[ 4/5 ]
TWENTY THIRD CHAPTER
2018

"the pain, it will leave once it has finished teaching you."

//

the next morning, the first thing Sahar thinks about is Jungkook's devoting, soft and bronze gaze.

she forces herself to get out of bed. the eye contact they shared last night, throughout the distant interactions had caused her to feel bizarre. her insides have been squirming.

Sahar stumbles into the kitchen of her and Taehyung's apartment. he catches her gaze as she gathers her balance, hair sticking up from sleeping, eyes half open and she waves.

"good morning." Sahar says, stepping into the kitchen where he stands. Taehyung is leaning against the marble counter- on his folded arms, vivid, sapphire hair combed neatly, watching eyes wakeful as he kindly greets her.

"you don't have a hangover?" Sahar seeks, seeing how cheerful he looks.

usually, he'd be sleeping with his pillow over his head- screaming at her to get medicine and a glass of water. then he'd beg her to watch funny videos of animals with her.

"what? did something happen last night?"

"oh honey." Sahar places her palm against her forehead. you were so drunk. "you had one guy after you and you were flirting with another ... yet you wanted to be with the singer."

"three men?" Taehyung chokes. "what's wrong with me?"

"i feel you." Sahar points to him, a look of understanding flashing across her face. she pats her heart and pulls a funny expression. "they were beautiful." all three men truly are.

"i'm beautiful."

"now you sound like Jin."

"ah you met him then?" Taehyung grins.

that's when the hangover hits. "ah fuck." Taehyung groans, smile wiping off his face as he falls to the floor. it's dramatic and yes, he would make a fantastic actor. "i have a headache now, why did you mention my hangover?" he clutches his head sadly.

"stop being dramatic." Sahar wraps her hand around his arm, helping him up. "where did you go at eight am in the morning?"

"bakery goods." Taehyung states like it's the most obvious answer in the world. his headache is now apparently gone. "croissants, cake, bread-"

"from where?"

"the Mono bakery." Taehyung opens the heavy bag of bakery goods. it smells amazing. "Namjoon is always giving me free things-"

//

Sahar leaves with her things. she makes her way to the bakery.

it's time to see Namjoon's bakery that deserves more recognition, according to blue Taehyung. Sahar is fervent. not just to eat a crunchy croissant but also to see Namjoon in an apron, baking. she's forgotten how he used to be her wise teacher. but maybe she'll see some of the other men she's used to, like bartender Jin or singer Kook.

or bookworm Jimin...

Sahar spots him outside as she approaches with quiet footsteps. he's seated on a vacant table and chair outside of the bakery, one hand holding a delicate book with a bent spine and the other lifting up a warm drink to his ruby, chapped lips.

Sahar can't help the words that come out of her mouth when she's near enough. "hey i like your outfit." she compliments the oblivious older. he's wearing black suspenders that highlights his widespread chest, baggy pants, clear, round glasses and leather boots. she wishes she could pull off such a look.

Jimin is startled by her presence. he looks up, eyes diverting away from the book as he fumbles with his words. "ah t- thank you." he smiles, amber eyes twinkling as the sun hits him. it's sunny but it's freezing cold outside.

"i also think it's nice that you're reading. you don't see it a lot nowadays." Sahar admits. she's used to seeing people on their phones- electronic devices that replace not only their boredom, lack of social skills but act as a distraction and a way to live life.

"you're right." Jimin shakes his ruffled bangs. a gorgeous shade of pink. "i love to read, do you?"

"yes. it's a peaceful escape right?"

"definitely..." Jimin smiles. his heart warms because someone agrees with him. he isn't the only one who seeks solace in books. "wait, do i know you from somewhere?" he gazes at Sahar with acute eyes.

Sahar panics. know me from somewhere? we were engaged at one point-

"ah yes, from yesterday!" Jimin interrupts with realisation.

Sahar sighs in relief. "oh god. i'm sorry about my friend." she remembers Taehyung's drunk outburst and accident. "he meant no harm, he's usually smoother and more charming when he's sober but he just found you... what's the word? cute." she asserts honestly. seeing Jimin's pink hair, beige eyes and perfect smile is definitely cute.

Jimin blushes. Sahar wants to say aw out loud. "it's okay. it was an accident."

"thanks for the chat." Sahar nods, watching Jimin stand up- getting ready to leave after finishing his drink. "enjoy your day." they greet each other goodbye with very compassionate smiles.

Sahar smiles even more when she sees book loving Jimin head to the direction of the library.

she continues watching and notices Yoongi walking past Jimin. their shoulders don't brush and the contrast of red and pink hair weirdly makes Sahar shiver. the mission orientated girl can sense that a love triangle, including Taehyung will be occurring.

Sahar brushes off her thoughts and goes into the bakery.

it's warm, nice smelling and empty. the tables and chairs are polished, ready for customers. the first thing she hears is a shout but no face. the place seems serene and wholesome from the outside but god, it's loud inside.

"it's burning!"

"move, oh my god!"

"do you even know how to use a stopwatch Jin?"

"why did you even come today?"

"that shit hurt Namjoon."

that's when Sahar turns, noticing the two men behind the counter.

"everything's burnt." Namjoon sighs and rubs his hands down his apron. Sahar observes him- he looks handsome. a baker huh? his pearly shirt sleeves are rolled up, collar popped open, apron tied as his hair is pushed back- a disheveled mess of brown strands that match the colour palette of the bakery. browns, reds, oranges and gold.

"oh boo hoo, poor bread." Jin- the other man comments. he looks the opposite of Namjoon. handsome but more organised and neat looking. he's not wearing an apron. he's dressed in a jumper that hugs his broad chest and shoulders, there's no flour on him, his hair is styled away from his face, revealing a glorious forehead that is a gift.

"don't be so mean." Namjoon pushes him. it's playful.

"we can always make another one." Jin murmurs, looking at Namjoon with soft eyes of reassurance. he didn't mean to burn everything- he just wanted to help. he's good at making drinks sure, but bakery foods? nah. he'd rather eat the toasty bread.

Sahar watches the banter between the two. they haven't noticed her yet. "we? no, go sit away from the oven." Namjoon tells Jin passive aggressively.

"what did i even do?" Jin answers back.

"you put it on high!"

"no. you told me to!"

"excuse me-" Sahar decides to interrupt. it'll never end.

"oh i know you!" is the first thing Jin says when he sees her.

he recognises her? Sahar can't help but smile.

Namjoon seems embarrassed due to the fact that a potential customer has been waiting. he shakes his head, hair bouncing as he rushes to Sahar. he stands in front of her with a civil smile and she swoons at his dimples. "i'm so sorry for the wait. we were experiencing some ... difficulties. what can i get for you?" he asks, noticing Jin by his side.

Sahar hums. "i was wondering where i can find a Jungkook?"

"damn girl." Jin whistles. he seems proud of her and that makes her happy. she's now fond of her once teachers. "you're certain on getting him huh?" oh yes...

"trust me. it's what i do." otherwise i can't get back my original life.

if only you knew Jin, if only you knew.

"i know where you can find him."

//

Sahar grins in thrill as she walks by Taehyung's side.

Taehyung stops her from walking. he's confused. "why are we at an amusement park?" he asks.