me and the devil

25 | cap | ff only on air: HEIR • Jeon Jungkook AU

[sugarcoatedhurts]

On the Other Side of the Waves • BTS AU

✦ ⋆｡˚ 𓆉 ｡˚⋆ ✦ ✦ ⋆｡˚ 𓆉 ｡˚⋆ ✦ ✦ ⋆｡˚ 𓆉 ｡˚⋆ ✦ ✦ ⋆｡˚ 𓆉 ｡˚⋆ ✦

“Some memories don’t stay in the past.

Sometimes a shoreline, a voice, a familiar summer heat is enough to pull everything back.”

A story about childhood summers, the people we become, and the things the waves never really take away.

⚠️ Chapter Warnings:

childhood nostalgia • soft angst • messy friendships • family dynamics • emotional distance • mythology discussions • implied abuse • past and present timelines • jungkook pov • summery vibes

No major triggers.

❗ Note: English is not my first language — there may be small mistakes, but I hope the emotion comes through. 🌊

✦ ⋆｡˚ 𓆉 ｡˚⋆ ✦ ✦ ⋆｡˚ 𓆉 ｡˚⋆ ✦ ✦ ⋆｡˚ 𓆉 ｡˚⋆ ✦ ✦ ⋆｡˚ 𓆉 ｡˚⋆ ✦

Namhae, 2008

We decided to spend the day with the girls at Jimin’s uncle’s motel. In return, we were going to work as servers at the wedding that would take place over the weekend. Because there weren’t enough sun loungers, Ara, Hae-won, and I were lined up on a single one. This time, we hadn’t forgotten to invite Taehyung.

Yoongi, Seokjin, Hoseok, and Namjoon had sunk into an intense discussion about mythology. Seokjin said,

“The concept of a hero doesn’t have to follow today’s ethical rules. Achilles might be one of the greatest heroes the world has ever seen, but he’s also extremely cruel.”

Namjoon took a bite of his ice cream. It was obvious he was about to object.

“So killing Hector makes him a hero? That’s nonsense.”

I was irritated by Hae-won’s hair brushing against my shoulder.

“Can you tie it up?” I said.

She moved her hair to her other shoulder and started listening to the conversation intently. I was overwhelmed by the heat among the girls.

I wanted to get into the pool, but it was midday. Yoongi supported Namjoon.

“Hector is a warrior who protected his land, his father’s honor, and his brother. Achilles is an invading demigod.”

Taehyung looked like he wanted to say something, but there was a hesitant expression on his face.

Hoseok and Seokjin objected at the same time.

“But there’s a promise involved here. If Paris hadn’t abducted Helen, this war would never have happened. There’s the fact that every single one of them, including Patroclus, gathered to marry Helen and swore an oath,” Hoseok said.

Seokjin patted his shoulder and continued,

“Exactly. Besides, if Hector hadn’t killed Patroclus, none of this would’ve happened. Achilles’ rage comes entirely from grief.”

Namjoon steered the topic somewhere else.

“So what exactly was the thing between him and Achilles? Iphigenia, Briseis, and Patroclus. Which one was a friend, which one was a lover?”

At Namjoon’s question, I caught Yoongi and Taehyung exchanging a glance. Taehyung finally cleared his throat and spoke up.

“Actually…” He seemed tense when everyone looked at him. When Ara placed a hand on his knee in support, he continued.

“The situation between Iphigenia and Achilles is more about protection. Agamemnon deceives his daughter with the promise of marriage, so it’s not really an Achilles thing. As for Patroclus, they’re said to have been just friends.”

Yoongi laughed.

“Yeah. Just friends.”

“I’m going to check on Jimin,” I said, standing up.

Namhae, 2025

I went to the market set up in town with my mother, and we were picking out fruits and vegetables together.

“How much is one cabbage?” my mother asked the vendor.

“2,000 won.”

I took my wallet out of my pocket. After paying and taking the bag with the cabbage, we started walking through the other stalls together.

“You don’t need to pay for everything we buy, my son. I have money. At least give those to me, let me carry them,” my mother said, reaching for my hands.

I took a step back.

“Mom. Please. I’m carrying them. Let me at least do the shopping.”

I headed toward the corn stand.

“Lia wanted corn. Noeul likes it too. You can boil corn for us today. How much for six?”

After buying the corn, I realized there was no space left in my fingers. I tightened my arms and started walking after my mother when she suddenly said,

“Isn’t that Seoran’s son? Seokjin?”

I looked where she was pointing. It really was him. Without saying anything, she walked straight toward Seokjin. I didn’t even get the chance to object.

“Seokjin? Is that you?”

Seokjin turned at my mother’s voice, first looking at her and then at me. A smile spread across his face.

“Mrs. Jeon! How nice to see you. You still look so young. If I didn’t know you, I’d think you were Jungkook’s sister or something.”

My mother laughed and hit his shoulder lightly.

“Jungkook. How are you?”

“Good. I came to the market with my mom. Just buying a few things. You?”

He showed the pears in his hand.

“My mom is making makguksu. She sent me to buy pears. I’m heading home now.”

I wet my lips.

Seokjin’s mother made the best makguksu in Namhae. We could never get enough of it in the summer.

“We should get going. I don’t think there’s anything else we need,” my mother said.

Seokjin looked at the bags in my hands.

“Let me help.”

“There’s no need. I can carry them. The house is close anyway,” I protested.

Even so, he smiled and took a few bags from my hands.

“When did Jungkook stop being obedient, Mrs. Jeon? He never used to disobey me.”

We started walking toward the house together.

“You’re in Seoul, right?” His ability to change the subject was impressive. He chatted comfortably, as if we hadn’t seen each other in years, but just days.

“Yes. You’re in Daegu, right?”

He nodded.

“Yes. My wife is a teacher. In Suseong. I opened my law office there too. We’re pretty close to the city center.”

“Oh, how nice. She was a math teacher, right? I met her before. She has such a sweet and pretty face.”

I glanced at Seokjin from under my brows. His cheeks were red.

“If you approve, Mom, then it’s settled. She makes amazing coffee at home. I always tell her she should’ve opened a café if she hadn’t become a teacher.”

Then he continued,

“When was the last time you came here, Gguk? We thought you wouldn’t come this summer either. Jimin and I were even going to make a bet, but Namjoon stopped us.”

We had reached the door. He looked at the stairs.

“We played so many games in this garden. If these stairs could talk.”

Then he started going up the stairs with my mother. As if not to be rude, my mother began answering his question.

“My sister bought a house in Jeju, so he insists on going there every summer. This year, we insisted together with his fiancée, so he finally came. Come, let me treat you to lemonade. You must’ve missed my lemonade. You’ll meet Noeul too. My little bride.”

I followed them up the stairs, closed the garden gate behind me, and continued climbing the remaining steps to the house. Hae-won and Hoseok must have decided to stay at Mr. Nam’s summer house, because they were standing in the neighboring garden. They waved.

“Oh, Seokjin. Jungkook. Are you hanging out without us?”

At Ara’s cheerful question, Seokjin lifted the bags in his hands.

“We ran into each other at the market. Are your siblings staying with you?”

Hoseok, who was watering the garden, nodded.

“My nephews have filled the house to the brim. Their cousins came too. We didn’t fit, so we came here.”

I didn’t have the energy to talk, so I just watched. When my mother invited them inside as well, I felt my shoulders tense one by one.

Namhae, 2008

“When are these damn cicadas going to shut up? My head is about to explode!”

As Ara turned over where she was lying, she slapped Hae-won’s hip.

“Stop whining. Like you’re the only one—Is that Taehyung coming?”

We all turned our heads to where she pointed. It was dark, but the streetlights and his unsure walk were enough for us to recognize him.

“It’s him,” Jimin said.

When Namjoon called out to him, Taehyung ignored it. Even though it lengthened his way home, he turned right, clearly trying to disappear from sight.

Seokjin stood up.

“Namjoon, Yoongi, come with me. Hoseok, you stay here and watch the girls and the younger ones, okay?”

“Ugh! What could even happen? I’ll come too. Even the bugs aren’t committing crimes. Nothing will happen,” Hoseok complained.

When Seokjin shot him a warning look, he sat back down.

“Fine. Just be quick.”

I turned to Jimin.

“Is your PSP with you?”

“No. I fought with my sibling, so my dad took it. It’s gone for two weeks.”

My shoulders dropped.

“But you promised you’d let me play!”

“What do you want me to do? I’m telling you, my dad took it. Maybe I’ll let you play after two weeks.”

Ara laughed and hit Jimin’s shoulder.

“Maybe? You’re awful, Jimin.”

While they were messing around with each other, I watched Seokjin and the others disappear into the darkness after Taehyung. They were no longer visible.

That evening, when they came back, they insisted on not telling us what happened and said that Taehyung just hadn’t heard us.

But I later learned that what they knew and we didn’t was that Taehyung’s father was abusing him.

Namhae, 2025

As we all sat in the living room, I found it strange for the first time that we weren’t clinging to each other and were acting like real adults. The distance created by the passing time felt like it was touching only my heart.

Didn’t they feel the distance I felt from them?

If they were distant from me, why was I still just as close to them?

My attention shifted to the others when the buzzing of the fly my father had killed with a fly swatter stopped.

Hae-won asked Lia,

“How many months along? Do you know the gender yet?”

My brother rubbed Lia’s belly with his hand.

“Four and a half months. A girl.”

Ara smiled.

“So what? There’s going to be a little chatterbox girl next door? I wish she’d be born already so we can love her.”

Everyone laughed. Noeul brought the lemonades and placed them on the coffee table. Since there was no room left on the couches, she pulled a chair next to me and sat beside me with the tray.

I quietly turned to her.

“If you want, you can sit on the couch. I’ll sit on the chair.”

She shrugged.

“No need. I’m comfortable like this.”

My father, Hoseok, and Seokjin were talking about something. From what I understood, it was about Mr. Jung’s watermelons.

“Oh yes. The watermelons are really good this year. He keeps talking about them. He’s very proud,” my mother said.

Hae-won laughed.

“He’s not that proud of Hoseok.”

We all laughed.

Noeul said, “You really are such a sweet couple.”

Seokjin cut in.

“Not as much as Yujin and me. On Sunday evening, for Yoongi’s dinner, I’ll leave the kids with my mom. Then you can meet her. We’re going to a nearby town tomorrow because her grandmother’s grave is there, unfortunately. I won’t be around tomorrow.”

“With pleasure. I’ve seen your childhood photos. My mom showed them to me the other day. I can recognize you immediately. You were the one who spiked his hair up when he was little,” she said, pointing at Hoseok.

Ara burst out laughing.

“And did you know my sister was already in love with him back then?”

Namhae, 2008

Hae-won and Ara were turning the rope in their garden, and I was jumping in between.

“48, 49, 50, 51. You’re out. Get out. Jimin, come on. Let’s see how long you can jump.”

Jimin, who had been sunbathing on the new lounger Mr. Nam had bought with great pride, took a deep breath.

“If you insist so much, I’m definitely going to jump more than Jungkook.”

I rolled my eyes.

“Mm. I’m sure you will.”

As Jimin started jumping rope between the girls, I sat down on the lounger. I grabbed a few grapes from the fruit plate Mrs. Nam had left for us on the side table.

“Do you know when the Sea Festival will be?” I asked.

“They’re doing it next weekend,” Ara said while turning the rope.

Hae-won added,

“We have to go for sure. Lee Hyori is coming.”

Jimin laughed.

“Yeah, right. Like Lee Hyori would definitely want to come give a concert in Namhae, surrounded by the smell of fish.”

“Why wouldn’t she?” Ara objected.

Jimin gestured with his hand to signal “later.” Talking while jumping rope seemed to strain his focus and effort.

Without joining their argument, I lay back on the lounger and started watching the sky.

-End of Episode Five-

✦ ⋆｡˚ 𓆉 ｡˚⋆ ✦ ✦ ⋆｡˚ 𓆉 ｡˚⋆ ✦ ✦ ⋆｡˚ 𓆉 ｡˚⋆ ✦ ✦ ⋆｡˚ 𓆉 ｡˚⋆ ✦

[sugarcoatedhurts]

On the Other Side of the Waves • BTS AU

✦ ⋆｡˚ 𓆉 ｡˚⋆ ✦ ✦ ⋆｡˚ 𓆉 ｡˚⋆ ✦ ✦ ⋆｡˚ 𓆉 ｡˚⋆ ✦ ✦ ⋆｡˚ 𓆉 ｡˚⋆ ✦

“Some memories don’t stay in the past.

Sometimes a shoreline, a voice, a familiar summer heat is enough to pull everything back.”

A story about childhood summers, the people we become, and the things the waves never really take away.

Namhae, 2005

“I’m sure you kids will love it here. From now on, whenever school’s out, we’ll be spending our summers in Namhae.”

My dad was talking to me and my older brother through the rearview mirror as he drove, telling us all about the place we’d soon call our new summer town. I turned around to look behind us. A moving truck was following my dad’s car, carrying the furniture my mom had carefully picked out.

My dad finally stopped in front of a house with tall entrance steps.

Some of the steps were outside the garden gate, and the rest continued inside the yard. Everyone—including the movers—immediately started unloading the boxes. My mom turned to me:

“You stay right here. Don’t go anywhere and don’t get under anyone’s feet, okay?”

I nodded. Just like she said, I sat on the garden wall and watched my mom, dad, brother, and the movers carry everything inside.

“Did you just move in?”

I turned toward the voice coming from the neighboring yard.

“Yes,” I answered simply.

She was a girl a few years older than me, with long black hair. Without saying anything else, she climbed over the garden wall and hopped down to sit beside me. She held out her hand.

“I’m Hae-won. What’s your name?”

“Jungkook.”

Then—completely unexpectedly—she squeezed my cheek between her fingers.

“Aww, you look so cute. Come with us! My sister and I are going to Hoseok’s place.”

“Hoseok?”

Namhae, 2025

“Jung Hoseok? Nam Hae-won?”

They both turned around and looked straight at me. Normally, I would’ve avoided being seen by them, but the small convenience store we were in left me no room to hide.

Hae-won stepped forward first.

“I’m not a Nam, idiot.”

She came toward me with her arms wide open, and just as she hugged me, Hoseok chimed in with a laugh:

“The Jung, Jung. Unfortunately, I married Hae-won.”

When Hae-won pulled away from me, she rolled her eyes dramatically.

“Ugh, don’t remind me. He basically forced me into marriage—down on one knee, sobbing, begging me to say yes.”

I scrunched my face.

“Ah, right. My mom told me you two got married. I completely forgot. Sorry.”

After hugging Hoseok as well, Noeul walked over with two ice creams in her hand.

“Hi.”

“Oh—right, let me introduce you,” I said.

“Hoseok, this is Noeul. Noeul, this is Hoseok. And Hae-won. Hae-won, Noeul—my fiancée.”

Hoseok punched my shoulder lightly—not hard, but he’d always had that uncontrollable strength.

“Look at that, the little one’s engaged. I thought all of you were still single except us and Seokjin.”

After shaking hands, Noeul asked whether they wanted to join us at the beach.

“We’d actually love to,” Hae-won said, “but we literally just arrived. We haven’t even decided whose house we’re staying at.”

Hoseok put his hands on his hips.

“We’re staying at my parents’ place.”

Hae-won crossed her arms.

“With your mom?”

“Well who else would we stay with? Of course my parents.”

“And what about my parents? Also, would we just leave Ara alone? I haven’t seen my sister in months.”

I stepped between them. Despite being the youngest when we were kids, I somehow always ended up breaking up their arguments.

“People are staring. Let’s just pay and go. If you feel up to it, come by the beach. Anyway—welcome back.”

When we walked out of the store, Noeul licked her ice cream as she walked beside me.

“They seem like a fun couple. I like them.”

I took a bite of my own ice cream.

“They used to fight all the time when we were kids, too. Nothing has changed. I don’t get why people marry someone they argue with constantly.”

“Because they argue because they love each other,” she said.

“If they didn’t care, they wouldn’t bother.”

Namhae, 2008

“Give it back!”

I refused to hand over the soccer ball I was holding. It was my turn to take the penalty shot—Seokjin had said I could—but Jimin wasn’t accepting it.

“No, I’m not giving it.”

I hissed through my teeth.

“What are you two arguing about now? Jimin, let go of the ball. I said Jungkook is taking the penalty.”

Jimin shoved me angrily, making me fall onto the wet grass.

“Why is it always him? Or Yoongi? Why?”

Namjoon helped me back up.

We were playing in the middle of the small walking park in the neighborhood.

The sprinklers must’ve been on earlier—my clothes were covered in mud.

“Because Yoongi is really good at penalties. And this one belongs to Jungkook. You know very well we’re not being unfair, Jimin. Jungkook never disrespects you.”

Hoseok jumped in, his hands on his hips, panting from running.

“Yeah. And stop picking fights all the time.”

Jimin turned on him this time.

“Look who’s talking. You’ve been trying to become Hae-won’s boyfriend for two years. All you two do is fight.”

Hoseok took a step toward Jimin, but before he could get close, Taehyung slipped between them—he hadn’t even been playing, just quietly reading his book nearby.

“Don’t fight. It’s too hot. I have extra allowance today—if you want, I can buy you guys ice cream. Once you cool down, you’ll calm down.”

Namjoon and Seokjin exchanged looks.

“Actually… I have a better idea,” Namjoon said.

Namhae, 2025

“This ocean is amazing! Jungkook—why do we always go to Jeju every year instead of here?”

I shrugged.

“This place is tiny. You get bored after a while. Jeju is nice. When was our hotel reservation again?”

She floated on her back as she answered.

“August 3rd. I booked the same room. At least that’s what Mrs. Lee told me.”

I didn’t say anything and started swimming.

Noeul kicked harder to catch up to me and passed in front once I slowed down.

“Do you smell that? Is it barbecue? Or am I imagining?”

I sniffed the salty air.

“I think so. Probably coming from the BBQ spot over there. The sea breeze is carrying it.”

Namhae, 2008

With Namjoon and Seokjin’s idea, we all put our allowances together and decided to buy meat and watermelon for a barbecue. And of course, the only available house belonged to Taehyung.

He opened the garden gate.

“Welcome again. Please come in.”

The ones familiar with the layout—Yoongi, Jimin, and I—went in first.

But Seokjin grabbed both Jimin and me by the collar.

“Hold it. Taehyung, do you have a garden hose?”

Taehyung nodded.

“Yes, over there.”

“Perfect. First, we’re all washing the mud off.”

With Seokjin and the others herding us like sheep, we walked to the hose.

Namjoon and Yoongi held us in place so we wouldn’t run away, while Hoseok and Seokjin sprayed us down. After they washed themselves too, Yoongi looked around:

“We made a mess. Let’s clean the yard before Taehyung’s dad gets upset.”

Hoseok added:

“Let’s water the flowers too. It’s too hot—plants need water.”

Before we even understood what was happening, we were picking up empty bottles from the garden and watering the flowers and trees.

When I reached a rose bush with broken branches, Taehyung gently took the hose from my hand.

“You don’t have to water that one. It’s… not an important tree.”

He quickly moved on to the others.

I didn’t understand, so I looked at Namjoon.

His eyes said, “Later.”

When we finished outside and went in, things weren’t very different.

Because Namjoon had “accidentally” dropped the watermelon, we ended up dusting the whole house and wiping the floors clean.

Back then, I had no idea why we were doing all of that. Honestly, I could swear Namjoon dropped that watermelon on purpose.

But I stayed quiet.

Even if I was sweating and exhausted from the heat, I stayed quiet and listened to the older ones.

Namhae, 2025

After placing the meat the restaurant owner brought onto the grill between us and hearing the sizzling sound, I looked for my phone.

“Do you have my phone?”

Noeul nodded while eating her gimbap.

“It’s in my bag. What happened?”

“Nothing. We didn’t tell my parents that we’d eat out. I don’t want them waiting for us for no reason.”

She waved her hand dismissively.

“I already told them. I called your mom when you went to the restroom. I even invited them, but they already had food at home and didn’t want it to go to waste. But maybe we should take some meat to Lia too, right? She knows we’re here after all. And the smell will stick to us anyway.”

I nodded in agreement.

“You’re right. We’ll cook some for Lia too. Eat your gimbap properly. You’re making a mess.”

Namhae, 2008

“I put some water in the fridge to cool. I’m going to the bathroom.”

Hoseok, who was slicing the watermelon next to me, nodded. The others were dealing with the barbecue in the garden. Jimin was just standing around doing nothing.

When I was coming back from the hallway leading to the bathroom, I froze in place when I heard Yoongi’s voice.

My mother had taught me that listening to people was bad and rude, but I couldn’t move.

“You need to put an end to this, Taehyung. What if your father finds out? Or the others? No one would love you like this.”

A shaky voice answered. It was Taehyung.

“As if they love me like this anyway. Do you think I don’t know that you’re friends with me out of pity? Do you think I don’t know what Jimin, Jungkook, and the others think about me? I’m a freak with an alcoholic father and a mother who left home.”

I swallowed.

Was I pitying him?

What did pity even feel like?

“That’s why you have to endure it. Hold on for a few more years and leave this place. In big cities like Seoul, no one cares about how you live your life.”

I heard sniffing. I didn’t understand what they were arguing about.

“So your plan is to go to Seoul? Are you going to leave me too?”

I wanted to look.

I gave in to my curiosity and glanced over, hoping to understand what they were talking about better.

But all I saw was Taehyung running his hand along Yoongi’s cheek and Yoongi looking at him without any expression.

They were standing very close to each other.

When Yoongi and I made eye contact, he pushed Taehyung away with his hand.

Panicking because I felt like I’d done something wrong, I turned back quickly.

I ran and hid next to Hoseok.

“Hey, hey. Calm down, Gguk. What happened?”

I shrugged. “Nothing.”

Yoongi and Taehyung entered the kitchen.

“I ran into Yoongi and Taehyung in the hallway. We said we’d see who could get to the kitchen faster, but I won.”

Both of their expressions softened.

Namhae, 2025

With a beach bag in one hand and the meat we cooked for Lia in the other, we were walking back to the neighborhood.

“My stomach hurts,” I said.

Noeul laughed and lightly hit my stomach.

“That’s what happens when you eat my ribs too.”

Then she moved behind me and started pushing me forward.

While we were passing in front of the shops like that, we first passed behind Kim’s Repair Shop and then right in front of Min’s Fish Store next to it.

Mr. Kim seemed to have closed the shop. The shutters were down.

But Yoongi had to be inside. The lights were on.

“Isn’t that your friend’s car? Yoongi’s?”

I nodded. My steps slowed.

“Should we stop and say hi?”

“No. There’s no need. Let’s go. The meat for Lia shouldn’t get cold. It doesn’t taste good when reheated.”

Just as we were about to speed up, Yoongi came out carrying empty crates.

Our eyes met.

There was no expression on his face.

“Good evening,” he said flatly.

“Good evening,” I replied.

Noeul bowed slightly in front of Yoongi.

“I’m sorry about last night. I was drunk. And thank you for taking me home. I caused you trouble.”

After reaching inside and turning off the light, he pulled down the shutter above.

“It’s nothing. You don’t need to apologize. Namhae is a small place. Anyone here would have done the same. Right, Gguk? We overlook each other’s little weaknesses that we call mistakes. Don’t worry about it.”

“Take care, Yoongi. Good evening again.”

I shifted the meat to the hand holding the beach bag and reached out my free hand to Noeul.

“Come on. Let’s go. We need to shower before my brother uses all the hot water.”

Namhae, 2008

Since the older ones cooked the meat, washing the dishes was left to us younger ones.

Taehyung was washing, I was drying, and Jimin was bringing the dishes from outside to us.

“Jungkook.”

It was the first time Taehyung had spoken to me all evening.

“Hm.”

“About what you saw and heard today.”

I shrugged.

“It’s not true.”

His hands, covered in soap, stopped in surprise.

“What?”

“It’s not true.”

“What’s not true?”

I stopped and turned to Taehyung.

“That we pity you. That’s not true.”

He swallowed.

“You heard that?”

I nodded.

“I didn’t fully understand what you were talking about, but—”

his eyes brightened.

“—what you think about us isn’t true. Even Jimin,” I lowered my voice. If he heard me, it could start another fight like in the morning, “—even though he says whatever comes to his mind, he doesn’t pity you. So that’s not true.”

Back then, I didn’t know what pity felt like, but I knew what pity was not, and what neither I nor the others felt toward Taehyung even came close to pity.

-End of Episode Four-

✦ ⋆｡˚ 𓆉 ｡˚⋆ ✦ ✦ ⋆｡˚ 𓆉 ｡˚⋆ ✦ ✦ ⋆｡˚ 𓆉 ｡˚⋆ ✦ ✦ ⋆｡˚ 𓆉 ｡˚⋆ ✦

[sugarcoatedhurts]

On the Other Side of the Waves • BTS AU Masterlist

✦ ⋆｡˚ 𓆉 ｡˚⋆ ✦ ✦ ⋆｡˚ 𓆉 ｡˚⋆ ✦ ✦ ⋆｡˚ 𓆉 ｡˚⋆ ✦ ✦ ⋆｡˚ 𓆉 ｡˚⋆ ✦

“Some memories don’t stay in the past

Sometimes a shoreline, a voice, a familiar summer heat is enough to pull everything back.”

A story about childhood summers, the people we become, and the things the waves never really take away.

⚠️ Story Warnings:

This story contains themes of nostalgia, childhood memories, soft angst, family tension, mild conflict, and emotional introspection.

A few scenes include casual, age-appropriate homophobic remarks made by characters due to the era and their ages — these do not reflect the beliefs of the author or the narrative.

No graphic content. No major triggers.

❗ Note: English is not my first language; small mistakes may occur — thank you for your understanding.

This is a BTS-inspired AU, all characters and events are fictional. 🌊

✦ ⋆｡˚ 𓆉 ｡˚⋆ ✦ ✦ ⋆｡˚ 𓆉 ｡˚⋆ ✦ ✦ ⋆｡˚ 𓆉 ｡˚⋆ ✦ ✦ ⋆｡˚ 𓆉 ｡˚⋆ ✦

Episode One

Episode Two

Episode Three

Episode Four

Episode Five

Episode Six

Episode Seven

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[sugarcoatedhurts]

On the Other Side of the Waves • BTS AU

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“Some memories don’t stay in the past

Sometimes a shoreline, a voice, a familiar summer heat is enough to pull everything back.”

A story about childhood summers, the people we become, and the things the waves never really take away.

⚠️ Chapter Warnings:

childhood nostalgia • soft angst • mild swearing • messy friendships • summery vibes • jungkook pov • emotional flashbacks

No major triggers.

❗ Note: English is not my first language — there may be small mistakes, but I hope the emotion comes through. 🌊

✦ ⋆｡˚ 𓆉 ｡˚⋆ ✦ ✦ ⋆｡˚ 𓆉 ｡˚⋆ ✦ ✦ ⋆｡˚ 𓆉 ｡˚⋆ ✦ ✦ ⋆｡˚ 𓆉 ｡˚⋆ ✦

Namhae, 2025

When I turned to my left, Noeul was still fast asleep.

Even though she hadn’t drunk much last night, she’d been completely knocked out—she’d dozed off somewhere between the lighthouse and Yoongi’s truck.

I pushed the light blanket off and headed downstairs.

The air wasn’t too hot yet. With the windows open, the morning breeze actually felt refreshing.

I walked into the living room and found Lia stretched out on the couch.

“Good morning.”

“Morning. Our room gets direct sunlight in the early hours, so I escaped here.

Is it like fifty degrees today, or is it just me?”

I laughed and sat on the couch across from her.

“The little one is definitely going to be a troublemaker. You’re already having a hard time.

Good thing the baby will have an uncle like me.”

Lia laughed and got up.

“I’ll make breakfast. You guys came home late. Does Noeul want anything special in the morning?”

I stopped her with a gesture, gently pushing her back into her seat.

“Please, sit. Is this the time for you to be working? I’ll make breakfast.

You didn’t want kimchi, right?”

“Ah, okay. Thanks. I’ll go wake your brother then?”

I told her no, that it wasn’t necessary, and quietly continued preparing breakfast while chatting with her.

We were debating baby names when my dad appeared in the kitchen. Both of us straightened up and greeted him.

“Jungkook. We never got to catch up yesterday, son.”

I set down the sausages in my hand and hugged him.

“Yeah… it just turned out that way.”

I went back to fixing breakfast.

“I’ll set the table outside then,” he said. “Where was the umbrella? Did your mother tell you, dear?”

Lia stood up and headed toward the basement.

“It should be downstairs. I’ll go get it.”

But just like me, my dad stopped her immediately.

“You don’t have many days left before the baby comes. Enjoy them.

If the baby turns out like his father, he won’t let you sleep at night.

If he takes after his uncle, though, that’s different. Jungkook was the calmest baby I’ve ever seen.”

Namhae, 2008

Floating on the water’s surface, I let myself drift.

I wasn’t really planning to join the others playing ball.

Taehyung’s words kept echoing in my head.

Was I really supposed to always be the “agreeable” one?

A splash hit my face, throwing off my balance, and I stood up.

We were in the shallow part of the pool—my feet touched the ground.

“It got in my eye,” I said.

Hoseok swam over, laughing.

“Sorry, man. You were lying there so still, I thought you died.”

I shoved him away with the shoulder he’d leaned on and splashed him back.

Before I even understood how, we were all in a full-on water fight.

But that heaviness inside me didn’t go away.

I slowed down, turned to Seokjin, and mumbled,

“I wish Taehyung were here.”

He didn’t hear me over the sound of splashing, so he asked me to repeat it.

“I said—I wish Tae were here. We never invite him. He didn’t come to play spin-the-bottle last time either.”

He ruffled my hair.

“You’re right, Gguk. We should’ve called him. Maybe Yoongi can go bring him.”

I started shouting toward the beach umbrella where Yoongi was sitting.

After a long moment, he finally tore his eyes away from his book and yelled back, already annoyed,

“What?!”

“Can you go get Taehyung?”

He thought about it for a moment, then nodded.

He slid a bookmark into place, put the book in his bag, slipped on his sandals, and headed toward the stairs.

Namjoon and Hoseok swam over.

“Where’s Yoongi going?”

“To get Taehyung,” I said.

Namjoon raised his eyebrows. “Your idea?”

I nodded.

“Good job, Jungkook. Smart thinking. One day, when we go off to university, it’ll just be you three left.”

Hoseok butted in, “Ara will be here too.”

None of us answered. We just kept splashing around.

Boramhae Temple, Namhae, 2025*

“Come on, let’s make a wish first. We’ll take pictures after.”

Noeul dragged me toward the wishing box at the temple entrance, her fingers wrapped around mine.

I watched the way her hair moved—how each strand shifted as she walked.

I didn’t know what shampoo she used, but even the slightest breeze carried her scent straight to me.

Having her felt… lucky.

After we made our wishes, I asked what she had wished for.

“I wished for my legs to get slimmer. Your brother’s bike destroyed them—my thighs kept rubbing against the seat.”

I couldn’t hold back a laugh.

I slung my arm around her shoulders.

“Great wish.”

She looked up at me. “What did you wish for?”

“I…”

I had wished to forget. And not to care.

But what I said was,

“I wished for the baby. You know—they lost their first one. I don’t want them to go through that again.”

She suddenly pulled away.

“Jungkook!”

I felt horrible for lying.

“What is it?”

She ran back to the wishing shrine.

“I’m so selfish. I’m going to wish for Lia and your brother too.

That baby is my niece or nephew as well.”

Feeling even worse, I followed her back and made a second wish—this time an honest one.

Afterward, we took a couple of pictures because Noeul insisted.

“From here you can see all of Namhae—look, the beach, our neighborhood, the fishermen’s market, even those rice fields over there.”

I pointed ahead.

She squinted. “You know, I’ve never been to a rice field before.”

I stared at her. “Never? Not even once?”

She rolled her eyes.

“Jungkook, I’ve lived in Seoul my entire life.

Where am I supposed to find a rice field? Next to the subway station?”

Namhae, 2008

We were riding our bikes through the village when Seokjin suggested we go up to the temple.

Taehyung and I were at the very back.

Hoseok stopped and turned around.

“How’s the bike, Taehyung? Isn’t it too big for you?”

Taehyung shook his head.

“No. Thank you for the bike. Your sister doesn’t need it, right?”

Hoseok shrugged.

“I don’t think so. She probably doesn’t even know I borrowed it.”

He hesitated for a second, but once Namjoon called out to him, he started pedaling again.

I laughed. I couldn’t let him pass me.

We kept trying to overtake each other, laughing like idiots.

Jimin noticed and yelled from the front,

“Hey! Race with me too!”

Yoongi, who’d been watching us with an unreadable expression, made a suggestion.

“Why don’t we all race to the temple?

Loser buys everyone Jaws Bar*.”

I looked at Jimin. I didn’t say a word, but he already knew what I was thinking.

“Oh, please. Your legs are the shortest here. You’ll be licking your palm before you beat me.”

I pushed down on the pedals with all my strength.

What mattered was passing Namjoon, Yoongi, and Seokjin—and that was nearly impossible.

But at the last second, I managed to pass Taehyung… and then Jimin.

“Watch me overtake you!” I shouted.

Jimin turned around laughing, but then he suddenly glanced past me.

Because I was distracted, I pushed even harder and surged forward.

By the time we reached the top, Jimin was dead last.

“I can’t believe you lost,” I said, patting his shoulder.

He pushed my hand away.

“As if you won. Whatever. When we go back down, I’ll buy everyone Jaws Bar.”

While we were bickering, Taehyung stood behind us, watching quietly.

Yoongi helped him park his bike properly, then slung an arm around his shoulders.

He told him he did great—especially for beating Jimin.

Namhae, 2025

“Wooo! God, look at this view!”

She was speeding downhill ahead of me.

I started pedaling faster.

“Noeul, slow down a little! You’re going to trip and fall. The roads might be muddy.”

She didn’t even turn around when she answered:

“Just admit you lost!”

I laughed.

Sometimes she didn’t feel two years younger—more like ten.

I slowed down and let myself take in the scenery.

Instead of returning through the neighborhood, we’d decided to come down past the rice fields.

Noeul wanted to see them up close.

I stopped.

The sound of my brakes echoed along the empty road.

A little ahead of me, Noeul stopped too.

I got off my bike and stared at the rice fields.

“Are you okay, Jungkook?”

Her hand touched my shoulder, and I flinched.

I didn’t answer.

I only looked toward the electric pole at the corner.

There were nine handprints on it.

We had to be standing in front of Namjoon’s father’s rice field.

Without saying anything to Noeul, I stepped into the field.

July rice fields were usually green, wet, and muddy.

I didn’t care that my white pants and shoes—worn for the temple—were getting covered in mud.

I walked deeper between the stalks.

Noeul was calling after me, but I couldn’t hear what she was saying.

Namhae, 2008

“Why are we checking the rice, anyway? What do I know about rice?”

Jimin grumbled while running his hands through the stalks.

To be fair, he wasn’t wrong.

But this was probably the first time Namjoon had ever asked us for a favor—so we had to do it.

“If my dad’s foot wasn’t hurt, he’d do it himself. But it is, and my mom is taking care of him.

So stop complaining and check the field, Jimin.”

I was inspecting the stalks like everyone else, but honestly, I had no idea what we were even looking for.

I turned to Hae-won beside me.

“What exactly are we checking?”

She shrugged.

“The condition of the rice, I guess.”

The girls had followed us out of the house earlier, so they were here too.

Ara was whispering something to Yoongi, who told her to stop slacking and help.

A moment later—

“Oh! Look, a bug.”

Hae-won giggled.

“Hoseok, look, it’s your relative.”

Before I could fully react, a handful of mud flew past me and splattered right across Hae-won’s shirt.

We all went silent, waiting for her reaction.

She grabbed a handful to throw back at Hoseok—but it accidentally hit Seokjin instead.

A few minutes later, we’d completely abandoned checking the rice and were just playing in the mud.

“Is that Taehyung coming?” Seokjin asked, squinting toward the entrance of the field.

I nodded.

We all started yelling.

“Taehyung! Taehyung! Hey! Over here!”

He finally noticed us and came to the edge of the field.

“Hey,” Yoongi said.

Taehyung greeted him—and then all of us—the same way.

“What are you guys doing?”

“We’re checking my dad’s rice field.

Well… we were.”

Jimin added, “Now we’re having a mud fight. Come here.”

Covered head to toe in mud, we stared at Taehyung while he stared back, unsure.

“I’m not sure—”

Jimin grabbed a handful of mud and trudged through the field until he reached him.

“Open your hand.”

Taehyung did, without hesitation.

Jimin dropped the mud into his palm.

“Throw it at me.”

He did—again without hesitation.

“Okay, now you’re a mud warrior too. Alright? Just loosen up, man.”

Namjoon laughed.

“Where do you even learn these lines?”

Jimin responded by throwing mud at him as well.

Taehyung still looked a little stiff at first, but soon enough—his laughter mixed with ours.

Namhae, 2025

“Jungkook. Jungkook. Jungkook!”

When I felt Noeul’s hand on my shoulder again, I turned toward her in alarm.

She’d stepped into the field like me.

“Hey… are you okay? Why are you crying?”

Even though my hands were covered in mud, I wiped my cheeks.

“I’m fine. I just…

I guess I got a little emotional remembering the past.

Let’s go home. We’re covered in mud.”

Before she could ask anything else, we left Mr. Kim’s field together.

I later learned that he’d sold that land years ago.

-End of Episode Three-

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Jaws Bar*: A shark-themed Korean ice cream bar that was extremely popular among kids in the 2000s. Known for its bright colors and icy texture, it’s a nostalgic staple of Korean summers.

Boramhae Temple*: A traditional Buddhist temple located in Namhae. It’s commonly visited for making wishes, praying, and enjoying the scenic views of the island.

[sugarcoatedhurts]

On the Other Side of the Waves • BTS AU

✦ ⋆｡˚ 𓆉 ｡˚⋆ ✦ ✦ ⋆｡˚ 𓆉 ｡˚⋆ ✦ ✦ ⋆｡˚ 𓆉 ｡˚⋆ ✦ ✦ ⋆｡˚ 𓆉 ｡˚⋆ ✦

“Some memories don’t stay in the past.

Sometimes a shoreline, a voice, a familiar summer heat is enough to pull everything back.”

A story about childhood summers, the people we become, and the things the waves never really take away.

⚠ Chapter Warnings:

childhood nostalgia • soft angst • mild homophobic language (one line, era + age context only) • messy friendships • summer tension • emotional undercurrents

No major triggers besides the brief contextual line mentioned above.

❗Note: English is not my first language — there may be small mistakes, but I hope the emotion comes through. 🌊

✦ ⋆｡˚ 𓆉 ｡˚⋆ ✦ ✦ ⋆｡˚ 𓆉 ｡˚⋆ ✦ ✦ ⋆｡˚ 𓆉 ｡˚⋆ ✦ ✦ ⋆｡˚ 𓆉 ｡˚⋆ ✦

Namhae, 2025

I slid my hands into my pockets and cleared my throat.

“How’s life?” I hoped my voice came out sounding natural.

“Good, can’t complain. You? Did you get here today?”

I nodded, meaning yes. The moment the veranda door opened, her eyes shifted behind me. I turned around—Noeul was walking toward us.

“Hi.”

“Hello. I’m Ara.”

They shook hands over the fence. Then Noeul came to my side and wrapped her arm around my waist.

“Noeul, my fiancée,” I said.

Ara laughed—an amused, teasing kind of laugh.

“Wow. The little one’s engaged now, huh?”

Namhae, 2008

“What does it matter what your wedding dress looks like? People in Korea rent them anyway. You’ll probably rent yours too.”

Hae-won kicked Hoseok, who was sitting at her feet.

“I’m going to buy mine.”

Hoseok pushed her feet away with the back of his hand and stood to grab a slice of kimbap from the table.

“Buy it then, what do I care? Go tell Yeonjun. Like it matters to me.”

“How many times do I have to say it? There’s nothing between me and Yeonjun.”

“Seokjin doesn’t say that though. He says he saw you kissing. He even to—”

She looked at me and stopped.

“Be grateful Jungkook is here.”

Hoseok’s stare was burning into me.

“What about me?” I asked, curious, though she didn’t answer.

Jimin, who had been playing on his PSP-2000 and ignoring us the whole time, finally decided to rejoin the conversation.

“I think she meant she let him touch her boobs.”

“Guys,” Namjoon warned without even lifting his gaze from the chessboard.

Despite his last move with the knight, he still lost his final pawn.

Frustrated, Hae-won jumped up and stormed off before Hoseok could stop her.

Namhae, 2025

“Hae-won is here too?” I asked.

She shook her head.

“She’ll be here in two days. If she finishes work early, maybe tomorrow… or even tonight. You know how unpredictable doctors’ schedules are. You’re a dentist too, right?”

I took my left hand out of my pocket and adjusted my collar.

“Yes. I’m a dentist.”

“What about you, Noeul? What do you do?”

“I’m an art director. I manage a gallery in Seoul. Our exhibitions get a lot of attention—you should stop by sometime.”

The veranda door opened again—my mom stepped outside.

“Come on now, the food’s all warmed up. Ah, hello Ara. How have you been?”

“I’m good, Mrs. Jeon. How about you?”

My mom shrugged.

I stepped away from Noeul; I could feel sweat running down my back in the heat.

“I’m fine. Jungkook and his fiancée arrived today. His brother and wife came the other day. Oh! Is that Lia?”

I jogged over to help her—she was carrying a carton of cream and a huge watermelon.

“Welcome, Gguk,” she said.

I immediately took the watermelon from her hands.

“Welcome back. Why are you carrying this? If you wanted watermelon you could’ve told us. You’re sweating—come inside. We’re about to eat.”

She was out of breath. Even though she still had time before giving birth, the summer heat was rough on her.

I offered her my arm so she could hold on.

“Don’t treat me like I’m terminally ill. Hi Ara. Hello Noeul.”

After a few minutes of small talk, we all headed inside together.

“Mr. Jung gave me this watermelon. He heard me crying over watermelon the other day and felt bad. Said he grew it in his garden. He must’ve seen me walking by because he ran out after me. He was going to carry it here himself too, but I didn’t want to trouble him so I brought it. And mom, don’t give me kimchi—upsets my stomach.”

Namhae, 2008

“Can I play too?”

I was standing over my brother, watching the game on his screen.

“If I lose, we’ll think about it. But don’t stand over me like that. Go grab a chair or something.”

I grabbed an empty chair from the other side of the room, ready to bring it over, when I heard my dad calling me from downstairs.

“Dad’s calling you,” my brother said.

“I heard him.”

I set the chair down beside him and hurried downstairs.

“Yes, Dad?”

He was holding two watermelons, and handed one to me.

“Take this to Taehyung’s house, will you? I accidentally bought an extra one and I don’t want it to go to waste.”

Unlike my dad effortlessly holding it in one hand, I had to carry the whole netted bag in my arms.

“How did you accidentally buy two?”

He patted my head.

“I just did. Doesn’t matter. It shouldn’t go to waste.”

My mom wiped her hands on her apron and stopped me.

“Wait, let me cut some of it first. Take a few slices with you.”

“Why? Can’t Taehyung cut it himself?”

She snatched the watermelon out of my arms.

“Can you cut it yourself?”

I shook my head no.

“Then?”

Once a portion was sliced, I carried the pieces carefully to my bike waiting at the bottom of the stairs. I set them into the basket and pedaled toward Taehyung’s house.

Their traditional-style home had the garden door slightly open.

“Taehyung?”

I called inside. No answer.

I slipped off my slippers and walked in. I could already feel the dust gathering on my feet.

“Taehyung? Are you home?”

I stepped into the kitchen, reaching for the fridge to put the watermelon away. Just as I touched the handle, a hand landed on mine.

Taehyung.

“What’s up?”

“My dad bought too many watermelons by accident. He told me to bring one here.”

“How does someone accidentally buy a watermelon?”

I shrugged.

“I don’t know. Maybe his brain melted from the heat.”

Gently—without hurting—he moved my hand away from the fridge handle.

“Go sit over there,” he said, pointing to the chair furthest from him. “I’ll put it away. Thanks.”

I did as he said.

“You’re welcome.”

He opened the fridge only halfway and quickly slid the watermelon inside.

“I should he—”

“Want something to drink?”

I sat back down.

“Uh, sure. What do you have?”

“Mm… there’s milk. Do you want milk?”

I nodded.

He opened the fridge halfway again, took out a bottle of milk, sniffed it once, then poured some into two glasses before putting the bottle back.

“You nod your head a lot. You talk less than the others. You’re like me.”

He sat across from me.

“Thanks.”

“No problem.”

I took a sip, and he pointed at the milk mustache I’d made. Then he drank too, ending up with one himself. I laughed.

“I think I should be agreeable to older kids.”

“You don’t have to be with me. If you don’t want something, you can say so.”

I stared down at the glass between my palms.

“But I just got scolded by my brother for that.”

“Hm. I heard. You and Jimin fought. Because of me.”

I raised my eyes to him.

“That’s… that’s not true. I mean, yeah, being at your house started the argument, but the main reason was about the phone.”

“But none of us even have phones. Yoongi only got one last March.”

I finished the milk in a gulp.

“Anyway. I should go. They don’t know I planned to stay. They only know I came to drop off the watermelon.”

“See you, Jungkook. Come again.”

While pedaling home, I felt a kind of heaviness I couldn’t explain.

A lump in my throat, a sting in my chest, and my vision blurring for reasons I didn’t understand.

I didn’t know anything about Taehyung or his life, not really—

but somehow, with everything in me, I felt the shape of a life he wasn’t living.

Namhae, 2025

“The air here is so clean. When you stay in Seoul too long, you forget how good nature feels.”

I nodded in agreement.

“You’re right, but it might get windy down by the shore. You should’ve brought a cardigan, Noeul.”

She laughed.

“No need. I like the summer breeze.”

We walked a bit more, me pointing things out and explaining what was where, when a voice behind us made me stop.

“Jeon?”

I gently held out an arm so Noeul would stop too.

That softness in the voice—there was only one person it could belong to.

“Jimin.”

He walked up to us with a smile.

“You didn’t tell me you were coming,” he said, and suddenly his arms were around me. I froze for a second before hesitantly returning the hug the way he did.

“We came today.”

He turned to Noeul.

“You must be Mrs. Jeon’s future daughter-in-law. I’m Jimin—Jungkook’s summer friend.”

They shook hands.

“I’m not exactly her daughter-in-law yet,” Noeul corrected politely. “We’re only engaged.”

Jimin waved a hand dismissively, like it didn’t matter.

He then pointed the soju bottles in the plastic bag he was holding toward us.

“Do you want to join? Yoongi, Namjoon, and I are going to sit by the lighthouse for a bit. I’d love for you to meet the others, Noeul.”

I wanted to decline—

but Noeul took a step toward him.

“Let’s go, Jungkook. Don’t argue.”

“…Okay. Fine. We’ll share one bottle of soju and then leave, alright?”

She nodded and looped her arm through mine, already letting Jimin guide us ahead.

Namhae, 2008

“Will this bottle work?”

Jimin held up an empty soju bottle, and Ara scrunched up her face.

“Where did you even find that?”

“The trash,” he said with a shrug.

Seokjin got up immediately, snatched the bottle from his hand.

“Are you disgusting? Were you digging through trash?”

Jimin yanked it back defensively.

“I didn’t take it out of the trash. It was lying next to it. I washed it by the showers on the way here, too. You guys are impossible to please.”

He plopped down between Yoongi and me.

“Move over a little, Gguk.”

I did.

We decided to play spin the bottle — boys, girls, everyone.

Namjoon took the bottle from Jimin.

“The bottom asks the question, the tip answers it. Got it?”

Everyone agreed. He spun.

“Hoseok and Yoongi.”

Hoseok rubbed his hands together, grinning like a villain.

“Truth or dare?”

“Truth.”

He scanned all of us slowly, then let his gaze land on Yoongi and stay there.

“Jungkook, cover your ears,” he said.

Even if I wanted to protest, Jimin covered my ears with his hands, laughing.

As if I wouldn’t still hear it.

“So,” Hoseok asked, “have you ever had sex?”

Yoongi took a deep breath.

“Yes— and also no.”

“That makes no sense,” Hae-won complained.

Yoongi grabbed the bottle.

“I answered. Now I spin.”

The bottle stopped on: Seokjin and Jungkook.

I chose dare.

“Okay. Run to the lighthouse and back in under ten seconds.”

Hoseok and Jimin objected at once.

“How is that a dare? Make him kiss Ara or something.”

Ara kicked Jimin hard.

“Why me? Make him kiss you.”

Jimin shoved my shoulder like I had suggested it.

“Ew. We’re both boys. Boys don’t kiss boys.” Yoongi coughed.

Namjoon finally cut in, shutting both of them up.

“This dare is fine. Gguk is only eleven. Stop saying stupid things. Come on, Jungkook—stand here. I’ll time you.”

I did exactly what he said—

but I missed the time by two seconds.

Namhae, 2025

“How long have you two been together?”

Namjoon asked after taking another sip of his soju.

His voice sounded a little rough, a little worn.

“We’ve known each other for four years. Been together for two.”

“I think we should head back. We’re tired from the trip,” I said.

Jimin and Namjoon both tried to object, but Yoongi stepped in.

“Don’t push them. I’ll drive you back. It’d be too much for Noeul to walk all the way to your place like this.”

“No, you don’t have to. Really. Thank you though. Goodnight, everyone.”

I slipped my arm around Noeul’s waist—and Yoongi took her other side as well.

“I won’t go back either. I’ll head home after this. Goodnight. Don’t forget to clean up your trash.”

We walked toward the small parking lot near the shore.

He stopped in front of a pickup truck with Min Fisheries written on the side.

“What happened to your dad’s car?” I asked.

“It got too old. The engine kept overheating. And this one has a bigger bed—I can haul more fish at once. Noeul should sit by the window. We can open it so she gets some fresh air.”

I shook my head.

“It’ll be harder for her to get out that way.”

After Noeul got in, I followed, and Yoongi climbed in last.

Silence filled the truck, the kind that feels heavy but familiar.

Yoongi was the first to break it.

Noeul was already asleep on my shoulder.

“I thought you wouldn’t come this year,” he said quietly. “But you did.”

“My mom and Noeul insisted. I couldn’t say no. We won’t stay long anyway—probably leave Saturday.”

“If I had somewhere else to go, I wouldn’t come back either. But unlike you, I’m not a summer kid. This is my whole life.”

He glanced at the bags at our feet.

“Need help carrying her?”

“No, it’s okay. She’s light. Don’t worry.”

Still, he got out of the truck with me.

“Let me cook for you sometime before you leave. At our place. If you don’t feel uncomfortable.”

“Of course. And thanks for driving us. Could you open the garden gate?”

He did.

And as I walked inside with Noeul in my arms, all I wanted was a night of sleep heavy enough to drown the weight of memories behind me.

- End of Episode Two -

✦ ⋆｡˚ 𓆉 ｡˚⋆ ✦ ✦ ⋆｡˚ 𓆉 ｡˚⋆ ✦ ✦ ⋆｡˚ 𓆉 ｡˚⋆ ✦ ✦ ⋆｡˚ 𓆉 ｡˚⋆ ✦

[sugarcoatedhurts]

On the Other Side of the Waves • BTS AU

✦ ⋆｡˚ 𓆉 ｡˚⋆ ✦ ✦ ⋆｡˚ 𓆉 ｡˚⋆ ✦ ✦ ⋆｡˚ 𓆉 ｡˚⋆ ✦ ✦ ⋆｡˚ 𓆉 ｡˚⋆ ✦

“Some memories don’t stay in the past.

Sometimes a shoreline, a voice, a familiar summer heat is enough to pull everything back.”

A story about childhood summers, the people we become, and the things the waves never really take away.

⚠ Chapter Warnings:

childhood nostalgia • soft angst • mild swearing • messy friendships • summery vibes • jungkook pov

No major triggers.

❗Note: English is not my first language — there may be small mistakes, but I hope the emotion comes through. 🌊

✦ ⋆｡˚ 𓆉 ｡˚⋆ ✦ ✦ ⋆｡˚ 𓆉 ｡˚⋆ ✦ ✦ ⋆｡˚ 𓆉 ｡˚⋆ ✦ ✦ ⋆｡˚ 𓆉 ｡˚⋆ ✦

Namhae, 2008 — South Korea

“Calm down, kids, you’re going to hurt yourselves!”

Even though my mother warned us not to run, we didn’t slow down at all as we went down the stairs with the fruit in our hands, the icy water in the bucket, and the towels.

Jimin, who was rushing in front of me, flew forward when the strap of his slipper broke, but he managed to catch himself at the last second.

After swearing at his broken slipper, he threw the other one to a corner of the yard and kept going down barefoot.

The stairs, half inside the yard and half outside, were so steep that they honestly scared me a bit when running down. But since I was younger than the others, I barely got a chance to fit in anyway. So I pushed my worry aside and caught up with Hoseok, who was ahead of Jimin.

“Did Ara and Hae-won get here?” I asked.

He shrugged.

“I don’t know. Hae-won and I aren’t talking. I didn’t ask if they were coming.”

I nodded as if I understood.

When the smell of the sea reached me, I couldn’t hold myself anymore. I was practically praying to the creator to let me throw myself into the cool, wavy water already.

Namjoon, Yoongi, and Seokjin turned around.

“Should we have brought an umbrella? Maybe Taehyung has one at home.”

Jimin approached us, cursing at the hot stones.

“If we go there, we’ll have to invite him too. He always says weird and strange things.”

I spoke up.

“I heard my mom and dad talking. His mom left the house, so he lost his mind.”

Seokjin hit me on the back of my neck.

“Hey. Don’t talk like that. Actually, maybe we should invite him — for the umbrella and because he shouldn’t be alone.”

Yoongi let out a deep breath and put his hands on his waist. From the color of his shirt under his arms, you could tell how much he was sweating.

“You guys go. I’ll take this shortcut to Taehyung’s house. Our dads’ shops are next to each other. We’re basically neighbors. It’s better if I go.”

We all nodded and went down to the beach.

Jimin cried out in pain as he stepped on the hot sand with his bare feet.

“Fuck! Of all times for this slipper to break.”

He handed me what he was carrying and ran to dip his feet in the water.

The burning sand, which had turned into one of Dante’s hell circles under the scorching sun, made him shout loud enough for people to look at us.

Namjoon must have thought the same thing as me, because he spoke:

“Great. We already got labeled as a pack of teenage boys the moment we stepped onto the beach.”

Hoseok and I looked at each other and shrugged.

“I don’t care what anyone says, man,” he said as he balanced the quarter watermelon on his knee and put his free hand on my shoulder. With the other shoulder, he lightly nudged Seokjin.

“-what matters is that we’re all together.”

Seoul, 2025 — South Korea

“Brushing twice a day is enough. We already talked about how to use dental floss. And please use this medicine I gave you for a month. Then make another appointment.”

After sending the prescription to the system, I watched the patient leave the room.

I was checking the rest of the day’s appointments when someone knocked on my door.

I looked at the time. I should have had around fifteen minutes free.

“Come in.”

My fiancée walked inside with several shopping bags in her hands.

“Noeul. You didn’t tell me you were coming.”

I stood up, kissed her cheek, then sat back down.

“I was around. I bought a few gifts for your mom, dad, brother, and his wife. It’s my first time going to the summer house, so I’m excited.”

I looked at the bags in her hands.

“You did well, but I think I see more bags than what you mentioned.”

After putting them on the chair across from me, she sat down.

“Oh please, I also bought a few things for myself. First, a really cute bikini. Then a swimsuit too, just in case—depending on your mom’s mood.”

I checked the time again.

“My mom won’t care what you wear. It’s a summer place; she’ll understand. You didn’t have to worry.”

She kept listing things when the door knocked again.

“Come in.”

My assistant Ji-a walked in.

“Mr. Jeon, your 2:45 appointment is here.”

I looked at the notebook in front of me.

“It was Mr. Saerun, right? He had an implant check.”

She nodded.

“Okay. Please prepare the patient. I’m coming.”

After she closed the door and left, I turned back to Noeul.

“It’s a busy day. You should go home. I’ll come later tonight. Since it’s my last day, I had to move some of my later appointments to today.”

After standing up, she showed me the bags.

“You know my car is in service. Can I leave these here so I don’t have to carry them? You can bring them later.”

I nodded.

“I’ll come home before it’s too late. We have a long drive tomorrow.”

After sending her off, I spent the rest of the day with patients.

By the time it hit 5:30, I could physically feel my brain hurting.

All I wanted was to go home and watch television without letting a single thought in.

Walking toward my car with the shopping bags, the sound my shoes made with each step felt like a nail being hammered into my skull.

After placing everything in the trunk, I sat in the driver’s seat.

I leaned my head back and closed my eyes.

I could hear the sound of the waves.

You’re going to go for a week. You’ll endure it, and then you’ll make up something about work and come back early, Jungkook. You can survive a week.

After fastening my seatbelt, I started the car and drove home.

Namhae, 2008 — South Korea

Seokjin squinted his eyes, staring ahead.

“Aren’t those Ara and Hae-won?”

I nodded.

“So they came,” Hoseok added. He was about to stand when Yoongi grabbed him.

“Sit down. Don’t bother the girl.”

I turned to Taehyung, who was trying to finish his book.

“What are you reading?”

“Sonagi. We have to read it before summer ends. The school gave it to us.”

Jimin lifted his head from where he was lying down.

“They gave us the same book. I haven’t started yet. How is it?”

Taehyung suddenly took a deep breath, turned to Jimin, and held up the book.

“It’s very good. I definitely recommend it. It’s about the friendship between a boy and a girl. Sweet, innocent.”

Jimin rolled his eyes while playing on his 2000-model PSP.

“So boring. Whatever — you read it and explain it to me in detail later, okay, my friend Taehyung?”

Taehyung nodded.

The loud cicadas that came before August fell silent with my mom’s voice as she entered the yard with lemonade.

“In this heat, all of you are sitting under one tree, what are you doing? I squeezed lemonade. Drink it. And if you get hungry, tell me, okay kids? Jungkook, why don’t you invite Ara and Hae-won too? I saw them from the kitchen window earlier. The girls came.”

Without saying anything, I stood up from the tree I was leaning on.

Namjoon immediately leaned against the spot I left.

“Oh, finally,” I heard him mutter behind me.

I walked out of our yard and into theirs. Ara and Hae-won’s father, Mr. Nam, was watering the flowers. He turned toward me with a surprised expression as if he hadn’t heard my mom or seen me. The hose splashed a bit of water on me as he moved, but since the weather was so hot, I didn’t mind. I even liked it.

“Oh, Jungkook. It’s you?”

I nodded.

“Yes, sir. My mom made lemonade. She’s inviting Ara and Hae-won. Everyone is in our yard.”

He called the girls from inside.

They came out holding towels and sunscreen. They looked at me, then at their father.

“Did something happen, Dad?”

“Jungkook is inviting you. The others are all there. Mrs. Jeon made lemonade.”

Hae-won turned to me.

“Is everyone there?”

She was probably asking about Hoseok.

“Yes. Me, Namjoon, Seokjin, Taehyung, Yoongi, Jimin, and Hoseok. We’re all in our yard.”

Hae-won looked like she was about to refuse, but Ara stepped in first.

“We were going to go to the sea, but we can stop by. We can go later. Do you want to come too, Jungkook?”

“I don’t know. If the others come, sure.”

Ara moved ahead and, even though she was only three years older than me, she patted my head like she was way older. She walked toward our house; Hae-won and I followed.

Seoul, 2025 — South Korea

“I’m so sleepy. Did we really have to leave this early? Couldn’t we do high-speed train from Busan then to Namhae?”

I looked at Noeul, who had rested her head against the wall of the elevator.

“Unfortunately, no, love. We have luggage. I’m leaving some things at the summer house, and I need to pick up a few boxes from my mom. By train, we would’ve struggled. The car ride will be long but it’s fine. Roads look clear. We’ll arrive around one or two.”

When the elevator opened, Noeul went ahead and I followed toward the car.

I tried to fit our suitcases and bags into the trunk alongside the gifts I packed yesterday. Noeul took one bag from my hand.

“There’s water and kimbap in this one. We’ll eat on the road if we get hungry. It’s a five-hour drive.”

I nodded and closed the trunk hard.

Even though I knew the way, she set the GPS to Namhae.

And we started driving in the early morning light.

Because people were going to work, it took a long time to leave Seoul traffic and get onto the highway.

“Play music or something like a podcast. I’m bored.”

We flipped through the radio, and after choosing a channel, we started humming along — until the GPS interrupted:

“In 150 meters, take the second exit on the right.”

“Do you know what I’m most curious about?” she asked.

I nodded without taking my eyes off the road, making the turn.

“Your friends. Summer house life is different. We never had one. I always admired people who grew up like you. That’s why I’m so curious about your friends.”

Namhae, 2008 — South Korea

While I was going through TV channels, I turned my eyes to the kitchen connected to the living room when my dad called me.

“Yes?”

“Instead of watching television all the time, you should study a bit. You need to fix your math before next semester.”

I nodded my head in agreement.

My mom was placing the cleaned mackerels into the pot. Even though her back was turned, she must have realized I hadn’t left yet.

She pointed at the gochujang on the counter.

“Hand me that, son. Let him spend some time on his own. The weather is cloudy today. He can’t spend time with his friends. It’s the first day he’s stayed home in days. Don’t complain.”

I handed the chili paste to my mom, watching like a tennis match to see what would happen next — what the rest of my day’s fate was going to be.

“If it’s his first day at home in days, then this is a great opportunity for him to study.”

Before my mom could say anything else, I cut in:

“I’ll study for a bit then. Namjoon gave me a test book to help me. He said I could ask if I couldn’t solve something. I’ll go look at that.”

My dad stood up from the table, took a chocolate bar from the fridge, and handed it to me.

“Good. I don’t really like that you follow boys older than you around, but at least they’re good kids.”

I was about to leave the kitchen and head to the stairs when my mom stopped me.

“Son?”

“Yes, Mom?”

She pointed at the pot.

“When the rain stops, I’ll prepare a container. Can you take it to Taehyung’s house with some kimchi?”

I didn’t say anything; I just nodded.

Namhae, 2025 — South Korea

After carefully parking the car in front of the house, I turned off the ignition and took a deep breath.

“I can’t feel my back or my butt.”

Noeul laughed as she unbuckled her seatbelt and leaned to the side to place a kiss on my cheek.

“I’ll give you a massage tonight; you won’t feel anything afterward.”

I laughed too, unbuckled my seatbelt just like she did, and got out of the car.

Since my mom and older brother were already in the yard, they were coming down the stairs leading to the garden gate.

“Jungkook! Welcome, son. And Noeul, welcome to you too, dear.”

Noeul quickly walked to my mom and hugged her.

Them getting along well was good for me.

I didn’t like arguments or tension.

They gave me a headache.

After hugging my brother, we headed to the trunk.

He laughed when he saw how full it was.

“I thought you were only staying for a week.”

“These are the gifts from Noeul to you all. And these are my old things I’ll leave here.”

We followed behind my mom and Noeul, carrying the bags on our backs.

“I really didn’t miss these stairs,” I said.

He laughed while answering.

“You and Jimin fought one day, remember? You almost fell down the stairs. I caught you at the last second.”

“And then you scolded us nicely.”

After we climbed the last step, he took a deep breath.

“Right, how old were you back then?”

I shrugged.

“Summer of 2008, I think. I was 11, Jimin was around 13.”

Namhae, 2008 — South Korea

“Should we go to the motel pool?”

With what Hoseok said, I lifted my eyes from Yoongi and Namjoon playing chess and looked up.

“Would they even let us in?” I asked.

Hoseok laughed.

“Isn’t it Jimin’s uncle’s motel? Of course he’ll let us in. The sea is really rough today but the weather is super hot. So the best option is the pool.”

Seokjin was lying in the hammock. Even though his eyes were closed, it was obvious he wasn’t sleeping and was listening to us.

“Right, speaking of Jimin, where is he?”

Yoongi answered quickly.

“His dad sent him to Taehyung’s. Since Taehyung studies really well, maybe he can help him with his schoolwork.”

“They were the same age, right?” I asked.

Hoseok nodded.

“Mm, after you, they’re our youngest. Anyway, should we go?”

We all slowly got up. Namjoon said:

“Let’s go home and put on our swim shorts then. Let’s meet in front of the motel. Will you be there in 10–15 minutes?”

I nodded in agreement.

Since we were at Seokjin’s house today, I took the bike I had leaned against a corner of their yard and started riding home.

On the way home, I ran into Jimin, who had his hands in his pockets.

He didn’t look like he was in a good mood.

I hit the brakes. The rock that bounced off my tire fell in front of him.

That made him turn around.

“Hey.”

“Hey. How did it go with Taehyung?”

He shrugged.

“That kid is a freak. Their house is messy and dusty. I felt like my lungs shriveled.”

I got off my bike and started walking next to him.

“Since his mom isn’t around and his dad works, maybe they can’t clean the house.”

He touched the back of his neck.

“You’re right. I’m not happy about feeling this way. It’s not like it’s his fault. He didn’t choose to be a crazy freak. But just because my family feels bad for him doesn’t mean I have to hang out with him. Not when I have Hoseok and the others.”

“I thought they were forcing you two to hang out because your grades are bad and his grades are good.”

After leaning my bike against the wall, I started walking up the stairs. He was following behind me.

“That has nothing to do with it!”

“It doesn’t?” I said, turning slightly over my shoulder.

“Of course not. Do I need Taehyung to pass my classes? I’m going to one of the best middle schools in Busan.”

I nodded.

“Mm. I know. Before moving to Seoul, my brother also went to that school.”

“Where are the others?”

“We went home to change into our swimsuits. We’re planning to swim in your uncle’s motel pool.”

He put his hands in his pockets and raised one eyebrow.

“And you didn’t tell me.”

I nodded.

“Like I said, you were with Taehyung. How were we supposed to reach you? You still don’t have a cellphone.”

He shoved my shoulder.

“As if you have one.”

I shoved him back.

“I don’t. I never said I did anyway.”

When he shoved my shoulder again, I lost my balance—

but my older brother came from behind and grabbed my arm at the last second.

“What’s going on here? I can hear both of you from all the way down there!

Jimin? Why are you pushing Jungkook? Do you realize he could fall and hit his head?”

“Uh, I…”

Before he could finish, my brother turned to me.

“And you? Why are you talking back to someone older than you?”

“You came home early?” was all I could say.

He pushed me by the arm and sent me up the stairs.

I didn’t hear what he said to Jimin, but the next day Jimin came with a huge plate of his mom’s famous moist cake and apologized.

Namhae, 2025 — South Korea

“How’s Lia?” I said as we paused on the stairs to catch our breath.

“She’s fine. She went to the neighbor’s. She was going to make those lemon tarts you like, but apparently the cream wasn’t enough. And honestly, in this heat, we were too lazy to go to the market.”

I laughed.

“And you sent your pregnant wife to the neighbor’s in this heat, is that it?”

He rolled his eyes.

“As if you don’t know Lia. As if she actually stops when I tell her to.

My dad is at the shore, by the way. He had a few things to take care of. Said he wouldn’t make it back in time.”

“I know, we talked yesterday. Something about the fishing rods being messed up or something.”

When we all walked inside, my mom and I finally hugged and relieved our longing.

“How was the road? I hope you weren’t too tired, Noeul?”

While I was washing an apple I had taken from the kitchen, I yelled inside:

“I’m the one who drove the car. I’ve been behind the wheel since 08:30 in the morning. Why would she be tired?”

I sat down next to Noeul on the couch and glanced at the TV channel.

It was some ordinary reality show whose name I didn’t know but looked familiar.

It seemed more like the kind of program Lia would watch.

“Why is Dad getting the fishing rods fixed now?”

“He was actually going to do it earlier, but Mr. Kim was a bit sick. His shop was closed for a few days.

Today, before Dad went down, he called out to him when he passed by.

Said, ‘I’m feeling better, I can fix the rods today.’

But I guess work piled up, so it took long.

Leave the poor man alone — let him see some people.”

I swallowed.

“How is Mr. Kim?”

My mom only shrugged.

“If you’re hungry, I’ll set some food.”

Namhae, 2005 — South Korea

“Can you give me some money? My bike tire is flat. I’m going to get it pumped.”

My brother looked at me for a moment and then pointed toward my dad with his eyebrows.

“Why aren’t you asking Dad for money?”

“Because you owe me since October. I gave you 320 won. Just reminding you.”

He sighed and took out his wallet.

“Do you know where to go? After you go down the road, turn left and go straight. At Mr. Kim’s repair shop — our neighbor — you can have your tires checked and pumped.”

I nodded.

“But Jimin and Hoseok say Mr. Kim’s son is weird. What if he’s there?”

He raised his eyebrows.

“Then take this money too. Buy yourself and Taehyung some ice cream while they pump the tires. I’ll ask Taehyung later whether you ate it or not.”

Namhae, 2025 — South Korea

After telling my mom I wanted to get some fresh air while she set the table, I stepped out into the yard.

I was examining the roses my dad had planted when I heard someone call:

“Jeon? Is that you?”

I lifted my head from the roses.

“Ara? Is that you?”

“The one and only. How are you, kid?”

-End of Episode One-

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[sugarcoatedhurts]

HEIR • Jeon Jungkook

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* 　　 *:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧ ✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* 　　 *:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧

Masterpost

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* 　　 *:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧ ✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* 　　 *:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧

Episode One: Monster

Episode Two: Easy Lover

[sugarcoatedhurts]

HEIR • Jeon Jungkook

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* 　　 *:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧ ✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* 　　 *:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧

Summary: This story follows Elizabeth Baker, a business student with a complicated past, and Jungkook, the troubled heir of a global fried-chicken empire.

They marry too fast, hide too much, and try to survive a world built on power, money, and family politics.

No one here is perfect-every character is flawed, ambitious, and a little dangerous.

Episode Warnings: Episode Warnings: Alcohol use • Bar/club setting • Mild sexual content (non-explicit) • Friends with benefits dynamic • Cheating / morally grey choices • Age gap romance (21 × 31) • Mentions of drug dealing (weed, no use) • Financial stress & job loss • Family estrangement • Light swearing • Flirting & jealousy • Soft romance • English is not my first language

A/N: This episode takes place a few days after the previous one.

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* 　　 *:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧ ✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* 　　 *:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧

Episode Two: Easy Lover

~You got the love I always needed.~

“Would you tell me a little about yourself?”

He was watching the way the red wine filled my glass, almost as if he was listening to the sound it made while pouring. I watched his hands and tried to come up with an answer quickly.

“Elizabeth Baker. I’m 21—well, turning 22 soon, so let’s just say 22. I’m a senior studying business. I’m originally from New Jersey, but I’ve been living in New York since high school. And you?”

He was resting his elbows on the table, fingers laced together as he listened to me. There wasn’t even a hint of judgment or condescension on his face; if anything, he held my gaze and nodded along as if approving each word. When I asked about him, he smiled.

“Should I tell you about the Jeon Jungkook you find on Google, or just Jungkook?”

This time, it was my turn to smile.

“To be honest—” I reached for my glass and took a sip.

“—I should probably admit I already looked up the Jeon Jungkook on Google. You know, how you stalk a guy who asks you out before the actual date? That kind of thing. But… I’d really like to get to know just Jungkook.” He let out a small laugh as he took a bite of his food. After swallowing, he said:

“I had no idea people still did the whole ‘asking someone out’ thing.”

“Oh, they do. I may be young, but I’m not someone to underestimate, Jungkook.”

He nodded.

“Trust me, I got that. It’s just—ah, well, you’ve probably seen online that I’m 31, so I’m way past that phase. But being older than you doesn’t mean I’m going to belittle you or disrespect you. Anyway… aside from being the heir of Kim Chicken Co., I like spending my free time visiting museums, reading, and going to things like biennales. I live a quiet life. I’m also a business graduate, just like you. But—”

He paused and returned to his meal. I was eating mine too, but at the last second I stopped, lifted my gaze, and looked straight into his eyes.

“But what?”

“Hm? Ah, nothing important.”

I rested my fork and knife on the edge of my plate. Leaning my elbows on the table, I intertwined my fingers under my chin. My full attention was on him, and he seemed slightly uncomfortable with that.

“It looked pretty important to me. Like you want to say something but can’t.”

I pulled my left hand from under my chin and reached it across the table. I gently held his free hand—light, but reassuring.

“We might’ve just met, but I don’t judge. I don’t belittle or mock. You can tell me.”

“It’s just… okay. Ever since I was a kid, I— I always wanted to be a poet. And when university time came, I wanted to study literature, to become a good writer. But for people like me, the world is decided long before we’re even being able to decide. While I was still next to my mother’s side, which school I’d attend and what I’d study was already set in stone.”

“A child with no choices,” I said, making him laugh.

“Well, I wouldn’t go that far. I don’t exactly have the power to save the world.”

“You do have the power to feed a broke college student. Seriously, your sauces are amazing.” He laughed and pulled his hand back from under mine. After rubbing his eyes with both hands, he said:

“It might sound simple, but saying that out loud was… relieving. No one knows. No one except Hoseok, my friend from the party.”

“But you told me.” I leaned back in my chair and tilted my chin up slightly. I was going to leave this table tonight as the stronger one.

I would take control.

“You told me. How do you know I won’t go out and share your secret with the world?”

He saw my move. His turn.

“Who even cares about a fast-food chain heir? Even if you said it, no one would care.”

“There are definitely people who would care.”

Then I added:

“Was it Mr. Kim? Your father?”

He shook his head.

“My mother. My father left us when I was a kid.”

He downed the last sip of his wine in one go and exhaled sharply.

“I don’t know why I’m telling you all this. We just met. When I talk too much, I start feeling guilty. Let’s talk about you again.”

“I’m a simple person, Jungkook. I like working, listening to music, plants, and men like you.”

“Rich ones?”

“Polite and considerate ones.”

I gave him a sincere smile. He accepted it and smiled back.

“I don’t think I’m as polite and considerate as you think.”

“You’re the most polite and considerate man I’ve ever met, I’m sure of it.”

I looked down at our empty plates.

“Should we wash these before they dry?”

He nodded and quickly stood up, pulling my chair back for me.

“God, Gguk! I thought you said you weren’t polite—this is exactly the kind of thing a polite man does.”

He laughed.

“I’m serious. I’m not as polite as you think… you just deserve to be treated that way.”

He carried the plates, I grabbed the glasses, and we walked to the kitchen.

The penthouse overlooked the entire city. Three-quarters of the walls were covered in floor-to-ceiling windows. Shades of deep gray dominated the space, and the kitchen was connected to the living room. There wasn’t a single personal item anywhere. It didn’t feel like a home.

He must’ve noticed me observing, because he said:

“I don’t live in New York. This place is just a location I use for work trips. So yeah… I know it looks a bit dull.”

“No, it doesn’t look boring. I was just surprised because there’s nothing personal in sight, but knowing you don’t actually live here explains it.”

He started washing the dishes while I rinsed and dried them.

After tidying the table too, we stood there in silence, just looking at each other. Then I glanced at the clock on the wall.

“It’s almost 11:30.” I smoothed down the hem of my dress.

“I didn’t even notice how time passed with you. Come on, let me take you home.”

He reached for his phone, but I stopped him with my hand.

“There’s no need. I can go on my own. If I catch the last subway, I’ll be home in no time.” I added.

“Picking me up from my place was already polite enough. There’s no need for you to go across the city this la—”

“Elizabeth, I’m not the one driving. Let me be a gentleman, if you’ll allow me.”

He looked me over.

“And you look absolutely stunning tonight. I don’t want anyone else to see that.”

I pulled my hands away from his.

“Shall we go then?”

***

When we went downstairs, a brand-new Mercedes-Benz was waiting for us. I was too tired and uninterested to recognize the model. The chauffeur standing beside it opened the back door.

“Ma’am.” I thanked him and got in.

Jungkook followed behind me, and once the driver shut the door, he quickly took his seat in the front, buckled up, and looked at Jungkook through the rearview mirror.

“Sir?”

Jungkook turned to me.

“We’re going to Koreatown. I’ll guide you from there.”

The chauffeur’s eyes shifted to me this time. “To the same place I picked you up from earlier, ma’am?”

“Yes.”

After starting the engine, he drove off in silence. As the streetlights from the wealthier parts of the city passed by, they lit up Jungkook’s face inside the car. He was staring out the window.

“I could get used to this.”

He turned to me, raising an eyebrow. He must’ve been asking what I meant.

“To you. I mean… to being next to you.”

He smiled, genuinely. This time it was his turn to reach for me. He placed his hand over mine, resting in the space between us.

“I hope so.”

We didn’t talk for the rest of the ride. By the time we reached my stop, it was already past midnight. A few shop lights were still on, but it looked like no one was inside. I checked my phone. Tonight was the traditional Kim Family night.

“Thank you for dropping me off. It was a wonderful night. Really. Goodnight.”

I kissed him on the cheek.

“Thank you. I had an amazing time. Goodnight.”

I tapped the chauffeur lightly on the shoulder.

“Thanks for driving me earlier and bringing me back, man. Have a good night. Drive safe.”

He looked completely stunned by that. Jungkook laughed.

“God. You’re adorable.”

The chauffeur thanked me, then quickly got out and opened my door. Once I stepped out, I glanced at the shop window.

They were eating pancakes and playing bingo. I silently mouthed, Behave.

Seokjin nodded, and just as he started saying something to his family, I turned around, leaned down, and looked at Jungkook.

“Actually, something was missing tonight. Dessert.”

He lowered his head.

“I didn’t think you’d notice. I barely managed to cook the meat. I have no idea how to make dessert. Sorry.”

“Lucky for you, I know the person who makes the best pancakes in the city. Come on, let me introduce you to my landlord and their family.”

He leaned to peek inside through the door gap. Mrs. Kim waved at him. Jungkook waved back.

“It’d be rude if you didn’t come. They’re even playing bingo.”

He took a deep breath and nodded. Without waiting for his chauffeur, he got out of the car and joined me. I held out my hand for him to take.

He took it.

“Wait for us here.”

After he instructed his driver, we walked into the shop together. The door chime rang, and everyone suddenly pretended to focus on their game instead of the fact they’d been spying on us moments earlier. Seokjin said:

“Lilibeth. Is that you?”

“Cut it, Seokjin. We saw you watching us.”

As Jungkook quietly watched, I continued:

“I hope the pancakes aren’t finished.”

Mrs. Kim:

“They’re not, sweetheart. We’re still making more. I just took a short break.”

She stood up, and I finally let go of Jungkook’s hand and went to her, guiding her back into her seat by her shoulders.

“Sit. You’ve been on your feet all day. I’ll do it.” Then I went back to Jungkook’s side.

“Oh, and I want you all to meet my guest. Jungkook, this is the Kim Family. Kim Family, this is Jungkook.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you. I hope I’m not intruding. I didn’t want to refuse when Elizabeth invited me. Besides, once she told me this place has the best pancakes in the entire city, well… that’s an offer I could never refuse.”

He spoke in Korean. I knew Korean thanks to Jimin and Seokjin, though we usually preferred talking in English. Hearing Jungkook speak Korean made Mr. and Mrs. Kim incredibly happy. Mr. Kim turned to Seokjin and said:

“You should speak in your mother tongue a little more. Learn from him.”

Seokjin rolled his eyes and stood up.

“You guys are missing the real problem here. Anyway, nice to meet you Jungkook, I’m Seokjin. I’m Lilibeth’s best friend. But don’t tell Jimin—” I laughed.

“It’s true the best pancakes in the city are made here, but it’s not Elizabeth’s pancakes—it’s my mom’s.”

“Yeah, but I can make them. Mrs. Kim is tir—“

“Stop! Yours never turn out good. They’re too pale. You can’t get that golden color.”

“It was just that one time, and I didn’t have eggs. Because you stole them.”

“Don’t slander me, it was Jimin.”

Mr. Kim fake-coughed, and both of us froze. He gestured toward Jungkook with his eyes. Jungkook was watching us with an amused smile.

“Sorry. I didn’t want you to see me like this. It’s just—”

I pointed at Seokjin.

“Look at that face. I can’t help it, he drives me insane.” Jungkook laughed. Then apologized.

“Sorry. I wasn’t laughing at you. It’s just—my cousin and I are exactly like you two. I remembered that.”

I relaxed.

We all headed to the table. They pulled up two extra chairs. Mrs. Kim stood and went back to the kitchen. Mr. Kim put out his cigarette.

“These two argue constantly. I don’t know what they can’t share. But I guess that’s what being siblings is.”

Jungkook looked at me, confused.

“Siblings?”

“Seokjin and I are like siblings. Not biologically, but he’s been with me for as long as I can remember.”

He nodded, understanding.

“And the fact that my dad’s giving your boyfriend a biological shock?”

He was clearing space on the table for new pancakes. He wasn’t looking at us.

“We—we’re uh…” I looked at Jungkook. He shrugged.

“We’re still in the getting-to-know-each-other stage.” Then I turned to Seokjin.

“Also, what’s a biological shock?”

“You know— we’re Korean. And you’re a white American. So there’s a pretty obvious genetic difference. That’s all I meant.”

The fresh pancakes placed in front of us ended the topic.

I wasn’t uncomfortable or embarrassed, but for the first time, I felt a little regret about my decision. The age gap between Jungkook and me felt much more obvious now that I’d brought him here.

I’d spent the whole night trying to present myself as a serious woman—yet suddenly I looked like a silly young girl. I didn’t want to lose the attention he had on me.

I stood up and walked to the kitchen. I grabbed a plate and some utensils, then came back and took a few pancakes. All eyes were on me.

“Um—h-he’s waiting outside.”

I turned toward the window. “He should eat too. It’s cold out there. Let’s give him something warm as well. Seokjin, can you boil some water?”

After adding a few toppings, I went outside and offered the plate to Jungkook’s chauffeur. Even with my back turned, I could feel Jungkook’s eyes on me. A few seconds later, Seokjin showed up with a foldable chair and a small foldable table.

“I’ll bring your tea right away, man. If you’re cold, you can sit inside.”

“Thank you, but while I’m on duty—”

“Jungkook approved it.”

He took the plate but said it wouldn’t be appropriate to sit inside. A little later, Seokjin returned with tea to keep him warm. Then we went back inside and returned to our seats. Everyone suddenly went quiet.

“What happened? Were you talking about me?” Seokjin asked.

Mrs. Kim said:

“Who would talk about you? We were talking to Mr. Jeon. It’s our responsibility as parents to get to know our girl’s friend well.”

The fact that they didn’t separate me from their own children touched me deeply. And the fact that they didn’t know who Jungkook really was actually made the atmosphere softer and more genuine.

The luxury car outside, the chauffeur, and the fact that the four of us were wearing the most expensive clothes we’d ever seen—sure, it hinted that he was rich.

But the Kims didn’t seem to care at all. They hadn’t asked a single thing.

***

After playing a little more, Jungkook asked for permission to leave.

“I have to wake up early tomorrow. If you’ll allow me, sir.”

Mr. Kim:

“You’re always allowed, son.”

We all stood up. Jungkook turned to Mrs. Kim, buttoning up his jacket.

“Thank you for everything, ma’am. These were truly the best pancakes I’ve ever had in my life. They were wonderful.”

Mrs. Kim smiled and opened her arms.

“You’re welcome. Come again, and I’ll bake you cookies next time if you’d like.”

Before Jungkook could respond, she pulled him into a hug.

Jungkook was surprised by the sudden affection, but he quickly recovered and wrapped his arms around her.

Mr. Kim reached out his hand. They shook.

“It was nice meeting you. Like she said—come again. Our door is always open.”

“The honor is mine, sir. Thank you again for making room for me at your table. I’ll definitely visit again.”

Seokjin held out his hand, then suddenly pulled Jungkook into a tight hug. He whispered something into his ear before pulling back.

“Nice meeting you, man. We’re going out on Thursday—if you’re free, come with us. I’ll introduce you to the rest of Elizabeth’s friends.”

“Alright, that’s enough—let him go. I’ll walk you out.”

I pointed to the door, and we stepped outside together. Instead of heading straight for the car, he walked forward a bit. I followed.

“What’s wrong? Are you okay?”

“I’m fine. I just wanted some air before getting in the car. And… to be away from eyes for a moment.”

“If they made you uncomfortable, I’m sorry. They never mean any harm. They’re wonderfu—”

“I wasn’t uncomfortable, Lilibeth. They’re wonderful people. I just… wanted a moment alone with you before leaving.”

“Tonight was much more beautiful than I expected. Asking you out—”

He paused, lowered his head, and laughed softly, referring to earlier that evening.

“—asking you out was the best decision I’ve made in a long time. I’m glad I listened to my gut. I had an amazing night. And I’d really like this to happen again. If you want it too. Especially… my favorite part of the night.”

“Which part?”

He took my hands. “You calling me Gguk. Every version of my name sounds perfect coming from you. I’d like to hear it more often.”

I felt myself getting warm.

No one had ever treated me like this before. Not like an object—like a person. A respected, cared-for person. Jungkook’s behavior wasn’t something I often experienced… but I could get used to it.

“Then… would you like to join us on Thursday? We can ditch them later if you prefer. They get drunk immediately anyway.”

He laughed.

“We’ll talk about it. Now go inside, it’s cold.”

Then he leaned in and placed a kiss on my cheek. Without another word, he got into the car, and within seconds, he was gone.

***

Same week thursday:

“What do you mean? I was supposed to be done after delivering these documents. I’m even turning them in a day early.”

I stared at Mr. Lester, unable to hide my anger.

“Yes, but ever since it became clear we’re going bankrupt, a few people stopped showing up. There are files that still need to be finished.”

I pushed myself slightly up from my chair and looked around the office. There were noticeably fewer people.

Apparently, not everyone cared about work ethics.

“Alright. But I’m leaving early today. I have a project due at school. If I don’t finish by noon, it’ll have to wait until tomorrow.”

I didn’t wait for an answer.

“Are you looking for a new job?”

I turned to Steve.

“Haven’t had the chance yet. You?” then he answered:

“Already found one. After I finish whatever’s left here, I’m getting the hell out. I’ll have a few days to clear my head before starting on next Monday.”

“Any news from Michael?” I asked. He shook his head.

“It’s sad, you know. He’s getting married soon… and he was drowning in debt. I hope he found something.”

“True. And he invited us to the wedding too. Are you going?”

I tried to focus on my work while talking — mostly because Jungkook hadn’t texted or called.

After the first date… I wanted him to reach out. I wanted his interest from the other night to continue, wanted him to want me.

But a part of me also knew a man like him was probably impossibly busy.

“I think I’ll go. He’s the only friend I have in this office—other than you.” he said. I laughed at my screen.

“So this means you’ll come to my graduation?”

“If you manage to graduate, why not?”

Then he paused, turning his chair toward me.

“I’m serious, El. Maybe you shouldn’t look for a job right now. Maybe you should just… be a student for these last few months. I’ve never seen you actually live your student life. These years are supposed to be your best. Enjoy them—you’ll miss them later.”

“Easy to say, but I need financial support. And you know they cut my scholarship this semester because my GPA dropped.”

“And you? Would you go to Michael’s wedding?” I was relieved he changed the topic.

“I think so. He’s the only one here who isn’t a pig.”

“Hey!” he protested.

“Come on, admit it. Sometimes you’re awful too.”

He didn’t respond, so we quietly went back to work.

***

“Finally! I haven’t seen you since the event. And if we don’t count you emailing me your part of the assignment, we haven’t talked either. Where have you been, Lilibeth?”

Jimin looped his arm through mine, scolding me all the way down the hallway. I stayed quiet until he was done.

“Thank you for doing most of the assignment, Jimin, but please don’t ask questions you’ll get mad about.”

I walked faster.

I knew he wouldn’t be jealous — what we had was nothing more than sex — but instead of working with him on the assignment, I had spent my time thinking about Jungkook and wanting to be around him.

“I’m not mad. I already know. Seokjin told me. Apparently you trapped one of those rich pricks at the party.”

He raised his eyebrows, giving me a teasing look.

“Jungkook is not some rich prick. He’s actually very kind and polite. And… did Seokjin really say it like that?”

“No, I exaggerated. You introduced him to Seokjin before me. That’s what I’m annoyed about — not the assignment you dumped on me. Give me a blowjob and we’ll call it even.” I slipped my arm out of his and stared at him.

“You disgust me.”

I didn’t wait and headed toward the professor’s office. He jogged after me.

“Hey! I was kidding. Wait for me.”

After we handed in our assignment together, I checked my phone.

It was already late afternoon. Still nothing.

Since I didn’t have class, I started walking toward the bus stop. Jimin appeared next to me, matching my pace.

“You know… you can text him first. Guys like that. Knowing they’re on someone’s mind.”

I didn’t respond.

“Did you talk to your mom?” he asked. Then added:

“About the job situation, I mean. Yoongi and I can help you until you find something, but maybe you should let her know.”

“No. I’ll handle it. Want to come to my place? We can stop by the bar first.”

“Sure.”

***

“We’re… really doing this? While you’re also seeing someone?” He asked between kisses. My hand, halfway at his belt, paused.

“We only met once. Besides, whatever this is between us—it doesn’t mean anything. It’s just stress relief.”

“You’re breaking my heart.”

He brought his hands down between us, teasing.

“Jimin, that’s not your heart.”

He laughed.

“What’s the difference?”

Then he picked me up and carried me toward the living room.

He sat on the couch, pulling me onto his lap. His hands slid up my thighs, fingertips catching on the fabric of my tights. He tried to roll them down, but the movement was clumsy, and they tore with a soft ripping sound.

“Oops. I’ll buy you new ones.”

I didn’t care. I unbuckled his belt, undid his zipper, tugged down the rest. Then I slipped out of my own underwear and settled back on his lap, close, steady, familiar.

***

“Hey, my white shirt was with you, right?”

He walked into my bedroom with nothing but a towel around his waist. I was standing there in my underwear, staring helplessly at my closet.

“I think I have it. God, Jimin. What am I even supposed to wear?”

He came to stand beside me, and we stared at my closet together.

“Wear what you always wear. Everything looks good on you anyway.”

I let myself fall backward onto the bed behind me. The towel wrapped around my hair came loose.

“You don’t understand. While you were in the shower, he called. Jungkook called. Seokjin invited him too the other night, remember? He called asking if the invite was still valid. I wanted to say no because I assumed he wouldn’t call, so I—”

I gestured between us, flustered.

“—so I slept with you. But he did call. And I couldn’t say no. He’ll be here in an hour to pick us up. I need to look good. I have nothing that fits the vibe.”

Jimin rolled his eyes.

“El, a man who asked you out after seeing you in your bartender uniform with that cow-lick bun and no makeup is not going to care what you wear. Just put something on. Wait—did you say us? He’s picking me up too?”

“Yes. I told him my friend was with me, and he suggested we all go together.”

He burst into laughter.

“Your date and the guy you just had sex with… in the same car. Incredible. Only you, honestly.”

I shrieked and kicked at him from the bed. He dodged, then grabbed my ankle playfully.

“Relax. I’m not going to rat you out. I don’t care anyway. And none of your friends will snitch — you know that. They’ve known us for years.”

I took a deep breath. I had no time to panic. Instead of standing there about to cry, I could get up and make myself look the best I could.

I stood again.

“Should I wear that?”

Jimin immediately knew what I meant.

“That one? Seriously? Finally? God, after all these years of me begging you to wear that dress, you decide to put it on for someone else? I’m getting jealous.”

I walked to the closet and pulled the dress out along with its hanger.

The rest unfolded quietly between us.

“Shut up. You know how expensive it is. I’m scared to wear it in case something happens.”

“God, Liz. The tag is literally still on it. But… you’re right. Girls who wear dresses like this do suit someone like him.”

I looked the dress over from top to bottom.

It was a gray satin mini dress. A loose cowl neckline with two thin straps tied behind the neck, leaving the back completely open. The back draped the same way the front did—bold, striking, impossible to ignore.

I handed it to Jimin.

“Hold this.”

I reached behind me, unhooked my bra, tossed it somewhere across the room, then took the dress back from him. I tore off the tag and carefully slipped it on.

“Tie the neck straps.”

I gathered my hair at the nape of my neck.

He tied the strings tightly.

“Is it okay? It’s not hurting your neck, right?”

“No.”

I felt his breath against my skin.

Then his lips grazed my neck.

The room fell silent.

“Sorry. I shouldn’t have done that. I just… felt like it.”

I let my hair fall and turned to him.

“It’s fine. I’m going to dry my hair and do my makeup. You go get dressed.”

I left the bedroom and headed to the bathroom, pulling out the hair dryer from the cabinet.

After drying my hair, I decided to straighten it. As I was working through a strand, Jimin came in.

“Let me dry mine too.”

I silently stepped aside and made space for him.

While we both worked quietly, we kept catching each other’s eyes in the mirror.

“Jimin…”

I wasn’t sure he could even hear me over the sound of the dryer.

“I don’t want things to be weird between us, but… I really like Jungkook. We should stop whatever we have going on. I’m serious.”

The dryer was loud, but he seemed to understand.

He looked at me in the mirror and nodded slightly. He didn’t say anything else.

***

When we went downstairs, the car was already parked at the door.

The chauffeur stepped out quickly, opened the door, and moved aside for us to get in. I went first, Jimin followed.

I ended up in the middle.

“Hey.”

I said. He turned to me and smiled.

“Hey.”

After the door closed, Jimin cleared his throat. I forced myself to look away from Jungkook and turned to Jimin instead.

“Uhh—right. Jungkook, this is my friend Jimin. He’s also a business major. Thank you for agreeing to let him come along. Jimin, this is Jungkook.”

Jungkook leaned forward and extended his hand.

“Hi. Nice to meet you. I’m Jungkook.”

Jimin reached over me and shook it.

“Jimin. Nice to meet you too.”

Only then did I notice the chauffeur getting into the car.

“We’re going to Caves Man. It’s on the corner of 8th Avenue.”

Then I turned back to Jungkook.

“I hope you haven’t eaten.”

He shook his head.

“No. Based on the time, I assumed we’d eat first and then go out.”

We drove in silence for a bit. Jimin was sitting with his legs spread wide, which pushed me closer toward Jungkook. I nudged him with my shoulder and leaned toward his ear:

“Close your legs. You’re squishing him.”

He whispered back:

“What do you want me to do? My legs are thick. They don’t fit.”

“Then slim them down.”

“Excuse you, do you know how hard I worked for these legs?”

Our whisper-fight was interrupted when Jungkook spoke:

“Is there a problem?” I turned to him.

“Oh, no—no, nothing at all.”

I looked out the window, watching New York traffic move painfully slow. The slower it went, the more tense I felt.

He leaned slightly toward me.

“You’re not bothering me. I don’t feel cramped. If anything… I like it better this way. Closer.”

Smiling, I lowered my head.

His phone started ringing. He reached into his jacket and took it out. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw the caller ID.

Taehyung.

“I need to take this. Excuse me.”

He answered the call.

“Ah, no, I’m not at the office. No, they’re not with me. I know. I’ve already spoken to the lawyers—once I handle the issue here, I’m coming back. How are things there?… I’ll call Mrs. Will now and tell her to fax the documents first thing in the morning. No, I’ll stop by China first. Then I’ll come home. Yes… yes, I’ll meet with them. I’ll let you know. I’ll ask my assistant to schedule a meeting for us. Talk soon.”

“Work related?” I asked.

He nodded.

“Yeah. If you two don’t mind, I need to make a few more calls.”

Then he made another call. It must have been Mrs. Will.

“Good evening, Mrs. Will. Are you at the office? Ah, I see. Could you fax today’s documents to Mr. Kim’s assistant first thing tomorrow morning? And the lawyers at headquarters want to review the file. Yes… yes, I understand. After you fax them, please come to my office. Thank you. Good night.”

Then yet another call.

“Kennedy, can you schedule a meeting tomorrow between the New York and Seoul offices?… Okay, that works for me. Contact Taehyung’s assistant and add the meeting to the board—everyone who needs to attend must see it. No mistakes. Let me know if anything comes up.”

He hung up and slipped his phone back into his jacket.

“Sorry about that. It’s a busy time.”

Jungkook spoke before I could reply.

“It’s no trouble. We’re almost there anyway. But you were pretty cool back there—switching between English and Korean. New York, Seoul, China… all that.” Jimin said.

His comment made Jungkook laugh.

“I doubt it. But thanks.”

The car slowed down.

“We’ve arrived, sir.”

Before the chauffeur could open it, Jimin got out on his own. Jungkook followed, then reached his hand inside for me. I took it, and he helped me step out.

“Hey! Hey! Up here!”

We all looked up. My friends were crowded together on the balcony, waving at us.

“Looks like everyone got here before us.”

I turned to Jungkook.

“The bar we’re going to later is really close. You can send your driver away if you want—no need for him to wait.”

He nodded and bent down slightly to tell him not to stay.

We headed inside, still hand in hand. When Jimin stepped in, he lifted his arm.

“What’s up, everyone!”

A few people turned to us and raised their beer bottles.

“Hey Jimin!” “Hey Liz!”

We exchanged greetings as we slowly approached the stairs. From the corner of my eye, I noticed Jungkook taking in the place… and us.

I slowed my steps, letting him walk ahead a little, putting space between us.

“Thanks for making time for me… and my friends, even though you’re so busy.”

Once he reached me on the steps, he stopped.

“I should be thanking you for bringing me somewhere fun. It’s like you knew exactly what I needed… right on time.”

I turned back toward the stairs, but he stopped me by gently catching my wrist.

He leaned in, voice lowering.

“You look beautiful tonight. I hope you don’t mind me not being able to take my eyes off you.”

“Thank you. Let’s not keep them waiting.”

We walked side by side up the steps. Once on the open balcony, I subtly guided him toward our usual table.

“Guys, this is Jungkook. Jungkook, these are my friends — in order: Ginny, Stella, Seokjin, Yoongi, Claire, and Jimin. You already know Seokjin and Jimin.”

After everyone greeted him, Jungkook pulled out the empty chair next to Claire and motioned for me to sit.

Ginny smiled knowingly when our eyes met.

He then sat in the empty seat next to me.

Yoongi broke the silence.

“So Jungkook, we ordered before you guys arrived. We don’t know what you like, but we have our usual order here. If you want to see the menu, we can ask for one.”

“I’m not picky about food. Thanks for asking.”

Stella jumped in.

“You don’t have to be that polite with him. Otherwise he’ll fall in love with you.”

She pointed to Yoongi, making us all laugh.

“You can’t still be mad about that,” Yoongi replied, shrugging.

I leaned toward Jungkook, whispering:

“Stella was seeing this guy for a bit. Then Yoongi liked him too and—plot twist—the guy dumped Stella for Yoongi. But honestly, she’d only gone out with him like twice.”

Jungkook nodded in understanding, then laughed quietly. He leaned toward my ear.

“I don’t think he could steal me from you.”

Our food slowly started arriving. As everyone took things from the middle plates, Seokjin stopped the waiter.

“Drinks? Do we start here or wait until the bar?”

Everyone exchanged looks. Then Yoongi said:

“I think a beer wouldn’t hurt. Jungkook?”

He looked at the waiter. “Sure. You have Corona, right?”

Claire laughed.

“Finally, someone with taste. High five, Jungkook.”

He gave her a polite high five.

“Alright then — two Coronas, and six Carlsberg. One Luna.”

I told the waiter, then everyone turned back to the food.

This time, Jungkook started the conversation.

“Did you all meet at school, or…?”

Seokjin began explaining before anyone else could answer.

“We used to live in New Jersey with our families. Lilibeth and I have been together since kindergarten. We got separated for a bit when we moved to New York, but she missed me too much and came after us.”

I rolled my eyes.

“We went to high school together. We met the girls there. Jimin is our across-the-street neighbor, and he goes to the same university and the same major as Elizabeth. And Yoongi is… well, he’s Yoongi. Everyone knows Yoongi.”

“Hi.”

Yoongi gave Jungkook another small wave, making us laugh. Jungkook asked:

“How do you mean?”

“I work a bunch of different jobs. I hang out wherever I can, whenever I have time. Oh, and most importantly — I’m a dealer. But only selling, not using. Not really my thing.”

Jungkook nodded like he understood. Yoongi added:

“Don’t worry. Your girl doesn’t use.”

Because he was staring at his food, he pointed at me with his knife instead.

“Yoongi!”

“It’s fine,” Jungkook said softly.

Under the table, he took my hand.

Not only did he not mind—he was trying to reassure me.

I could get used to this.

Maybe I already had.

***

While the others were dancing, we sat at the bar, quietly sipping our drinks.

“You look tired.”

I said, brushing my thumb gently under his eye.

“It’s been a busy week. I feel like I’m running from one meeting to another. Four states in two days.”

“What? God, that must be exhausting.”

He nodded and glanced at his whiskey.

“I’m sorry I couldn’t call. I wanted to, but I just didn’t get the chance. You were on my mind, though.”

“It’s okay. I could’ve called you too. I’m nowhere near as busy as you. But I didn’t. So I’m the one who should apologize.”

“You shouldn’t. I should be the one calling you.”

I laughed.

“Gguk. It’s the 21st century.”

I wanted him to call… but if I’d really wanted, I could’ve dialed first.

“I like your friends,” he said, shifting the topic. I looked toward the dance floor.

“They all loved you. Thanks for coming.”

“Even Yoongi?” he teased.

I pushed lightly at his chest.

“I’ll kill him.” He laughed loudly.

“If it won’t be rude to them, should we go?”

I looked at my nearly empty drink, finished it in one go, and reached for my wallet.

“Before you protest, can I at least pay for our drinks? You already paid for everyone’s dinner.”

He reached into the other side of his jacket and took out a card — a black Amex.

“No. I didn’t pay because I’m looking down on you, or to impress you. You’re all students. As the oldest at the table, paying is my responsibility. Excuse me — can we open a $2,000 tab? I want our friends to drink whatever they want until their limits hit. Actually, make it $2,500, please. And call them a cab when they’re ready to leave.”

The bartender followed his instructions without a single question.

Jungkook listed each name whose tab should be covered. Then he left a number.

And a tip.

Watching that black card work like a master key felt unfair.

I felt… cheated by the universe.

“You didn’t have to do that. I feel so embarrassed.”

I said, signaling to the others on the dance floor that we were leaving.

Claire shouted after us, trying to be louder than the music:

“Don’t forget protection!”

I said nothing and headed toward the exit. When we reached the door:

“I’m sorry on her behalf. She’s drunk, she doesn’t know what she’s saying.”

“Don’t apologize. I thought it was funny.”

A car pulled up in front of us — Jungkook’s.

“I told him not to go too far.”

The chauffeur hurried out and opened the door. I got in first, then Jungkook.

Once the driver was seated again, he looked at us through the rear-view mirror.

“Where would you like to go?”

he asked me. I suddenly had no idea what to say.

“I don’t know… You said you’re tired. We can just go home if you want. Or—”

I lowered my head.

He said nothing. He just glanced forward through the mirror. The engine started.

“How long are you here for?”

“One day. I’m leaving tomorrow evening.”

“To China?” He nodded.

“Will you come back?” I asked.He took a deep breath.

Why was I suddenly shy around him?

Was I acting for him… or was this really me?

“Do you want me to?”

When I looked up, he was already looking at me.

“Maybe I shouldn’t… but yes. I’d really like you to come back. To me.” He smiled.

We didn’t speak after that.

On the way to Jungkook’s place, something ahead caught my eye and I asked the chauffeur to pull over.

“Is something wrong?”

“Oh, no. Just—wait for me, okay? I’ll be right back.”

I didn’t wait for a response and got out, entering the shop in front of us.

“Hey Cal, you’re still open?”

“Liz! What a surprise.”

“I was passing by. I need one of these frames. Could you wrap it for me?”

“I’m closing the register. Go to the back and wrap it yourself. You know where everything is. Don’t worry about the money, I’ll take care of it.”

I went to the storage room of the gift shop I used to work at, placed the frame in a box of its size, wrapped it nicely, and rushed back outside.

“Hope I didn’t keep you waiting too long.”

I said as I got in the car.

“Not at all. Was it something important?”

he asked, glancing at the package in my hand.

He looked like he wanted to ask what it was but didn’t know if he should.

“Hmm, I took care of it. We can go.”

By the time we reached his place, I had no idea what time it was.

Despite saying he was tired, he seemed full of energy.

He took off his jacket and hung it up. Then he turned to me, gently removed my coat, and hung it next to his. He did the same with my bag.

Then he knelt down.

“It must be hard to bend in that dress,” he said, undoing the straps of my heels one by one.

I just did what he said, silently.

I could get used to this life.

I could get used to this.

I could get used to Jungkook.

“Thank you,” I said.

After taking off his own shoes, he walked from the hall into the living room. I followed him. He dimmed the adjustable lights to a warm, soft glow.

“Actually… I got this for you.”

I held out the package.

He smiled.

“You didn’t have to. Thank you so much.”

“I hope you like it. If you don’t, you can exchange it. I mean… I forgot to include the exchange card, but if you tell Callum my name, he’ll switch it for you.”

As he opened the package, he asked:

“How many jobs have you worked?”

I started counting.

“I don’t know… maybe seven or eight? Maybe more, I’m not sure.”

“Your family doesn’t mind you working? School must be hard too.”

“I don’t really see my family. We’re not close.

And school… yeah, I mean, it’s not easy — I’d be lying if I said it was. But Jimin helps. Somehow I made it to senior year.”

He looked at the frame and smiled.

“It’s a beautiful gift. I really like it. Thank you.”

Then he pulled me into a hug.

“If you ever wanted to stay here again, I thought you might want to make the place feel a little more like yours. I wanted your first gift to be from me.”

“That’s a perfect idea.

Then I guess I’ll have to put a picture of us in this frame.”

He set the frame on the dining table beside us, then wrapped his arms around my waist.

“I think I really like you,” he said.

“Not ‘I think.’ I really, truly like you.”

I placed my hands over his on my waist.

“Gguk?”

“Hm?”

“Will you kiss me?”

~End of Season One, Episode Two~

[sugarcoatedhurts]

HEIR • Jeon Jungkook

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* 　　 *:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧ ✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* 　　 *:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧

Summary: This story follows Elizabeth Baker, a business student with a complicated past, and Jungkook, the troubled heir of a global fried-chicken empire.

They marry too fast, hide too much, and try to survive a world built on power, money, and family politics.

No one here is perfect-every character is flawed, ambitious, and a little dangerous.

Episode Warnings: Workplace harassment • Sexual themes • Light NSFW (no smut) • Shower intimacy • Catcalling • Public harassment • Power imbalance • Toxic boss behavior • Non-consensual touching implied • Strong language • Minor injury • Alcohol/bartending • Financial stress • Fetishizing comments • Office stress• English is not my first language

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* 　　 *:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧ ✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* 　　 *:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧

Episode One: Monster

~Just another lonely night, are you willing to sacrifice your life?~

The best way to create the color gray is by adding a little black into white. People are the same. Everyone is born good, but no one dies that way. As we move along this path we call life, sometimes we have to dirty our hands just to reach the place we’re trying to get to.

After all, doesn’t everyone deserve the very best?

“You’re heavy as hell, Jimin. Get off me.”

His weight pressed against me and I let out an irritated breath as I tried to push him off.

“Five more minutes,” he muttered, tightening his arms around me, brushing a lazy kiss onto the skin just below my collarbone.

My eyes drifted down to his peacefully sleeping silhouette, and I ran my fingers through his messy hair. He grumbled.

“I’m going to be late for work.”

He lifted his head off my chest, reaching toward his phone on the nightstand—only barely able to see it through the light filtering in from the window.

“Mmh, you’ve got time. Plenty,” he said, a half-smirk forming as his gaze dropped to my chest.

He pressed a kiss to each breast before resting his chin right between them and locking eyes with me.

“I don’t think it would hurt to go over last night one more time, don’t you think?

You still look like you’ve got a few questions left in that head of yours.”

I laughed, playing with his hair. “Shit— we didn’t do the assignment.”

He burst out laughing too.

“I’ll handle it while you’re at work. You were gonna make me do all of it anyway, right?

Might as well get… compensated for it.”

I rolled my eyes.

The second he realized how wrong it sounded, he pressed a quick kiss to the corner of my lips.

“I mean— only if you want to. Consent, and all that.”

I ruffled his hair.

“Good boy, Jimin. Keep it that way. Now, if you don’t mind, I need a shower. I feel gross.”

With a sigh through his nose, he finally rolled off me.

As he shifted, he tugged the blanket with him—exposing my bare body to the cold air.

Goosebumps rose over my skin instantly.

I sat up, grabbed my phone, checked the time. I still had some.

I stood, ignoring the eyes trailing down my back as I walked toward the door.

I grabbed the handle. Opened it.

Before stepping out, I turned back—feeling the heat of Jimin’s stare all over my body.

“Don’t you need a shower too, Jimin?”

I didn’t wait for his answer as I headed into the bathroom I’d been in countless times before.

Not even seconds after I turned on the water, I felt his arms slide around my waist.

I closed my eyes as he rested his head on my shoulder.

The hot water loosened both our tired muscles, and soon we were swaying slowly under the stream.

Like dancing. Without music.

“You know… I meant what I said last night.”

I stopped.

He did too—but his hands didn’t leave my waist.

I turned toward him. His palms stayed where they were.

Even though the water made it hard for either of us to keep our eyes fully open, I could see the insincerity in his.

“No, you didn’t.”

He tilted his head back and laughed.

“I could, though. There isn’t a single thing you couldn’t make a man do, Lilibeth.”

“That’s exactly why I prefer using them instead of being with them.”

He grimaced.

“I know you’re using me. But I still can’t resist you.”

His hands slid to my hips, squeezing lightly, pushing me toward the wall.

Just before my back touched the cold tiles, he bent his knees, gripped the backs of my thighs, and lifted me.

The heat of the water made the wall feel even colder when my back met it.

I wrapped my arms around his neck, my body fitting against his entirely.

He gave me a look—asking for permission.

I tugged on the hair at the nape of his neck.

“I could settle down for you.”

His words were meant to sound sincere, but the fact that he’d reminded me he was a playboy mere seconds before we got together… It made me laugh.

***

“I get off around six. The girls and I were talking about grabbing a drink or something. I haven’t seen them in ages. If you’ve got nothing to do, you can come.”

I glanced at Jimin, who was busy changing his sheets while I pulled on the clean underwear I’d brought.

“Thanks, but no. Every time I say hi to Ginny she looks at me like she wants to shove my dick in her mouth. Besides, I’ve got work. You’re not the only one who needs money, you know.”

I laughed and— “Can you help me put on my necklace?”

“If you’re really trying to settle down, you should give Ginny a chance. She’s a good person.”

After fastening the necklace, he ran his fingers through my hair.

“There’s a hairdryer under the sink. Don’t forget to dry your hair before you leave.”

He went back to stripping the sheets while I dug out my bra and kept getting dressed.

“This is too much even for us. Doesn’t Ginny know we’re fucking? I don’t know… It’s weird, you know?”

I put on my earrings.

“Not my problem, dude. It’s just sex and homework.”

After one last look in the mirror, I turned to him.

“Yeah, sure, but still…”

He exhaled deeply, hands on his hips. “Maybe it’d be good, actually?”

I gave him a look. He continued.

“Ginny. Maybe she’s good at… I don’t know, giving head. Maybe I should give her a chance.”

“I’m not discussing who’s good at what with you, Jimin. I’m going to work.”

He yelled after me as I stepped out of the room:

“Don’t forget to dry your hair! You’re unbearable when you get headaches!”

His snarky-but-concerned tone made me smile. I headed back to the bathroom, grabbed the hairdryer and turned it on. A moment later, the door opened.

“Also— wait—”

I frowned. I couldn’t hear him over the noise. He was holding the doorframe with one hand, the doorknob with the other.

“I said— god, can you turn that thing off for a second?!”

I switched the dryer off and looked at him.

“What is it?”

“I know you’re going out tonight, but… keep your phone on, okay? I’m working an event hosted by Korean businessmen, and they might need a bartender. I told them about you.”

“Without asking me?”

He avoided my eyes.

“Look, the pay’s good if that makes up for it. Yoongi got me the gig. He asked if I knew anyone and I mentioned you. You’re the only bartender I know, sorry.”

“I quit bartending two years ago. I don’t remember the last time I made a cocktail.”

“There’s nothing you can’t do.”

He kissed my cheek quickly—knowing I was about to get annoyed—and ran back to his room.

***

“Johnson, could you come to my office, please?”

When Mr. Lester called Steve in, I kept typing on my keyboard but followed him with my eyes as he got up from his desk and walked into Lester’s office. The door closed behind him, and I pushed my rolling chair back with enough force that I bumped into Michael’s seat behind me.

“Ouch! Watch it. I could’ve spilled my coffee.”

“But you didn’t. What’s going on? Why has Chester been calling everyone in since this morning? Heard anything?”

He only shook his head.

“Nope. And he hasn’t called me yet, anyway. Also, could you stop calling him Chester? He’s our boss.”

“Did you notice he hasn’t called a single woman? It’s all men. And come on, Chester Lester sounds great. I like it.”

“I never noticed. Hm. I guess he has no business with women.”

I scanned the room. Everyone was busy with their own work.

“Gaychester.”

He rolled his eyes, turned away from his monitor and looked directly at me.

“You are genuinely the most inconsiderate, emotionally detached woman I’ve ever met, Elizabeth. I’m actually curious—have you ever taken anyone seriously in your entire life? Maybe he just wants to talk to the men first and then the women.”

I paused, thought about it, and shrugged.

“Sorry, you’re right. I’m so sorry that I don’t respect my boss—the man who never raises my salary despite me doing the most work here, and who tries to grope me any chance he gets even though he’s married. My apologies for talking shit about him behind his back. It won’t happen again, dude.”

He exhaled sharply.

“You could report him, you know. We’d all back you up. But unless you file a complaint, none of us can do anything.”

Walking back to my desk, I answered him:

“No, you wouldn’t. No one in New York risks their three pennies’ paycheck to defend someone else. Smoke less weed, please. This is New York.”

I returned to my computer and didn’t lift my eyes from the screen for hours.

Around noon, the elevator doors opened and Seokjin walked in with a plastic bag in his hand.

“Hey everyone! What’s up? Hey, Tessa. You look even prettier than last time. Divorce looks good on you.”

He came to my desk, placed the bag on it, then turned and winked at Tessa.

“How do you even know Tessa’s divorced? You don’t even work here. Did your mom send you?”

He nodded, crossed his arms and leaned on the desk.

“They’re not just cockroaches you stomp over, Lilibeth—they’re your coworkers. You know that, right? Rabokki sent food and told you to eat it before it gets cold. She worries about your nutrition more than mine, honestly.”

“What can I say, dude? I’m more Korean than all of you.”

He laughed. “I’m serious. Anyway, I’ve got orders to deliver until the evening. See you, gorgeous.”

He licked his lips, winked, greeted a few others in the office, and then left the way he came.

“Thanks for the food—and go already, I’ve dealt with enough Korean men today. At this rate I actually will turn Korean.”

He smiled, leaned down, kissed the top of my head, waved at everyone and got into the elevator.

Steve, from the next desk, chimed in:

“Wasn’t your boyfriend’s name Jimin?”

“No, it wasn’t. And Jimin is not my boyfriend. I know Seokjin because we grew up together; we live in the same apartment complex. His mom’s my landlord but she loves me like her own daughter.”

“Hmm. Speaking of daughters—does she have one? Or like, do you know any Korean girls? You know… Asian.”

I put my food down and turned to him, staring at his face for a long moment. He didn’t seem to understand anything.

Men and their disgusting fantasies about women’s bodies had numbed my skin like scabs forming over old wounds, and yet every time, another one managed to stun me again.

“No, Steve, she doesn’t. Just because I live in a neighborhood doesn’t make me the Asian ambassador. Keep your gross fantasies to yourself, I’m eating.”

When lunch ended, I went back to work until Mr. Lester called me into his office, interrupting everything. The door was open, but I knocked anyway. He lifted his head from the papers and looked at me.

“Ah, come in, Baker. Close the door, please.”

I obeyed, walked over and stood in front of his desk. My stomach churned. I forced my face into a perfectly blank, emotionless expression.

“Please, sit.” I sat.

“Elizabeth, sweetheart, as you know, the company has been going through difficult times lately.”

Oh, fuck. He’s going to fire me.

My expression didn’t move an inch. I kept staring at him.

“As a country, as a world, and as a company—as I’ve just mentioned—we’re in a very tight economic spot.”

Since I didn’t respond, he kept talking.

“What I’m trying to say is… I’m sorry, but as a company we plan to announce our bankruptcy by Friday at the latest.”

I swallowed. Graduation was still months away.

“But I did so well last quarter, sir. My sales alone brought in a total of 6.9% profit. I am the best employee in this office.”

Now he stayed silent. I continued:

“You know how hard my life is. I live alone, I study and work at the same time. There were even times you had me working multiple positions at once. I want to grow in this field and I’m willing to do any—”

He lit a Chesterfield, blew smoke directly into my face, and cut me off. He stood up, switched seats to the chair across from me, flicked ashes into the tray, then placed his other hand on top of mine resting on my skirt—slowly stroking.

I held my breath. I had to stay calm. If I caused a scene, I might lose my severance too.

“What can a student like you even do, Lilibeth? Hm? What can you possibly do to keep this company standing? I’m sorry things work this way. But the decision isn’t mine. Submit your documents by Friday and collect your termination papers. Your severance will be deposited by the end of the month. You may go.”

I stood up without saying a word, left his office, went back to my desk, and continued working as if nothing had happened.

To: Park Jimin

Jimin, I think I’ll come bartend tonight. Can you send me the address?

It didn’t take long for a notification to appear on my phone.

From: Park Jimin

You’re coming?

To: Park Jimin

If you guys really need one, then yes, I’ll come. Could you send the address, please?

From: Park Jimin

I need to ask Min. I’ll be right back.

To: Park Jimin

Ok.

A couple of minutes later, two notifications lit up back-to-back.

From: Park Jimin

👌🏼

From: Park Jimin

Chrysler Building, Celestiel Observation Deck. Don’t forget to give Yoongi’s name at the entrance. It’s not open to the public.

Not open to the public…

Without replying to Jimin, I left our chat and opened Ginny’s.

To: Ginny🦢

Hey babe! My plans for tonight got canceled, I can’t make it. Have fun for me too. Tell the girls I’m really sorry.

I didn’t wait for her response. I just kept working and waited for my shift to end. I wanted to finish everything as fast as possible and get out of here before Friday came.

***

After work, since the building was close to any subway station, I pulled out my wallet and checked how much cash I had.

“Fuck this job,” I muttered to myself, staring at the pathetic amount inside. A man walking by flashed a wide smile.

“Hey, a pretty little thing like you shouldn’t be talking like that, sweetheart. I can take that anger off you.”

I froze from disgust, but tried not to show I was even slightly intimidated. I frowned and cleared my throat.

“Fuck off, you creep. Go to hell.”

He burst out laughing and kept walking. No one—literally no one—asked if I was okay. I kept going like nothing had happened.

My phone vibrating in my hand stole my attention.

Notification: CitiBank

Your credit card statement for 18.01.2024–18.02.2024 has been added to your balance. We wish you a pleasant day.

I exhaled deeply, shoved my phone back in my pocket, and tapped my card at the turnstile, praying there was enough balance.

It went through. The only thing going right today.

I hurried down the stairs, trying not to get swallowed by the never-ending New York crowd and to catch the train that was about to leave. On the last step, my ankle twisted and I hit the ground. No one helped—people simply rushed around me. So I ignored the pain, pushed myself up, and sprinted into the train just before the doors shut.

When I finally stood in front of the Chrysler Building, I realized it was my first time seeing it this close. People like me didn’t just stroll into places like this. Instinctively, I straightened my wrinkled clothes and ignored the heel that was on the verge of breaking. I forced a confident smile and walked in, heading straight for the elevators.

I stepped inside with a group of people and waited for everyone to say their floor to the elevator attendant. My turn came.

“Celestiel.”

Everyone paused and looked at me at once. Their confusion was obvious.

A young woman in worn-out clothes, someone who clearly didn’t belong, wanting to go to a floor like Celestiel—it was shocking to them.

I was the public, and Celestiel was not for the public.

The attendant gave me the same judgmental look the others did, but still pressed the button.

One by one, the people got off on their floors, and I was left more and more alone.

Finally, we reached my floor. I offered the attendant a small smile and stepped out when the doors opened.

Where the hell was this place?

Who lived like this? And more importantly—how could I ever have a life like this?

“Excuse me? Ma’am? Excuse me?”

A hand tapped my shoulder and I turned around. A woman holding a Samsung tablet was looking at me.

“Oh—sorry. I’m here for bartending. For tonight’s event.”

“Your name?”

“Baker. Elizabeth Baker.”

She tapped through a few pages. I added quickly,

“They told me to give Yoongi’s name at the entrance. Min Yoongi.”

She stopped searching, nodded once, and gestured toward the hallway.

“Go left, walk to the room at the end, and ask them for an apron, please. Then come find me again so we can register you for payment.”

I nodded and went where she directed. They made me wait for an apron, then made me change out of basically everything I had on.

Everyone needed to look uniform and invisible.

Nothing eye-catching.

They told me to remove my makeup. I did.

Remove my nail polish. I did.

Put my hair in a bun. I did.

Remove all jewelry. I removed my earrings.

“The necklace too.”

My hand went to my neck instinctively. I didn’t even feel it anymore, it was just part of me.

“I’ll button the shirt all the way up; it won’t show. Can I please keep the necklace?”

She thought for a moment, then nodded.

Once I was dressed and registered, I hurried to the bar and got a quick crash-course tour.

“You really came.”

I looked up from wiping the counter.

“Yeah, I came. How did you and Jimin even get this job?”

He gestured to himself dramatically.

“Is there a single person in this city I don’t know? No. That’s the power of Min Yoongi. Anyway, I’m heading to the kitchen. Jimin and I will check on you from time to time.”

***

The night was passing much faster and much more uneventfully than I’d expected. After the food was served and the speeches were over, everyone moved to the party area—where I’d be working—and the whole night went by with one rich person after another asking me to make them a drink and serve it.

“God, I think my back is going to snap.”

He placed the tray on the counter, straightened her back, and looked at me.

“Hey, what’s that?”

I turned around and followed his gaze.

“That? Tip jar. Bartenders work on tips, you know.”

“Damn it, Yoongi. I could’ve been a bartender too.”

Before I could respond, a hand reached in from the side and shoved the tray back into her hands. Yoongi answered first.

“No, you couldn’t. Now take your tray, walk around, and see if anyone needs anything.”

Not long after Yoongi and Jimin left, two men in tuxedos walked over and did what no one else had done all night—they pulled out the bar stools and sat down. No one had sat there before; I guess they wanted a break and some conversation. When they both loosened their bow ties at the exact same time, I couldn’t help but smile.

“What can I get you, gentlemen?”

The slimmer one brought a hand to his chin and stroked the imaginary stubble there.

“What do you recommend? I’m not much of a drinker, and honestly, I’m really bored back there. I think I want something… fun.”

I nodded.

“One Iced Summer Breeze for the bored gentleman. And you, sir?”

I shifted my body toward the other man. We locked eyes. His brows were slightly furrowed, but as he realized I was studying his face a little longer, he eased the tension in his forehead.

“Whiskey, please. On the rocks.” I turned to prepare their drinks, half-listening to their conversation as I worked.

“I don’t know, Hoseok. I’m not sure I can handle all this. You know how the markets are— the constant changes in the Central Bank make it nearly impossible to keep things moving. And with war and migration crises everywhere… it’s a lot. And the old woman wants things to grow while also refusing to let go of traditions. Remember how impossible it was to convince her expand internationally? I spent six months country-hopping to find a solid market.”

The man whose name I now knew was Hoseok laughed.

“You, of all people, know how grumpy Big Kim can be. You’re her son, after all.”

The other nodded. I placed their drinks in front of them. They thanked me. Without saying anything, I picked up a cloth and began drying the washed glasses.

After taking a sip of his whiskey, the broader one turned to his friend.

“Forget me— how’s married life? I still can’t believe you finally tied the knot.”

“I don’t know. It’s good, I guess… but also not? Sometimes I just don’t understand what she wants. Last night she was in a mood, so I asked if she was acting that way because she was on her period. That made her even angrier. I ended up sleeping in the guest suite of my own house.”

I debated jumping in or staying quiet, but Hoseok spoke first.

“You can’t blame every woman’s irritation on PMS, man. You’re in the wrong here. When you say things like that, it makes it feel like they have no right to be upset unless it’s hormonal. They feel belittled. Just apologize and get her some flowers. Ashley’s a good person. She loves you— she deserves the attention.”

I found myself staring at him. He stared right back.

“Sorry… was something wrong?” he asked when I didn’t stop looking.

I shook my head quickly. Too quickly.

“I just—”

Whatever I was going to say vanished. My vision went dark for a moment and I reached out blindly for something to grab. First one of them, then the other leaned over the counter to steady me.

“Are you alright?” the slender one asked. I nodded.

“My blood sugar must’ve dropped. I’m okay. Thank you for catching me.”

“Hoseok, can you find her something to eat? I’ll stay here in case she needs help.”

Hoseok stood and walked off.

“You didn’t have to. I could’ve found something myself. I just didn’t have time tonight— sorry for worrying you.”

Another customer approached the bar, so I didn’t wait for an answer. I turned to take his order. While I was mixing his drink, Hoseok returned with a plate of appetizers.

I dropped the tip someone had left into the jar and then looked down at the plate in front of me.

“That wasn’t necessary. Really. And employees aren’t allowed to eat on duty, sir.”

“What should we do then? Cancel the entire event because they’re overworking the bartender? You need to eat. So eat.”

He heard himself switch from formal to friendly and immediately corrected it.

“My apologies—”

“Elizabeth.” I smiled softly.

“My apologies, Miss Elizabeth. I just got worried about your health and spoke a bit too casually.”

I reached for a canapé, and Hoseok jumped in before the other could keep rambling.

“Dude, stop talking and let the girl eat.” I laughed. They laughed too.

“Thank you, Mr. Hoseok—”

He waved it off as if it was nothing. I turned to the other man.

“Thank you, Mr.—”

“Jungkook.”

End of Season 1, Episode 1