You: I miss you
(2 minutes later)
BoHyun-ssi: All good?
You: Yes, I just miss you. You are always in Busan or traveling.
BoHyun-ssi: Y/N, my love, I promise I will make it up to you once I am back.
You: Why can't I at least FaceTime you or even call you?
BoHyun-ssi: [typing...]
5 minutes later
You: ??
BoHyun-ssi: I'll explain when I am back.
BoHyun-ssi: I love you.
BoHyun-ssi: Y/N-ah
BoHyun-ssi: Are you mad?
BoHyun-ssi: Don't ignore me. You know I can't take it when you ignore me.
You: I miss you. I want to see you.
BoHyun-ssi: Don't be like that, I can't concentrate when you say things like that. I'll be on my way back soon.
BoHyun-ssi: Are you at Hyeyeon's?
You: Yes
BoHyun-ssi: Ok, do you want to sleep at her place? You have a class tomorrow morning.
You: You remembered. I will go home. I didn't bring my things.
BoHyun-ssi: Of course. I know your whole schedule. Ok but make sure you lock your doors and windows properly and text me once you're home.
You: I will :(
BoHyun-ssi: I will see you soon, babe. I love you.
You: I'll be waiting.
You're lost in thought, staring at your phone with a heavy heart. Each time he says "I love you" and waits for your response, a part of you aches. You are just not ready for it yet.
It's been barely five days since you last saw him, yet it feels like an eternity. This is the healthiest relationship you've been in for a while, and the distance is tougher than you expected. As you scroll through photos of him, a wave of longing washes over you. You take a sip from your beer, your fourth one down, and let out a soft sigh.
The room is dimly lit, cozy, and filled with the quiet sounds of your friends' breathing. Hyeyeon is sleeping peacefully on your lap, while Jimin and Taehyung are sprawled out on another couch, lost in their dreams. Miyeon is engrossed in her phone, her fingers dancing over the screen texting someone, and Jungkook is outside, leaning over the reeling, savoring the gentle night breeze and the glittering cityscape, beer in hand.
As the clock nudges you towards 1 o'clock after midnight, reminding you of your early morning class, you carefully shift Hyeyeon's head onto a pillow, her soft hair brushing against your hand. Quietly, you stand up, stretching out the kinks in your legs, and start to gather your things.
Rising from your seat, a wave of dizziness momentarily overtakes you, the effects of the alcohol making your head swim. You take a moment to find your balance, then begin your search for the keys that Taehyung was last seen with. After a fruitless search through his pockets and the usual spots without success, frustration starts to set in. You're tired, slightly intoxicated, and conscious of the late hour.
Navigating around the couch in your quest for the keys, the room seems to spin unexpectedly, causing you to lose your footing. Your phone slips from your grasp, clattering to the ground. In the nick of time, Jungkook's hand steadies you as he supports your back, preventing a fall.
Grateful, you glance back at him as he retrieves your phone. Upon waking the screen, the light illuminates a personal imageâBohyun taking a mirror selfie, hiding his face. You are hugging him, wearing a backless little black dress, his hand on your butt. Jungkook's gaze lingers just a moment too long on the intimate lock screen, his jaw tightening, before he hands it back, a subtle change in his expression.
"What are you trying to find?" His concern is evident as he studies your face, awaiting your response.
"Just my car keys," you explain, a touch of exhaustion in your voice, holding your head to ease the spinning sensation. "I've got to get going; there's an early class I can't miss tomorrow."
Jungkook immediately interjects, his tone firm. "You're not driving in this state," he insists.
You try to brush off his concern. "I'm perfectly capable. It's not the first time I've driven after a few drinks."
"Not while I'm around," he retorts. "Why not just stay here for the night? You can use my room, and I'll crash on the couch."
But you're already shaking your head, the practicalities weighing on you. "That won't work. I need my stuffâmy laptop, my notes, everything's at my place."
He doesn't miss a beat, offering a solution. "Then I'll drive you home," he declares with a hint of finality.
You counter, still focused on your initial plan. "I'll need my car for tomorrow, though. The keys are just... somewhere here." You continue your futile search, frustration mounting.
Jungkook watches you with a patient sigh, standing by as you wrestle with your stubbornness. Eventually, not finding the keys anywhere, you glance up at him, resigned. "Fine," you shrug, a plan forming in your head. "I guess I'll just catch a bus back in the morning."
Without hesitation, he offers, "I'll pick you up," as he turns, ready to go.
Glancing back at Jungkook a little longer, you notice the genuine concern etched on his face.
"It's okay, I'll just have my boyfriend pick me up," you assert, knowing damn well that he isn't even in town.
Jungkook's response is quick and firm, "I said I'll pick you up," his eyes shooting a quick short glare and voice carrying a hint of frustration, yet underscored with care. Saying that he continues his walk towards the door.
Miyeon watches all of that silently, camouflaging in the background.
**
During the drive home, you fall asleep, comforted by the familiar route. Jungkook, however, is lost in thought, especially after seeing your phone's lock screen. He can't help but ponder over the intimacy and privileges your boyfriend has over you, even in simple acts like picking you.
You're jolted awake as Jungkook brings the car to a stop at your place.
Still groggy, you turn towards him, lean into him and murmur, "Goodnight babe," expecting a goodbye kiss. Just a regular routine to you.
But when no kiss comes, you look up at him confused and needy, you're snapped back to reality, realizing it's Jungkook beside you, not BoHyun. Embarrassed by your mistake, you quickly retract, trying to brush off the awkward moment.
"Sorry, I don't know what happened," you admit, avoiding Jungkook's gaze, which is filled with a mix of confusion and concealed irritation.
You hurriedly exit the car and make your way to your house's gate. In a flustered tone, you thank Jungkook for the ride, adding a quick, "See you tomorrow," before darting inside, typing in the lock code to escape the awkwardness.
Once safe inside, you can't help but mutter a frustrated "Shit," embarrassed by your slip-up.
Jungkook, left alone by the curb, watches you disappear into your house. Despite his frustration, his eyes softened when you called him 'babe,' a term he knows wasn't meant for him but wished it was.
He sighs and fishes out for something that has been in his pocket since always, a set of keys âyour car keys. Keeping them this whole time, he had been intentional; he was looking for any excuse to be around you a little longer, even if it meant creating a situation that required his help.
Jungkook sits there in his car a moment longer, staring at your now-illuminated house, a mixture of emotions swirling within him as he watches your silhouette move around your room.
Under his breath, almost too quietly for even the night to hear, he confesses, "I don't want you having a boyfriend, Y/N."
His words, heavy with an unspoken longing, linger in the air as he turns and slowly starts backing his car, the keys to your vehicle still in his hand, a tangible connection to you in the space between you that feels like miles.
***
In the midst of your frantic morning, trying to beat the clock and not miss the bus, you can't help but feel out of sync with this new routine. Every second counts as you gather your essentials for class, especially your notes for that all-important test today. You're determined to make use of every minute, planning to cram in some last-minute study on the bus ride.
Juggling a toast in your mouthâyour only breakfast and hastily tying your shoelaces, you glance at the incoming message on your phone, hoping it's not another reminder of your hectic schedule.
It's from Bo Hyun. The sudden sight of his name on the screen momentarily calms the storm of your morning rush. You pause, toast hanging from your mouth, to unlock the phone and see what he has sent, curious and slightly anxious about what he might say that could either make your chaotic morning better or add to the stress.
BoHyun-ssi: Good Morning babe!! Goodluck on your test today. My work is wrapping up soon which means I get to see you soon.
You: AAAAH YAYY!! That news is the best start to my morning!!
You: Thank you!
BoHyun-ssi: Have a good day and take care of my girlfriend.
You: You too take of yourself. Eat well!
Knowing damn well you started your morning with just a toast for breakfast.
BoHyun-ssi: I will.
After replying to Bohyun's text, you step outside, already feeling the weight of the day ahead. The sight that greets you is unexpectedâJungkook, casually dressed in sweatpants and a hoodie, leaning against his car. He seems to be in a light doze, his head tilted back, eyes closed, in a moment of rest while waiting for you. Locking your house door behind you, you quickly make your way over to him, surprised.
In an attempt to wake him up, you kick his calf lightly but firmly. "Yah!" "Wha-a-u-doin-heeya?!" you exclaim, the word muffled by the toast still in your mouth.
Jungkook's eyes snap open, a mix of surprise and amusement crossing his face as he takes in your disheveled appearance and your breakfast choice. Without a word, he reaches over, plucks the toast from your mouth, and takes a bite himself, a smirk playing on his lips.
"C'mon, get in. You have a class," he says, gesturing towards the passenger seat of his car as if it's the most natural thing in the world for him to be there, ready to drive you.
Despite your initial protestâ"I didn't ask you to pick me up"âhis response is simple and direct, cutting through any of your objections. "You don't have to ask," he says, chewing on your toast, his tone a mix of command and care.
Settling into the car, you're taken aback when Jungkook hands you a cup of coffee he's gotten for both of you. His actions, so thoughtful and unexpected, leave you staring at him, half in jest, half in genuine surprise. "I'm scared," you say playfully, a light jest at his unexpected kindness.
"Shut up and take this," he retorts with a roll of his eyes, but there's a warmth in his gesture that you can't ignore. Accepting the coffee, you take a sip, the warmth and taste instantly comforting. As he begins to drive, you can't help but reflect on his actions.
The realization hits you with a mix of emotions; Jungkook really did wake up early, got ready, picked up coffee, and is now driving you to university. It's a level of thoughtfulness and care you hadn't anticipated, making the ride to class feel unexpectedly special.
During the ride, the silence is filled with the soft rustling of pages as you dive deep into your notes, the focus etched on your face. Jungkook steals glances at you, impressed by your dedication.
"You're really serious about this, huh?" he comments softly, breaking the quiet with a mixture of admiration and curiosity.
Caught off guard, you glance up from your studies, meeting his gaze for a brief moment. "Yeah," you respond, a determined breath escaping you. "All of this for that darn cafe I dream to open one day. I don't even know if I can do it," you share, the passion in your voice unmistakable as you envision your future, eyes sparkling with ambition.
Jungkook nods, his voice carrying a tone of genuine support, "You'll make it happen."
His encouragement feels different, kinder, and more sincere than what you remember of him. It's a contrast to the past, a reminder of how much he hurt you in the ways he did, yet here he is, showing a side of him you never knew existed. It compels you to study him a little longer, pondering over the changes in him, the kindness in his eyes a new revelation.
Reaching the bustling campus, the air vibrates with the collective nervousness of students, their anxious chatter about the upcoming test filling the atmosphere. You step out of Jungkook's car, clutching your notes closely.
"I'll see you after my class?" you ask, glancing back at him while taking cautious steps backward, not ready to fully detach from the moment of calm before the storm.
"Yes, you will. But you're forgetting your coffee," Jungkook calls out, extending the cup towards you.
His reminder halts your retreat, and with a swift "Oh, shoot, yes," you dart back, snagging the coffee from his grasp before hurrying off once more.
"Bye, see you soon!" you call out over your shoulder, blending into the stream of students.
Jungkook watches with an amused chuckle, shaking his head affectionately at your hurried departure. He glances down at the other coffee in his hand, with a smirk dawning on his faceâit's not his; it's yours. He'd intentionally switched them. With a sly smirk, he takes a sip from your cup which had your lip gloss's faint tint and marks on the rim, a small, intimate connection in your absence.
***
Emerging from your class, a sense of accomplishment washes over you. The test went well, and a soft smile graces your face as you start to descend the stairs. However, your moment of satisfaction is abruptly interrupted. Your gaze locks with Yeobin's at the bottom of the stairs, standing there with his gang of friends.
Unlike before, he isn't pursuing you; instead, he's fixed you with a sinister smirk that sends an unsettling shiver down your spine. Something was changed. He was changed.
"How was your test, Y/N?" he calls out, loud enough for those around to hear, imbuing your name with an eerie familiarity that makes you shiver internally.
"It was fine," you manage to reply, your voice barely above a whisper as you hasten your pace, eager to escape his unwelcome attention.
"Just like you, my love?" he taunts, his voice booming across the hallway, causing heads to turn.
The scene he's causing amplifies your discomfort, urging your feet to move faster. You feel nothing but harassed. Those eyes, and the tone of his words, cause a wave of sheer discomfort within you as you hear his friends continue to laugh at his comments. You could feel their sinister eyes on you.
Once outside, you make a beeline for the parking lot, the disturbing encounter with Yeonjun still playing in your mind. Spotting Jungkook's car, you approach, a mixture of relief and distress evident in your fast stride.
Jungkook, who had been surrounded by a group of girls, vying for his attention like bees to honey, notices your approach. Seeing the distress etched on your face, he immediately senses the urgency of the situation. Without a second thought, he excuses himself from the flock of admirers, making it clear where his priorities lie. His focus shifts entirely to you, his expression turning from one of casual flirtation to genuine concern as he strides over to offer you the comfort and support you so clearly need in that moment.
"Y/N-ah, what happened?" Jungkook's voice carries a mix of concern and confusion as he steps closer to you. He notices the turmoil in your eyes, the edge of tears threatening to spill over. It's clear to him that you've been shaken, and disturbed in a manner that's left you desperately seeking refuge.
Without responding, you bypass his questioning gaze, the weight of the unwelcome encounter pressing down on you. You just wanted to get in the car and block that very negative energy out. All you desire in that moment is to escape the lingering discomfort, to shield yourself from prying eyes and unsettling smirks.
Jungkook watches you, a frown etching deeper into his features as he pieces together the silent cues of your distress. His instinct to protect and comfort you kicks in, overriding any hesitation. He immediately follows you to the car.
"Y/N!" Jungkook's voice rises, a mix of concern and command, as he grips your arm to halt your hurried escape. The urgency in his tone compels you to face him, tears brimming in your eyes. "Yeobin," you manage to utter, the name slipping out.
As he slowly registers the cause of your distress, Jungkook's response is instantaneous, you watch his eyes change, his protective instincts surging to the forefront as he processes the source of your distress.
The mention of Yeobin ignites a fire within him, his concern for you swiftly morphing into fierce protectiveness. The sight of your tears, the fear evident in your eyes, fuels his resolve.
Without a second thought, he releases you and charges back towards the campus, determined to confront Yeobin. His actions are driven by a raw, uncompromising need to safeguard you, to eradicate the cause of your unease.
In this moment, nothing else matters to him but ensuring your safety and peace of mind, a peak within him to the depth of his care and the lengths he's willing to go to protect you.
"Jungkook, let's just leave," you plead, trying to prevent a confrontation.
"I don't want to cause a scene." As Jungkook continues to stride away, fueled by anger, you call out more urgently,
"Jungkook! He's not alone!" Your voice is laced with concern, not only for the potential conflict but also because you understand the complexities of Jungkook's history with Yeobin, especially with the ongoing situation involving his brother. You know too well the lengths to which Jungkook might go to protect those he cares about, and the thought frightens you.
As Jungkook spots Yeobin in the crowd, he growls his name "Yah, Yeobin!" to which Yeobin reacts and looks back at Jungkook with a grin from his conversation with his friends. Proud of what he did to you earlier.
As soon as he turns around, he is met with a hard punch to his jaw, which he fails to take and scrambles on the ground.
Your heart drops in your stomach at that sight.
Yeobin, momentarily disoriented by Jungkook's punch, struggles to regain his footing. His previous grin vanishes as he confronts the gravity of the situation, with Jungkook's intense glare fixed on him.
Before Yeobin can fully comprehend what's happening, Jungkook is on him again, this time grabbing his hair with a firm grip that leaves no room for resistance.
Jungkook forcefully pulls up Yeobin to his feet, causing him visible shrieking pain, then drags him over to where you stand. With a push, Yeobin is sent stumbling to the ground right in front of you.
"Apologize to her," Jungkook demands, his voice a low, menacing growl. "RIGHT NOW!"
The confrontation has drawn the attention of everyone around, creating a tension in the air. The crowd, initially engaged in their own conversations, now watches in startled silence, captivated by the unfolding drama.
Yeobin takes a moment to collect himself before rising unsteadily to his feet and facing you. "I'm sorry," he says, his voice strained. "This won't happen again," he adds, carefully touching the blood trickling from his nose.
At that moment, Jungkook steps closer, his presence imposing. He grips Yeobin by the collar and leans in, his words laced with a menacing calm.
"If you so much as speak to her again, or I catch you lurking around her, you'll end up exactly where your brother is," Jungkook's threat is ice cold, leaving no room for doubt.
With that, he shoves Yeobin aside and turns to you, taking your hand in his. He leads you away, putting distance between you and the tense scene, his grip reassuring yet firm.
Holding your hand in his, you gaze up at Jungkook with nothing but admiration. In that moment, you feel profoundly protected.
"Y/N," he says as you both reach his car, his voice earnest and protective, "if he ever bothers you again, call me right away, okay?" His words convey a deep sense of duty, as if his sole purpose is to ensure your safety and well-being.
Hearing his protective promise triggers an overwhelming response within you. Overcome by a rush of emotions, you impulsively reach for the fabric of his hoodie, pulling him close enough for your lips to meet his in a sudden but passionate kiss.
The intensity of the moment catches him by surprise, pausing him just long enough that he misses the chance to kiss you back.
The kiss, charged with all the pent-up emotions and the gap of time since your last kiss, leaves a big impact.
Before he could register it and kiss you back, you gently pull away, catching a glimpse of his eyes fluttering open, still processing the sudden intimacy.
"Don't ever mention this kiss," you advise him, gratitude evident in your tone for his actions earlier.
"Thank you for what you did there," you add, giving his lips one final glance before stepping into the car, leaving him in a daze.
As you settle in the car, he looks back at you through the windshield for a second with a palpable shine in his eyes and gets into the car. Silence takes over as you two try and swim out of the moment you just had. You both know very well what that kiss meant knowing very well of you having a boyfriend.
He then turns the car on and makes his way to Hyeyeon's house, to collect your car.