"I'm fine...I just need to -" She quickly held the phone away before sneezing twice. Ow...that hurts! "Just need to lie down,"

"You don't sound fine to me. You should probably go to the clinic. You were fine yesterday...did you cry till you fell asleep - maybe that's why," Jisoo continues her mumbling over the phone.  "You think too much, didn't you? Aish I told you - don't mind what Jen said,"

Lisa scoffs and wriggles in her bed, trying to find a comfortable spot for her runny nose to not be so runny. She had to call in sick this morning when she woke up a little too early with a thumping head and a shivering body. 

"No, I didn't cry unnie," On the contrary, I remember smiling and laughing a hell lot... But of course, she can't say it. What would her boss say of her being irresponsible - staying up and out that late on a working day!

Speaking of which, she has to call Jungkook to cancel their breakfast. Weak with exhaustion after the many 'yes, I'll rest' to Jisoo, Lisa scrolls until Jungkook's name came up. She hears his dozily croaked voice, "Am I late?"

Despite the pain in her throat, she managed to let out a slight chuckle. "No, you're not. Sorry to call you so early. I uh -" She sneezed and it felt like her throat were being squeezed by troll's fist. "Sorry, I've got a fever...I think," She can't make out what the muffling sounds are about as she lays back down. 

"Are you okay? Have you seen a doctor?"

"No..." I could barely swallow, let alone to walk!

"Is there someone to look after you there?" 

She suppressed the urge to cough. "No...I just need to sleep it off. I'll be fine,"

"Can you stand up?"

"I think I can..."

"Right. I'll be there in half an hour,"

Did he not hear me well? Or is he purposely saying that to see if I'm really ill or faking it? He sounded concerned but maybe it's a way to catch me out? 

"I'll be okay, you don't have to come. You don't wanna catch this -"

"Is there anything you need?" Jungkook ignored her.

She closes her eyes, too weak and tired to convince him. "Maybe Tylenol...and cough syrup,"

"I'll get some. Keep your phone close, I'll call you when I get there. What floor?"

"Twentieth. Apartment six,"

Lisa rubbed her face after the call, briefly wondering if she had ever looked worse than this. Too sick to care, she swallowed with much difficulty and wraps herself entirely underneath the duvet. The doorbell duly rang half an hour later and she practically dragged herself to the door to let him in. 

...

He followed behind as she lazily collapsed back into bed. The full-patterned sunflower curtain is drawn across and the faint smell of vanilla-scented perfume hung in the air. Huddled and slightly shivering under the duvet, Lisa looked deathly pale. 

"Don't come any closer, please,"

"I hardly get sick," Ignoring her, Jungkook approached the side of her bed. "I brought Tylenol, ibuprofen and...two types of cough syrups. One makes you sleepy. You need to eat first before anything so I brought bread," He placed them on the bedside table and picked up the used tissues.

"Don't touch that -"

"I brought omija tea as well. Or do you just want water?" 

Lisa placed an arm to hide her eyes and shook her head. "Just water," He could tell that she's embarrassed - for what, he's not sure. It's only normal that these things be taken care of when you're sick.

On his way to the open kitchen, he glimpsed around the apartment. It's Chaeyoung's place - he knew this from Jimin. Now that Cheyoung's married, he wonders what will happen when she returns from her honeymoon. Jimin's already prepped his bachelor pad into a couple's den fit for the newlyweds. Will she sell this place? Will Lisa move out? 

The living room looks clean, with its all-white furniture and hints of blushing pinks here and there. He didn't know why he thought of this, but he felt it didn't suit Lisa. Even in the short while that he had spent talking to her, he's sure that she deserves more colours in her life. She likes wildflowers and long walks...she wasn't scared of a tease or a good, loud laugh - it's only natural to match with her personality.

Then, the silly little question he suddenly had on his way back after sending her home this morning re-appeared. Is this just a pit-stop for her? Will she move away like she moved here from New Zealand? Or will she go back to her homeland when she's ready? He shook his head immediately, afraid of the unknown that's still too far ahead. 

"Here," He came back with a glass of water. "Let's sort out your pillows,"

Lisa forced herself up to a sitting position, picking out the bread he handed after. He proceeded to plump up the flattened pillows and helped her lean on it. Only managed to eat half of the small bread, she took two tablets and wash them down with water while Jungkook poured the syrup into its ready plastic cup for her to take after. It's one of the most emotional contact for him to be here and it felt incredible.

He loved being able to help her. Even with pale skin, stringy hair and dry lips, he thought she looked beautiful. She's wearing a night blue vintage shirt that seems to be way too large for her small frame that the collar has slipped off one shoulder. He's not even going to dive into the fact that there's no strap revealed on her skin - nope! Not today!

"This is almost empty. Do you have any more?" He asked when he picked up the tissue box.

"I'm not sure...it's okay, I'll just go to the bathroom if it's finished,"

"I'll get some. I'm gonna go get some groceries, I'll be back in about an hour,"

"You don't have to come back,"

"I'm not leaving you alone like this. You're sick. Just get some sleep," Jungkook leaned over the bed and straightened the pillows that clearly didn't need straightening. "Maybe it's easier if you give me the keys so you won't have to get up?"

She nodded a sigh. "It's hanged by the door...with a little kitty keychain,"

"Kitty?" 

"Cat,"

Cute. "Is there anything else you need?"

"Maybe...no, that's okay,"

"What is it? Anything you want, I'll get it,"

A faint smile appeared from the corners of her mouth. "A Porsche and a tiara - thanks, you're the best,"

In that moment he knew he'd fallen way too hard for this girl. "The first might take some time to arrange but I'll see what I can do. Anything else that I can ACTUALLY get from the supermarket?"

"A bottle of Bacchus or any energy drink, please,"

"Pshh...how can you be so greedy while sick?" He smiled down stupidly. "I'll see if my bank account allows it,"

"Thanks,"

...

In the vague darkness, she runs around to find home. Her parents...she heard them calling her name teasingly. In the strange land she'd never been before, a small, round table stood. A cup of tea...still warm...a voice that sounds like a serenade floating gently in the air. And she stopped running. 

Lisa woke up from the vivid memory of a dream. The sound of soft humming from outside forced her mind to recall the what and when. And she remembered that Jungkook is coming by again. 

God, brave of him to return! So, so kind. A grateful tear squeezed out from the corner of her eye. She had been sick a couple of times since she left Thailand, but this is the first time that someone's taking care of her. It's a lovely thing to not feel so alone when you're this sick.

"Hey...you okay?" He came into her bedroom and she hoped -prayed - that she didn't smell. He didn't seem to be holding his breath though. "Bacchus, ready to serve," He grinned, looking cute as hell - but she wasn't going to think too much about it!

Opening the bottle, he puts in a small white straw and hands it over. He sat so near to her side and smoothens out the duvet that had come untucked. The Bacchus - cold and delicious - is soothing to her dry, burning throat. 

"What time is it?" 

"Quarter past nine. Do you want me to open the curtains?" Lisa closed her eyes - contemplating brightness versus her current state. Not a good idea, so she shook her head. "Can you eat something?"

She shook her head again.

"Alright...but you need to eat something later. Go back to sleep. I'll be just outside, call me if you need anything?"

"You don't have to stay, Jungkook. I'll be fine,"

"You might be but I'm not. Look, it's not a problem so don't worry bout it. Just rest, I'll wake you up when food is ready,"

When, what? "You're gonna cook?"

He blinked and shrugged. So...thoughtful... "You don't have to be so nice all the time. I'll still go for that breakfast and the five dates, you know,"

"So it's six now? Lucky me," That grin is doing things to her heart so she rolled her eyes and turned to her side, ready to drift off again. 

...

It was 12:45 when she woke up. For several seconds, she was in a semi-conscious state in figuring out whether it was still morning or afternoon. She seemed to be walking better after she came out from the bathroom. The house is fairly quiet as she shuffles slowly along the hallway. When she passed by the kitchen island, she saw food-filled bowls under the cloche. 

Has he gone back after cooking these? She walked further into the living room and saw Jungkook - stretched across the sofa, fast asleep. As weak as she was, Lisa couldn't stop staring. His face looks so relaxed and soft, lying on his back with one hand resting on his calm-breathing chest. A non-snorer, always nice to know!

Lisa forced herself to turn away before her thoughts get too deep. She headed back into the kitchen and opened the fridge, hoping to get another bottle of Bacchus. It took a few seconds as she scanned her now equipped fridge. Jungkook had bought various bottles of juice, yoghurts, chocolate mousses, grapes, strawberries, normal milk, chocolate milk, and...banana milk? Okay, never tried that before -

"You're up," His sudden call had her shoulders jump a little. "I wanted to wake you up but I figured I'd give you more time,"

"That's okay, I needed to pee -" Oh God, did I just say pee?!

"How are you feeling?"

Lisa turned back to the fridge's content. "Embarrassed that I just said pee," Twice now - stop.

"Don't be," He laughed. "You shouldn't stand for too long, what do you need?" He came close. Too close. 

Lisa quickly grabbed a bottle of Bacchus and walked around the island to sit on one of the stools. Noticing the weird expression he gave, she simply returned it with a weak smile. 

"You need to eat. I made porridge," He opened the cloche, revealing three bowls of condiments. She watched as he turned to work with the pot - opening the lid and pouring two small scoops into a bowl that he already prepared. It all felt so...normal. As if they'd been doing this all their lives.

The thought dawned on her, "We haven't even gone on an actual date yet, but here you are...being all domestic,"

"I know right...you've got a lot of catching up to do," He chuckled as he turned back to her. "So, seven dates then?"

"I should've known that it's a trick. You took advantage of me being an invalid to add things up," She squints her eyes accusingly and he began to laugh.

It makes her feel a little better just by seeing him like this. She'd been feeling bad for having to cancel their breakfast and having him here, taking care of her even if she clearly didn't need him to. But witnessing his genuine actions and smiles makes it a little less tense.

"It's a good practice, isn't it?" He placed the bowl in front of her and went back to the drawer to grab a spoon. He must've explored every cupboard to already know where it is by now! "I kinda set the standard quite high last night, so I have a lot to prove,"

"You don't have to prove anything, Jungkook. You've seen me with no make up on now - looking like a complete mess. I'm pretty sure you won't even make it for the first date!" Trying to hide her irritations, she laughed down to the porridge and ended up coughing a little.

I mean...I told him not to come - didn't I? Aish...this is so embarrassing! The first guy that I'm actually excited for...and he's probably already turned off -

He came to her side and Lisa held her breath, partly panicking on why he's standing so close. One hand puts the spoon into her bowl and the other came up to her shoulder - fixing the collar of her shirt that's almost slipping. 

"This has been tempting me," A finger lightly traces a line of her collarbone and she felt her heartbeat racing. "I need you all healthy so I can take you out...can't you tell how much I look forward to it?" Why is it so hot? Is my temperature coming back up?? "So for now...less talking...worrying or standing. More eating and more resting. Okay?" 

His smile held a meaning and his eyes are fixed on her lips. She could've sworn that not even her parents had ever convinced her to want to feel better this quick! 

...

"I don't know how there are people who say they don't like to be treated like a princess. This is peak royalty for me," She coughed - covering her laughter - as he tucks the duvet neatly around her. 

"And nine dates now," His mischievous smile makes an appearance.

It's now official. Jeon Jungkook is the first guy who had taken care of her fully while sick - feeding her, getting her meds and a bunch of things that helps although she wouldn't die without them, puffing her pillows every time she's up and now, tucking her safely back into bed. She didn't want to think more of when she found him pacing around the bathroom just now because it could be an embarrassing memory to have.

"I was just worried that you'd fall and hit your head," He said then, looking like a kid who was scared over being caught of something. It reminded her of that one time when she was twelve and was caught eating two ice-creams at one go. It almost hurt her throat, trying to not laugh at him. 

Noticing his dishevelled hair, she held his wrist in hopes that it'll convince him. "Thank you, really. You should go back...rest. You have work later,"

He placed her hand back down and sighed, "It's fine. Don't worry bout me," Jungkook dragged her vanity chair to sit by the bed. When he saw Lisa's eyes not wavering, he continues, "I do have staff, you know. I'm well-respected by my staff...they listen to me. And if I tell them that they should manage the night without burning the place down, they'll do everything in their power to do exactly that,"

She sighed a few small laughs. "Still...you can go back and sleep. It can't be comfortable snoozing on the sofa,"

"You're right! I should sleep on a bed...hey, here's a bed!" His eyes sparkled his cheekiness. Lisa had to turn away to hide her blush. "Don't worry. I won't do anything that'll make you uncomfortable, Lisa,"

It's not that - oh no, don't go there! If I'm not as ill - no, don't go there! A warm, particular body could help - don't fucking go there!

"Let's talk about something else now...until you fall asleep,"

"The meds will work just fine, Jungkook,"

"I know...I just wanna sit here till you're asleep,"

Why. Is he. So. Sweet to me?? I can't - my heart's tired of pounding too fast, damn it! "Little things that makes you happy," Because I need to calm the hell down!

He looks up for a few seconds, thinking before muttering, "My dogs wiggling their tails when they see me. You?"

She smiled, already feel the drowsiness starting to kick in. "Blooming petals...dried petals. You?"

"When my kickboxing trainer says 'good hit, kid!',"

"Of course you do kickboxing too," She giggled and hummed before answering, "Dancing..."

"I thought I saw a pro in my club that night. Is it a passion?"

"No no...we're saving that for the date. Your turn,"

He laughed. "Painting. You?"

"Snow...not the cold. Just the snow. You?"

"The sunset from the beach in Busan. You?"

"Beach...Busan...that must be nice," She closed her eyes - already feeling lightness in her body. "Women in restrooms...reapplying their powder or lipstick and looking happy with themselves. You?"

"Driving on a quiet road after work. The same route...but they always looked different to me. You?"

"Flying out...to a place I've never been before. Not knowing what's gonna happen...where no one knows me...and I didn't know me," Her mind wasn't even sure what came out at this point. Just a calm breeze coming to sweep her away - that's what it feels like. "You?"

...

"You," Jungkook breathed, unable to tear his eyes away from her face. 

"That delicious smell when my mom bakes something..." Her eyes are shut, yet she's still mumbling with a small smile on her plump lips. More incoherent words came out - something about her dad's cooking and something about riding on bicycle - he didn't bother to understand any of them, knowing that she's now on her way to dreamland. "You?", is the only thing he managed to catch. 

You. Seeing you. Seeing you when you didn't even see me. Seeing you from 10 seconds to 10 minutes and wondering when I'll get to see you again. Trusting that I'll see you again. Seeing you staring at me. Seeing you smiling to me and laughing at me. Or with me. Seeing you trying to trust me. Or to not trust me. Just seeing you makes me so damn happy. 

He blinked just to snap himself out of those sentimental thoughts. It took a lot of self-control to keep acting calm and collected when all he wanted to do was pull her into his arms and let her sleep in them. What was it about this girl that made him become so protective...probably those lost eyes and strong, secretive will. He just felt like protecting her all the time. The need to make her laugh so she won't look so sad anymore is definitely undeniable at this point.

It's proven to become much easier since Lisa always gets his jokes. He could recall the many times when Sana would just ignore his sense of humor. Come to think of it, there weren't much to laugh about anyway...why is that? His phone buzzed and he fixed a strand of hair tangled across her neck to the side before absent-mindedly answering it. 

"Jungkook?" His first immediate thought upon hearing the voice was 'speak of the devil!'. But he wasn't sure if he had heard it correctly so he looked on his screen for the name. Ahh...wait - why the hell is she calling me? "Are you there?"

He kept hearing the 'hello?' across the line as he carefully and quietly makes his way out of Lisa's room and towards the living room. 

"Yes, this is him. Who am I talking to?" He wasn't going to lie - this newfound acting skill is a hidden treasure, really!

"It's uh...it's Sana. What - did you delete my number or something?" The giggle didn't sound so cute anymore. 

"Sana...oh, Sana!" He lets out a fake laugh for fake-remembering her name and came up with a less-than-apologetic reason on why he didn't recognize her voice or having her number (even when it's clearly a lie!). "I mean...there were no purpose for it. Anyway...what's this call about?"

The background sounded noisy - as always. "I just um...just wanna check how you're doing,"

After 6 months? Really? "I'm alright," Just get on with it. "No really, what is this really about?"

There was a long pause before he heard her sigh and he wondered if this could be a worst-case-scenario type of call. You know...when the girl says she's pregnant with his child after months of a break-up? Fuck - please let it not be that!! 

"My friends were talking about going to Wild Venus...and I realized that it's yours. The place looked amazing, Jungkook. You really did a good job at it,"

"Oh, you've been?" It's all he could ask while fidgeting like crazy!

"No, I haven't. I saw it online. So I'm just wondering...cus they called to book for a room and it's full -"

Aahh...thank God! Thank you, God!! "For when?"

"Tonight?" 

I mean...I know I should be thankful that it's not bad news...and a potential client is always welcomed...but is she fucking serious?? What - is there an 'ex-girlfriend privilege card' that tags along after a break-up? When's the expiry date - one year? Two?!

"Yeah...we're pretty much booked a week's ahead normally. Especially on weekends," He mumbled while staring out at the sky across from the balcony. 

"Yeah...so I was thinking...can you do something?"

Do something? Like what - cancel my other client just to give her and her model friends a room? In which world does she live in to make her think that this is okay? 

"Yeah...I can get my staff to put your name in the reservation for next week, if you'd like,"

I wonder if Lisa wants to eat something else for dinner later. There's some porridge left but she might not have the appetite for bland food. Maybe I should order take-outs...

"No, no...for tonight,"

"Like I said, Sana...all our VIP rooms are fully booked. You can walk in anytime though. The floor is always open -"

The familiar sarcastic chuckle stopped him. "We don't wanna be on the floor. We want a room,"

Jeez...should I spell it out in order for her to understand? "Unfortunately, no, can't do," It feels so good to be able to say this with a clear conscience and zero feelings, really! "Next week. Do you want it or not?" He might get a review for being rude but this is really the nicest front he could put up for his ex.

After another long pause, she sighed an 'okay' and he replied with a fake enthusiasm of 'will reserve one under your name then!' before hanging up. That was a weird phone call...but it made him feel so good! It's like he's made something out of himself. All of his hard work - he can now distinguish between 'being seen' and 'making efforts to being seen'. Indeed, he's lucky to be experiencing both today!

Going back to Lisa's door to make sure she's still fast asleep and that the call didn't bother her, he's thinking about the different ways he felt between the longest relationship he's had and when he's with Lisa - just to compare. That sweet feeling he has whenever she reciprocates his conversations...the many times she'd kept going with 'you?', as if it matters that she knows of his likes and opinions. These are also included in the little things that makes me happy. 

...