"What do you mean?" Bo Hyun's question is tinted with suspicion, a hint that perhaps there's more on his mind than he's willing to let on at the moment. Your drunken state, however, doesn't deter you from pressing forward with your accusations, even as Miyeon tries to defuse the situation.
"Please, ignore her; she's very drunk. It was a long night for us. We need to go home," Miyeon attempts to intervene, her glance at you conveying a mix of concern and desperation for Bo Hyun's understanding and assistance.
"No, we aren't going home just yet," you insist stubbornly, frowning at Miyeon's attempt to cut the confrontation short.
"I met Mr. Lee, your COO. He told me everything about you!" Your words, meant as a reprimand to Bo Hyun, carry the weight of your newfound knowledge, sparking a reaction from him that blends realization with a curious sort of relief. An unknown relief hinting he thought of something worse than what you revealed.
"Let me take you home," Bo Hyun offers, shifting gears from defensiveness to a more caretaking role. His inquiry to Miyeon, "Are you both friends?" is met with a simple nod, an affirmation of the bond between you two, however unlikely it may have seemed to him at the moment.
"Hold her for a second; I'll go grab a shirt and car keys," he instructs, his tone leaving little room for argument. Miyeon, understanding the urgency and the need for action, nods vigorously, taking temporary charge of you as Bo Hyun disappears to prepare for the drive home.
When Bo Hyun returns, the haste with which he's dressed, his shirt half-buttoned, signals his rush to ensure your well-being. "Alright, let's go," he declares, lifting you up in a bridal style to carry you to his car, a gesture that speaks volumes about his concern. Miyeon, taking her place in the backseat, observes silently as Bo Hyun settles you into the passenger seat, your consciousness fading.
She can't help but smile softly as she watches Bo Hyun fasten the seatbelt around you with care, ensuring your safety before he returns to the driver's seat. His worried glance towards you, the gentle way he moves your hair from your face, reveals a tenderness that seems at odds with the night's earlier chaos. His eyes speak many languages of care and concern as he checks on you every now and then throughout the drive.
Bo Hyun's drive to your house marks the end of a long and tumultuous night. With Miyeon's assistance, he carries you, now asleep, into your home, his actions reflecting a blend of concern and determination. Miyeon, exhausted from the events of the night, finds a moment of respite on your couch, hydrating and catching her breath as Bo Hyun navigates your home, seeking out your bedroom to ensure you're comfortably settled for the night.
Finding your bedroom, Bo Hyun gently places you on the bed, a simple act of care that seems to awaken you from your semi-conscious state. In a moment of vulnerability, you grasp his chain, an instinctive act that keeps him close. The intimacy of the moment is palpable, with both of you locked in a gaze that seems to bridge the gap between confusion and understanding.
"Why are you so gentle?" "So caring?" "Why can't all guys be like you?" you whisper, your words barely audible, a question that speaks to the kindness Bo Hyun has shown despite the night's earlier chaos.
"Y/N, we will talk tomorrow. Go to sleep," he responds, his touch gentle as he moves a strand of hair from your face, his hand lingering in a soft caress. The tenderness in his gesture is a balm to the whirlwind of emotions swirling within you.
"Can you stay?" you murmur, your gaze flitting between his eyes and lips, a silent plea for reassurance. "I'll be right here until you fall asleep," Bo Hyun promises, his words carrying a weight that feels both comforting and solemn.
"Are you mad at me?" you ask, a hint of concern threading through your voice. "Why would I be mad at you?" he counters, his expression softening, the brief frown giving way to a look of gentle inquiry.
"Bo Hyun-ssi..." you call out to him, drawing him closer with your words. "Y/Nâ" he starts, perhaps to remind you to rest, but you bridge the remaining distance between you, your lips meeting his in a kiss that's both impulsive and filled with the complex emotions of the night.
The kiss you share with Bo Hyun, while soft and tentative, carries an undercurrent of deeper emotions, a silent exchange of comfort, and a search for connection in the midst of a whirlwind of feelings.
Your actions, driven by a mix of vulnerability and the night's intoxication, draw you closer to him, seeking reassurance through gentle, repeated kisses. As your head finally rests back, supported by his steady hand, the world seems to pause, the earlier chaos fading into a distant backdrop against the immediacy of this connection.
Bo Hyun, visibly taken aback by the sudden intimacy, finds his heart racing, a complex blend of surprise, concern, and an undeniable warmth filling him. Despite the unexpectedness of the moment, he consciously refrains from deepening the kiss, acutely aware of the influence of alcohol on your actions. His decision not to kiss you back, a testament to his respect and care for you, doesn't stem from a lack of emotion but rather a deep-seated sense of responsibility and integrity. He allows the moment to unfold, a silent observer to your vulnerability, providing comfort without overstepping boundaries.
As he gently lowers your head onto the pillow, Bo Hyun's presence remains close, his gaze lingering on your face with a tenderness that suggests a reluctance to end this moment of unexpected closeness. The room is charged with a silent understanding, a shared vulnerability that draws you both into a bubble of intimacy, separate from the night's earlier turmoil.
In a final, tender gesture, Bo Hyun plants a soft kiss beneath your eye, near your noseâa simple act that carries the weight of unspoken promises and care. This moment, delicate and profound, is momentarily interrupted as he realizes your grip on his chain hasn't loosened. Faced with the dilemma of forcing your hand open or leaving a part of himself with you, he chooses the latter, delicately removing the chain he's never seen without and leaving it in your grasp.
"Goodnight, Y/N-ah," he murmurs softly, a hint of lingering connection in his farewell.
Noticing Miyeon's form, exhausted and asleep on the couch, underscores the night's toll on all involved. With a final, caring glance back at you, Bo Hyun ensures the safety of your home, locking the door with a careful, protective gesture before departing into the night.
This moment of intimacy, punctuated by Bo Hyun's thoughtful actions and your shared vulnerability, leaves a tangible sense of connection that lingers in the air, even as he steps back into the night. The chain, now resting in your hand, serves as a silent reminder of the night's complexities, of the care and respect that defined Bo Hyun's actions, and of the emotions and questions that the coming dawn might unveil.
***
The next day brings a mix of sunlight and a slight headache, a souvenir from the night before. The sun sneaks through the curtains, gently nudging you awake with its beams landing softly on your face. As you blink open your eyes, trying to adjust to the light, there's an unmistakable freshness to the morning. It feels like the start of something new, a feeling that lifts your spirits without you quite knowing why. You take a moment to soak in this sense of optimism, lying comfortably in bed, embracing the warmth of the morning sun.
Your peaceful morning takes a slight turn when the door to your room creaks open. The surprise of someone entering is brief because you live alone, but then Miyeon appears. She's a sight, still in her party dress and makeup smeared, looking much like you feel. Any initial shock fades into amusement as you take in her groggy yet contented state.
"Good morning, baby. Welcome to the first day of your freedom," you say to her, your voice tinged with warmth and a bit of playfulness. You're still stretched out on your bed, comfortable and relaxed. Miyeon's reaction is pricelessâa sleepy smile spreads across her face, and she manages a little dance of happiness, even though she's clearly running on low energy.
"I am so happyyyy," she declares, her voice filling the room with a burst of joy. In the next moment, she's jumping onto your bed to hug you. It's a moment of pure, shared happiness that seems to brush away any remnants of the hangover or the chaos of the night before.
This simple morning interaction, the laughter, and the spontaneous hug feels like a light-hearted confirmation of the bond you share. It's a moment that marks not just a new day but a new chapter, filled with hope and the promise of moving forward from whatever challenges you've faced. As you both revel in this feeling of happiness and relief, it's clear that whatever comes next, you'll face it together, supported by the strength of your friendship and the shared joy of this new beginning.
Lying there in the comfort of your bed, with Miyeon's arms wrapped around you in a protective and warm embrace, the world outside feels distant and muted. Her voice breaks the silence, a soft murmur close to your ear. "Y/N," she calls out gently, her presence a reassuring weight against your back.
"Hmm?" you respond, half in the lingering fog of sleep and half awake, cherishing the closeness and the unexpected depth of the bond that has formed between you two.
"We haven't really spent a lot of time together, but it feels like we've been sisters for a long time," Miyeon confesses, her words slow and thoughtful. There's a pause, a moment of silence that lets her words hang in the air, imbued with the weight of shared experiences and unspoken understanding. "Thank you for coming into my life. You and Hyeyeon are my long-lost sisters," she adds, her voice tinged with a mix of gratitude and a newfound sense of belonging.
"Welcome to sisterhood, where we are always there for each other," you reply, the words coming naturally, a testament to the bond that has indeed made you feel like sisters. There's a strength in this newly forged connection, a promise of unwavering support and shared moments yet to come.
"Hyeyeon is so lucky to have you since her childhood," Miyeon muses, her words stirring something within you. At the mention of Hyeyeon, your thoughts drift to your best friend, and your eyes snap open, focusing on the sunlight that now seems too bright, too insistent.
The memory of Miyeon mentioning Hyeyeon's upcoming marriage suddenly floods back, casting a shadow over the warmth of the moment. The realization that you won't be there for one of the most significant moments in Hyeyeon's life hits you sharply. It's a scenario neither of you ever envisioned; growing up, you'd imagined celebrating such milestones together, side by side. The thought of Hyeyeon, alone in the crowd on what should be one of the happiest days of her life, weighs heavily on you.
"Miyeon," you say, urgency creeping into your voice as the realization of what you need to do settles in. "Hmm?" she hums back, her voice sleepy but curious.
"We have to hit the road. My best friend needs me right now," you announce, the decision firm in your mind as you push yourself up into a sitting position, ready to face whatever comes next."Oh, that's right!" Miyeon responds, her own sense of urgency mirroring yours as she quickly sits up, the grogginess of sleep fading away. "Let's do this," she says, a newfound excitement in her voice at the prospect of the journey ahead.
"But first, can I borrow your clothes?" she asks, her request accompanied by a squiggly smile, a hint of the bond that has formed between you two in such a short time.
***
As you're getting ready to leave, pulling your shorts up your long legs and lacing up your shoes, a moment of unexpected discovery halts your movements. Kneeling down to adjust your footwear, a sparkle catches your eyeâa glint of something out of place on your bed. With a frown, you reach out, curiosity piqued, and your fingers close around a platinum cross-chain, its cool metal surprisingly heavy in your hand.
You hold it up, the chain dangling and catching the light, throwing sparkles around the room. As you stare at it, trying to place its familiarity, images of Bo Hyun wearing this very chain flash through your mind. It's a piece you've seen him wear countless times, a constant presence around his neck.
That realization triggers a flood of memories from the night before, the events cascading through your mind until they snap into sharp focus. "Oh no," you mutter to yourself, the weight of the situation settling in. The chain, a tangible reminder of Bo Hyun's unexpected care and presence in your life, now feels like a symbol of the complexities and connections that the previous night has woven into your life.
Holding the chain, you're caught between the urgency of the present moment and the reflections of the past, a reminder of the connections you've made and the promises that linger in the air. With Miyeon waiting and your resolve to support Hyeyeon pushing you forward, you're faced with the immediate need to act, even as Bo Hyun's chain serves as a poignant reminder of the intertwining lives and shared moments that define your current reality.
***
Before leaving the house, you had made a personal decision. The decision to wear Bo Hyun's necklace feels instinctual, a mix of not wanting to lose something so valuable and, perhaps, a deeper, unacknowledged desire to keep a piece of last night with you.
As you both navigate the journey back to face Hyeyeon's upcoming wedding, Miyeon's voice cuts through the hum of the road, her concern tangible in the cramped space of the car. "Do you think I should call Taehyung? It's bugging me that he hasn't called me yet," she muses, her fingers nervously dancing over her phone screen. Your acknowledgment is barely audible, a distracted "hmm" that barely reaches her, your mind a whirlpool of thoughts and reflections, especially those revolving around the events involving Bo Hyun the previous night.
The road ahead seems to blur as your internal debate intensifies. Should I call Bo Hyun? Maybe a text to apologize? What's he thinking about me now? The memory of the kissâa moment of vulnerability and impulsivenessâplays on a loop in your mind. He's my boss, for heaven's sake, you chide yourself, regret mingling with confusion over your next step.
"Y/n... Y/n!" Miyeon's voice, sharper this time, breaks through your reverie. "Yes?" you respond, a bit startled, feeling her gaze on you. "What's wrong?" she probes, sensing your disquiet.Taking a deep breath, you finally voice the turmoil within. "I kissed him last night," you confess, the words heavy with mixed emotions.
"Jungkook?" Miyeon straightens up, her interest piqued, misunderstanding your vague confession.
"What? NOOOOO," you correct her in a rush, your voice pitching higher. "Bo Hyun-ssi," you clarify, the admission feeling both liberating and embarrassing.
"Well, was it good?" Miyeon's question is startlingly direct, her curiosity unfazed by the gravity of your confession.
"Miyeon!" Your surprise at her question is evident, a mix of shock and a slight sense of outrage at the thought. "I hate that I kissed him," you admit, the words tasting bitter as they leave your lips.
"Relax, Y/N. We've all been there," Miyeon tries to soothe your frayed nerves, her voice grounding amidst the chaos of your thoughts. "What matters is what happens next. What do you want to do? Do you want to apologize and end it right here, or do you want him to ask you out?" Her questions, practical and pointed, aim to cut through the confusion, offering you a moment of clarity amid the storm of emotions.
Her words, though simple, carry the weight of wisdom, reminding you that the path forward isn't dictated by the past but by the choices you make now.
"I... I don't know," you start, the uncertainty in your voice mirroring the indecision within. "I'm not looking for a relationship," you add, a hint of firmness creeping in as you recall the last time you allowed yourself to fall, the memories still sharp and poignant.
"So, it would be the apology then," Miyeon surmises, her conclusion drawing a silent nod from you. "Yes," you confirm holding his necklace in your hand, the word carrying with it the weight of resignation and a desire to put the incident behind you, to move past the impulsive moment shared with Bo Hyun.
"Can I ask you something?" Miyeon's voice carries a new seriousness, her full attention now on you, signaling the importance of her next question. You give a hesitant nod, bracing yourself for what you sense might be a delve into territories you're not ready to revisit.
"You and Jungkook........ what happened between you two?" she ventures, her question striking closer to home than she might realize. The mention of Jungkook's name alone is enough to stir a whirlwind of emotions, touching upon a chapter of your life that's both tender and raw.
Her question doesn't just touch a painful nerve; it presses down hard, forcing you back to the day you confronted him, to the accusations and the hurt that flowed freely between you. It reminds you of your encounter last night, the unresolved tension, and the lingering bitterness that seemed to underscore every exchange.
"I don't want to talk about it," you reply, your voice cold, a protective barrier against revisiting a past too painful to dissect in the present moment. The coldness isn't directed at Miyeon but at the memories and feelings that talking about Jungkook dredges up, a self-defense mechanism against the hurt that still simmers just below the surface.
Miyeon, sensing your discomfort yet believing in the purging power of opening up, gently nudges you towards a conversation you're reluctant to have.
"Discussing it might actually help you, give you some clarity. Unless, of course, you already know what's bothering you and are just avoiding facing it," she suggests, her tone soft yet persistent, hinting at an underlying truth she believes you're evading.
"Miyeon, I've already made it clearâI'm not ready to dive into that discussion," you attempt to cut her off, hoping to steer away from a topic that's too tender to touch. However, Miyeon doesn't back down, her belief in the profound connection between you and Jungkook driving her to speak her mind.
"Do you realize the unique bond you and Jungkook share? It's unlike anything I've seen," she starts, comparing the dynamics of your relationship with Jungkook to her own experiences and those around you. "Taehyung and I, we've had our struggles, and it's only recently we've begun to truly connect on a deeper level. Jimin and Hyeyeon, they leaped into commitment in less than a year. The rest of us haven't felt that compelling pull of fate. But you and Jungkook...your story started at a critical moment in his life, over eight years ago. Since then, it's as if destiny itself has been trying to guide you back to one another not one time but multiple times. Not everyone gets that chance, Y/N."
"Your feelings for him are obvious, and trust me, it's mirrored in his eyes too. The energy between you two last night? It was so deniable and impossible to ignore," she adds, hoping to illuminate the depths of the bond she observes.
At her words, a floodgate of emotions threatens to burst. "He doesn't love me, Miyeon. And I... I need to move past this, so please, let's just drop it," you reply, your voice cracking slightly as you fight back the tears. Miyeon's well-intentioned probe into your feelings for Jungkook, and her insistence on the undeniable connection you share, only serves to reopen wounds you're desperately trying to heal.
Her push for you to confront these feelings, to consider the possibility of rekindling something with Jungkook, clashes with the reality of your heartache and the effort you're putting into moving forward. The struggle to maintain composure, to not let the emotional turmoil overwhelm you, highlights the complex web of love, loss, and the daunting task of navigating past a relationship that has left an indelible mark on your heart.
"You're going to see him today," Miyeon asserts, a note of determination in her voice that suggests she's aware of the emotional minefield you're about to navigate. "In that case, be prepared. Don't forget that you're trying to move on," she adds, her words serving both as a reminder and a challenge. You can't help but clench your jaw in response, a silent acknowledgment of the difficult balance you'll need to maintain between facing the past and continuing your journey forward.
The drive to Busan is a long one, spanning over four and a half hours, giving you ample time to mull over Miyeon's advice and steel yourself for the encounters ahead. Upon reaching the city, Miyeon takes the lead, guiding you to where Hyeyeon is currently staying. Along the way, she shares crucial pieces of information that help set the scene for what you're walking into.
"Now, just so you know, Taehyung, Jimin, and Jungkook, these three live together. The rest of them live separately with their partners. Jimin and Hyeyeon are also getting ready to move out," she informs you.
As you approach your destination, the anticipation builds, mingled with a sense of resolve. Miyeon's words echo in your mind, a steady drumbeat urging you to stay focused on your path of moving forward, even as you prepare to face the past head-on. This visit to Busan, then, is not just a reunion but a test of your resolve, a step towards closure, and perhaps, a new beginning.
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A/N: welp :P