on top of hers.“Oppa… ” she whispered as she parted her lips from his. “I know you want me too… you want to remember.”

He was in trouble.

But…

If it feels good .... then it must be…

Right?

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

--- Previously ---
I can’t. This isn’t how I wanted to be with her again.

Stop fighting.

Let it happen.

No!

“Ry-”Her lips crashed onto his without warning, his eyes bulged out seeing her closed eyes and pushing her lips onto his. His body instinctively knew what to do, hands on both sides of her head, gripping the sheets to help him restrain himself while hers was entangled in his hair, pulling him closer to her… her moans luring his body to grind on top of hers.“Oppa… ” she whispered as she parted her lips from his. “I know you want me too… you want to remember.”

He was in trouble.

But…

If it feels good .... then it must be…

Right?

----

“Bab- no…
Ryles-”

Riley was stubborn, she kept kissing him on his mouth every time he wanted to stop the motion. He was so in love with her... he wanted to throw himself to her but he wanted to tell everything first before this...

He wanted to have all of her…

Body and soul…

But his stupid body was acting the opposite of what he wanted to say. His body wanted her… to be inside of her ... like his body was out of water, dehydrated and needing fresh water in his system… he wanted her… he wanted her now.

Her fingers were already on his button-up shirt, taking each button off with precision. Once all buttons were undone she proceeded to peel the shirt off of him while her lips were attached to his. Seokjin mind was racing, his mind was telling him to stop her, talk to her and tell her his feelings… finally confess. However… his body wanted to give her what her body was telling him… just one more time.
His hands started to wander, one found holding her waist while the other lightly squeezed her right breast through the bra… a moan comes out of Riley, making him groan from the sounds she was letting out because of him.
“Take it off Jin,” she panted while marking his neck.
His hands couldn't help but obliged to her command, automatically grabbing the bra and unhooking it in the front (thank god for front clasp). His face moved down to her breast with haste, giving loving attention to her breasts as one hand continued to massage one as the other one was latched in his mouth. Riley was moaning out loudly, her hands flying back to his hair to inform him to continue his current movements… the licking and sucking from his ambrosial lips.
She felt the deja vu, recollecting that night… him giving her so much pleasure. She couldn't help but agree with Hana's statement… that Seokjin's tongue was worldly.

“Hmph- Seok-ah… I want more…”She moved his face from her breast and told him with affection “I want you… ” she ground her lower half toward his pelvis… toward the bulge forming in his jeans, “I want to feel you there.”

Shit.

There was no turning back.

He wanted her.

She wanted him.

He never thought he would be the one who was following instead of leading this moment... his mind wanted him to prevent this from happening… that he would stop all notions when her face was in close contacts with his.

But no.

Riley started it.

Riley put things in motion.

And he couldn't help but be turned on by that.

His hands reached around Riley, grabbing her ass while unzipping the skirt from behind… shimmying it down her legs and off the bed… just her matching laces panties left to peel. He lightly kissed on top of the underwear, noting the dampness and smell emulating from what it was covering. She was wet… all because of him… for him to do whatever he wants...

His fingers were crawling from her calves to her thighs while his mouth was giving her wet kisses on her stomach and the inners of her thighs. She was whining… her hands gripping the sheets and his hair... begging him to make her come undone.
“Seok-ah -” she purred. She couldn't even complete her sentence, loss in the sensitive touches he was giving her and he wasn't even doing anything crazy.
His lips slowly kissing the laced cloth that was still a wall between his mouth and her womanhood. His tongue gently poking at the lace, making the lace move against her, grinding in all directions due to his tongue movements.
She was dripping more than ever, she was thrusting her pelvis toward his luscious lips, hoping he could taste her… make him finally remove the last piece between his mouth and her core right now.
“Jin… just fuck me… I want you,” she spoke with a breathy tone, whimper at his touch.His fingers finally touching her lace panties… slowly pulling it down...he was so close to revealing her gem before a phone started to ring and vibrate on the carpet floor.

Shit.

Seokjin paused for a moment before he continued sliding her panties away from her body. He was not going to let another phone call stop him from wanting to show Riley how he feels for her.

His fingers slowly moved up her body… dragging them slowly until they reached her womanhood. Gently massaged the outer lips before delving into her core. His slightly abnormal fingers were perfect in this scenario, he was able to reach all the tight corners of her body that no one ever could. Seokjin couldn’t help but feel so accomplished by his finger movements, seeing her at the brink of pleasure, squirming under his touch… his name being moaned out loudly with tenderness and adoration from her seductive lips. His fingers providing the loving attention she deserved down there while his mouth moved across her nape, marking down her skin like he was an animal marking his mate.
Another sound came from her phone… small and quick beep informing them she received a text… and a couple more follows after. Riley was not concerned with the phone… she was lost in translation with Seokjin’s fingers… his touch… her continuing to whimper under Jin… urging him to continue his handiwork that was touching her lower body.

“Riley…
babygirl… how does that feel?”

“Mmph… Jin… ah-” she couldn't speak… she grabbed the back of his head to pull his face towards her, her lips colliding with his… tongues battling with each other while his fingers continued to make scissor motions inside her. He couldn't help but tell her what's on his mind.

“Baby… you're so tight…
you feel so good.”

He was remembering that night… his fingers… his mouth being all over her body… giving her intense pleasure. She was clenching around his fingers, he couldn't wait to be inside of her once more.

“Taste me- ”

“What did u say Ry?” His lips nibbling on her ears, his sultry voice consuming her thoughts.

“I want - mmph… ” she whimpered. “I-I want you to taste me.”

He felt enraptured by her voice, he wanted to follow her command.

After all…

She too wanted to remember every detail from that night.

Seokjin gave her a deep and long kiss before he started to give her butterfly kisses down her neck. Noting a few love marks already made. He slowly nipped each naked skin he could touch, giving an extra second or two to her perked nipples. Her lowly growl was telling him to hurry his pace… informing him where he needed to be. He skipped kissing her stomach… his hands automatically spreading her legs wider so they could hang between his broad shoulders while his face was just inches from her wet gem. He gives a blow at her core… making her body shudder at the cold breeze he was giving her… teasing her… making her wetter and waiting with no patience left in her body.
“Riley… ” he whispered, just a centimeter from her wet core. “You're so beautiful.”

His tongue gradually licked her outer lips before he moved the tip of his tongue inside her inner labia… tasting her essence. He couldn't believe he forgot what she tasted like…

A combination of lychee and nectarines.

It was just like her recent dream, him and her on the top dance studio room… she giving a low moan of euphoria… chanting out Jin’s name while he was in between her legs. She didn't want this to end. This feeling... his touch... his outpour of emotions he was showing with his tongue... it was euphoria to her.

“Oh god… fuck… Seok-ah” she felt herself building up inside… Jin could feel her body quiver, her hands fervently grasping the sheets while his hands were holding her thighs down.
She was close… so very, very close.

A ring and vibration from a phone again… this time it was his phone on the bed. And a couple of seconds later a ping from hers.

He snarled. He stopped his movements in her due to both phones making noises.

It was like the universe was teasing Seokjin… giving him what he wanted and then the last second snatching back his opportunity.

No… dammit…

Another ping and ringing go off on his phone.

He looked up… instantly moving his head back up to her face... laying his forehead on hers. He wanted to concentrate on pleasing her but he was too frustrated by the incessant pings and messages from both of their phones. Both her hands instantly moved to cup his face.

“What's wrong?” she asked carefully.

He opened his eyes and saw her staring at him still with adoration… he was unable to say anything… but just enamored by the way she was looking… so naturally beautiful … and almost his. Noting that he was talking to himself in his head, Riley spoke softly.

“It’s okay… I’m here with you … let’s remember,” she said before she gave him a quick but sensual kiss, tasting herself from his lips… wanting him to resume their rendezvous. She glided her fingers down his chest… meeting the aching bulge in his jeans.

“Let me show you some of the details I remember from that night… let’s get you out of those pants,” her hands unbuttoning his jeans, while she kisses his naked chest. She wanted to give him the same amount of pleasure he was giving to her. She was trying to take off his denim jeans, gently rubbing him through his briefs but she felt him suddenly move away from her hands.

During this time, Seokjin's conscious took over his adrenaline and his brain gave him flashbacks… memories of the phone call she had weeks and weeks ago with Jimin at the dining table… that moment his heart broke… the aftermath of him wallowing… and him telling himself he can move on and allow her to be happy with someone she likes… that wasn't going to be him … his acceptance and ready to move on.

He shook his head, trying to get these memories… these thoughts out of his mind. He wanted to continue what they were doing… both wanting to become one with each other.

But no … his conscious was telling him the truth.

This wasn't the way Seokjin wanted to be with her.

This wasn't going to be only one-time…

No…

If he couldn't have her in a loving romance… them being a couple… he didn't want to do it.

This would break their relationship.

He valued his love for her, their forever best friend relationship more than an once more fuck.

He didn’t need to remember that night as much as it pained him to disagree with that statement.

He knew that they wouldn't come back if they did do it again.

Especially since he still didn’t tell her how he felt.

That he is falling for her…

That he is in love with her...

Seokjin moves away and stands up from the bed. Still shirtless, and a bulge still nestled in his jeans…
he took a step back... trying to catch his breath... his thoughts.
Riley was frozen… shocked at Seokjin's sudden departure from her body. She waited a moment before she called his name out.

“Jin… ” she seductively emitted.

“No… don't say my name like that.”

She was confused. He was just telling her seconds ago how he loved her sighing out his name like that.

“Oppa-”

“No don't call me that!” He exclaimed, eyes closed and his hands forming into fists.

She jumped a bit from his outburst… grabbing a sheet to cover her naked body.

Silence.

“Seokjin… what's wrong?”

He was catching his breath… unable to get any flow of oxygen… it was almost as if he was having a panic attack.

Dammit I can’t breathe…

What the fuck is going on with me?

“I'm fine… I just… I need to step back… I'm sorry for yelling at you Riley.” He turns his body away from her… back facing her. He walked to her window… looking through it, blinds covering the night sky with stars and a half moon… trying to see if the evening lights would calm him down.
Riley slowly moves out of her bed, blankets wrapped around her body and walking quietly to him before she wrapped her arms around his waist… giving him a surprise back hug… Seokjin jumped a bit before her body warmth comforted his anxious beating heart. She couldn’t help but give him small pecks on his back… trying to see if it would calm him down. His fingers started to lace around hers, both settling on his flat stomach. Few minutes past after he spoke.

“What's going with us?” he asked.

Silence.

“Why do you want to remember?” he spoke again.

Silence.

They stayed at their position for a few more minutes… his back to her… she giving him a back hug while he looked at the window… both not moving.
He removed her hands from his waist and turned around to face her... still having his fingers interlocking with hers. His head leaning on hers... looking at her eyes with curiosity and worry.

“Riley… what are we?”

“We- we’re best friends… we’re Riley and Seokjin,” she spoke nonchalantly.“I know we are… but best friends don’t do what we almost did… ”

Silence.

“Riley… what am I to you?”“I-I… what do you mean?” Riley moved her head back to see his entire facial expression. “You’re my best friend… someone who knows me well, someone who I care about-”

“-You’re not just that to me.”

“Wh-what?” Riley stuttered.

“You’re not that to me… you’re not just my best friend.”Riley looked at him… confused… but also knew what he meant. This sexual tension has been lingering around them for months now… all unspoken but now finally acknowledged.“Riley… I care about you.”“I do too about you, Jin.”

He shook his head slowly.

“No… you know what I mean… that night… when I asked you to come over for dinner… the nice table cloth, candles, and flowers… there was a reason why the dining room was like that.”“Yeah… spring cleaning…” she nervously said.

Riley you idiot you know why…

Stop denying…

Seokjin is trying to explain…

LISTEN.

“You know that’s a lie Ryles… please tell me you know that?” He gave her a pleading look.She was shaking slightly… hands trembling in his because she knew what he was trying to say… and she was scared.

Because their world would be different once it was said out loud.

He could feel her shaking, he was scared as well but what the past weeks have told him is that his feelings will always be in the way if he kept it in… if he didn't tell her he wouldn't be able to face her… face himself.
He knew despite the constant worry of not wanting their relationship to change, this “ruining” their status… he knows now to tell her everything… just like before…

Like a best friend…

Because he knows he wasn’t acting like a best friend these past months, the endless weeks dodging her, ignoring her… his mind overran with thoughts of “ what ifs” and “ maybes” … the what if we hurt each other… what if things go south…

But now seeing her tonight…

Her body… her eyes looking at him…

Seeing the small bit of hope and possibility...

It changed from what if we did hurt each other…

To…

What if it didn’t hurt... What if it did work?

What if she did feel the same?

“Riley… l care about you…”

Silence.

“Riley… I think… I know... ”

“Riley I love y -”

A knock on Riley's apartment door halted his movements.

“Riley! Seokjin! …are you guys in there? Hello? Riley are you okay?”

They both heard a voice yelling their names outside her apartment door.

“Do you think they are at Seokjin’s?” Hana's voice piped up.“No… I knocked on his door and his living room lamp isn’t on… so he hasn’t gone back yet,” Yoongi’s distinct gravel voice emerges.“Maybe they went to a local 7/11 to get food or water?”“They should be back by now… they’ve been gone for a couple of hours already.”“Well have you reached Seokjin’s phone? I’ve been calling Riley’s and she’s not answering.”“I’ve been calling and texting both of their phones but no one is picking up.”

Both Hana and Yoongi continued to knock on the door, trying to see if Seokjin and Riley fell fast asleep instead of picking up their calls. After a few minutes of silence… Hana concluded they were not at the apartment complex.

“Let’s try to the 7/11… it’s only a couple of blocks from here,” Hana steps echoing away from the doorstep.“Fine…” Yoongi begrudgingly following Hana.

Seokjin didn’t repeat his statement... his almost declaration. He knew that she knew what he wanted to say. Eyes still gazing at hers.
Both of their hands intertwined together… their connection still strong. She was about to open her mouth… to respond to his declaration but another ring and vibration came on her phone… then a few seconds his phone began to ring as well, their phones flickering Hana’s and Yoongi’s name.

The irony…

All these years of their friends telling them they are stubborn to not see what was in front of them...
All of them urging both to finally see the light…

Now…

Their friends are a factor to the delayed if not never be known announcement.

Riley removed herself away from him, fingers no longer linked to his as she walked to her phone that was lying on the carpet floor.
“Hello?”“Riley... OMG... what happened, I’ve been trying to reach you… actually all of us have. Where did you and Jin go? You guys left right after that douchebag got kicked out of the club. We’ve been calling and knocking on both of your doors.”
Seokjin could hear the phone conversation from his close but separate distance due to the silence in the air between him and Riley. His eyes no longer were giving her the loving affection she was secretly admiring… but now his eyes were filled with sadness and woe… an air of melancholy surrounded him.
“I’m fine… we’re fine…” Riley said quietly.“We? Is Jin with you? Where are you guys?” Hana questioned.“We went to eat at the local market and are just taking a leisure walk around the neighborhood since I didn’t want to get back home yet.” Riley bit her tongue while lying to her friend on the phone.“Are you okay? Yoongi is with me too. He wanted to check on Jin.”“Jin’s fine… his phone was on silent by accident.” she looked at Jin, giving a nervous look to him.He walked over to grab the phone from her hands.“Hey Hana? … yeah… tell Yoongi I’m fine… I’m with Riley. We’ll be back to the apartment in 20 minutes… yeah… see you soon.” He hung up the call and placed the cell phone on the bed.

“They’ll be here shortly… you should change into your pjs… I’m going to grab ice and ointment,” he said as he moved away from her, grabbing his button-up shirt and opened her bedroom door wide to walk toward the kitchen for ice.“Jin-” she motioned her hand to grab his arm.“-Don’t Riley,” he said intensely. She instantly stopped her motion towards him.

Silence.

“Let’s just drop it… it’s been a long day… plus we want to make sure this bruise goes away before it gets worse… before Jimin sees this on your date. ”

Crap.

How did he know?

Dammit… he must’ve heard my conversation with the girls during dinner.

“Seokjin…”

Seokjin already walked out the door, closing it behind him.
The room felt completely different, pure silence and so much unspoken words. She
didn't notice
but she suddenly felt tears started to fall down her face.

Damnit Riley…

Seokjin confessed to you…

And you did nothing but walked away from him.

Her legs gave way, and she sat on her window sill, crying at her stupidity… at her dazed stupor.

Did he just say that he loves me?

She couldn’t say anything to him… she didn’t know how to respond. It must have taken a lot of courage for Seokjin to confess… and all she did was stare at him and not say a single thing. It must’ve hurt him. She hasn’t felt her heartbreaking since her mutual breakup with JB… and she wasn’t even in a romantic relationship with Seokjin.

So why did it hurt even more to see his reaction than JB’s?

--- a few hours ago ---

What Jin and Amy didn’t know was Riley overheard parts of their conversation... she went to the restroom and proceeded to walk towards them unbeknownst them before she heard them mention her name and she proceeded to hide behind the wall near their standing figures.
“Maybe if I remembered what happened that night... I can let this go… remember the details.”“Let it go?”“Ever since we kissed I’ve been feeling differently about Riley…”

Does he want to remember too?

“Look... this awkward tension filling the space between you and Riley won’t go away until you guys talk about it. Seokjin, you are a great guy… tell her how you feel.

Her heart skipped a beat.

What to do?

--- end flashback ---

She thought back to the conversation she overheard at the club, they’ve been acting awkward with each other… both thinking it was only themselves being awkward and not the other person. How the blind was following the blind she cryingly laughed.

Everything that happened right here…

At her apartment… at her bedroom…

Just Riley and Seokjin...

She finally understood what Seokjin is feeling…

But…

She didn’t know if she felt the same...

She wholeheartedly knows she cares about Seokjin more than anyone (besides her parents).

But…

She wasn't 100% sure if she was in love with him.

Love…

Am I in love?

She didn’t know… she didn’t want to say something that she will regret.

But at the same time...

The silence made it worse...

And all Riley could say in her head was...

I’m sorry Seokjin.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

The phrase “April showers bring May flowers ” is true… April is traditionally a rainy period for most places… giving way to the month of May where the flowers will bloom because of the water provided by the rain showers in April.

It also means that a period of discomfort can provide very enjoyable times afterward… of happiness and joy. It is a lesson of patience… that sudden or not so sudden bumps along the way will help provide clarity in the end; the positive outcome.

The phrase is true for most situations…

But the outcome for Riley right now?

Uncertain.

We can't come back from this.

Ry… no.

Riley… what are we?

...There was a reason why the dining room was like that.

Riley… I think… I know…

Riley I love y-

“Riley… woohoo Riley, you there?” out of focus, Riley noticed someone finger-snapping at her, in front of her face.“Huh?” Riley mumbled at her disoriented thoughts.“If you’ve been listening to me these past few minutes… Amy was thinking of having a girls’ trip before graduation, what do you think?” Hana asked.“Yeah sure that sounds fine,” Riley nodded, giving a somber smile.
“You okay?”“Yeah sorry… I'm just worried… worried about the dance showcase is this Friday.”“Why? You and Jimin have the dance down to a T.”
“Yeah, but I mean this in front of those dance companies… I mean what if I accidentally take a misstep or I look too nervous and panic on stage or worse… I do too well?”Hana laughed. “OMG, what is up with you lately? I get that you are worried about the missteps and have some jitters… but doing too well? ”

Why was Riley finding a hard time accepting the position of being on tour? She herself wasn’t quite sure. Maybe because this was a dream that she never could pursue… her family’s job position was already in line the moment her dad, Seokjin’s dad, and Namjoon’s mom created the company over two decades ago. So now that dance companies were finally seeing her perform after years of not performing live, she was nervous. She remembered being scouted during high school, Hoseok and JB were egging her to take the opportunity but she was scared. She didn’t know if she could perform at the level where other girls her age were also competing… and the competition was fierce. So she backed down… she let go of her dancing dreams, but still made time to dance when she could. She just lived the dancer dream life vicariously through Hoseok.

“Riley this is the perfect opportunity to travel and dance! We’ve talked about this multiple times over the course of years during dance club.”“I mean yeah… but… I am supposed to go work at my dad’s company -”“-Oh come on! You know you don’t really want that.”“I do too! I mean… I like both… dancing is my passion but marketing is also something I am great at too.”“See how you distinguish both? A marketing job is there, you have it… but dancing is something you need in your life.”

“I..I…” she couldn’t help but notice Seokjin and Yoongi were behind Hana’s background, just across the University’s campus quad, grabbing a quick snack from the food truck. She could’ve sworn she saw Jin’s eye look at her for a moment before resuming his laughter towards Yoongi.

“What really happened?”“Huh what?” noticing that Hana turned her head to see what was making Riley’s eyes move away from her.“It’s been about 3 weeks since you guys talked... you guys usually make up by now.”

Silence.

"Plus the dude dyed his hair purple… like it’s PURPLE. That’s the boldest hair color I’ve seen from him."“We’re just arguing that’s all. This will pass like always,” Riley moved her head away, focusing on the smoothie in her hand.

Like always…

Right...?

Wrong.

“Is it because you and Jimin are dating now?” Hana bluntly asked.“No, it’s not that," Riley shook her head vehemently. "Besides Jimin and I just started dating, we just had 2 dates.”

Hana looked at Riley.

“Jimin is a sweet guy, I don’t see why Seokjin would have an issue with you dating him.”“Seokjin doesn’t have an issue with Jimin… he hasn’t been awkward… it’s just me...”

Silence.

“So why are you being awkward to Seokjin while dating Jimin?”“I-I… it’s different this time.”
“Different?”
“Not saying those other dates I had weren’t good, but… Jimin is someone who I can picture myself with.”Hana just stared at Riley, her eyes telling Riley to continue and explain.
“I’m not saying Jimin reminds me of JB… but it’s been a while since I found someone who I felt comfortable and excited with… and I remember when the other guys and girls saw me and Jin’s relationship… they all immediately were clingy or annoyed. With Jimin, he’s never showed any jealousy or malice dislike to Jin or our friendship. And Seokjin seems to like him... I think? I mean… I haven’t really seen them talk to each other much, especially since we’ve haven’t hung out as we use to. They seem to respect each other’s presence? Ugh… I don’t know… am I overreacting… maybe there is something weird going on between Seokjin and Jimin. I mean I don’t think Seokjin and I ever gave any weird romantic vibe right? We were never touchy with each other with hugs or gestures… right Hana?”
Riley couldn’t help but ramble on, wanting answers from someone other than herself. Yes, she could talk to Yoongi… but knowing Yoongi … he’s probably figured out everything between her and Jin and she really didn’t want a lecture from him.

Hana nodded her head. “Well, those people were definitely not your type. As much as you tried... you definitely rebounded after JB. And Seokjin… well, he’s always rebounded one after the next.”“I guess... what I am trying to say is… things are going smoothly… for the first time in what like 5 years my love life kinda exists and I don’t know how to act around Jin because…”

Our relationship…

It changed…

That night wasn’t supposed to happen...

My moment of clarity…

Wrong.

It was a moment of impulse…

I was being selfish… and didn’t think about Jin’s feelings...

I didn’t think about if the others found out… if Jimin found out…

I didn’t think that night would turn out that way…

But despite what happened…

Deep down…

I did want to find out…

This line between us.

What was straight and seeable…

Now curved in so many directions and foggy…

Is it greedy of me to wish the line between us get any clearer?

Seokjin...

“Are you worried that you might be showing off you and Jimin’s relationships in front of him since he’s been single for so long?”

Riley I love y-
That moment… those words kept echoing in her head. She closed her eyes for a second to brush that thought away.

“Are you worried that you are happy and he’s not?”

“Wait... are you saying Seokjin’s not happy?” Riley frowned.“I mean no… the guy is always chipper about everything… but I get the feeling lately especially the past few months that he hasn’t been himself a bit. He normally wants to hang out with everyone but he’s been kind of a loner lately...just been doing his own thing… wait… do you think he has a girlfriend?!”Riley blinked a couple of times.“Why do you think he has a girlfriend?”“I mean he hasn’t hung out with the group in a while… just Yoongi… you even said it yourself that he hasn’t hung out with you in forever like normal. He’s acting all mysterious than usual… maybe he has a secret girlfriend or lover that he’s hiding.”“Wait... why would he be hiding someone?”“I don’t know… you know how everyone claims him to be the Mr. Bachelor of Seoul University… every girl wants to be with him… or worse … call themselves the woman that changes him from Mr. Solo to Mr. Taken. If word got out he finally found a keeper all those freshmen and undergraduates would scream and hunt the poor girl down like she’s dating some kind of idol.”

Riley couldn’t help but scoff.

“Seokjin isn’t just a piece of meat. Shit, this is why he can never find someone to suit him… they all look at him like he’s a priceless auction toy wanting to be sold to the highest bidder.”“Okay, that tone… it sounds like you are jealous of all the attention he gets from all the single ladies.”“I am not jealous! I am his best friend. I want what’s best for him. I have to protect him from any of these ladies who just want the man because of that swimmer’s body of his and find someone who actually wants everything of him.”Hana just nodded and smirked. “Sure… ‘best friend’ of Jin… honestly sometimes you act like his protector and sometimes you act like a jealous girlfriend… both lines cross from time to time you know,” she noted as she sipped her drink.

I’m not…

No… I don’t act all jealous like a girlfriend…

Right?

Do I?

Do I have feelings for Seokjin?

No…

I don’t…

No?

“Either way… I hope you guys make up. It's so weird not to see you guys together.”

Wait what?

Riley looked at Hana with confused eyes. “I mean you guys are a pair… two peas in a pod. -Okay maybe not like that but you guys manage to be in each other’s lives in any event…. big or small.”Riley hummed in agreement.“Is he coming to the showcase?”“I'm… not sure. I mean I think he knows… I've mentioned it to him before… and I'm pretty sure Jungkook and Hoseok told him.”“Hopefully you guys can overcome this weird friendship slump you guys currently have.”

Silence.

Riley needed to talk to someone… she couldn’t stand the constant wonders and scenarios in her head.
“I-I… okay, maybe it’s not a regular argument that's going on between us… but I don’t know what to do… I have to admit… I don’t know why but ever since Yoongi celebration… I-I… been thinking a bit differently about Jin…”She couldn't help but opt out the facts of that night. But that didn't matter… especially the look on Hana's face made it all aware what Hana was silently thinking…

That is until she spoke out loud.

"I FUCKING KNEW IT!"

Riley couldn't help but shush the younger female.

"Hana… too loud! People will hear… especially certain people." Riley throwing her eyes and neck at a certain direction of a newly purple-headed gentleman.Hana couldn't help but move her eyebrows up and down and have a smirk on her face.

"I fucking knew it!” Hana said in a lower volume, still showing some gleam in her eyes.“Knew what?”“Omg Riley everyone knows! I was the last person to enter our crew and right away I knew there was something between you guys.”

“No-no-no… you have it all wrong. I never thought of Jin like that before...what you are saying Hana?” Riley rambled on. “OMG NO NEVER!”

“Bitch you are a horrible liar .”

“No.” Riley adamantly said over and over… to the point where saying that word in repetition causes the word to lose its meaning. She sounded like she was saying a gibberish word.

No.

No.

I like Jimin.

I don’t have feelings for Seokjin.

Then why did you want to continue kissing Seokjin that night?

Why did you want him to feel every part of your body?

You were craving for him. You wanted him. You needed him.

Do you really think it just suddenly happened overnight?

Tell yourself Riley… you like Jimin.

But you like Seokjin too.

Riley was in deep thought, not noticing how alert Hana was looking at her. The younger dancer knew Riley was battling with her emotions and thoughts. Riley isn’t a person who falls for multiple people at the same time. Not like her… not like Hana. Hana has multiple attractions. Yes, the guys she meets start out as mildly compelling, but not compelling enough to drive away thoughts of other people. She likes to flirt. And there’s nothing wrong with it. She’s outspoken enough to tell them that she dates multiple people. In her mind, it’s like ordering an omakase, and she is the chef… each food is a different person, a different personality. She likes the thrill of meeting different people; each providing dissimilar characteristics and different hobbies. It’s a phase most people have, and it’s a reason why it’s called a phase… it shall pass.

“Look I never met JB… I know he was your first and only love you've had… but honey… I think Seokjin has always been that for you.”
Riley blinked.“If I'm wrong about your reflection about what he means to you, then I’m sorry… but I definitely think Seokjin has always thought of you as his first and only love,” Hana sipped the remaining of her mango raspberry smoothie.

Wait what?

“Why do you think Seokjin thinks of me like that?”

“Men are slow creatures when it comes to feelings and emotions. And as much as you are Seokjin's best friend… he still lacks the knowledge of what women feel much less knows his own personal feelings.”

“Seokjin isn't emotionally deprived-”

“-Oh I know that. The boy bellows out his astute behavior from time to time. But the man tends to hide a certain side of him… only his family, Yoongi and you know him… hence the ‘you.’ Because you're the only female in his life other than his stepmother.”

Riley was confused. It was only these past couple of months when everything changed.
All because of that stupid drunken night.

But a part of Riley knew what Hana was saying is true…

That Seokjin may have always love Riley in a romantic way.

But the question was…

Did Riley feel the same?

She knew she had to talk to him soon… the weeks of not talking to him was killing her…But she was the one who was avoiding him… she ignored his calls and texts the first couple of days after the tumultuous evening during Yoongi's celebration. And when he came by to knock on her door or saw her in class or the apartment she avoided him like he was the plague. She didn't mean to hurt him… but she just wanted to run away…

From him.

For the first time, she wanted to run from him…

And didn't want to look back…

Because she was scared the moment she finally did look him in the eye… their relationship would be done.

No more Princess and Twinkle Toes.

No more calling Seokjin RJ’s daddy as a joke.

No more smiles, laughs, and yells from Seokjin.

No more jumping on his back, slapping his arms or hugging him by his waist.

No more them.

“Maybe Jin is your succulent?” “He’s my what?” Riley cocked her head to the side.“You know… succulents… those drought-resistant plants… looks like leaves more than flowers… doesn’t need a lot of water... kinda prickly looking.”

Prickly looking?

“Hana… I still don’t get it… what does Seokjin and succulent have in common?”
“They are both reliable, low maintenance… -wait let me retract the low maintenance… we’ve all seen Seokjin whine too much about anything to be that definition.”

Riley sighed… she didn’t want to overthink her relationship with Seokjin. It was too confusing… too complex now that they almost had sex again… and the big important part which Seokjin confessing his love for her.

And she still hasn’t given him a response back.

“What I am trying to say is that he’s been your plant... the succulent that can withstand anything; he’s always been there. And yes you can say Seokjin looks more like a rose or an orchid due to his outer beauty… his handsomeness, but he’s a succulent… he is unique… has odd colors and shapes to him just like a succulent. Besides, you are the only one who knows everything about him without even trying… there’s no pretend between you two.”

Riley was trying to comprehend Hana’s analogy. He’s my succulent?

“And now your garden that just only had this succulent, has a new plant coming in. And now this plant and this succulent may or may not be adapting to each other…you don’t know… which makes the gardener scared to see her garden not cohabiting. She’s worried that the garden isn’t the same anymore… the garden is growing… changing… but change isn’t always a bad thing.”

Change.

How a simple word could have such a profound effect.

“Maybe you should talk to the succulent Riley… as much as it doesn’t need water… it can’t survive without it.”

Kim Hana… you would never ever think she could come up with analogies.

“Hana… you surprise me sometimes you know?”“What cause I am not spewing philosophical thoughts 24/7 like Namjoon?”“Speaking of Namjoon… is there something going on between you guys?” Riley smirked.

“What? No,” Hana sternly stated.

“Really? Cuz it looked like you guys were getting cozy with each other at Yoongi's celebration and you've been mentioning more about him.”“What?! No… Namjoon is a sweetheart but there's nothing going on between us. We have just been bumping into each other at random places. Gotten lunch with each other a couple of times.”“Oh… have alone time lunches eh?”“No not what you think. Besides you use to have alone time lunches with just Jin. What's the difference between me and Namjoon and you and Jin?” Hana jokes, knowing that if Riley disagreed it meant that Riley did in fact had interest in Seokjin.“No-nothing…” quietly spoke.

Nothing… cuz that’s what Jin and I are right now.

A big fat nothing.

“Look I know you are trying to avoid the topic if your current status with Seokjin so I will be a good friend and end the conversation.”

Silence.

"Well Namjoon isn't the type you're used to dating… maybe you need a change too?""Oh no… I am not dating anyone within our group.""Says the girl who flirted with Hobi the moment you met him back in college and you made out with Jin a year later.""Well that was because I was new to the hangout crew... junior year chick me that really needed some grade A dick."
Riley gawked at Hana.
"Okay but hello it's Kim Seokjin… he literally looks like an adonis… god I remember seeing him for the first time at a swim meet… coming out of the water… with his biceps and those pecs…
and those shoulders I wish to swing on-""Okay stop, stop… I don't need a reminder," Riley snapped.

Silence.

“Okay… new subject… so… are you guys exclusive now?”“Exclusive?”“You know… an official couple… has a cute nickname… JimRi or Rimin or Dancing duo? I mean ‘dating’ doesn’t have to be monogamous as long as you express it you can be dating other people too until you find out which one you like more.”

Hana was definitely a serial dater. Keeps meeting new guys every other weekend.
When it came to dating, her and Seokjin had similar personalities… dated multiple people for fun, never really serious… it wasn’t until a year ago after graduating from college that she decided to look for something serious… but Hana being Hana can’t help but be a butterfly and always found a new guy to meet up.

“I mean I think we are? We haven’t discussed it but I haven’t seen anyone except him… and I think the same for him as well.”“Well just in case, you should clarify… you don’t want to blare out ‘hey boyfriend’ when he doesn’t agree.”“Ugh... dating… such a weird experience. When you think you are dating but you aren’t… there are undetermined lines and meaning... can't I just skip to the phase where I am happy with Jimin and we don’t have to think about labels or judgments from others.”“Who is judging you?”“Well, no one… but-”

She couldn’t help but see Seokjin’s face from that night.The way he said she was going on a date with Jimin.His eyes no longer giving her the loving gaze.

Her heart beating and breaking at the same time.

“No one… no one is judging… I am just nervous.”“You and Jimin are a cute couple. Heck, you might dethrone Amy and Hoseok as the cutest couple though Hoseok will definitely disagree .”Riley gave a small smile, though a sudden but fading memory of Seokjin next to her sleeping like a baby went through her mind. His soft black hair, His long lashes, his cute nose, and his pillow lips.

Damnit.

I can’t stop thinking about him.

What to do?

How to go back and fix everything?

Rewind Time.

How Riley didn’t know that was Seokjin was feeling all those months.

-----
Yoongi was pensively watching couples passing by at Hangang park, while Seokjin is too busy gulping down his bowl of jajangmyeon.
“Dude that’s your 3rd bowl this afternoon.”“Come on Yoon, I just swam for an hour, I burned so many calories and I’m friggin’ hungry right now,” Seokjin exclaimed.
“Okay jockey… calm down. Dude, it makes me wonder why you’ve been working out hard these past few weeks… trying to take your mind off a certain best friend?”“I’m not steering clear of Riley… I’m just giving her space. Everytime we see each other she bolts to the other direction. She made it clear with her actions that she’s not ready to talk much less want to hang out with me.”“Well if it wasn’t you guys being horny rabbits at each other during my celebration…”

Seokjin looked at Yoongi. Yoongi looked back at Jin, mocking Jin’s expression.

“Come on… I saw the hickeys on both you and Riley’s necks that night… you’re lucky Hana didn’t notice or else she would have blabbed to everyone what may have happened.”“Nothing happened.”Yoongi stared at Seokjin.“Are you fucking kidding me? The whole night you guys were looking back at each other, waiting to see if one of you would approach the other, both kept staring at the other while the other one didn’t notice.”

Wait what?

“And then none of us knew you guys left until later when someone mentioned that Riley was being harassed by a drunk old guy and you beating him to a pulp and left with her without telling anyone of us.”Seokjin faced turned pink, he couldn’t help but be embarrassed by his actions that night. It was a noble thing he did, but the outcome may have been different with Seokjin lying on the floor beaten up by the guy and some of his friends if it wasn’t for security and the bouncers.

“Either way… hearing that… you be the hero in her eyes… dude, I know you guys slept with each other the moment you went back to her place-”
“-We didn’t!!"
Yoongi gave a smug look."… Okay, you guys interrupted us… but it wouldn’t happen anyway.”“Why not? Knowing the looks you guys gave each other, you guys would want to continue… the question is why you stopped?”“Be-because…”

Silence.

“Because I told her I love her.”

Yoongi’s eyes opened wide.“…You told her that you love her?”Seokjin nodded.

Yoongi was shocked. Sure, he knew deep down they both care deeply for each other… but he was surprised Seokjin confessed his love, he thought the male would just tell her he had feelings… wanted to go on a date with her… you know the simple “hey I like you… let’s try this out” not plunge straight to “I love you” declaration.

Love …

Saying “I love you” out loud… that was a whole new degree.

“She… didn’t say anything…”“Wait… what? ” Yoongi’s eyes furrowed.

“She just was quiet… I mean- she was going to say something, but you and Hana called both our phones before she said anything… and after that, she didn’t really talk or mention anything after.”Yoongi was confused. He hasn’t talked or hung out with Riley alone since that evening but he could tell she was second-guessing her actions around Seokjin. The observationalist man just groans out loud.“You guys need to make up.”“I am okay with everything… I truly am.”
“Really Jin?” Yoongi sarcastically laughed. “You are okay with how your relationship is right now? Giving her space? Doing swimming activities and stuff more than usual? Somewhat wallowing? Hmm.. isn’t this a familiar scene which… hmm, I don’t know happened literally a few weeks back after you were mad at the world for messing up your dinner with her.”
Seokjin stayed silent, staring at his now-empty bowl.

“Dude don’t do this to yourself again.”“I’m not Yoongi… I am okay with what happened… I am happy that I told her how I felt… I just…” Jin sighed. “Look… I knew there was a big chance she wasn’t going to reciprocate the same feelings… but…”

Silence.

“But what?”“I-I… I just felt that she wanted to tell me the same thing,” he turned his head to face Yoongi.“She didn’t say anything… but her eyes… I always know how she’s feeling in her eyes… and I could’ve sworn… no… I know she felt the same.”

“But… she just didn’t say it… she didn’t say anything.” He stood up from the bench and threw the bowl in the trash can that was next to the bench. “So I told her to drop it… drop the conversation… after that night I haven’t gotten a chance to talk to her… Amy keeps me updated with what's going on… that she went on a couple of dates with Jimin,” he mumbled.

Silence.

“I’m fine Yoongi, I am a bit sad… but I don’t regret telling her that night. I guess... I think this is the first time I’ve ever been rejected by someone who means a lot to me.”Yoongi hummed.

Silence.

“Yoon… I guess out of everyone besides Riley… you know me best.”Yoongi nodded slowly, still confused with the direction Seokjin is going.“I think my confidence is just shot down… I’m feeling insecure… I just... I want to run away.” “Run away?”“I know I have to face Riley soon… but now I get why people want to run to the opposite direction… so they won’t get hurt.”

Yoongi knew as much as Seokjin was feeling better, expressing his emotions in a more positive approach than before, he still knew the older male had issues with why his heart was feeling that way to Riley.

“Seokjin, the heart wants what the heart wants. You must be open with that.”
“I know Yoongi.
I am… but I'm still scared. I have every right to be.”Yoongi nodded.
“Yeah man... you do… just know that I'm still here if it doesn't pan out to what you want.”“Thanks man,” Seokjin smiled.

Silence.

“Do you want to hear a joke I just made?”“No. The answer is always no.” “Oh come on Yoongi! You just said you'll always be there for me.”“Yeah, when you are gloomy or sad… not when you want to try out your latest pun or joke. Namjoon and Hoseok are the guys for this,” Yoongi stated before he stood up from the bench and proceeded to walk away from Jin.“Yoongi… YAH Yoongi!! You can't walk away from me... I AM YOUR HYUNG!!!”Yoongi turned around, walking backwards now and put on the new earphones that Seokjin bought for him as a gift.“What I can’t hear you?” tapping on the earphones.“You asshole, get back here!” Seokjin ran at Yoongi, making the feline-like male scamper away faster.

----

Walking back from the dance studio, Riley noticed the flower shop near the apartment. She goes in and looks at all the various flowers… roses… orchids… lilies… and succulents.

Hmm… succulents.

A knock on Seokjin door, Seokjin finishing up washing up his dishes comes towards the door, disregarding at looking through the peephole. He opens and sees a box on his mat and inside a plant… a succulent geometric glass terrarium, just lying in front of his door. Seokjin looks left and right… not seeing anyone nearby his door. He bends down to pick it the box, picking up the glass terrarium, noting the details of the plants inside. He checks the area one more time before bringing the items inside his apartment, closing the door behind him while wondering who would give him succulent plants. It’s when he noticed two green post-its stuck on the side of the box.

He knew whose handwriting it is.

Do you know what succulents symbolize?

They symbolize enduring and timeless love and care. They are plants that can survive with little water, still able to flourish in difficult circumstances.

When you are ready, let’s talk Twinkle Toes.

x Riley

PS: Love you Jinjin, I’m sorry for avoiding you.

Reading her note, reading those words… he felt happy… but also sad. He knew what she meant, she did love him…

Just not the way as he felt for her...

He could hear his heart hurting again… but the small bright side is that their relationship was still intact…

Still best friends.

And he couldn’t help but give a somber smile to that realization.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

“Do we have everything?” Jimin asked as he swung his duffle bag & poster tub around his shoulders and grabbed a box in his hands to carry.“Yes, got my stage clothes, our props, and you have the box with the extra streamers and stuff for the production crew.” Riley was towing her duffle bag and a tote bag filled with snacks.
“Yugyeom said they need extra volunteers to help with the setup so he and Jungkook are on their way right now… actually, more like Hana dragged him and he dragged Jungkook to come down to the venue earlier. Knowing all three, they are going to be hungry so tada… snacks for everyone!!”
“Well, they definitely pulled out the strings this year from what I heard. I think Hobi hyung said they got a new soundboard and updated the lights.”“I don’t know how Hobi does it, he’s a dancing instructor 24/7 and also helping with the sound operator. I guess he picked up a few things from Yoongi since Yoongi knows how to tinker around with the mixers and audio processors.”“Like I told you before… I want to be like Hoseok hyung, he somehow balances everything so well,” Jimin grinned.“But you are perfect in your own way, you don’t need to be someone else. Or else I wouldn’t be dating you… I’ll be dating a weird replica of Hobi who is probably as loud and cuddly as him,” Riley shuddered. “Oh, two Hobi’s in my life… that would be chaotic… I can barely keep up with one Hoseok.”

Jimin chuckled as he pressed the elevator button as they both waited for the elevator.

“You know you only live on the 4th floor, we can walk down the stairs instead of waiting for the elevator-- we’re barely carrying anything.”“No Jimin, you’re carrying a box and the poster tub, I don’t want you to trip down the stairwell.”“Hey, I am not that clum-”Riley gave an unconvincing look at Jimin.

“-Okay, good point.”

The beeping sound prompt Riley and Jimin that the elevator arrived on their floor.
The elevator doors opened to see that Seokjin was already standing inside. His eyes widen a bit seeing Riley and Jimin right in front of him.

Riley...

Seokjin...

Both best friends silently talking in their head, repeating the other’s name. Seokjin removed his wireless earphone before he spoke.

“Ryles… Jimin,” he slightly bowed his head“Hey Seokjin-sshi,” Jimin smiled and bowed back.“Uh... hey...” Riley couldn’t help but stumble out just a “hey.”

Ah, you pabo.
That’s all you can say… “hi” like a weirdo.

The only words she spoke to him in the past weeks. How awkward is this? The couple proceeded to enter the elevator, Jimin looking typical; keeping the small box in one of his hands while responding to a quick text message on his phone... while Riley was suddenly quiet and still… just like another counterpart across from her, on the other side of the elevator. Both were avoiding eye contact.

Silence.

Riley noticed Seokjin’s hair was still purple, but it seemed like it was a temporary color dye… the bright purple was already fading into a lavender color… fitting more into Seokjin’s skin tone. Seokjin couldn’t help but notice the duffle bags and a box that Jimin was holding… it was like Riley was moving into Jimin in small doses.

No, stop that.

She’s not moving into his place, you pabo.

“So… what’s with the box?” Seokjin bluntly asked. He mentally slapped himself.

Stupid Seokjin, you are not sly.

You might as well ask Jimin if they are dating.

Ask him how dating Riley is like?

Ask him how he got himself in that position…

As Riley’s boyfriend.

He did hear Jimin response to his question, but also his mind was playing tricks on him.

“Oh, you mean the box of Riley’s lingerie I’m holding? Yeah… our dirty girl here is going to put on a show for me at my place tonight,” a devilish smile was on Jimin’s face while Riley started to blush.“Babe…”“What princess ?” Jimin turned his face towards Riley, using his free hand to lightly grab Riley’s chin and move it closer to his face. “It’s just Jin... he wouldn’t be jealous to see you display yourself to me like that… right, Jin?”“I...I-”“I mean… after all Seokjin-sshi… you did try to fuck her the last time you guys hung out… didn’t you?” Jimin spoke, feeling smug after his statement. “But you didn’t get to finish the deed... you just had to say you love her… it’s so pathetic… right princess?”“Yeah… he said he loves me … his face was like that one emoji with hearts as eyes… it was so weird. All I wanted was to fuck one more time… not make love to you,” Riley stated.

WHAT.

“Seokjin-sshi? Jin-sshi? Seokjin-hyung?”“Huh, what?!” Seokjin’s eyes bulged out of his dream.“You okay? Your face turned white when I just told you what was in the box... it’s only a couple of items we’re bringing to the showcase… streamers… some backdrop decorations.”

Oh, thank god.

Jimin didn’t say what he thought he heard and imagined.“Oh yeah… the showcase,” Seokjin mumbled. Right? That was all in your head. “Sorry… I just thought I forgot… uhh... to turn off the stove this morning.”Jimin looked at Seokjin with concern while Riley was still quiet, eyes looking everywhere except him.
“Oh…well did you- ”“Yes! I remembered I did… haha,” an awkward laugh erupts from Seokjin’s mouth.

God stop talking Seokjin.

This is the longest elevator ride.

The elevator door opened up, on the 1st floor and an elderly couple slowly walked in.

Just one more level and then rush out Seokjin.

Push the older couple out.

No, don’t be an ass.

Despite this weird atmosphere, you will not shove grandma and grandpa out of your way.

“So... where are you off to?” Jimin asked.“Umm just gonna head over to a manga cafe and just get some coffee, do some reading.”“Sounds fun. You are coming to the dance showcase tonight?”

Oh yeah... It’s tonight… Hoseok mentioned it the other day.

“Umm… yeah, don’t know what time though.”The elevator finally landed to its main destination: to the lobby floor. They all waited to get out since the elderly couple took their time getting out the platform.

“Hoseok’s performance is the last one... that’s all I remember,” Seokjin noted.
“Jungkook’s and Yugyeom’s act is in the middle, and ours is just a few performances after theirs. You should come,” Jimin stated.

Seokjin just nodded, he couldn’t help but feel tension surround this weird triangle. He and Riley still haven’t talked to each other much less had any interactions other than the terrarium plant left on his doorstep from the other night. He wasn’t sure if Riley wanted him to go see her act.Jimin and Riley stepped out of the elevator first, followed by Seokjin. The elderly couple thanked them for letting them get off first and not making a fuss of their slowness.
All three bowed this heads to the older couple. Stepping out of the apartment complex together… they noticed that they were going different directions, Seokjin going left, and Riley and Jimin going right.

“Seokjin… you should come, you're always my lucky charm twinkle toes,” she finally spoke, a soft smile fell on her lips, her eyes finally connecting with his.
He missed seeing her smile… even if it wasn’t the smile he was hoping to see.

He felt the tips of his ears turned red. “Yeah… I’ll be there tonight… cheering for all of you guys.”“Awesome man,” Jimin cheered. “See you tonight.”Riley just gave a nod and small wave to him.

They walked away from each other, but Seokjin couldn’t help but slowly turn around to see them… just seeing Jimin lace his fingers with Riley’s own… Riley smiling brightly at Jimin the moment she felt his hands envelop hers.

That smile…

He did get to see it.

Because of Jimin.

----
Seating was at full capacity. With the help of volunteers, the venue was all prepped and dazzled before the doors opened for the guests of family and friends… especially to the dance companies that were scoping out new talents.
Jimin and Riley were in the back of the stage, all dressed and ready to go; their performance is next up after another duo performance.

“Jimin… Riley noona!” a shout emitted just behind them, Taehyung bouncing up and down, moving between the stage crew and running crew.
“Hey guys, wow… this is a big production this year.”
“Yeah, the art department got huge funding this year so they decided to pizazz this year’s showcase.”“Oh, by the way, guys, now that the quarter is finally over...I got my final grade on the project. A 9.3 out of 10! I got the highest score from Professor Hyuk!”“Congrats Tae!”“Yeah and the showcase director chose me to be one of the main photographers for tonight’s event!” the infamous box-smile came on his face.
“That’s great Taehyung.”“Yeah, I’ve been taking photos the whole day. You want to see the prank that Yugyeom and Jungkook were trying to pull on Hana noona while she was putting up streamers? I have like a shot by shot of the action and Hana noona has the most amazing expression.”

“I think I already know what her face was expressing Tae.” Riley laughed. She imagined the girl looking like the tasmanian devil trying to tear a hole in both Yugyeom’s and Jungkook’s bodies."Shouldn't you be out there taking photos?""Oh Bambam is out there right now taking photos and filming. I told him I needed a break… I especially wanted to see you guys before you went on.""You're too cute Taehyung," Riley trying to pinch Taehyung cheeks."Hey I am a man you can't keep calling me like I'm an 8-year-old," he moved away from Riley's fingers.“Relax man, take it as a compliment. That baby face of yours is still there.”

“You should be grateful Jimin… noona did you know how many times Jimin came up to me to talk and ask about you? He was like ‘who is the pretty girl?’ ‘what does Riley like?’, do you think she wouldn’t mind if I asked out for coffee, should I do that fingers through my hair that I intuitively do-” Jimin tried to cover Taehyung’s mouth.“AHHH shut up Tae!” Jimin yelled.

Riley couldn’t help but laugh at this situation.

“Riley-sshi, Jimin-sshi, you guys are next in line after Jun and The8!” a call boy announced to the couple.
“Jimin-ah, you should let go of Taehyung. We’re up next,” stifling a giggle at the best friend duo who were at each other’s throats. Both males stopped once they heard Riley’s voice.
“Yeah Jimin, stop trying to be handsy with me. Your girlfriend is getting jealous,” Taehyung noted.Jimin rolled his eyes. “Yeah, whatever. What you just said is all over-exaggeration.”Taehyung stuck his tongue out at Jimin. “Okay, I’ll see you guys later. Break a leg or arm… or whatever body part that phrase is supposed to say.” The younger male walked off and took himself back to the seating area.

Riley couldn’t help but be nervous, her hands were still shaking. This would be the first time she is performing in a larger audience. She was so used to dancing with friends, family and the dance club members… but all together… and those talent scouts? She felt apprehensive about going on stage.
She closed her eyes… mentally preparing herself.

I can do this.

You got this Riley.

It’s just a showcase.

This is for fun.

If it works out then you can get to go on tour.

If not you will still have fun.

You got this.

You got-

She was softly talking to herself, not noticing something soft placed in her hands. Her eyes opened up, noting a white soft alpaca in her hands… seeing Jimin in front of her smiling.“RJ?

Wha- what is he doing here?”“Seokjin was trying to find you... I bumped into him and Yoongi at the snack stand a while ago. I told him you were in the backstage helping prep others. He told me he wanted to give you RJ and said that RJ is a good luck charm to you. I figured this would be a good time to show him to you since you're acting all nervous.”

RJ…

She hugged the plushie. She couldn’t help but notice the sweet and caramelly smell that was slightly lingering.

Strawberries and coffee.

“Seokjin,” she quietly whispered.“Hmm, you said something?” Jimin asked.“Oh no-no,” she shook her head “…thanks for bringing it to me Jimin.”“No problem, besides it wasn’t me… it was Jin, I’m just the messenger,” he grinned.“Thanks for being here. It calms me down that I’m doing this with someone and not individually.”“Riley you don’t have to worry. You’re amazing at this. I’m just lucky I got to be chosen as your partner.”

She leaned forward and moved her face up to kiss Jimin. He was in a bit of a shock. They’ve never kissed out in a public place, especially since they were surrounded by all of their friends and colleagues who are trying to make sure the show is running smoothly.

She giggled at his sloth-like reaction. “Sorry I know we just started dating-”And a second later he went back to normal and shut her up with a short peck on her lips. “I was waiting for you to make the first move,” he joked. She was surprised by his impromptu kiss."Always surprising me Mr. Park."“You too Ms. Han… which by the way… I have a feeling you just publicly kissed me right now because someone has been looking at us weirdly… ahem Mabel...” Both of their eyes shifted to the side of the studio… Mabel (another dancer) somewhat trying to hide her sneer towards them.“Well… she has been eyeing you like a hawk ever since you stepped into the club… but no… I just wanted to kiss you cause you are an amazing person… plus maybe she finally stops hitting on you.”“Are you jealous?” Jimin couldn’t help but smirk.“What? No… I am a rational person… why would I be jealous of Mabel? Other than she’s a great dancer too, nice body and knows how to plié and pirouette like no other-”Jimin looked at Riley. “-Right… totally not jealous.” He couldn't help but adore her expression, she was acting all cute and a show-off with her hands around his neck. "I have to admit this jealous side of you is kinda sexy.""Oh really?""Yeah," he chuckled; he was about to lean down and kiss her once more until someone yelled their names.

“Jimin-hyung, Riley-noona where are you guys?! Oh hey… you guys are up next! Stop making out! Come on bali bali,” Yugyeom exclaimed pushing the couple closer to the front of the stage.
-----

Cheers.
Claps.
What a rush.

That performance.

Riley couldn’t believe she performed in front of everyone. Everything was a blur but everything was perfect. She saw the faces that meant the most to her, her family, her friends, her colleagues, and her boyfriend.
“Riley… noona… hey!”
She zapped out of her mind. She was talking to her fellow dancers, Hana, and a few others hugging her and telling her how amazing she was at the performance. Jimin was just a few feet from her as he was in conversations and cheers with Hoseok and Yugyeom.

So who was calling out to her?

"Noona!” a hand touched the bottom of her elbow, turning to her side she saw Jungkook’s face.
“Riley... someone is looking for you."Riley tilted her head, “Oh my parents?”Jungkook shook his head.

"Well... who?"
-----

After party.

Bambam’s family house was vacant for the weekend, perfect timing from him to host an after-party after the dance showcase. After the clean up at the venue, everyone from the production, dancing, and friends flocked to Bambam’s family abode. Just a big house (almost mansion-like) the residence was only 20 minutes from the venue, everyone brought midnight snacks and drinks to celebrate another school year being over and another successful dance showcase.

People mingled around, enjoying the repeated dance moves people saw during tonight's acts. Bodies scattered throughout the house, talking, singing, drinking, eating, and dancing the night away. A few drinking games were being played… mainly beer pong, flip cup, and a dangerously tall drunk jenga.
Jimin got dragged into playing beer pong, he teamed up with Kai (another friend that was also a dancer from a different university). He gave a sad smile and kissed Riley on the cheek for his sudden departure away from her. She was fine with it, mouth out to wish him good luck - “win for me.” Hana and the others asked if Riley wanted to participate but she didn’t want to deal with any beer drinking games… she remembered the last time she played any drinking game she got super competitive and drunk that she was close to brawling it out with Jungkook if it wasn’t from Seokjin holding her back. Jungkook being the competitive boy, couldn’t help but tease and taunt Riley and Amy since he and Yugyeom were beating them.

Ahh those little moments… those nostalgic memories.

She didn’t realize that she walked away from the noisy crowd to back end of the kitchen where a few people were just ideally sitting on the kitchen island… munching away at snacks. She chatted with a few dancers before she decided to walk to the back patio, her eyes caught a glimpse of Hana and Namjoon chatting together at the corner of the living room couch. She smirked to herself, just friends huh? She noticed how bright the moon and the stars over the city night sky this evening through the window panes of the patio door. She wanted to be by herself for just a moment.

Just a moment.

Until she realized that she wasn’t going to be.

It seemed like another person also wanted to escape the ruckus of everyone too.

“Hey,” she spoke.The other person turned his head around from the bench.“Hey,” a small smile crept on his face. “What brings you out here?”
Riley slowly moved closer, sitting on the other end of the bench. “Just wanted to see the moon and stars, get some peace and quiet.”The man nodded his head in agreeance. “Same here.”“I’m surprised you came,” she hesitantly stated.“I hang out with people.”“I know that but… I figured you wouldn’t want to hang out with a big crowd considering you haven't been hanging out with anyone for a while.”“Work has been busy… besides… someone has been evading someone else... so someone's gotta take care and check up on someone…”

“Yoongi…”

“What? You want me to stop being the middle-man… the therapist for you two?”“What are you-”“-You need to talk to him.”“I did-”

Yoongi gave her a discerning stare. She pursed her lips.

“I was planning on talking to him today… I gave him a peace offering the other day… a plant.”Yoongi looked at Riley deadpanned and his right eyebrow arched. “A plant?”“Yeah.”“Jin doesn’t garden-”“I-it's a succulent terrarium,” Riley noted. “Succulents don’t need much... just a few drops of water… mainly some love and care.”
“Sounds like him,” Yoongi mumbled quietly but loud enough that Riley heard it.

Silence.

“Has Seokjin told you what happened?”“Yes… but not all the details.”
“Oh... so you know-”“-That night you guys made-out, almost fucked, and he confessed his love for you?”

Riley just stares with an open-mouth. She wasn't surprised that Yoongi knew everything, but his bluntness hurts and shocked her sometimes, especially when he was trying to make a point that she was not ready to discuss… A CLEAR POINT that Yoongi always likes to bring up.

“That night… it was-”“-A mistake? Too drunk to remember? The emotional drama you don’t want to acknowledge?”“No- it’s not that Yoongi, I just needed some-”“-Time? It’s been 3 weeks Riley.”Riley nervously bit her bottom lip, she couldn’t help but feel like she was 7 years old again being scolded.“I-I know I have been avoiding him… but it’s because… because…”

Because of what?

Why are you avoiding him?

What are you avoiding specifically?

“Riley I don’t want to intrude, but you need to stop doing this to Seokjin and yourself.”“Do what?”“You know what I am trying to say… you can’t mess with Jin’s heart.”“I’m not messing- what... are you implying? That I’m just playing around with him?”“Yes and no… Riley, I know what happened to you guys… and I am not just talking about my celebration night… I mean months ago… the night after Seokjin came back from vacation.”

So he does know everything…

“I was fine with everything… it’s between you two… but after what happened 3 weeks ago… you ignoring him… going on your day like normal while Seokjin has been trying to act like he’s fine but isolating himself… you know it too, he's not fine... you're his best friend.... but he's my best friend too… and you are hurting him by not talking to him like a best friend should be.”
Riley was going to speak but the patio sliding door opened.
“Okay Yoon I got our hite beers and won’t believe it but Jackson persuaded Namjoon to partner with him on a game of flip cup against JK and Yugyeom and they are actually beating them... it’s so hilarious and the reaction on JK is price-” Seokjin stopped talking once he saw Riley’s face as she turned around to see him.

Silence.

Ahh another awkward moment.

Yoongi stood up from the bench. “You know what… I don’t want a beer… I’m gonna grab some whiskey from the kitchen... apparently, Bambam’s family has a shelf load of them… plus I need to talk to the guy about filmography… you can give the beer to Riley.”
Yoongi gave a stern look when he turned the corner from the bench, signaling her to stay and talk to him. As he approached Seokjin near the patio door he quietly whispered to him, “Don’t screw it up. Just listen to what she has to say.” He patted Jin’s shoulders and proceed to enter the hallway, closing the sliding door behind him so the two could have some alone time.
Seokjin was teetering on his feet… heel, toe… heel, toe
before he slowly walked over to Riley.

“Here, want a beer?”Riley stared at Seokjin’s hands with the beer reached out to her.“Um sure… thanks.” Taking the can, her fingers brushed his when it came in contact with the exchange, she couldn’t help but flutter from the slight touch.Jin proceeded to sit at the spot Yoongi was at.

Silence.

“RJ,” she mumbled.“Hmm?”“Thanks… for bringing RJ.”Seokjin nodded his head. “I figured you might need some familiar comfort.”

Silence.

“So wait… did you go into my apartment to grab RJ?” Riley squinted her eyes and turned to face him.Seokjin’s body instantly froze, luckily he was still facing forward not getting a full view of Riley's face, but he could feel his ears turned red.

“I don’t normally go into your apartment without you knowing if that is what you are thinking!!! I mean we both have each other’s spare keys in case of emergencies and I made extra food today so I wanted to give it to you tonight but then I remembered you and Jimin mentioning that you guys were going to be at the showcase beforehand to help so I decided to use the key and just put in your fridge as a surprise and then I saw RJ and I just thought he can give you a sense of peace and calm you down since this is the first time in a while that you performed live on stage…” his rambling was adorable in Riley’s eyes. Seokjin tends to prate on when he’s nervous, his arms and hands flailing around more than usual. It also represents his unintentional hiding of what’s the real meaning of what he’s trying to say. His ears were his main enemy. Riley always thought it was cute.
She giggled at his outwardly flustered moment. That giggle made Seokjin stop his movements. He finally looked at Riley, all of her… looking so effortless in the night sky with just the dim backyard lights, the city’s night sky from the distance and mother nature’s lighting… the stars and the full moon.

He sipped his beer before speaking.
“You were great out there… on stage.”“Thanks, Jin.”“I feel like I haven't seen you act like that in forever.”“Act like what?”
“That you're happy.”

Riley tilted her head.“I mean- I’m not saying you haven’t been happy… ahh- I mean…”

Stop stumbling with words.

Say what you want.

“You looked so perfect out there… like you are meant to be on stage.”

Silence.

Maybe this would be the moment.

The moment they get to finally talk about what happened 3 weeks ago.

About what happened at Yoongi’s celebration… at her apartment.

Both of them.

Just the two of them.

Finally alone.

“I’m sorry for avoiding you.”“It’s-”
“-Not okay.”
“I mean I get why you did… I told you my feelings for you… I should have just kept it to myself.” His hands crumpling up the almost empty can.“Seokjin… you don't have to bury your feelings. You can let them out.”

Seokjin tilted his head.

“Jin… you should never feel like you can’t tell me anything. I’m sorry for abandoning you, avoiding you like you did something wrong. You didn’t do anything wrong. I reacted in a flawed way.”She could feel her eyes filling up with water.“Jin... I trust you. I love you. I care about you too much.”

I love you.

Those 3 exact words he told her just 3 weeks ago...

How those words… that expression wasn’t the same as how he said it to her...

Riley didn’t realize she said “I love you” to him in her heart-to-heart conversation until it was too late… she was trying to pour out her feelings. Trying...

But it is true…

She does love him.

But…

“Maybe there is a way I can fix what happened- I can fix the situation, this between us-”
“-Riley.”

Seokjin said her name, in a whisper but such a powerful tone that it made her stop speaking.

“Riley… you can’t fix what’s not broken.”
Riley couldn’t help but be frustrated at the way she was acting… emotional and angry. He scooted over to sit next to her.
“This between us… it will always be there, ” Seokjin softly spoke while gazing at her watery brown eyes. He couldn’t help but bring his fingers to her cheek, to stop a tear from falling. He found a few stray hairs in front of her face… his fingers moved her hair behind her ears while he gazed at her with warmth and affection. He could feel her breathing pause when he did that, her throat moving due to a gulp.

Dammit, I crossed the border.

I can’t do that anymore.

His fingers turned into a small fist when it came back to his side, annoyed by his instant reaction to her, knowing he needs to stop looking at her like that. Her lips looked so tempting… luscious and naked without his lips connecting with it. Wishing to kiss her to end the fear and anger that was in her right now. He knew he needed to stop thinking like that. She is in a relationship now with Jimin… and she is happy with Jimin. He won't jeopardize her happiness.

Seokjin wanted to say what he was feeling this moment, but he could see in her eyes she was scared… terrified and angry at what she just said… how she said it… what she is trying to say...

“I love you Ryles… I always will. It’s okay that you don’t love me that way. I’m not mad at you… I’m not angry. I know it's hard to understand this new “us”… I know you want to undo what happened… but…” he sighed. He is fine with what is going on… he is finally at a stage of being at peace with everything… sort of.

But the way Riley is acting, her talking, her eyes telling the truth… confusion… uncertainty. Riley is still overwhelmed with all the news and her own emotions.
“When the time and location is right we can talk about it… but right now… I just want to make sure we’re still good… best friends forever right?” he softly said, taking one of her hands in his, making small circles on the back of her hand with his thumb. Just how he always did before everything that’s happened. He would take her hands and console her… just like how they were when they were young.

How can he be so calm right now?

I just told him I don’t love him that way…

I mean it’s true... I don’t love him like that.

Then why is your heart hurting when you deny it?

Are you sure you're not lying to yourself?

“Seok-”“-Do you want us to go back, before everything that’s happened these past few months?”“I-”“-Before that night?”“I…”

Do you want to go back?

Before everything that's happened?

Reverse time?

Riley what do you want?

What do you want?

What do you want to tell him?

Riley come on… speak!

You need to swim or paddle or else you’re going to drown.

Say something!

“I got the offer!” she blurted out loud.Seokjin’s eyes furrowed, confused by her statement.“What?”“I got the offer,” she spoke with her normal tone, trying to express a different attribute. “The dance company that Hoseok collaborates with, they wanted to talk to me after the showcase was over…”
Seokjin blinked.
“Wait... did you get-”“-They offered me a position on the team for their tour… I’m going on tour this summer,” She softly smiled before she beamed, a slight dimple showing on her left cheek.

That smile.

The smile that he loves.

The one she beams when she’s happy, excited… in bliss.

Seokjin couldn’t help but grin cheerfully at her.“Holy shit, Riley that’s what you used to dream about! It’s happening!!” “I know!!”He couldn’t help but lift and hug her, twirling their bodies around while she was laughing and squealing from his excitement. He dropped her down on to her feet.“I got the part!” she grinned.“I knew you would get it, see… dreams don’t die.”

She smiled again, until she realized she didn’t tell him the whole story. He noticed her smile faltering.

“What’s wrong?”“No-nothing… I just…”“What? Come on, you can tell me… we’re best friends. What’s wrong?”“The tour… umm..”“Yeah the tour… THE TOUR… Ryles… that’s great! Why are you not thrilled-”“-I’m leaving at the end of the month.”

Silence.

“....Wait you’re leaving in 2 weeks?”“Yeah... 2 ½ technically… finals are pretty much done and then graduation is next week, and after that Hoseok, Jimin and I are heading to the States… first stop is Seattle.”Wait did he hear that correctly?

“Hoseok, Jimin and I.”

Did she just say he was going with her?

Jimin.

Park Jimin.

And Riley.

Them alone… on tour.

Damn it.

Seokjin’s smile faltered a bit, fading into a small frown.“Oh… ummm,” Seokjin scratched the back of his neck “how long will you be gone?”“About 4 months, I mean we will be back just in time for the first week of classes for the new school year for Jimin.”

4 months.

4 long months without Riley.

And only 2 weeks left until she leaves.

“Wow… that’s… a long trip.""Yeah…"This was the first trip Riley's ever been away from her hometown… by herself too. Technically she won't be… Hoseok and Jimin will be with her but she hasn't traveled that far for a long time."You're going to have a lot of fun," Seokjin tries to give a serene smile to her. "I'm proud of you.""Thanks."“So I guess we will have to find some time to hang out before then.”“Yeah… well I told Hana and Amy we will have a girl’s trip before graduation next week. And then after that I’m gonna head over to my parents and spend time with them… and Jimin was gonna help me go shopping to buy stuff for the tour…”“Yeah… a pretty packed schedule already?”“I mean… we’re still gonna hang out after graduation? You know… party at Namjoon’s parent's house? I’m pretty sure your step-mom, Namjoon’s and mine already ordered the catering and party supplies.”“Haha… yeah they probably did...”“But we still need to find a time to hang out… just us two.” Seokjin spoke softly.

“Right… yeah… just us...”

Eyes studying each other, both trying to read each other’s thoughts… feelings.

Tell him.

You have to tell him.

“Jin... when I kissed you that night...I-I-” Riley needed to say something, anything before the night was over. “I wanted to know what I was feeling… regarding you…”

Me?

“I know I was acting strange, but I kept having dreams about us… you and me… kissing… doing more than that…” Her face was blushing, those wet dreams were flashing through her eyes. She was embarrassed that she was telling Jin this… but she needed to be honest with him. Seokjin couldn’t help but blush also... hearing her say she was having intimate dreams about them, his neck and ears were feeling hot… but on the bright side, he wasn’t the only one dreaming about them.“At first it creeped me out, I thought my conscious was yelling at me to finally talk to you and we did… but I still found myself having those dreams again and again and I thought that if I did kiss you in real life, all those dreams would go away and everything will make sense… I can get my clarity.”

“But despite that...I didn’t think about what you were going through, I didn’t realize your feelings for me… I feel like I abused your trust. What I’m trying to say is that I am sorry. I am sorry for that evening, I’m sorry acting on my impulses… I am sorry for being selfish.” “Riley…”“I wanted clarity… and I got it. I really like Jimin… I do… and I want to give Jimin and me a chance. I know this leaves a weird gap in our friendship, but I need to tell you that Jimin means a lot to me.”“Jimin is a great guy for you, he makes you happy.”“He does…” she gave an amiable smile, studying Seokjin’s expression. How his eyes were agreeable but sad. The veins on his neck weren’t protruding anymore. His whole posture was more relaxed than it was previously when they started their heart-to-heart.

“The thing is Seokjin… there's just one problem… I-”

“-Oh hey there's where you guys have been,” Namjoon spoke as he opened the sliding door, spooking the couple.
“Oh Joon… hey.” Riley and Seokjin stepped back away from each other.
“We’ve been looking for you- oh wait- sorry did I interrupt something?”“Uh... yeah actually Riley and I just need a moment to our-”
“-HEY MY FRIENDS,” Hoseok yelling loudly behind Namjoon, already drunk after a couple of beers and a shot of whiskey. He runs over to hug Riley and then to Seokjin.

“Dude… have I ever told you that you would be so perfect to be an actor… your small face, those shoulders, those lips.”“No Hobi, you haven’t…” Jin couldn’t help but try to pry himself from Hoseok’s grip on his arms while Namjoon snickered on the side of the patio.“Dude… you. are. so. muscular… Riley.... did you know your best friend is hot?” Hoseok grabbed Jin’s chin and brought it closer to Riley. Seokjin’s and Riley’s eyes bulged out, how Hoseok was accidentally imploding in the middle of their conversation and also how close their faces were next to each other.“Look at this handsome face. We need to find you a girlfriend Seokjinnie," Hoseok was cooing and baby talking.

“Uh... “ Riley couldn’t comprehend what was going on.

“Hey Hobi… Hobi… hyung,” Namjoon walked over to pry Hoseok off Seokjin. “Let’s grab you some water dude.”“Ohhh but wait I wanted to find them for a reason… crap what was it?”“Maybe something about a dance tour?” Amy chirped in, everyone turning their body to see a new face on the patio.“OH yeah… you are so smart baby,” Hoseok put his hands into a heart-shaped and aimed it towards Amy as she shook her head in amusement.“Oh honey… you know you can’t drink that much,” Amy walked toward her other half, Hoseok trying to silent shush her like his drinking tolerance was a secret.“Shhh… oh Riley… Ryles… dancing queen fair maiden... you told Seokjin hyung about the great news?”“Umm yeah-”“-Yeah, miss princess here told me about the tour coming up. I guess you, Hoseok is stuck with her for 4 long months. Dude… sucks to be you. You’re in charge of taking care of her.”

Riley’s eyes completely changed, flickering from sentimental eyes at Seokjin to a now more irate glint.

“Wait what do you mean ‘sucks to be you’? I can take care of myself!”“Please you are going to wake up late, eat unhealthily, and make a mess wherever you go… I feel sorry for whoever is going to be your bunkmate.”“Are you kidding me?!”“Guys… please don’t argue…” Namjoon and Amy were trying to calm Riley and Seokjin down.

“Listen Mr. Kim Seokjin I can take care of myself you pompous-”“-Princess here always needs someone to help clean up her messes.”“THAT’S IT! GET OVER HERE!!” Riley jumped on Seokjin’s back in a flash, punching his arms.“Ow!! Help! Get this sugar glider human off of me!!”“This is for being a jerk, this for calling me princess, this is for-” she kept punching him each moment.“-When the hell did you get stronger?!” Seokjin yelling at her while trying to remove her surprisingly strong grasp.

“Oh are we playing a game with Seokjin? LeapFrog? I want to play! I call next” Hoseok asked, still in a drunken mood.

“No babe… Riley isn’t playing with Seokjin… she’s more like assaulting him.” Amy noted, moving Hoseok away from seconds of him accidentally getting clocked in the face by Riley and jumping on top of Seokjin. “I’m dying guys! I don’t want to die by the hands of her!”“Yoongi hyung help out man!” Namjoon roared trying to pull Riley off Jin, the male noticed the other hovering near the patio door.“Nope… count me out,” Yoongi sips his whiskey neat.
“What the hell Yoongi!” Seokjin screeched. “Get over here! Your best friend is being killed by his other best friend!”“Well if you didn’t make fun of her then you wouldn’t be in this situation,” Yoongi deadpanned.

The yells and noises were heard from the inside of the house.

“Whoa what’s going on?” Jungkook peeked his head outside.“Just an average, ordinary day Jungkook,” Yoongi noted, “Ever tried single malt scotch before?”Jungkook's doe eyes appeared. “Single. Malt. Scotch? What’s that?” “That is what you drink when you see Riley and Seokjin acting like this,” he pointed at the couple.
“If the room was ever on fire, you sir would be the one sitting on a chair and drinking saying everything is fine,” Amy stated to Yoongi as the man slowly walked over to the crew.“Thanks Amy, I appreciate how you know me,” Yoongi sarcastically responded but he enjoyed Amy’s compliment.

What a pleasant picture.

Perhaps the last gathering everyone would have before graduation and summer starts.

Seems like everything is good.

Almost back to normal.

Almost...

But no one knew what Riley was going to say before their friends again interrupted their moment…

Only Riley…

And if she said it then everything between them would change again…

“The thing is Seokjin… there's just one problem… I-”

Seokjin… I... want to kiss you again…

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Today was the day. Riley finally leaving Seoul and heading off to see the world. After staying the night at her parent’s house, Riley was ready to get on her way to the airport.
“Dad, I’m ready to go-” she paused, seeing someone else with her father at the front of the doorway.

Seokjin?

What is he doing here?

Seokjin waved his right hand. “Hey.”

“Hi… what are you doing here?”“I was going to say goodbye before you head to the airport, but I guess your dad wants me to drive you instead,” he showed his car keys.“Riley, you don’t mind Jin driving you to the airport? I know I told you I would but something came up at work.”“It’s okay dad, I understand.”“Sweetie, we’re going to miss you,” Riley’s mom appeared from the living room, hugging Riley tightly.“Mom…”
“What? I can’t give you a hug? After all, you are leaving dad and me alone for 4 months…”“It’s the same as when I got my own apartment near the university, I wasn’t at home a lot.”“But still… my baby bird leaving the country for a long period. We’ll be in a different time zone,” her mom was fake crying.

“Mom...”

“Honey I think Riley got the message… I gotta go,” he kissed his wife, “bye… and call me when you land in Seattle okay Firefly?” “Yes dad…” she gave a hug to her dad.“Thank you Seokjin.”“No problem sir,” Seokjin bowed his head, Riley’s dad chuckled.
“Ever the gentleman Seokjin, you’ve grown up so much… both of you,” as he turned to look at both of them before vacating the house.

“So... you got everything?”“Yeah, all ready to go.”

Seokjin grabbed Riley’s heavy luggage.

“Oh you don’t need to-”“Don’t worry,” he lifted it with ease, “I got it.”“Bye Mrs. Han.”“Bye Seokjin, thank you again for driving my baby to the airport. I’m sure if I drove her I would be crying too much that I wouldn’t be able to see the road.”

“MOM…”

Seokjin chuckled. “Not to worry Mrs. Han, it’s a privilege to drive your daughter.” He couldn’t help but set off his charm and wink at the Han ladies before he proceeded to walk to his car.

“Are you sure you don’t have any feelings for Seokjin? I mean you guys would be so perfect together… and he's handsome, smart, and he’s such a gentleman-”“-Please mom, if you really knew Jin, you wouldn’t say that.” Riley could remember all the countless times Seokjin would just stand there and do nothing or laugh at her during their childhood… but she managed to do the same with him when he needed help too. Like two peas in a pod… except that they both wanted separate pods due to their constant bickering.“I know… I know you keep telling me... but... Jin’s mom and I always said you guys would always find your way to each other. I guess… I still want to keep that spirit alive, especially since she’s not here anymore…”
“Mom...”
“Sorry, I can’t help but reminisce… she was my best friend you know? What if Seokjin wasn’t by your side anymore? Wouldn’t you feel sad sometimes… miss him?”

“I…” she paused. A faint memory of Seokjin smiling at her entered her mind. Best friends forever right? echoing. “I would… I know mom, sorry.”Her mom gave her a smile. “Well I’m gonna stop being melodramatic, but I will miss you, honey… like your dad said, call us when you land in Seattle. Take photos, eat well, get some sleep, and have Jimin wear a condom if you guys-”

“-MOM!”

“What?”“I’m almost 26! I took sex-ed class years ago. I’m an adult now even if I am your baby bird,” she couldn’t help but scold her mom.Her mom pouted. “Fine… stop acting like your older and wiser than me. Have fun!”“Love you mom!”

The drive to the airport was fairly quiet albeit the small 5-minute sing-a-long. Riley texted Jimin that she was on her way to meet him and Hoseok. After a few text message exchanges and carpool karaoke with Jin, Riley looked out her window… seeing the wonderful view of Seoul passing her by, the Han River following the path of their movements. Riley shifted her eyes toward the other side of the car. Riley couldn’t help but observe Seokjin’s features as he drove them to the airport… wearing his sandals, black joggers and a light brown jumper. He almost looked too boyfriend-casual in her eyes.

Wait... stop it.

Stop commenting those remarks in your head.

They both found some time to hang out with each other despite each other’s busy schedule… graduation party, lunch with the crew, and finally a best friend movie night… just the two of them. Following the showcase afterparty, Seokjin and Riley didn’t talk about their conversation… specifically Seokjin. He wanted to enjoy his limited time he had with Riley before she left to go on tour… hang out like before… just two best friends joking around.

Currently, Seokjin looked straightforward and simple, just driving her to the airport. However, Riley couldn’t help to point out something missing… could he have a lot more going on under the surface than she realized? Those days of being able to read each other's eyes… it was slowly fading. She was thinking to herself, not knowing that Seokjin already brought them to the departures area, stopping the car and proceeded to step out and pull her luggage out of the trunk.

“Well, I guess we are here,” Seokjin stated.“Yeah… thanks for dropping me off.”“No problem, next time it will be your turn to do the favor,” he joked.Riley rolled her eyes. “Yes, I am your humble servant.”“Why thank you fair maiden,” he gave his wiper laugh.
“I’m gonna miss you, Riley.”“I’m gonna miss you too, Seokjin.”

She gave him a tight bear hug and surprised Seokjin with a kiss on the cheek in a haste.

“See you in the Fall twinkle toes,” she winked.He smiled. “See you loser.” He saw her walk away, passing through the automatic doors and going in line to customs.

“Bye Princess…” he whispered.

-----
~ A few days later ~
"What's your astrology?"

Seokjin looked back as his friend in front of him, Ken, an old friend that went to a different college but lived nearby Seokjin. They were sitting outside an ice cream shop. His friend eating mint chocolate chip flavor and Jin eating strawberry balsamic flavor.

“What?”“Your astrology… zodiac… are you a Capricorn or a Scorpio?”“Uhh... I think I’m a Sagittarius?”Ken nodded his head, typing away on his phone.“What are you doing?”“I’m looking up your astrology sign, trying to see what’s your horoscope for today.”“You actually believe in that?”“Hmm… sort of…”“Did Yeonji trap you into this?”“No… okay yes…” Ken nodded his head. “I didn’t know she was into astrology until a few months dating her.”“Look… sometimes I totally think those are rip-offs but there are times where I have looked at my horoscope and things have played out similar to what it said. So… there’s no harm done by checking it out.”“I guess you have a point,” Seokjin noted while eating his cup of ice cream.“Here Jin, it’s your horoscope for today.”He takes Ken’s phone and reads it.

Astrology:
Many things are on your mind, as always, but this doesn’t mean you won’t be able to filter out what is truly important at the moment. Hold on to health priorities and things that recharge your batteries in any situation...

Recharge your batteries… hmmm… well, one thing or the person who can help me through stress and life is halfway around the world right now…

“So… what did it say?”“Hmm?”“The horoscope.”“Oh… nothing just telling me to focus and figure of my priorities… good health blah blah blah.”“Alright, so a generic one today.”“Yep,” Seokjin said, “Not much help for today.”“Hmm… you never know Jin, the day is early… perhaps your good luck or change will come tonight.”“Hmm… maybe,” Seokjin mumbled as he stared out the window, seeing the clouds moving into the city.

I wonder how she is doing?

"So what's the plan Mr. Graduate man?""Being like millions of other people… a civil servant to society.""Ah, time to take the mantle from your dad yeah?""No, no, my dad has plenty of life to be chairman and running the company. I'm just going to be a part of the marketing department.""The marketing director-""No Ken… I'm not ready for that.""Isn't what your dad groomed you for? To take over for him?""Yes… but I didn't imagine right after I graduated… I'm was assuming like 10 or 20 years from now, where I'm married, have a kid… you know… an actual adult level status.""Dude… you being married? Come on… we all know you haven't had good luck in the romantic relationship department… especially finding someone you want to have a life partner with.""Well, I will… eventually…""Seokjin… buddy… I know you are a handsome guy… but you really need to put yourself out there more than just your looks.""I've never-""You're a great guy. I know you aren't one of those sleazy men who just use their faces to get every lady... but you need to make a new name for yourself. You can't be Mr. bachelor of Seoul U… you graduated. You need to make known as Mr. Kim Seokjin… the future owner of one of the top-grossing brands of Korea… your semi-playboy-gentleman ways need some adjustments. You should find someone… a woman with a status similar to yours… someone who can understand you and provide aid whenever."

Seokjin understood what Ken meant but he wondered… what does he want as his ideal wife?

Gentle? Kind? Thoughtful?
All things worth noting… but he needed more distinct descriptions.

Fighter. Passionate. Kind but assertive. Gentle when together but not a pushover to problems.

Everything seems like generic answers.

Riley.

An answer that wasn't generic.

It wasn't found in a dictionary.

No… the only way to find Riley is through knowledge… through hardship… through luck and reasons unknown to anyone but him.

Through some kind of destiny or intervention from a higher being.

It had to be.

Because Riley is one of a kind. There will never be anyone like her.

But she's not the answer.

She can't be.

Then who?

Seokjin frowned. Ken wasn't lying… it's been so long since he's actually found someone worthwhile. Maybe he needed to go to a different approach in meeting women? He sure as hell did not want to go to those matchmaking events that Namjoon's mom always raves about… seeing how a few cousins actually found their better half through there. Lord knows Namjoon will have to deal with that. Maybe talking to his dad and stepmom? He does love his stepmother, but sometimes he just wished his mom was here to tell him the advice.

Maybe it was time for Seokjin to make changes.

Maybe it was time for him to change the direction of his life.

Why not now?

What is pulling him down?

Who is making it hard for him to change?

--A week ago--
Graduation night; Namjoon’s parent’s abode was filled with family members of Kim's and Han's. Yoongi, Hoseok, Jimin, and the other friends stopped by after graduation to celebrate but this event was specifically for family only. The graduation photos were already taken so Seokjin and Riley were wearing their normal clothes. The night was filled with food, drinks, laughter, and smiles.

Seokjin tapped on Riley's shoulder, gesturing her to follow him.They moved away from the crowd and walked to the back porch.

“So back porches...
back patios… backyards… is this our thing?” Riley joked.

“Hey, this was the only space that is somewhat peaceful and quiet, despite the kids running around everywhere.” A few of the cousin's kids were running amok… chasing bubbles blown by Jungkook and chasing Jungkook. Luckily the younger male had the endurance to keep with the little rascals.
Namjoon was with them for a bit before he was kidnapped by his mom to see if he was interested in matchmaking. His doe eyes pleading with Seokjin and Riley to save him but they both knew not to interfere with Namjoon’s mom once she has an idea… and they didn’t want to get dragged into matchmaking as well.

“I feel bad leaving Joonie inside,” Riley said.“You are more than welcome to go back in and save him, but knowing Auntie… she will somehow rope you in if you impede,” Jin noted.“I mean I can tell her about Jimin-”“-Ryles if you tell her about Jimin she’s going to ask you 100 questions about him… dissect every aspect of why you like Jimin to the nucleus.”
“I can handle that-”Seokjin stared at her. She sensed his “are you crazy?!” eyes looking into hers.“Look… there’s a reason why Namjoon never brought a girl to meet his parents… specifically his mom. Auntie wants the best for Joon, I mean he’s also an only child so the coddling that Namjoon had over the years… yeah it was intense.” “I never seen Auntie like that though… she’s always so sweet and kind to me.”“I mean she is… but-uhh… you didn’t know this… I don’t know why I haven’t told you before…”“Told me what?”“Auntie wanted Namjoon and you to be a couple.”

Wait what?

“She wanted me… and Joon?” Riley nervously spoke.
“She thinks an older lady would be good for Joon,” Seokjin chirped.

Riley blinked.

I’m only 2 years older… it’s not that of a big difference.

“Wait… I’ve never heard this. My mom or dad never told me…”“Well, Auntie and my mom had a huge argument because of that… and your mom was stuck in the middle.”Riley's eyes widen.

“It seems like your mom and my mom had a pact back then to try and marry off their kids to each other… hence you and me. So when my mom overheard Auntie talking to your mom about Namjoon and you being a future couple apparently my mom freaked out.”“When did you hear this?”“When I was 11… came downstairs to go to the kitchen to grab a late-night snack but my parents were in the dining room and my mom was semi-drunk ranting how my dad’s sister was trying to sabotage her best friend-sisters-from-another-mister pact with your mom. And of course, my dad was just laughing at how angry she was.”“Why didn’t you tell me?”“Because I shut that thing down the moment I heard it.”

Riley stared at Seokjin.

“Look- I knew you didn’t have feelings for the both of us and we didn’t either. So I bluntly told my parents that was not going to happen. I know they weren’t doing an arranged marriage… it was their cutesy dream to see their children grow up and marry together, but you have a right to be able to find someone you like and love on your own terms.”

Silence.

“...You told off your mom?”“Yeah… I told off my mom. I have to defend my best friend,” He smirked.Riley punched his arm.“Ow, what the hell Riley!”

She glared at him.

“You shouldn’t have yelled at your mom-”“-I was defending you!”“-Still! That’s your mom you big doofus!” she smacked his arm again. He did a small yelp though he wasn’t actually in pain, eyes wide and looking at Riley.“Then what am I supposed to do? Just stand there and do noth-” he was cut off when Riley suddenly hugged him, Seokjin completely froze… hands still on his lap while Riley had her arms around his shoulders and her neck curling behind his. He could feel a smile forming between her lips and his sweater.

She removed herself from him.

“You pabo,” she chuckled.“Remember… I am your bodyguard-” “-Ajusshi bodyguard you mean,” Riley noted.Seokjin rolled his eyes, “Right…”

Silence.

“Either way… my mom said she would stop fighting with Auntie but I know that was a lie.”Riley looked at Jin with confused eyes.“Why do you think-”“They would fight when they were in each other’s houses instead of in public. Remember the times they kept telling us to leave the room for a bit or go outside, specifically asking me or Namjoon to go with you or kept asking you what you like and such?”“Hmm… sort of… wait… they were still competing about me and one of you guys?!”“Yeah… honestly, the Kim clan have stubborn women. Your poor mom had to be the mediator.”“But over time they gave up, especially when they started seeing us liking and meeting other people…”

Silence.

“You know... if my mom was still alive then maybe they would still be fighting to see whose son should court you…” Seokjin’s voice strained a bit by the mention of his deceased mom.“Seokjin… I-”“It’s okay Ryles, I’m fine… I just miss my mom during these big moments, you know? High school graduation I was crying a lot because it was one of the first achievements that I imagined my mom being there in the crowds and when the swim team won the city-wide championship. And when we graduated college with our bachelor’s degree, I was crying too… not as much I had to hide it since they pull your face on the giant screen when you walk… but this time I didn’t cry for our master’s degree...”“Why didn’t you?”“Because I knew she was here… with me. I had a dream of her last night, she was smiling at me in the kitchen, making my favorite breakfast… strawberry pancakes.” A smile was on Seokjin’s face.

It’s been a while since Seokjin talked about his mom like that… nostalgic and loving memory. His mouth curled up slightly on his left side. He almost looked like he was 8 years old again, a child looking so happy and loved.

I wonder if he ever would have a memory similar like that about me and him?

Ack. stop it Riley…

Something kinda crazy is going with me.

Riley shook her head a bit to get the idea out. She stayed quiet as Seokjin daydreamed... wandering through his memories. Memories of his childhood with just his parents and him… before the cancer… before her funeral. Before part of himself was gone forever.
After a couple of minutes of quietness, Seokjin felt a thud on his right shoulder. Riley’s head suddenly rested on him. Eyes closed and breathing through her nose… Riley was fast asleep… all the partying must have left her tired.
He let her stay in this position while he recollected his mom doing all sorts of things; how she would come to his swimming classes and his swim meets back in grade school; how she taught him how to cook at a young age… he always loves seeing his mom in the kitchen cooking up new styles… and how he saw so much love in his dad’s and mom’s eyes when they looked at each other.

He wants to find a love like that.

Someone to be there for him through thick and thin.
Someone to have new adventures with.
Someone who he didn’t have to explain who he is…
They just knew him with his imperfections...

He just didn’t realize that he always had someone to fit that.

And she was right in front of him.

All along...

"Hey hyung, noon-" Jungkook stopped speaking when Seokjin put his free arm up pointing to the sleepy girl next to him."I was gonna say everyone is heading out soon," he quietly spoke.“Riley... wake up, everyone is heading out,” Seokjin moved his shoulder a bit to wake her.“Mmmm… 10 more minutes mom,” Riley mumbled, she craned her head deeper into Seokjin’s neck. Seokjin rolled his eyes. How is the world is she going to survive this dance tour? “Give us a few more minutes and I’ll wake her… if not tell her parents I can drive her back.”Jungkook nods his head. “Okay hyung, see you back at the house? Night.”“Night JK.”

Seokjin turned his focus back on the sleeping beauty next to him.

“What am I going to do without you for the next few months?” he quietly spoke.
“You’ll be fine, you have people who love you going on tour… but I can’t help but want to make sure you’ll be ok.”

He took out his phone and took a couple of photos. A few funny ones he could blackmail her and a few of her looking so cute while sleeping next to him.
He moved his body around to situate himself more comfortable, she was leaning her whole body toward him now. After a few movements, he found himself staring at her face… trying to remember every detail of how she looked now.

“I’m going to miss Ryles… your bodyguard will still be here waiting for you when you come back,” he joked.
He hesitated a bit before landing a kiss on the top of her head.

Sorry… I can’t help but show you some affection.

Even if you won’t ever see it…

Seokjin rested his head on top of hers. He closed his eyes, just wanting to remember this moment.

Peace and quiet.

Riley and Seokjin.

Two peas in a pod.

--- 3 weeks later ---

“I accepted the offer,” Seokjin said.“Hmm... offer?” Namjoon asked.
Namjoon and Seokjin were having dinner at a sushi bar. Seokjin likes to bring Namjoon to sushi bars despite Namjoon not being a fan of seafood. Namjoon was eating skewers and a bowl of udon.

“I’m being trained to help expand the offices in Japan.”“Wait... hyung you're moving to Japan?”“It’s just a temporary move. I won’t actually transfer for another 2 months, but after that, I’ll be in the newest office in Osaka for a few months to help start it up.”“So… you are not permanently staying there?”“For someone who graduated early and has an IQ of 148 you really are dense sometimes.”“Hyung…”“I forgive you my little genius cousin.”

Namjoon sighed.

“Congrats but is that what you want to do?”“I mean I have to start somewhere and this will help show my dad that I do want to work at the company. I know I took other internships from smaller companies but it was because I wanted to be able to prove that I can do it without having my name on the title already. I have to take this chance or else I won’t be able to in the future.”Namjoon nodded his head. “I was going to be happy to see you at the offices here even if we weren’t going to be in the same department.”“Sorry Joon, but at least you’ll see me for 2 months before I fly to Japan. Besides Osaka isn't too far from Seoul, I’ll find some time to fly back and forth to see the family and friends.”
“Have you told anyone else?”“I’m meeting up with Yoongi later and I’m pretty sure dad and step-mom told Jungkook.”“Aren’t you forgetting about someone else?”

Seokjin blinked.

“Who? You? I’m telling you right now dude.”Namjoon exhaled. “No… a certain opposite sex… female… you know… your best friend who is dancing her heart out in the States.”“Oh Riley? Nope. Haven’t told her,” he stated as he shoved a salmon nigiri in his mouth.“Well… are you going to tell her?“What for? She’s travelling right now for 4 months.”“Well I mean at least texting her to let her know she might not see you when she comes back from the dance tour.”“Hmm… I guess,” Seokjin shrugged nonchalantly.

Silence.

“...Dude what is up with you?”“What do you mean?”“You are so… relaxed and chill about Riley now.”“I mean we talked and came to terms as best friends… everything is back to normal.”Namjoon arched his eyebrows.“Seriously cousin?”“Yeah,” another nigiri, this time octopus, was in Seokjin’s chopsticks.
“I don’t believe you. As much as I know you guys are best friends.... you acting like Riley’s opinion or knowledge about you being away from Seoul for a long period of time and she being fine with it is definitely off.”
“What can I say Namjoon? Riley is my best friend, but I don’t revolve my life around her thoughts or opinions. I don’t revolve around her and she doesn’t revolve around me… case in point the dance tour.”

Namjoon blinked.

“Seokjin hyung… are you jealous?” “Jealous?... yeah.”Namjoon pounded his fist on the wooden table.
“AH Ha! So you are jealous she’s dating Jimin and being on tour with him.”“Wait no- that’s not the jealous that I meant.”
“Wait… huh?”

“Yes… I am a bit envious that Jimin is dating her… but she’s happy with him… so I’m coming to terms with that. The reason I am jealous…” Seokjin paused and sighed. “I am jealous of her… because she’s doing something that she loves… that she has a passion for… and I’m… not…
well until now... Japan.”

"Japan is your passion?""No… Japan is the opportunity to find my passion."“So… that’s why you want to go to Japan.”Seokjin nodded his head.

“Yeah… I just feel so stuck here, everything is complacent. Yoongi started his job working at the local music company doing what he loves, Hoseok is dancing and teaching always showing his creativity which he loves, you are becoming a predominant figure in the accounting department which I definitely know you love despite your stress level has skyrocketed. Heck, even Jackson is having fun at the office and he just started 3 months ago!”

“Jackson always has that puppy vibe… his nickname is Wang Gae at work,” Namjoon chimed in.Seokjin filled up his sake cup.“See? Everyone of my friends and family seems to have something they really enjoy… and I feel like I haven’t felt that yet… and perhaps building the department anew is going to help me find that. I'm actually really excited about this new endeavor.”
Namjoon pondered Seokjin’s dilemma.“I like marketing Namjoon… I excel at it really well... but… I don’t think I ever received any challenges to push me or motivate me to find that passion… and that's why I am going out into the world and establishing myself."“Well, what about swimming? You loved it in back in school, you almost got a scholarship for it too.”“No… it’s not it…”“So… what are you looking for?”Seokjin paused before he answered. “I… don’t know… I’m hoping to find it in Japan.”
----

Another 2 weeks have passed. Seokjin was working hard at the company, learning all there is to recruit and set up the new Osaka offices.

“Seokjin.”“Mrs. Han, what brings you to the office today?”

“I’m just made some fresh bread from the bakery, wanted to give you and other employees a refresher.”“Whaaa Mrs. Han, you are the best!” a hand came between them. Jackson took a red bean bun from the basket and chomped down on the bread.“OMG, this is amazing. Mr. Han is so lucky to have a wife like you.”“Aww you are too sweet Jackson,” she chuckled.“Jackson, can you grab the basket and pass it to the other colleagues?” Seokjin asked Jackson.“Sure, no problem boss man.”“I’m not your boss Jackson, we are on the same title level.”
“But technically you’ve been working here longer than I’ve had… so I’m gonna call you boss man mmkay?”“I-”“-Thanks for stopping by as always Mrs. Han!” Jackson walks away with the basket. Mrs. Han and Seokjin can hear Jackson’s voice echoing throughout the floor “Yo fresh bread here! Here you go Irene… loving the new earrings! Chanyeol, we still down for basketball after work?”

“Sorry Mrs. Han… Jackson can be…”“Excitable?” Mrs. Han joked.“Haha... yeah… but thanks for the snacks.”“No worries… by the way Seokjin…”“Yes, Mrs. Han?”“Have you told Riley the news of transferring to the Japan offices?”“Umm… no actually… she’s having fun right now on tour. I was planning to tell her next week when the application and visa get approved.”“You should tell her, I bet she misses talking to you.”“I will.”“Do you miss her?”“I have to admit it has been a lot quieter and cleaner but yes I do,” Jin smiled. “I have to go to a meeting Mrs. Han, sorry to cut our conversation short.”“Oh it’s okay Seokjin, have a good meeting.”

Seokjin nodded his head and bowed before he turned himself to the boardroom.

“Seokjin…”“Hmm?” He turned back towards Mrs. Han.“She’ll come around…”“...Pardon?”

Mrs. Han gave a small smile, “Just be patient...” she said before walking toward the elevators.
Seokjin tilted his head, confused by what Riley’s mom meant. He shrugged it off and went to his meeting. Mrs. Han pressed the elevator door and immediately one was in front of her. She takes her phone out of her purse and looks at some photos on her gallery.

---- Graduation night ----
“Mrs. Han, Riley is outside with Seokjin… she’s asleep on his shoulders though.”“Of course that silly girl… thanks Jungkook, I’ll grab her.”
Most of the family members had left the house. Mrs. Han stayed around to help clean up… and collect her daughter. She gathers her purse, walking towards the porch to grab Riley and put her in the car but she stopped her movements when she saw the couple sitting on the back porch stairs.
She sees Seokjin secretly taking silly selfies while having a sleepy Riley next to him, making random funny faces and gestures. She couldn’t help but chuckle at the scene from the inside of the house. However, once the photo-taking was done she saw something she’s never seen before.

Seokjin slowly moved his arm that was being crushed by Riley’s body and placed it to where his arm was now wrapped around her waist to keep her steady and he moved her head closer to his chest so her neck wouldn't have a strain from being on his broad shoulders. She couldn’t see Riley’s face and Seokjin’s was partly covered since their backs were facing from the window but she could see what Seokjin did. He turned his face to his side profile as he gazed down at Riley. His face somehow looked more charming than Riley’s mom has ever seen, and his eyes… there was something about it as he looked at Riley… so loving… like he was cherishing and holding onto this moment between them before it slips away forever. He softly kissed the top of Riley’s head and then rested his on top of hers, closing his eyes too to enjoy this quiet moment between them.

She decided to give the best friends a few more minutes to themselves before she went to announce herself. She took out her phone from her purse and took a couple of shots of the younger couple… smiling to herself as she reviews the photos.

Soyi… if you could see your son now…

He’s grown up to be a wonderful man...

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

물구나무 서야 이해할 수 있어 넌우린 아직 반도 보여준 적 없잖아Eh eh eh내 손을 잡아 또 다른 세상으로 가자날 따라 따라 따라 따라 따라 따라원하는 대로 다 하나 둘 이뤄가우리가 작을때 쏘아 올린 flare매일 매일 매일 쉴틈없이 커지고있지(고있지 yeah)계속해서 멈출 수 없는 우린 내일이Change upWe change up, change up, change up

Seokjin’s music blared up in his ears while doing his morning run. Another physical activity he finds peace in other than swimming. He was more of a morning person, loves to watch the sunrise and enjoys the smell of the first brewed coffee while eating breakfast. The morning runs were his domain… almost similar to the way when he’s in the water in the swimming pool, but…

Just him.

His music.

And the wonderful view of the Han River moving with him.

It’s been a daily routine for him. To calm his nerves... to think without anyone interrupting his thoughts. Well… then an occasional phone call or text in the morning. He’s been consumed by work at the company… the preparations of the new branch. Him, his dad and a few other higher-ups have been working non-stop to prep the new offices to run smoothly.
He has flown over to Osaka twice all ready to check out the location and meet his future co-workers that work under him. He even received an assistant to aid him in the transition since Jin’s Japanese speaking level isn’t proficient.

Japan.

The place that could change his life… his perspective.

Seokjin life’s pursuits, despite appearing otherwise, were actually based on fulfilling a need.
It was need to find something that he will enjoy.
Something he can find a sense of belonging… passion maybe?.... love?

Love.

Loving himself perhaps?

No… there was more than just himself.

It was a part, even he can’t fulfill with just him.

That he can say wholeheartedly without feeling a bit broken.

Maybe the travel, the space, the distance from what he’s been so familiar for so long will reignite him… give him the lucidity to know what he truly wants in his life.

-----
Mrs. Han has stopped by the company frequently in the past few weeks. Always stopping by all the departments to drop off the latest goodies from the bakery.

“Oh Seokjin, before I forget again… this is for you.”
Mrs. Han passes a bag to Jin.
“What’s this?”
“I keep forgetting to bring it but… Riley wanted me to give it to you after she left.”

He opened the bag… seeing the white fluffy alpaca that’s like a son to him.

“RJ?” he questioned.
“She wanted you to take care of him when she’s away on tour.”
“Thanks Mrs. Han but I don’t know how long I’ll be gone in Osaka, she might want to see RJ before she sees me.”
“Well maybe you could keep him until you leave? You still have some time before you head to Osaka.
I’m sure she would want you to keep him company until she’s back. You have her other spare key to her apartment yeah?”
“Yes ma’am,” Seokjin nodded.
“Well see you later. If I don’t see you before Japan, good luck… you’ll do great Seokjin.”
“Thank you.”
Mrs. Han started to walk away, going to the upper level to have lunch with her husband when she heard running footsteps behind her.
“Mrs. Han…” he spoke with a slight gasp of breath.
“Yes Seokjin?”
“If I never told you this before then I am sorry... but... thank you… for being there when my mother couldn’t.”
Mrs. Han softly smiled at him, she cupped his left cheek.
“Your mother would be so proud of you… I’ve always thought of you as a son no matter if your mom was here or not… just know you can come to me if you can’t turn to your step-mom or dad.”
He hugged her. “Thank you.” He softly whispered.

----
On the other side of the world’s pond...

Riley was enjoying everything that was within her reach. After a couple of weeks on tour, Riley was getting along with touring, flying and sleeping on a tour bus. It was hard for her to adjust but she knew she had Jimin and Hoseok with her throughout the journey. After flying to a handful of cities, the group was able to relax for a couple of days in Atlanta.

Riley is currently sitting on the bed with Jimin, both figuring out where to go to spend their free time. They could hear Hoseok walking back to the hotel room that Jimin and he were sharing.
“Okay love you too my angel!” Hoseok said.
“Hang up… no you hang up… no you baby… no yo-” Riley took the phone out of Hoseok’s hand.
“-Hey!”
“Hi Amy it’s Riley… yes… mmmhmm… yep your boyfriend has been a pain at times but he’s been good… mmhmm… yes miss you too! Good luck with your studies! Bye!”
Riley ended the call.

“Hey I didn’t get to say goodbye to Amy!”
“She loves you and sends you kisses too Hobi,” Riley noted.
“But I didn’t get to hear the kiss on the phone,” Hoseok pouted.

Riley rolled her eyes. “Hobi…”

“Ugh… I haven’t had time to talk to her… she’s getting ready to take her LSATs soon and the time zone is really sucking now that we’re moved to the east coast zone.”
“Awww is little Hobi is missing his ‘wuver’?” Riley cooed at him. “Poor you and your sulky self. I swear you still find time to text and video-chat every day.”

“Hey! Not everyone is lucky to have their partner touring with them,” he scowled at Riley. It is rare to see Hoseok depict any negative emotions… so when he does it definitely scares Riley and others. It is true about the happy-go-lucky folks… you don’t want to mess with them when they are not in a good mood. Hoseok is spoken like the Hufflepuff … gentle nature, accepting of everyone… but push comes to shove to be the strongest fighters when it comes to defending them and who they love.
Riley mumbled a sorry to Hoseok.
“Hobi hyung what are you planning to do on your free days? You want to join us? We are still thinking of places to visit and a place to eat for lunch before the showcase later tonight.”
Hoseok thought for a moment. “Hmm… this is the first time the dance company is performing in Atlanta so I have no idea. We get like 3 days off starting tomorrow, any plans or places you guys want to go?”
“Actually, Jimin and I are just going to walk around the city and explore for today and tomorrow go to their Aquarium… you up for it?”
“Hmm… sure. I might want to head into some museums so I might leave halfway through. I’m also trying to find little gifts to give to Amy of each city we go to.”
“That’s romantic of you hyung.”
“Yeah, since Amy can’t be here to visit the cities… I want to bring something to her to make her feel included in the journey.”
Riley hummed in agreeance. She had a couple of ideas in her head as she researched on her phone.

“There's the World of Coca-Cola that’s pretty popular… it’s a museum filled with the history and you get to taste all the various flavors… oh and a 4D theater.”
“Oh Taehyung would love that place! I need to buy a souvenir there for him,” Jimin commented.
“Also I’m hungry… let’s find a place to eat… it’s almost noon.”

“I heard the Varsity is a great place to eat, it’s a franchise fast food place… like a retro diner place with amazing burgers and milkshakes. We don’t get that often in Seoul.”
“Mmm let’s try that for lunch!”
“Oh let me ask the other guys if they want to join us for lunch,” Hoseok said before he left the room to knock on another room located on the same floor.

“Hoseok hyung knows how to be a romantic to Amy huh?”
“Yeah… he’s head-over-heels in love with her. I swear this boy would propose to her at any moment… when she cooks for him, when she compliments him, when she just looks at him I could see his face immediately wanted to go down on one knee and propose right there on the spot.”
Jimin chuckles. “So why doesn’t he?”
“He’s told me before… waiting for the right moment… saving up for the right ring to give her. Although, his grandma has this old ring that I’ve seen when a couple of us went to help move his grandma’s things to the elderly home and it’s gorgeous… I personally think Amy would love it instead of a new cut ring from a store.”

“So… what kind of ring do you like?” Jimin quietly asked. Riley froze from his question.

Ah… is he trying to propose already?!

We haven’t even made to the 100-day mark?!

Riley’s face was screaming in panic but Jimin just laughs. “Calm down Riley… I’m not going to propose to you right now… but I just want to see what accessories you like if I want to give something to you as a surprise.”Riley blushed. I don’t deserve him.
“I personally don’t really wear rings, but I wear other jewelry… mainly bracelets and necklaces.”
“Like the one on your wrist?” Jimin looked at the stack of small bracelets she was wearing on her left wrist. “You seem to wear this one more than the others,” he pointed out.

It was a simple one… it was brown and green string woven knots like a braid and there were 5 emerald green stones… four small ones and the fifth one was slightly bigger as the centerpiece.

Riley unconsciously smiled. “Yeah I’ve been wearing it for a long time… I rarely take it off, just works with all my clothing since it’s small and unnoticeable.”“It’s beautiful. Where did you get it?”“I actually got it as a gift from someone…” Riley paused. “It was a Christmas present from Seokjin.”

“Seokjin?”

“Yeah.”

Silence.

“Well you got good taste in jewelry and he knows how to pick well,” Jimin casually smiled.

“Thanks.”
“Can’t wait to surprise you with my gift.”
“It’s a not a surprise if you keep telling me this gift is happening,” Riley retorted as she rolled onto her back, Jimin quickly got on top… hovering over her.
“What if I give it to you now… does that surprise you?” he quietly said, his lips just inches to hers… eyes locking.
“Uhh… y-ye-yes…” she stuttered, her face flushed by the intimate position they were in. If Hoseok came back then he would definitely would gossip and tell Amy and the rest.

Jimin’s crescent eyes appeared… him laughing.

“You are so cute when you’re flustered,” he said with a chuckle, prompting Riley to give him a glare.

“Yah, you’re being mean to me.”
“Aww I’m sorry,” he plopped his body onto her and hugged Riley... face nested on her neck, only for her to play it cool and tried to push him off her.

“Argh you are heavy, get off!”
He started to tickle her… making her laugh and giggle.
“Ahh stop, I’m ticklishing there… haha… Jimin… stop…
haha… Jimi-,” Riley kept giggling, writhing her body around to avoid his silly touches. She was giggling… until his lips accidentally grazed a certain area on her nape and a small moan came out from her lips. She quickly clasped her mouth and he finally stopped tickling her.

Silence.

Her eyes were closed shut.

Shit… did I just moan out loud?

No-no… he’s totally going to think I have a tickle-fetish thing going.

She having an internal conversation to herself when she suddenly felt his lips kissed her on the forehead.
“I’m sorry… I’m going to take a quick shower since I’m still a bit sweaty from the gym and then let’s grab Hoseok and get that lunch yeah?”
Riley slowly nodded. “Cool.” Jimin leans over to kiss her on the lips before grabbing his change of clothes and walked into the bathroom.
Hearing the door click, noting the bathroom door was closed Riley sighed and laid back down on the bed. She didn’t know why Jimin paused during their talk before answering and changing the topic.

Is Jimin concerned about my relationship with Seokjin like the rest of those people?

Is he worried?

Will he be clingy or overprotective?

No… Jimin isn’t like that.

Besides… they both get along with each other.

She was questioning everything, overthinking again. Still worried about people knowing that fateful night of her and Jin... being intimate with one another.

Does he know what happened that night?

She didn’t want to make Jimin think she was having thoughts about Jin. She hasn’t had those wet-dreams ever since the tour (thank god). Actually, for the past few weeks she’s hardly thought of her best friend. But hearing his name through other people’s voices made her heart swell. Riley’s heart was beating fast. Her mind playing back how Jimin kissing her tenderly… how his lips felt so smooth and freeing… and then Seokjin kissing her tenderly… how his lips were indulgent but so comfortable. She covered her face with a pillow… embarrassed at her sudden intimate thoughts. She felt her body getting hot thinking about both men.

“Okay ready to go guys?” Hoseok spoke as he entered back into the room, spooking Riley.
“Ye- yeah! Jimin is just in the bathroom taking a quick shower,” Riley noted, getting out of the bed, composing herself.
“Okay… everything alright Riley?”
“Yeah! Everything is fine…”

Hoseok smirked, looking at Riley.

“Did you guys make out on the bed… or more?” His eyes glancing at the Jimin’s bed… the covers toss around and pillows scattered from their tickle fight. He kept arching his eyebrows up and down… insinuating he knew they were being naughty.

“Ahh no!! No-no-no we didn’t do anything like what you are thinking Hobi!” Riley was greatly stating.

Hoseok laughed. “Okay-okay chill... I mean you can as long as you guys warn me… I do not want to accidentally step in when you guys are having sex. God knows that one time I saw you and JB inside the stage closet after school-”
“JUNG HOSEOK! You said you didn’t see anything!” Riley grabbed the pillow on the floor and threw it at him. Hoseok luckily dodged it right on time.

“I didn’t see anything! JB covered you with his massive shoulders! I wouldn’t even know you guys where there if it wasn’t for hearing you guys’ voices moaning out loud,” he mumbled the last part, not noticing Riley flinging another pillow at his face.
“Fine fine… sorry I’ll stop talking about it,” he said… settling himself down on his bed. Riley took one of the pillows and shoved her face to it… trying to cover her red face from the embarrassment and old memories that Hoseok reignited.

Silence.

“Hey Hoseok…” she mumbled against the pillow.“Yeah Riley?” Hoseok answered while his eyes were looking at his phone, scrolling at his IG.

“How did you know Amy was the one?”

Hoseok’s tilted his head towards her. “The one?”

“You know… the one you want to be with… for a long time.”

Hoseok didn’t hesitate his response and smiled brightly.

“Her eyes.”

Her eyes?

“Amy’s eyes is what made you know?” Riley squinted.
“I don’t know how to explain it but… the moment I saw her eyes… I just knew that she’s the one. She looked at mine and it was like she knew everything about me… she could read me all the way down without saying anything. I fell in love with her at first sight.”

Just a look can tell everything?

“Yeah… I mean there’s more to the story but when I look into her eyes… I realized I love her unconditionally… that she’s the one.”

Silence.

“Why are you asking? Are you in lo- ” Hoseok was going to ask her but his cell phone rang.
“Hello? Hey Yoongi what’s up? Isn’t it like 1am over there?”

Riley decided to clean up the messy area… grabbing the pillows and straightening the comforter.

“Hmmm yeah hyung… how’s everyone else?”“Oh... yeah… nice… you hanging out with Seokjin hyung right now?”

Seokjin.

Riley’s ears perked a bit hearing Jin’s name coming from Hoseok’s voice. Her heart throbbing. A flashback of Jin’s face just inches from hers… his eyes boring into hers...

Seokjin...

I wonder how he is doing?

----
Seokjin was hanging out with Yoongi at Yoongi’s new studio at his work. He was supposed to drop off Yoongi home after their late-night eating but Yoongi had a bright idea about a certain beat to his newest song and forced him to drive back to his work studio.
Not wanting to go home yet… Jin decided to stay with Yoongi… playing around with a rubik cube while Yoongi was mixing the latest arrangement he’s been working on.

“So… have you talked to Riley about you going to Japan yet?” Yoongi asked while he was waiting for the media to compile the changes he was making.“Nope.” Jin was still immersed in the colored puzzle game.“Have you contacted her at least?”“Yeah we’ve sent a few text messages and pictures to each other… she’s having fun there, learning a lot during the tour.”Yoongi just sat there, waiting for Jin to talk more. Jin looking up from the cube, finally solving the problem to see Yoongi grouchily awaiting his response.“What Yoongi? Stop looking at me like that.”

The younger male had no change in motion.

“Why are you prolonging your talk to her?”
“What talk? God you make it sound so serious.”
“I was just on the phone with Hoseok for a bit when you went outside to talk to your dad. He and Riley are doing well, they are taking some free days off right now.”
Seokjin slowly nodded. “Yeah that’s good, they’re having a fun time.”
Yoongi sighed. “Jin… you’re leaving next month. You should think about talking to her… and I mean actually on the phone… hearing her voice or just a quick video-chat.”
“Yeah… I know.”

Yoongi rolled his eyes. He didn’t know why he was still invested in making sure Seokjin and Riley were in a good place… it was between them… but he hated seeing both of his friends moving up and down...
acting like everything was fine between them for one moment and then acting so awkward the next.

It would be so much easier if they just confessed to each other.

OR

Riley just make up her mind and told Jin.

The ball was in Riley’s court… but… it seemed like Riley was too scared to make a move… fearing the play would end up making her lose someone valuable and priceless to her.

How to move forward without hurting feelings?

----
The following morning, after his daily morning run… Seokjin was cooking his breakfast. He made strawberry pancakes with a side of bacon.

Bacon…

**Flashback**

“You’re not cooking bacon?” Riley observed.
“Why would I?”
“Because you kept muttering bacon over and over again last night.”
“Wh-what?” Seokjin stuttered forgetting that he was mumbling in his sleep when she came over last night.

“Yeah, you muttered ‘bacon is amazing’ a couple of times and ‘bacon is mine’,” she imitated Jin’s voice.

**End Flashback**

Hmmm… should I call her?

He looked at his phone to check the time zone to make sure he wasn’t calling her during the middle of the night.

It’s 10pm over there… so she would probably be back to the hotel

He hesitated… staring at his phone for a minute until he pushed himself to dial her number. The phone kept ringing… like how his heart was making a frenzy as well by each calling ring went on.

She’s not going to answer… I’ll just leave a mess-

“Hello? Seokjin?”
“...”
“Seokjin? Are you there?”
“Uhh yeah. Hi…”
“Hi.”

Silence.

“Um…” Seokjin gulped, “how are you?”
“I’m doing well,” Jin could feel her smiling, making him relieved that she was okay talking to him on the phone.
“That’s good… how’s touring so far?”
“Really great actually, we hit up some cities, Seattle was pretty with the mountains and the water views, Los Angeles has this koreatown which made me think of home, San Diego has this big zoo and we went there on our day off, it was so much fun and they had pandas!!,” Riley squealed telling him it was the picture she sent to him with her and Hobi acting like round baby pandas.

“Also Las Vegas is literally the city of lights and noise everywhere which by the way… it’s super humid, I do not recommend visiting Vegas in the summer...”

She kept noting all the places she got to see during her time there. Seokjin chuckled. He missed hearing her voice… her endless rants when she is being passionate or silly.

“...I’ve met so many people and learned some new dancing styles.”
“That’s great to hear Ryles.”
“Yeah… how about you? How’s work at Luxe?”
“Great… what we always thought it would be… office life… cubicle life… but definitely we don’t have weird coworkers like the characters from The Office.”
Riley laughed. “If there was a real Dwight I think we would totally prank him… also want to kill him too.”

Seokjin agreed, telling her how they would enact their devious pranks. It was a small fleeting moment… being able to talk normally with the elephant in the room in the corner. Until Jin knew when he needed to tell her.

“Hmm... well… actually I need to tell you something…”
“What? Did you get promoted to Director of Marketing already? Mr. Golden boy.” Riley joked.
“Actually… something like that…,” he said while poking his breakfast with his fork. “I’m opening the Japan branch.”
“The Japan branch? Luxe doesn't have any offices in Japan.”
“Well, we will have one in Osaka in a couple of months…”

In a couple of months?

“Wait… are you moving to Japan?”

Seokjin paused before he answered.

“Uh... it’s not a permanent move, but I will be there for awhile.”
“...How long?” Riley quietly asked.
“I don’t know… a few months, maybe more it depends on the success of the branch. I probably won’t move back to Seoul until the end of the year or early next year.”
“Oh…”

Silence.

“Riley? Hello, you there? Ryles?”
“Hmm? Yeah… I’m still on the phone.”
“Everything okay?”
“Yeah sorry I just… umm… I saw something outside the window that got my attention.”
“Oh if you are busy we can talk later-”
“-NO I’m not!” Riley abruptly shouted.

Silence.

“Seokjin… ” Riley said his name with nervousness. “So... that means you won’t be in Seoul when I come back.”
“...yeah,” Jin anxiously bit his lip.
“How long did you know you were moving to Japan?”
“It’s been a month…” he couldn’t lie to her, after everything that’s happened... lying to her would detriment their relationship more.

Silence.

“You doofus! Why didn’t you tell me right away?” hearing her joke it off was reassuring to Seokjin.
“I was going to tell you when my work visa was good to go! I mean- you never know what will happen.”

Seokjin could hear Riley’s exaggerated sigh into the phone.

“Mario…” Riley mumbled.
“Sorry, what did you say?”
“I said Mario,” she said in a clearer tone.
“...Mario?”
“You pabo… Mario… you know your favorite game besides MapleStory… Mario Brothers,” she started to imitate the theme song to Super Mario Brothers game.
“Well, what about Mario?”

“We promised each other back when we were little we would go to Japan together and dress up as the characters.”

Wait… why am I bringing this up?

I’ve been to Japan. He’s been to Japan.

We’ve just never been there together.

Silence.

“Sooo… are you saying you want to join me in Osaka?”

Wait... is he asking me?

To move to a different city with him?

No… no… he's just joking…

Right?

“YES! I mean yes- no- NO! I mean someday, you know as a vacation when we’re both free... haha,” Riley was freaking out… an awkward laugh emitted from her lips.
“So... you want to go to Osaka and dress up as Mario characters… because we promised each other when we were 9?”
“...”

“Riley… if you are that desperate to see me you might as well say you want to be with me,” he bantered.
“No-no, no! I-I didn’t mean it like-”
“-Because we all know how irresistibile I am,” he confidently jokes.
“KIM SEOKJIN that wasn’t what I was thinking!!”
“Calm down woman I know what you meant!”
“You can’t say stuff like that as a joke.”
“I’m not joking… well I am,” he chuckled a bit.

“But if you really wanted to see me when you come back from your tour I’ll be in Osaka… I’m not too far.” Riley could hear him say it so sweetly… she felt her heart beating faster.

Good lord Riley why are you freaking yourself out?

It wasn’t like he was proposing you to join him there.

He just telling you as a best friend to visit him.

That’s all.

Stop overthinking.

Unless…

Is that’s what you really want?

To be by his side?

She removed the phone from her face and placed in on her chest, trying to make sense of what was going on with her before realizing how Seokjin can hear her heart beating fast through the phone's receiver… making her react with a small yelp. She could hear Jin talking on the phone.

“Riley? Riley are you okay? Hello? Ryles are you still there?”
“Ye-yeah… I’m here,” with a slight out-of-breath tone.
“Ryles you alright? Your voice is shaky.”
“Sorry I… thought I saw a spider or a cockroach, but it ran away.”
“Well I’m sure Hoseok can help with that… actually no he’s scared of them… so perhaps Jimin can rescue from the cruel bugs.”

Jimin.

“Yeah… I’ll tell Jimin later to kill the bug for me.”

“Well it’s probably getting late over there, and I gotta get ready to go to the office soon.”
“Right-right… umm-”
“-It’s really good to hear your voice again Ryles,” Seokjin softly spoke.
“...Same here. Um- I mean... your voice Seokjin, no-not mine… I listen to my voice every day haha.”

OMG what is going on with me?

She could hear Jin faded laugh on the phone, she could imagine him throwing his head back with that boisterous laugh that she makes fun from time to time. She didn’t know how much she is missing his laughter right now...
“I know what you meant,” he said.

Silence.

Both were saying in their head.

-I miss you.

-I miss you.

“Good night Ryles.”“Good morning Seokjinnie,” she teased a bit before she hung up the call.

Seokjin sighed… glad she finally knew he was going to Osaka. He looked at the time… realizing he was still on time getting to work. He went back to his room to change out of his workout clothes. A white bag on his desk was drawing his attention. He went to take out the item in the bag.

“Sorry RJ… daddy forgot to take you out.”

He hugged the alpaca doll for a moment before placing it on his desk.

He smells like her.

He walked to the bathroom, ready to shower and start the day and go to the office. While showering, a familiar smell still lingered up his nose… and it wasn’t his body wash… it was...

Green tea lotion...

A scent Riley always use on her skin.

The scent made him remember all those moments… to when they were young and wrestled with each other… to her opening her purse or backpack every time to put on that damn green tea lotion on her hands and body. Green is her favorite color, everything that is green colored or green tea smell is her favorite. To finding four-leaf clovers, to drinking anything that has a green syrup concoction or match green tea taste. She usually had some kind of green clothing or accessory on her at all times… it was Riley’s favorite and good luck.

The scent also made him vividly remember kissing her all over her body… tasting a bit of green tea lotion at every kiss… every touch where his lips and tongue went. The dark green lace bra and matching panties she wore under the outfit from the club… wearing that lingerie set on her bed staring at him with so much hunger... calling him “oppa.”

He could feel his body getting hot and sweaty… a certain little buddy of his waking up.

“Dammnit,” he muttered.

He wanted to think of someone else… something... anything really to get rid of the image he had of her in his mind. He wasn’t expecting to have a cold shower but he could hear her whisper, whine, and pant his name… her naked body clinging close to his… like she was there with him in the shower. His hands started to touch down below, grasping a certain body part and pumping it. That evening still haunts him... luckily or unfortunate at times.

Riley…

“Oppa…” she whispered as she parted her lips from his. “I know you want me too… you want to remember.”
Fuck…

She moved his face from her breast and told him with affection “I want you…"
she ground her lower half toward his pelvis… toward the bulge forming in his jeans, “I want to feel you there.”

His hand pumping faster.

“Jin… just fuck me… I want you,” she spoke with a breathy tone, whimper at his touch.

Riley…

“Oh god… fuck… Seok - ah,"
she felt herself building up inside.

I miss you so much…

----

A few days have passed since Riley and Seokjin talked on the phone. Even if the call was a short talk, Riley couldn’t help but recall everything from their conversation… him being away from Seoul… working in Osaka. The tour group was flying over to Chicago the following morning. Her roommate already packed went to another dancer’s room to hang out while she was finishing up her packing.

Just before she came back to the room, she used the hotel’s gym studio to freestyle. Lately, she’s been hearing certain songs in a different light.

It pertained to something…

To someone…

Eyes wide shut dreaming about you

Hot blood rush turning a cold blue

See you touch but I'm feeling nothing, I'm feeling nothing

I'm in California, you, you out in Georgia

But we both in the same room

Staring at perfection, I'm about to wreck it

It's just something I gotta do

I think I wanna lose you

Just to find my way back to you

I think I wanna break up

Just to make it all up to you

I don't wanna let go, let go

But I gotta let go, let go

I think I wanna lose you

Just to find my way back to you

She didn’t realize at the end of the song she felt a tear or two run down her chin. The emotional song by Eric Nam reminded her why she always closed herself to her inner emotions… feelings too close and personal.

Feelings.

Wake up.

You know the answer.

Now that she finished packing… Riley went out to her balcony. Looking at the towering buildings and the lights that made her eyes follow their direction… leading to Piedmont Park… it looked like a black mass in front of her hotel room but she could see the park’s light posts twinkle between the trees and bushes.

Riley, you pabo…

You’ve fallen for him.

You just keep denying it.

Why can’t you just be candid with yourself?

What are you waiting for?

The ball is in your court.

Shoot… even if you miss the basket… you need to take the shot.

Second chances rarely come.

"I have to tell him," Riley said out loud to herself.

----

After pacing around in her room, Riley grabbed her phone and called him.

“Hey Riley? what's up?”
“Hey… can we talk?”
“Yeah sure.”
“Actually, let’s meet somewhere.”
“Okay... where are you?”“I’m in my room… but I can meet you by the pool in 10 minutes?”
“Yeah… sure.”
“Thanks.”

I have to tell him… I have to tell him first before I tell Jin.

The hotel they were staying at had an outdoor pool. The summer heat still vibrant in Atlanta, the pool hours were closing soon but there were a couple of guests in the jacuzzi area. Riley sat at the end of the shallow part of the pool, her feet and calf dipping into the water… making small waves as she waited patiently for Jimin to arrive.
“Hey,” Jimin said as he sat next to Riley.“Hey Jimin.”“What’s up? Everything okay?” Jimin’s face had a worried look.

Riley paused.

“Jimin… I haven't been honest with you.”
Jimin eyes furrowed… confused by her statement.
“What's wrong? You can tell me.”

She felt her heart bursting, knowing that this conversation would hurt both of them… especially him.

“I-I… been thinking about us. And I don't think I can give you what you deserve.”
“What are you talking about?”
“I like you Jimin… I truly do… but…”

Tell him.

“...I have feelings for someone else too.”

Silence.

“It’s someone that I never considered until recently… it was during the time I was getting to know you but-”

But-

“-I think I know… I mean- I know... I’ve been denying it… not really knowing if it’s true… I’m still figuring it out… but I need to tell you and talk to you first before everything.”

Silence.

Jimin quietly stared out to the pool, not meeting her eyes.

“It's about him... isn't it?”

Jimin finally turned back to looked her in the eyes. He didn't even need to say his name but he knew who she was talking about…

Kim Seokjin.

“I'm sorry,” Riley’s voice crackled. “I feel horrible. I've been battling a lot with myself… trying to figure out what I am feeling for him is true or not… if I am missing him because we’ve haven’t talked in awhile or if it’s because there’s something more.
The dynamic between me and him has always been constant… like a straight line… it’s just recently when things have gotten more complicated.”

“Is it because of me?”

“Yes and no. I don’t know the whole story... but somewhere along the line I looked at him differently. For the first time… I didn’t look at him like a friend... but more like-”

Riley paused.

More like what?

What do you see Jin as?

“I’m sorry Jimin… me telling you this now. I’ve been treating you so terribly. I've been in denial and I just-”“-I know… I kind of had a feeling.”

Riley looked at Jimin again… his eyes were sad but in a way... relieved. She was confused… shouldn’t he be angry? Mad at her for leading him on… being in a relationship with him while falling for another man? She felt like she was the worst person in the world…
a cheater. She didn’t do anything physical with Jin while she was dating Jimin… but emotionally… she felt like she cheated.

Emotional infidelity.

“The way you guys look at each other… I've seen the way Seokjin looks at you… he looks at you with so much love… and you look at him like that too when you think no one is looking.”

I do?

Riley was uncomfortable… she was mad that she put herself in a situation. Her fingers kept fidgeting, she was trying to clean and bite her nails.

“You're worried that I'll be angry that you somewhat used me... right?”

Riley slowly nodded her head. Jimin sighed and looked away again.

“I am angry…”

Riley cowered a bit, scared that Jimin would yell at her and call her a bitch, a cheater… she deserved it.

“I should be angry… right? That the person I’m dating also likes another man at the same time.”
Jimin moves his legs back and forth in the pool, creating similar waves as Riley did before.

“But… in a way... I am angry at myself…”

Riley’s eyes went wide.
“Jimin… No. You didn’t do anything wrong. Be angry at me. I am at the wrong-”
“-I know… I know… but I knew that I wouldn’t stand a chance against him.” He turned back to her.

“Before… I would look at you from afar… seeing you dance and interact with everyone… you have such a lively spirit… so optimistic and passionate. Taehyung helped me get the courage to get to know you, found the perfect opportunity too with being your dance partner. I thought that you wouldn’t even consider me but we started to talk, found out we have similar interests… it made me realize that I had more than a crush on you.”

Jimin’s and Riley’s eyes locked for the whole time… never wavering.

“I know it took awhile to ask you out… I sensed a bit of apprehension from you but I figured I shouldn’t live with regret, that I had to try. So… when you said yes to wanting to go on a date with me and we kept seeing each other, I thought that I beat the odds. That maybe my eyes were showing me an illusion and you and Seokjin didn’t have something.”

He softly smiled before it frowned down.

“But if it wasn’t for that day… the dance showcase … that day confirmed everything for me… that you did miss him more than a friend.
I guess… I hope I would be able to change your mind… hoping to see you look at me like how you do to him…”
Riley was frozen… still surprised by Jimin’s statement and behavior.

Has Jimin always thought about this?

How did I not know?

How did I not see it?

“Riley… I really like you… even after this conservation I still want to give us a chance.”

Jimin...

“You’re having a hard time figuring out things. I understand… but don’t take me out of the picture yet. I want to prove that I can be who you want.”

There was something in Jimin’s eyes she saw for the first time… a kind of fire.

A fire that you can be close to without burning yourself.

A kindred fire… spirit.

“I don’t want to believe there is another guy in your heart but I know there is at this moment… and we can’t move on unless you are ready to decide who you want…”

Who I want?

Silence.

“I’ll give you some time to think about it. I’m still here if you want to talk,” he patted her thigh and kissed her forehead before he stood up and walked back into the hotel.

Riley just sat at the pool for a few more minutes… trying to comprehend what just happened between her and Jimin.

Jimin...

Her heart was confused. Jimin has been so sweet and even more understanding that she imagined. He was putting himself out on the line even if he knew she may reject him. She still wanted to be with him, continue their relationship… but with Jin pulling her strings as well… it was hard to figure which way to go.

Why can’t I decide?

Why am I so stupid?

She wanted to save everyone from their heart breaking… but it was too late.

Everyone’s heart hurts…

But does it stop everyone from wanting to find love?

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

--- Previously ---
“The way you guys look at each other… I've seen the way Seokjin looks at you… he looks at you with
so much love…
and you look at him like that too when you think no one is looking.”

“I guess… I hope I would be able to change your mind… hoping to see you look at me like how you do to him…”

“You’re having a hard time figuring out things. I understand…
but don’t take me out of the picture
yet. I want to prove that I can be who you want.”

“I don’t want to believe there is another guy in your heart but I know there is at this moment… and we can’t move on unless you are ready to decide who you want…”

Riley… who do you want?

Why can’t I decide?

~ 2 weeks later ~

Riley and Jimin were still dating… just less.

It’s complicated.

Maybe more like they were on a break.

So Riley can figure things out on her own.

Jimin still wanted to show Riley that their story wasn’t over. He respected her boundaries like always, but there were times he would do a romantic gesture that made Riley swoon. They weren’t being intimate with each other as much as before, but there would be times Jimin’s hands would interlock with hers when they went for a walk or spent time with just themselves. It was a reflex they both had since they were so used to having this relationship as theirs.

There were times they would hold hands and then immediately let go, Hoseok noticing the strange occurrence. Hoseok was trying to ignore his friends' awkwardness but eventually, he had enough and finally asked both of them if they were having an argument with each other or they were trying not to be so lovey-dovey in front of him since his girlfriend wasn't here with him. Riley told him the truth… that she was unclear with her emotions about their mutual friend.

Hoseok and Riley went to walk around the hotel’s neighborhood, she didn’t know how to approach Hobi and noting he was more of a mobile guy instead of a sitting-around-person she invited him out for a late-night stroll.

“Wait... you now finally realize you might have feelings for Jin?”Riley nodded, she finished eating her ice cream and threw her cup in the sidewalk trash can.
Hoseok sighed.“Riley… wha... I-... you- and Jimin… wait so are you and Jimin over then?”“Umm… it’s complicated.”“Complicated? Riley it should be just a
yes or no answer. Yes, you still are together or no, you aren’t.”“Hoseok… when I told Jimin about my feelings for Seokjin I thought we were breaking up, but then… Jimin said his thoughts and he wanted to fight
for us and… it made me realize why I fell for him and why I still want to give us a chance.”“Riley… this is bad. You can’t string Jimin along if you have feelings for Seokjin.”“I am not! I’ve been communicating with Jimin about how I’ve been feeling. We know we have to give us space but there are times when me and him cross the line…” Riley was fidgeting with her nails again.
“So… what about Seokjin? Does he know how you feel about him?”“No…”

Hoseok stopped walking.

“Why this sudden
epiphany
of having feelings for him?”“Hmm?”“Riley… you may be rational but when it comes to unknown... mainly your feelings... you act like a teenager again.”“I-”Hoseok looked at her like a teacher scolding a student.“Fine- I agree… look… something happened during the last quarter of the school year. It was at the same time you were trying to introduce Jimin to me… I…
I kissed Seokjin.”Hoseok eyes bulged out.

“YOU WHAT?!”

“-We were drunk and we made out and ever since then it led to me thinking about him differently…”
“Wait… you’re telling me you’ve hidden this from me and the others for months?!” Hoseok gasped."Hobi…"“I thought we were great friends?! Heck, I thought I was your
second-in-command
best guy friend after Seokjin?!”“You are Hobi! I just… you were so happy in trying to get me and Jimin together that I didn’t know how to tell you. And it wasn’t like you were wrong... I like Jimin a lot.”“OMG
so wait… am I the last to know?! Do the girls know?! Is my girlfriend hiding this secret from me?! Does Yoongi know too?! Has everyone been knowing this except me?!!!” Hoseok shrieked.
“Hoseok it wasn’t like I was telling everyone. Honestly, I don't know how people started to know… I’m pretty Yoongi does considering how he can guess what’s up with anyone with just a glance. I have not told Namjoon or Jungkook. And I told Hana because my subconscious wanted answers at the moment and she so happened was the only person in front of me that day… and Amy…”

Amy.

Crap… I haven’t told Amy yet.

Oh, she's going to be mad at me.

“I haven’t told Amy yet. Honestly… you two were the last ones I wanted to talk to because you guys are like the
‘it’ couple…
I didn’t know how to ask you guys without you guys being… you.”“What does that mean?”“You guys are the perfect couple. I can’t help but try to compare my dating styles to you guys. I know I shouldn't… each couple is different... but I get envious seeing how you and Amy work out so well when you guys are always busy with your own individual activities but make time for each other. It made me think back to when JB and I were… and how because of the long-distance and how our careers were going different paths… we didn’t work out…”
“Riley…”
“Hoseok, you know I hate trying to achieve things when I know it doesn’t pan out well. Dancing was one thing… and that is why I stopped dating for a while after my break up with JB… why even after one blind date after the next I didn’t put my heart into it… I couldn’t find the happiness that I had.”

Silence.

“I slowly got over it… and then I met Jimin and he somehow was like a new shining star that entered my life… but I didn’t know until now I’ve always had a star with me the whole time… and it was Seokjin.”“So… does that mean you are choosing Seokjin over Jimin?”“I-I… I don’t know.”“Riley you need to figure this out.”“I am trying to. I hate myself for wanting both of them.”

Hoseok was licking his ice cream faster, he didn’t realize he still had it in his hand (he was so engrossed with what was going on with Riley’s life) but now the sweet delectable was dripping down his hand.

“Riley, Riley, Riley… can’t believe you like Jin hyung.”“Hobi… I’ve thought you always wanted to see me and Seokjin together?”“I do!
You guys would be a great couple… but you and Jimin are a great couple too! Both of them are my friends and you are as well… I just can’t believe you are in a triangle. Honestly Riley, you now declaring your feelings about Seokjin… there’s some information that is missing in this puzzle.”
Riley’s body went stiff. Luckily they stopped to sit down at a bench.
“Okay, so you and Seokjin kissed. I mean it is just a drunk night kiss, right?” Hoseok was trying to put his sherlock detective hat mode on. “I mean... sometimes it may have just been a spark that you’ve thought about and now that you’ve had it… then it’s done… like a bucket list or a mission accomplished thing to tick off?”“Uhh…”“I mean I’ve had some drunk moments and kissed others when they never meant anything.”“Well...”

Riley’s eyes were dodging Hoseok. He tilted his head to the side and followed Riley’s eye movements.

“Is there something else you are hiding from me Riley?”“Well… there is something that you are going to be the first to know…”

Do I?

Tell him?

I mean- Hoseok is just trying to help out.

Hoseok is a genuine soul.

He always wants to find the light at the end of the tunnel….

So why not get some help from the sun?

Riley started to speak quietly and mumbled her words. “I-” “Seokjin” “night” “together.”“Riley I can't hear you… what are you murmuring about?”Riley exhaled.
“Don’t freak out… this was before I started dating Jimin but… I also… kinda…
almost
slept with Seokjin too…”

Silence.

“WHAT?!!!!”

Hoseok looked like he was on the verge of passing out. The dramatic Hoseok was coming out of Hobi’s body. She tries not to let that version of Hoseok out but Hoseok goes extreme levels of emotions… especially if it's a surprise or shock or just scared out of his wits.
“Riley you… you and Jin… you guys- wha… when… when did you guys-
holy shit
do not tell me it was during-”Riley nodded her head. “-Yeah… that night… Yoongi’s celebration.”“I-I.. I got drunk very fast that night and left early with Amy that evening but you guys… you-you guys actually-
you guys slept with each other?!”“
Almost!
And it wasn’t like we were both drunk that evening, I just wanted to find some clarity and I know it was wrong of me to abuse Jin’s trust and somehow persuaded him so I can figure out how I was feeling for him. God knows the last time it happened we were blackout drunk and I woke up the next day
naked next to him-
”

Oh shit.

Riley…

Noooo nooooo.

Fuck my life.

Riley had her eyes closed. She turned around and opened one to see Hoseok’s reaction. Hobi’s face was a blank slate, his eyes barely blinked.
“Di-did you just say the la-last time? As in... this happened more than once?”Riley bit her lips. Her eyes moved away from Hoseok.“Can I say that it might have been the start of all of this…” she mildly squeaked

“HAN RILEY I CAN’T BELIEVE YOU HID THIS FROM ME!!”
“Hobi-”
“-I CAN’T BELIEVE SEOKJIN HYUNG HID THIS FROM ME TOO!!”
“Hobi I don’t think anyone knows except-”“-OMG THAT MEANS-”
Hoseok shrieked.
“YOONGI, THAT SON OF A BITCH KNEW AND DIDN’T TELL HIS ROOMMATE!”“Hobi-”
“-HE’S LIKE MY BEST FRIEND TOO! I PRACTICALLY SEE HIM EVERY DAY! I EVEN ASKED HIM IF THERE WAS SOMETHING GOING WITH YOU GUYS BUT HE SHRUGGED IT OFF LIKE IT WAS NOT A CONCERN!”

The spiraling of Hoseok… it was not a great thing to see.

Where is Amy when you need her? She knows how to calm him down.

“Hobi, Hobi… relax please?” Riley grabbed both of Hoseok hands. “Please please calm down. Hoseok look at me. No one knows.”“You and Seokjin hid this from us?!”“How am I supposed to tell you?! That two of your friends fucked each other one night? Both agreed it was a mistake and then both start being awkward with each other to the point where feelings and stupid non-controlling behaviors take flight. One confesses their love to the other and the other one rejects it only to realize how stupid she was acting and created more turmoil in their relationship to the point where their friendship is on the brink of sinking.”

“Riley-”

“-I’M SORRY!”
Riley’s shout and her eyes welling up made Hoseok stop his demeanor.

Silence.

“I am so sorry Hoseok that I hid this from you…” she sobbed. “I am sorry for hiding this from everyone… I’m hurting Seokjin… I’m hurting Jimin…
I am hurting everyone…”

“Riley…”

“I’m sorry…” she wailed.

Shit hit the fan.
Hoseok knew he made a mistake. His surprised outburst wasn't intentional but he felt completely out of the loop. He's never made Riley cry before… and she rarely does show an apathetic auras unless its Seokjin provoking her.

Crap.

Jung Hoseok

what the hell

did you do?

Make it up to her.

Make her feel better.

You are good at this.

Sunshine

the crap out of yourself.

“Riley… omg no. Don’t feel bad.” Hoseok instantly hugged Riley, repeating he was sorry to her over and over. “I am so sorry for acting this way. I didn’t mean to make it something about me. This doesn’t involve me or my feelings.
It’s about you."

Say a joke or a pun.

Damnit,
where is Seokjin when you need him?

He knows how to make an environment less tense and awkward.

“Don’t cry anymore… I know Jimin or Seokjin would beat the crap out of me if they heard I made you cry… they’ll probably turn me into a pretzel and Amy would definitely find a way to kill me and have it pinned it as a suicide.”
Riley couldn’t help but give a small whimpering laugh between her cries.

“Yeah, laugh at me being traumatically dislodged by my girlfriend. God knows she’s found multiple ways to have my body buried and never found. She probably has a ‘how to get away with murder’ folder hidden in her room.”
Riley did a small laugh again, a few tears still looming on her face.

“There you go… there’s our dancing fair maiden. Oh, Riley Han, you are in a pickle my friend,” he grabbed her face and pinched her cheeks.“Please stop crying. Now… tell Uncle Hobi the whole thing,” he gave a small smile.

----

Hoseok and Riley finally made their way back to the hotel. Riley told Hoseok everything that happened, the catalyst to her feelings... Seokjin’s revelation to her… their now ‘new’ relationship.
Yep, Hoseok was caught up in the drama that has been developing these past months. During the walk back, all that Hoseok did was walked with her and listened, trying to understand her and Seokjin’s dilemma.

Riley was feeling much better after her emotional outburst. He walked her back to her hotel room.
“If you need anyone to talk to you know I am here.”“I know… thanks Hobi.”“Again… I am sorry for flushing out the answer from you and Jimin but you guys were acting so weird these past
weeks I thought you guys didn’t want to hang out with me or something.”“No Hobi… it was just that you are both our friends and I know you wanted to hang with us as a trio but with the current situation I knew it wasn’t right for me to act like everything is normal.”“Sleep well Riley. I promise I won’t tell anyone about our conversation tonight.”“Even to Amy?”

Hoseok paused for a moment before he responded.

“I mean I probably will have to tell her so I really need you to talk to her soon but yes with my due diligence and trust I will make sure I will not tell her.”Riley smiled. “That is the closest best response to that. I love your faithfulness to your girlfriend.”“She is my everything,” he quipped before he realized he was sharing his affection overly. “Sorry about that.”“No it’s okay… you are allowed to say stuff. It what makes me love about both of you guys.”

Hoseok grinned and hugged Riley one more time.

“I know its complicated, but I won’t say that it’s entirely your fault. They say falling in love at first sight is easy. It's like getting hit by lighting, you can’t fail to notice it.”Riley hummed in agreeance.
“But figuring out feelings that you didn’t know you had… well that is a totally different story. You don't know if you’ve got it right and it’s confusing as hell. You’re hesitating right now… worried about losing that person. Time is still moving…
everything is still moving
except you.
You’re still left in a state where you can’t do anything just like how’ve been these past few weeks.”

Riley silently agreed.

“So are you going to tell him soon?”
“If I did tell him, what do you think he’ll do? Will he be happy and want me to throw myself towards him? After I rejected him after told him I just want to be just friends? He probably thinks I’m rebounding again or acting on his feelings, not my own. I just… I caused
distrust
between us. Do you think he can handle it?”“In the end, both of you need to handle it. It’s hard… but eventually, you have to tell him.”
“In the end... I don’t want him to suffer more because of me. I already hurt him enough.”“I know Riley… but aren’t you hurting him more by not telling him? You are each other’s best friends. I don’t think I ever seen you guys not withstand anything.”
“That’s what I’m worried…
I don’t think our friendship is strong enough now…”

I ruined us.

Hoseok pulled Riley into a hug.

“Get some rest. Don’t think about it too much, you have time to mull it over. Just sleep okay?”Riley gave a meek smile.“Night.”“Night.”

----

“Hyung,” a voice yelled out to Seokjin. It’s been almost two weeks Seokjin was settling into his new office in Osaka, the door to his office was wide open. He was writing up the latest report to send to his dad and the other higher-ups.
“Namjoon? What are you doing here in Osaka?”“To make sure the book keeping is going to start off right when the company is going to launch. Don’t worry hyung, I’m only here for a week. I just need to make sure the department knows how to handle everything before I go back to Seoul.”“Why didn’t you tell me you will be here?”“It was a last minute decision.”“Well, glad to see you on board… if it is only for a week.”
“You hungry?”“Yeah, but I still need to type up these reports by the end of the day.”“Don’t worry I’ll grab food for us then.”“No worries, I can ask Somi to order for us.”“So-Somi?”“Yes, you remember her? She’s my assistant and also my translator. She was at the Seoul office for the past few months working on our marketing and finance liaison to prep for the Japan Branch. You guys talked a few times from our meetings.”“Oh yeah... I remember her.”

Jin pushed a black button on his office phone, asking his assistant to come to his office.

“Hey Somi.”“Hi boss, Mr. Kim, it’s a pleasure to see you again. How can I help?”“Namjoon and I are hungry but we need to finish writing some reports, can you order us food to deliver here?”“Sure Mr. Kim, any preference?”“Your choice, you know the food area very well. Namjoon just can’t eat seafood or spicy food.”“Understood, I’ll order and have it delivered within the hour.”“Thank you.”

An hour later a delivery boy came up to the top floors with fresh ramen and others.

“Here you go Mr. Kim and Mr. Kim, I got you guys one Garlic Tonkotsu and one Chicken Shoyu. Also some appetizers; karaage, edamame, and gyoza.”“Thanks Somi,” Jin smiled.

After lunch Seokjin was on the work grind, his assistant gave him and Namjoon some tea to hydrate and relax them. After a few minutes, Namjoon noticed that Seokjin was not moving, just staring at his computer screen with the cup of green tea in his hand.

“Hyung, you okay?”“Hmm? Sorry I was just thinking that’s all.”“About the launch?”“Yeah…” He looked down at the cup…
green tea.

Namjoon couldn’t help but notice the photos that were on Jin’s desk, an old family photo of him and his parents, a family photo from the recent trip to Australia, and the candid winter photo of him and the group ice skating. Namjoon could see the blankness in Jin’s face.. he took the hint that his older cousin had a lot on his mind.

“You know, being curious about someone is an important sign. Your mind keeps wandering back to that person. It means you're interested. If you weren't, then you wouldn't care about that person’s whereabouts.”“Yeah I know Joon.”Namjoon rolled his eyes. Sometimes Seokjin’s sassiness will come out of nowhere but the younger cousin knows how to deal with it.
“What I am trying to say is… that it’s okay to think about her.”“I’m not-” Seokjin snapped his head towards Namjoon but stopped his sentence.

Who was he kidding? He couldn’t fool Namjoon, and he couldn’t fool himself.

He missed her.

“It’s okay to miss her. It’s only natural to want to miss something that you use to see all the time not be near you.”“It’s not just missing her…
my fear is coming to life…
I feel like I’m losing what we have,”
he somberly stated. “We are still joking like everything is ‘almost’ the same…
but it isn’t…
the ‘almost’ is not even close to what we had...
I’m slowly losing her.”“Hyung… I’m sorry.”

Namjoon really didn’t know how to make his cousin feel better. He’s never had someone in his life to invoke such a bond as Seokjin had for Riley.

“But at the same time… I know it's a good thing.”Seokjin was smiling… Namjoon was confused, his eyebrows scrunched up.
“I can’t rely on her so much… I know there has been a dozen times in my life where she came to rescue me or get me out of situations. It’s hard not to call her and tell her that. And I know I am not losing her completely… we’re just growing apart… and it’s a natural thing.”

“In the end, her happiness is what I want… but I know now that my happiness isn’t a result of that… it's just a portion… like your happiness Namjoon, and Yoongi’s, and everyone else in my life.”He finally drank the cup of green tea.

“Your happiness is my happiness too hyung,” Namjoon stated.
“I know… sorry for being so serious for a second.”Namjoon shakes his head. “No it’s fine… I’m glad you are talking to me about this instead of keeping it in. Like I said hyung, its okay to miss her. Eventually the missing will be less over time, but hey you guys are still friends? You’ll see each other soon.”“That’s true.”“Besides… you’re not the only one who misses someone.”Seokjin looked at Namjoon for a moment, curious to know why he said that before staring back at his computer to work on his reports.

Silence.

“I think I have a crush on someone.”

Seokjin paused his typing before he turned to face his cousin. Namjoon was still staring at the accounting book as he was beforehand, still writing down the numbers.“Well…”Namjoon looked up to see Seokjin staring at him.“Well what hyung?”Jin groaned.“You can’t just say that and not expect to continue this conversation.”“What? I just told you what was going through my mind.”“YES…
that you like someone!”“Yeah it’s a high probability I developed so kind of affection for a person... so?”
Jin slammed his head on his hands that were on the keyboards.
“My dear baby cousin, you are too rational with life… even when it comes to emotion.”Namjoon shrugged.“Everyone is different...
just how each snowflake is not the same.”“Okay enough with the phrases and similes…
who is the girl?”

Silence.

“It’s a girl right?... Or is it a boy?
OMG
Joon are you telling me you’ve been closeted this whole time and now that we are away from family and friends, you sir are going announce it?! Am I the first you are tell-”Namjoon threw a paper-made ball on the side of Jin’s head.“I like girls hyung… stop over-analyzing!”“Ow, you brat. I would never imagine you to throw something at me like that… Jungkook would be the one.”“Sorry hyung, but the person I have a crush on is a female… actually you know her.”

Seokjin blinked.

“Know her?”Seokjin pondered, figuring it out… it couldn’t be Amy… or Riley… maybe it was someone from the office? Irene from Marketing is a beautiful woman and many of the other coworkers flock towards her… or-

“Mr. Kim would you like a refill of your green tea?”“Oh that would be a pleasure Somi... thank you.”
Namjoon smiled.Jin moved his head to the side, peering out from behind his duel desktop screen to see the interaction between the two… his eyes moved back and forth.

Oh. my. cousin.

You would.

You sneaky little genius.

Auntie would have a field day.

“Somi…” Seokjin spoke.“Yes sir?”“What are your plans for tonight?”“Umm tonight?”“Yes after work.”“Well I was just going to go home and cook a meal with my roommate-”“Excellent you are free. Let’s go out to eat, Namjoon hasn’t seen much of Osaka so let’s bring him to a fun hang-out place.”“Uhhh hyung that’s okay I can just eat from the hotel-”“Nonsense! You may work for the company but here in Osaka… you are a guest.”“Umm... hyung-”“-Cool so after work we’ll get together and eat! Somi you can choose the place! Oh and you can bring your roommate… your roommate is female yeah?”“Oh uh yes sir-”“You can call me Seokjin, no need to be formal Somi, we’re close in age.”“Sir, we are at work right now… it’s best if we display the hierarchy-”“Fine you rule-follower… outside of work call me Seokjin! Okay then, it’s settled. Dinner!!”
Somi bowed her head and went back to her desk. While Seokjin smiled and went back to finish typing his report.

Namjoon blinked… looking back and forth at Seokjin and the doorway.

What the hell was that all about?

Seokjin just smiled devilishly at the sudden moment. His mind was more focused on making sure his assistant and his cousin got to spend time with each other since Namjoon was just here for the week. If he couldn’t get to be with the person he loved, maybe he can help others find time to be with theirs.

-----

She had a nightmare... or an epiphany… she wasn’t quite sure. She couldn’t remember the entire dream but she vaguely remembered multiple locations… a bookstore, a restaurant, a studio or an apartment. Each one has either Jimin or Seokjin. There was only them, other people didn’t have faces or it was blurred out.

The last thing she remembered was having coffee with Jimin, he opened the door for her to walk out first… she did and then she was in a room covered in white. Just white. No windows, no pictures…
nothing.

“Riley.” She heard Jimin’s voice, but she couldn’t see him.“Riley.” She heard Seokjin’s voice but she also couldn’t see him.

A hand engulfed her small ones. Staring at new hand holding hers for a second she saw Jimin right next to her, smiling brightly. He used his other hand to move a few strands away from her face.

“Jimin!
Where did you go?” she hugged him tightly.“What are you talking about? I’ve always been here,” he chuckled, kissing her temple.“No... when I looked back at the door you weren’t there.”Jimin tilted his head, confused.
“Baby are you still half asleep? Do we need to get some coffee in your system?”“Jimin don’t look at me like I’m crazy. We just got coffee. You were behind me when-” she turned her head and point at the door. “-We left the…” she turned back to look at him, but he was gone. “...coffee shop.” She stared at her hand that Jimin was holding just moments ago.

“Coffee shop? I thought you wanted to go grab some bubble tea?” a voice to her right pulled her to look over.

“Huh?” she looked to the direction and found Seokjin standing right in front of her.“Riley are you okay?” Seokjin’s voice was worried, his hand reached to cup her face and then the back of his hand touched her forehead.“Ryles are you sick?”“No… no… I was- with someone? No.. we were-,” she was shaking her head.“-Going to grab some boba, you wanted one right? But I don’t think we should anymore. We should go home, your face is turning pale.” Jin grabbed her hand and kissed the back of it.
Riley was silent for a second before she changed her mind.“Something is different.”“Different? What do you mean?”“We-” she looked down and saw her and Jin’s fingers interlocked with each other.“Baby what’s wrong?”“No. Something is going on. I… we…” she closed her eyes... trying to remember.
Why couldn’t she remember?

“Seokjin I’m-” she opened her eyes… Jin no longer in front of her. “
...scared,
” she whispered the last word.

“Jin… Seokjin…
SEOKJIN!” she kept turning around, trying to see where Jin went in this white endless room.

Where are you?

She could feel her heart beating fast…
She was scared…

She was alone.

She closed her eyes again… trying to retain everything… her mind was blank.“Where am I?” she quietly said. “Wait… I was with someone…
who?”

Who?

“Seokjin? Jimin? Anyone? Hoseok? Hana? Yoongi? Amy?"“How do I get out of here,” she mumbled.

“Riley.” Two booming voices called out to her from behind. She turned to see both of them standing next to each other…
just a few feet away from her.

“Riley…
noona...
who do you want?” Jimin asked her.

“Riley…
Ryles…
do you know?” Seokjin asked her.

“Are you ready to decide?”
They both asked her.

Am I ready?

All Riley could do was just stare into Jimin’s eyes and then Seokjin’s.

Riley… what do you want?

Who

do you want?

“Riley?”
Jimin asked.“Riley?”
Seokjin asked.

Silence.

Are you ready?

A quick memory of both Seokjin and Jimin saying her name during one of the moments she spent time with them. Both saying her name with so much adoration.

“Riley...”

“Riley...”

She closed her eyes again. So scared to open it again. She wasn’t ready.

I can’t do this.

I’m too weak.

I can’t choose.

I don’t deserve them.

She was crying, tears streaming down her face.

She was scared.

And then…

She felt someone push her body into theirs. Both of that person’s hands holding her on her waist and her back. Her head leaning right on their chest, her eyes still closed. She could only hear the sound of the person’s heart… beating at a regular pace… not too slow or too fast.It was…
calm.
She felt herself relaxing into the body. Her hands finally moving away from her side and reached out to hug the person. She wasn’t crying anymore.

I don’t want to leave.

“Riley…” the person spoke. Her body went stiff… until she remembered whose voice that was. She moved her body more into the clothes he was wearing.

“I know it’s hard… but I believe you know what you want… who you want.”

“It’s okay Riley…”

“They’ll both be there for you…”

“Like how
I couldn’t.”

She opened her eyes. She was back in her hotel room…
in London.
The sun was rising, she looked at the hotel's nightstand clock… 6:08 am. Almost 3 weeks have passed from her conversation with Hoseok… Riley was closer to figuring out.

Riley…

Are you ready?

For the first time in weeks… she finally found clarity. She found her answer.

“I’m ready.”

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

--- 2 months later ----
Finally home…

The dance tour was over. The experience Riley had was amazing. She couldn’t have received a better display of dancing.

Every different style and groups of people dancing… she was so amazing how dancing can create new emotions in her. She couldn’t wait for another opportunity like this again. One of the main directors of the company sat down with her beforehand, telling her they were interested in forming a program that would involve her, similar to what Hoseok was doing with them. She was shocked, couldn’t really understand that meant she could pursue something she wanted when she was young… but at the same time, she needs to realize the hard truth…

That she’s supposed to join the family company.

She explained her situation and fortunately, the company was able to understand… the option was still available if she ever changed her mind. She was happy to see her efforts weren’t put to waste during these 4 months, she felt like a new chapter was opening in her life.

But…

She still had to figure out some things… not only work-wise…

But her romantic life.

--- During the tour ---

Riley told Hoseok of the dream she had recently. The answer she found.
“Hoseok you can’t tell anyone what I told you. Not to mention making any sounds or second-hand remarks… TO NO ONE.” Riley jabbed her finger into Hoseok’s chest. “Especially Seokjin... I need to talk to him.”“When are you going to tell him?”“When the time is right… probably when I come back from the tour. Hopefully when I settle down back to the family’s company and he’s back in Seoul.”“Riley why not tell him now?”“Seokjin is happy right now. When I last talked to him he was excited about Japan and making waves at work.
I can tell he was trying to run away when we first talked before he was in Japan… I practically did the same in a way, but I know it was more than that… he was stuck trying to find himself. And from the messages sent lately… he’s been making a lot of improvements in the company. Yoongi and Namjoon have been keeping me updated quietly and I think he’s finally found something he’s passionate about. I don’t want to jettison myself onto what he’s doing right now.”“Don’t you think that you tell him how you feel will make him feel a lot better. The fact that you are reciprocating his feelings.”“I’m still not sure about what I am feeling.”

Hoseok made a loud sigh.

“Riley you are-”“I know! I am scared... but... I need to know 100% that this feeling I have for him is as true as his to me. I owe him that. I owe him to be 100% with him, not 90% not 98%...
just 100.

Hoseok nodded. Riley and Seokjin’s situation is more than telling each other they love each other. They are best friends. One small move can set their relationship further apart that it has been. Their relationship now has teetered off. Riley blames herself for making everything more difficult, but she knew everyone who met her that she can be a lot to handle.
“I don’t revolve around his life Hoseok…
Seokjin is his own universe, his own light. But… I want to be there for him when he needs me… wants me. I can be the star that he can see from the distant… and hopefully one day I can fall towards him with his arms wide open to catch me.”“How do you know when and where he needs you-”“-I just do.” Riley confidently said.

---- Back to the present ---

“Last call for passengers on Flight 127 to be at the Gate B7.” The bustling airport noises were enclosing Riley’s ear. She finished talking to her parents, telling them that she was safely back into Seoul. She hung up and her eyes started to search for her luggage in the baggage claim area. Riley saw Jimin grabbing his luggage from the area… she walked over to talk to him.

After she had the dream she had a talk with Jimin… ultimately breaking up with him. He was understanding of her decision. It was still awkward through the remaining of the trip but they were amicable towards each other.

Jimin softly smiled.
“Well… we had a good run, yeah?”Riley nodded. "I’m sorry… I know I keep saying those words to you…”“Riley… it’s okay.”

Silence.

“Thank you for giving me a chance to get to know you, even if our story is over…” Jimin said in his genuine tone. “I rather get to see it play out than wonder…”Riley smiled back at him.“I will cherish our time together, it won’t ever be forgotten. Thank you for being there for me.”“Same here. I’m glad I got to see a piece of you that no one gets to. I’m fortunate for that.”“Jimin, stop being so sweet. You’re making it harder now to see you again…”“I mean… chasing me isn’t such a bad thing… right?” Jimin winked. She couldn’t help but blush.“Whoever becomes your future partner is a lucky person. Remind me to tell them that when I meet them.”
Jimin chuckles. “I will make sure of it.”
“Well… we will still see each other at the dance club… if that’s okay with you?” Riley asked.“It will still take some time for this transition… but once the waves ceded… let’s talk again.”“Okay,” she nodded.

“Guys!” A voice pierces through the other voices in the baggage claim. They both see Taehyung walking towards them, waving his hands.“I’ll walk towards him, don’t want him to get confused and emotional. Bye Riley.”
Riley and Jimin hug each other one last time.

“Good luck with Seokjin, I wish the best for you guys.”“Thanks, Jimin. I wish the best for you too.”

Jimin gave Riley a chaste kiss on the cheek before he started to walk towards Taehyung, making the younger male confused by Jimin sudden departure from Riley and towards him.

“Jimin didn’t tell Taehyung yet?” Hoseok asked... the male walked over to Riley after Jimin left, watching Jimin talking to Taehyung as they walk towards Taehyung’s car.
“No… he didn’t want Taehyung to worry about him and get mad at me.”“Wow, he’s so considerate… are you sure you made the right decision by breaking up with him?” Hoseok jokes.
Riley smacked Hoseok’s arm.
“Hobi stop it.”“Sorry, sorry. I know you made the right decision.” He rubbed his arms that Riley just hit.“Amy is on the way to pick us up, should be here in about 10 minutes. You need to use the restroom or anything?”Riley shakes her head. “Nope, I’m good. I just want to get back to the apartment as soon as possible.”“So are you sticking to the plan then? Get settled at work and when Jin comes back you’ll tell him?Riley nodded. “Yep, I just need to make sure everything is perfect when I confess to him.”“When’s the last time you guys made contact?”"We’ve been messaging each a few times but talking on the phone… perhaps when we were in Chicago we talked… after that, we've barely contacted each other.”“So you are sticking to the no-contact zone?”“Yes… ish.”

Hoseok sighed.

“I hope you know what you are doing. You’re not worried Seokjin met someone?”“I’m a bit worried… but if he does find someone, I won’t stop him.”“Riley…” Hoseok stared down Riley, his teacher-face was on.“I know what I am doing, Hoseok. Don’t worry.”

If he does find someone, it's a good thing.

Yeah… keep telling yourself that Riley.

Keep telling yourself you won’t be disappointed and sad if that happened.

You still need to lie to yourself, don't you?

----
Seokjin’s been homesick lately. He was grateful to see Namjoon during the beginning of his new title at his new office, but he was missing a lot about home ever since then. He missed hanging out with the crew, missed the gym he went to, missed the view of Han River… heck, he even missed Jungkook’s nagging and whiny voice.

He looked at the photos he placed on his desk, one of them is a family photo of his parents and him… the last family photo before his mom had to go into chemo.

-- Flashback --

A few hours ago, Jin and his parents took a family photo in the house and now his mom was baking a cake in the kitchen.
“Mom I can do that instead, why don’t you rest?” Seokjin kept nudging himself between her and the bowl of flour.
“Sweetie, I can make a cake, I’m not as fragile as you think.”“I’m not saying that mom, I’m just…” he paused.
“Let me handle this… okay?” His eyes were pleading towards his mom. Tomorrow morning his mom would go to the hospital, shave off her beautiful hair and start chemotherapy for her cancer.
He was having a tough time seeing his mom transition into a vulnerable sick person.

“Jin-ah… everything is going to be okay,” his mom quietly told him. She patted his head.

“I know mom…”
“But... if it doesn’t sweetie…”
Seokjin closed his eyes and turned away from her. He didn’t want to hear it… the “but”... the “what if.” His mom cupped his face and motioned him to come back.
“Seokjin… I need you to open your eyes.”He slowly did… seeing his eyes pierce through his mom’s… his eyes were already welling up.

“I know you don’t want to talk about it… but we need to. I’ve talked to your father about this already… and I just need to make sure you know how I feel and what might happen.”His heart was hurting, gutting him to think about his mother missing out on his future.
“I just want you to be happy, take care of you and your dad… behave and listen to him, he wants what’s best for you.
Also, take care of everyone around you okay? But most importantly… I want you to find love. ”“Mom this is a deep conversation for a teenager,” Jin trying to joke among the sadness. His mom chuckled and nodded.“I just want you to know that I will always be there for you, even if I am not physically there… I will still be there watching over. I want you to find someone you can love unconditionally… like how I found your dad.”

“But what does that mean… unconditionally?”

“Loving someone unconditionally… it means without any limits… they love you for who you are. To have someone you can love unconditionally… someone that brings you a lot of comforts when you need it.”“How can that bring comfort… relying on just one person? Isn’t that just selfish?”“It can be…”
His mom smiled, grabbing the other bowl with fresh strawberries that were picked from their garden.

“But…”“We all need at least one person we can love unconditionally… that makes us feel connected to this world.”“And how am I supposed to find the one person? There’s like 7 billion people in the world.”“Yes… there’s a lot of people, but you guys will find your way to each other. The world may have many people, but there are only a few that will really know who you are and accept you… and sometimes, all you need is one.”
All you need is one.

“I still think that’s selfish,” Seokjin said as he started to mix the other ingredient in with the flour.
His mom laughed. “You are just like your father sometimes.”“Yeah, but everyone said I’m more like you right mom?”“Yes, my baby… you will always be more like me.” Seokjin grinned at his mother’s response.“So what are we making?”“I had an inspiration the other day when you and Riley were hanging out… how about a matcha strawberry cake?”“Oh, green tea and strawberry? That’s a weird combination.”“I think it’s a perfect transition from winter to spring… we’ll make a nice sponge cake, the complex sweet but the bitterness of the matcha… sweeten it with the strawberry filling… and a bit of light whipped frosting. What do you think?”

Seokjin gave a skeptic look to his mom.

“I don’t know, you are more of a baker than I am… after all, you own a
bakery shop.”“Well, sometimes you won’t know until you try to see if it works. If it doesn’t then you know and you can find another recipe… but… if it does… isn’t it the best feeling?” Seokjin nodded. “Yeah... you’re right.”
Silence.
“Seokjin…”“Yeah, mom?” Jin’s answered while adding the strawberries into the batter mix.
“Put yourself out there sometimes, try things out of your comfort zone, and find people to surround yourself with love.”“I got it mom… I have you and dad, that’s enough for me.” “You need more than us…”“I have Riley and Namjoon and others… I’ll be fine.”“I know… just remember to love yourself too, you’re the most important person to your world.”“I thought you wanted me to find someone to love unconditionally?”

His mom laughed.

“I want that too… but you’ll understand one day sweetie.”
-- End Flashback --
He looked at the photo once more.

“It’s strange being here mom… a new city by myself with no family or friends from Seoul…”“But… I know you are watching me,” he smiled.

Seokjin can remember the happy and fun moments he had with his mom… but there are times when a dark cloud would come over his memories.
-- Flashback --

The funeral.
Seokjin hid himself from the others.
As much as he collected himself during the funeral and the reception afterward...
at the end of the day he couldn't stand the "I'm sorry for your loss" and "you can talk to me whenever" small talk. He knew those words people said were half-truth and half-lie. The sorries were true… but talk to me… no… Seokjin didn't want to talk to anyone. The only person he wanted to talk to…
Is his mom…
Who is now 8 feet below the dirt. His mom is everything to him… was everything to him. He left the house abruptly, managing to sneak out from the reception and walked to the place he finds the most comfort in… a place he used to hide from his parents and friends when he didn't want to see anymore. Even his parents had a hard time finding him there…
When Seokjin was a child, he was able to crawl and climb the rocks with ease… but now at being a growing teenager… the pathway was now turned into tight spots. Seokjin could barely fit into those passages with his prepubescent body but he shoved himself between the rocks and went beyond the beach… to a small cove that not a lot of people knew… usually when the night falls the tides come in and the floor is now engulfed in water but there are special spots if you sat there you can still see the sunset and sunrise without the water touching in.
He sat on those rocks, staring out into the waters… he wanted to hear his mom’s voice call him one more time. He took out his phone… putting it on silent because he saw all the missed calls from his dad and friends, the bundles of text messages unread. He played an old voice message he had on file… the voice of his mom leaving him a message a few weeks ago asking him to pick up some groceries on his way back from hanging out with his friends. It was a short message, but it still stung Jin up… tears running down his cheeks. “Seokjin…” a voice popped out of nowhere. He knew who it was… the only person who would instantly know where he hid...

Riley.

Riley stood herself next to Seokjin, she didn’t say a word to him once she saw what he was doing and the face he had on when he turned to look at her… the saddest face she ever saw from him. Her black dress was tea-length, over the knee and swaying by the direction of where the wind was blowing.

She slowly sat down, positioning herself to a comfortable sitting spot while looking at Jin on the corner of her eyes. She just sat there, silently waiting for him to talk to her, tell her how he was feeling. He didn’t say anything for almost an hour, he just looked out into the waters, thinking about his mom and the memories he made with her. He was in the moment until he felt a thud on his left shoulder… Riley accidentally falling asleep while waiting for him. He wouldn’t realize how much of a trend it will be in the future of her sleeping against his shoulder.
He then realized that she was just in her dress, the sun was setting and the waters were coming in, the wind picking up… he gently positioned her up, only to put her back to the same place. He took his blazer off and placed in on her… the sudden movements and warmth woke her up.

Eyes slowly batting open… Riley remembered where and why she was in this cove… for Seokjin.
“Ah… sorry, I fell asleep,” she said as she rubbed her eyes.Seokjin shook his head. “It’s okay… I’m sorry you’ve been waiting for me.”“Don’t apologize, you are going through some hard times… I need to be by your side as your best friend.”Seokjin couldn’t help but give a small smile when she said that.“Thank you for being there for me today,” Seokjin softly told Riley.
Riley suddenly hugged Seokjin, all bear-wrapped around him for a few minutes before they broke apart. She noticed his eyes were still red from crying, a couple of tear splotches around his face. She gently wiped those away on his face.
“Jin…” she said as her eyes gazed into his sullen ones. “I’ll always be there for you.” She took his hands and held it in hers, massaging it to calm him down and soothe him. It was that moment when Seokjin had an urge to kiss her on the forehead … a sign that he appreciated all the things she did for him so far and whatever in their future. He was lucky to have her as a best friend.

He wanted to kiss her…
But he didn’t… instead, he just hugged her back, letting himself fall into her body, crying again while being covered by her scent and warmth.

That was the last time he went to the spot.

It was his final place for him to say goodbye to his mom… crying his heart out. It was the only place he could call his own… and with Riley.

-- End Flashback --

His mind came into focus of the present, he took out his phone and scrolled down his photo gallery to look at his recent photos… the last photo he had with Riley…The photo of her sleeping on his shoulder during the family’s graduation party.
He smiled while his fingers grazed on the screen where her face was on.
You pabo.

You’re right, Riley.

You’ve always been there for me.

Jin finally realized why he never got close to someone… he never wanted to feel like he lost part of himself.
And now with Riley...
Maybe that's why I never realized how I felt until now.

I closed it off because I didn’t want to ever have that feeling…

The feeling of losing someone important…

I'm too scared to lose you too.

Maybe that’s why I never told you…

Maybe you are the only one I need.

Unconditionally.

I’ll be there for you when you need it.
Seokjin stared at Riley’s face from the photo one more time.

I think I get it, mom.

Seokjin knew he had to overcome multiple things in his life… but loss was still something he still truly haven’t gotten over. He scrolled down this photo gallery to look at the graduation photos. He stopped scrolling when he saw a photo of him, his dad, and his step-mom and step-brother. It was a bit eerie for him sometimes… to be in a happy place without his mom. But he knew his mom wanted both him and his dad to find love after her. He knew it took a toll on his dad more than him and perhaps it was fate for his dad to meet Jungkook’s mom. Both lost their loved ones and managed to find a bridge to overcome them together.

He knew in the beginning he was an angry teenager... he was extremely upset to see his dad find another woman, even if it was years after, but if it wasn’t because of a certain small bunny-like kid following him around that made him have a change of heart. Jungkook never really got to know his father, his dad died when he was just a toddler. So when Jungkook met Jin’s dad and him, Jungkook felt like he had a complete family for the first time. And in a snap, Seokjin found himself having a baby brother, no longer a single child… and it was one of the great changes in his life.
Change…
This path he is now in… he never imagined… But he’s eternally grateful… “Thanks for guiding me and dad, mom,” he whispered. “I wonder what else you have in store for us.” He could hear his mom whisper again.

Seokjin...

All you need is one.

---- 2 months later ----

Riley was shopping with Amy, after having lunch they went to a nearby shopping center to check out the latest dresses. The found some trinkets and jewelry, but Riley needed to find a dress. She also finally explained to Amy, only for Amy to assume most things… especially her feelings towards Seokjin.

“So the family’s company is having a gala next week. I’m not sure but my dad mentioned that they extended the invite to have the Japan branch to come visit…”“So then, does that mean Seokjin will be coming back to Seoul to visit earlier than anticipated?”“I don’t know… he may or may not come…”“Are you really trying not to talk to him?”“We’ve sort of talked… it’s been mainly small conversations since I always cut it short.” She groaned by her stupid mistakes. “I want to talk to him… in person… what I want to say I can’t tell him over the phone… I need to see him when I tell him.” Riley found a few floor-length dresses for the event, an A-line green silk dress with spaghetti straps, a flowing lace chiffon gown, and a fitted evening dress with open back. “Amy, I was hoping if I can invite Hoseok as my plus one...”“You want my boyfriend? I thought having him for 4 months to yourself was enough of me letting you borrow him” Amy joked.“Hey, you know what I mean! I just… I’ve been talking to him a lot about what’s going on… and I just need someone to support me. I would bring you or Hana but you guys are both busy.”“Hmm… I’m fine with it… but you should ask him first.”“I just want to make sure-”“-Riley… I know you guys… you’re one of my best friends… I trust both of you, you don’t need my approval to ask him as your date to the gala.”“I know… I just don’t want to mess up another friendship.”“Riley… stop. Don’t do that to yourself. Everything will turn out well.”Riley softly smiled. “I know… thanks, Amy.” They tried on dresses, Riley asked Amy to help her zip up one of the outfits for her. “Wow, this one is stunning on you. You should get this for the gala.”“You sure? It’s not too much?”“It will definitely make people turn their heads… especially Seokjin if he goes.”“ If he goes…”“ He will… do you want me to ask him?” Amy questioned.“No-no-no… I don’t want to make it like I’m trying to bait him… if he wants to go… he will go.”“Okay then…” Riley found a dress and both left the store and went to a restaurant nearby to grab a drink for happy hour. Amy noticed that Riley had something mulling in her head. “Tell me.”“Hmm?”“What are you thinking about? Is it Seokjin again?”
Silence.

“Riley?” Amy carefully asked.“I had a dream… I was talking to someone… someone familiar… someone I could easily talk to…”Amy sat across from Riley, just patiently waiting for her to continue… until she uttered “Who?” “ JB… ”

Silence.

“You had a dream about your ex-boyfriend?”Riley nodded.“Yeah… is that weird?”“I mean… it depends… yes and no… it could mean you are going through something related with your romance life… hence him popping into your dream...”Riley nodded again.
Silence.
“Or…”“Or what, Amy?”“Well… are you?”

“Am I what?”

“Are you missing JB? Do you miss your relationship with him? Are you still in love with him?” Riley paused a moment. Thinking closely about the dream she had. “ I love JB… I always will… but that love I had for him back then is gone… the love I have for him now is different. It’s a stepping stone to where I want to be… who I can give my whole heart to.”“So you mean you're giving your love to Seokjin?”
Riley nodded her head.
“Sort of… if he still wants me… then yes.”“I’m sure he’s been waiting to hear that from you.” Amy smiles. “So you do love him?”“I’ve always loved Seokjin… just this time, it’s different… it’s a new kind of love for him…”“You love-”“-I’m almost to the ‘love’ he has for me… just not there yet,” Riley interjected.“So what? Do you assume the scenario you’ll have with him is like a romantic movie or something? That you both see each other at the gala and the stars will align and you both profess that you want to be together and live happily ever after?”“I’m a realistic person, you know that Amy.”“I know you are… but when it comes to Seokjin… he’s almost like a weird Prince Charming fairy tale to you.”

“Seokjin is Seokjin,” Riley noted.

“What does that mean?”“It means he’s Seokjin. I know him. That’s all.”“Okay… weird code talking again.”“It’s not like you and Hoseok don’t have your own code-language.”“We do… because we are actually a couple.”

“Speaking of my favorite couple… when do you think Hoseok will pop the question to you?” Amy coughed right away, almost spitting the liquid in her mouth. Riley couldn’t help but give a tiny laugh out loud. “Where is the question coming from?”“What? I am just curious about you guys. You’ve been together for over a year now, plus you guys have known each other even longer. Have you guys ever talked about marriage?”“We’ve talked about it by mentions, but we both know marriage is on the table… just later when we both are further in our careers.”“Does that mean you’ve chosen that path? I swear that boy will just blurt out ‘will you marry me’ by just the way you say his name when you call him.”Amy smiles. “I’m sure my boyfriend has the patience to not do that… but… I wouldn’t say it’s not not something expected from him.”“Ahh Kwon Amy, using double negatives in your speech… this is not you at all. Wow, Hoseok must’ve rubbed off on you,” Riley joked.

“He is my favorite person in the world.”

“Oh, that’s a dagger to me and the others.”“Well it’s true,” Amy chuckled. “But you are a very close second.”Riley gave an unimpressed look, “whatever.”

Silence.

“Even if I thought of it as a romantic movie scene… is it so wrong to want that ending?” Riley asked Amy. “That happy ending where everything makes sense and complete… and everyone is just… happy?”
Amy smiled. “No, it’s not wrong… everyone deserves a happy ending…”
“But you have understand… a happy ending isn’t just everything works out just right and there's a big bow on top… it’s more about coming to a place where a person has a clear vision of their own life in a way that enables them to do what they want with any remorse… find the people they want to be close with... it’s an unconditional thought… a kind of love…”

“Like… an unconditional love?”

Amy nodded. “Yeah, it’s kind of similar.”Riley smiled. “Unconditional love… I feel like I heard someone talk about it a while ago.”

“Riley…”

Amy took Riley’s hand into hers.“It’s okay to dream… it’s okay to be selfish and try to get what you want… we’re all human. You’re a good person… you will get your happy ending.”Riley smiled. “Thanks, Amy.”

Happy Endings…

Please wait for me Seokjin.

-----

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

The gala.

Seokjin arrived just hours before the gala started. It was a last-minute decision for him.
He has been so busy with work that he forgot the gala was this weekend. He managed to double his work in the past two days just so he could fly down for the night. He was making a head-strong leadership role in his new branch and surprisingly after some time, he felt like home there. He started to follow a routine, found a couple of spots he would call “regulars” for him. For once Seokjin understood where he needed to be. For the first time, his role actually felt more than a career, it was more part of his life that he enjoyed coming in-and-out of the offices. He can finally say that he actually thrives in challenges… he’s been gaining recognition in the community, not just by his looks, but also by his smart-business attributes.

After all the craziness opening the branch, Seokjin can finally have a weekend to take a break.

One night in Seoul before he had to fly back to Osaka to prep for a big meeting on the following Monday.

And perhaps...

He gets to see her again.

He was nervous, but he didn’t know why. Maybe not seeing each other for months wracked his brain. There have been a couple of exchanges but it wasn’t the same as seeing her with his own eyes.

----

Held at one of the new properties of Luxe Hospitality, the gala was at one of the main ballrooms, at the top of the hotel, where the view exceed anyone’s expectations.
The view was just in the outskirts from Ansan mountain, an almost 360-degree view of the city and the mountain.
The charity event was raising money for arts programs in public schools for the youth.
Riley entered the ballroom entrance by herself. Hoseok had to rush to the restroom due to drinking almost a gallon of water beforehand. She was impressed by the overall decorations for the event, sometimes she wished she could be creative, the ability to think of themes and decorate special events.

“Riley.”

She heard him called to her. Her heart skipped a beat. How weird did it feel for her to hear him say her name. The impact. She was debating if tonight would be the night she can finally tell him what has been on her mind for the past few months.
She turned toward where the voice was heard and saw him walking towards her… all dapper-looking with his hair parted to the side to see his forehead. His hair was now back to his normal jet black color and he was wearing a black suit with a black velvet fabric on the lapel and white shirt underneath. Simple. Sophisticated. An outfit that will never go out of style with his features. The only extraness was his green pocket square and cufflinks… it was almost exactly like the color of the dress she was wearing.

Oh Amy… you would…

Riley couldn’t help but imaginatively roll her eyes. She assumed that Amy gave a hint to Seokjin regarding if Riley was attending and how her outfit would be. Amy could read Riley well without saying much.

You always have my back, Amy.

“Seokjin- you’re here-”“Wow Ryles- you look-”

“-Hey guys!” a voice came behind Jin, startling him.“Hoseok? What are you doing here?”“Oh, I’m Riley’s date for this evening.”

Seokjin blinked.

“Wait… you’re her plus one?”“Yep,” Hoseok nodded. “Don’t worry, Amy knows I’m here. I’m trying to be Riley’s wingman tonight, you know be the ease of conversationalist, scope the crowds… make sure no creep approaches her.”“Hoseok this is a charity gala… not a nightclub.”“Well I mean there’s still creepy old men with a lot of money that probably want to talk to Riley… I mean have you seen what she’s wearing, she looks like a freaking model.” Hoseok moves his hands around to present Riley’s dress.

It was quite the understatement. The dress she is wearing is the one she picked out with Amy… elegant, it was emerald green satin long fitted dress with a low back and a high slit on the left side… the slit moved with the dress, showing a peek of her left leg. She was beautiful.

He knew. Seokjin couldn’t help but look at her up and down the moment he saw her across the ballroom. He didn’t even know he left his conversation with a group of co-workers until he called out her name, noting his distance between him and her was now closer.

She looked like a model. She looked like a modern princess. She looked like a siren.

And Seokjin was one of the sailors being lured by her beauty.

“Seokjin? Seokjin? Jin are you there?”Both Hoseok and Riley waved their hands in front of Seokjin before Hoseok yelled “Hyungie” and tried to hug him.“AH!” Seokjin backed away from Hoseok’s clingy hands, recalling the night Hoseok tried to jump on him at Bambam’s house.Riley laughed.“Are you okay? You weren’t responding.”“Yeah, sorry… I was concentrating on something,” he mumbled while staring into Riley’s eyes. Riley felt her face blush.“I think someone is under a spell,” Hoseok subtly whispered to Riley as he moved his eyebrows up and down. Seokjin couldn’t help but cough out loud, trying to divert attention to his well-known red-blazed ears showing. Riley couldn't help but give a small smile.

Tonight is going to be interesting.

----
Halfway through the night, everyone was pulled into different directions.
Seokjin had to greet and talk to some investors, while Riley had to greet familiar clients and family members. It was an opposite adventure for both. Riley assumed she would be next to Seokjin if she did continue working at the company as he did right after grad school, but she was happy with her choice.
Work for the family company wasn’t what she wanted, at least not for the rest of her life. She had to explain to her dad, that she wanted to pursue dance and still work for the company. Adamantly against the idea, after a few months... being the daddy’s girl, Riley managed to convince her father to let her follow her own path… not without having restrictions. Her dad is planning to give her a position at the company, but he hasn’t informed her what it was.
It seemed like Riley wouldn’t have a chance to talk to Seokjin if it wasn’t for their moms pressuring them to dance with each other. This wasn’t the first time they’ve danced together. Every gala or special evening event, they both had to dance with each other… it was a sign that the company is in harmony. When they were little, Riley, Seokjin and Namjoon had to learn how to dance for these occasions. Riley had no problem, while Seokjin and Namjoon tend to need more lessons to get the hang of the types of dancing.

This would be the first time where they felt awkward dancing with each other.

Seokjin extended his right hand out for Riley to take. She paused her movements before she took his hand and followed him to the center of the dance floor. The moment looked picturesque… both of them dancing under the crystal chandeliers, music playing in the background with the beautiful lights from the outside beyond the floor-to-ceiling windows.
“You look beautiful tonight,” he gently said, his right hand held her left hand and his other hand sitting comfortably at her waist. They were waltzing… sort of… more like swaying back and forth… the atmosphere was still delicate.“Thanks Jin. I should say the same to you as well… dashing… wearing the latest men’s suit trends?” she pointed out as she looked at his blazer and the colored cufflinks and square pocket. He smiled as he noticed her staring at the emerald green that replicated the color of her dress.
“Well that wasn’t my choice, I had to get some help,” he chuckled.“So- how have you been?” Riley asked.“Shouldn’t I be asking you? You are usually the one to cut our conversations short.”“Sorry…” she pouted. "I’m busy trying to schedule work here and how to fit the dance company as well.”“It’s like trying to double major in two different fields Ryles,” Jin stated.“Yeah but this involves more time than before… I’ve barely seen anyone outside of both places.”

Silence.

“So… why is Hoseok your date for tonight? Where’s Jimin?” “He wasn’t invited… we actually broke up.”Seokjin’s eyes bulged.
“What? When? What happened?” Riley felt Jin hold her closer… like he was hoping she wouldn’t run away when she talked to him. She hates explaining things that weren’t particularly good news.

Riley paused before she talked.

“It was halfway during the tour. I mean… it was going to happen eventually… I guess… things just didn’t work out.”“Riley I’m sorry that happened to you. I knew you really like Jimin.”“Thanks… but umm...” she moved her face away from his gaze. “I actually ended it.”

Seokjin stopped dancing.

“You broke up with him? Why… I thought-”“-There was something missing… something he couldn’t give me.”Seokjin was trying to read Riley’s eyes. He could tell she wanted to tell him something important… something urgent.

Silence.

“Seokjin can we talk in private somewhere?”
“Yeah sure-”
“-Seokjinnie!!!!”

But Seokjin’s sentences got cut short when another female approached them.

“Seokjinnie! I miss you!” A woman suddenly shifted herself right between them, pushing Riley back a bit and immediately hugging Seokjin.“Oh great…” Riley sarcastically mumbled while rolling her eyes.

Huang Hejin… another prominent daughter in the hospitality business. Her father was well known to the whole hospitality community, and somewhat following her father's footsteps, she was introduced into the business side… which meant seeing Hejin to galas and business meetings often.
“You haven’t been answering any of my calls or text messages. I wanted to see if you need company while you were in Japan… I’m planning a visit over there soon.”“Hi Hejin… yeah sorry, I’ve been busy with opening the branch.” Seokjin was composing himself and gave a gentle smile. “I barely have time to hang out and communicate with people nowadays.”“I’m sure you can find a little bit of time to talk to me or see me… we’re close right? ” Hejin seductively said as her fingers glided over Seokjin’s blazer.
“I mean if he finds the time, he’ll still talk to me before you though,” Riley made short snide response loud enough for Hejin and Seokjin to hear. The other lady turned around to give a small scowl towards Riley.
“Oh, Riley… didn’t know that was you dancing with Seokjin. You look different from the last time… any plastic surgeries lately? Around your face… your thighs or that abnormal butt? Or maybe you got a discount to get all three together?”
Riley started to form a fist in one of her hands. It was always something about Hejin that rubbed Riley the wrong way… from the moment they met back in college, the girl had some kind of immediate hostility towards Riley.
Maybe it’s because Hejin had a long-time crush and amorous advances towards Seokjin ever since she met him back in college. She met him during freshman orientation and surprisingly he was in two of her classes. They formed a small bond and right away she wanted to get close to him…

But then Hejin met Riley one day when she was working on a partner project with Jin and noticed how Seokjin’s attention always seem to be towards Riley.

Han Riley.

She hated Riley with a passion due to Riley’s closeness with Seokjin. The thorn on the stem of the rose that was called Seokjin. She always wanted to find a way to cut the thorn without pricking herself… prune the thorn.

Seokjin just looked back and forth between the two ladies. He never knew why both of them couldn’t be amicable towards each other. They had classes with each other over the years, their parents were in the same work community… they would always act so nice to each other when other people were around but when it was just them together or with Seokjin… the fire between their eyes would ignite like a bonfire.

“Even if I did do any surgeries, I would always look better than your permanent stumpy face,” Riley noted.

-“Why you conniving bit-”-“Bring it, you frog-face-”

“-HEY LADIES! Is anyone thirsty? Both of your hands look so empty, why don’t I grab you guys some drinks?” Seokjin was trying to avoid another cat-fight. Riley knew she couldn’t make a scene. This wasn’t a college or at a friend’s party.
“Sorry Hejin, his time is mine right now.” She quickly grabbed Seokjin’s hand and walked away with him towards the bar... leaving Hejin standing by herself on the dance floor.

Seokjin didn’t say anything to Riley as she dragged him away from the Hejin. He knew her mindset was raged and pissed off… so he kept his quiet while her hand still enveloped his.
He couldn't help but have a smirk on his face, proudly happy to see Riley wanted to have him to herself. It wasn’t until they were almost at the bar when Hoseok came up to them.

“Whoa what happened over there?” Hoseok glanced at the girl on the dance floor whose eyes were like lasers shooting into Riley’s back head.
“Nothing but a nuisance trying to wriggle herself into places she doesn’t need to be in.” Riley sharped stated. From Hoseok’s perspective, Riley’s face was far from happy, she was angry… but Hoseok saw more… from his glance down at Riley’s hands holding Jin’s… she was playing territory… target Seokjin.

Oh Riley’s jealous.

And Hoseok couldn’t help but put out the biggest smirk on his face.“What?” she snapped at Hoseok, seeing his witty facial expressions.“Oh, nothing… by the way... are you going to let go of Jin hyung or do you want hyung to lose any circulation on his left hand?” he calmly asked.Riley looked down, seeing her tight grip on Jin’s hand, she looked up to see Jin’s face, just calm, cool and collected like a Prince Charming as ever with his eyes piercing hers.

Damn cinnamon swirls.

She immediately let go… she felt her face flushed with embarrassment.

I totally let myself get all angry and jealous.

She closed her eyes.

“I am so sorry Jin, I didn’t mean to do that- act like that- I just-” she slowly walked backward… away from the two males.
“Riley-” both Seokjin and Hoseok trying to warn her to stop walking.“-I’m going to use the restroom one-” accidentally bumping into someone behind her.

“Ow… oh I am sorry-” she looked up. “...Namjoon there you are.”

“Oh hey guys,” Namjoon nervously said. “I just got here.”“Joon, where have you been? You’re usually the first he-” Riley stopped talked once a lady walked up and stood next to Namjoon. “...Hana? What are you doing here?” Riley squeaked in surprise.

“Oh hey Riley… Hoseok… Seokjin…” Hana was all dressed up in a strapless red tulle long dress. Her hair was in a half-braided ponytail, covered in a hair tie and a few hair strands loss around her face. She stood next to Namjoon with her hand wrapped around his arm like they were a couple.

“Hana, you said you were busy when I asked you if you wanted to come...”“Well, technically you asked if I was busy Saturday night… and I am…
just… Namjoon asked me to be his plus one before you did.”“Wait…” Riley scrunched up her face “are you guys…”“Uhh- you see-”

“-She playing along as my fake girlfriend,” Namjoon interrupted.

“Fake girlfriend?!” All three friends questioned together out loud before Namjoon told them to quiet themselves.

“Joon? What?! What is going on?” Hoseok questioned.
“I had to find a way out of my mom’s latest blind date… and Hana is helping me.” Before Namjoon could continue with his response a voice shrieked behind him.“Namjoon, Hana! There you guys are!” Namjoon’s mom rushed over.
“Oh Hana you look dazzling," her eyes looked back and forth between the fake couple. "Namjoon you should’ve matched with Hana’s dress more, your color is a different shade than hers. No one will instantly know you guys came together.”“Mom it was a last-minute choice, I wasn’t sure if I was going to-”“-I’m sorry Mrs. Kim, it’s my fault. Namjoon actually had the right color, I had to change my dress due to a stain incident just a few hours ago. He actually offered to change his outfit, but I insisted on him wearing what we both agreed on. I was just clumsy,” Hana gave a soft smile.
Riley, Hoseok, and Seokjin just blinked.

Kim Hana acted so calmly… so responsible…

So… not her at all.

Kim Hana is nice and fun… but overall she was one-woman show who rarely cared about others opinions of her lack of female etiquette (she acted more tom-boy than Riley). She definitely did not have a good relationship with her parents… just only cared for her baby brother Yugyeom. Well… she had a love/hate relationship with him, but that's another story.

“Oh my dear, it’s okay… things happen.” Namjoon’s mom said. “I am so glad my son met you… so different from the other ladies I’ve tried to arrange for him to meet with. You can’t believe how many times he’s declined or made excuses to not meet them. Had Joon-bug told me he found a girl I would've met you sooner,” his mom giggled.

Namjoon quickly rolled his eyes back. Even with his fake girlfriend in front of him his mom still was trying to be too sweet to get more information regarding his impromptu girlfriend he sprung on her. Namjoon was trying to ignore his mom’s constant ways of finding a women fit for his future. His friends snickered at his reactions.

“Well Joon-bug was being patient with me. Your son is being the prince charming that he is,” Hana stated as she cozied closer to Namjoon, making the boy flustered and sweat a bit. “What is going on here?” Hoseok mumbled the question between him, Jin, and Riley. “Hana is totally acting differently… she’s acting… sweet… like really sweet… like an obnoxious version.”Jin nodded his head. “I feel like I’m in an alternate universe, the last time I sort of saw this side of her I think she was trying to seduce me… and that was years ago.”Riley’s head turned toward Seokjin after his remark. “A few years ago, did you and Hana actually-”

“-Riley… have you met Hana before?” Namjoon’s mom interrupted her sentence.

“Umm, yee-- no-- yeahhhh--- nooooo” she kept stuttering based on both Hana and Namjoon’s constant shaking head and hand motioning behind Namjoon’s mother.
“Riley? Everything okay, you’re not speaking clearly.”She faked cough. “Sorry Mrs. Kim, it’s been a long day and my throat is parched. I need something to drink… Hoseok… Seokjin... you guys thirsty?”“Oh yes,” both agreed in an instant, nodding their heads.
“Auntie, let me show Riley and Hoseok where the bar is and we’ll be right back soon,” he gave his charming smile and slowly scooted them away from Namjoon’s mother’s unwavering look.

---

“Holy crap has Mrs. Kim always had that fierce look?” Hoseok asked once they got to the bar. “I felt like she wanted to see even if I was worth being Namjoon’s friend… or worse… potential choice as Namjoon’s’ future wife.”“Yeah… Mrs. Kim definitely has those looks for time-to-time.” Riley now recalling her and Seokjin’s conversation back during the graduation party.“If I tell her that me and Jimin-”“NO, absolutely do not tell her you are single!” Seokjin accidentally yelled louder than anticipated.
Hoseok couldn’t help but give a small laugh and glee to Seokjin’s reaction. Seokjin’s ears turned red.

“Why not tell Auntie? I think it would be interesting to see her reaction,” Hoseok asked.“You don’t know the whole story Hobi so don’t even start,” Seokjin’s serious hyung voice came to light.Hoseok lifted his hands up. “Okay, okay... chill man.” A buzz on Hoseok’s phone made him quickly leave the area.

Silence.

“Ahem,” Seokjin slightly coughed. “So… what did you want to talk to me about?”“Oh… um well, I was hoping we could talk about us.”

“Us?”

“Yeah… I’ve been wanting to talk to you about us face-to-face instead of on the phone. And-”“-Riley! Honey come over here!” Riley’s father shout just a few feet away. Both Jin and Riley’s face turned to the direction of her dad.

Were they ever going to have time to be by themselves?

“Riley… Seokjin… meet Bae Seojoon. Seojoon… this is Seokjin, he’s currently working at the Japan branch, and this is my daughter… Riley… she will be working beside you next week.”

Riley froze up.

“Wha… what dad?”“Honey, this is the title I was going to present to you while you work with us and your dance program. You’ll be assisting Seo Joon with marketing projects collaborating with youth arts, specifically dancing. We’re going to aim to assist the youth programs and use certain hotel ballrooms as a mix of youth classes/programs.”

Bae Soojoon. He looked like he was straight out of a webtoon or kdrama as the main lead role. Slim but fitted build, he has practically had the same features as Jin… but taller and his face had a rounder touch with a chiseled jawline.

“Um…”“Don’t worry, I just found out about this too,” Seojoon said with a chuckle. "Nice to meet you, Miss Han, you as well Mr. Kim."They all exchanged handshakes amongst each other.“How about I leave you guys alone to talk and get to know each other… Seokjin let’s grab a drink and talk to me how Japan branch is going so far?” Riley’s dad touched Seokjin shoulder, maneuvering him out of Riley’s view.
“Dad, I have something important to talk to Seokjin.”“Oh, I’m sure you guys can talk about it later Firefly... Seokjin, you’ll still be here till the end? You’re not flying back to Osaka tonight?”“Umm no sir, I’m not planning to fly out till tomorrow.”“Perfect. Let’s talk…” Riley’s dad continued conversing with Seokjin as they walk away. Seokjin mouths to her “wait for me.”

Riley couldn't help but pout at the incident. Seojoon noticed Riley's reaction.

"I'm sorry Miss Han, did you want to speak with your friend? We can always arrange a different time to get to know each other."Riley shakes her head. "No it's fine, my dad tends to do this… besides, we'll be seeing each other frequently, so let's get to know each other," Riley smiled.

----

It's been a while since Jin walked away from Riley due to Mr. Kim’s eagerness to converse. Even when Riley's dad kept chatting with him his mind kept coming back to Riley… he was so desperate to find out what was urgent for her to tell him. However it seemed like Riley was having a grand time with Seojoon, they were still talking with each other and Riley had a smile on her face.
Eventually, Jin found a way to escape Mr. Han's ongoing talk and left to go to the bar.
"Hoseok, how are you hanging?""I'm fine, free gourmet food and booze. Also, people watching… especially observing rich people is a blast."
"Hobi…"
"What it's true… I’ve been just sitting near the bar the whole time, I kept hearing all these companies and investments… crap I might have to start investing some money into certain stocks."
Jin chuckled at Hoseok’s response."Have you seen Namjoon and Hana?"Hoseok pointed out to the couple across the ballroom, they were acting cozy in front of Namjoon’s parents and other colleagues… both the males weren't sure if it was an act or was it real."Hyung, do you think Namjoon is really using Hana as a fake girlfriend?""That's what he said," Jin said as he took a sip from his drink."I know Namjoon is the most trustworthy person we all know… but somehow this all feels wrong." "I get it… he did said he may have a crush on someone.""He did? When did he tell you?" Hoseok’s eyes twinkled with curiosity."A few months ago… he was quite sure but knowing Joon he's been trying to analyze this in his brain for a while."

Hoseok pondered.

"We did have dinner awhile back and he asked me a couple of questions. I just assumed he was asking just as innocently.”

Silence.

“So… how have you’ve been hyung? Life is Japan treating you well?”“Surprisingly yes… very well actually. It’s a nice refresher from Seoul.”“You’re still planning to come back here though right?”“I mean yes… no matter what Seoul is home to me… but being in Osaka… I don’t know… it has something that I can’t get back home…”“What do you mean?”“I don’t know… I’m trying to figure out… but… I really like it there Hoseok.” He turned to give Hoseok a big smile.

Hoseok couldn’t help but give a big smile back to him.

“I’m happy for you hyung.”“Thanks man. I’ve been telling Yoongi on the phone that I think I found my place there. It was a struggle in the beginning but after these past few months… I think I want to stay there a bit longer than anticipated.”“What about Riley?”“What about Riley?”
Hoseok blinked a couple of times.

Crap.

Did I spoil her announcement to him?

Jung Hoseok.

The Gossip King of the group.

It’s not like he wants to gossip… but he is the glue that connects the group… always interacting with everyone, the cheerful companion who is a great listener.The problem is that he wants to help everyone so badly that he forgets that some conversations are a one-to-one basis… and at times he blurts out information that hasn’t been passed onto others.

He knows his weakness.

But like all weaknesses… it’s hard to control.

“I mean… you know…” Hoseok stuttered.
“You guys are best friends… have you told her about how you’ve been feeling about Osaka? Planning to stay there longer?”“I haven’t yet… perhaps tonight. I mean, to be honest… I didn’t know how my interaction with her tonight was going to be… I didn’t even know if I would see her. Amy messaged me that she was coming… but… I don’t know… I was nervous she might skip out.”“Why would she? I mean she practically couldn’t wait to get out of the car when we got here.”“Wait what?” Seokjin questioned.

“Uhh… I mean-” Hoseok trying to keep himself together. “It’s been so long since these events have happened… you know… galas… food… booze… charity… hahaha.”

Seokjin squinted his eyes. “You okay Hobi?”“Yeah, yeah totally… why? Did you hear something from me? Did I say something I wasn’t supposed to? Because that would be just a rumor or observation you know.” Hoseok was rambling.

Seokjin figured Hoseok was being awkward due to his feelings for Riley… and him not telling Hobi. He assumed Amy and Yoongi already told him.

“I know you know Hoseok...” Seokjin sighed, looking across the ballroom towards a certain female.“Know? Know what?” Hoseok nervously asked.

Crap is he on to me?

Does he know that Riley is feeling the same?

Is it literally written in my face?!

“-About my feelings towards Riley.”

Oh…

Thank god.

“OH … yeah! I mean… YES! Totally man… I mean… it’s SO OBVIOUS .”“-I get it Hobi.”
Hoseok smiled.“Aww, my hyungie has fallen for someone… and I approve too.”
“Hobi…” Jin’s low voice was sprouting.“Aww what? It’s cute… you know those best friends to lovers tropes…”“I don’t want to be a trope… I want me and her to just be... us.”

Us.

What is “us” now?

Hoseok could see Seokjin thinking carefully about Riley. He was trying to not gossip to Seokjin. He was holding in. He just wanted to tell Seokjin that Riley returned his feelings. BUT… it wasn’t Hoseok’s place to tell Seokjin. So... Hoseok is now trying to restrain himself from blubbering the truth.
It was torture for him… seeing both his friends struggling to talk to each other.

He imagined staging them to meet outside the balcony and just tell both of them to profess to each other. That would be the best decision, right? It would break the ice that has been frozen for a long time.
But no… Riley needed to tell Seokjin. No one could… only her.

----

She looked around… she didn’t see Seokjin at all. She managed to see Hoseok from across the ballroom, quickly shuffling over to his side.
“Hoseok, have you seen Jin?”“I was talking to him for a bit a while ago but he left to talk to someone… I’ve been hanging out with Namjoon and Hana ever since but they just disappeared too.”“Damnit, where is he?” She took out her phone to call him. His phone went straight to voicemail. She was worried and nervous… and Hoseok picked up on her reactions.“Everything okay Riley?”“Yeah… I mean… no… I want to talk to Jin but he’s not picking up his phone.”“I’m sure he’s around here somewhere… he wouldn’t leave without saying goodbye to everyone.”

“Actually… he did leave.” A voice came from behind Riley and Hoseok. A scowl was already on Riley’s face.

“Hejin… where is Seokjin?” Riley asked in a demanding tone.“Riley, Riley… don’t give me that look… I didn’t do anything,” Hejin said nonchalantly.“Oh please Hejin, you always try to dig your way between us.”“Keep in mind Riley, you’re his friend… you’re not his special someone.”“We're each other's best friend. I am his special-”

“You’re not his girlfriend Riley.” That made Riley stop her tracks.

Hejin creepily laughed. “I don’t get you Riley… after all these years, you still cling to Seokjin like he’s yours but you reject it when anyone mentions the idea of you guys together. What do you want from him?” “Wha… what?” Riley was confused and annoyed.“You don’t think I saw the way you looked at him when you were dancing together. It’s obvious that you like him.”

Is it obvious?

Is that why I can't find him right now?

My obvious look made Jin leave?

Is that why Jin is gone?

He left because he didn’t feel the same anymore?

“Riley Han, you’re too late. Seokjin has no interest in you.”“What are you-”“-Come on, you’ve been playing with him for so long, he’s that puppy who would follow you to the end of the world, but you still won’t let him sleep next to you… you always want to keep a distance from him.”

Riley couldn't help but feel her hands shake from her anxiety.

“You will always be a friend, a best friend… but nothing more.”

“Hey Miss Hejin, I don’t know who you are but you can’t stay stuff like that to my friend-” Hoseok erupted.“-I’m only speaking the truth.”“You don’t know the whole truth. Yes, Riley may have told him she didn’t have feelings for him back then but he still loves her… and now she knows she loves him too!”

Hejin eyes went wide.

“Oh, so he did confess to you but only you stomped his heart. Poor Seokjin… wanting the wrong person to fill that part of him.”

Riley couldn’t speak… how was it that Hejin could immediately take her down with just a few sentences… leave her so fragile.

Hoseok noticed Riley’s frozen stupor. “Riley… are you okay? Don’t listen to her and her fake news.”“Anyways… he left after I was accompanying him for a while... I guess he didn’t like the views of the ballroom after all…” she smirked.
“Wha…-” Riley stopped talking, recalling what was going on moments ago.

Crap.

“Remember Riley, you’re not the only female wanting Seokjin’s attention… but I guess you're the first to turn him down.”Hejin walked up closer to Riley.“I think Seokjin and I will be spending some time together in Japan… alone… see you around Riley, maybe you can come to your senses soon.” Hejin walked away and brushed off a small wave with a sly smile on her face.
It took a minute before Riley came to reality.
“Hoseok, can you drive me back to my apartment?”“Sure Riley but I thought-”

“-He’s there.”

“...What?” Hoseok was confused.“Seokjin is back at his apartment,” Riley grabbed her wristlet from the table.“Wait how do you-”“-He’s back there… I just know… please can we go there?” Her eyes were pleading him.“Uh… yeah sure.” Hoseok grabbed his coat and they proceeded to leave the hotel.

She just hope she wasn’t too late.
----

She knocked on the door, hoping he was still awake… hoping he didn’t fly back already. The door swung open, Seokjin was right in front of her.
“Riley?” he softly mumbled. She could tell he was a bit tipsy...the smell of wine on his breath and his slow movements and reactions were apparent. It seemed like he was getting ready for bed, his button-up shirt was already off and undershirt was sticking to his muscular chest.

“Seokjin… can we talk?” she panted heavily, rain was starting to fall when Hoseok dropped Riley off the apartment complex.
“Umm… yeah sure…” He stepped aside so she could walk in.
“I thought you were still at the gala?”

Flirting with Mr. Bae Seojoon.

“I wanted to talk to you but you left already… are you okay?”“Yeah… I just- I need to get some rest… I didn’t get a whole lot of sleep the night before.”“Oh… umm…”

Riley, this is your chance… talk to him.

Tell him.

“I wanted to talk to you... since we didn’t get to spend some time at the event.”“Okay- what’s up?” His voice was a bit cold to her, she was confused at his change of tone.

Tell him.

“Can we sit down?”He nodded his head. They both proceeded to sit on the ends of the couch. Seokjin noted Riley’s hands curling on top of each other, nervously moving around.

Just breath Riley…

You can do it.

“Yeah, I just… I had a dream.”Seokjin squinted his eyes.“A dream?”She nodded.“Okay…”“I-I mean…”

Why is it so difficult all of a sudden?

Silence.

“So... what happened in the dream?” Jin questioned.

“It was my epiphany. ”

Epiphany?

She explained the dream, how she was one moment with Jimin and the next with him… how she was alone… scared and worried… and how another person helped her find her reason, her discovery.

“Seokjin…” Her eyes finally found her way toward his… it was a kind of stare he’s never seen from her… a level of worry with a mask of conviction.

“I like you Seokjin, to the point where I know I love you too and it scares me a lot, but there it is. I like that I love you.”

She likes me?

No... she loves me?

Wait... she likes that she loves me?

Seokjin was confused and was going to say something until Riley motioned her finger to stop him. He just sat there quietly listening to her. She continued talking.

“I don’t ever want you to think that you pressured me into me loving you. I felt that I drove you away when I went on tour and you went to Japan. Even though sometimes I can’t help but drive you away… because it keeps what we have in line. There has always been a line between us, we both never crossed it until that night. I’m still afraid to cross the line while you are so welcome to the idea of crossing that… you want to come over to me. I don’t want you to regret being in love with me when I don’t know if I can ever cross that line towards you as equally as you. You deserve someone who is worthy of your trust and love… someone who is your equal.”

“Riley… I’m confused. What are you saying? You said you didn’t have feelings for m-”

“-I...I just can’t help that I fell in love with us . I do. I love us too much.”

Us?

Riley knew she was talking in circles. She thought she knew what she wanted to say, she had a game plan … but when she saw him right in front of her… all dressed up in a suit and tie looking like the royal prince that he is… she suddenly didn’t feel worthy of his love. The people that surrounded him tonight, all of them were perfect potentials to be with him.

She felt so small all of a sudden… so inconvenient in his life.

Maybe this is the new “them.”

Maybe he will always be the “one that got away.”

But…

When they danced for that minute… that short but blissful minute… her in his arms, his smell, his voice, his eyes… she wanted to stay in his arms forever. She found the courage to tell him.

She wanted to take the leap.

She wanted to let him know.

She wants to be with him.

To get that second chance and try.

Because she knew her time was running out.

And Hejin somehow (blissfully or not) knocked Riley into sense. That if Riley didn’t do anything now she wouldn’t in the future. That someone will eventually make Seokjin know that he can move on and find someone else more worthy than her.

She just hoped he didn’t change his mind after all these months apart from each other.

“You’re my best friend in the world. Yes, I keep telling you that. But I also want to say… you’re more than that too. I couldn’t find the courage to tell you before…”“Riley-”She scooted herself over to him “-So, please… let me show you instead,” she whispered.
Riley quickly moved closer and cupped Seokjin’s face, her lips instantly locking onto his. Seokjin eyes bulged out for a moment before closing.

Is this… a dream?

He was paralyzed for a moment. Not believing what was currently going on. But eventually, his hands wrapped around her waist…holding onto her like she was going to poof away.

It was strange, sure they’ve kissed each other before but this kiss… this kiss… it was so much more different.

It’s more genuine.

It’s more complete.

More them.

Seokjin felt himself sobering up when they kissed. He wanted to make sure this was real, that her lips landed his on her own terms . He needed to make sure this event wasn’t a dream. This wasn’t a drunken hallucination. They parted their lips, Seokjin’s eyes gazing into Riley’s.

“I love you Seokjin.”

I love you.

Did I hear it correctly?

Riley’s eyes moved with his eyes. Was it a dream? Did she tell him that she wanted to be with him? She said it like how he said it to her all those months ago.

“This is a new feeling for me about you… the way ‘I love you’ back then was best friends, partners in crime… but this new ‘I love you’... I’m slowly but surely want to move it to the love that you have for me… because in the end…”

“Seokjin, I want all the same things that you want… I do… and I want it with you.”

Silence.

Seokjin leaned his face towards her again… just lips centimeters apart from hers.
“Riley… I-”

And then a rustling sound of water just stopped. It was then Riley realized that his bathroom light had been on the whole time… and the sink faucet just shut off… someone was in the apartment with him.
“Hey bos- uh I mean Seokjin… I think I managed to wash out that wine stain on your shirt-” Somi said as she came out from the bathroom door. She stops speaking abruptly… noting another person in the apartment.

Who is she?

Riley’s hearing was somehow muted for that moment… her head was trying to figure out who this woman was also in Seokjin’s place. She moved her face towards the new person.

“Hi, Miss Han… Riley-sshi right? I’m Somi, Seokjin’s assistant.”

Wow… she’s gorgeous.

She’s Seokjin’s assistant?

That can’t all who she is… right?

Unless... she’s someone more?

She now realized why Seokjin was just wearing his undershirt and Somi having his pressed shirt in her hands.

Were they…?

Did I miss our chance?

Her eyes were confused, she was looking around the room, trying to see if she can find any clues if they were in fact together. Somi was standing there, she was wet from the rainstorm but part of her body was a bit drier… like something big covered her side… like another body smushed up on her body close to keep her warm. Somi’s shoes were thrown on the floor, his keys were right next to her purse.

They came back together to his place.

She remembered telling herself if Seokjin did find someone during their time away from each other she wouldn’t interfere. She couldn’t… because he did the same thing for her when she was with Jimin.

Am I too late?

Hejin’s statements flashed back to her mind.

"Remember Riley, you’re not the only female wanting Seokjin’s attention… but I guess you're the first to turn him down.”

“You will always be a friend, a best friend… but nothing more.”

“Riley Han, you’re too late. Seokjin has no interest in you.”

“Hi. Umm... I’m sorry I didn’t mean to disrupt you guys' time together.” Riley moved away from Seokjin and stood up from the couch.“Together?” Somi squinted her eyes in confusion… until she understood what Riley meant. “Oh… uh no Miss Han you got it wro-”

Seokjin finally sobered up the moment he saw Riley’s eyes moving back and forth between him and Somi.

“-I should go,” Riley swiftly exiting herself and opening the entrance door.“No, Riley it’s not what you think-” He tried to hold her hand, but just how swiftly he had her in his arms... she was gone… out the door, running down the stairwell.“RILEY!” he groaned out loud, wondering why of all days he was slow at reacting at the moment she was confessing her feelings to him.

Seokjin grabbed his shoes and put them on to chase her. He was still a bit inebriated, he couldn’t run at full speed, clumsily tripping over himself as he went down the stairs. But he felt the adrenaline coursing through his veins… he didn’t want Riley to misunderstand what happened.
He drank a bit too much wine from the auction gala, wanting to leave right away when he saw someone closely chatting with Riley.
Hejin finally found Jin all by himself next to the bar and proceeded to talk to him, and sort of persuade him of that coziness that was going on between Seojoon and Riley. Why did he believe in Hejin? He had no idea, but Hejin has a way to convince people of what she sees is to be true. Maybe it was also because in Seokjin’s mind... that there is still no way Riley would ever think of him like how he sees with her.Even if Jimin was gone, there will always be another man to scoop Riley up. He wanted to know what she meant by wanting to talk to him about “us.” Did she not want to be best friends anymore? Did she want to create some space between them? He wasn’t quite sure… the actions she was showing tonight was different from her words. One moment she’s blushing and staring into his eyes… and now she’s dancing with Mr. Bae Seojoon with a laugh and a smile on her face.

Overall...

He was jealous… something he now knows how much it can consume him. Jealousy… the emotion that is troublesome to others, but a torment to themselves. He’s never been jealous… but something so common and normal that can emit such an out-of-characterization of him… especially involving Riley. Will he ever not be jealous to see any new guys next to Riley? He wasn’t sure… he hated he was feeling this. Maybe it was a good idea for him to stay in Osaka longer.

After a number of drinks thrown back with Hejin, the next thing Jin remembers is walking toward the elevator to go down to the lobby to get home, Somi just left the women’s restroom to see his clumsy body walking strangely. She offered to drive him back to his place... for him to sober up, and hopefully understand the grave mistake of leaving the gala without talking to Riley. Over the past months, Somi has gotten to know her boss, and how this mysterious “Riley” plays a part in his life… he will subconsciously mumble things during his meetings, sees a few items that piqued his interest that she wouldn’t expect a male to know or enjoy.

He was heavy, she kept steadying him up to the elevator of his apartment but the man was taller and heavier than her.
Finally reaching his place, she slowly managed to drag him to his bedroom and plop him down. She went to the kitchen to grab a cup of water for him to hydrate. She figured he was going to bed, heard him mumble, tossing his shirt randomly. She noticed the huge wine stain on his shirt… her OCD features kicked in… like Seokjin… Somi likes things clean, and noting the last-minute shirt she ordered for him to wear for the gala… the shirt cost more than half of her monthly pay.
She just wanted to make sure the stain on his shirt gets clean off or it would be impossible to get rid of the next morning.

Hence the present situation.

Hence her realizing what Riley was overthinking in her head… the wrong perception. Somi had never had any interest in her boss. Heck she wasn’t interested in the other Mr. Kim… Kim Namjoon. That was another misconception that had happened. And now she stood in the apartment hoping her boss would be able to catch up to Riley and explain everything… if not she would as well.

“Riley! Come back!” he kept shouting over and over, Riley was still half a block away from him. The rain was pouring down hard than previously.

“Ryles! There’s nothing going on with me and Somi!”

She ignored his calls, she kept hearing herself… thinking what she was hearing was a lie. She tried to run fast but those stupid heels she bought when Amy convinced her were making her run like hippo instead of a gazelle.

“Riley!”

He managed to catch up to her, grabbing her arm and hugging her from behind… grasping onto her as if she would disappear the moment he let go.

“Don’t leave. Let me explain-”“-It’s fine. I’m sorry to disturb you guys-”“There’s nothing going on between me and her.” He turned her around so he could see her face. He noticed how red her eyes, eyeliner and mascara stains were slowly falling down her cheeks.

“Ryles, I love you.”

Riley’s ears perked up, her status was still confused and undetermined regarding the words coming out of Seokjin’s mouth.
“Don’t be so stupid and assume what you were just thinking about… I love you. I have no intention of loving anyone but you.”His left hand cupped her cheek, trying to smear the makeup stains away.

“I want all the same things that you want… I do… and I want it with you,” he repeated the same thing he heard her say to him.

I want it with you.

Did you hear me?

I love you.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Previously

“Riley! Come back!” he kept shouting over and over, Riley was still half a block away from him. The rain was pouring down hard than previously.

“Ryles! There’s nothing going on with me and Somi!”

She ignored his calls, she kept hearing herself… thinking what she was hearing was a lie. He tried to run fast but those stupid heels she bought when Amy convinced her were making her run like hippo instead of a gazelle.

“Riley!”

He managed to catch up to her, grabbing her arm and hugging her from behind… grasping onto her as if she would disappear the moment he let go.

“Don’t leave. Let me explain-”“-It’s fine. I’m sorry to disturb you guys-”“There’s nothing going on between me and her.” He turned her around so he could see her face. He noticed how red her eyes, eyeliner and mascara stains were slowly falling down her cheeks.

“Ryles, I love you.”

Riley’s ears perked up, her status was still confused and undetermined regarding the words coming out of Seokjin’s mouth.
“Don’t be so stupid and assume what you were just thinking about… I love you. I have no intention of loving anyone but you.”His left hand cupped her cheek, trying to smear the makeup stains away.

“I want all the same things that you want… I do… and I want it with you,” he repeated the same thing he heard her say to him.

I want it with you.

Did you hear me?

I love you.

-------

Riley whimpered, her mind was playing tricks on her.

No… he’s just trying to charm you with his words.

It’s a lie… he found someone.

Riley… you’re too late.

"Riley."
She zoned back to the present, Jin in front of her, cupping her face… staring into her eyes desperately hoping she heard what he said just moments ago.

Silence.

Oh, the silence… the idea of having to make a sound to stop yourself from being lost and being kind of caught up in the quiet and your thoughts. That silence can get into you and it can eat away at you sometimes.

They both just stood there either one waiting for the first to speak.

“Please stop crying Riley. I love you, I want to be with you… only you.” Riley just blinked."Babygirl… I love you," he softly said.

He craned his face down to kiss her. She had to know how he kissed her meant the world to him. He never imagined he would ever get the opportunity again. How her lips fit like a puzzle to his. It’s perfect.

I love you.

He still… loves me?

Silence.

“I want to talk to you… we need to talk… but first,” he reached out to move all the wet hair from her face. “Let’s get back inside, away from this rain?”
Riley just blinked, trying to understand the words coming out of his mouth… then realizing she was just wearing her dress and he was wearing his undershirt and his suit pants.

“OMG, you are going to catch a cold Jin!” Riley exclaimed.“Me?! You are practically wearing nothing with how that dress is fitting you.”“What do you mean? I am more covered than you!”“All of your back is exposed for the world to see. That man from the gala kept checking out your body so many times I almost wanted to yell out and grab a jacket to put on you!”“That man? You mean Seojoon?” Riley squinted her eyes.
Seokjin rolled his eyes.
“Seojoon was a gentleman!”“He was a perv… and an old man trying to get his hands on you.”“Seokjin, he wasn’t being a pervert. Besides he’s like 3 years older than us.”“YEAH THREE YEARS!”“Which isn’t that old-” she screamed suddenly as Jin scooped her up in his arms.

“What are you doing?!” her eyes bulged out, her arms instantly wrapped around his neck for balance.

“I’m carrying you back into the apartment,” he spoke nonchalantly.“I can walk by myself, you dolt!”“No, I’m carrying you.”“Jin, you don’t need to. I have legs and feet.""You're tired from running in those heels."

Damnit, he knows me.

"I'm not, I'm perfectly capable of walking back with those on.""I'm still going to carry you."“Jin, put me down.”
“No.”

“Jin-”

“-No.”
“Seokjin, stop-”

He abruptly kissed her… making her forget the words she was going to say to him. He moved his face away from hers, scanning his eyes to see every part of her confused but beautiful face.

“Let me carry you… okay, Princess?”

He just called me Princess…

Where is my anger?

Why am I not hating him calling me that?

Why did my heart just skip a beat?

Riley was gobsmacked... just staring at him with a blush forming on her cheeks.

Cute.

That shut her up, he smiled. He told himself a reminder to do that again when she wants to pick a fight… just kiss her before it gets too intense. He continued to carry her while he walked them back to the apartment complex.

"Actually this is good practice for the future," he smirked as he pressed the elevator button and looked at Riley in his arms.
Riley cocked her head to the side, leaning closer to his shoulder."Practice… practice for what?""Nothing," he mumbled… his lips curled up into a small smile.

----

They went back into Jin’s apartment. Somi was still inside to make sure they were fine, but also since Seokjin ran out of the place without his keys, they wouldn’t be able to get back in. Somi explained the moment she saw the couple come back into the apartment. Riley apologized to her, her misinterpretation and thanked Somi for taking care of Jin. Since Somi knew she wasn’t needed, she left the place to give them their own space.

So much still needed to be said.
“You’re still cold from the rain, go and shower first, I’ll make us some hot tea.” He proceeded to step into the kitchen and grab some tea bags and two coffee mugs.

“Jin-ah…”
“Yeah Ryles?”

“Can you help unzip my dress?”

Seokjin just froze. His right hand was holding a tea bag and his left was in mid-air about to grab the kettle that Somi already heated up. His eyes moved away from the coffee mugs and looked towards the direction of Riley. Riley already walked a bit close to Seokjin and turned around to show him where the zipper was… just starting right under the middle of her back… shy away from the top curve of her butt. He gulped as he stared at her exposed back and how the dress was clingy tightly on her body from the rain.

And as any heterosexual male, seeing a beautiful woman wanting to be undressed by them... he couldn’t help but feel a tingly sensation down his body.

“Seokjin?”“Hmm?” he was still in a daze.“Can you help me?”“Uhh…”

Riley parted her hair to one side, showing off her left shoulder, almost naked except for the dress strap. She turned her face to the side, trying to see what was taking Jin so long to pull down the zipper.

“Jin? You okay?”“Ye-yeah… ummm,” he could feel his face flushed red, his hands trembling over to the back of her dress.

Calm down… She just needs help.

There’s no intention…

Just her wanting me to strip her off the dress…

And then she’ll be in her lingerie...

She’ll be almost naked…

Naked…

His lower half was starting to twitch.

Oh fuck.

----

Next morning.

They didn't do anything the night before. Mainly... because they didn’t want to start their relationship off in the same way it did before.

But actually...

Stupid rabbit boy.

Stupid step-brother.

Jeon Jungkook.

He just had to come to the apartment last night.

--- Last night ---

Seokjin was holding Riley in his arms, her legs already wrapped around his waist and their lips locked like magnets… soon parting their ways as Jin was trailing his lips down to her collarbone and chest when a loud noise erupted as the main door swung open.

Riley was the first to open her eyes to see the younger male in the apartment, he was soaking wet from the outside rainstorm.

Also, they both locked eyes and screamed together.

-“Ahh!”

-“Ahh!”

Jungkook immediately turned away from the couple’s view, accidentally hitting his head on the door.

“Ow!”
“OMG! Jungkook!” Jin hastily tried to cover Riley up once he saw his step-brother, immediately shoving both of their bodies in his room and closed the door to speak to Jungkook while Riley splayed down on Jin’s bed.

“Jungkook, what are you doing here?!”“Ahh ummm sorry hyung. I didn’t know you came back this weekend. I’ve been staying here for the past few weeks while you’ve been in Japan.”“You’ve been crashing at my place?”“Don’t worry hyung, I haven’t been sleeping in your room… just the guest room… you didn’t see my things in there? I’ve been slowly moving things over.”

While the brothers were jabbering away, explaining the presence of each other at the apartment… another person in the apartment was in full meltdown mode.

Riley.

Poor Riley.

Riley was embarrassed.

She is currently naked… well... just her in her panties while Jin only took off his undershirt when they were in the middle of their intimate moment and Jungkook came into the apartment. She felt her face feel warm and hot by the awkward encounter.

Oh god… I can’t believe that happened.

I can’t ever face Kookie again.

She grumbled and shoved her face in a pillow.

--flashback to minutes before Jungkook --

It wasn’t that she intended to have her and Jin be wrapped up together. Okay, maybe she didn’t need someone to help her unzip her dress but she wanted to make the first move somehow after Jin and his heroic picked-up the damsel in distress move.

Maybe because it was the rain…
Maybe because of how they were looking at each other…
Or maybe because both are ‘actions speak louder than words’ people.

As she felt his hands touch her back and his breath close to her ears and neck, she couldn’t help but let the dress pool at her feet and turned around to stare at his eyes will so much yearning and love.

The air in the room spoke the truth.
They both wanted each other.

Right then.

Right now.

After Jin help unzip her dress, he couldn’t help but give a feather kiss on her back, he could feel Riley shiver from his touch. Her instant reaction was to let the dress fall from her body, knowing how that movement would make her and Jin pause to see who would act first.

She turned around to look at him in his eyes, his eyes piercing with full force at hers.

Seokjin didn’t realize till now that her dress had slight padding for her breasts… which meant she was now naked… almost fully naked in front of him. He gulped. Trying to not let his eyes linger down below to see her wonderful assets displayed right in front of him.

“We should take it slow… right?” Riley mumbly asked as she slowly moved her body closer to his, just centimeters apart from his chest. Her body couldn’t resist being close to his.“Yeah…” he lowly whispered. “We can’t do what we did before…”

Fuck is she wearing green satin panties?

Ah no Kim Seokjin… you will not let your stupid hormones take over.

Eyes up front!

“Right? I mean… we’re different now… our status…”“Yeah… it’s a… uhh… good thing that we’re taking it slow...”

Slow.

This is a new chapter.

Stop thinking with your dick Seokjin.

“Yeah,” Riley whispered, her lips moving close to his. “Slow…” her breasts touching his shirt.“Mmhmph… taking our time is a very good thing… very good,” he couldn’t help but bite his lower lip. A tell-tale sign that he was lying through his teeth.

-I want him.

-I want her.

-I want to show him.

-I want to show her.

-How much he means.

-How she’s everything.

A pause to movements before they both decided to crash their lips onto each other creating a forceful kiss. She pounced on him like a cat trying to take a bite from a prey. A prey that didn’t mind being caught in the mouth, tasting her lips that he’s been dreaming about. She couldn’t help but bite his lips, giving a bit of pain and pleasure to both of them.

Jin’s lips moved down to Riley’s neck, sucking the sweet nectar of her skin while she was pulling off his shirt.

“Your lotion…” he mumbled while trying to make a mark on her skin.“Hmm?” she panted.“You’re so hot with that dress on… you’ve been driving me crazy the whole night.”“And that lotion…” he dug his mouth into her skin and his fingers squeezing her ass. She moaned out loudly, her hands searching through his hair and holding on his shoulder for balance.

“Jin…”
“What babygirl,” he growled, making her instantly wetter by the way his voice was intimidating.

“I-I wa-want-”“Hmm, what?”“I-I wanttt…” She rolled her eyes, he was making her lose her focus with all the attention his lips were giving to her body.
“Tell me… what do you want? Who do you want?”

You.

But of course, something always stood in their paths.

This time was the accidental Jungkook.

“I want… I want yo- Kookie?” “K-KOOKIE?!” Seokjin yelled his head swiftly moved up to look at her face, then noting her eyes staring at something behind him.

“Ahh!”
“Ahh!”

So, now... the rose that is called Seokjin wants to cut off this thorn on his side called Jungkook.

“Sorry hyung, I didn’t mean to intrude in what was going on.”“There wasn’t anything-” Seokjin was about to finish his sentence but stopped when he saw Jungkook’s face that gave a big ‘are you kidding’ look to his step-brother.“...Oh fine, you literally cock-blocked me. And I’m pretty sure now the moment is over.”“Sorry…” Jungkook sheepishly replied.“Where were you anyway? You weren’t at the gala.”“You know me hyung, that’s not my scene.”“Jungkook, mom and dad were hoping you would go.”“I don’t like those events, snobby people talking amongst each other (no offense) about work... plus I don’t want to go to work with dad like you. I want to make music.”

“Jungkook…”

“I’ll make it up to mom and dad tomorrow okay? I just need some space from them. Ever since you left I feel like dad is giving me more pressure on following your footsteps.”

The older male sighed. Seokjin knew that Jungkook wanted to make their dad proud, but despite Mr. Kim’s undying love for his adopted son, Jungkook felt some displacement. In the past few years, Jungkook sensed his step-father wanting him to follow Seokjin’s footsteps and help support the family company. But Jungkook had other plans, he wanted to make music; become a singer... at his age and rate he was going to be an old idol to debut, but it didn’t stop him from chasing his dreams.

All that Seokjin could do was support his brother from the onslaught of their dad’s comments and aspirations.

“Why didn’t you tell me you were moving in?”“I was going to tell you… after I had most of my stuff all situated in the guestroom… so you won’t change your mind about me moving in.”“Argh… damnit JK.”“Look, I don’t want to live with mom and dad anymore… I’m a full-grown man now, I need my own space. Plus, it’s totally not cool bringing your girlfriend over when all mom wants to do is butt-in every 10 minutes.”“Okay, we’ll talk more about this later. I’m not coming back to the apartment for another couple of months but right now... find somewhere else to crash tonight.”

“But-”

“-Go lil bro.”“It’s late now-”“-Doesn’t Yugyeom and Bambam live on the same floor as Riley? Go crash there for the evening.”“But hyung-”“JK, I swear I’ll-”

“Jin, let him stay.”

Both males turned around to see Riley fully dressed in Jin’s clothing. Her face was still red with embarrassment but she stared both the males down.

“Ry-”“-Jungkook, take a shower first, you must be cold from the rainstorm… here,” she tossed him a towel.
Jungkook blinked. “Umm… thanks noona.” Still not moving from his spot due to his shock… also, he couldn't help but flashback to what happened moments ago and Riley standing in front of him with love marks Jin left on her neck. His face became red all of a sudden.

I saw noona… naked.

He turned to look at Seokjin, embarrassed to even be in the same vicinity as Riley. Jin noting his baby brother’s sudden reaction, realizing he was staring at Riley differently than before.

Is he thinking about her naked body?!

This brat...

Silence.

“JK if you’re thinking what I think you are- I’m gonna -”“-Come on Kookie, hop to it! I’ll make us some tea,” she clapped her hands... startling the guys and proceeded to the kitchen to reboil the water and grab another mug from the cabinet. Once the younger male zoomed over to grab his things from the guest room, he went to the bathroom... leaving Jin and Riley alone again.

Silence.

“Umm... Ryles…” Jin softly spoke as he walked closer to her in the kitchen. His tone and attitude did a complete 180 once Jungkook was out of the area.“Yes?” she said as she poured water into mugs, ignoring his stares at her.“...You okay, baby?”

Baby…

Riley’s lips couldn’t help but curl up from him calling her that.
“Yeah, I’m fine... babe,” she said as she finally looked at him.

Babe...

Seokjin could feel his ears turned red when she called him that. And just like that... Riley stood up on the tip of her toes and slowly kissed Seokjin… calm, composed… and ever so prince-like Kim Seokjin. Riley couldn’t help but smash her face into his chest after the kiss, still embarrassed by her forwardness. Jin couldn’t help but chuckle at this side of Riley he rarely sees… shy and cuddly towards him. He hugged her back and softly kissed the top of her head.

Silly.

My silly.

----
All of them took a shower and drank their tea before going to bed. Though Seokjin couldn’t help but have Riley sit on his lap as he kept glaring at his brother from across the dining table.
Riley hummed, she was going to have to get used to this new side of Jin she’s rarely seen… a slightly jealous boyfriend. Even as they went to bed, Jin couldn’t keep his hands off Riley... he kept hugging her from behind and holding her hands while they were sleeping.

“Jin stop it, I can’t sleep like this,” she felt him hugging her too tightly like she was going to fade away the moment he let space between them.“Sorry,” he pouted looking like a little kitty. “I just want to hold you.”“You weirdo… you’ve never acted like this before.”“Like what?”
“A clingy baby.”
“I am not being clingy,” he retorted.“Whatever you say,” she said, noting ‘liar liar pants on fire’ remark after.“Well... you’ve never told me you love me before,” he interjected.
Riley blushed. She turned around so she could face him, her hands instantly around his neck and fingering through his semi-dry hair. “Fine, you’re right… but I’m not leaving right now… so let’s go to sleep, okay?”
He nodded and kissed her on her nose right before she quickly fell asleep, fingers still laced through his hair. His eyes kept looking at Riley’s face, how her lips were still red from all touches from his an hour ago… how her hair has grown longer since the last time he’s seen her.

I want this moment to always happen.

See you next to me in bed.

I want you as the last person I see before I go to sleep.

I want you to be the first person I see when I wake up.

“I love you,” Seokjin whispered before his tired eyes finally closed.

----

Next morning.

You would think the next morning the couple would be in each other’s arms, Jin would be the big spoon… protecting Riley from anything and she would gracefully have a pleasant face on…

But no…

Riley was spread out on the bed like a seastar.

One leg on top of Jin’s body and the other on the corner of the mattress.On arm almost dangling at the end of the bed, and the other right smack on top of Jin’s forehead.Her little snores emitted out of her mouth, with a little drool on the corner of her lips.

This is what I’ll see every morning? Seokjin wondered. He mild forgot that being with her doesn’t change her appearance he had seen about her all these years. Riley is still the loud, tom-boyish woman he’s grown up with. The only notion was different was how he felt for her, he could finally show how much he’s always loved her.

Even her drooly face next to him.

I mean… who wouldn’t fall in love with that face. He smiled.

A loud snore came out of her mouth, making Seokjin laugh out loud. Riley stirred awake by his laugh. Jin quickly pretended to be asleep, ignoring the shuffling of Riley’s body on the bed. He felt a finger poke his nose, a giggle out of Riley.

“How does he still look so good even when he’s asleep?” she questioned out loud. Her fingers moved his long front bangs to the side.

I want to kiss him.

She leaned over, close to his face… until she froze.

Wait… my mouth must stink from morning breath! I can’t have him smell that!

Riley quickly moved away, turning her body to get out of the bed when a pair of hands grabbed her by the waist, pulling her back in.

“Where do you think you’re going?” he asked, voice still hoarse and whiny... hands firm on her waist and stomach.

I can’t let him smell my breath…

“Umm, I’m going to use the bathroom,” she mumbled through her hands that were covering her mouth.“What’s going on? Why are you covering your face?”“Nothing, I just don’t want you to see me like this.”“You can’t leave the bed, not without me.”“What am I, stuck to your hip?”
“Yes.”
“Seokjin- let me go I need to use the bathroom,” she wiggled around but failed to get his grip released.“Let’s stay like this for 10 more minutes,” as he spooned her, face squished onto her back.
“Ugh… fine,” she submitted to his request, and let her body move to the curve of his body posture.

Another 30 minutes passed by, Riley wanted to get out of his bed.

“Okay that was more than 10 minutes, Seokjin let’s get up.”“No,” he grumbled, adamantly holding onto her, face hooked to the back of her neck.
“Jin- let me go-”
“No.”
“Jin.”

Silence.

“OKAY, Twinkle Toes-”“-Riley, stop moving, ” he hastily stated.

“What? What’s wron-” she quickly stopped moving and saying when she felt something poking the bottom of her back. She could hear his breathing becoming more shallow, a grunt emitted from his lips.

Oh… did I… do that? she blushed.

She wondered what would happen if she should tease him… make him squirm a bit. She smirked to herself.“But… I’m cold… I’m trying to warm up myself,” she stated as she slowly moved her butt over more to his side… pressing down more on his lower body.“Ryles…” he grunted. He could stop her from moving… but that means ending this grinding/dry hump fest that is on his mind… a pleasure… and a torture. “Hmmm… I can’t understand you, are you okay? Your voice is a bit gravelly right now.” she asked cheekily… she tried to stretch, making her body grind up and down on him.

Seokjin was trying to keep his cool, but after what happened last night… being so close to tasting her nectar… he was craving for it. She was just wearing his t-shirt and boxers… just a few pieces of clothing between their skin from contact. And now Riley was just trying to push him off the edge, taunting him with her perfect ass nestling on his crotch.

I want to kiss her.

I want to touch her.

He snapped.

“Fuck it!” he yelled as he moved his body on top of her.

“You need to be punished for teasing me,” he growled… shocking Riley, her eyes wide open.

I’ve never seen him like this.

She was kind of scared by the way he was looking at her… but she was also thrilled too.

“Jin… Jungkook is in the other room,” she nervously gulped.“Yeah on the other side, his door is closed, mine is closed. The hallway and kitchen are between us…”His right hand started to wander down, fingers touching her skin… her stomach to the hip...caressing her under the shirt she borrowed from Jin… just until it reached on the hems of the boxers.

“Just don’t make a lot of sound… unless you want everyone to know you are mine…” he hotly whispered in her ears.

She moaned slightly as his fingers moved down to her sweet nectar, just playing with her trimmed pubic hair. She could feel her body get hot, her thighs squeezing tightly together but Seokjin’s fingers trying to nestle in between. Last night kept replaying in her mind… if Jungkook didn’t come to the apartment, who knows how much her body would be aching sore now from the multiple orgasms and workout she would’ve had with Seokjin.
Seokjin continued to lustfully kiss her lips, tongues battling as his fingers tried to slip into her cave. A low moan came out of Riley’s lips, her body instinctively arching up closer to his body, hands grabbing onto Seokjin’s neck and hair… her legs spreading outwards.

“Seokjin…” she grunted as one of his fingers started to plunge in and out of her.

I want his plump lips on me.

I want to feel him inside me.

“Yes, Princess… what do you want?” he asked as he added another finger, spreading her more.Her mind flashback to last night, the kisses, their voices groaning…

And...

Jungkook’s shocked face in front of them.

“Ahh!” The scream still echoed in her mind.

And he was still in the apartment.

She was still too embarrassed from last night, she couldn’t do what she wanted to do with Seokjin if Jungkook was still in the area. Seokjin didn’t care… but…

She couldn’t let him win.

She regained her strength and pushed Seokjin off of her… slapping his arm. “Yah, don’t be so dirty! Your baby brother is closeby.”“Ow!” he yelled. “You started it! You kept grinding on me!”“If you could let your boy from downstairs know that it was just for fun and not what it wants-”“-The boy has one job… to be erect or to not be! And you taunting it with your ass made it awake!”

The bickering continued… to the point where both were tired from the comments being thrown at each other.

“I’m going to take a shower,” Riley claimed as she tried to get off the bed."We took a shower last night.""I know but you are giving me dirty vibes and I feel gross."“So you mean we are taking a shower.”“What... no, we are not showering together.”“You have to help me!” Seokjin bellowed.“With what?”

Seokjin pointed down to his lower body.

Fuck… has he always been this big? She mumbled in her mind, staring at the tent pitched in his boxers.

“Oh… well I’m sure you’ve handled that by yourself before,” Riley quipped.“Well, yeah... but you’re the one who instigated it!”“Stop being so fragile- HEY!”

Seokjin lifted her out of the bed and over his shoulders.

“Seokjin, put me down!”“No.”“Stop it, put me down, you jerk.”“You did not just call your boyfriend a jerk.”“I never called you my boyfriend. I just told you I love you.”“That makes me your boyfriend you weirdo.”“Want me to retract my ‘I love you’?”“You can’t… you’re stuck with me.” “No I’m-”“-Didn’t you say ‘I want all the same things that you want and I want it with you’- hhmm?” Seokjin smugly asked.“Well- yeah-”“See, you are with me to the end... Princess.” “I AM NOT A PRINC- ” she yelled just as Jin opened his bedroom door and Jungkook was right next to them outside the bathroom; deer-in-a-headlight Jungkook.

Silence.

Seokjin quickly settled Riley’s feet on the ground. Both faces were flushed pink, morning hair tangled, clothes wrinkled up.

“Umm… morning hyung, morning noona,” Jungkook meekly spoke as he came out from the bathroom, all dressed up in his casual clothes.“Umm… morning Kookie, we weren’t doing anything right now… or last night!” she exclaimed.

Oh god, how do I explain this?

“We slept! I mean- sleeping not like slept slept together… you know umm when two people like each other and they get um intimate in bed- WE DIDN’T-”
“-Noona I get it!” Jungkook couldn’t help but yell back.
He coughed. “Sorry I didn’t mean to yell at you noona… I just meant that I’m not a little kid anymore. You guys are grown adults, you guys can do whatever you want.”Riley nodded. “I know you’re not a kid either.”“I mean even if you guys did it last night, I wouldn’t know since I wore my earbuds last night just in case you guys did the dirty.” He shuddered.“We didn’t do anything last night Kookie,” Riley responded.
“God I hope not… but if I am moving in here I need you guys to tell me if you are going to… like leave a sock on the door or something.”

Seokjin barely made any comment until he hears Jungkook mentioned him moving in.

“Hey, I still haven’t agreed about you moving in!”“Come on hyung! Like you said, you won’t be here for a while. This place is going to be empty, why not let me move in here?”“Just… just wait until I figure out the Japan branch.”“God you’re just like dad, always trying to tell me what I can and can’t do.”“JK I’m not-”

“I'M NOT A KID!!” Jungkook wailed.

“I know what I want and right now I want to have my own space and find my own way. Can’t you take my side for once?” he stared at Seokjin.

Silence.

“Kookie, how about I make you some breakfast before you head out?” Riley quietly asked to ease the tension among the brothers.“It’s okay noona, I’m meeting Jiyoon soon for breakfast. Thanks though.”
He grabbed his jacket from the coat rack. “Talk to you later noona…” giving a warm smile to Riley and a glaring look at Seokjin.“JK-” Seokjin said just as Jungkook slammed the door.

“Argh... this brat! He doesn’t even know what I’ve done for him,” he said as he punched the wall with his fist.

“Jin-ah…”
Seokjin looked at Riley. His temper subsided, and he took her hand… how soft and warm it felt against his.“Sorry… I let my temper get the best of me.”“It’s okay…” she softly spoke, her hand soothing his. “Let’s shower and have breakfast together.”

Silence.

She blinked before she realized what she just said.
“So it does that mean we’re showering together?” he arched his left eyebrow up and down.“No you horn-dog!” she ran towards the bathroom door and tried to close it on him only to realize how much stronger he was as his foot caught the door.“Aww come on baby!” Jin knew she was just teasing him; the chase is always fun.
“No Jin- stop!” she giggled as he overpowered her and lifted her over his shoulders again.“You are such a menace,” she slapped his butt.“Oh look you got some hard to reach spots on your back. I can wash them for you,” he slapped her butt as retaliation.
“Seokjin-”“-Too late, we’re both in the shower,” he said as he went into the walk-in shower, turning the hot water knob on.

“Ah! Our clothes are wet now!”

“Oh that’s a problem. Looks like we have to take off our clothes,” he cheekily said.“You are incorrigible," she grunted as he set her down off his shoulder.“You love me baby,” as his fingers glided over her skin and took off her shirt and pushed the boxers down her legs.“Damn right I do,” she said as she kissed him, pulling off his clothes."Now let me help you get clean," he smirked."I'm clean already.""Oh... well I guess I have to make you dirty again to clean you up."

"Jin…"

He was already on his knees and pushing Riley onto the shower glass… lifting one of her legs over his shoulder.

"Just stay still and be quiet… Princess," he lowly growled.
His eyes were fiercely piercing hers. Riley felt her lower half wetter than normal.

"Actually don't be quiet… I wanna hear you scream my name," he stated before his lips touched her sweet divine.

"Seok- hmph,” her hands instantly trying to find some stabilization from the glass wall and Jin’s head.

Damn those lips.

Oh fuck.

----

She was tired.

It felt like they were in the bathroom for hours. Their hands were all pruney and Riley felt like she was so dehydrated from the hot water pouring over their body and her constant moaning and whining out Seokjin's name.
For those moments in the shower, she completely forgot he was an athlete… his stamina was too much for her to handle. He was so hungry for her like he was starving, and the only meal he wanted was Riley.

She was a tired wreck, and he just looked like a happy puppy, grinning like he found the best treasure in the world.

They both decided to go out for a walk after eating a late breakfast… it turned into brunch instead. They went into a few boutique shops, window-shopping the holiday collection since Christmas was coming around.

It was weird yet normal for Riley to have her fingers laced together with Seokjin as they walked the path next to the Han River. How his hands were much bigger than hers but as much rough and callous as they were, they were the most gentle hands she ever felt; she felt secure.

A few times she kept looking down at their hands. Seokjin noticing on the corner of his eye when he saw her staring.
“Are you trying to heat our hands up with your stares?” he joked.
She gave him a scowl look.
“No, I was just…” she paused her sentence.“... Just what?”

Silence.

“Riley?” he asked worriedly, stopping their movements.
He turned to look at her, lost in thought… he wondered why she didn’t finish talking… but it wasn’t until the question he was dreading to hear finally was asked.

“So… what time do you have to go back to Osaka?”

Jin squeezed their hands tightly for a moment.

“I asked Somi to push my flight back to later in the evening.”“You’ll get back to Osaka late-”“-The flight is only 2 hours long… I’ll get there by midnight… don’t worry.”“You didn’t have to change your flight-”

“-You didn’t force me… I wanted to.”

Silence.

“You’re more important to me than any business meeting, Ryles.” He leaned his face down close to hers.
“I just wanted to spend a bit more time with you before I do have to leave your side today,” he softly spoke, cupping Riley’s face.“I...I’ll miss you.” Riley quivered.

God, when I have become this sappy person.

This is not like you at all Riley.

“What if Seokjin wasn’t by your side anymore? Wouldn’t you feel sad sometimes… miss him?” Her mom’s comment echoed in her mind.

But this is Seokjin…

He’s…

“-I know… I’ll miss you too.” He slowly kissed the top of her head.

"Maybe I'll find some time to see you during the weekend-""-Don't you have some upcoming dance shows you are assisting soon?""Oh yeah…" she pouted.

Time is never on their side.

"We'll figure this out… I’ll be back for Christmas and after that, it’s just a few more months," Seokjin said.She nodded her head."Just a few more months…" she sadly stated.

Silence.

“Silly,” he chuckled.“Hmm?”“Stop overthinking… we’ll be fine. We have each other, we’ve always got each other...”
Riley hugged Seokjin, her face buried in his chest that was covered by his pink hoodie and black puffy jacket. She was talking to his chest, mumbling things that Jin couldn’t hear. He just couldn’t help but laugh at Riley’s unprecedented behavior.

“Aww my girlfriend is so shy…” he patted the top of her head.“Stop it,” she finally moved her face away, pouting. “Let me whine in your chest for a bit. I won’t be able to do it until Christmas.”“You’re making a scene Miss Han Riley,” he nonchalantly replied, he smiled at two girls that just walked close by to the couple… giggling and smiling at Jin. Those giggling sounds made Riley turned around and glare at the girls… scaring them away.“Now look at who's clingy and jealous…” he smirked.“Whatever,” she said. “If they can’t take a look as I gave them then they need to move along.”

Seokjin bent down and pinched Riley’s cheeks.

“Ryles… you big baby… my baby… don’t miss me too much and have other men dance with you.”“Yah!” she quickly pinched Seokjin’s cheeks. “Same goes for you babe… my sweetie… you don’t be too charismatic with others… especially women who have alternative reasons.”

They finally let go of each other’s cheeks before walking back to the apartment.

“Let’s get you back to the apartment and ready to go to the airport.”“We still have a couple of hours before I need to head over there.”“Well then… what should we do? Dinner and a movie?”“I mean, sure… we can do that…” he said with a twinkle in his eyes. Riley heard his subtle voice change.“Or...”

“Or…” Seokjin slowly said. “We can have some more fun .”

“Fun?” “Fun,” he arched his eyebrows and winked at Riley.“No, no no Jin… we already did what you’re thinking about and I don’t think I can handle another-” he suddenly picked her up again, ignoring her denial.“YAH KIM SEOKJIN YOU CAN’T KEEP DOING THAT!” “WOO HOOO!!!!” He ran… picking up his pace with Riley clinging onto his neck.

“YOU HORNY SON OF A BIT-”

What an odd pair.

But they finally have each other.

Almost.

Just a few more months right?

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Previously

"We'll figure this out… I’ll be back for Christmas and after that, it’s just a few more months," Seokjin said.She nodded her head."Just a few more months…" she sadly stated.

Silence.

“Silly,” he chuckled.“Hmm?”“Stop overthinking… we’ll be fine. We have each other, we’ve always got each other...”
----

~A few days before Christmas~

Seokjin was trying his best to go back to Seoul a day earlier but work has been toppling his time. Exhausted by meetings after meetings, Seokjin had barely any time to go shopping for gifts… asking Somi to help out. The only one he truly needed to find a gift by himself is Riley's.

What to get her?

Over the years both of them opt out of giving gifts, just each other’s company was sufficed, but now that there were dating… he couldn’t stumble back to that…

No… he’s now Riley’s boyfriend.He needed to step up his game.

Because god knows what the hell would happen if he didn't.

He grabbed his phone and texted Riley.

[Handsome BF] (7:11pm):
Hi baby, sorry but I don’t know if I can make it back home until Christmas Eve.
[💕 Ryles] (7:13pm): 😦 Boo.[Handsome BF] (7:13pm): Sorry, I’ll make it up to you.

[Handsome BF] (7:13pm):
💓💓💓💓[💕 Ryles] (7:14pm): 💩💩[💕 Ryles] (7:14pm): I expect Japanese snacks and desserts.
[💕 Ryles] (7:14pm): Tons and tons of them.

[Handsome BF] (7:14pm): Yep, a whole suitcase filled with all that you love... just for you.[💕 Ryles] (7:14pm): Okay you will be forgiven.

He smiled and returned back to looking at his computer screen. For a moment he truly wanted to give her a suitcase of snacks as her Christmas present… but that didn’t feel like a real present from a boyfriend.

“I should buy her jewelry? Right?” he mumbled to himself, looking for things online that Riley would love.“Or maybe something cute? Like another plushie?” His fingers kept typing away, searching and clicking through dozens of sites just to find something… and the result still came up nothing. Jin slumped himself on his chair… his eyes were tired from staring at the screen.

What does she want?

Just 5 more days and he’ll be back in Seoul and see his girlfriend.

Five days...

---

Riley was out shopping, grabbing last-minute decorations. She wanted to surprise Jin and decorate his apartment before he came back. Jungkook was helping Riley now that his brother allowed him to live in the guest room. He wanted to soothe their relationship after Jin went back to Japan for work so he allowed Riley to take matters into her own hands and be there for the setup.
Riley was rushing into a small Christmas decoration store. Christmas was coming soon and most stores were running out of supplies for her. Finally seeing a string of lights she was envisioning she reached out to grab the Christmas lights… but another hand went for it at the same time.

She turned to her left and look at the taller person.“Oh sorry, I didn’t see you,” she apologized.

“Oh… noona?”

Riley blinked at the male until she realized who was calling her name.

“Jinyoung?”

“Noona... hey,” Jinyoung said.“Hey? ...Just a hey?! My closest cousin left me to go study in the States and that's it?! Where have you’ve been?!” she quickly clobbered him into a hug.
He chuckled. “Like you said noona… I'm still overseas. I’m almost done with my studies.”

“So you are finally coming back for the holidays after all these years?”“I’ve only skipped the last 2 years, you make it sound like it’s been decades.”

Riley couldn’t help but laugh. Park Jinyoung was indeed another handsome family member of her mom’s side. Just 2 years younger than her, Jinyoung was one of her closest cousins, smart and kind… the ultimate Prince Charming like Seokjin though his personality was more like Namjoon. In some way… Jinyoung was too similar to Namjoon, both were the same age and close birthdays… both were tall and book nerds… both had his mature and calm aura… but once you get to know them, they are quite clumsy and silly boys. She would find solace in talking to Namjoon when Jinyoung left to study in the States.

“So what are you doing here? Are you trying to do some last-minute decorating?”“Yep, you?”

“I’m surprising someone with all these Christmas accessories.”“Oh someone… someone like a friend? Family? Someone your dating?” he teased.“Uh y-yeah- it’s someone special,” she stuttered a bit, a faint smile appeared on her face as she thought of Jin.“Aww noona has a boyfriend? Who is it? I haven’t heard this through the family grapevine,” Jinyoung jokes.“Ahh stop it. I-it’s new...”“Ohhh… okay. Can’t wait to meet him. Do we get to see him at the family party?”“Yes hopefully… work has been busy but let’s cross our fingers.”
“Whaaa noona has a busy powerful boyfriend eh? What is he… a lawyer? A doctor?” he smirked.

“Jinyoung…”

“Ahh okay, okay I’ll stop teasing.”“So what about you… who are you shopping for?” Riley asked.

“Actually… I’m helping out a friend, he just moved into an apartment and it’s all bare looking. He doesn’t really like to shop so I’m just doing him a favor.”

“Aww how sweet of you… that’s the Youngie that I know and love,” she was saying in a cutesy tone. She loved to act all cute in front of Jinyoung, it was a fun way to tease her gentle cousin.
“Hahaha noona I miss you too.”

They both helped each other find materials in the store. Luckily Jinyoung was taller than her so he could reach the taller shelves instead of her asking an associate.
After 30 minutes, they left the store together with a few bags in tow in each hand.

“Jinyoung-ah… I got to head back, need to finish putting up some decorations.”“Yeah, I’m meeting some friends around the area too.”“Yeah, I’ll see you at the family Christmas dinner?”
“Mmmhmm,” Jinyoung nodded. “Can’t wait to eat Auntie’s baked goods. It’s been so long since I’ve had her homemade cookies.”“I’ll tell my mom to make an extra batch just for you to bring back home.”“Oh yes, now I know why I chose you as my favorite cousin,” he teased.

“Hey Jinyoung!” a voice shouted from behind Riley.

“Oh hyung.”

“Hey I know we’re supposed to meet at Gimbap Heaven-” the male paused his sentence as he saw the woman turned her back to face him. Riley stopped breathing for a second.

Jaebeom.

Riley.

Both stood there staring at each other.

Silence.

“Hey, Riley.”

Riley couldn’t speak. She was talking in her head, wanting to say hello back but she was speechless.

“Jaebeom,” her voice accidentally cracked. She did a cough, trying to excuse herself from her weird behavior. “It’s been a while.”

“Yeah… how are you?” he asked gently, his face started to turn pink.“I’m doing great… how are you?” she nervously asked, still wondering if this was happening.

To Riley, JB looked almost the same… his twin moles above his left eye is distinct regardless of the bangs that covered it, his warm chestnut eyes… that sharp chin. His hair was longer… he could easily put it up in a man-bun. The way he was dressed up right now reminded her of when they use to date… usually in athletic brands like Adidas or Champion when he hung out with people… when they were dating he wore fitted jeans, shirts, and sweaters that showed more of his sculpted upper body.
She quickly snapped out of it when she started to reminisce.

Jinyoung moved to the sideline and watched the interaction between the two. He’s forgotten it’s been years since he’s seen his cousin and one of his best friends… and how they use to date each other.
Luckily it was an amicable breakup… but Jinyoung never really knew if both got over each other. He’s talked to Riley when he’s come back for the holiday break, but she really didn’t tell much… due to his closeness with JB. The same goes for JB… Jinyoung talked to him … and he said more… but there was always an underlying feeling that JB had some regret in choosing to pursue music and songwriting instead of staying here in Seoul and having a chance to still be in a relationship with Riley.

“I’m doing well,” JB noted.“Are you just visiting?”“Actually... I just moved back.""Oh... really?"He nodded. "Yeah… a few weeks ago."
Riley’s mind kept spinning… adding up all the stuff Jinyoung was saying to her just a moment ago… the friend that he was helping… it was all about JB.

Silence.

"Hyung, let's head over to Gimbap Heaven. I kinda distracted noona by accident.""Oh right… umm... it was good seeing you Rie." It was a fluke, he didn’t mean to stay his nickname to her but it stumbled out.

Rie.

It's been so long since I've heard him say that.

"Uhh… yy-yeah… you too."Jinyoung and Riley said goodbye to each other and they all started to walk in the opposite direction.

“Hey, Riley!”

Riley turned around to see JB a few feet in front of her.

“JB?”

“Uhhhmm… just… I wanted to say... Merry Christmas Riley.” “Uh.. you too... Merry Christmas JB.” She gave a small smile. “Tell your family I said hi.”“Will do.”“Take care of my cousin… I still gotta see him for the family dinner.”JB chuckled. “I will make sure Prince Jinyoung is back in his pumpkin carriage all safe and one piece.”Riley nodded with a surprising giggle. It seemed that JB wanted to keep talking to her, but he stopped himself.

“uh- Bye.”
“Bye.”

As Riley walked away she couldn’t help but think… out of all the days… it had to be today that he will show up.

“JB…” she quietly mumbled to herself.

The notification ping on her phone went off… as she opened the message, it was Seokjin texting her a selfie of him… wearing his suit and tie.
It looked like he took a secret photo of himself during a meeting with other people. A caption of the photo soon followed…

[Seokjinnie] (2:43pm):

[Seokjinnie] (2:43pm): I’m stuck… it’s boring… I want to be with you.

This guy… She texted him back.
[Riley] (2:45pm): Focus… I can’t have you slacking off orelse you won’t get back here till after Christmas.[Seokjinnie] (2:46pm): Yes ma’am.[Seokjinnie] (2:46pm): I’ll work hard and come back home soon.
[Seokjinnie] (2:47pm):

Riley chuckled. “Silly man…” she softly said. She hustled herself back to the apartment complex… she needs to finish decorating Jin’s place. She called Jungkook to see if he was back at the apartment and luckily the younger male has been staying indoors… just cleaning and playing video games.

I hope you like the surprise Jin.

Just two more days…

----

~ Christmas Eve ~

She drove Jin’s car to pick him up at the airport. The man was standing there looking like a model… his work attire with a beige long coat on and the little snowflakes falling down around him. His face was tired, but the moment he saw Riley driving up on the loading area towards him his face beamed.
“Hey Ryles,” he quickly pecked her lips right after he stored his luggage into the car. “Sorry, my flight was late.”“That’s ok...
how was the flight?”“I don’t know… I fell asleep.”
Riley frowned, she could see the bags forming under his eyes, his cheeks a bit swollen. He must be overworking himself. She thought in her head.

“Are you tired? Do you want to nap back in the apartment before heading over to your uncle’s place?”“No, no I’ll be fine. We’re going to be late if I take a nap back at the apartment.”“But-”“It’s okay… I’ll just nap in the car while you drive us to his house.”
She sighed, turning her body back to the driver’s seat until she felt his hand grab her right hand.
“I miss you baby…” his cold hand was now warming up by her.“I miss you too Seokjin…”
She smiled back, quickly moving over to kiss him slowly before he moved back into his seat. She quickly pressed the heat warmer seat button for him.
"You know what will warm me up…" he said as he slowly buckled himself."No Jin. Don't even say it-"

"-Your body." He grinned.

"We're not having sex before we meet your family."Jin pouted. "Awww but I'm cold…" "Are you mocking me?" She asked."No…" he smiled with a glint in his eyes.

This horny man…

----

About an hour later, Riley and Seokjin arrived at Seokjin’s uncle’s winter cabin. It was the place for the annual Kim Household to have their Christmas gatherings. The cabin was perched on a hill that had a beautiful view of the Cheonmasan mountain… perfect time was during the winter to see the snow falling on the luscious scenery.

“Seokjin! There you are!” One of Seokjin’s uncles yelled as Seokjin walked into the household.“Hey guys.” Seokjin said, having a couple of bags in his hands.“Oh Seokjin you did make it in time. Your brother and parents are in the living room.”“Thanks… actually I also brought someone with me…” he turned to the side to let Riley in.
“Hi everyone,” Riley said meekly.
“Oh Riley, how are you honey?” another of Seokjin’s aunts rushed in to hug Riley.“Are you staying with us for Christmas Eve? What about your family?”“Oh yeah we’re spending all Christmas Day, but… umm... Seokjin invited me to come to your place tonight… I hope you don’t mind…”“Nonsense. We love you… your practically family since you, Seokjin and Namjoon were joined at the hip all these years.”

Riley and Seokjin were settling in, saying hi to the rest of the Kim clan. Namjoon was sitting near the fireplace, reading a new book… Jungkook was playing a game on his Nintendo Switch with the little cousins… and the rest of the family members just eating, drinking, and talking away. Once the family greeted them at the entrance, the couple moved down to the corridor, storing their jackets in the hallway closet.

Seokjin was noticing how Riley kept making sure her clothing wasn’t wrinkled… or if her hair and makeup was not in a mess. She was stressing out. He tapped her shoulder.

“You doing okay, Ryles?”“Yeah… I just feel a bit awkward now…”“Because we’re dating?”“Well… I’m not going to lie… but yes…”“This isn’t your first time here for the holidays.”“I know… but…” She was fidgeting her fingers around the hem of her sweater.

Seokjin grabbed Riley’s hands and gave a small peck on them… his eyes stared directly into hers.“What can I do to help?” he gently asked.

Riley couldn't help but blush… she wasn’t sure why she was freaking out. It was kind of perfect… the boyfriend bringing the girlfriend to meet the family for the holidays… isn’t it what most people pictured?

But the thing is…

No one knew they were official yet…

Seokjin hasn’t told his parents… only Jungkook and the guys knew.

And Riley hasn’t told her parents… only the girls knew.

It’s been only a few weeks that have passed since the last time they saw each other but Seokjin wanted to make it official today… it would be sweet to make their moment on Christmas Eve.. but Riley didn’t want the spotlight on them today.
As they walked back towards the living room, one of Seokjin’s cousin’s kids yelled.

“Mommy look! Uncle Jin and Riley-sshi are under the mistletoe!”

Riley and Seokjin both looked up… seeing the plant hung on the peak of the archway in the corridor. They both stared at each other in amusement. One of the little kids laughed.

“Ewww… they both have to kiss each other. Right?” the little boy scrunched up his face.“Oh gross!” another kid yelled.
“Don’t girls have cooties?”“Nuh-uh boys have that, Haechan.”

One of the older cousins yelled.“Oh right like they would kiss. They’ve made it clear all these years that they have no intention-”

And immediately Riley took Seokjin's face into her hands and kissed him… surprising him as his eyes were open...shocked by her forwardness.

Everyone was stunned.

Okay… maybe Riley decided to change her mind.

Silence.

“Seokjin and I are dating,” Riley announced, her hands quickly intertwining with his. Seokjin just stood there with a goofy smile on his face.

Silence.

“It’s about time!” Jungkook yelled from the end of the living room, now unpausing his game. Namjoon chuckling at everyone’s behavior and resumed back to reading his book. Seokjin’s dad and his stepmother were flabbergasted… but happy.
“Oh, Seokjin! Riley!” Seokjin’s step-mother squealed in delight, hugging Riley tightly.“Oh honey, look… you’re going to have Riley as your daughter-in-law!” she said.“Ahh, Dad… Yena… please don't do this,” Seokjin felt himself blushing scarlet.“Ahh… nae adeul (my son)... I thought you said you didn’t have feelings for Riley?”“That was 15 years ago dad…”“Aigoo… my son is now in a relationship… your mother would be so happy to see that she won the bet from your Auntie,” his dad laughed.
Riley and Seokjin turned to the side to see Namjoon’s mom talking to Namjoon about their confession. All that Namjoon did was just sit there and hear her out before him stating that he knew all along and he was happy for both of them and with his current relationship with Hana… albeit not mentioning that his relationship with Hana was a fake.

----
After their announcement, everyone calmed down and bit. The family scattered around the cabin, playing games, eating, and drinking the night away.

Seokjin found Jungkook in the hallway… finishing a call between him and Jiyoon. Jin gave Jungkook a bottle of beer to cheers with him… both leaning against the wall, staring at the scenery from the window.

“JK…”“Yeah hyung?”“Thanks for taking care of Riley while I’ve been in Japan.”“No problem, noona is one of my favorite people.”

Silence.

“You know about the guest room…”“We already talked about it hyung, we said our sorries. We’re fine.”

Silence.

“Hyung…” Jungkook was slowly peeling off the label on the bottle.“Yeah?”“...I’m happy you and noona finally got together.”“Uh-thanks.”
“Honestly that evening when I accidentally crashed you guys’ moment... I didn't know if you guys were actually going to be a thing.”
“Wait… why not?”“I mean, I thought you guys might decide to do the FWB route… friends with benefits.”“…”“I mean it… I thought you might have thought about it with her.”“This is-”“-Riley… I know… but you haven’t had a good track record when it comes to dating hyung.”

Seokjin was silent. Everything that Jungkook was saying was true… he doesn’t have a good timeline of relationships.

“I thought that for a second… but I know you guys won’t, I’m glad… it would have complicated your relationship… and I just knew you’ve always had feelings for her underneath the surface.”Seokjin scrunched up his face.“How did you know? I just barely realized it till this year.”“You always talk about Riley differently than everyone else, and you definitely act differently when you are with her with people versus by yourself,” Jungkook nonchalantly said.“How do you-”

“-I observe… like Namjoon hyung.”

Seokjin blinked.

“She’s your best friend… but I remember a few years back you were so protective of her from everyone after JB hyung and her broke up. It was then that I realized why you told me I couldn’t date her… you wanted her to see you as the one to love her… unconditionally.”

Unconditionally.

“Hyung… you really love Riley. And that’s admirable. Not everyone can say that they met their true love from the get-go. It took like 20 years, but it all led to this moment.”Jin just sat there listening to his brother and finished drinking his beer.“I like Jiyoon, we are enjoying each other’s company… and hopefully... we both can love each other the way you and Riley noona love each other.”

For a moment Seokjin saw Jungkook as the little kid he first met when he was in high school… all scrawny looking with chunky cheeks and big eyes like a seal… following him everywhere because Jin looked so ‘cool’ in his eyes. And in a blink of an eye, Jungkook was now the Jungkook he is present… same height as Jin… lean and muscular… with still a baby face and a haircut like every friggin male idol. The boy didn’t follow Jin around… he made his own path… but there are times where he couldn’t help but call Jin for help and advice.

Jungkook grew up in a flash in Jin’s eyes… and Jin couldn't help but get emotional at the sudden revelation. He put Jungkook in a headlock, teasing his step-brother while Jungkook yelped at the sudden change.

“Oh baby brother… you are too adorable sometimes.”“Ahh hyung stop it, everyone is going to see. I’m gonna lose my credibility,” Jungkook whined.“What credibility? You’re still one of the youngest… you practically hang out with the little kids compared to the rest of the cousins,” Seokjin jokes.

----

He was searching for her, finally going into the kitchen and seeing Riley grabbing some desserts onto her plate. He rushed over, quickly hugging her from behind and pecked her on the cheek.

“Hey baby.”“Seokjin, where’ve you been?” Riley turned to face him.“I was having a conversation with Jungkook.”“Everything ok with you guys?”“Yeah… we’re good,” he smiled.Riley smiled back. “Yay, I hate to see you and your brother in a bad mood.”

She turned away for a moment to grab some dessert on her plate. Seokjin couldn’t help but stare at her, the conversation he had with Jungkook was stuck in his head.

You wanted her to see you as the one to love her… unconditionally.

As she was biting into a piece of black sesame mochi in her mouth, her eyes locked back to Seokjin’s. He was staring at her differently… his eyes seems to glisten but pierce her with a bit of sadness.

“What?”“Hmm?”“Is there something wrong? Is there something on my face?” she worriedly asked.“No, no...” he shook his head.

He moved closer to her, removing the space between them and hugged her tightly. Riley froze at his sudden change of behavior.

“Seokjin… everything okay?”“...”“Jin… what happened?” she tried to see Jin’s face but he wouldn’t budge away from her neck.

Silence.

She placed her plate of desserts on the kitchen island and her hands started to wrap around Jin’s back, gently running her fingers up and down.

“Jinnie…”“Hmm?” he mumbled, his breathing tickling her skin around her neck.“I miss you…”

Riley felt Jin smile, he sent a slow kiss on her skin to acknowledge and respond to her statement.

He gave her another on the neck... and another kiss… and another kiss… and this time his tongue came out to make her skin be a little wetter… noting that he was going to give her more than a kiss on her neck.

“Jin… not here in front of your family…” she tried to push him away but his grip on her waist tightened up.
“No one is in the kitchen with us… they’re all playing games and opening presents. The older generation is just watching TV.”

Seokjin moved his and Riley's body to lean against the fridge. His hand moved down to the lower end of Riley’s back, and his mouth gently tugged on Riley’s sweater, moving the collar of the sweater to rest more on her shoulders… leaving her collarbone and neck visible for him to touch.

“Besides… there’s a swinging door in the kitchen… we’ll hear someone before they come in.” he said in-between the kisses.

Why am I so weak for his touches?

“Don’t make a mark.” Riley scolded.“Well... keep your hair down then everyone won’t see it,” he cheekily stated.

Riley was holding in her moans, biting her lips so no sound would come out… only the wet sounds of Jin’s lips gliding over her skin. His hands moved down to squeeze Riley’s ass. Was it wrong that Riley was starting to imagine them getting it on in the kitchen while the family was just a door away from coming in?

“You taste sweet…”
“Jin…”
“I was impressed by you kissing me in front of everyone.”“Well I wanted to make the first move-” she simpered, looking pleased with herself.“-I can’t wait to have you all to myself tonight,” he said as his hands started to wander to the front of her jeans… gently rubbing her in-between her thighs. “Seok-” she was trying not to have him move in-between her… his body was already push up against her.“- because I’m going to unwrap you like a Christmas gift,” he growled slightly. “Baby-” she almost gave out a moan.

Until...

The sound of a plate of cookies dropping to the floor made the couple freeze and look toward the direction of the sound.

Oh no...

There wasn’t the sound of the swinging door…

There wasn’t anyone in their visibility…

At least… no one at the same peripheral sight…

“Uh-oh…” a squeaky sound came from behind the kitchen island.

Uh-oh.

“...Areum?” Seokjin quietly asked.

A small girl peeked her head out from the end.

Oh crap.

"Areum what are yo-"“-What are you doing oppa?” the girl asked.

Seokjin froze up.

Shit.

“Uh-uhhh…” Seokjin was to explain, but his voice wasn’t coming through.“Areum-ah… what did you see?” Riley gently asked… slowly stepping away from Jin and bent down to talk to the little girl.“Not sure unnie…”“What do you mean sweetie?”“What was oppa doing? Why is oppa trying to bite you? Why is oppa moving your clothes around? Are you hot?”“Well... umm... your oppa found something on my sweater and was trying to clean it off,” Riley started to adjust herself.

“With his mouth?” she arched her brow.

Fuck. We got caught.

How do I explain this?

“Uhh… yeah! He’s acting like a dog because he lost a bet to me and I told him he has to act like a dog for the next 20 minutes.”Seokjin’s eyes went wide at her statement. Riley turned around and her eyes instantly locked with his… mentally telling him to go with what she just said.“Uhh yeah, Areum! I’m a dog right now… woof woof… and I accidentally dropped some mochi crumbs on Riley’s sweater and I need to clean it off with my tongue because that’s how dogs eat. Woof woof.”

Silence.

Riley and Seokjin were hoping the little girl believed their statement, their eyes were the size of dinner plates.

“Okay.” The girl went back, minding her own business and grabbed a couple of cookies into her hands before she went out the kitchen doorway. The couple sighed a relief.

“Mommy, cousin Jin is being a dog right now and eating out Riley unnie!”An older lady yelled out loud. “HE'S DOING WHAT?!”

Oh god…

We’re going to hell...

The couple removed away from each other, casting 5 feet space. Namjoon was luckily just around the corner when he heard the statement and rushed Areum back into the kitchen.“Don’t worry Tiffany noona! Areum is not seeing what you’re picturing about!!”

Namjoon bent down and talked to the little girl.

“Areum… let’s not say it like that.”“But oppa it's true… Jin oppa is a dog right now and he left a mark on unnie. Unnie was whining as oppa was trying to get the crumbs off her and then Unnie said oppa lost a bet and is a dog.”

Namjoon mentally slapped his face, his eyes turned towards the couple who was very much trying to pretend to clean the kitchen.

“Okay Areum, you have very good observation… now forget everything you saw and play with the other cousins…” Namjoon grabbed a pudding from the fridge. “I’ll give you this extra pudding and I won’t tell your mommy… okay?”The little girl grinned. “Okay, thanks oppa.”

Namjoon watched as the girl went back to the group hanging out in the living room. He immediately cast a glare at Riley and Seokjin.

“Guys… you really need to keep your hands off each other.”

Both of their heads were looking down and an apology was said toward Namjoon.

“Technically it was his fault…” Riley mumbled.“What?!” Seokjin yelled.“It was! I told you not to do it but nooooo you said we wouldn’t get caught and now look- we got your 5-year-old cousin seeing us caught in the act and Namjoon bribed her with pudding,” she slapped Seokjin in the arm.“Ow!”“We’re going to scar your cousin’s kids!” she kept slapping him.“Guys, guys, guys stop it!” Namjoon yelled.

Silence.

Namjoon pinched the brim of his nose.“Honestly, what were you thinking hyung?”“I-I… well I…” Seokjin was trying to come up with an excuse… but he doesn’t have one… just his stupid hormones.“Okay, I wasn’t thinking… I was being stupid.”Namjoon sighed. “Hyung… just don’t do it in public… do it at your place or Riley’s place.”"You think it would be easy to get some privacy at home," Seokjin mumbled, still slightly peeved by Jungkook's surprise visit last time."What did you mumble?""Nothing, nothing but never enough time and being alone," he chirped.

“So where’s Hana?” Riley asked Namjoon.“She’s with her family right now in Guri.”“Oh Auntie must be sad her soon-to-be daughter-in-law isn’t here for the festivities?” Seokjin smirked.“Guys…” Namjoon was pleading them not to talk about it.“Hey I’m just saying… how long are you and Hana planning on pretending to be a couple?”“I don’t know… maybe a few more weeks… after the holiday season is over and mom can go back to concentrating on work instead of my romance.”“Please… Auntie will never stop trying to find you a girlfriend or wife… she wants kids Namjoon.”

Kids.

Joon’s eyes went wide.

“I am not ready for marriage... much less ready for kids too. “I’m only 24. I’m not thinking about marriage for a very long time.”“Well tell that to your mom… she’s been hanging out with the little ones and already talking about which strollers are the best,” Seokjin said.Riley looked at Namjoon… it looked like he was going to throw up.

“Oh god, I don’t need that pressure… Hana and I are just having fun.”“Fun… as in…” Riley squinted her eyes.“Uhhh… umm f-fun, you know… h-hanging out… p-pretend dating…” Namjoon was stuttering.Riley couldn’t help but notice Namjoon’s body language was different.

Wait…

No...

OMG…

“OMG are you guys sleeping with each other?!” Riley yelled.“Wait Riley-”“-Whoa little cousin… you aren’t a virgin anymore?!” Seokjin grinned.

“Shut up!!” Namjoon screeched.

“What happened to the whole ‘I’m waiting until I find the one and get married’ scenario?”“Well that-”“-Hmmm? Got caught by the love bug Joonie?” Jin goaded him.“First of all-”"-Your testosterone got the best of you?"
"Hyung-""-How was your experience of getting your cherry popped?""Jin hyu-"

“-OMG you guys are having sex!” Riley was still in shock.

Namjoon really didn't want to get teased by the two.

“SHUT UP! STOP ANNOUNCING MY VIRGINITY!”

Silence.

“Joon… do you have feelings for Hana?” Riley couldn't help but glee.“I-I… I ummm… maybe?” he nervously said.

Riley squealed and hugged Namjoon.

“AHHH THIS IS PERFECT!”
“Wha-what? What’s perfect?”“You and Hana… you guys are polar opposites but Hana needs someone other than a fuck boy… she needs a man to be with.”“Hana is a great friend and she’s a great person… but I don't know how she thinks of me-”“-You are sleeping with her Joon… I think she likes you… at least tolerates you.” Seokjin noted.

Namjoon didn't want anyone to know the status of what he and Hana were doing.

Namjoon groaned. “We didn’t mean to have sex… it just… happened?”"Like your dick accidentally fell into her vagina?" Jin snickered.Riley slapped Seokjin again on his shoulder at his vulgarity. "Don't be sarcastic with Joonie."

Namjoon wanted to run out of the room… no… he wanted to run out of the house… away from people whom he values and loves the most.
“Wait... did you make the first move or she did?” Jin asked.“Umm…”“Hana probably did,” Riley stated.“Now, now… maybe my baby cousin did… he’s growing up and initiating.”

“Hyung…” Joon narrowed his eyes at Jin.

“I mean look at him… all defensive and riled up... ah, Joon you’re becoming a man.”“Hyung that’s not funny.”“Relax Joon… come on… this is a breakthrough! You're coming out of your cocoon!” Jin threw his arms up in the air.
“Not everyone is explicit and carefree like you when it comes to sex.”

Joon noticed Riley’s eyes shift around… almost locking back with his. He stopped himself from talking for a moment before retracting his statement.

“I’m sorry Riley… I didn’t mean-”“-I know Joon… my boyfriend has a long list of previous lovers.”“They are not lovers… they were just ladies that weren’t as meaningful in my life,” Jin stated.

Riley’s eyes narrowed at him… noting the hint she was displeased by his arrogance.

“Not to say they don’t have meaning… I mean… everyone is special… I enjoyed my time with them…”

Riley was now full-on glaring at him.

“I mean… they were just small bumps on the road… to lead me to you baby,” he walked over to Riley… trying to give her such loving eyes.“Small bump huh? You might as well say a big mountain hill considering all the ‘conquering’ you had.”

Well that was a fail.

“Baby it’s not what you are thinking about.”“We’re not going to talk about this now...”“Bab-” he was cut off as Riley walked away from the kitchen.

Jin sighed… and turned around to look at Namjoon.

“Great Namjoon… now she’s mad at me.”“I didn’t mean for that to happen. I’ll talk to Riley-”“No, its okay Joon… I’ll talk to her. It’s my fault, not yours.”

---

Seokjin saw Riley walking out to the front porch… he quickly followed her footsteps. He saw her sitting on the swinging bench outside with a blanket on her lap… watching the little snowflakes falling outside.

“Porches… that’s our thing right?” Jin laughed.

Riley just stood there silently…his joke didn’t make her even glance at him. He trudged over, sitting next to her while waiting for Riley to say anything.

“Baby I’m sorry… I didn’t mean to make fun or get you mad-""-I'm sorry." Riley said to Jin.

"Wh-what? Why are you-" Jin was stumped by her sudden apology."-Are we always going to do this?”

“Do what...?”

“Argue…”“Argue?”Riley finally turned towards him. “Yes argue… I mean it, Jin."

Her eyes looked so disappointed… Seokjin was worried.

"As friends it was fine… we would give space and then apologize later in the day or a couple of days after… but now... as a couple… I’m worried that won’t work anymore…”

Silence.

“I’m worried that I’m going to make a point or remark that is going to head off to another one of our arguments… but this time we won’t be able to mend it. You’re still working in Osaka… and I’m here working at Luxe and the Dance program… I’m worried the more time away… the more distance it will create…”“You’ve already known I’ve had long-distance sorrow… I don’t want it to happen to us, Jin.”

Silence.

Seokjin stood there and listened to everything Riley was saying… immersing himself at her presence. He took Riley’s hands into his… moving it up to his face to breathe on it so she wouldn’t get cold from being outside. Her eyes followed his…“Are you going to say something?” she asked.“....”

She rolled her eyes.

"Of course Jin, you-"“-I love you Ryles.”

Silence.

"I know me saying that over and over doesn't stop us from arguing… but... I believe no matter what minor or major arguments we come across… I will always love you.”

Riley just stared at him.

“I believe in us. I believe we can go through all of this. I trust you.”

I love you Ryles.

"I have faith in us.” He started to intertwine their fingers. “Besides… we both said we want the same things… and we both want each other to be by each other's side. I meant it. I know you do too."Jin bore his eyes into Riley's… making sure all the love and support were showering towards her.

Seokjin...

Silence.

“Well… now you make me look like the pessimistic one…” she pouted.“Aigoo… you’re so cute when you pout!” Seokjin yelled, squishing Riley’s cheeks.

“Yah stop it!”
“My Riley is too adorable.”“Your Riley?” she arched her eyebrows.“Yes. MY. RILEY.”“I’m not an object you can own.”“Too bad. I’ve already marked you… well I mean… I can… well- do you want me to make sure it’s permanent? ” he winked, pushing her hair back to reveal a purple mark on the side of her neck.

Riley’s face suddenly turned scarlet red despite the cold weather surrounding her.

“YAH don’t be dirty!! YOUR FAMILY IS HERE!” she slapped his shoulder.“Ow, ow, damn lady you need to lay back on your workouts… your slaps are packing power.” Seokjin started to move away… getting off the bench and proceeded to run out to the front yard.“Get back here Seokjin!” She leaped out of the bench and started to grab snow from the porch rails and tried to throw a snowball at Seokjin.

It soon became a cat and mouse game, running to and away from each other while pelting snowballs behind bushes and trees. Eventually, Seokjin decided to chase Riley, finally grabbing her by the waist and fell on top of her.

“Ah-ha I win!” Seokjin beamed.
“There wasn’t a winner or loser.”“Mmm nope- I win, now I get my prize… kiss me!” He said it in an aegyo voice.“No,” she said in a monotone voice.“Aww.”“Now who's the pouty one?” she smirked.

Silence.

“Riley…”“Hmm?”

“I love you.”

Riley couldn’t help but melt into Seokjin’s eyes as he said it.

Damn cinnamon swirls.

"I love you too." she replied, just staring back at him.

Silence.

“Fine… you win... I'll let it slide… because it's almost Christmas.” She mumbled, and Jin couldn’t help but grin.
As they were about to kiss, a sudden snowball hurdled towards them. The couple turned towards the cabin’s door and saw the little kids, Jungkook and Namjoon all crammed at the entrance… noting that Jungkook was the only one who had some snow remnants on his hand.
“Whoops… must’ve slipped off my hands,” he quietly said.“Off your hands ehh?” Riley asked, she slightly pushed Jin off of her… her eyes narrowed at the culprit.“Uhh... “ Jungkook trembled.
“GET HIM!” Riley yelled and in an instant, Seokjin made a snowball and threw it towards Jungkook. Luckily the male has quick reflexes and dodged the ball… only for it to hit Namjoon in the face.

Silence.

“Oh... OMG... I am so sorry Joon-” Seokjin said but was interrupted by a snowball hitting his chest. It was from one of the little cousins.“Get him!” little Haechan yelled and pointed at Jin.

And now it became an all-out war… the couple vs. the Kim clan.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

She was at the bookstore. For some reason, Riley felt an urge to step-into a bookstore when she saw all the pretty posters and books on the display. She hasn’t purchased a book in forever… everything she read was mainly on her laptop or phone...

But today…

She felt like a physical book in her hand sounded perfect.

The bookstore sold old and new books… named Twice Sold Tales. It had a couple of franchise stores around Seoul; the one nearest her place was just a short subway ride away. After purchasing a couple of clothes at a nearby shop, Riley couldn’t help but just lazily walk around the area…
just enjoy her day off from work… no office meetings or dance schedules… a rare day off for Riley.

She went in… went straight towards the recommended book section by the store workers. The touch of a hardcover book… the feel for the leather and the sewn spine… the smell of fresh paper…

“God, I miss that smell,” she quietly whispered, as she opened a book. She read the first few pages, getting enraptured by the storyline.

"Riley?"

She froze.

Wait… is that-

Riley turned around to see JB a few feet in front of her.

“JB.”

JB stood in front of her, it seemed like he just got out of bed… his hair was in a manbun, a grey headband sitting perfect on his forehead, glasses which he only wears out in public when he’s alone or with close friends, a fitted black t shirt with a beige denim jacket and cargo pants.

He looked like he got out of bed... but damn did he still look handsome.

“Hi.”

She paused a bit until she spoke. “Hey… what are you doing here?”

Ah, stupid question… Why did you ask that?

“I umm… just browsing… finding new books to add to my collection,” he said while he has two books in his hands.“I forget that you’re such a bookworm,” Riley noted.“Yes… or more definition-wise a bibliophile .”“Ahh yes… bibliophile… I kept saying a different word back in the days… what was it?”“You kept saying-”

“-pedophile.” Riley and JB both said at the same time.

Riley laughed. JB couldn’t help but chuckle.

“Oh yeah… it was hilarious saying it in public, you would always get embarrassed and walk away,” she remarked.“I know… afterward, I just said bookworm so people won’t make assumptions.”“I mean I get it... also, I liked teasing you since people didn’t really think you were one,” she said cheekily.“Just because I didn’t wear my school uniform correctly and came to classes late occasionally doesn’t mean I can’t enjoy reading books from time to time.”“The aura you emitted made you very different from what you were perceived… then again you always read books that weren’t part of the curriculum.”
“Because I already read all of them. Need to say when we had that one quarter we had to read and write an essay on the 1984 book I definitely read that like 3 times again.”

Riley chuckled. “It’s your favorite book.”

JB froze.

“...You remember that?”“Yeah… why wouldn’t I?” she quietly responded.

Silence.

“So… what brings you into the bookstore?” he coughs and asks her while shifting his eyes around the store.“It’s my day off today so I’m just walking around… exploring… finding where my feet want to go…” Riley’s hands begin to touch the other books on the shelf. “I don't know… but my feet passed this bookstore and I just had an urge to go inside.”

JB nodded.

“So are you still into mystery novels then?”
“Yeah, but I’ve been trying to find something to help with my daily life… maybe a self-help book.”“Here... try this book-” he grabs a book from the other aisle and puts it in her hands.“Dance is the best medicine by Julia F Christensen and Chang Dong-Seon,” Riley said before looking back at him.

How did he know I’m dancing again?

“Ahhh-ummm... Jinyoung told me that you’re dancing again.” he blushed.
“Ye-yeah… I am…”“That’s great… you really loved it back then, you’re very talented.”“Thanks.”

She noticed the book in JB’s hand…

I will hold your heart - written by Kim Jihoon.

“No matter the kind of success, it cannot be achieved without a slice of failure.
Therefore the collapse/ruins from the present is simply a process of heading towards success.
As failure is not a failure but merely a piece of success. It is simply one of the rivers flowing towards the sea known as success.” he said.
She looked at him, his eyes locked into hers.
“It’s a quote from the book…” he lifted the novel. “I actually bought this before but I think I left it back in the States so I’m repurchasing it again.”She nodded. They continued to talk for a bit more, the topics of dancing and books eased out from their conversations so well… like time hadn't passed between the two.

“Riley…”

“Hmm?” She looks at him, curious as to why his voice slightly changed to a sweeter tone… something that reminded her back when they were dating.“Do you want to grab coffee sometime?”

She blinked.

Huh?

“Huh?" she actually said it out loud too."Coffee… umm is that ok if we can meet up? You know trade stories, catch up?" JB was scratching the back of his neck… a tell-tale sign of him being nervous.

Riley blinked.

"Umm…" she lingered the word."It's just coffee… I'm not-... I-I… if you don't want to it's fine."

Silence.

“Judging by the silence I assume that’s a no…” JB started to turn around and head towards the back of the store. “Umm… I’m gonna look for more books, it was nice to see you aga-”"-Yeah sure.”“Uhh pardon?”“Yes.”

Wait what did I just say?

“...Yeah? I mean… you don’t need to-”“-Coffee right?… I mean… we did say we’ll be amicable to each other if we ever crossed paths in the future? Right JB?” she gave a small smile.

Silence.

"Right…” he whispered before resuming his natural tone. “I'll text you then. You have the same number?""Yeah."
JB nodded to her response.
“Hey I want- I need to tell you som-” she was interrupted by JB’s phone ringing… he immediately looked at the screen and saw that Jinyoung was calling him.“Oh it’s Jinyoung… umm did you want to say something?” he asked before he was going to answer the call.“Umm n-no- you can pick up that call. I’m actually going to meet up with someone right now. Tell my cousin I said hey.”JB smiled.
"Okay… see you later Riley."“Bye Jaebeom, thanks for recommending me the book.” she headed toward the cashier.

Just coffee…

And catching up…

No biggie…

No biggie at all…

~A few minutes later~

FUCK, did I just agree to meet up with my ex?!

Riley groaned out loud, scaring some people near her while she was walking down the street.“Riley, why did you agree?” she was talking to herself out loud.She immediately texted Amy and Hana in their girl group chat. Both responded right away, telling her to give them the details. Overall… both were understandable but surprised… both telling her right away…

[Amy] (5:15pm): You need to tell Seokjin when you see him.

[Devil Hana] (5:15pm): Yeah tell Jin before he freaks out.[Riley] (5:15pm): He won’t freak out.[Devil Hana] (5:16pm):
[Riley] (5:16pm): Seokjin won’t act like that.

[Amy] (5:16pm): I don’t know…

[Devil Hana] (5:17pm): Sweetie...[Devil Hana] (5:17pm): He is going to be super jealous.
[Riley] (5:17pm): Seokjin trusts me.[Riley] (5:17pm): And they were friends back in high school.

[Amy] (5:18pm): Riley… it's not just like a coworker or a random dude... it’s your ex.[Amy] (5:18pm): And not just an ex… it’s Jaebeom.[Amy] (5:19pm): As much as he and JB were good friends… JB is your ex… and Jin is now your bf.
[Devil Hana] (5:21pm): Holy shit… I just social media stalked him and there’s a recent picture of him with a few friends at an opening gallery and damn he’s hot.[Devil Hana] (5:21pm):
[Devil Hana] (5:21pm):

[Devil Hana] (5:21pm): Are wide shoulders your fetish Riley? 😉😉
[Amy] (5:22pm): HANA!!!!
[Devil Hana] (5:22pm): What?!
[Devil Hana] (5:23pm): I’m just trying to gauge who the guy is.[Devil Hana] (5:23pm): Is he single?

[Riley] (5:23pm): Guys… this isn’t really helping me.[Riley] (5:23pm): Also... you're seeing Namjoon, Hana...
[Devil Hana] (5:25pm): What a girl can't ask if a hottie with a nice body is single?
[Devil Hana] (5:25pm): Besides... I'm helping Namjoon out by pretend dating. We know what's going on between each other.

Riley closed the screen on her phone… talking to the girls did not help. The pings coming from her phone were the continuous messages back and forth from Hana and Amy. She let out a big sigh.

What to do?

“I need to tell him… but when?” she asked herself out loud.

She couldn’t tell Jin right when she would see him, she’s actually meeting up with him in a few days.
Riley is planning to pick him up at the airport. He told her he wanted to celebrate an early Valentine’s Day so he was going to fly in for just for the weekend. She imagined him picking her up and hugging her to death before kissing her… probably had a bouquet of flowers in his hand as well...

God, it would be such a perfect image…

But…

Then she imagined what would come after... she would stare into his beautiful caramel eyes and tell him “I’m having coffee with my ex.” At which the statement would make her see his face just crushed and his body flailing on the floor like he’s a Magikarp from Pokemon and Yoongi or Jungkook grabbing him by the shoulder and dragging him away.She shook her head vigorously.

“No no, I can’t tell him like that… I need to plan this out.”

Riley… you can do this.

Don’t fuck this up.

Seokjin means the world to you.

You just did a stupid, stupid thing and said yes to meeting up with an ex.

But it’s Jaebeom…

I mean the guy is harmless…

It’s just coffee between old friends.

Coffee.

Right?

She groaned out loud again… running towards her bedroom and face planting herself onto the bed the moment she got back to her apartment.

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

~A few days later~

Seokjin drove by the office to pick her up. He saw her talking to Seojoon about some reports in Seojoon’s office before heading out towards the hallways. Riley stood there gobsmacked… seeing Jin wearing his suit and tie… and having a bouquet of flowers in his hands.
She quickly walked fast towards him, almost pushing him over once she was in his embrace.

“Why hello to you too,” he chuckled.“What are you doing here? I was supposed to pick you up from the airport.”“I got on an earlier flight,” he smiled. “I had Jungkook pick me up since he was free, I know you’ve been busy with work.”“Are those for me?” she pointed at the flowers.“Oh these? No… there for Mr. Bae.”“Wha- Seojoon-”“-Since he’s been helping you at work-” she could hear his sarcastic tone.
“Seokjin…”
“I’m joking… of course they are for you, pretty girl.” He gave his beaming smile that any girl would fall for.

She looked at the flowers and smelled them. The smell was sweet, like berries but still have a pleasant coolness like the ocean.

“These are so beautiful. What kind are they?”“These are smeraldo flowers, they are kind of rare ones… like you.” He stated.“Okay, you being sweet and sappy is kind of weird and annoying.” Riley couldn’t help but blush at his forward statement.“What I’m hurt… I flew all the way back to Seoul just for you.” He clutched his chest as if it was in pain.“I know… you didn’t have to. I could’ve requested time off to fly over to you.” she pouted.“It’s okay… I like flying back… I miss Seoul, I miss everyone… I miss you.”

Riley leaned forward on her heels and kissed him.

“Happy Valentine’s Day Jin.”“Happy Valentine’s Day Ryles.”

“Have I ever told you that I really like it when you wear your glasses?” she said as she touched the side of Jin’s black browline glasses.“Oh really?” Jin arched his eyebrows“Yeah… it’s kinda hot to see you in your work attire, and those glasses make you kind of like an Kingsmen agent.”
“Hmmm… maybe I should wear my glasses more then.”

Seokjin was leaning in to receive another kiss but then he heard some cheering from a coworker near the elevator.

“OHHH look at that… Mr. Kim Seokjin is back to charm his lady.”“Hi Jackson,” Seokjin waved his hand towards the younger male.“Dude, it’s been so boring here lately, I don’t have someone to go to the gym with. Chanyeol is away on a business trip and Jooheon got transferred to the Gangnam building. And our boy Namjoon has been ducting out somewhere else after work for the past few weeks.”

Riley and Seokjin couldn’t help but give a smirk to the information about Namjoon’s missing self.

“Maybe he found another gym buddy Jackson,” Riley said.“Oh he wouldn’t do that to me. He knows that would break my heart,” Jackson stated, even if he was mildly joking… you could tell Jackson would be heartbroken.
“All I can say is that maybe the workout Namjoon’s been doing is something you can’t help with,” Seokjin cheekily smiled.“Wait… what’s with that smirk? What do you know?” Jackson asked.“What? I don’t have a smirk on.” Jin quickly made his face blank.“Yes, you do. You just had one on… didn’t he have one, Riley-sshi?”“Oh his face is always that position. If not it’s probably due to being exhausted on his surprise early flight that he didn’t mention to me.”“If I told you I landed early then it wouldn’t have been a surprise.”“I didn’t need a sur-”“-Riley-”“-Seokjin-” He could hear in her annoyed tone coming out when she said his name so he cut her off.“-OKAY Jackson, lovely to see you again… I’m going to take this wonderful woman out to lunch right now. BYE.” Jin quickly grabbed Riley by the hand and towards the elevator.“Hey, my purse is in my office.”“You don’t need it. I already bought lunch for us.”“Wait... where are we going?”“You don’t need to know. I’m surprising you, woman.”

---

After their impromptu lunch in the park, Seokjin let Riley get back to work and waited for her while he finished working on his reports. His father wasn’t happy to see Jin’s sudden appearance back in the Seoul office but he understood what Jin was trying to do. To please his dad, Jin worked while he was waiting for Riley to be done.

“My place is still a mess,” Riley yelled while trying to pick up clothes and things spread out in her apartment. “You weren’t supposed to come back early… I was going to clean up before going to the airport.”“Awww you’re so cute when you lie,” he said.“I’m not lying. I was going to clean up,” she pouted.“It’s fine… besides, your clothes would be on the floor no matter what when I’m with you,” he said with a deeper voice tone.

“Seokjin…” She wasn’t fond of his declaration.

“I’m kidding, baby. You know I love you with or without clothes on,” he grinned.“Pervert…” she grumbled to herself.

“Let me change before we head out. I don’t want to wear my work clothes if we’re grocery shopping.”“How about we just order take-out?”“No, I want to cook for you,” she whined.“What are you planning to cook for tonight?”“I don’t know… steak? Lobster?” she was scrolling on her phone to find a perfect couple’s meal for her to cook.

Seokjin just sat on the couch and stared at her. He remembered the last time she tried to cook a fancy meal. She almost burned half of her kitchen if it wasn't for Jin and Yoongi being there and salvaging the rest of the meal.

“Let me change my clothes too, my luggage is back in my apartment. I’ll come back in 10 minutes.” He pecked her on the lips before heading out.

“I bumped into Jaebeom a few days ago,” she blurted out. Seokjin stopped his movements, his hand was almost touching the doorknob. He turned around to look at her.

What the hell, why did I just have to say it right now?

“We started talking and he asked to catch up over coffee… and…
I said yes.” She looked at Jin.

“Oh…”

Silence.

“It’s not what you’re thinking… I just want to see how he’s doing.”“I know.”“Wait… you knew?”“No… I meant-,” he hesitated. “...I get it. I understand.”

Silence.

"Did you tell him about us?""...What?""Did you tell him you were in a relationship?""...No."

"Oh…"

Silence.

Riley could see the apprehension in his eyes. "I was going to right after we agreed to meet up- but I didn't get to tell him once Jinyoung called him.""So Jinyoung was there too?" He stated."No, he was on the phone with JB. I think he was on his way over to meet him."“So... your cousin is in town again?”“Yeah, Jinyoung is back to celebrate his parent’s 30th anniversary.”

Jin eye-rolled.

“What... why did you do that?”“Do what?” his voice went higher.“The eye-roll.”“No I-” He stopped talking when he saw her glare. He let out a big sigh.

“You know Jinyoung hates me.”“What? No, he doesn't.”“Riley… he doesn’t like me. It’s always been like that. You saw his reaction when you told him at your family’s Christmas gathering.”“He didn’t give you-”“-He gave me that face.” “...What face?” she scrunched her face in confusion.“His annoyed dumb face,” Jin mimicked the displeased look that he saw on the younger male.
“Seokjin!”

Crap, she’s mad…

Jin bit the side of his cheek to prevent himself from saying any negative comments about Riley’s favorite cousin.

Park Jinyoung…
Best friends with JB.The only person that didn't like Seokjin.Even JB was cool with him.But for some reason… Jinyoung didn't like him.That is… based on Jin’s POV.

“He doesn’t like me.”“Jin-”“-He is probably happy to see this interaction between you guys… wanting you and JB to get back together.”“Seokjin don't be like that.”“What? It's true-”
“-It’s our Valentine’s weekend, Jin.”

Silence.

“Look… I’m sorry to tell you this right now… but it happened and I didn’t want to tell you at the end of our special weekend.”She walked up towards him, grabbing both of his hands into hers.
“We both told each other to be honest and communicate. Nothing is going on between JB and me. I wanted you to hear it from me first... in case you heard it from someone else and started to misconstrue something. I’m with you… only you.”

Seokjin just stared at her. He understood what she was saying. She was trying to prevent his jealous hulk-self from coming out over nothing. He trusts her. He knows she truly loves him and cares for him.

But Jaebeom…

As much as they were friends in the past…JB was his girlfriend’s ex…

Riley’s first love.

It’s a weird twisted way that Jin saw all experiences JB and Riley had in their relationship.Like he had the bird’s eye view of what/what no to do.

He knew JB would always be a past memory in their relationship…Perhaps a small bump if he ever came back to Seoul...He just didn’t expect it to be right after they became an official couple.

“Who else knows?” he quietly asked.“Amy and Hana.”

Silence.

“This is our first Valentine’s Day together.” She massaged his hands.“Can we not argue right now?” she softly said, pulling his hands to her cheek to rub on… her eyes turning into kitten eyes.He hugged her and kissed her on the forehead.“I’m sorry. I didn’t want to mention him during this weekend but-”“-You don’t need to be sorry… you didn't do anything wrong. I’m glad you told me.”

They stood there for a few minutes… hugging each other. Just hearing each other’s heartbeats and breathing.

“I know you want to change, but let’s just keep our outfits and go to the market. I want to start getting used to going to the grocery store like this.” He said while pushing back strands of hair behind Riley’s ear.“Like this?”“Yeah… you know once I come back, I expect to do a lot of grocery shopping with you after work.”“You are just looking forward to grocery shopping with me when you come back?”“Yes, being domestic is fun.”

Silence.

“Who are you and where is my Seokjin?” “What do you mean by that?” Jin furrowed his eyebrows.“You… acting all domestic… this is totally different from what I’ve seen of you.”“What? I can be domestic… I can be a great domestic boyfriend.”

Riley’s eyes twitched a bit when he said it. It wasn’t that Riley didn’t believe what Jin was saying is true… but… no one really ever saw him as that role in a while.

“Fine… do you know what I want to do tonight?” he asked with a sly smile on his face.“Don’t even-”
“-Cuddle.”
“-You perverted -wait what?” she blinked.“I wanna cuddle with you tonight.” he simply said, his face looked like a puppy.

When did he have ears, a tail, and big puppy eyes?

“You want to-”“-Cuddle… us wearing our comfy clothes… sitting on the couch… me being the big spoon-” Jin started to act out the movements. Riley just stood there trying to understand.“Well I mean the real Valentine’s evening is tomorrow… that day is going to have a bit more than cuddling with you,” he grinned.“-ah there is the sweet pervert.” “ -your sweet pervert indeed, milady. But I mean we could practice tonight… it’s been a while since we-”“-I’m walking away from you.”“Riley... Ryles... My sexy lady, please come back!”“I’m going to the grocery store without you, Jin,” Riley said as she grabbed his car keys and went out the door.
“I’m sorry... I’ll be good! Baby… baby, you need to lock your doors.” he ran after her.

----The next morning the couple decided to go to a cafe to get breakfast. Riley did buy breakfast ingredients to make a wonderful breakfast-in-bed for both of them but Jin knew better than to try to taste Riley’s homemade pancakes…

But mainly…

The breakfast he wanted the morning was Riley.

Yep… he wanted morning sex because they just watched tv and fell asleep right away last night, but Riley wasn’t having it. Their morning tryst stopped immediately when Riley woke up from Seokjin being on top of her, already smooching everywhere on her upper body.

“I was going to make you pancakes this morning,” she whined.“I know... but I didn’t want you to work so hard in making them.”“Are you saying my cooking sucks?” Riley glared.“No… I am just saying that pancakes aren’t your style of cooking compared to me.”
“I know you’re the better cook between the two of us.”“I will always want to eat anything you cook for me.”“Liar, just because we’re dating now doesn’t mean you have to make those remarks when in fact I know you are trying to feed it to the trash can or if we ever had pets you would just make them eat your portion.”“Hey, Jjangu was the perfect dog. That dear soul left at such a young age.”“Your dog was 15 years old… he lived his life beyond expectancy.”
“But he was really like a young soul though… still kept running for the ball like a good boy.”

“Yes, he was a good boy… unlike someone else,” she looked at her boyfriend. She already gave him a scolding talk this morning due to seeing all the love marks on her neck and shoulders. She had to wear a turtleneck this morning so people wouldn’t see all the random concealer spots she had to put on.

“I don’t know what you-”“-You were not being good- and you practically threw RJ out of the room!” Slapping Seokjin’s chest.“-Well our son should not be seeing what mommy and daddy do at night together. Otherwise RJ might want a baby brother.”“RJ is not our son-”“-Don’t say that out loud! People would think that we are abandoning him,” Jin jokes.“If you were ever reincarnated into a dog… you would not be a good boy.”“Oh baby,” he coos… “I’ll be a good boy to you tonight… or bad… depending on what you're wearing tonight,” he raised his eyebrows.“What makes you think I’m going to dress sexy tonight?”“Well, it’s our Valentine’s Day evening… and I may have looked in your closet and found a pretty bag with-”“-You saw the lingerie I got?!” Riley’s eyes were bulging.

“-AH HA! I knew you bought new lingerie for tonight!”

“-But- why you- you were lying?!” she slapped his shoulder.“I would never look into your stuff. I trust you… but I always knew you were a dirty girl,” he whispered the last part into her ear.

Dirty girl.

That wet dream she had last year flashbacked in her head, her and Jin in the dance studio getting hot and heavy.

“Han Riley… you’re not shy… you’re a dirty girl.”

“Awww,” Jin coos, “my baby is naughty… I need to teach you a lesson.”

“Lesson?” she tilts her head.
“Yeah, right here… right now.”

Jin’s phone suddenly rang, prompting Riley to snap out of the flashback.

“Oh it’s from work. Let me answer them really quickly.”
“Uhh- ok-okay I’ll go inside and grab a table for us.”
“Wait-”
“Hmm?”

He suddenly kissed her and somewhat bit her lip.

“Ow, did you just-”
“-Okay BYE!!” Jin quickly walked away from her and to the sidewalk.
“Hey, you can’t keep kissing me like that in public Seokjin!” She said that when in fact she wanted him to continue doing that.

Ahh stop being a pervert, Riley. She pinched her cheeks to snap herself out.

There’s tonight. Tonight it will be just me and Seokjin at your place. Celebrating Valentine’s Day like a normal couple.

Yeah we’ll do what all couples do… spend time with each other… eat, watch a movie, walk around the area…

And have sex.

Sex. Amazing. Mind blowing sex.

Nothing can go wrong today.

Nothing.

Riley sighed, stepping into the building and getting in line to order.
As she paid for breakfast and grabbed the number card, she tried to find a table.

“Riley?”“Yoongi? Oh hey," she said as she saw Yoongi sitting down with a coffee in his hand.“Hey… uh why are you here?”“Coffee duh... and breakfast… Seokjin and I wanted to check out this new cafe... he's outside on his phone right now.”“Wait... Jin is in town?”“Yeah, he wanted to spend Valentine’s Day early since he couldn’t be there on the day.”“Oh...”

“Yoongi... are you okay?” Riley noticed a weird expression on Yoongi’s face.“Uh yeah, I’m fine.”“Are you meeting somebody?” Riley noting the 4-seated table he was sitting in.“Yeah, I'm just planning to meet someone here.”“Oh Hoseok? Or perhaps a girl?” Riley couldn’t help but tease him.“Uh no, just an old friend.”

“Yoongi, hey grumpy cat!” Seokjin yelled when he found his favorite people, immediately hugging Yoongi before Yoongi could avoid him.

“Jin hyung… you’re back in town.”“Yeah man.”“Is it okay if we sit with you? The place is kinda packed.” Riley asked.“Well I’m waiting for a friend-”“-I’m sure your friend won’t mind right?” Jin said.

“Well-”

“-Who are you meeting up with?” Jin asked just as he sat down.“Uh... an old friend, someone who's in the music business now.”“Oh yeah? Man look at you Yoongi, having meet-ups with other collaborators.”“Yeah... listen before you guys decide to stay...
the person I’m meeting up with is-”

“-Yo Yoongi.” A male said from behind the couple and went up to high five Yoongi.

“What’s up JB,” Yoongi replied.

JB?
Jin questioned until he saw the younger male’s face in front of him.

Lim Jaebeom.

“Oh hey Riley, Seokjin wow it’s been forever… how have you been?” JB went into a handshake and hugged Jin.“Uhhh go-good man.” Seokjin stuttered.“Oh… so you guys were planning to meet up,” Riley pointed at both of the younger guys, having the sudden realization about why Yoongi was concerned about them sharing a table.“Yeah since Yoongi got into that music company, we’ve been trading stories and possibly making a future collaboration.”“Yeah… that’s awesome… isn’t it Seokjin?”Jin just stood there frozen.

JB…

Lim Jaebeom…

Why the hell are you here?

“Jin?” Everyone called out his name.“Huh? What? Yeah.” Seokjin uttered suddenly.
“You alright man? You kinda looked out of it,” JB asked.“I’m sorry… yeah, I was thinking… about work.”“Work? How is it… Yoongi told me that you're working in Japan now, right?”“Well yes… but it’s a temporary move.”

“Missing home yeah?”

“Yeah… you could say something like that…” Jin’s eyes glanced at Riley who was sitting next to him.

JB hummed in agreeance. “I understand… I know you’ve only been gone for a short while… but just being gone for that moment definitely feels out of place.”
“So… you miss Seoul too?” Seokjin asked.
“Yeah… I definitely miss Seoul a lot.”

Riley couldn’t help but try to understand the conversation between Jin and JB. Yes, they were catching up… but she could tell that Jin kept hinting things that were pertaining to her. She was on edge… her fingers were nervously picking at themselves… she kept fidgeting with her coffee mug. Yoongi noticed…

Yoongi noticed everything that was going on…

The way JB was casual and relaxed while he was conversing with everyone...

The way Riley was having a nervous breakdown…

The way Seokjin was just trying to put on his charming facade when in fact he was trying to scope out JB...

Yoongi just sat there and chimed in with a short answer or two… but mainly… he was figuring out how to handle the situation...

“So wait- do you guys work for the same department?” JB asked Riley and Jin.“-Uhh… yes technically… he’s working on a higher level project than me... I’m actually more like a part-timer in the department than Jin.”“Well I mean… when I come back to the Seoul branch you might work for me.”“You mean with you… not for you?” Riley narrowed her eyes.“Well… I mean… depending on how long you want to work with Mr. Bae.” A slightly irritable tone came out of Jin.
“I work with him on the CHUM project. We’re each other’s partners.”“So you don’t want to be partners with me when I come back?”“I didn’t say that Jin.”

“You-” both were talking toward each other at the same time until a laugh broke out. The couple looked at the younger male in front of them.“I’m sorry,” JB stated. “But wow… you guys still act the same as high school… always bickering… you guys are definitely weird best friends.”

Best Friends.
Echoed in Jin’s and Riley’s mind.

“Well no-” both said at the same time, turning back to each other at their talking synchronization.
“Wow, you guys are still connected to the hip,” JB joked.“The thing is-” Riley stopped speaking when she felt something on top of her hands. She turned her face towards Jin. His hands gently took hers and moved it close to his side on top of the table.“-Yeah.”
Seokjin immediately wrapped his hand with Riley’s.

Silence.

“Yeah we are, Jaebeom... more than ever.”

Silence.

There was something in Jin’s eyes the moment he locked in with JB’s right after he intertwined his hands with Riley’s. It was like a territory situation. And Riley once again is in the middle of it.

All of sudden the air in the room changed. It was a weird silence that came over just at the solemn spot where Riley, Seokjin, JB, and Yoongi was at. You could hear how clearly the other customers were talking amongst themselves, the sound of cups and plates clinking together, the barista’s yelling out number orders.

Yoongi looked back and forth at the almost triangle-esque going on. JB and Seokjin were locking eyes and Riley was just looking at Yoongi… almost pleading with him to help her out. She wasn’t quite sure how this was going to proceed.

Oh, this is going to be interesting. Yoongi said in his mind.

Interesting indeed.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

“You cheated on me.”

Silence.

“You cheated.”“Jin-”“You cheated on me.”“Ji-”
“-You cheated.”

Silence.

That’s all Seokjin said out loud this whole time. He didn’t know why… but all he could think about was the fact that JB was now back.

Lim Jaebeom.

The cool, rebel with a genuine heart.

The whole time conversing with JB, Jin wanted to be proud, be a bit of pride and arrogance mixed together when he told JB that he is dating Riley now…
And yet his jealousy was at his peak. He wasn't sure why… maybe because he knew Jaebeom… however, if he looked like a bad boy who would get into fights… his stares looked menacing…

The man is actually a gentleman.

Yes, Seokjin wanted to rub it in JB's face… show him he was too late to start again with Riley...

But he got no satisfaction.

In fact… it made Seokjin even madder… mad at himself for acting stupid and naive. JB in fact just sat there and congratulated them and continued talking like it wasn’t such a big deal as Seokjin and Riley imagined.

Lim Jaebeom.

The cool, rebel with a genuine heart.

God, did Seokjin want to be in JB’s shoes at the small minuscule moment.
Just for a few seconds away from being himself.
Because he felt like a complete conceited asshole.

Which turns to the current situation...

“I didn’t-”“-I can’t believe you.”
“Jin.”
“I mean I know I’ve been gone… but I trusted you.”“Let me talk-”“-I know we haven’t talked on the phone or hung out in a while... but then you… doing this to me…”

“Seokjin h-”

“-I can’t even look at you right now!”

“HYUNG!”

“WHAT?!” Jin yelled, staring at the male figure in front of him.

“-Dude... you’re overreacting,” Yoongi said.

Jin suddenly put on his puppy dog eyes.

“Yoongi, I never knew you could hurt me that much.”

Silence.

“What the fuck are you talking about? You act like we’re a couple.”“You’ve been hanging out with my nemesis.”“JB is not your enemy,” Yoongi stated in a monotone voice.

“He is!” Jin yelled dramatically.

“OMG, stop being irrational. First of all… he is in the same career as me. We’ve always talked about music back in high school.”“But-” “-Two… I’ve always kept in touch with him, we trade lyrics with each other and mixtapes.”“But-” “-Three... I can be friends with whoever I want.”

Silence.

“You… you cheater! You’ve been contacting him behind my back!” Jin barked.“You and Riley weren’t together during that time. Besides… why would it matter?!”“I-”“-Hyung you need to think clearly… obviously you are just pissed off you acted like an idiot in front of JB. The guy didn’t care.”

Silence.

Min Yoongi… always the voice of reason for Seokjin. One of the few who can bluntly tell him what was really going on. One who can call Seokjin out on his bullshit but also give him advice if needed.

Min Yoongi.
He is Jin's best guy friend.

Min Yoongi.
He's also Jin's pain in the ass.

“But still…” Jin was doing aegyo movements in front of Yoongi. “I’m your best friend. You don’t hang out with your best friend’s enemy.”
“FOR THE THOUSANDTH TIME... HE’S NOT YOUR ENEMY!”

“Guys!” Riley yelled. Both males finally acknowledged Riley’s presence in the room.

“What is going on here?” She squinted her eyes as she came out of the balcony after she finished her phone call. She stood there for a good minute trying to figure out what was going on before she asked.“I don’t know… your boyfriend is going crazy.” Yoongi stated.
“Ryles, Yoongi is a back-stabber!”“Jin stop it!” Riley exclaimed.“You are being hysterical,” Yoongi shook his head.
“OMG… it’s like the roommate drama all over again,” Seokjin said.“Okay- Hoseok had a room available.”“-But I had a room available first!” Jin whined.“You know I need more space than that small guest room… I have my music equipment.”“We could’ve been SIN!”

Silence.

“....Sin?” Riley questioned.“Oh god… don’t tell me you had a name for us-” Yoongi got interrupted.“-You know… Suga, your producer name and my nickname, Jin… SIN.” he said it with pride.

Silence.

“ARE YOU FUCKING KIDDING?!” Yoongi shrieked.
“WHY WOULD I JOKE ABOUT THIS, YOON?!” Seokjin yelled back.

Riley just stood there with a blank face as the two males bickered with each other.

Huh… so this must be what Yoongi feels every time Seokjin and I argue.

She walked away and sat on the couch. She didn't understand why Seokjin was annoyed with Yoongi. Maybe he needed to let out some frustrations… she notices how underneath all of Jin's charming behavior… once he's in a foul mood it's hard to get him out of the funk.

“Riley, I need you to take your boyfriend away.”“No, you need to leave!” Jin said.“This is my apartment, you idiot!”“See! Now you’re calling me names,” he huffed.“I’ve always called you an idiot, Jin hy-”“-No, you can’t call me hyung anymore… you rejected my affection.”“OH MY GOD- IM GONNA KILL-” Yoongi was at his last end.

“-Honey… let’s leave Yoongi alone… how about we get some ice cream?” Riley cooed to Jin, trying to squish her body between the males.

“No, I’m too mad to get a delicious dessert.”“Jinnie…” Riley was thinking of choices that could ease her boyfriend's mind.“Don’t push your luck, Riley, your boyfriend is not in his right mind at the moment.”“Okay, short stuff-” Jin started to lunge forward at Yoongi.“Hey… calm down,” Riley grabbed Jin’s hands, moving him closer towards her… away from Yoongi.

Seokjin was going down his moody rabbit hole. So much for a relaxing first Valentine's Day for the couple.

I need to come up with something.

Think Riley… what is something Jin can't resist?

The bakery? No… it's too late to stop by the place…

The beach? No… it's cold outside still and it's supposed to be windy later on...

Arghhh… what will bring his mood up?

Silence.

Ah-ha! Riley had someone in mind.

“Well, if you’re too mad to get ice cream… are you too mad to-” Riley quietly whispered into Jin’s ear… making the male’s face turn from angry to giddy.He locked eyes with Riley… trying to decipher if what she said was for real or not. Riley just looked at him as usual… but one of her fingers lightly circled around his chest… almost teasing him.

Silence.

“We gotta go,” Seokjin took Riley’s hand and led her toward the main door. He stopped short in front of Yoongi.
“I’m still mad at you,” he glared at the shorter man.“Yeah yeah… you’ll be mad at me for at least 24 hours,” Yoongi just nodded… wanted to end this stupid argument that Seokjin made up.
“This conversation is not over Yoon!”“I know... idiot,' he quietly mumbled the last word but just loud enough that Seokjin's bat ears heard.“Ryles, can you kick Yoongi in the crotch for me the next time you see him?”“Jin, I am not doing that.”“Baby… even you are siding with Yoongi?!”“KIM SEOKJIN YOU NEED TO RELAX!” Yoongi heard Riley say while they were waiting for the elevator. Yoongi sighed.

I don’t know what Riley sees in him.

As he turns around Yoongi sees the earphones that Seokjin got for him last year on his coffee table. He lets out a big sigh.

You stupid, stupid man.

You stupid, best friend.

My heart's gotten soft.

----

She managed to calm her boyfriend down. How? By bringing him to an arcade center and letting him hash-out his anger with a 2 hours unlimited playing card. Boy did that to make the male turn into an 8-year-old again.
She was laughing to herself, seeing how Seokjin was happy and enjoying his time playing Street Fighter again on the computer… and winning. It reminded her all the times they’ve come by this center when they were younger, he would be playing the fighting games while she likes to play the street racing car ones.
The arcade center has changed over time… there were still some of the older games, but the new interactive ones were the main focus. Like how the seasons change, everything rotates around… especially when it comes to the gifts in the crane machines.

The crane machines.

It was an impossible game that literally took all the money from everyone.
Except only a few could win.

Kim Namjoon.

For some reason, Namjoon had a knack in defeating the machine.

And for some reason… Riley and Seokjin bumped into Namjoon and Hana there.

“Oh hey guys!” Hana yelled out once she saw the couple approaching the crane machine area.“Hana… Namjoon, what are you guys doing here?”“Namjoon wanted to show me his skills in the crane machine. I didn't believe him when he said he’s a master of it.”“Master? More like a genius.” Seokjin said. “I’ve always tried to bring him here but he definitely is against it.”“Why is that?” Hana asked.“Because he keeps trying to make a profit out of my wins,” Namjoon uttered.
Seokjin had a streak of betting against people when they would go against Namjoon… in addition, he always tried to sell the winning prize to anyone. He had a nickname: Swindler Seokjin.

Seokjin rolled his eyes. “Seriously dude… you have so much game from this… you could easily use this talent of yours to win a girl. It’s an epic date. Bring her here, win all those cute plushies she wants and bam… get yourself a good fun night if you know what I mean.” Jin slid next to his cousin to get a high five from him but the taller man just groaned at his cousin.
“Hyung… crane machines are not meant to be scoring someone to go home.”“Then what’s the point of you having that talent? It's friggin’ waste. Namjoon… you have the magic touch.” “Yes, he does,” Hana murmured quietly but just enough that Riley could hear. Riley’s eyes locked with Hana, making the younger girl blush when she saw her friend hearing what she said.“Hana… come with me, let’s grab a drink from the bar while the two Kims figure out how to win from the machine.”Hana obliged… following behind Riley. They both ordered a beer while they sat staring at the guys in the corner of the arcade.

“So…”“So…?”

“Do you like Namjoon?” Riley asked after she sipped on her drink.“Well of course, he’s fun to hang around with.”
Riley rolled her eyes at Hana’s response. “You know what I am asking Hana… do you have feelings for him… interest?”
“I-I… it’s fun what we’re doing.”“Fun?” Riley scrunched her eyebrows.“Okay, obviously you guys know we’re not really dating… but…”“But…?”“Okay I know it's TMI… but Namjoon is great in bed.”

Riley couldn’t help but shudder from hearing that… Namjoon was like a little brother to her… and just hearing that made her imagine something that she didn’t ever want to see.

“Hana! Ewww I don’t want to hear your sex life with Joonie.”“What I’m sorry but that’s our status… we’re pretending to be dating for the sake of his mom not badgering him, but also… benefiting from each other’s body.”“When did you-”
“-Start fucking?” Hana nonchalantly finished Riley’s sentence. “Uhh… well… it happened at the Charity Gala…”

Silence.

“WHAT THE FUCK!” Riley screamed. She quickly turned around to see the males on the other side slightly turn their bodies towards her scream.“Ryles, are you okay?” Seokjin started to walk over.“No no no I’m okay. Just stay there... Hana and I will be there soon.”

Seokjin just looked at Riley, he could tell she was trying to telepathy and inform her that this was a girl’s conversation and he shouldn’t butt in. He shrugged and went back to Namjoon.

“You had sex with Namjoon at the gala?!” she was quietly screaming at Hana.“It was fun, unexpected from him… and yeah… it was kinda wild too,” Hana couldn’t help but smirk… thinking back to that night.“I-I... I don’t want to ask-”“-Oh bullshit… you want the details.”“... fine… tell me.”

“Honestly, I just kissed him because he was being sweet to me. He made sure to be by my side the whole time since I didn’t know anyone. Then one thing led to another and all of a sudden Namjoon brought me to a boardroom and we just started going at it.”

Riley was gawking… shocked that Namjoon would be the one to lead.

“Wait… Namjoon… Joonie… he was-”“-Yeah… he was the one that led me over to a room.”“Honestly Riley… I didn’t know this side of Namjoon… it’s kinda scary… but it’s hot.” “Do you know that you took-”“-Hisvirginity? Oh yeah, I totally knew… he was clumsy at times and definitely was trying to overcompensate his innocence, but it was kinda cute…”

Kim Namjoon.

Smart, kind, and innocent Namjoon.

Who are you now?

“Okay I know I’ve said too much but I think genetically all the males in that Kim clan had huge c-”“-STOP. I don’t want to hear that end of the sentence.”“Fine,” Hana just kept sipping on her beer.

The girls finally walked over with beer bottles in their hands, just right when Namjoon got a koala plushie on the crane.“Oh hey look, Hana… you like koalas right?”

Hana nodded. He asked which color Koala she wanted and she decided blue since that was her favorite color. After staring at the machine for a few minutes, Namjoon swiped his gaming card and moved the crane. In just a few seconds the crane managed to grab and hold onto the koala and drop it down to the opening.

"Tada. Hope you like it,” Namjoon said as he grabbed the koala out of the machine and gave it to Hana.“Aww it’s so cute… I’m going to name you Koya.” Hana said as she pinched the blue ears on the plushie. “Thanks Joon-bug.”

The male face turned immediately red after hearing Hana say her pet name to him.

“Ohh…. Joon-bug eh?” Seokjin smirked.“Uhh... it just-”“-Can I call you that too… Joon-bug?” Seokjin asked with a girly tone.

Namjoon rolled his eyes away from his cousin, accidentally locking with Riley’s. All the talk Riley just had with Hana rushed to her head… it made her blush immediately.

“Baby? Are you okay? Your face is red.” Seokjin said.“Huh?”“Yeah noona… you okay?” Namjoon asked as he got closer to Riley.“Ahh, it’s okay! I’m fine. I just… ummm… I just need to use the restroom,” she shuffled herself toward the public restrooms.

Hana couldn’t help but stifle her laugh. She figured her poor unnie was second-guessing Namjoon now after the talk they had.

“Is she okay Hana?”“Hmmm? Oh yeah, she’s fine. She might have cramps.”“Cramps?” Seokjin asked. Cramps. This would be a problem if her period cycle was coming… it meant no sexy time for Valentine's Day.
“I’m going to check on her,” he said.He waited for Riley outside the corridor of the restrooms. Riley was confused about why he was just standing there when she came out of the area.“Seokjin? Why are you outside-”“-Are you feeling okay? Do you need some hot packs or chocolate?”“Huh? Why would I need hot packs or chocolate?”“Well, Hana said you might be on your period.”

Riley blinked.

“I’m not on my period Jin, it just had it last week.”“Oh…”“Yeah,” she bluntly stated.
“So then… tonight… we can…” his eyes glistened. Riley sighed.
“To get an answer to your question... we have to go home first,” she stated.

Silence.

“Let’s say bye to Hana and Namjoon,” he quickly interlocked his fingers with hers and walked toward the other couple, hastily explaining they were late for their other set of plans.

------

Riley persuaded Jin to have dinner before they headed back home much to his dismay. He, of course, wanted to call and cancel their reservation but Riley told him she would withhold sex if he did so. So naturally, the male had no choice but to follow his girlfriend’s command.
But now that dinner was finally over and they were back at her apartment… Seokjin couldn’t help but be giddy. He just sat on Riley’s bed… waiting for Riley to come out of her bathroom. He was figuring out what pose should be… if he should add more flowers or candles to the room to make it romantic… perhaps dim the lights more down to make it more mysterious.
“Seok-ah…”“Hmm?” he mumbled… forgetting that his body was now faced away from the bathroom door as he dimmed the lights lower.

“Since it’s our Valentine’s…”

Riley came out of her bathroom… wearing the new lingerie she purchased underneath her dress. She was debating whether or not to change into it when they got him, but knowing Seokjin… he’s been waiting to see it on her ever since this morning.

"So… what do you think?"Seokjin's jaw went slack.

She’s…

She’s wearing pink.

She never wears pink.

Seokjin’s eyes kept roaming up and down her body. He gulped.

Pink lace.

She’s wearing pink lace.

That fabric showed all her curves… thick thighs...

And her butt.

He wasn't sure if he loved her breasts more or her butt…

But this outfit… her ass won the trophy.

“Jin?”

Silence.

“Jin? Seokjin? Babe?”“Huh? What?” Seokjin lazily said.“What do you think? Is it too much?” She slowly spun around. Her hair was longer than the last time… almost covering the top of her bra

Riley suddenly felt shy and embarrassed. Jin just stood there just staring and being silent… frozen like a popsicle.

Ah… is it too much? Do I look weird with it? Do I look fat? Or is it not fitting in all the right places? Ugh, pink is so not my color. She kept criticizing herself in her mind.
Riley slowly moved to grab her cardigan from her chair until Seokjin yelled.

“Wait!”

She froze, slowly looking up at Jin’s facial expression.

“Uhhh… I-I… I… you… are...” he stuttered.

Seokjin was motionless. He couldn't understand what was going on with himself. He's imagined this before… she dressed up in some sexy lingerie and he would charm and woo her… immediately ravishing her body.

But no.

He just stood there. Frozen.

With a boner just aching to be touched.

She’s… wearing pink… lace… bra… and thong.

“Jin?”“Huh?”

Did he blackout? Seokjin didn’t realize that Riley was closer to him. Just right smack dab in front of his face. For some reason when she saw his tent she couldn't help but walk over to him.

Is he always this excited to see me?

She slowly rubbed his little man over his boxers. A slight moan erupted in his mouth.

Now thinking about it… Riley hasn't given Seokjin a blowjob. She's been on the receiving end than giving. She felt selfish for having all the fun but knowing Jin... he was the one having the most pleasure.

“Babe… Jin… I want to please you.” she quietly said to him.
“Bu-but you always please me, Ryles.” His eyes look so innocent.

God she wanted to pounce on him, he looked like a baby deer… not knowing what was going to happen next.

“I know… but I want to do something special for you,” she cooed.“Wha-what is it?”

Riley's hands started to run up and down Jin's chest… slightly pushing him until he sat down on the bed. She suddenly kneeled in front of him. Staring at the erected body part.

“I think Little Jin wants to come out and play.”“Uhhh-yeah- oh shit,”
Jin spoke as Riley started to stroke Jin's cock in her hand through the boxer's slit.

Holy shit it's getting harder and bigger. She thought as she kept moving her hands up and down. She felt herself getting wet in her panties.

A little bit of juice was sprouting from the tip.

“Riley you don't need to-”

OMG.

OMG.

O. M. G.

That's the only word Seokjin could say in his mind as Riley pulled Jin's boxers down and put her tongue gently on the tip of his shaft.

I haven't given a blowjob in awhile.

Riley didn't want to disappoint Jin. She slowly licked around the tip while her other hand moved up and down, gently massaging his balls as well.

Fuck.

“Ahh Riley... Ryles.”“Mmmh?” She said between her kitten licks.

Ahh, what am I supposed to do with my mouth?

She started to insert it in her mouth, trying to make her mouth hollow and bobbing her head up and down.“Less teeth baby… I'm sensitive.”
She hummed with his advice… making vibrations all over his fragile state.“Slow down a bit…” Seokjin whined.Riley couldn't help but get wetter by him telling her how to get him off.

He looked down… seeing her so dedicated to pleasing him. Her eyes were closed shut… the way her tongue and mouth were moving around his shaft. The sounds of her sucking were making him harder than ever.

“Ahh, it feels so good… I can barely hold it in.”

Fuck... her mouth is so warm…

He wanted to cum right now but he was holding on… until she moved her mouth from his cock and started to suck on his balls. Her eyes were wide open… immediately locking with him. Her eyes were giving a different look than she normally gives him. It reminded him of that night after the club incident… how she was grabbing onto him… not letting him leave her sight.
She was prowling like a predator… and he was her prey… just waiting for her to take him down.

It sent him to overdrive.

“Ryles I need your lips on me again.” His hands grabbed the back of her head and guided her towards the head of his cock.“Suck me off baby,” he grunted before pushing her head a bit.

Riley immediately followed his plea… moving her mouth back and forth. Both of Jin's hands were gliding through Riley's hair… helping her with her movements and praising her.

“Fuck baby you're so good at this.”"I love your mouth.”

Fuck I can't breathe. His length seemed to get bigger and veiny.

“You can't ever do this to anyone… only me you got it?” he said as one of his hands pushed her mouth in more, making Riley gag a little.

Fuck he's so big… I can't fit all of him in my mouth.

“I'm gonna cum soon, Ryles.”She sped up her pace, each time she took him a bit more than the last."Fuck I'm there, Princess."He suddenly moved away from her, spilling his seeds a bit on her mouth and chest. He closed his eyes as he finished his high.

He looked at what was in front of him… Riley in pink lace lingerie with his cum splayed over her upper body.
She looked like a hot mess.

The perfect mess.

“Fuck babygirl you did amazing.” He immediately kissed her… hugging her and lifting her up onto the bed.

“Now… it's my turn to return the favor.”“Jin…hold on… let me grab some wipes to clean the mess.”

She turned around and grabbed some kleenex from her desk to wipe off the remnants. She was also trying to relax her jaw muscles. As she was doing that… Jin just sat on her bed... staring at her ass.

That meaty, soft, smooth skin that was in front of him.

Her butt was moving around slightly as she kept cleaning herself.
Her butt was wearing a thong.

A thong.

Jin never suspected Riley to own a pair. She was always all about being comfy, rarely wearing anything low cut, see-through or tight. He accidentally went into her underwear drawer one time thinking she hid his Pokemon cards there because he got nostalgic in college and became addicted to playing it for a whole month with Jungkook and Yugyeom. He got addicted to the point Riley had to steal and hide his deck. He only saw comfy boyshorts or ones that covered all of the bases… no lace or sheer ones. He almost lost his life when Riley found him in her bedroom trying to find his cards and seeing him lift one of her underwear in his hand. Thank god Amy and Yoongi were there to save Seokjin’s life as he ran for his life into the living room… hiding behind the two friends while Riley had a thick business book waiting to throw it in his face.

But seeing her wear those clothes nowadays… it was hard to imagine how Riley was before.

He felt Little Jin started to move again. He couldn’t help but be proud but annoyed. Seokjin really had a hard time keeping his horny self away from her.

The next thing Jin knew is that his right-hand start to creep towards Riley and get a hold on her waist. Riley was about to turn around but Jin's voice stopped her movements.

“-Stay there,” he spoke suddenly.“Jin?” she questioned his unusual tone.His left hand touched the lower back of Riley, pressing her to bend at an angle, her hands resting on top of her desk.“Just stay there Ryles.”

He moved his hand to lightly trace the lace underwear, moving from cheek to cheek. Riley was having goosebumps every time Seokjin touched her flesh, he was so quiet, she wouldn’t have known if he was still behind her if it wasn’t his fingers poking and grazing her butt.

“You’re so wet baby,” Seokjin said as his fingers started to trail down where the lace-covered her core. “Did you enjoy sucking me off too much?”“I-I…”

No, you can’t tell him that… it makes you sound like a pervert.

“Did you get off by sucking me, Ryles?”
Riley was moaning in her mind. Hearing Seokjin talking dirty was a new thing she learned she enjoys.

One of his fingers started to slide into her core, taking a bit of her juice on his fingers and he brought it up to her lips.
“Taste yourself,” he stoically said.

She opened her mouth and let her tongue move around his finger, she tasted a bit of herself… something sweet and savory.

“Isn’t that addicting, your body produces the best taste… I want more of it.” He was feeling himself get hot by seeing her tasting herself on his finger.
“Jin- hmph” she suddenly moans, feeling Seokjin moved the thong to the side to let his tongue glide up and down her core.“Fuck baby you’re getting wetter,” as he separated his mouth away from her core for a split second.

Riley even knew she was being overstimulated… maybe because she hasn’t ever been in this position before… all bent over her desk being eaten out. It was a guilty pleasure fantasy of hers that she’s never told anyone.
“Ahh, Jin… I can’t hold it much longer,” she was whining. Seokjin kept his constant movements… adding pressure to the sensitive nerves. She could see them in the corner of her mirror next to her wardrobe. She couldn’t believe the expression on her face.

Holy… am I getting turned on by this?

She wanted to see Jin’s face, but he was so defiant in his pursuit. His face was shoved between her cheeks, his tongue was working in all directions. She was a mess… and an uncontrollable yell came out of her lips as a wave of pleasure was flooding all of her nerves. Seokjin just relished, lapping up her juices.

"God, you're so tasty."

Seokjin didn’t take a second after she came to grab her body and lift her over to the bed. She was now on her back, splayed out so comfortably on the sheets. He instantly got on top of her and kissed her on her lips… tongues were battling out as his hands lingered around her body. She was so sensitive… just a brush of his hands on her stomach made her feel the pre-waves of the next orgasm.He moved away for a minute to find the condom in the small pocket of his blazer. Riley’s eyes were glazed over… but she couldn’t help be enamored by Jin putting the latex on his rock hard length.

“Ryles, I love you,” Seokjin uttered before his lips resumed back to where they were.“I- love- you too- Seokjin,” she said between each kiss. His mouth moved back down to her neck… sucking on that certain collarbone he loved… she was super sensitive there.

He finally pushed himself in… she let a small cry, halting Jin his movements before she nodded and whispered to him it was okay to move.Her hands were drawing into his locks of hair… her hips were rising up to meet his, answering with an incoherent cry. Seokjin followed Riley’s movements, his tongue making a wet trail upon her neck as he returned to her mouth, crushing his lips against hers. Jin started to murmur how badly he wanted her…

Both knew they were connecting on a level they had not quite allowed with one another before.

She felt herself on the end of grasp, his thrusts were getting faster.
"H-harder… fuck baby harder," she was gasping."Yes, god you are so tight baby," Jin exclaimed as he kept moving into her.“Mmph… Jin… I’m so close… I’m gonna-”“-Do it… cum again baby.”

Riley clutched his fingers around Jin's neck and shoulders… She knew her fingers were making scratch marks all across his back. After her orgasm died down…Jin felt his throbbing close to the end.“Ryles I’m so close.”
After a few more thrusts, his own orgasm hits him... releasing himself. He was tired but made sure to lay gently on top of Riley for a few seconds before landing himself next to her petite body.

“Happy Valentine’s Day Princess.”“Happy Valentine’s Day Ahjussi bodyguard.”

Riley curled up close to Seokjin, both panting after that incredible round… both just tired to say anything for a handful of minutes. Seokjin took off the condom and threw it in the trash… he grabbed the tissue wipes and moved it closer to the bed… cleaning himself from the remanents before cuddling himself up to Riley's exhausted body.

Silence.

“You know one day you’re going to have to change my nickname as Prince Charming or Your Knight and Shining Armor.”“Why can’t I still call you my bodyguard?”“Okay you can, but don’t call me ahjussi… I feel like I’m 10x older than you if you call me that… especially after having sex.”

Riley cocked her eye at him.

“What don't you want to be with a young me?” Riley said as she slowly leaned into him.“No, I always want to be with you. Which reminds me… can I get some photos of us?”

Riley blinked.

“You want photos of us? We have plenty from our childhood.”“I want photos of us… like now… as a couple. You know us cuddling or holding hands.” He interlocked his fingers with Riley’s and kissed the top of her hand. The way her hands were in his… it’s perfect.

Seokjin’s face was glistening with sweat, his pupils were wide open, and his adam’s apple was bobbing up and down as he was talking. Riley just wanted a photo of him right now in this state. The after-sex state of Jin was so addicting to her. Bare chest, wet hair, a sweaty 6-pack… she felt horny again just by staring at him.

She started to move on top of Seokjin.

“Yeah sure… we can.”“Great, also send me some sexy photos while I'm in Japan," he noted as his hands rested on her ass.“AH I knew it… you want me to send you smutty photos.”“Well… if I am lonely and needy and you’re not there… it would be nice to have a photo of you in some lingerie like the pink one… or you know… nothing at all,” he grinned."Is sex always on your mind?""When I'm with you the answer is yes.""Then how about those other-"
"-There's no one else."

Silence.

"Riley... there's no one else that compares to you."

Seokjin sighed."Look... I know in the past I've been a bit more 'willing' to meet others... but I'm not that anymore. Back then, I didn't know if I had feelings for you. I just knew I could rely on you... you were the one that I knew I could never let down... you were the one that could handle every part of me... the good and the bad. I rebelled a bit back then, especially in high school. You knew when I put on my charm personality on when I didn't want to deal with all the bad things. You knew when to push me or when to let me be alone. You knew a lot of things before I even told you just by looking at me.""I know..." Riley whispered under her breath."...When you first got together with JB... I couldn't be more than happy. My best friend found someone, and JB is a great guy. He was one of the few that understood you and our friendship dynamic. I was happy to see you smiling so bright, laughing and being yourself with someone other than me. I think over time we relied on each other too much that it made everyone feel nervous to be around. Of course, that changed when we met Hoseok and the others. But when it came to dating... I mean... you saw what happened."Riley nodded."Seeing him... it reminded me how happy you were with him. I'm sorry for acting like an asshole this morning... in front of JB... I just-"Riley put a finger to Jin's lips."You don't need to explain. I understand."

Silence.

"I saw JB during the holidays... a few days before Christmas. I bumped into Jinyoung while I was finding Christmas decorations for your apartment to surprise you."Seokjin smiled when he remembered that evening... he was shocked to see the mixed colored string lights, a small fake Christmas tree, and 3 Christmas stockings hanging on the fireplace mantle... one for him, one for her, and one for Jungkook."Anyways... Jinyoung was meeting him and other friends and lo and behold we saw each other. I... I was shocked actually... I haven't seen him in years. I didn't expect to see him now... and somehow I was glad I got to see him. Not in the way you are thinking... but JB was someone I cherished a lot... he was my #1 for a while... and to see him there healthy and happy... I was glad."Seokjin just listened, it irked him a bit but how she was describing was normal... he is her first love."It was a short interaction but I got to talk to him more the second time we bumped into each other... it was at-""-let me guess... a bookstore?"
Riley chuckled.
"Yes... it was at Twice Sold Tales. We talked a bit and that's when he asked if we can get coffee sometime. I know what you are thinking... JB wants to talk about 'us' again... but I wasn't thinking about that... I truly wanted to see how he's been. I still keep in contact with the other guys that are his friends too... Mark, Yugyeom... Jinyoung, etc. but I always wanted to hear from him... not as a nostalgic thing... but just a confirmation that he's doing well from his own words."Seokjin nodded.

"I know hearing this... you know my history with JB... how I did love him... but that is the past. I don't expect to get back together with him now that he's back in Seoul... I want to be with you... not him... you, Kim Seokjin. Like you said before. I have faith in us. We want to be with each other's side. So thank you for being strong and supporting me through this. I love this... just us." She kissed Seokjin on the cheek.
Jin couldn't help but blush at the sudden kiss.

"Ahem," he coughed... trying to regain his composure. "I mean of course. What kind of boyfriend am I if I didn't hear your thoughts.""You're too cute sometimes, you know... like quokka."

Seokjin paused at her statement.
"A quokka?""Yeah, didn't you see them when you guys were in Australia?""I mean yeah but I don't think-"Riley immediately grabbed her phone from the nightstand and searched for an image of the marsupial.
"See? Look that's you with that cute smile."

Seokjin scrunched his face."I do not look like-""-Yes you do!""First of all... I am way more handsome than that rodent.""Jin...""Second of all... he looks like he's hiding his constipation.""JIN!""-What he does! I am way hotter than that quokka! Look at me!" He immediately moved his hands around. "My body is a fucking temple and you're lucky just to be sitting on it.""Oh I'm sorry oh holy one," she sarcastically said."You don't need to say sorry... just show me.""... show you? Show you what?""Show me how sorry you are."Riley rolled her eyes and kissed him. "There are you happy, holy one?"He shook his head. "Nope... I need more than that."

"More? What else-" it clicked in her brain. "Are you seriously wanting to go another-" Jin quickly nodded his head, eyes sparkling like he's some kind of siren.“You perverted bast-” Seokjin quickly stood up, kissing Riley, both got lost in minutes from another round of making out until Riley felt something hard underneath her.

“Jin… you… how are you so- JIN!!” she shouted as he quickly moved himself into her.
"Wait... I'm not-" How quick did Riley change her mind once Seokjin started to kiss everywhere on her body.“-You are still wet, but still so tight baby,” he groaned.
“I don’t have the energy right now Seok-” she moaned as he started to angle himself in her while she sat on top of him. He was hitting her from different angles than the previous position… she felt him more inside her than ever.
"Mph... Seok... argh... right there..."He could feel her clenching.
“It’s okay, just lean on me… I'll do the work… I wanna show you how much I love you,” he huffed every time he went back into her.“I’m still too sensitive from the last one… I can’t hold it much longer.”“Same just a few more and I’ll be there.”
His mouth moved down to her breasts, he was licking and sucking on her left nipple while the right was getting massaged by his free hand.
“Seok-ahh” she was panting so much… his cock was moving in and out of her, rubbing all the edges of her core while his tongue and mouth were being generous with her chest.“Jin! I can't- you're making me full.""Just hold on for a bit more Ryles."“Umph... I-I... I’m almost there.”

After a few more grunts and moans… Riley was on the brink… Jin felt her squeezing tight on his shaft.

"Baby you can cum first-"
“-Just cum in me!”

Seokjin froze for a second.

“Wha… what?” His eyes were wide open.

Did she just say...

“-Cum in me.”

Seokjin paused his response for a moment.

“I’m not wearing a condom Riley," he seriously stated as he stopped moving in her.“I’m on birth control… just do it.”
Riley stared at Seokjin. She could see his hesitation, he didn’t want them to be stupid and not have protection, even though he knew he would spend the rest of his life with her… and maybe have 6 babies with her.“Baby it's okay. I love you…” Riley whispered to him... grabbing Seokjin’s face and leaned in to kiss him. Her declaration and confirmation persuaded him to resume his movements… Jin thrust faster than ever in her, tears were flowing down her face as she kissed him.“It’s okay, Seokjin.
Come on baby, please, let go…” she begged, reaching between them to give him a squeeze with one hand and then touch herself too before her vision went white and she pulled him against her, crying out in pleasure.

Jin suddenly came with a shout – it was unusual for him to be a little vocal… a yell wrung deep in his chest as he clung to her, their breathing was the only sound in the room. He pumps a few more before he lets go of Riley, she immediately gets off of him… sweating and panting on the other side of the bed.

Seokjin couldn’t help but look down between her legs… his and her juices mixed together… making a trail down her thighs. He never knew he loved seeing their masterpiece between her legs.
“Fuck baby you look so hot.”

“I know,” she lazily grinned. “But I need a shower… I feel gross… we got too intense tonight.”“I’m sorry, are you hurting?” he quickly maneuvered over to her to check if he gave her any bruises.“I’m fine, just- help me off my bed… my legs are too wobbly and weak.” He nodded... helping her off the bed, cradling her in his arms as he let her feet finally touch the bathroom floor tiles.“Want me to join-”“-No! I swear it will lead to more sexy time with you and right now my body can’t handle another round.”

Seokjin pouted.

“Don’t give me that look, Jin.”“What look?”“Like I’m ending our two-person party. This is your fault too.”“I mean we’ve only had like 2 and a half rounds… the night isn’t over-” “-Seokjin.” he shut his trap once he heard her serious tone.“Stay boy. Stay in the bedroom and clean yourself with the wipes first. Do not move from the bed.”“Yes Ma’am,” he said even if he knew he wasn’t going to follow with what she said.

A few minutes later Riley comes out of the bathroom, feeling refreshed and clean.

“Jin-ah, you can use the shower-” she noticed the male not in the room anymore.“Seokjin?” she called out his name.

Where did he go?

She was about to turn the knob on her bedroom door only for it to sudden open by itself. Riley was startled for a bit, but noticed her boyfriend back in the room… he already wore his boxers and had a bed tray in his hands with two green tea mugs prepared and some snacks on a white plate.

“Oh sorry did I scare you?” he gently asked.“Um no… what is-”“-I thought you might want something warm and soothing after your shower.”

She wanted to melt right there. Turn into jello at the way he was presenting himself. Still taking care of her even if he was the reason she was a tired mess.

“Awww… Seokjin, you didn’t need to.”“It was our tradition before we were a couple… tea and snacks. We were both single and went to each other's places with our valentine’s snack-pack,” he said.Riley smiled. It has been years since they’ve done it but the nostalgia flooded in.
She gave a quick peck on Seokjin’s cheek.“Thanks, babe.”“Anytime… Happy Valentine’s.” he beamed with pleasure.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

The sunlight was peeking through the slits of the window drapes… angling towards Riley’s face.
She slowly opened her eyes, adjusting to the view and room. It was a different room… all crisp and new with modern black and white aesthetics. Her eyes furrowed… unfamiliar to surroundings that bestowed on her.

She was about to move until she felt an arm wrapping tight on her waist. She slowly turned her head to her right, seeing Seokjin still in deep slumber.
He sometimes has a habit of talking in his sleep... his mumbles and snores coming out every other breath. She chuckled, running her fingers through his messy bed hair. It was partial her fault his hair was unkempt… she held tight onto them last after their intimate reunion in bed.

Oh yeah… I’m in Osaka.

--- yesterday --

A few weeks have passed since they’ve seen each other. The long-distance relationship has been a struggle. Both parties have been invested in work. Both parties both missed each other. Riley managed to find some days off where she had freedom from both her works and went to visit Seokjin in Osaka. She wanted to know how he was doing in a new city. She managed to get a whole week off, just in time for Jin to be closing a contract with an investor.
Where is she? He thought in his head. Seokjin has been waiting for his girlfriend in the baggage claim for over 20 minutes.
In his hand is a bouquet of flowers, and him wearing his comfortable attire compared to his work suits… dark jeans with a few rips on the thigh and knee, a solid dark blue crew-neck sweatshirt, his horn-rimmed glasses, and a matching blue baseball cap.

“Seokjin!” he heard her yell his name as she came down from the escalators.“Hi, sorry I had a call from work.” She was trying to adjust her dress as she hurried down the gateway once she finished her phone call.“I was worried about you.”“Sorry...I feel like I overdressed,” she joked to him after she gave a peck on the lips.

It was Springtime now, which meant warmer weather and cherry blossom season. Riley is wearing a dark blue cardigan covering a multicolored A-line dress… outline with some nautical themes which matched her slip-on sneakers. She felt a need to dress up, especially since she was visiting him in a different city… no longer familiar territory for her.

“Never… you are always looking just right for every occasion.”
“You know if you keep this up I’m going to have to expect flowers every time we see each other after weeks being away,” she said as she smelled the flowers in his hand.“Then I’ll be gladly buying them every time just for you,” Seokjin cheekily said.“You don’t need to waste so-”“-Flowers are not a waste, they are wonderful things in life that give people a sense of familiarity or happiness.”
Riley smiled and nodded.
“True… but you don’t need to give me one every time, just seeing your face is the best flower.” She pinched his cheek.“I am priceless and a one of a kind flower.” He posed his face with both of his hands displayed as leaves.“Mmmhmmm yes handsome one, now don’t let your ego inflate more.”“Let’s come to my place to drop off your things and then have lunch?”She nodded. “Sounds great.” Her fingers instantly intertwined with his as they walked together to his company car.

--- end flashback ---

So much for going out after lunch… she pretty much ended up in his bedroom once they finished eating, the cheeky male chose an eatery spot right under his Osaka apartment so he could whisk her back inside.She stretched out a bit, noting the soreness on the lower body. She felt she was going to end up staying in bed the whole entire trip if he kept up with his antics. He pretty much never left Riley’s side. He was the lonely puppy that wanted to be with his owner 24/7… to every store, to every room... he was being a puppy. Though when it came to the bedroom, he wasn’t a puppy anymore. More like a wild wolf wanting to have fun with his latest food.

A groan from Jin took Riley out of her memories of last night. His eyes suddenly wide open, staring at Riley’s face… and then looking downward to see her naked body loosely wrapped in sheets. He moved over and pulled her body next to his… him feeling her skin touch his.

“Good morning,” he said with his raspy voice as he left kisses on her back.“Mmm… morning babe,” she whispered, a bit sensitive to jin’s lips.“So much for a relaxing evening last night,” he said, Riley felt his smirk pressing.“Gee I wonder what happened?”“I mean I was totally fine-”“-You turned into a deviant the moment you took me back to your apartment.”“I did not-”“-You liar.”

Seokjin gave her an innocent look… acting like he did nothing wrong.

“We didn’t even have dinner last night!” she roared.“But... we did have dessert, ” he grinned.

Strawberries and whip cream to be exact.

“Enough with the implied sex joke.”“Hmm fine... I guess I was the one who was having fun… but do recall someone chanting out my name over and over like it was the best thing ever…” he said in between the kisses he kept planting on her, his hand moving down dangerously lower.

“Seokjin…”

“But I guess that was a dream, only poor me not being loved,” he stopped all his affection and turned away from her, digging himself in the covers on the other side of the bed. She suddenly felt cold, missing Jin’s warmth around her.
“Jin, stop acting like a baby.”He ignored her.“Jin... come on,” she said as she tugged on his arm to look at her.

Silence.

“Baby…” Riley moved over to spoon him…now it was her turn, she kissed the back of his neck.“Seokjin-ah” she lustily whispered as she nibbled on his ear.“Mmm,” the only word he said.“Babe I'm sorry… let me make it up to you.”“Mmm.”“I’ll make you breakfast.”“No.”“I’ll give you a massage… you love my massages.”“No.”

Silence.

“We’ll go to that Gundam museum today.”He instantly turned around, with a smile on his face.

“They have a new exhibition that just opened last week!” he beamed.She laughed. “Yes I know… you’ve been hinting it to me for the past couple of weeks.”

How quick for the male to change into a toddler. She couldn’t help but smile at his innocent eyes.

“Let's get ready then.”“I want breakfast,” he pouted.“We’ll get something on the way, I think there’s a cute cafe near the place.”“I want breakfast now.”“You have cereal in the kitchen?”“Nope.”“Any bread?”“Nope.”“Eggs or Spam?”“Nada.”“Do you not eat breakfast at all here?” she grilled him.
“Oh I do, but I ate all of them before you arrived.”

Silence.

“Jin, you know I can’t whip something up that fast if you don’t have anything in the fridge. We’ll just grab something on the way if we want to get there at the first opening hour.”“Oh, you can… I believe you can make me something in less than a minute,” his eyes narrowed and he gave a wolfish grin.

Riley blinked. “Huh?”

Seokjin covered his entire body into the sheets again. She was confused by his behavior… until she felt a pair of hands glide up and down her legs… and then instantly spread them wide. She lifted the sheet under her to see what was going on. Seokjin managed to move his body quickly in between her legs. His face was screaming his intentions.
“See baby, you already made breakfast for me,” he said with his face just inches from her core, and a finger gently glided over it.
She hummed, feeling the contrast of his cold finger move around her warm inner thighs.
“Oh, you’re so wet already Ryles. Last night was not enough for you?” “Seok-ah…” that was all she could say. Of course, last night was still on her mind, he kept showering her with his love... telling her all the beautiful things about what he loved about her.“You’re so pink and swollen too… just like last night.”

His mouth soon latched on her pussy, tasting every drip coming out of her.
“Hmph! Jin… fuck,” she gasped, her upper body moved up from the instant touch of his lips and tongue dancing inside of her.“Mmmm you such a dirty girl. You were wanting me to touch you again like last night… isn’t that right?” he asked as he lifted both of her legs over his shoulders.“No...noooo-” his tongue moved deeper into her.

His long tongue inside me is making me feel weird.

“Then why are you wetter? Why can I already push two fingers in you already?” As he said, removing his lips and stuck the two digits in. Riley was squirming from his touch.But she felt aroused seeing her juices on his lips… his stupid seductive puffy lips. She moved forward and instantly locked lips with him… her fingers dancing through his hair like how her tongue was with his… tasting herself.“Did you remember last night? How much you were squeezing me dry, how I felt so good inside of you… you kept telling me to go harder and faster.”

Riley’s mouth was slightly open, she was panting… she felt herself getting hotter by the squelching sound that her body was making from his fingers moving back and forth.

“Fuck,” he muttered, seeing her current state in front of him. “You get off with me talking like this to you… touching you like this, right?” his voice was turning hoarse.
“Mmph… n-no.”

She was lying.

She loves him eating her out, fingers fucking her… she was whipped for his foreplay. She craved another rough sex with him since their last intimate night. She was blushing, covering her face with embarrassment at how aroused she got from hearing him talk to her like that.

“Ryles, stop hiding this… I know you love me fucking you like this. My dirty girl likes things rougher than gentle,” he started to lick the side of her neck.A whimper came out and she nodded.“Say it Ryles… say you’re a dirty girl.” he started to add a third finger into her. Her hips immediately moved to the whim of his fingers.
“Oh fuck,” the sounds coming from her body while he was penatrating her with his fingers were making her want to come right then. She could barely see what was in front of her, other than his piercing eyes... telling her he wanted to make her come undone right now. It was too soon to be at the brink of pleasure.
“Dirty girl…” she mumbled.
She was moaning… her fingers now clutching the sheets.“I can’t hear you Ryles-”“-Yes I’m a dirty girl! Now fuck me like you mean it Jin.”

Silence.

Oh dammit I told him.

Jin couldn’t help but smug.“Repeat. what. you. said.” he calmly said, his free hand grabbed her chin and pulled her closer to his face.“I want you to fuck your dirty girl… daddy.”

Daddy.

He’s had some ladies talk to him like that before. Daddy. Master. A role play name. It enlarges any guy when they hear a girl call them that, all of them so submissive to his call.
And to hear Riley… the woman he loves… desperately calling him daddy while acknowledging she wants to be fucked raw and dirty.

He was on a whole level of sexual ego.He really wanted to prove himself to her.

“Fuck the museum, I’m having my own private exhibit with you right now,” he growled. Riley squealed when Jin started to control more of the situation… he likes to be dominant in bed when he wants to.
“Turn over baby, I want to show you a good time again.”
She listened to his command, making herself be on all fours like a dog, her legs though were already trembling. Seokjin's big hands grabbed each thigh, holding onto them and spreading them just wide enough that her body could take.
“You know what Daddy loves to do?”“Mm-me.” she said.“You’re so smart baby…” he starts leaving a wet trail from his tongue down her back.“Though, specifically… daddy loves fucking his dirty girl from behind.”
He smacks her right ass cheek, Riley yelped in surprise. He just stared at her dripping core for a moment until he noticed Riley wiggling her butt due to the lack of his touch.
“Can I fuck you like this babygirl? Is it okay my Princess gets fucked like the dirty girl she is?” his cock starts lining up to her center… he could feel the heat from her.
Riley’s mind went numb. He was talking a bit dirty… calling her his nickname, he’s calling her babygirl… princess. God she wanted to smack him from calling her that stupid name but she felt herself get more aroused by him. An imagery popped in her mind… her in an actual Disney-like princess dress getting fucked by her bodyguard who of course was Seokjin in uniform in a hallway.
“Did you just have a dirty fantasy about your daddy?” Seokjin asked, he was already inside of her… slowly moving in and out.

How the hell did he-

“You didn’t answer me when I called out… and your body started squeezing me insanely. What did you imagine?”

“No-nothing-.” God does he feel good. “-Such a liar. Don’t lie to me.” He slapped her other ass cheek.
“I’m sorry daddy,” she moaned.
“Now tell me… dirty girl… what did you imagine?”“Us… fucking each other.”“Tell me more.”“We-we were in an empty hallway…” She was panting, her hands were holding onto the headboard.“Where? In the office or at home?”

He’s expanding inside me.

“Answer the question,” he slaps ass once more.“In a castle!” she exclaimed.“Oh… a castle huh? Were you a princess and I was your loyal bodyguard?” he smirked.
“Y-yes.” she felt him going faster.“And we were doing something immoral… the princess being submissive to her loyal liegemen? Was she sucking him off, or in a bent out position being taught a lesson?”“Y-yes.” I can’t think straight.
“Oh the King and Queen must be so angry to see her precious Princess getting fucked by a lowly subject. What if someone caught them doing it right there? Right in such an open and public area?” He felt her squeezing him more.
“I can’t- you’re hitting me right there-” she was whining.“You would like that right? Someone seeing you getting ruined out in the open.”“N-no…” she didn’t realize her hips started moving back and forth with Seokjin’s thrusts.“… you like the thrill of being caught, don’t you? You are really filling yourself around me… you’re even moving yourself faster. Ryles… are you an expeditionist?” he bent over her and whispered the question in her ear.
“Seokjin, no I’m not.”“Whose Seokjin? I thought I was Daddy?”“Baby-”“-Oh no, you’re daddy is here,” he pinched her waist “so stop calling out other names.”“Mmmpph- d-da-daddy I’m close to-,” she uttered, her hands were gripping the headboard so tight."Say it… you have to say it or I won’t let you come.” He started to slow his thrusts."No, no..." she was shaking her head but her body kept thrusting back into Jin, missing his strong movements.“Your body is doing the opposite of what you’re saying… you little pervert.” “No… no... fuck!” She felt herself coming undone, her face was already on top of the pillows, her legs gave out but Jin was holding onto her hips.

Their ragged breaths and sloppy sounds from their bodies echoed throughout his entire apartment.

Fuck. I’m at my peak.

"Seokjin!" She cried his name out, a tone that took him out of the role play and acknowledged that Riley wanted him… no role play version or a different degree of him… she wanted her Seokjin right there.He stopped for a moment, before resuming his thrusts.

Did I go too far?

"Riley, it's okay I'm here baby."
He continued thrusting her but less forcefully to her worn-out body.“Seok- I’m-”“-I know… don’t worry, your precious bodyguard will always be there for his princess… protecting her no matter what,” his right hand instantly held her face towards him and they kissed. She moaned as their lips locked, she could feel him hit other angles inside of her as she started to come. Her muffled cries were drowned in his mouth.“Fuck, I’m almost there too… I’m sorry but I can’t hold it any longer.” He picked up his pace… pushing harder into her at a fast rate.“Wait... Seok- I’m cumm- ahh- you’re going too fast-.”“You are so beautiful, even when you’re making those dirty faces... you’re. so. beautiful,” he said while he was bracing himself.

“-Seokjin!”

“-Riley!”

Both shouted their names as they both were at their climax. And the beginning of day 2 of Riley’s vacation became another familiar moment of Riley not leaving the bedroom.

All thanks to her and her dirty boyfriend.

----

“Well that was fun,” Seokjin declared. He turned over to see Riley… her eyes were satisfied but annoyed at her boyfriend.

This asshole is trying to break my whole body.

At this rate, I won’t be able to move my legs.

The male just blinked multiple times…
trying to see if his brown eyes and glistening sweat coming off his body would charm his girlfriend back to forgiveness. He would find a way to apologize to her… but his “now” usual method of apology is what had got him here in the first place.Riley managed to convince Jin to get out of bed after their intense round, she told him they needed to get out the apartment. The man wasn’t as happy but he obliged to her remark… especially since she said she still wanted to go to Gundam Museum today.
Jin nodded as Riley was telling him the things to do that were around the museum, but soon he felt his phone vibrate on the nightstand.
“Ah damnit.”“Hmm, something wrong?”“It’s nothing, but it seems I have to go into work tomorrow. We’re close to having this contract signed but we are still doing some negotiations on certain things.”“Do you need any help?” she asked.He shook his head. “It's okay. I told my team to work on it, but I guess I need to go over some things beforehand. I'm sorry I know I told you I freed most of my time during your stay to be with you-”“-It’s fine… I know work is important to you. Don't worry about me… it’s not my first time to Osaka… I'll find some things to do by myself for that day,” she gave a smile.

Seokjin hugged Riley tighter and kissed her temple, they were still in bed… both still covered in their sex sweat… sheets clinging to their bodies.

“Are you sure we can’t just stay here the rest of your stay?” he stretched out and pouted his lips. Riley’s eyes looked down from Seokjin’s face to his chest.

Damn those biceps. He’s still consistently working out.

And those 6 packs. Just there out in the open… so defined… and damp…

God, I wanna lick all of those sweat drops off of them.

Wait no Riley! No! No! You will not be persuaded by Seokjin’s body again.

Those biceps and 6 packs will be there later… always here…

Riley couldn’t help but lick her lips and gulp when Jin started to remove the sheet off his entire body… showing his lower body in full view.

Maybe we can still stay indoors for one more day… just perhaps lay on top of Jin the whole day.

You miss cuddling with him, right? You miss having him next to you when you sleep… his scent surrounding you?

Maybe adding some whipped cream to his dick so you can su-
-No! No! NO!

“No!” she suddenly yelled, making Seokjin jump a bit.“Uhhh… I mean… w-we need to get out of this bed. I feel like I’m never going to see Osaka at all while I'm here,” she was maneuvering herself out of his arms.
“I thought you came to see me?”“I did… but I also want to see the sights… eat some food at least.”“Fine,” he sulked.“You're such a baby when you're in a relationship.”“No, I'm not!” he huffed.“You’re such a liar Seokjin.”“Wha-”
“-Your lips are betraying you. You bit your lip.”
His ear turned red. “Psh whatever. I’m getting out of bed... going to take a shower-”“-Hey, I get dibs on the shower! I feel gross.”

“Too late!” The male scurried off his butt naked body to the bathroom.

“Kim Seokjin, stop being such a brat!”“You mean Daddy!” he said after he slammed the door and locked it.“OMG you son of a bitch!” She was wrestling with the doorknob.
Riley could hear Seokjin sing out loud, singing about how it felt nice to be under hot water, how he’s going to buy some Gundam collections, and how his girlfriend was the dirtiest girl he’s ever seen. Riley remembered the scenes just an hour ago, how aroused she was… how she called him daddy… how she was so turned on by his dominance.

Riley’s face was beet red… “I can’t believe I told him that I’m a dirty girl. Ugh, this is so embarrassing, he’s gonna hang it over me forever.”It seems Jin was psychic, suddenly singing out loud the lyrics to Justin Beiber’s “Baby” song and changing it to “Dirty Girl.”

And I was like baby, baby, baby oh

Like my dirty, dirty, dirty girllll

Like my dirty, dirty, dirty girllll

I never thought My Riley be so dirty (naughty)

Riley was knocking on the door ferociously. “YAH stop with those lyrics!”

Luda, when I was thirteen, I had my first love

There was nobody that compared to my baby

And nobody came between us no one could ever come above

She had me goin' crazy

Oh, now she being dirty

She woke me up daily

She calling me Daddy

Gotta get me that special breakfast (Riley flavor)

Where is a knife in this apartment?!

She was at the point of breaking the doorknob and showing him who controls the relationship.
“KIM SEOKJIN, I'M GOING TO CUT OFF YOUR PENIS THE MOMENT YOU LEAVE THE BATHROOM!”

---

The couple just got out of the subway station, both holding coffee and breakfast sandwiches in their hands.

“The museum should be just another 5-minute walk from here,” Riley said as she recalled the map on her phone.

No, Riley didn’t cut Seokjin’s most valuable organ… instead, he let her flick him on the forehead 10 times throughout the whole day.
She already flicked him 7 times.
She already forgave him… sort of…

Luckily Seokjin was wearing a baseball cap, so the red mark on the center of his forehead wasn’t showing for everyone else to see.

As much as they were having fun, Seokjin’s phone kept beeping every 30 minutes… one after another messages and a few calls would interrupt their date. Jin was trying his best to not ruin the mood but the fact of the matter was this contract he is leading is a major event.
He wanted to get this contract done right now; get the other company to sign. That way he could show himself that he wasn’t just a chaebol who was privileged… that he did deserve this position based on his hard work and ethics.
“Seokjin? JinJin?”“Hmmm sorry, you were saying?”“You seem out of it… is work calling you again? I mean we can go back to the apartment and you can have a discussion with your team,” Riley said as they finished checking out the exhibit.“No no no, I told my team I would follow up with everything starting tomorrow and to not disturb me for the rest of the day.”
“Are you sure?” she felt the hesitation in his response.
“Yes, I’m positive!” he grabbed both of Riley’s shoulders. “This week is about you and me… us… it’s been too long since we’ve had a vacation with each other.”“Technically this is more like my vacation and you just being my tour guide/Airbnb host.”
“I’m sorry do you usually sex it up with your tour guide or host?” Seokjin narrowed his eyes.“You know what I mean, stop being so gross.”“Well stop making me sound like I’m a temporary person for this trip.”“Seokjin… stop diminishing yourself. I was just joking… I’m sorry I said that you’re anything but temporary,” she tried to make Jin’s lips curve into a smile. “Now smile… see look at you, you look so handsome when you smile.”
Riley couldn’t help but laugh at the awkwardly forced smile he had on his face.
“Great you’re laughing at me.”“Aww come on baby, don’t pout.” She kissed him on the cheek.
“I’ll buy you one of the Gundam figurines for you as an apology.”“If I want-”“-No, I am not buying you that 2-foot tall one.”“But it would look so cool at my entranceway-”“-You have a shelf full of these at your apartment.”“Yeah, and a 2 footer will have its own space outside of the shelf… in front of my door,” his eyes sparkled.

God damn those cinnamon swirls.

Resist Riley.

“No, no no stop giving me those eyes.”“But baby,” he was dragging the words… adhering to that little small voice in Riley’s head to let him have it. “I’ve been so good… work has been so stressful, I’ve tried to keep up with my regular routine, I’ve kept my place clean, I’ve been communicating with you constantly...” he jabbered on how he deserved that limited edition gundam model.

Run Riley.

Run away from that adorable childish cute face you love.

Don’t give in.

Don’t give-

She kept staring at Jin’s adam’s apple… just bobbing away as Jin kept explaining himself more and more.

Has his adam’s apple always been that prominent?

...I want to lick it.
Perhaps rub some strawberries leftover from last night- OMG, Riley… Why the hell am I so horny right now?
Why am I- oh shit my period is coming, isn't it?

She quickly looked at her phone calendar, and low and behold… her period was starting… the day after tomorrow.

“No, no!” she accidentally yelled… again. Seokjin just stopped talking.Her face was flushed. She was talking in her head. Wait did I bring any tampons? Omg I didn’t bring my menstrual cup. How did I forget it was this week?! I gotta go to the drug store after this. “Uh okay… we won’t get the 2 ft figurine…” he mumbled. She wasn’t really listening to him talk.

Okay after dinner, go to the drug store and then be none the wiser.

She hated her period. The first 2 days are absolutely the worst… she avoids everyone to the best of her ability… she just stays at home and lays in bed for 72 hours with hot packs… because her stupid woman body wants her to produce children and she doesn’t want to so hence the monthly shedding of the uterus.

“Riley? Riley? Can you hear me?”“Huh? Yeah no, 2 ft Gundam!” She mustered up some courage and walked away from the museum store.“Wait wait, fine I’ll get something else.”“Too late. Riley’s credit card is closed for services. Until next time.” she ushered herself out the museum.
Ahh the more I think of it the more I know- ahh this fucking cramp! “Baby! Riley! Ryles!” he chased her.

----
Eventually, Riley told Seokjin her ordeal… that her “Aunt Flow” decided to arrive a bit early much to Riley’s chagrin. Seokjin was sad but soon realized the stages Riley goes on when she’s on her menstruation cycle… 100% introvertness and 200% emotionally sensitive.
He remembered the one time he came across from her when she was on her period… he accidentally ripped part of a page on her magazine that had one of her favorite idol groups on and she blew a gasket. The poor boy felt like he was never going to see his best friend anymore after she screamed at him like a banshee and told him he was the worst person ever. As she got older, Riley found how to control her mood swings while on her period but for some reason Seokjin always finds a way to dig into her skin.
“Okay I’ll make the PMS kit!” she heard him say.“The what?”“The PMS kit,” he said nonchalantly while they went into an aisle at the drugstore. “You know… heat packs, chocolate, painkillers...”
Riley just blinked at him.
He sighed. “Look, having a best friend who is a female… you tend to notice things… especially when they start acting like they hate the world all of a sudden.”“What do you-”“-You, Miss Riley, I know how you act when you are on your cycle. You like to sigh a lot… like A LOT. And then… you don’t eat as much and when I ask you, you just brush it off as not being in the mood even though I see the side eyes you give me when I eat my lunch and then the next hour or two I see you gobbling down a can full of those dark chocolates with sea salt.”
“I don’t-” her voice went high.“-You have at least 5 cans in your food cabinet stocked at all times.”She paused before she replied. “They are just really good.”
She suddenly sighed… noting the accuracy of Seokjin’s remark.

Oh no… he’s right.

Silence.

“Baby... I love you, but I think this will be one of the toughest times for me now that we are a couple… because you become a monster to me when you’re on your period.” She wasn’t quite sure if Seokjin was being funny or being serious with that statement.

Silence.

“I DO NOT!”
Seokjin just blinked at her.Riley thought to all the times she’s been on her period… those crucial 2 days of her cycle where she is at her most sensitive. She suddenly realized how as much as she thinks she avoids everyone… it was more like how everyone avoids her… especially Seokjin.“I-I...wait so how does-”“-Oh I mass text the guys when you start showing signs,” he bluntly stated.

What the-

“Here, I found the can of chocolate you love,” he placed the item in the basket.Riley didn’t know if she should be happy or angry for Seokjin to create an exit strategy when she is on her cycle.“But… I’ve improved my sensitivity… right?” she felt embarrassed.“Yes, you have improved... with everyone… except me.”

What?

“Hey it’s okay Ryles, I know how to handle it, I’m your bodyguard… I know how to bounce back, defend myself,” he smirked. “It’s not your fault.”“What do you mean it’s not my fault? I literally make it horrible for you.”“Look those few days don't matter. I didn’t mean to make it such a big deal.”“But now that I realize it… oh my god, I’m such a bad friend,” she scowled.“No, you’re-”“-I am so sorry Jin.”“Riley you don’t act like that much anymore… I think the last outburst you had was a couple of years ago. Probably as you get older and your body starts to change-” he stopped talking when he saw how perturbed she was trying to man-splain her body.He sighed. “You get to pick whatever you want. I’ll just be down this aisle to grab snacks for us, okay?” He kissed her forehead.“Hey,” she grabbed his hands before he walked off. “... thank you. I don’t know how much you do for me without me knowing but just know I do appreciate it.”

He smiled. “I do anything for you.”

---

The next day.

He just wanted to dial down on the last drafted proposal before heading back to have dinner with Riley. He heard his phone vibrate, noticing her profile face on his screen.
“Hey, babe I’m sorry to bother you. Just checking to see if you are almost done at the office?” Riley asked.“I’m just about,” he finally noticed the time on the corner of his laptop screen. “I’m sorry for having dinner so late.”
“It’s okay. I don’t mind waiting. What do you want for dinner?”“Mmm your choice. There’s a ramen shop or a small robota place a few blocks away from the apartment.”“How about we decide when you come back to the apartment?”“Okay, I should be done within the hour.”“Okay, hurry back! My stomach is grumbling.”“Alright, I’ll see you soon baby.”“Bye!”

“Almost done,” he murmured to himself as he started typing away.

After a few minutes... a knock was heard at his office door.

“Who is it?” Seokjin asked. He was confused... Somi already left and it was way past regular office hours. An older male was at his doorway.
“Dad?” he questioned.
His dad nodded to him, closing the door behind him.
“Hey, dad... wh-what are you doing here in Osaka?”“Seokjin, we need to talk.”

Jin’s eyes furrowed.

“What’s wrong? Did something happen? Are Jungkook and Yena okay?”“Everyone is okay. I just came to check up on things here… but mostly checking up on you,” his dad smiled.“I’m fine dad… you’ve seen the reports… the branch is doing well so far.”“Yes, it is… which brings me to a question… are you happy?”“Happy? Yes, I’m happy… why? Why are you asking-”

It clicked for Seokjin.

“Dad… did you find someone for this position? Are you asking me to come back-”“-I’m asking you to stay.”“...stay? With the company right? I told you I’m not planning to leave to go for an independent one. I know Uncle Lee Hyun has been trying to persuade me to join him.”

His dad shook his head.

“Stay with the company in Osaka…”
“...Stay here?”

“Yes, son… you’ve been doing so well.”“B-but this was supposed to be a tempo-”“-I know this was a temporary position for you, I told you we’re been looking for a replacement but after talking with the other VPs, we came to an agreement to offer you this job... permanently.” “I-I dad, I still need to learn a lot... I don't meet all the requirements- I don't even have that much experience as-”“-You have proven to me and the others how your determination and hard work proves the success of this branch.”“Dad... I appreciate the gratitude but-”“-But look how you’ve grown… you are taking initiative… you are building such a great position for yourself… without me guiding you.”“Dad, I-I-”“-Your mom wanted this for you.”

Mom.

A memory of his late mother flashed in his eyes.

Silence.

“I promised your mom that I would make sure you will do well in life.”"I know... but..."

Staying in Osaka...

“Seokjin… son… you’re not a child anymore…”“I think this is a great future for you, you’re not going to get the chance back in Seoul… it won’t be for a long time until you are able to get this position again… please just think about it.”“Dad…”His dad put his hand on Jin’s shoulder. “You don't need to give me an answer right now. Just think about it… for me and your mom.” He gave a small smile.

Mom.

-----

Riley was sitting on the couch, mindless watching TV as she heard the beep from the door entrance.
“Hey, baby you’re back!” She smiled as soon as she heard his footsteps toward the living room. “I was thinking we should just order take out since it's already almost 9 and-” But that smile faded once she saw Jin’s face… tired and blank.“Jin… everything ok?” she cautioned her footsteps.
Seokjin dropped his bag next to the dining table. Hesitant to speak.
“Seokjin, what’s wrong?” she slowly walked up to him, her hands moved to cup his face… her eyes trying to lock with his, but he was evading hers.

“We need to talk.”

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

“We need to talk.”

----
“Jin?”“Seokjin?”“Hello? Hey, Jin-ah you there?”
“Huh?” His eyes finally directed to the person in front of him.

“You've barely eaten the food on your plate,” Riley said, her hair tied up in a messy bun and her fingers were in the process of deboning a chicken wing.
Seokjin glanced down at the plate in front of him. He had a couple of wings stacked on top of each other still covered in sauce… his plate looked untouched.

--an hour ago--

“We need to talk.”

It was something he unintentionally blurted once he came back. When he saw Riley’s eyes turned worried, he couldn’t tell her. The truth was that he didn't want to frighten Riley. He knew what the answer was to his dad's question. He’s planning to turn down the offer. Yes, he really loves this job… he’s grown accustomed to the title… despite the endless hours of work he enjoys all the struggles and pushes and pulls that comes with it… but he wasn't going to stay in Osaka. He wanted his life back in Seoul with the people he loves… especially with her. So why bothering telling Riley the conversation he had with his dad?
So he quickly changed his mood and put on his actor’s face… the one even Riley sometimes can't figure out.
“I've been racking in my head during my car ride back here to either want fried chicken or udon… and I can't decide… I love both,” he dramatically stated.
Riley arched her eyebrows up… trying to read Jin's face.“You are wondering whether to choose between fried chicken or udon? That's the serious thing we need to talk about?”“Yes, pretty lady… also you will have to hear me complain about me being stuck at the office instead of being by your side. It was dreadful."“Well, I’m sorry you had a horrible day. I had a great one. I went to a puppy cafe and there was this one Shiba that I wanted to adopt. Look... I got a keychain that looks just like him.” She proudly dangled the object in front of Jin’s face.“Oh, you found someone to replace me?” his eyebrow’s arched up.

“Seokjin…”

“I’m kidding… if you do get a dog, it would be able to be with you when I’m not.”“You act like I don’t like being alone or I don’t have family or friends,” she huffed.“But they can’t give you kisses or hold you close like me,” he hugs her from behind. “I will only allow a dog to get that close to you. Besides… I don’t want you to be lonely.”“Being alone and being lonely are two different things,” she turned around and pinched Jin’s cheeks. “Well let’s hope I get to see you more often once you come back to Seoul for good...”Seokjin nodded, leaning down to give Riley a chaste kiss. Riley looked into Jin’s eyes for a lingering moment.
“Are you sure everything is alright?”
“Yeah,” he said with a chipper mood. “I just really felt like I was crawling from a big hole at work… this contract is excruciating.”“Okay…”
“Let me use the bathroom first and then we can grab food,” he said before walking towards the room.Once Seokjin was out to the living room, Riley's face turned back worried. She wasn't sure of his tone and look he gave. He's putting a facade… she could tell but she didn't want to push him. He seemed to not want to talk about it.

I’ll wait for him to tell me.

He would tell me if it’s important.

--end flashback--

“Sorry, I guess the work-mind is still running,” he sheepishly replied.“I know it’s stressful, but you’re almost there.”“I know,” he said over and over to himself.
Almost there. “You’ve worked so hard for this project… I’m proud of you baby.”

Seokjin nodded his head, shooting back a wink to his girlfriend.

“Why are you so cute?” he asked before biting into his food.“I was born this way.”“Ah, just like how I was born with his handsome face.” How ridiculously accurate Riley thought to herself as Seokjin’s mouth was covered in bbq sauce. He could advertise for this like a model. “Yes Mr. Worldwide handsome,” she joked.“Hey, I’m pretty sure if I was in a boyband I would totally be the heartthrob one.”“Yes and probably be the rapper since you like to speak 1000 words a minute.”“It’s not my fault people can’t comprehend intelligence with their ears.”“Jinnie-”“-But of course you are one of the smartest people in the world, my precious,” he spoke as he leaned in to kiss her on the lips.“AHH stop! Your face and hands are all covered in sauce.”“Just lick it off with your tongue… want me to lick you first?” he smirked.
“KIM SEOKJIN STOP TRYING TO MAKE EVERYTHING SEXUAL!”

----
Another 2 weeks past since Riley’s last visit. News from the Osaka building spread to the flagship Seoul office that Seokjin and his team in Osaka managed to finalize the deal with the investor, making it a breakthrough for the entire company. Rumors started spreading that Jin would keep the mantle… turning into the golden prodigy that everyone expected of him.

Riley was proud of him. He made a commitment to the job and he accomplished so much during his short time, it would be exciting to see him keep the title when he came back to Seoul. She decided to surprise Seokjin… buying a last-minute ticket to Osaka the next day. She already got approval from Seojoon and her fellow coworkers at the dance company giggled at her impromptu meeting with her boyfriend.
She wanted to congratulate him, so she contacted Somi ahead… making sure he had some free time before she surprised him. When she arrived in Osaka the following morning, Somi managed to get the floor free from the other coworkers so Riley and Seokjin can have some free time alone. She was trying to sneak into his office, almost surprising him but as she was about to open the door and show herself, she heard Jin talking on the phone with his dad. He was pacing back and forth, speaking louder than ever... almost like he was annoyed but certain of his choice of words. She could hear a part of Seokjin’s answers.

“Dad…”“Yes, I know…”“Taking this position means I will be staying here.”“Of course I love my job, I love the city too.”“I know where I need to be.”“I do appreciate this opportunity.”“It won’t be a waste. Trust me. I know what to do.”“I think she would agree.”

Seokjin… are you planning to stay here?

“Riley-sshi?” a female voice called out her name.“Riley-sshi… what are you still outside of Mr. Kim’s office?” Somi noticed how Riley’s face was paler than before, it seemed like her eyes were watered up.

Seokjin was still having a conversation with his dad on the phone when out of the corner of his eyes, he saw a familiar dress sway at the slightly open doorway… Why is this open? he thought to himself. It wasn’t long until he realized that someone was overhearing his phone call… and that person… it had to be her… that dress... that dress is what he bought from Riley for her birthday.
“Ummm… I couldn’t-” Riley heard Seokjin stop talking, footsteps were heard walking closer to the doorway.

He can’t see me like this.

“I gotta go-” she said to Somi.“Wait Riley-sshi.”

Riley?! What is she doing here all of sudden?

“Dad I need to call you back-”Seokjin could hear his dad calling his name out on the phone. He didn’t even hang up the phone correctly, he ran out of his doorway… seeing Riley almost escaping in the elevator, pressing the lobby button so quickly before he managed to get his hand between the sliding doors and have it reopen just for him.“Riley,” he gasped as he was controlling his breathing “What are you doing h-?”“I-I um” she was mumbling incoherently.

I shouldn’t have overheard that conversation…

But it sounded like he’s accepting the job...

“Ryles, what’s wrong? Is everything okay? Why are you here-”“-Are you staying here?” she quietly asked him.“...What?”“Are you staying here in Osaka… permanently?” she strongly asked, even if her voice faltered in the last word.

And that was when the doors finally closed shut… only Riley and Seokjin were in the elevator.

“Why are you asking me that question?” He was shocked. Did she hear his conversation with his dad? “Answer the question.”“Riley you need to understand-”“-Just tell me if you are planning to be here.”“No… I’m not.” She finally looked at his face… the whole time she didn’t want to see his reaction… the reaction that he might be lying to her and trying to soften the blow about his decision.

He was concerned about her sudden appearance at the company. He gently grabbed her hands, massaging softly between each finger… he could feel the trembling… the bubble of anxiety and possible anger in her.

“We should talk Ryles,” his other hand now running through her hair.“Was this the talk we were supposed to have the last time? When you blurted it out when you came back home.”“That wasn’t-,” he saw the seriousness in her eyes. He sighed. “Yes… I wanted to talk to you about this.”She scoffed. “Why didn’t you tell me about this opportunity?”
“Because it happened all of sudden. My dad popped by the office and then talked about offering the job to me, talked about how my mom wanted this for me and I didn’t know what to do. It was all new for me to hear.”“Jin-”“-I’m not taking the offer.”
“Seokjin…”
“I’m serious… I’m not staying here.”“Are you telling me because you are sure or are you just saying this to relieve my concern?”

“Both.”

The elevator finally stopped at the lobby level. Riley slowly walked out, but not without Seokjin still having a firm grip on her hands.

“Riley, can we please talk about this later?” Honestly, he wanted to resolve it right away but he still had to make some calls at the office… it wasn’t the right time and place to have this conversation.“I… yes, sure.”“I’ll be done with work at 5. Just meet me back at my apartment.” He kissed her on the forehead before he hugged her… his thoughts were swarming in his head. What to do? Riley nodded. She gave a quick kiss on the cheek to Seokjin before she removed herself from his embrace… quickly walking away before he could see the sudden tears falling down her face.
----

~~ A few days later~~
She came back to Seoul the following day. She was frustrated. Annoyed at Jin. All the memories of being in a long-distance relationship with JB flooded her mind. The patience, the agony of not being able to hold someone, the eventual separation and connection withering away… it was painful. What hurt the most was mainly her own fault… She left the next morning without his knowledge.She kept thinking about the last conversation she had with him… the day her surprise for him turned to a big surprise for her. Riley didn’t want to talk to him; she needed space… but she kept overplaying that night over and over. She needed to release all the uneasiness in her body… so she went to the next haven for herself… at the Dance company studio.

Amber Liu x James Lee song - Alright
I know that you're hurting, taking over youFeel it in your body, everything you doYou don't have to worry, it's gon' be alrightIt might take some time, won't change overnightBut it's gon' be alrightIt'll be alrightIt's gon' be alrightI'm gon' make it right
I know you're hurting from your thoughtsToo afraid you'll never be enoughThat burden heavy, so heavy, yeahBut it's okay to take it offAnother day will try to comeI promise that you're stronger than you know

Maybe it was the song… from the beats or the lyrics… it was telling her that everyone will be okay... be alright…
The song was supposed to help ease her mind, but it didn’t… she didn’t believe it… and that fraction of a second Riley suddenly pivoted her left foot in the other direction of her body.
“Ow!”
Her coworker that was practicing on the corner of the room immediately heard Riley’s yelp and went to her side.“Riley, are you okay?”“Yeah I’m- OW!” she yelled, immediately grasping at the ball above her foot.“Oh I think you injured your ankle,” the girl tried to look at the swollen area.“It’s fine … probably just a small -OW!”“Let me get some ice for you. Stay there and don’t move.”

Riley laid there… in pain… pain from the dancing... or perhaps pain in her heart.

I’m fine.

This is just a mild injury.

I’m fine.

I’m fine.

I’m-

“-Riley?” A soft, caring tone spoke her name.She immediately looked at the person towering above her body. Hoseok looked at Riley with concerned but tender eyes… immediate turning on his teacher-mode how he sees a young student of his beating themselves upon getting a move wrong. He gently squatted down to her level.
Her eyes started to water up. The look in Hoseok’s eyes reminded her of Seokjin’s from that night.
“Riley, what happened?”“I-I… it hurts.” she broke down and sobbed, surprising Hoseok. He rarely ever saw her cry.“Oh Riley,” he said as he gently hugged her, patting her back.“It hurts Hoseok,” she wept.

“It’s okay… I think I saw Moonbyul getting ice for you to lessen the swell.”“No Hobi… it hurts."“Yeah, I know it-”
“-My heart hurts.”

Hoseok squinted his eyes. What?

“Riley, did you land weird on your stomach or back?” He looked in front and behind her.“No,” she whimpered.

Then how can her heart hurt?

“Seokjin is planning to stay in Osaka longer…”

Oh… did they have an argument?

Is that why she’s looking worse than usual?

“I think he’s not coming back to Seoul.”

“Riley you don’t know that… maybe he-”“I know I am being selfish…he’s doing so well over there… but a part of me wants him back here.”“Riley…”“It hurts… I want this feeling to go away.” she continued to cry in Hoseok’s arms.
“Hey Riley, I have the ice pack for-” the girl paused as she saw Riley holding Hoseok firmly as she cried into his chest “-you… hey Hoseok.”
“Hey, Moonbyul… can you help me? I’m gonna get her to the hospital… I think it's more than a sprain.”“Umm yeah, sure Hoseok.” Moonbyul grabbed Riley’s belongings and followed Hoseok who was carrying her to his car.

Riley felt her body drained of energy… the soreness of her ankles starting to reprise the moment she tried to move her leg. The small moans emitted out of her mouth.“It’s going to be okay Riley,” she could softly hear Hoseok’s voice as he strapped her in his car. Poor Riley he thought to himself.

----

She was at the hospital.
Amy immediately showed up after Hoseok gave her a call.“Riley... how are you, sweetie?” Her motherly affections were in full bloom when she saw Riley’s state.
Hoseok left the room so the two women could have a conversation. Riley was updating her on her last meeting with Seokjin… the surprise visit… the phone conservation… and the arguments afterward. Conflicted, Riley was reminded about a conversation she had with Amy when she and Seokjin just started dating.

-flashback to the end of last year-

“Oh my god… I’m dating Seokjin… I’m dating my best friend.”

Amy chuckled. “Yes you are, I recall you calling me the next morning after you dropped him off at the airport.”Riley was sitting comfy on a chaise that Amy has at her apartment… she was playing with the frilly ends of the pillow.“I mean… it’s good, right? That I reciprocated right? I made the right choice,” Riley asked like a teenager in love again… second-guessing every moment.“Why are you looking at me for reassurance? You should look at yourself.”“Amy come on, help me out.”“Okay… yes, you made a great choice. You’ve finally realized how much you are in love with your best friend.”“Hey don’t emphasize that. I mean… I do love him.” The saying was still new for her to hear.
Amy noticed Riley’s waver to her voice. “What’s wrong with saying you’re in love with him?”“I don’t mean it like that … I just… being in love… those words… it’s pretty heavy.”Amy gave a gentle smile. “I know you haven’t said that word in so long. And yes you’re right… it’s hard to say “in love” with someone… but that’s a good thing… it means when you say it you mean it 100%.”“Riley, I’m really happy you and Seokjin found your happiness with each other.”“Thanks, Amy… and I appreciate you and Hoseok’s help to realize it.”“We didn’t do anything.”“You did… you and Hoseok are great listeners… plus you’ve had to deal with the endless exchanges of me going back and forth about Jin.”“In the end… it all worked out yeah? You guys are starting a new life together as a couple this time.”“You know when you have kids I want to be their godmother,” Riley suddenly changed the subject.“We are talking about kids already? Hoseok and I haven’t even gotten married yet.”“Marriage can come after or before a baby… it’s the 21st century. Plus I know 1000% that you guys won’t cheat or break up.”“So optimistic Riley.”“You’re not?”“I am… I’m confident in my love for him and his love for me.”“Oy vey… you guys are too gushy with each other. I hope we’re not like you guys.”“You never know… next time we all hang out it would be you guys being all gushy and everyone nagging you to stop your PDA.”“You would how I am Amy.”“Oh yes I know you very well Riley... but you forgot who is your other half… he’s in love with you so much that he forgets everyone around.”

Riley blushingly smiled. That weirdo… he does love me a lot.

-end flashback-

“Riley? Riley?”“Are you thinking about Jin?”“-It’s nothing… just a fading past,” Riley frowned.“Riley… stop saying like you and Seokjin are over. You guys just barely started your relationship.”“And now I’m wondering if I need to salvage it.”“Your relationship?”“Yes… this battle between our friendship versus our romance.”“It’s not a battle, Riley.”“It is. Right now it is.” “I think you are making things a bit bigger than needed.”“Even if I am that’s how I am feeling… I keep fighting with myself about this… friendship… romance… it wasn’t so confusing before. There’s a part of me that wants him to chase this opportunity, he deserves that position… but… the other side of me wants him to be okay with coming back to Seoul and resume what we have without the miles of distance between us... ”“You didn’t know you were in love with Jin before, sweetie.”

In love.

Why am I second-guessing myself?

I know I am in love with him… and he is with me…

But… is that enough?

----
Seokjin was sitting at his office, playing around with the key chain that Riley gave him from the dog cafe she went to. His face was the opposite of what the cartoon dog looked like… he looked like a wounded puppy pouting while the dog had a wide smile on his face.
Would you make her happier than I could? His phone rang out, he immediately hoped it was Riley that was calling him, but instead it was his other best friend.
“Hey Yoongi what’s u-”“-Riley’s in the hospital.”

“What?!” Jin sprung out of his chair.

“She’s fine- she injured her ankle during dance practice… Hoseok drove her to the hospital. I’m pretty sure she’ll just need a cast and have to stay at home for a bit.”“Okay, umm… I-I should be there-”“-You know you can’t fly back here immediately.”“-Then what am I supposed to do? I’ll ca-”
“ -Don’t call her.”“...why not?”

Yoongi sighed. “Because Riley told Hoseok not to tell you.”“Well, then why-”“She told Hobi not to tell you… but she didn’t tell him to not tell me.”

Silence.

“So what should I do?” he gloomy whispered.“I’ll get more info from Hoseok, but right now… just stay low… looks like she's still hurting.”“I told you what happened… I didn’t choose the job over her.”“I know you didn’t… but to her, that hesitation you had seemed like you did.”

“She won’t answer my calls, my request to video chat, my messages are all unread…”

“This is a routine you guys had every time you argue… even before you guys got together. It will be fine Jin.”“Why would she not want me to know she went to the hospital?”“My guess is that she didn’t want to burden you, you already have enough on your plate with work.”
“But this is Riley!”
“Yes, it’s her… and because it’s about her, she knows you would also try to move heaven and earth to be by her side.”“But I need to talk-”

“-Hyung!”

Seokjin sighed. He knew Yoongi was right… but it still didn’t make everything better.
“I’ll stop by later today or tomorrow to see how she’s doing…”

Silence.

“Hyung… you there?”“Yeah… I’m here I just…” he sighed. “Yoongi...”“Yeah?”“Can you tell Jungkook to keep an eye on her? He knows how to make her smile.”Yoongi chuckled. “Yeah hyung… I’ll tell him.”“Thanks.”

Jin hung up the phone. The lock screen appeared on… it was a sleeping picture of Riley he secretly took… she looked perfectly graceful in his arms all nuzzled up in his shirt... He’s been desperately trying to reach Riley ever since she took a flight back home after their argument.
He was mad, angry she ran away without finishing their conversation. That was always her weakness… whenever things turn out sour with no good ending she runs away. However, even after every argument with him… she’s never run away with a lack of care.

Never.

But now…
The wheels are turning.

What happened to us talking things over… honesty and communication?

That kept him bothered in his head. That’s what they both said to each other. He was speaking the truth… the situation with what his dad proposed about staying in Osaka…
but he guessed the way he spoke misguided Riley to believe he was biting off more than he can chew.

--flashback--

They were having a calm conversation after Seokjin came back home from work, however, the more he tried to explain his reasoning… the more it became aware to Riley that Seokjin was still struggling to leave this job behind.

“You love this job.”
“Yes, I do. But it also drives me crazy.”“Jin, stop lying… I know you love how it pushes you out of the box… you thrive in those situations… you always love to be in the driver’s seat instead of the passenger.”“Yes, I do… but I can get it later down the road.”“It will take years before you can get this position Jin. You’ve always aimed to be at the top… the fastest and most efficient way.”“Riley, I know what I am doing.”“Jin-”“-Look if I said yes to this job then I would be permanently staying here for at least 3 more years. 3 more years Ryles… that’s 3 more years of us flying back and forth… us doing this long-distance relationship.”

Long Distance…

She now hated that word more than Princess.
Would it work better than what she had in college with JB? Would it work better with both of their careers?

“When we first got together didn’t we say we want to be with each other when our dreams come true? Isn’t this now then? Us doing what we want Jin?”“Ryles...”“I don’t want to be a burden for you.”
“What? You could never be that for me-”“Jin… I know you love me… but this is a great opportunity.”“Why are you trying to make me stay here… I thought you wanted me back to Seoul.”“I do… in a perfect world, you still get this title and come back to Seoul and we still get to have this.”“So are you saying you don’t trust that our relationship will last if I stay here then?”“...”“Riley…”“I’m saying that I don’t know what the future holds… and chances like these come few…”

Silence.

“I love you.”“Jin-”“-I. Love. You.”“...I know,” she whispered.“So let me decide what’s best for us.”“...”“Best for us… you mean best for you?”

He could see her eyes welling up. He stood there frozen.

“Ryles…” he wanted to kiss her. Reassure her that what just happened wasn’t going to break them. His eyes were begging her… telling her to not turn away yet.“I-I… I just need some space.” She said but was still unable to move from her spot.

Silence.

“Ryles-”“-Don’t say anything… just let me be by myself.” She said before walking out the door, her feet walking towards no planned destination… she just needs to walk… walk to figure things out.

What happened just now?

--end flashback---

Riley… please talk to me. He started to type the message on his phone… but his finger hovered on the send button. Yoongi adamantly told him to give her some space... He was always fine with space… but it was before they weren’t in a romantic relationship.
Knowing the current status… he just felt that he needed to constantly amend his comments or movements. He is still naive when it comes to being in a relationship. They weren’t in high school anymore… it wasn’t like he was choosing a different class over what she had. This was more about where he wanted to be… in work and in romance. He thought he was being mature about the situation but he knew himself that he’s been undermining how much their relationship dramatically changed in such a short time. He wanted everything to be the same as before..

His fingers kept hovering over the button.

Just press the send button.

Dammit why am I having trouble with this?

I never had a problem before…

But why does it feel like “I’m sorry” is not enough?

Are we not enough? Am I not enough?

I’m sorry.

---
1 week later, Riley still needed to rest her ankle. Luckily it was just a sprain, but since she had this on the same position before the healing took a bit longer than usual. She couldn’t go to the dance company to work for another week so most of her time was working from home. Seojoon has stopped by to give her reports so she wouldn’t have to travel to the office, he even offered to drive her back and forth if she was adamantly wanting to go back. The apartment was too quiet for her… a few items in her place kept reminding her of Seokjin… especially RJ.She was home-ridden. She needed someone to distract or send her advice but most of her friends were all busy with their own work and situations and she didn’t want to be a hassle once more with her emotions…

Everyone was busy...

Everyone except…

“This is weird that you’re asking me for advice,” said the younger person in front of Riley, eating a bag of potato chips.

“Jungkook…” she sighed.

“I mean, I really don’t have a lot of experience compared to you noona,” he muffled between chewing.“I just needed to talk to someone close to him, and also you are free to talk to right now since everyone is busy and I’m stuck at home with this stupid cast on my ankle…”
The kid just sat there and ate his chips while staring at Riley. His doe eyes questioned why his noona was asking dating advice from him. Jungkook was the baby of the group… he just started dating Jiyoon. But he guessed over the years being the step-brother to Seokjin, living with him in the same house, being completely invisible to his brother’s actions… Jungkook observed and picked up things from Jin.He heard from Hoseok and Yoongi what happened between Riley and Seokjin. He already talked to his brother last week to get his point of view. He could understand both sides, but mainly he understood what his brother was going through… that dad wanted Jin to take more of an active role at work. There was a commitment for the first son, besides being the only blood-born child to Mr. Kim, Jin was brought up to take over the company. It wasn’t news to everyone… but in a way life always gives you options and choices… paths that parents want for their children that may not be what the child wants.However, Seokjin has always wanted to go follow this path.This wasn’t forced for him to work for the family company… in fact, he’s always dreamed of working and taking over. He just didn’t expect to work internationally... away from Seoul.

He also didn’t expect himself falling in love with his best friend.

Tethering himself to choose between work and romance.

“Well noona… umm, what would you want him to do if the tables were turned?”“Uhhh... I don’t want him to regret not taking the job because of me. It’s such a great opportunity but I want to be able to be with him too… I just know I'm being selfish in wanting all. Just tell me everything.”

Stupid, that’s what he trying to do before you assumed and blew everything out of proportion.

But it’s true though, he already made his mind… right?

You just avoid it because you don’t want to hear those words come out of his mouth?

Riley… What kind of friend or partner are you if you deny him to talk?

“Just makeup with him noona. I know hyung loves you the most out of everyone in his life. We both know he may act calm and mature but when things are thrust upon him all of a sudden he tends to overthink and makes things more complicated than needed.”

Riley nodded.

“Just listen to hyung, I know you guys just need one more chance to listen to each other to be back to normal.”“Thanks, Kookie… that’s just what I needed… someone who knows him well.”“No worries… though like I said before, I’m surprised you asked me… I thought you would talk to Yoongi hyung.”“Actually I was going to message him to meet up.”“Well, If you ever need me again I’m just a few floors away from you. You can always crash at my place,” the younger man smiled.“You mean your brother’s place.”“It’s the same thing.”“Okay fine…”“Can I draw on your cast now? I can’t believe no one has drawn on it yet.”“Because no one is an amazing artist like you,” she chuckled.“Ah true words noona,” he smirked. “I’ll call Jin hyung after to tell him he’s a pabo for making you feel unhappy.”Riley ruffled Jungkook’s hair. “Thanks, Kookie.”

---
After having a talk with Jungkook, Riley found a chance to talk to Yoongi the following day. The male seemed to be craving for another cup of coffee so he picked her up at her apartment and went to Brew Haha. The skinny male just sat there and listened to the point of view of Riley… he instantly knew that both parties felt guilty for the argument but ashamed and stubborn to apologize or explain their true reasons.After her explanation, Yoongi just drank his coffee and said the first thing out of his mouth.

“Just break up with him.”

Silence.

What the-

Riley did not expect those words to come out of Yoongi’s mouth. The pure blunt monotone voice like a robot would say.
He did not just say that. She thought.

“What- I’m just stating what you want.”“That is not what I want Yoongi.”“Yes, it is... it’s true. You want to break up with him-”“-Yoongi-”“-Come on Riley.”

“-I love him!”

Silence.

“I don’t want to break up. I don’t want to lose him.”

Yoongi had a smug look on his face now... his arms folded across each other and he leaned back after sipping from his coffee mug. “See that wasn’t so hard to say.”Riley looked at him, eyes narrowed at the strange smile on Yoongi’s face.

“But you just said to-”“-Well I had to get the truth out of you fast or else it would’ve taken forever.”

Riley’s jaw dropped. You would think the group of friends would know how Yoongi likes to Psych 101 on everyone but the male-like cat always has something up his sleeves.

“You know what to say to him now right?”

That I’m so stupid.

“Yeah, you are.” Yoongi bluntly stated.“Did I... I just say it out loud?”He nodded his head. “Sometimes what you are thinking in your head... you are actually thinking out loud… loud enough that I could see.”

Riley sighed.

“Seokjin always tells me when something happens and I know he would understand if I told him something too. But somewhere in my heart… I hesitated about his trust and feelings for me.”“Why did you hesitate?”
“I-I I don’t know… I don’t think Seokjin has ever truly put a job or work over the people that he loves… but I do know that when he mentioned his mom regarding work I couldn’t help but feel sidelined.”“Riley you-”“-It’s stupid, right? It’s selfish to think I am comparing his love to me to his mom. I love his mom, I would gladly change places with her right now to make him happy.”“But…” he asked.

“But… I know whatever his mom wanted for him is what he will always strive for. If she wanted him to be something or do something he would do it. Whether it would be being the #1 swimmer in his team or the manager of his department or make the best souffle everyone’s ever tasted.”“So… if his mom wanted him to strive to be the best at work and his father… then who am I to step in and tell him not to stay in Osaka?”“Your opinion matters Riley.”“I guess-”
“-It does.”
“Seokjin would want you to listen to your thoughts and opinions… it’s not like you are against this idea or for it. He just needs to hear what you think, because regardless your voice needs to be heard.”

My voice?

“I love him… but I don’t want him to lose this great chance. He’s been working hard to prove to everyone… especially to himself that he can do it. This means so much to him and I feel like a hindrance to it.”“Riley you need to stop being so insecure about yourself.”“...What?”“Come on… this is what’s really going on… you’re insecure that Seokjin won’t need you anymore when he gets to the top. He’s pretty much there if he agrees to the position.”“I-I…”

That's the truth.

We’ve both been on the same pedestal but with work, he’s climbing up faster than ever… and I’m still figuring out both sides.

Am I capable of being by his side?

When he becomes head of the company one day… be a director, will I be able to support him?

I’m worried.

Even though we were raised the same way, our families so close… Seokjin has always stated he would take over the family company… and for me… it was more like an obligation… not want like his.

I’m ashamed… ashamed of myself for hesitating.

Hesitating about his love for me.

I wavered when he wouldn’t...

...Do I deserve him?

--- flashback to the argument---

She came back from leaving his Osaka apartment a few hours later. It was almost midnight. Seokjin just sat at the kitchen island the whole time… hoping she would come back. He heard the doorway open, he quickly stood up and tried to hug her, only to stop a foot away when he saw her face. She was still upset.

“You’re still angry at me?”She stayed silent.“Riley, when are you going to talk to me? We need to talk.”She took off her shoes and went to the bedroom.“Say something! I thought we told each other to be honest and communicate.”

Silence.

“You don’t trust me, right?” he said.She froze up and turned around to meet his eyes.“What? No!” she proclaimed.He scoffed once he saw her face. “You’re lying.”“Wh-what?”“Your left eye just flinched… it’s a tell-tale sign.”

Silence.

A fit of sudden anger got to him. He wanted to apologize but at the same time, he didn’t know why he was apologizing to her when she wasn’t even giving him the time of day to listen. He walked past her to the bathroom.“Wait Seok-” the door slammed shut.She stood in front of the bathroom door… too nervous to knock on it or turn the knob.

No...

That’s not it… I’m just scared.

Scared that he would get fed up with me…
It’s happening, isn’t it?

He’s getting fed up with me?

It’s the same as not trusting him right? Am I making things worse?

She couldn’t help but to crawl into bed and cover herself in the sheets… trying to sleep away from this horrible nightmare she was in.A few moments later, Jin came out of the bathroom… he took a shower to help relax. He wanted to think about what he needed to say… say before things took the wrong turn. Even if they already did turn in the wrong direction.He saw Riley already cooped up in the bed, covers surround her entire body except for her face.

She must’ve slept with an angry mood.

He sighed.This wasn’t supposed to happen. This wasn’t what Riley imagined with this surprise visit of hers. It was supposed to be a celebration of Jin’s first big contract and then them getting some alone time... hanging out like the old days, exploring the city, holding hands like what couples do.So why was it getting harder to do the things he wanted with the girl he loves?

He crouched down at the side of the bed she was facing, a few of the front bangs of her hair was covering her face. Gently, he moved them away, nestling them behind her ears with the rest.
“Riley…” he whispered.“Why are you acting like this? What did I do wrong?”He lightly kissed her temple, saying sorry before he went around to the other side of the bed and went to sleep.

They say never go to sleep angry. Life is too delicate, tomorrow’s never promised.

How that rule of a relationship speaks the truth.

The next morning Seokjin woke up alone in the bed. Actually alone in the apartment.
Riley left a letter on his nightstand, telling him she flew back to Seoul… that she needed some time to reflect.He stood there… frozen by the sudden chill that Riley wasn’t by his side… that she ran away…

She ran again…At the end of the letter, it said… “I’m sorry for running away but I need to think for a bit, I need space… I love you.”

I love you.

Why did he feel that was a half-truth and a half-lie?

I love you.

Then why did you leave?

-- end flashback--

“Isn’t that right Riley?” Yoongi asked.
She nodded.“He loves me… I know that… I think he would do anything for me… even turning down this lucky chance he has.”“I don’t want him to regret it… I want him to know that even if he does choose Osaka… it doesn’t mean that he’s not choosing me. Even if a part of the does feel like it is… that’s too selfish of me to say that to him. I want what’s best for him. Even if that means I can’t necessarily be with him.”“So… you want to break up with him?”

“No. It’s the opposite actually.”

Something clicked in Riley. She knew what she needed to do.

“I know what to tell him.”“...you do?”

“Yes… but he might not like it.”

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

“Mr. Kim, here’s that cup of tea for you.”“Somi, I asked for coffee.” The disappointed look on Seokjin’s face he gave to his assistant while she placed the tea on his desk… something he wasn’t asking for.
“You already had three cups this morning, and one this afternoon… I don’t think coffee is the solution right now sir.”

Seokjin reluctantly took the tea. Work has been on his mind constantly. The only thing that makes the hours and days go by faster. The only thing that can push off what he truly wants to think about… Riley. His assistant has been checking on him to the point where it looks like she’s his nanny. She doesn’t need to… it’s not in her job description… but she sensed that he was pulling away from all of his close family and friends.

He just wants someone to listen to him...

“Sir, I know it’s not my place and you don’t need to answer but… what made you love Miss Han?”A wrinkle on Jin’s forehead appeared. “Where is this coming from?”“I apologize for the personal question but… I think this is affecting your work. I know why you’ve been so tired lately yet you keep pushing yourself with these impossible deadlines. I don’t mean to overstep, but it is detrimental to your health… physically and mentally… I won’t pry anymore but I just want to let you know I am here to lend an ear too…”

Silence.

Seokjin didn’t realize the situation he put his assistant in. First the drunk behavior he had during the charity gala, and now he was putting all that baggage into his work. He felt so unprofessional but he was slightly relieved that Somi is a close confidant to him, even willing to call out all the bullshit. He paused for a bit…
trying to figure out how to sum up his reason in the best way.Then a small recollection came to him. One evening of them alone and Riley laughing her butt off as she shoved food into Jin’s mouth to shut him up. He nearly choked and wanted to put her into a wrestling maneuver but the moment he saw her face beaming and crying with laughter made him freeze.Seokjin chuckled... “It’s nothing really… I don’t know… she...”

He looked down at the cup… green tea.
“She knows me. She tells me more of what I need to hear than want. She does a lot of things for me without even realizing it… ““She sometimes just looks at me and I already know that I will feel better...”

Her eyes.

“Her eyes,” he softly spoke before his lips touched the rim of the cup.“Her eyes?” Somi questioned.
“I guess it's a blessing and a curse now. We know how we feel based on that. So we can see through each other’s lies.”“Do you think she lied to you?”“No… but I can sense her uneasiness.”

He found himself staring at his cell phone lying on the right side of his desk when suddenly Riley’s name popped up on the screen. Holy shit. He quickly tried to grab the phone, fumbling it like it was greased with oil, biting his lip… this was the moment he’s been waiting for.
So why was he nervous to pick it up?“I have some other things to finish so I’ll get out of your way sir.” Somi quickly walked away, noting the caller’s name and her boss’s changed behavior.

Breathe.

“He..hello?” He nervously stuttered.
“...Hi Seokjin.”“Hi Ryles…”

Silence.

“You have some time to meet up?” she asked.

Meet up?

“I want to talk to you in person… If you’re free this weekend I can fly over to see-”“-I’ll come back to Seoul this weekend!”“... Jin I think I should fly ov-”“-I can! Please! Just - Let me come over to you… please?” his voice was on the border of crying out of desperation.Riley gave a pause before she spoke. “Okay… I'll leave the whole weekend free… just let me know when you land.”“Right. I’ll text you my flight details.” He heard a soft hum of agreement before another silent pause came back.
“Listen Jin… I… I got injured a few weeks-”“-Your ankle, right?”“... Yeah… let me guess Hobi or Yoongi?” She said with a slight annoyance.

His silence meant her assumption was true. “I wanted to call you but they told me you needed some space.”
“I did… but I do miss hearing your voice.”“I miss you, Ryles…”“I’m sorry… I’m making this worse for you Jin-”“-You are not! I just… I want to see you again… I want to talk to you…” And hug and kiss her amongst other things he wanted to tell her.
“I need to go, I have an appointment so… text me your flight info.”“I will.”

----

“Jin… you need to breathe…”

Jin, I love you.

“Jin… let’s take a break.”

A break...

---
Anger. Resentment. Hurt. All of those feelings were flowing through Seokjin. He knew all these emotions impairing his judgment but he didn’t care. He needed to lash out. So he called the person who was ruining his relationship with Riley.

He called his dad.

“Seok-”“-What did you say to her dad?!” his voice was blasting his father’s eardrum.“Seokjin you don’t have the right to yell at me-”
“-What did you say to her?!”
“Seokjin!” his dad roared, making Jin stop talking. However, Mr. Kim knew by the level and tone of his son’s voice… he could feel the hurt and sorrow.

The pain...
“What happened?” his father calmly asked.

“She wants to break up...”

“Oh son…”“Oh? OH? That’s all you have to say?” Mr. Kim could hear his son panting with anger and frustration.“Dammit, dad I’ve never gone against you. I’ve always listened to you, I have been a good son and followed your ways… but this…”“Son…”“You can’t just hurt someone I care about just to make me stay in lane.”“I don’t know what you mean but I didn’t hurt her-”“Yes, you did father. You insulted her. You said something to make her feel vulnerable and lose confidence in herself..”“That wasn’t my intention-”“ -You hurt her. You hurt my girlfriend. You hurt the one person whom I cherish.”“Son-”

“-Riley is my everything.”

“What did she tell you?” his dad curiously asked.

--- flashback to a few hours ago ---

Jin, I love you.

“Jin… let’s take a break. ”“Wh-wha- what are you talking about?”

Riley didn’t want to meet him at the restaurant or any public area to talk about this. This awkward conversation topic. The thing she knew would make him unravel.
He texted her a day before with his flight. She told him she wanted to meet him at his place. She needed a location to be an environment both familiar and intimate to have this discussion.

Don’t freak out Jin. Please listen to my words. She echoed in her head.

“I said… I think we should take a break from each other. Just for a few weeks or so. To focus on our careers for now and-”Riley kept talking but after she said “ break ” the rest of the words preceding faded into white noise. Seokjin was flabbergasted.

Break?

Take a break?

From what?

What the hell?

“You just said I love you to me and now you want to take a break?” Jin said with distaste.“Yes.”“That is the complete opposite of-” “No, it’s not.” She confidently said, “There are things in life that won’t be easy. And I think if we took a break from us it would help relieve the tension.”“What tension?”“Our lifestyle. Our careers. I feel like I am walking on eggshells for a while and after talking with your dad-.”“Wait- my dad? What does he have to do with our-”“-He doesn’t. He just talked to me about the company and how things are progressing-”“What did he say, Riley?”“Just your typical news regarding the company.”“I know that's a fucking lie. What did he say?”

Silence.

“He has a plan for the company… and that plan involves a lot of things… involving you.”“Did he tell you-”“No, NO. He did not tell me to break up with you. He didn’t force or convince me to think that, Jin. That is not your dad at all.”“Then why-”“I think this is a perfect time for us to concentrate on our careers. Not just you but for me too.”
“Why can’t we still be in a relationship? There’s this thing called the long-distance relationship aka what we’ve been doing.”“I know but -”“-Riley we’ve been known each other since we were toddlers, we officially been in this romantic relationship together for over 6 months, why are you-” “-It’s easier this way right?” She suddenly squeaked to cut Jin off.
“This relationship is still new… this romance… but our relationship… our friendship… it's been lasting our whole entire life… I don’t want to ruin that. I feel like we’re pushing and pulling each other in the wrong direction lately. We haven’t called or messaged each other as much. We keep talking about small topics of conversation… I don’t feel like we’re us again.”
“So you want to break up?” his voice cracked.“No. Not a break-up, just a pause. I want to talk about this. Seokjin it’s just a tempor-” She tried to cup his face but he stepped away from her.“No… no… we’re not breaking up. I’m not agreeing to this.”“Listen to me. I’m not saying we should break up. I’m saying I need some-”“-People break up after taking a break.”

Silence.

“Jin…”“-You’re telling me, that I flew back here to have this one-to-one talk… about us breaking up?”“You are misinterpreting what I’m saying. I am trying to tell you-”“Y-You have to go.”“Babe-”“- If you want to keep on trying to tell me that taking a ‘pause on our relationship’ is good for us then no- I am not.”“-Seokjin please listen to me-”“-NO! I don’t want to hear all of this nonsense.”"-Listen Jin-" "-Please go." He pointed at the doorway. His head down facing his wood tiles.

Silence.

"Just please… go. I can't… I can't talk about this… I don't want to…" he was breaking, he could feel himself get shattered into pieces by the idea of breaking up… losing her. She slowly walked away and closed the door... exiting out of the apartment but she couldn’t move away from the door. Riley wanted to go hug him, but she knew it would make things worse… the action will make it harder for Seokjin to understand that they needed to have some time apart.“You’re building something there Seokjin… and you deserve to see where it takes you. Think about it… everything to this point… we’ve helped each other get to this point. I am so proud of you. I want us to work. I don’t want us to break up. But I need to find myself. We are not on the same level and it’s selfish of us to think we can continue this cycle. I want us to move forward together. Once the ground is steady and calm… we can come back to us. I am not leaving you… I’m still crossing that line with you… I’m waiting at the finish line.”
Seokjin stayed quiet and still through her talk.
“I think it is for the best,” she quietly whispered. “When you want to talk just call me. I’ll go to you…”And just on the other side of the door… punched the wall… leaving not much of a dent but his knuckles took the majority of the hurt… bruised and bloody.

A dark cloud loomed over his head.

--- end flashback ---
“Why dad, why did you have to say something to her?”“Seokjin, I don’t want to tear you guys away from each other… but the reality is that this job will lift you to a place that won’t come in a long time. And I think Riley understood.”Mr. Kim could hear how wrecked his son was.“Seokjin…I don’t want to play favors just because you are my son. You worked so hard, you made yourself without depending on me… on your name… you deserve this.”

Deserve?

Do I deserve this?

Do I have to choose?

----------

-flashback to a few months ago-It was a quiet evening…Seokjin did a surprise fly back for the weekend. He wanted to relax. The only solution… spending time with his favorite person. After taking a shower, he walks out… trying to find Riley. The TV is still turned on in the living room, he finds RJ plopped on the couch. He turns around the corner to see Riley in her small kitchen, humming and cutting various cheeses on a wooden board.
He gives her a back hug, inhaling the fresh shampoo scent in her hair.

“Riley.”“Hmm?” Her mind was busy cutting the cheese into perfect bite-size pieces.“I really like you.”She smiles.

“I know,” she said as she was trying to finish plating the charcuterie board. Seokjin started to give butterfly kisses on the back of her neck, around the parts of her shoulder in which he would move the strap of her thin blue tank to the side. He could see the goosebumps showing on her skin as he teasingly placed kisses everywhere. He saw the stiff shadow of her nub appearing through her tank.

Silence.

“Seokjin.”“Hmm?”“I really like you too,” she turned towards him… stuffing a cracker in his mouth instead of kissing him.“You know… if there is ever a time when we decide to break up…” she softly said.“Why are you bringing this up?” he mumbled as he stole a piece of cheese from the board.“I just…”“Is it because of that movie we just watched?”“I just... okay, yes. I mean we both watched it and yes it was cheesy but it made sense.” She couldn’t help but talk to him about a serious topic.
“...Promise me that we'll still be there for each other… like before?”

“I mean, that won’t ever happen but I promise,” he gruffed. “I’m hungry.”
“I know and that is why I made this charcuterie plate.”“But I want something more flavorful, something that really is a one-of-a-kind taste…” his eyes were in predator mode, finding his most favorite prey… her. “Okay horny man, back up.”“But it’s been so long,” he whined.“Excuse me, we just did it the other day.”“That was a morning quickie… but this one…” he pressed her up against the kitchen island “I want to give you a proper moment… dedicated all to your likings.”
He moves forward and plants soft kisses on her lips, his hands making their way massaging her stomach and waist until it moves up to cradle her breasts. It was one of her favorite touches from him, his big hands massaging her breasts like they were the most fragile and delicate things in the world before he attacks them with his lips.
“I hate how you know my weak points,” she moaned in between her words. Jin kept her silk tank still on her, his mouth nibbling on her left nipple through the silk tank, the friction between was making her go crazy.“You know mine… it’s literally all of you.” His other hand trickles down between her legs, grinding up and down her laced-covered region. “Especially this area… it’s one of my top 3 places.”“Seok-ah, you are so evil-”“Just promise me we won’t ever break up,” his finger slowly moved past the lace to her warm cavern.“Jin-” she was whining, she couldn’t believe how wet she was; all those sounds were coming from her and his movements.
She was trying to hold her moans to herself, not trying to give in… but seeing Jin with his driven eyes lusting at her is the hottest and most romantic thing she’s ever seen. The way his fingers were touching her, in and out… he propped her on top of the kitchen island and was ready to devour her like cheese on the platter.
“Come on Princess, tell me what I want to hear,” his thumb put some pressure on her clit.She felt she could never win if he kept treating her like this… but she's addicted. The way he treats her... she couldn’t face it if one day he didn’t look her in the eyes like that anymore.

He is her weakness.

“Yes, we won’t break up. We won’t ever. Now stop being a devil and make me feel good as you mean it.”He couldn’t help but grin. “As you wish.”

--End flashback--

“So much for promises,” he bitterly said just before taking another shot of whiskey.Seokjin stuck himself into the closest bar he could find… he found a stool in front of the bar table and asked for shot after shot of alcohol to numb himself.“Hyung,” a familiar voice called him on his left.“Hoseok? What the fuck are you here? How the hell did you find me?” The thin male hovering next to him looked like he rushed here from whatever he came from.
“Yoongi told me to get you. He couldn’t because of work.”Seokjin forgot that he called and left a drunk voice message on Yoongi’s phone.“I’m fine man.” he chuffed at his friend before taking a swig of the beer in his hand.“Hyung come on… stop drinking for a moment… let’s get some fresh air.”“I don’t want to go, Hobi.”“Seokjin hyung…”“Wh-why did she not want to tell me she was injured? Why did she want to break up with me?” he kept mumbling to himself.Break up? Hobi thought. It was unlike Riley to make that decision, especially the last time he talked to her.

“I don’t think she does hyung-”“-She said it to my face… she said we needed a break.”“But that doesn’t mean-”

“IT ALWAYS MEANS WE’RE DONE!”

Seokjin immediately called for the bartender for another drink but the employee didn’t, instead told Hoseok how much his buddy had and he was cut off.“Okay hyung,” Hoseok grabbed Seokjin, putting himself underneath Jin’s arm. “If you want to drink then fine I’ll go find a place with you to do so but not here. Let me take you somewhere else.”

Jin was already tired, depleted of strength to fight off Hoseok. As they left the bar, Hoseok had a bit of a problem holding his drunkard friend while walking. God, he packed on some pounds
“Oh Hobi hyung… and Seokjin hyung.” A familiar voice came up to him. Hoseok lifted his head up.“Oh, Taehyung… and Jimin,” the two same year youngsters looked bewildered at the two older friends in front of them.“Jin hyung… are you okay?” Taehyung asked with concerned eyes.“Do I look like I’m okay Tae?” Seokjin’s eyes were clearly not directed toward the gentleman and instead to the concrete floor.“Oh god I'm going to throw up,” Seokjin said once he breathed in the fresh air and the alcohol started to flow in his bloodstream. He ran to the side of the alley next to the bar… barfing out what was the last drink he had…
Oh geez. Hoseok thought.
“Let me drive my car out front,” Hoseok said. “Can you watch him for a moment? My car isn’t far from here.” Both of them nodded their heads.“Hey, there’s a min-mart across the street... I’m gonna grab some towels and water for him,” Jimin said. “Tae, can you stay with Jin-hyung?”Taehyung nodded.
Jin groaned as he almost stepped on his puke if it wasn’t for Taehyung guiding him away from the spot.“Let’s wait here hyung.”“Mm... Tae…”“Yeah hyung?”“We’re friends right?” he lazily asked, eyes still half-lidded and unfocused.“Yes, hyung. I mean we haven’t seen each other in a while since you left Osaka.”“But still… even if we haven’t seen each other in forever… once we do see each other… we’re still friends yeah?”“Yes hyung… we’re still good.”“Tae…”“Yes hyung?”“So if we were in a romantic relationship and you suddenly told me we needed a break from me due to the long distance but we've known each other since time has existed… wouldn't you feel like you're being ripped apart into a million pieces?““I mean... yeah I guess?”“Right? Like it’s justifiable that I put a stop to that idea.”“I mean if both sides were heard and-”“And Taehyung… did you know just beforehand we were in love. ARE in love. Like I made sure that she was getting all the attention she deserves. I made sure to reach out 24/7 so she wouldn’t feel lonely.”“That’s nice of you hyung. Although if you are talking about Riley noona, I’m pretty sure she’s not lonely-”“-I mean I know how to be a good partner right?”“You’re a good friend hyung.”“Tae…”“Yes, hyung?”“I miss hanging out… you would always laugh at my jokes compared to the rest.”“You always have funny jokes.”“Why couldn’t I fall in love with you and have you be my girlfriend?”“Hyung, I’m pretty sure you’re not gay and also in love with Riley noona.”

Seokjin started to lean on Taehyung, his head was slouched on Taehyung’s shoulder.

“Tae… you smell good. What’s that smell?”“Actually I got some sapling scent because I was trying to catch some beetle bugs today.”“Guess you caught the biggest bug… me,” Jin laughed. “Haha get it? I’m the huge bug you caught.”“Yes hyung.” Taehyung looked back to see Jin all quiet now, softly sleeping on his shoulder.“Tae!” Jimin yelled.“Hmm?”“Jin hyung is asleep already? You were supposed to keep him awake until we got back to his apartment.”
“Oh but he was so tired and he kept nudging his face in my shirt like a cat. Plus, he said I smelled nice… so I think my scent got him in a lull,” Taehyung smiled.
Jimin wasn’t surprised by Taehyung’s statement… he somehow managed to get everyone to a calming presence when he’s around.

A honk and car lights came from behind them. Hoseok got out of the car.
“Sorry, I almost forgot where I parked my car. Let’s get him in.”

----

Hoseok was planning to drive Seokjin back to his apartment, but the older male kept grumbling so Hoseok drove him back to his and Yoongi’s place.

“Hyung, you are really lucky Yoongi isn’t back from the studio.” Hoseok laid Jin on the couch, taking off Jin’s jacket and shoes and grabbing a blanket and pillow from the closet.
“Oh whatever, that short piece of cookie thinks he’s so tough but he’s just all marshmallow.”

Hobi rolled his eyes, leaving Jin to himself before coming back with a glass of water. He commanded Jin to drink it, which surprised him when a drunk Jin obeyed. He figured once Seokjin threw up all the alcohol in his system, his body and mind eventually started to become more aware of his surroundings. Although, Hoseok could only hear a few words that Jin kept saying… something along the lines of “love”, “hurt”, and “trust”.

“Jin hyung, you should know this… but what you and Riley have is real love,” Hoseok. “It’s a story I think most people can relate to… it's not love at first sight.”“Everyone enjoys love at first sight, especially you Hoseok.” He growled back and turned his face away from Hoseok, huddling himself in the blanket and couch.“Yeah, but it doesn't happen often. How many people you know in your life have said they met the love of their lives at first sight?”“You and Amy and my parents.”“... Okay besides me and your parents… who else?”“Uhh… tv shows, movies, all those songs and fanfiction stories about love at first sight?”
Hoseok sighed. This is going to be hard to get through to him…
“The point I’m trying to say hyung is… your story with Riley is a story of real love , forged through trust and shared experiences. There are always going to be ups and downs hyung…there is no such thing as a perfect relationship. But most importantly... knowing that in the end, you’d always be there for one another.”“She’s not here though…” he mumbled through the blanket.“Just because she’s not literally next to you doesn’t mean she’s not with you. Hyung, you know how much guilt she feels if you decide to stay here in Seoul just for her? She’s trying her best to fulfill her passions with dance and obligation to her parents… don’t you think having you stay here because of her makes her feel selfish?”
Seokjin didn’t realize it until Hoseok pointed it out.
“You mean- she’s hurting more if I’m here?” his head finally peeked out from the blanket.“She’s hurting more because you are focusing everything on her instead of working alongside her. There is pressure she has that she doesn’t want to admit to you. She loves you but is stubborn to admit that her greatest weakness is falling behind you. Even when I asked her what’s going on she blamed it on herself for not putting enough in the relationship as you are.”“I’m not making her-”“I know you’re not- intentionally…
but think of your actions. You fly whenever just to see her… you’re incredible at multitasking for work but you make your schedule go around her. Your life is starting to spin like she’s your sun. It’s noble of you of your dedication but hyung… this is Riley… from all these years I’ve known you and her… just a simple ‘hi’ or a look from one of another…
you guys have been content with.”

What am I doing? Seokjin said to himself.

“Love can make things complicated, it can make every choice too fragile with consequences...” Hoseok softy spoke. “But… love also gives you the push for the things that’s worth it, right?”

Worth it?

Riley is worth it.

Come on… you know Riley, she wouldn’t say something without thinking it over. You were just too prideful to hear her.

“I am hurting her… aren't I, Hoseok?” Seokjin asked after recalling his blow-up at her.
“You are if you don’t actually see and listen to what she is trying to say… as a man who is also in love, my advice… give your partner the communication she deserves, even if you don’t agree with what she says… you need to respect her opinion, otherwise you’re doom to fail.”

The day started out with Seokjin being hopeful to resolve his argument with Riley, only to be followed with a sense of betrayal from her and lead to denial and hurt. He didn’t know the difference from left to right at this point.

Am I being that selfish? Seokjin thought to himself.