Jungkook took off the sweater he'd been wearing. His shirt is now damped with sweat. He's been sitting at the pavement in front of her apartment lobby for two hours now, all the while hoping that he'd see her after she finishes babysitting Emily. If only he had kept his composure well yesterday – but nooo, you just had to be a jerk again and left her there, crying by herself! Really, how many times can you fuck things up with this girl?!

Jungkook brushed off the negative thoughts immediately. Yes, he was a stupid, anxiety-driven, nervous-wreck yesterday! He got caught up with his own emotions that he didn't even consider hers. It's perfectly reasonable for her to have doubts - he did spent quite a whole lot of efforts to care for her when she was sick, then he went on to just simply grabbed her hand in his when they just became friends - who does that?? Only thing is, he only realised it when he got back home! He still have no idea why she'd think he's into Chaeyoung when Chaeyoung herself knew how he likes Lisa! 

But anyways, here he is, determined to explain and fix Lisa's impression on him...again – even if he has to sit here for the whole day – he'll take his chances! The weather wasn't on his side too, being particularly hot at this time of day. There's wasn't even much breeze for him to cool off. It's like a hot summer when it's already close to winter! Come to think of it, the autumn weather has been quite weird this year. Correction - it's only weird whenever he's meeting Lisa. Is this a sign from the universe that he should just give up?

He sighs and looks up to find the girl standing a few feet away, staring at him. He got up immediately, fixing his bag strap while he does so. Cautiously, she makes her way to him. Jungkook's heart beats faster by the second. Will she chase him away? Fuck - why do you always have that question in mind? He knew the answer to that - it's because he's such an idiot when it comes to girls!

"What are you doing here?"

"I –" His mouth felt dry and he clears his throat. "I was waiting for you. I didn't know what time you'd come back from, you know –"

"How long have you been sitting here?"

"Not that long," He didn't want her to feel bad or anything. It was his fault in the first place. "Lisa, I'm sorry,"

"I'm sorry –" She spoke at the same time as him.

"No, it's my fault – I overreacted and I didn't know –"

"I'm sorry I asked you all those things –"

"No, you're right for asking," It calms him a bit to know that she wasn't as mad at him as he thought she would be. And the way she looks down shyly to her feet makes his heart flutter. "I'm sorry I was so bad at explaining myself – I didn't mean to shout, I wasn't mad at you,"

"It's okay. I'm sorry too,"

They both look down on the ground, grinning. "So um...where do you wanna learn bout the editing?" Please say somewhere near – he couldn't stand the heat much longer.

"Oh..." She paused, thinking. "Can we do it upstairs? I've been walking with Emily since morning so I might need to freshen up a bit," He feels more sweat dripping down on his back. Being alone with her when she was an invalid was fine with him but now -

The weather is always weird whenever he's meeting her. It's a sign. It's a fucking sign and even if it's not, Jungkook will take it as a sign!

"Okay, yeah....y-your place – yeah, upstairs is good – sounds good," Why are you stuttering?! Thankfully, Lisa didn't seem to notice as she leads him into the building.

...

Lisa opens the door and the smell of fresh lavender fills his nostrils,bringing back the memories from 2 days ago. The house seems brighter andJungkook noticed that she had pinned the curtains on the sides – letting in thenatural lights from outside. 

"Um...do you need anything? Water?"

"Sure, thank you," Lisa left to the kitchen and came back with a bottled water.

"I'll just be a while. Just...um...make yourself at home?"

"Y-yeah sure," There's nothing more that he would love than to make her house his home!

She left and disappeared into one of the rooms from where they passed earlier. Jungkook slid off his backpack onto one of the armchairs and took off his sweater. He needs to cool off quick so he walks towards the sliding door. There's a balcony outside and he saw 3 medium-sized cages, with one cat in each. So these are her cats! Wonder why he didn't even realised it the last time he was here.

They're all in the same colour-tones – white and grey – although each has different patterns on their hair. Two are sleeping soundly and one is staring at him with big, round eyes. He could see the cat 'meow-ing' to him. Slowly, he unlocked the sliding door and steps out to the cage. The cat glides its body to the sides, continuously purring at him – probably asking to be let out as the food and drink bowl is still half-full.

"Sorry buddy, we'll wait for the lady yeah," He snuck a finger in between the metal-wires to pet it a little. Then he stood up to look at the view from where he stands. There are housing rows and a park not far from where the block is. Is that the park where they went last time? And further ahead, he could see more housing rows before high-rise building splayed out. Chaeyoung was right - this is actually a nice view compared to where he stays. Let's see...can I find my apartment from here...

When he couldn't find it, he walked back inside and switched on the television. He wasn't big on tv shows and dramas. If he has something he wants to watch, he'll just stream it online and watch from his laptop. Jimin, on the other hand, is always stuck in front of the television. He would sometimes join in, either to kill time or to just hang around when their friends came to visit. Other than that, he's always in his room.

Even when he brought Yeri back home, they would always hung out in his room, doing their own things...or 'things'. Wonder if Lisa had ever brought a guy in here before. Of course she had, she's 22 – not some highschool kid! He can't help but wonder if she ever brought Sehun in here. Don't go there, man. Let's not fuck up today, please!

"Okay, I'm done!" Lisa appeared back to the living room, wearing a loose shirt and denim shorts. Damn, those legs...Jungkook wanted to run his fingers on them so bad - "Are you okay? Do you need more water?"

"Mm-hmm?" He gulped and nods. God, he must've looked so damn flustered! Lisa went to kitchen again and it gave him about a minute to pull himself together. "Um...your cat...I think he's crying for you,"

We all know who's really 'crying for the girl' now, let's not put it on the cat.

"Oh, that must be Leo. He's always crying, don't worry bout it. He's a bit clingy than the others," Lucky Leo! She tip-toed to peek at the cats. Damn legs... 

"I didn't notice them the other day. Otherwise I would've helped you feed them,"

"Oh no...they weren't here. I dropped them off at the cat hotel the day I first felt sick. Are you okay with cats?"

"Yeah, I'm fine," Don't lie, man. Don't. Lie.

"You don't mind if I let Leo out? Just Leo,"

"I don't mind," Stop.

...

He tries not to flinch again as the soft fur makes contact with his leg underneath the coffee table. God, it's hard enough to focus with Lisa sitting so close beside him – then there's Leo making him jumpy and shit! Told you not to lie! It's not that he's scared of cats, he's just not used to them being close. Jungkook, you see, is more of a dog person. His parents have two dogs at home, and he grew up with them since he was 14. They're very predictable...unlike cats -

"Wait, how come my transition's overlapping with one another?" Lisa asked as she leaned in closer to the screen of her laptop.

Jungkook leaned in to have a look. "Ohh...it's here," He clicked on the Actions tab. "There...you can adjust the timing here, it's more detailed than having the keys on your timeline,"

"Ahh..." She nodded and gave it a try. After a few seconds, she claps her hands. "Wow, it's working!" She cheered excitedly. "You're so good at this!"

It was just one of those basic things – he knew it – but her compliment made him feel good so he just smiles back shyly. Oh fuck –

He accidentally knocked the wooden table with his knees when he felt the soft fur again. 

"Oh no! Leo what did you do?!" Lisa scolded the little feline, who came out from under the table with wide eyes. Leo's probably more shocked than he is!

"I'm sorry –" Jungkook tried to say.

"No, I'm sorry. Told you he's a bit clingy," She said. "Does it hurt?" Her right hand immediately reached his left knee, giving it a soft rub. Jungkook's heart races.

"Um...a bit," You fucking liar!

"I'm sorry – bad Leo!" Leo hopped up to the sofa and looks away, obviously well aware of the tone Lisa gave. Sorry buddy, I'll make it up to you! "You should've told me you're scared of cats," Lisa chuckled.

"What – I'm not –" Just. Stop. He sighs. "Sorry," He scratches his head and looks down to her hand, still there on his knee. He could hear her giggle. Hope he's not pink or anything! Would it be too soon to hold her hands again? Will she push him away again? Jungkook's hands tremble at the thought. Or probably it's her thumb grazing gently on his knee.

Just as he's about to cover her hand with his, she pulls it away and went back to the laptop.

...

Lisa's heart has been leaping in somersaults since she found him downstairs, waiting for her. The words that came out from him yesterday was so shocking for her, that she didn't know how to respond. And his tone – although looking at him swearing and grunting is hot as hell, didn't sit well when it felt like they're directed angrily towards her. She had a crush on him for so long, she never imagined hearing it back from him.

And when he left, Lisa didn't know what to do. She paced around, contemplating whether she should chase after him or not. When he's finally out of her sight, she chose to just leave it be. He's probably angry at her for accusing him of playing around. She wanted to apologise, but she didn't know how. It's not like she has his phone number, or know where he lives. 

She called Chaeyoung too, to talk about it. She was scared at first, but pulled herself together and told the truth. She needed a perspective. She promised herself that she won't lose her friendship over a boy. The friend surprised her though, saying that she knew Jungkook likes her. After a series of 'oh my God, I'm so happy for you, you're finally gonna give someone a chance!' – and a long waking night of thinking, she concluded that she'll find an opportunity to talk to him on Monday.

But here he is now, back in her apartment. Sitting beside her nervously, calculating every single move – yes, Lisa can see right through it. She might not have any experience being in a relationship, but she watched a lot of K-dramas and have spent the quiet 2 years observing other people and their behaviours. The fact that Jungkook is constantly fidgeting and jumpy at any close contact between them flatters her. It sort of gave her the confidence she never thought she had.

He's so cute when he's being flustered – with his ears turning pink and his mouth forming a pout...and Lisa can't help but tease him more, just to see whether he'll get the message or not. She's not gonna just admit to him up front that she likes him too for the longest time because...well that would be embarrassing! Instead, she'll just show it in her subtle ways, it's the only way she knows how.  

She heard a growl and turns to her right, finding Jungkook frozen in panic. God, stop being so cute!

"You hungry?"

"Hmm? Nope – why, are you hungry?" His quick denial makes her giggle.

"Kind of..." Because she didn't want to starve the guy! Nerves, when coupled with an empty stomach is not a good combination. "I'll make Pad Thai – do you...eat Pad Thai?" Please say yes, it's the only thing she's confident in making. She's not about to turn the guy off just yet, just because of her poor cooking skills!

"O-okay sure," He blinked a couple of times and Lisa can't help but mumble the word 'cute' before she left to the kitchen.

...

Jungkook grew restless. He could've just ordered in – she didn't have to hassle herself cooking for him! It's all his damn stomach's fault!

"Are you sure you don't need any help?" He came back to the kitchen and asked her.

She giggled a little before shaking her head, focusing on chopping some green things at the counter. "I've already bothered you a lot, Jungkook-ssi. The least I can do is feed you,"

Why is she calling him formerly like that? Did she find him a nuisance now? Why did she say she bothered him – he didn't want her to think that way about herself! Even if she wants to use the word, isn't it obvious that he wants to be bothered by her? Was he not clear enough when he said he likes her yesterday??

"You can sit down, you know..." She points towards a bar stool and Jungkook realised he's standing awkwardly in between the living room and the kitchen. He nodded and went to take the seat facing her. "I'm sorry – I rarely cook for other than myself. It's almost done though,"

"No, don't worry bout it! I'm not that hungry –"

She chuckled. "Your tummy's been singing –"

"That –" His hands automatically reaches his front, covering his stomach as he looks down guiltily.

"Relax, Jungkook-ssi. I'm just messing with you,"

Oh... "Why do you call me that?"

"Call you what?"

"Jungkook-ssi,"

"Because it's your name?" She paused to gasp. "Is your name not Jungkook? Oh my God, did you lie to me? Who are you? What are you doing in my house?" She frowns and pouts. Oh...she's trying to be funny huh?

"I never said my name was Jungkook so technically I didn't lie. You said it...the night we met at the bar,"

"Ahh...you remember well..." She winks before looking back down to the chopping board. God, she's just too much!

"I remember everything about you," He saw the slight hitch on her shoulders and her cheeks turns pink.

"Not everything," 

He's not 100% sure if she's trying to be cheeky, but he definitely saw her rolling her eyes even when she's looking down. He likes this side of her. She looks more at ease, and it feels nice to see that she's more comfortable with him now. So she enjoy teasing him huh? 

Slowly he got up and saunters to her side. She flinched a bit when his shoulder met with hers, but didn't move away or stop from continuing her task at hand. It still amazes Jungkook how easy for his mood to change around her. One minute he's an awkward and hopeless mess, and the next he's filled with confidence and assurance. There's no in-between. It's either he's too comfortable or too frustrated. Only she could make him switch this easily.

"I remember your stare when I gave back your folders," He whispers and she stops chopping, slowly raising her face to him. Her big, mesmerising eyes held a smile – he can see it, although her lips remains pursed. She's challenging him, that's for sure! It's...hot. "I remember you stood there...at the same spot even after I left...still looking at me,"

She raised her eyebrows but didn't move away. 

"And I remember you blowing softly on my knuckles...and how warm your palm was on mine," He breathes, taking a brave step forward to close the gap between them. His eyes shifts to her slightly-parted lips. Someone needs to back down from this intense chemistry that's surrounding them to stop him from pulling her in a kiss – and he knows it's not gonna be him! He made himself clear yesterday. And he's making it clearer now.

Surprisingly, she's not backing down as well. Her gaze deepens and it's making him heady. His hand itches to caress on her pink, soft cheeks – then on her inviting plump lips, down to those sexy collarbones that's constantly taunting him every time she wears those sleeveless crop tops at the bar...and to her perfect, tiny waist...fuck – is it getting hotter here or is it just him? The smell of a burnt something fills the air –

"Oh my God –" She pushed him away in panic before turning to the pan on the stove – ending the trance between the two. She shuts off the valve and immediately picks up the pan on the handle, moving it to the sink. The water sizzles when it's met with the hot surface. Lisa sighed before turning over to Jungkook. She's frowning – looking cute as hell - and Jungkook tried his very best not to laugh.

"This is all your fault – it's not funny!"

Jungkook bursts out laughing from what just happened. There he was, trying to seduce her – and the universe just had to cut it off like that! What a fucking joke! Ha. Ha. Hah!

Lisa puts her hands up across her chest, and he can see she's trying hard not to laugh along with him. "Yahh!" She shouts before covering her mouth and succumbing to the laughter.

...

"Thank you," He said with a smile when Lisa took his noodle box to the kitchen. After the earlier incident, they finally agreed on ordering in because she used all the ingredients in the burnt Pad Thai and there's nothing left. Jungkook did feel bad about it and offered to run to the market, but Lisa just shrugged it off and called for a delivery instead. He's a bit disappointed, as he really appreciates her efforts to cook for him and honestly – he likes the idea of her feeding him!

But he can't complain. In a way, this could be the funny story they'll share with their grandkids one day – wait, what?! Too far ahead of yourself, don't you think? Anyways, it was nice. They shared a few knowing glances and giggles while they ate in silence and Jungkook loved it. He can understand now why the people at the bar loves her. It's hard to keep a straight face and a serious manner with her around. She's just so warm and adorable! She must've not realised how most of her actions are laced with unconscious animated behaviour. 

There are so many times when Jungkook wanted to laugh but stopped himself because he doesn't want her to stop eating but – hell! The way her eyes lit up when she first opened the noodle box and taking a whiff of the smell. Or the way she ate the hot food without waiting for it to cool off or blowing on it first, and ended up gasping for air when she felt her tongue burning. He knew it wasn't on purpose as she kept doing it – never learning from her previous mistakes – it's like a habit and she didn't even realised how Jungkook kept staring at her every time it happened! 

"Come on, Leo...time for dinner and bed," She picks Leo up from the armchair and heads towards the balcony. Jungkook couldn't hear what she's saying but it seems like she's talking to her cats – nodding her head while she does so. Maybe she's so used to being alone...the thought makes him sad. 

The sky had turned into hues of violet, but Jungkook doesn't want to leave. He likes being here with her – even if they're sitting in silence. It calms him for some reason. Now he's worried that Lisa would tell him to leave as she closes the sliding door. 

She proceeded to grab her phone from the coffee table and takes the seat next to him on the sofa. Relax, there's a cushion between the two. She looks through the screen and frowns.

"Is everything okay?"

"Yeah...no, my class for tomorrow is cancelled. Apparently, a lot of kids couldn't make it cus of a viral fever going around,"

"Ahh..the viral fever I told you about?" Jungkook smirks. Lisa turns just to roll her eyes at him – making him chuckle. "What class is it?"

"Oh, Chaeyoung didn't tell you?" She squints her eyes at him and he laughs nervously. Of course she did and you just have to pretend like you didn't know –

"She didn't go into details..." He scratch the back of his neck.

"Just how much do you know about me, Jungkook-ssi?"

He laughs again. See how easy it is for him again?

"Do we wanna go back to when we talked about you calling me that?" He teases. Lisa leans back – smart choice! "I only know a little bit, Lisa-ssi. I'd like to know more, if you don't mind sharing,"

Lisa blinked a couple of times before turning to face him, crossing her legs comfortably on the sofa. "What do you wanna know?"

Oh, is it really that easy? Jungkook turns to face her. Can he ask her? Does she trust him enough to open up to him? Jungkook had all these questions in mind, but never actually strategised on which question should he start with.

"Can you tell me about your family?"

"Oh, I told you –"

"I know. I just wanna hear more about them," Jungkook stares at her intently, hoping that she'll trust his sincerity. 

"Um..." She fidgets with her fingers. "Okay. My real dad, he left when I was born so I don't really know him except that he's Thai. Mom never spoke much about him and I never asked. She re-married when I was about 3 years old. That's the father that I know. He's from Switzerland. He came to Thailand a year before and met my mom – they fell in love and got married. My mom's family didn't like it and they sort of casted our family out since then. My mom said she's like the black sheep of the family – they always criticised her choices in life...with my real dad, then my step-dad," She lets out a chuckle.

"But we were fine by ourselves...we were happy. My mom and my step-dadnever had any child of their own, but my step-dad treated me well – like hisown daughter. He's a very patient and quiet man. He was a chef so he's alwaysthe one cooking at home. It's funny cus my favourite dish is something that mymom used to make, and he'll always try to top that – like, he'll cook all thesefood and ask me if I prefer his or mom's cooking, and I'll keep saying 'mom',"She laughs a little. Jungkook's heart fell for the girl even more.

"He was at the hotel conference when he had a heart-attack. They managed to revive him but he passed by the time the ambulance reached the hospital. I was in school and there was no way to contact me directly so my mom called the principal. One of my teachers brought me over to the hospital. It was a shock, but I remembered that I didn't cry there. I saw my mom and she was crying...I felt so bad, seeing her like that...so I kept hugging her and tell her it's going to be okay and that daddy's okay – that he's in a better place,"

She has a small smile while looking down to her fingers. Jungkook wanted to pull her in his arms, but didn't want to interrupt her story. She's opening up to him like he wanted her to.

"My mom...she was a very soft-spoken woman. But underneath that she's very resilient. She's strong, you know. My dad left a sum of money for us in his will, so my mom used it to pay for the house in full so we won't have to worry about having a roof to live in. My mom started taking on 2 to 3 jobs a week to support for my school fees and what-not. I remember telling her that I wanted to quit school – we got into this huge argument, shouting at each other," She sighs and shakes her head.

"I wanted to help her, you know. But she's not letting me. I think I cried myself to sleep that night. In the morning she sat down with me before school and she asked me if we're okay. Like, are we not doing okay – if there's anything missing...and I said no, I just don't wanna see her working so hard. But she told me to trust her, and that she's fine...that she'll be happy if I can finish my studies...it'll make her and daddy proud. So I stayed. After highschool she asked me what I wanted to do. I said I wanted to work, but she said I needed a diploma and the government was offering a 50%-funded program for students who are interested to learn Foreign Languages – it's like their initiative to produce more advocates from the country. My mom signed me up for that and that's that. I worked part-time after classes to help her as well,"

Jungkook nods. "Was she sick?"

"No, no. She..." Lisa hesitated for a second. "She got into an accident. She –"

"Lisa," Jungkook could see how hard it is for her to tell him, he didn't want to force her into sharing something so private and might cause her to cry. "It's okay if you can't tell me,"

Lisa shook her head slightly and when she looks back to him, there's a hint of determination in her eyes.

"I want to," She took a deep breath, as if the air would somehow provide her the courage. Even just that makes it painful to watch. "She was on her way back from work. She was a nurse at the hospital clinic, and she was just three blocks away after finishing her shift. I was just closing the store – I was working part-time at a café near our house at that time – I was just closing it when I received the call from the hospital. It was so weird – I still remember it. They were saying my mom's at the hospital and I kept saying 'yes' cus of course, she's working there!" She laughed a little and Jungkook noticed how her cheeks had turned pink. 

"Imagine that...my mom who had just finished her job, planning to go back home...only to be sent back to her work place again...lifeless," She paused as her breath hitched, and Jungkook saw her eyes glistening with tears. God, he wanted so much to stop her, to tell her it's okay – she doesn't have to tell him. But she continued.

"I'm sorry," Jungkook shook his head. She looks up, trying to hold back the tears from falling. "I haven't spoke about it much so I – I'm a bit awkward, sorry," She laughs a little.

"Don't – you don't have to apologize,"

"She was just crossing the road...she died on the spot. By the time I got to the hospital, she was already under those white cloth. They were just waiting for me to identify her,"

He lets her cool down as she looks down to her fingers. Not a single tear fell on her cheeks. God, she's strong! When she looks back up to him, the sadness in her eyes is evident, but it seems like she tries hard to hide it with a smile.

...

"Wait – that has to be a lie!"

Lisa shakes her head, her lips curved to a big smile and showing her perfect rows of teeth.

"I told you – I only danced at home before this! I –" She paused to laugh a little. "I used to watch those music videos and tried copying them, that's as far as my lessons go. My mom had two left feet when I forced her to get up and dance with me, it was so funny!"

Jungkook laughs with her.

"They asked me to audition when I applied for the job. At first it was only for a backup dancer position. They asked one of the dancers to show me a choreography, and I have to keep up. And I think because I'm so used to copying other people's moves, it was very easy for me to pick it up. Then I got into the music and I added a few more moves right at the end. They liked it, so I was hired. I've only ever danced on the stage,"

"So you're telling me...no one – no guys at the bar had ever asked you to dance with them?"

"Um...I'm not sure...I mean, Mino said there's no way a guy would wanna ask and impress me with their dance moves. I don't think that's the reason but I would've liked it, you know. To just dance and have fun with someone –" No, Mino's 100% right!

Wait...the image of a pair of hands that is not his, on her hips..."No!"

"Hmm?"

Jungkook clears his throat. "I mean, I'll bring you then. We'll go and dance together,"

Lisa laughs out loud. He's beginning to get used to the sound and frankly speaking, he likes it! "You're cute,"

"Sorry...again?" His eyes lights up.

"Oh come on!" She rolls her eyes and holds a hand up to the air, covering his face. He took the opportunity to grab it.

"No, I didn't hear you just now! Say it again," He teases her. "Say it again," She laughs even more, trying to pull her hand away but Jungkook held it tight, pulling it even. After seeing how Jungkook is not letting her hand go, she took a deep breath to calm herself before looking at him straight in the eye.

"I said you're cute. Don't act like you don't know it,"

"I don't –"

"That's a lie. You know you're so good-looking – girls are always staring at you –"

"They do?" She lets out a 'pshh' and rolls her eyes again. "I didn't notice,"

"You weren't looking,"

"Damn...you must look at me a lot to notice all those girls staring at me huh?"

"N-no!!" Her cheeks turned pink and she turns away. Jungkook tugs her hand gently and move slightly closer to her. "Then who do you look at?"

Lisa turned to him almost immediately when he whispered, her expression wary. Please don't say a name, please...

"I –" His eyes shifts to her lips, and there's that pull again. They stare at each other, their gaze challenging one another with their faces so close...he's not sure who's moving in...is it him or her? He stops when he feels her warm breath on his skin. "Jungkook..."

"Who do you look at? Tell me," It's too much for him. He can't stand not knowing who those beautiful eyes belongs to and he can't control himself much longer. If she calls out a name -

"You –" He closed her soft, plump lips with his. There's no other way to express the way he feels towards her. He wanted to kiss her since the first time he laid eyes on her at the bar and God, it's so worth the wait! A rush of calmness...happiness, ran through his body and he felt like time had stopped then and there. It felt perfect, and she tastes so sweet...

He felt the strong desire to move in further, but he's scared that she'll push away. When it didn't seem like she was moving, Jungkook pulls away slowly and opens his eyes – just to find her opening hers. She looks clouded...and her eyes sparkles with a hint of clear water in them. Is she...crying? Fuck –

"What's wrong?" His palm reaches her cheeks.

She hesitates for a while. "Y-you're...you're my first kiss," She breathes. He must be dreaming! She looks so soft and fragile, like an angel even! Jungkook can't help but feel like he's the luckiest guy on earth right now!

...