â§ď˝Ľďž: *â§ď˝Ľďž:* ăă *:シďžâ§*:シďžâ§ â§ď˝Ľďž: *â§ď˝Ľďž:* ăă *:シďžâ§*:シďžâ§
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 à 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.
â§ď˝Ľďž: *â§ď˝Ľďž:* ăă *:シďžâ§*:シďžâ§ â§ď˝Ľďž: *â§ď˝Ľďž:* ăă *:シďžâ§*:シďžâ§
~You got the love I always needed.~
âWould you tell me a little about yourself?â
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.
âElizabeth Baker. Iâm 21âwell, turning 22 soon, so letâs just say 22. Iâm a senior studying business. Iâm originally from New Jersey, but Iâve been living in New York since high school. And you?â
He was resting his elbows on the table, fingers laced together as he listened to me. There wasnât 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.
âShould I tell you about the Jeon Jungkook you find on Google, or just Jungkook?â
This time, it was my turn to smile.
âTo be honestââ I reached for my glass and took a sip.
ââI 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⌠Iâd really like to get to know just Jungkook.â He let out a small laugh as he took a bite of his food. After swallowing, he said:
âI had no idea people still did the whole âasking someone outâ thing.â
âOh, they do. I may be young, but Iâm not someone to underestimate, Jungkook.â
âTrust me, I got that. Itâs justâah, well, youâve probably seen online that Iâm 31, so Iâm way past that phase. But being older than you doesnât mean Iâm 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. Iâm also a business graduate, just like you. Butââ
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.
âHm? Ah, nothing important.â
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.
âIt looked pretty important to me. Like you want to say something but canât.â
I pulled my left hand from under my chin and reached it across the table. I gently held his free handâlight, but reassuring.
âWe mightâve just met, but I donât judge. I donât belittle or mock. You can tell me.â
âItâs just⌠okay. Ever since I was a kid, Iâ 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 weâre even being able to decide. While I was still next to my motherâs side, which school Iâd attend and what Iâd study was already set in stone.â
âA child with no choices,â I said, making him laugh.
âWell, I wouldnât go that far. I donât exactly have the power to save the world.â
âYou do have the power to feed a broke college student. Seriously, your sauces are amazing.â He laughed and pulled his hand back from under mine. After rubbing his eyes with both hands, he said:
âIt might sound simple, but saying that out loud was⌠relieving. No one knows. No one except Hoseok, my friend from the party.â
âBut you told me.â I leaned back in my chair and tilted my chin up slightly. I was going to leave this table tonight as the stronger one.
âYou told me. How do you know I wonât go out and share your secret with the world?â
He saw my move. His turn.
âWho even cares about a fast-food chain heir? Even if you said it, no one would care.â
âThere are definitely people who would care.â
âWas it Mr. Kim? Your father?â
âMy mother. My father left us when I was a kid.â
He downed the last sip of his wine in one go and exhaled sharply.
âI donât know why Iâm telling you all this. We just met. When I talk too much, I start feeling guilty. Letâs talk about you again.â
âIâm a simple person, Jungkook. I like working, listening to music, plants, and men like you.â
âPolite and considerate ones.â
I gave him a sincere smile. He accepted it and smiled back.
âI donât think Iâm as polite and considerate as you think.â
âYouâre the most polite and considerate man Iâve ever met, Iâm sure of it.â
I looked down at our empty plates.
âShould we wash these before they dry?â
He nodded and quickly stood up, pulling my chair back for me.
âGod, Gguk! I thought you said you werenât politeâthis is exactly the kind of thing a polite man does.â
âIâm serious. Iâm not as polite as you think⌠you just deserve to be treated that way.â
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 wasnât a single personal item anywhere. It didnât feel like a home.
He mustâve noticed me observing, because he said:
âI donât live in New York. This place is just a location I use for work trips. So yeah⌠I know it looks a bit dull.â
âNo, it doesnât look boring. I was just surprised because thereâs nothing personal in sight, but knowing you donât actually live here explains it.â
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.
âItâs almost 11:30.â I smoothed down the hem of my dress.
âI didnât even notice how time passed with you. Come on, let me take you home.â
He reached for his phone, but I stopped him with my hand.
âThereâs no need. I can go on my own. If I catch the last subway, Iâll be home in no time.â I added.
âPicking me up from my place was already polite enough. Thereâs no need for you to go across the city this laââ
âElizabeth, Iâm not the one driving. Let me be a gentleman, if youâll allow me.â
âAnd you look absolutely stunning tonight. I donât want anyone else to see that.â
I pulled my hands away from his.
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.
âMaâam.â 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.
âWeâre going to Koreatown. Iâll guide you from there.â
The chauffeurâs eyes shifted to me this time. âTo the same place I picked you up from earlier, maâam?â
After starting the engine, he drove off in silence. As the streetlights from the wealthier parts of the city passed by, they lit up Jungkookâs face inside the car. He was staring out the window.
âI could get used to this.â
He turned to me, raising an eyebrow. He mustâve been asking what I meant.
âTo you. I mean⌠to being next to you.â
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.
We didnât 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.
âThank you for dropping me off. It was a wonderful night. Really. Goodnight.â
I kissed him on the cheek.
âThank you. I had an amazing time. Goodnight.â
I tapped the chauffeur lightly on the shoulder.
âThanks for driving me earlier and bringing me back, man. Have a good night. Drive safe.â
He looked completely stunned by that. Jungkook laughed.
âGod. Youâre adorable.â
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.
âActually, something was missing tonight. Dessert.â
âI didnât think youâd notice. I barely managed to cook the meat. I have no idea how to make dessert. Sorry.â
âLucky 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.â
He leaned to peek inside through the door gap. Mrs. Kim waved at him. Jungkook waved back.
âItâd be rude if you didnât come. Theyâre even playing bingo.â
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.
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 theyâd been spying on us moments earlier. Seokjin said:
âLilibeth. Is that you?â
âCut it, Seokjin. We saw you watching us.â
As Jungkook quietly watched, I continued:
âI hope the pancakes arenât finished.â
âTheyâre not, sweetheart. Weâre still making more. I just took a short break.â
She stood up, and I finally let go of Jungkookâs hand and went to her, guiding her back into her seat by her shoulders.
âSit. Youâve been on your feet all day. Iâll do it.â Then I went back to Jungkookâs side.
âOh, and I want you all to meet my guest. Jungkook, this is the Kim Family. Kim Family, this is Jungkook.â
âItâs a pleasure to meet you. I hope Iâm not intruding. I didnât want to refuse when Elizabeth invited me. Besides, once she told me this place has the best pancakes in the entire city, well⌠thatâs an offer I could never refuse.â
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:
âYou should speak in your mother tongue a little more. Learn from him.â
Seokjin rolled his eyes and stood up.
âYou guys are missing the real problem here. Anyway, nice to meet you Jungkook, Iâm Seokjin. Iâm Lilibethâs best friend. But donât tell Jiminââ I laughed.
âItâs true the best pancakes in the city are made here, but itâs not Elizabethâs pancakesâitâs my momâs.â
âYeah, but I can make them. Mrs. Kim is tirââ
âStop! Yours never turn out good. Theyâre too pale. You canât get that golden color.â
âIt was just that one time, and I didnât have eggs. Because you stole them.â
âDonât slander me, it was Jimin.â
Mr. Kim fake-coughed, and both of us froze. He gestured toward Jungkook with his eyes. Jungkook was watching us with an amused smile.
âSorry. I didnât want you to see me like this. Itâs justââ
âLook at that face. I canât help it, he drives me insane.â Jungkook laughed. Then apologized.
âSorry. I wasnât laughing at you. Itâs justâmy cousin and I are exactly like you two. I remembered that.â
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.
âThese two argue constantly. I donât know what they canât share. But I guess thatâs what being siblings is.â
Jungkook looked at me, confused.
âSeokjin and I are like siblings. Not biologically, but heâs been with me for as long as I can remember.â
He nodded, understanding.
âAnd the fact that my dadâs giving your boyfriend a biological shock?â
He was clearing space on the table for new pancakes. He wasnât looking at us.
âWeâweâre uhâŚâ I looked at Jungkook. He shrugged.
âWeâre still in the getting-to-know-each-other stage.â Then I turned to Seokjin.
âAlso, whatâs a biological shock?â
âYou knowâ weâre Korean. And youâre a white American. So thereâs a pretty obvious genetic difference. Thatâs all I meant.â
The fresh pancakes placed in front of us ended the topic.
I wasnât 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 Iâd brought him here.
Iâd spent the whole night trying to present myself as a serious womanâyet suddenly I looked like a silly young girl. I didnât 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.
âUmâh-heâs waiting outside.â
I turned toward the window. âHe should eat too. Itâs cold out there. Letâs give him something warm as well. Seokjin, can you boil some water?â
After adding a few toppings, I went outside and offered the plate to Jungkookâs chauffeur. Even with my back turned, I could feel Jungkookâs eyes on me. A few seconds later, Seokjin showed up with a foldable chair and a small foldable table.
âIâll bring your tea right away, man. If youâre cold, you can sit inside.â
âThank you, but while Iâm on dutyââ
âJungkook approved it.â
He took the plate but said it wouldnât 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.
âWhat happened? Were you talking about me?â Seokjin asked.
âWho would talk about you? We were talking to Mr. Jeon. Itâs our responsibility as parents to get to know our girlâs friend well.â
The fact that they didnât separate me from their own children touched me deeply. And the fact that they didnât 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 weâd ever seenâsure, it hinted that he was rich.
But the Kims didnât seem to care at all. They hadnât asked a single thing.
After playing a little more, Jungkook asked for permission to leave.
âI have to wake up early tomorrow. If youâll allow me, sir.â
âYouâre always allowed, son.â
We all stood up. Jungkook turned to Mrs. Kim, buttoning up his jacket.
âThank you for everything, maâam. These were truly the best pancakes Iâve ever had in my life. They were wonderful.â
Mrs. Kim smiled and opened her arms.
âYouâre welcome. Come again, and Iâll bake you cookies next time if youâd like.â
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.
âIt was nice meeting you. Like she saidâcome again. Our door is always open.â
âThe honor is mine, sir. Thank you again for making room for me at your table. Iâll definitely visit again.â
Seokjin held out his hand, then suddenly pulled Jungkook into a tight hug. He whispered something into his ear before pulling back.
âNice meeting you, man. Weâre going out on Thursdayâif youâre free, come with us. Iâll introduce you to the rest of Elizabethâs friends.â
âAlright, thatâs enoughâlet him go. Iâll walk you out.â
I pointed to the door, and we stepped outside together. Instead of heading straight for the car, he walked forward a bit. I followed.
âWhatâs wrong? Are you okay?â
âIâm fine. I just wanted some air before getting in the car. And⌠to be away from eyes for a moment.â
âIf they made you uncomfortable, Iâm sorry. They never mean any harm. Theyâre wonderfuââ
âI wasnât uncomfortable, Lilibeth. Theyâre wonderful people. I just⌠wanted a moment alone with you before leaving.â
âTonight was much more beautiful than I expected. Asking you outââ
He paused, lowered his head, and laughed softly, referring to earlier that evening.
ââasking you out was the best decision Iâve made in a long time. Iâm glad I listened to my gut. I had an amazing night. And Iâd really like this to happen again. If you want it too. Especially⌠my favorite part of the night.â
He took my hands. âYou calling me Gguk. Every version of my name sounds perfect coming from you. Iâd like to hear it more often.â
I felt myself getting warm.
No one had ever treated me like this before. Not like an objectâlike a person. A respected, cared-for person. Jungkookâs behavior wasnât something I often experienced⌠but I could get used to it.
âThen⌠would you like to join us on Thursday? We can ditch them later if you prefer. They get drunk immediately anyway.â
âWeâll talk about it. Now go inside, itâs cold.â
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.
âWhat do you mean? I was supposed to be done after delivering these documents. Iâm even turning them in a day early.â
I stared at Mr. Lester, unable to hide my anger.
âYes, but ever since it became clear weâre going bankrupt, a few people stopped showing up. There are files that still need to be finished.â
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.
âAlright. But Iâm leaving early today. I have a project due at school. If I donât finish by noon, itâll have to wait until tomorrow.â
I didnât wait for an answer.
âAre you looking for a new job?â
âHavenât had the chance yet. You?â then he answered:
âAlready found one. After I finish whateverâs left here, Iâm getting the hell out. Iâll have a few days to clear my head before starting on next Monday.â
âAny news from Michael?â I asked. He shook his head.
âItâs sad, you know. Heâs getting married soon⌠and he was drowning in debt. I hope he found something.â
âTrue. And he invited us to the wedding too. Are you going?â
I tried to focus on my work while talking â mostly because Jungkook hadnât 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.
âI think Iâll go. Heâs the only friend I have in this officeâother than you.â he said. I laughed at my screen.
âSo this means youâll come to my graduation?â
âIf you manage to graduate, why not?â
Then he paused, turning his chair toward me.
âIâm serious, El. Maybe you shouldnât look for a job right now. Maybe you should just⌠be a student for these last few months. Iâve never seen you actually live your student life. These years are supposed to be your best. Enjoy themâyouâll miss them later.â
âEasy to say, but I need financial support. And you know they cut my scholarship this semester because my GPA dropped.â
âAnd you? Would you go to Michaelâs wedding?â I was relieved he changed the topic.
âI think so. Heâs the only one here who isnât a pig.â
âCome on, admit it. Sometimes youâre awful too.â
He didnât respond, so we quietly went back to work.
âFinally! I havenât seen you since the event. And if we donât count you emailing me your part of the assignment, we havenât talked either. Where have you been, Lilibeth?â
Jimin looped his arm through mine, scolding me all the way down the hallway. I stayed quiet until he was done.
âThank you for doing most of the assignment, Jimin, but please donât ask questions youâll get mad about.â
I knew he wouldnât be jealous â what we had was nothing more than sex â but instead of working with him on the assignment, I had spent my time thinking about Jungkook and wanting to be around him.
âIâm not mad. I already know. Seokjin told me. Apparently you trapped one of those rich pricks at the party.â
He raised his eyebrows, giving me a teasing look.
âJungkook is not some rich prick. Heâs actually very kind and polite. And⌠did Seokjin really say it like that?â
âNo, I exaggerated. You introduced him to Seokjin before me. Thatâs what Iâm annoyed about â not the assignment you dumped on me. Give me a blowjob and weâll call it even.â I slipped my arm out of his and stared at him.
I didnât wait and headed toward the professorâs office. He jogged after me.
âHey! I was kidding. Wait for me.â
After we handed in our assignment together, I checked my phone.
It was already late afternoon. Still nothing.
Since I didnât have class, I started walking toward the bus stop. Jimin appeared next to me, matching my pace.
âYou know⌠you can text him first. Guys like that. Knowing theyâre on someoneâs mind.â
âDid you talk to your mom?â he asked. Then added:
âAbout the job situation, I mean. Yoongi and I can help you until you find something, but maybe you should let her know.â
âNo. Iâll handle it. Want to come to my place? We can stop by the bar first.â
âWeâre⌠really doing this? While youâre also seeing someone?â He asked between kisses. My hand, halfway at his belt, paused.
âWe only met once. Besides, whatever this is between usâit doesnât mean anything. Itâs just stress relief.â
âYouâre breaking my heart.â
He brought his hands down between us, teasing.
âJimin, thatâs not your heart.â
âWhatâs the difference?â
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.
âOops. Iâll buy you new ones.â
I didnât 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.
âHey, my white shirt was with you, right?â
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.
âI think I have it. God, Jimin. What am I even supposed to wear?â
He came to stand beside me, and we stared at my closet together.
âWear what you always wear. Everything looks good on you anyway.â
I let myself fall backward onto the bed behind me. The towel wrapped around my hair came loose.
âYou donât 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 wouldnât call, so Iââ
I gestured between us, flustered.
ââso I slept with you. But he did call. And I couldnât say no. Heâll be here in an hour to pick us up. I need to look good. I have nothing that fits the vibe.â
âEl, 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. Waitâdid you say us? Heâs picking me up too?â
âYes. I told him my friend was with me, and he suggested we all go together.â
âYour date and the guy you just had sex with⌠in the same car. Incredible. Only you, honestly.â
I shrieked and kicked at him from the bed. He dodged, then grabbed my ankle playfully.
âRelax. Iâm not going to rat you out. I donât care anyway. And none of your friends will snitch â you know that. Theyâve known us for years.â
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.
âShould I wear that?â
Jimin immediately knew what I meant.
âThat 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? Iâm getting jealous.â
I walked to the closet and pulled the dress out along with its hanger.
The rest unfolded quietly between us.
âShut up. You know how expensive it is. Iâm scared to wear it in case something happens.â
âGod, Liz. The tag is literally still on it. But⌠youâre right. Girls who wear dresses like this do suit someone like him.â
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 didâbold, striking, impossible to ignore.
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.
âTie the neck straps.â
I gathered my hair at the nape of my neck.
He tied the strings tightly.
âIs it okay? Itâs not hurting your neck, right?â
I felt his breath against my skin.
Then his lips grazed my neck.
âSorry. I shouldnât have done that. I just⌠felt like it.â
I let my hair fall and turned to him.
âItâs fine. Iâm going to dry my hair and do my makeup. You go get dressed.â
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.
âLet me dry mine too.â
I silently stepped aside and made space for him.
While we both worked quietly, we kept catching each otherâs eyes in the mirror.
I wasnât sure he could even hear me over the sound of the dryer.
âI donât want things to be weird between us, but⌠I really like Jungkook. We should stop whatever we have going on. Iâm serious.â
The dryer was loud, but he seemed to understand.
He looked at me in the mirror and nodded slightly. He didnât 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.
I said. He turned to me and smiled.
After the door closed, Jimin cleared his throat. I forced myself to look away from Jungkook and turned to Jimin instead.
âUhhâright. Jungkook, this is my friend Jimin. Heâs also a business major. Thank you for agreeing to let him come along. Jimin, this is Jungkook.â
Jungkook leaned forward and extended his hand.
âHi. Nice to meet you. Iâm Jungkook.â
Jimin reached over me and shook it.
âJimin. Nice to meet you too.â
Only then did I notice the chauffeur getting into the car.
âWeâre going to Caves Man. Itâs on the corner of 8th Avenue.â
Then I turned back to Jungkook.
âI hope you havenât eaten.â
âNo. Based on the time, I assumed weâd eat first and then go out.â
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:
âClose your legs. Youâre squishing him.â
âWhat do you want me to do? My legs are thick. They donât fit.â
âThen slim them down.â
âExcuse you, do you know how hard I worked for these legs?â
Our whisper-fight was interrupted when Jungkook spoke:
âIs there a problem?â I turned to him.
âOh, noâno, nothing at all.â
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.
âYouâre not bothering me. I donât feel cramped. If anything⌠I like it better this way. Closer.â
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.
âI need to take this. Excuse me.â
âAh, no, Iâm not at the office. No, theyâre not with me. I know. Iâve already spoken to the lawyersâonce I handle the issue here, Iâm coming back. How are things there?⌠Iâll call Mrs. Will now and tell her to fax the documents first thing in the morning. No, Iâll stop by China first. Then Iâll come home. Yes⌠yes, Iâll meet with them. Iâll let you know. Iâll ask my assistant to schedule a meeting for us. Talk soon.â
âWork related?â I asked.
âYeah. If you two donât mind, I need to make a few more calls.â
Then he made another call. It must have been Mrs. Will.
âGood evening, Mrs. Will. Are you at the office? Ah, I see. Could you fax todayâs documents to Mr. Kimâs 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.â
âKennedy, can you schedule a meeting tomorrow between the New York and Seoul offices?⌠Okay, that works for me. Contact Taehyungâs assistant and add the meeting to the boardâeveryone who needs to attend must see it. No mistakes. Let me know if anything comes up.â
He hung up and slipped his phone back into his jacket.
âSorry about that. Itâs a busy time.â
Jungkook spoke before I could reply.
âItâs no trouble. Weâre almost there anyway. But you were pretty cool back thereâswitching between English and Korean. New York, Seoul, China⌠all that.â Jimin said.
His comment made Jungkook laugh.
âI doubt it. But thanks.â
âWeâve arrived, sir.â
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.
We all looked up. My friends were crowded together on the balcony, waving at us.
âLooks like everyone got here before us.â
âThe bar weâre going to later is really close. You can send your driver away if you wantâno need for him to wait.â
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.
âWhatâs up, everyone!â
A few people turned to us and raised their beer bottles.
âHey Jimin!â âHey Liz!â
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.
âThanks for making time for me⌠and my friends, even though youâre so busy.â
Once he reached me on the steps, he stopped.
âI should be thanking you for bringing me somewhere fun. Itâs like you knew exactly what I needed⌠right on time.â
I turned back toward the stairs, but he stopped me by gently catching my wrist.
He leaned in, voice lowering.
âYou look beautiful tonight. I hope you donât mind me not being able to take my eyes off you.â
âThank you. Letâs not keep them waiting.â
We walked side by side up the steps. Once on the open balcony, I subtly guided him toward our usual table.
âGuys, this is Jungkook. Jungkook, these are my friends â in order: Ginny, Stella, Seokjin, Yoongi, Claire, and Jimin. You already know Seokjin and Jimin.â
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.
âSo Jungkook, we ordered before you guys arrived. We donât know what you like, but we have our usual order here. If you want to see the menu, we can ask for one.â
âIâm not picky about food. Thanks for asking.â
âYou donât have to be that polite with him. Otherwise heâll fall in love with you.â
She pointed to Yoongi, making us all laugh.
âYou canât still be mad about that,â Yoongi replied, shrugging.
I leaned toward Jungkook, whispering:
âStella was seeing this guy for a bit. Then Yoongi liked him too andâplot twistâthe guy dumped Stella for Yoongi. But honestly, sheâd only gone out with him like twice.â
Jungkook nodded in understanding, then laughed quietly. He leaned toward my ear.
âI donât think he could steal me from you.â
Our food slowly started arriving. As everyone took things from the middle plates, Seokjin stopped the waiter.
âDrinks? Do we start here or wait until the bar?â
Everyone exchanged looks. Then Yoongi said:
âI think a beer wouldnât hurt. Jungkook?â
He looked at the waiter. âSure. You have Corona, right?â
âFinally, someone with taste. High five, Jungkook.â
He gave her a polite high five.
âAlright then â two Coronas, and six Carlsberg. One Luna.â
I told the waiter, then everyone turned back to the food.
This time, Jungkook started the conversation.
âDid you all meet at school, orâŚ?â
Seokjin began explaining before anyone else could answer.
âWe 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.â
âWe 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, heâs Yoongi. Everyone knows Yoongi.â
Yoongi gave Jungkook another small wave, making us laugh. Jungkook asked:
âI work a bunch of different jobs. I hang out wherever I can, whenever I have time. Oh, and most importantly â Iâm a dealer. But only selling, not using. Not really my thing.â
Jungkook nodded like he understood. Yoongi added:
âDonât worry. Your girl doesnât use.â
Because he was staring at his food, he pointed at me with his knife instead.
âItâs fine,â Jungkook said softly.
Under the table, he took my hand.
Not only did he not mindâhe was trying to reassure me.
I could get used to this.
While the others were dancing, we sat at the bar, quietly sipping our drinks.
I said, brushing my thumb gently under his eye.
âItâs been a busy week. I feel like Iâm running from one meeting to another. Four states in two days.â
âWhat? God, that must be exhausting.â
He nodded and glanced at his whiskey.
âIâm sorry I couldnât call. I wanted to, but I just didnât get the chance. You were on my mind, though.â
âItâs okay. I couldâve called you too. Iâm nowhere near as busy as you. But I didnât. So Iâm the one who should apologize.â
âYou shouldnât. I should be the one calling you.â
âGguk. Itâs the 21st century.â
I wanted him to call⌠but if Iâd really wanted, I couldâve dialed first.
âI like your friends,â he said, shifting the topic. I looked toward the dance floor.
âThey all loved you. Thanks for coming.â
âEven Yoongi?â he teased.
I pushed lightly at his chest.
âIâll kill him.â He laughed loudly.
âIf it wonât be rude to them, should we go?â
I looked at my nearly empty drink, finished it in one go, and reached for my wallet.
âBefore you protest, can I at least pay for our drinks? You already paid for everyoneâs dinner.â
He reached into the other side of his jacket and took out a card â a black Amex.
âNo. I didnât pay because Iâm looking down on you, or to impress you. Youâre all students. As the oldest at the table, paying is my responsibility. Excuse me â 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 theyâre ready to leave.â
The bartender followed his instructions without a single question.
Jungkook listed each name whose tab should be covered. Then he left a number.
Watching that black card work like a master key felt unfair.
I felt⌠cheated by the universe.
âYou didnât have to do that. I feel so embarrassed.â
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:
âDonât forget protection!â
I said nothing and headed toward the exit. When we reached the door:
âIâm sorry on her behalf. Sheâs drunk, she doesnât know what sheâs saying.â
âDonât apologize. I thought it was funny.â
A car pulled up in front of us â Jungkookâs.
âI told him not to go too far.â
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.
âWhere would you like to go?â
he asked me. I suddenly had no idea what to say.
âI donât know⌠You said youâre tired. We can just go home if you want. Orââ
He said nothing. He just glanced forward through the mirror. The engine started.
âHow long are you here for?â
âOne day. Iâm leaving tomorrow evening.â
âTo China?â He nodded.
âWill you come back?â I asked.He took a deep breath.
Why was I suddenly shy around him?
Was I acting for him⌠or was this really me?
When I looked up, he was already looking at me.
âMaybe I shouldnât⌠but yes. Iâd really like you to come back. To me.â He smiled.
We didnât speak after that.
On the way to Jungkookâs place, something ahead caught my eye and I asked the chauffeur to pull over.
âIs something wrong?â
âOh, no. Justâwait for me, okay? Iâll be right back.â
I didnât wait for a response and got out, entering the shop in front of us.
âHey Cal, youâre still open?â
âLiz! What a surprise.â
âI was passing by. I need one of these frames. Could you wrap it for me?â
âIâm closing the register. Go to the back and wrap it yourself. You know where everything is. Donât worry about the money, Iâll take care of it.â
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.
âHope I didnât keep you waiting too long.â
I said as I got in the car.
âNot at all. Was it something important?â
he asked, glancing at the package in my hand.
He looked like he wanted to ask what it was but didnât know if he should.
âHmm, I took care of it. We can go.â
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.
âIt must be hard to bend in that dress,â 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.
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.
âActually⌠I got this for you.â
âYou didnât have to. Thank you so much.â
âI hope you like it. If you donât, you can exchange it. I mean⌠I forgot to include the exchange card, but if you tell Callum my name, heâll switch it for you.â
As he opened the package, he asked:
âHow many jobs have you worked?â
âI donât know⌠maybe seven or eight? Maybe more, Iâm not sure.â
âYour family doesnât mind you working? School must be hard too.â
âI donât really see my family. Weâre not close.
And school⌠yeah, I mean, itâs not easy â Iâd be lying if I said it was. But Jimin helps. Somehow I made it to senior year.â
He looked at the frame and smiled.
âItâs a beautiful gift. I really like it. Thank you.â
Then he pulled me into a hug.
âIf 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.â
âThatâs a perfect idea.
Then I guess Iâll have to put a picture of us in this frame.â
He set the frame on the dining table beside us, then wrapped his arms around my waist.
âI think I really like you,â he said.
âNot âI think.â I really, truly like you.â
I placed my hands over his on my waist.
~End of Season One, Episode Two~