The way you literally felt your heart stop when you turn to see him standing there.

"Would it kill you to ring the doorbell?"

As you lower the volume of the music and eye at paper bag beside him, a mixture of surprise and concern fills your mind. While curiosity tugs at you, your caution suggests that nothing good can come from feeling curious.

"I did. But you no one answered." He says, circling the couch to put the bag on the coffee table. "Now I know why. Mom made dinner."

As you peek inside, you count four containers and start unpacking. "Thanks."

The first smell that hits you is the homemade kimchi that never fails to make your mouth water.

"What are you doing tomorrow?" He suddenly asks, observing your movements from the side.

"It's a holiday right? I don't know. Maybe stay at home."

He hums, watching you closely. "Then you won't mind helping me babysit Jaeden, right?"

"And sacrifice my free time?" You chortle. "No thank you. If you don't have anything else to say, you can leave."

"We'll see about that."

"What?"

Before he could turn his back and leave, you could've sworn you saw a smirk on his face.

-

You are the epitome of unlucky.

But you've come to terms with that for quite some time now. Just an hour ago, mom called to drop a sudden news.

"So start packing. Your father and I will see you soon. Love you."

Now you're here, handing Mr Jeon your backpack. He puts it in the back of the van together with the rest of their things.

"We're gonna have a blast in jeju! How long has it been since we all went there together?"

"If my memory serves me right, you kids were about eleven years old." Mr Jeon comments with a gentle tone.

Mrs. Jeon looked radiant in a white sundress that complimented her porcelain skin. The fabric swayed gently with every movement, showcasing her slender frame and highlighting her graceful gait. Her long, brown hair hung loosely down her back, cascading in waves of silkiness that reached her waist.

Mr. Jeon was dressed in a casual yet dashing outfit, his white button-down t-shirt hugged his broad chest, revealing his muscular arms, while his beige shorts emphasized his toned legs. When he stood beside Mrs. Jeon, their outfits harmoniously complementing each other, their love was palpable in every glance they shared.

Mrs. Jeon claps her hands. "Look at the time. We should be getting a move on."

Jungkook slides the van door open, and as you step inside first, he uses his hand to shield your head from the top of the entryway. You take a seat on the second row, settling near the window.

Mr and Mrs Jeon follow suit, occupying the first row.

"Honey, could you hold Aden for a second?" She asks, already lifting the baby to pass him to you.

As you cradle Jaeden on your lap, he takes the opportunity to grab your hair.

Jungkook, being the last one to enter the van, takes the seat next to you, and his judgmental glance tells you he expected this. "I warned you to tie your hair," he remarks in a low tone, only audible to you.

You respond with irritation, saying softly, "Yeah well I told my parents I wanted to stay in bed, but not everyone gets what they want, do they?" While trying to free yourself from Jaeden's grip, you grind your teeth in frustration.

Jungkook, having managed to pry Jaeden's fingers away from your hair, swiftly lifts the baby off your lap and sets him comfortably in his own arms. Jaeden, now fully immersed in the captivating world of Cocomelon on Jungkook's phone, is completely distracted.

As the van begins to move, Mrs. Jeon reminds Jungkook about the 30-minute screen time limit, and he responds with an acknowledging hum.

As you glance around, you notice Jisung's absence but assume he is occupying the passenger seat.

"You know." You start off, shifting your attention to Jungkook. "You'd make an awesome dad."

It surprises you sometimes. How he takes on a different demeanor when it comes to dealing with kids. Instead of his usual demeanor, he demonstrates patience, maturity, and manages to avoid being annoying. Given his normal portrayal of himself, one might assume he would struggle with children, but Jungkook actually possesses the ability to channel his inner fatherly instinct when interacting with them.

"And you'd make a terrible mom." He smirks without sparing you a glance.

"You know what? I take it back. I feel sorry for whoever has to deal with you in the future." You rolls your eyes.

"Yeah whatever. Be useful and grab a cloth from his bag will ya. He's drooling all over my arm."

You look around but can't find the diaper bag.

"It's in the back seat."

Turning, you get on your knees and look over. The familiar baby blue diaper bag seems to be enjoying its life being the only one in the seat. You let out a sigh, grab a cloth and zip it up.

You use it to wipe the drool from Aden's mouth first before proceeding to wipe Jungkook's arm.

Suddenly, the flash of Mrs. Jeon's phone camera catches your attention, and you look in her direction. She gives you both a soft smile while cradling her phone, and chimes with a mischievous tone, "Just a memory to look back on once you have kids of your own."

"Mom." Jungkook grumbles and she widens her eyes like she's offended.

"What? Don't tell me you plan on not having children? I did not give you that handsome face just for it to go to waste. And besides, with Y/n's nose and flawless skin, I'm sure you'll make beautiful babies."

Before any of you can react to what she just said, her phone rings and she turns away to answer it.

"She knows you have a girlfriend right?"

And on top of that, it's Hazel. Your bestfriend.

He raises an eyebrow. "Who said I had one?"

"What? But Hazel-"

He cuts you off. "She's not my girlfriend. The only reason we're always seen together is because she keeps throwing herself at me."

This pattern of his - it's what you feared. He's only using Hazel. And once he's bored, he'll toss her aside like a used rag.

You already know he's that type of person but it still shocks you.

You can't fathom why Jungkook treats others with such disregard. It confounds you how effortlessly he plays with people's feelings.

He knows how dear Hazel is to you. But despite this knowledge, he chooses to involve her in his actions, deliberately leading her on with false hope, only to shatter her heart in the end.

For the remainder of the journey, you make a conscious decision to avoid him as much as possible.

You're convinced that if he possessed even the slightest trace of respect, he would have avoided any involvement with Hazel altogether. For the sake of the friendship you had a long time ago.

After a two-hour journey, the plane finally touches down at the airport, where your parents are eagerly awaiting your arrival.

Next destination: J. Jaeden's resort.

J. Jaeden's resort is a new business the Jeon's put up after finding out they were having another child.

It is a family-oriented beachfront getaway, boasting all the essential amenities expected of a top-tier vacation destination. The beachfront location offers breathtaking ocean views, crystal-clear waters, and access to a myriad of water activities, including swimming, snorkeling, and water sports. The resort is equipped with world-class accommodations, fine dining restaurants, and an array of entertainment options to ensure an unforgettable retreat for families and couples alike.

Despite its relatively young age, having only been open to the public for a month, it had already garnered a significant amount of recognition among both locals and international celebrities.

After obtaining the keycard from the front desk, a staff member guides all of you to the top floor of the building, where the luxurious VIP suites are located. While your parents proceeded to their own room first, Mrs. Jeon accompanies you, Jisung, and Jungkook to your respective rooms situated on the far side of the expansive hallway.

Stopping, she hands you a card, gesturing towards a nearby door. "That's your room right over there. If you need anything, kookie's room is just across from yours. Now, if you kids need anything, just call for room service. Especially you, dear." She gently tucks a strand of hair behind your ear, a motherly smile on her face. "Feel free to order anything if you're hungry. Oh, and your parents' room number is 679, just around the corner."

You give an affirming nod in response.

"I'll let you rest first, but be sure to be downstairs by six," Mrs. Jeon says, giving you a kiss on the head. She then turns her attention to her sons, giving them each a kiss on the forehead before taking her leave.

Using the card, you unlock your door and step inside. But just as you're about to close it, Jungkook holds it open.

His intense gaze, filled with restrained anger, is enough to make anyone's legs tremble.

"You're avoiding me," he grinds his teeth, his voice laced with frustration. "Why?"

His icy tone makes it clear that he's been holding it in until now, when the adults had finally left.

The tension between you and Jungkook is palpable, and as you stand facing each other, the air between you crackles with unresolved emotions.

His grip on the door tightens, his fingers digging into the wood, as he confronts you with a hard gaze. You can feel the weight of his words, his frustration, his desire to understand your motives.

But aren't your motives clear as day?

You take a deep breath, steeling yourself before speaking, your voice barely above a whisper.

"You want the truth? Fine. I don't like what you're doing to Hazel. I hate that you're like this and I hate myself for not protecting her from you."

You're flooded by a wave of regret, realizing that the pain Hazel will endure is a direct consequence of your own decisions. It dawns on you that it all might have been avoided if you had let Aimen talk to her. However, instead of letting her do it, you told her it would be best if she learned it the hard way. Hazel is a sensitive individual, easily trusting and vulnerable.

Your chest feels heavy as you imagine the emotional turmoil she will inevitably bear, all because of you.

Others may think you're stupid for having this much emotion over a friend but you can't help feel this way.

Jungkook sighs. "Back when we were kids, why didn't you say anything when they accused you of hurting Kira."

The random question catches you off guard but you answer nonetheless.

"Because I know I didn't do anything wrong."

He hums. "And I was stupid for believing all those lies."

Confusion crosses your face.

"I got in contact with our old classmate and she told me what really happened. What Kira did. How you were..framed. Everything."

You're not sure which classmate he's referring to though .

"Okay." It comes off as a question.

"Y/n, the only reason why I'm with Hazel is because I was angry at you."

You hold back a scoff. "That's old news thoug-"

"Let me finish." He cuts you off. The intensity of his gaze makes it clear that his next words emerge directly from the heart. With a tinge of vulnerability, he admits, "I just can't stand it whenever I see you with Jimin."

You're more confused than ever. Why is he mentioning Jimin all of a sudden?

"So I thought I'd feel better if I went after him me of your friends. It doesn't make sense, I know."

"Yeah. And stupid."

"It is." As Jungkook reflects on his own actions and motivations, he lets out a self-deprecating laugh.

"But then I realize I wasn't with her to make myself feel better or to get back at you. I just wanted to make you jealous." he confesses with an earnestness that leaves no room for misinterpretation.

The confession carries a noticeable sincerity, suggesting that his actions were deliberately driven by a need to provoke a response from you.

As you try to piece together his actions and intentions, feelings of confusion and frustration bubble to the surface.

He wanted to make you jealous?

"Why?"

"Because I like you."