SEVENTEEN - 십칠
I sigh, leaning back into my seat while the scenery whizzes past me. The last days of Spring slowly withering away as I see some trees slowly changing into the golden hues of Autumn.
In the car, some music plays, just to fill the silence that surrounds me. It's moments like this that I wish I'd let Taehyung stay. I've never been on the long road alone. Always choosing to travel with someone beside me, especially when it's close to sunset time.
Nayeon had scheduled an overflow of meetings today. Some of them involving projects that our company had to support. Being one of the main manufacturers of Technology in Korea, many startups wanted to have Kim Group invest in them. After numerous conversations with Father and the board, Taehyung and I decided that it would only be fair to accept a select few. We were also there at some point.
Gloria had been present for most of the meetings today. Her stern expression always showing itself to me whenever I said something she wasn't happy with. To this day, she still hasn't accepted the fact that I am a CEO of Kim Group. Because of her constant disapproval a huge amount of time was spent on meetings that should've been quick.
Now, watching as cars drive past me and knowing the amount of hours ahead, I'm regretful that I didn't ask Jeongguk to wait for me. He called me just before leaving asking if I was sure that I wanted to drive alone. I was honest and told him I had no desire to endure 4 hour ride with his ex girlfriend. He understood then.
Taehyung phoned me a couple of times to check up on me. Jimin, with his easy-going personality didn't mind waiting a few more hours claiming there was no real reason to be there early. I rejected their offer too.
My phone rang, scaring me with its loud chime. Judging from the song, I knew it was Jeongguk.
"Baby." I answered, connecting an in ear. "I told you not to phone me when I'm driving."
Jeongguk sighed. "Love, I know and I'm sorry, but it's been 2 hours since you left the office. How far are you?"
"I'm a distance away from Seoul. When I got home Shaun was with one of the staff. I had to make sure Mother came home to him." I answer, feeling frustration again toward Mother. If Fei were to hear about it, she'd be upset. Seokjin would also not be happy.
Mother came home, with a freshly styled bob as her official style for the wedding. I didn't even compliment her, instead I just handed her grandson to her with a quick goodbye kiss to the both of them. I could only hope she'd look after him and not hire a temporary nanny.
"Better not tell his parents then." Jeongguk speaks. "Call me when you get to Daejeon, okay?"
I nod, even through he can't see me. "Yes, my love, I'll do that. Keep your phone close."
He hums. "Bye, baby."
"See you, Guk."
He disconnects the call with a kiss sound that makes me smile. I'm looking forward to spending time with him these few days. Outside of Seoul, the media and business surrounding our relationship. It's been a while since we've been together alone without any duties to fulfill. I can't even remember the last time we went on a date. Those have been far and few as more responsibilities pile up.
I look out the window, seeing more clouds than when I'd started this journey. Jeongguk had warned me about rain earlier, but I didn't think it would actually happen. Now, looking at the forming clouds I feel like it'll be the case.
If it rains heavily, I might not make it to the camping site. Spending the night in any city or town along the way shouldn't be a problem. Everyone knows I hate driving in bad weather.
-
"Answer." I groan as the heavy droplets of water pelt against my windscreen. It had started raining an hour ago, just after I'd called Jeongguk to tell him I'd passed Daejeon. By then the raindrops bad already started falling. Now, I was lost not knowing which road would lead me to the hidden camping site.
Still no answer, I huff in frustration dialing Taehyung.
"Soa, are you here?" Taehyung asks after the fifth ring. The background behind him letting me know that he's not alone.
"Come meet me at the entrance, please. I can hardly see where I'm supposed to go in the rain." I say, watching as heavy raindrops pelt onto my windscreen. The darkness doing nothing to settle my unease.
My brother hangs up right after, leaving me to sit and wait.
I screech when a loud knocking comes at my passenger window. The face of Park Jimin showing through the glass. With his flashlight facing toward him, he reminds me of a scary movie with that smile.
I unlock the doors, staring in shock as both him and a soaking wet Taehyung climb enter my car. Jimin takes the passenger seat with a smile directed at me. His wet hair being swept out if his face in his usual style.
"Freaks, you scared me. Why would you walk?" I ask, turning to look at Taehyung who passes me a sheepish smile.
"You said to meet you."
"Yeah, driving. Now you're wetting my precious car." I moan patting at the leather seats Jimin drips on.
We start moving after that. Jimin complaining that his special friend won't give him any attention because of our cousin Taeyong. I giggle at his reaction, knowing Taeyong can be smooth when he wants to be.
Taehyung and Jimin allow me to get out at the main house where everyone is. They promise that they'll bring in my bags and park the car. I thank both with a kiss to the cheek.
When I enter the house, I hear the laughter of Hoseok. He's always the centre of attention. I smile, stepping into the room. My eyes raking over all the faces.
"Soa!" Hoseok runs up to me, his big arms engulfing me into a hug.
"Why are you still wearing your work attire?" Namjoon asks, removing my blazer. I thank him, taking a seat beside Irena after I greet everyone else with a smiles and hugs.
"Where's Jeongguk?" I ask, not seeing the male. I'm still slightly annoyed that he didn't answer his phone.
Just as the question leaves my mouth, Jeongguk enters the room with Stephanie hot on his heels. The image causes me to lift my eyebrows in question. In that moment I'm thankful that everyone had gone back to their individual conversations.
Keeping my face as neutral as possible I greet them both, watching as she takes a seat right beside him. Her eyes focusing on Jeongguk who pulls me into a hug.
"I saw your car pull up at the lake house." He mumbles into my hair.
"You didn't answer your phone." I reply, pulling away from his wet figure.
"I wonder why." Irena muses.
Jeongguk ignores her, eyes still staring at me. Knowing my cousin, I know she was probably very vocal on her dislike of the two of them arriving together.
"I'm sorry. I should've called back. Where are your bags?" He asks.
"Jimin and Taehyung are sorting it out." I answer watching as his face slightly pulls at the mention of Jimin. It quickly dissappears when I mention Taehyung. I make a mental note to ask him about it later.
"Okay, have you eaten? Yoongi made some food, I think there should be some left over."
"It's okay, I'll just make some noodles."
-
Everyone had gone to their designated sleeping spaces over an hour ago. I followed Jeongguk into the floating house, finding it creepy how dark the house was in the rain. Taehyung and Jimin followed behind with all the luggage they'd taken out of my car.
When I entered said house, I was surprised to see Stephanie and Heather in one of the rooms. The latter passing me a small wave which I returned. She was always nice so there was no reason to ignore her.
I hadn't said much to the former since my arrival. I didn't see any need to. If anything, I was annoyed with her constant presence around Jeongguk. Back then she was the typical clingy girlfriend. It made sense then, but knowing how things are now, I couldn't help but start to dislike her all over again.
Pulling my hair into a bun, I watch as Jeongguk settles in under the white bedding. His uncovered chest causing me to raise my eyebrows in question. "What? I can't sleep shirtless?" He asks, leaving against the headboard with his sleepy eyes staring at me.
"It's cold, Jeon. Put on a shirt." I answer, watching as his eyebrows pull into a frown.
"You okay, babe? You've been annoyed with me all evening."
"With reason." I quip back, pulling back the covers to slide into the bed.
"What did I do?" He asks, his tone not matching his words. He doesn't sound angry, but I know enough pushing from me can get him there.
"It's nothing. Let's sleep."
Jeongguk sighs, pulling at the covers as his head goes down and rests on his pillow. "You're jealous and there's no reason to be. I love you, you love me and that's all that matters." He pulls at my hand. "Don't get riled up over unnecessary things."
I scoff, pulling at my hand. "Right, I'm always getting riled up over nothing."
He sighs when I rest my head facing away from him. When he wraps an arm around me, I don't remove it, but the lack of goodnight kisses is a first.
"Soa-"
"It's okay, Jeon. Goodnight."
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AN:
Tension has entered the building! How are yall feeling?
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