– Next day –

Wednesday, February 14th, 2024.

8:40 pm.

I'm sitting on the couch in the Flores living room, watching five-year-old Liliana carefully stack her blocks. She's so focused, her little tongue peeking out as she concentrates. When she places the final block on her tower and it wobbles but stays upright, her entire face lights up.

"Good job, Liliana," I say, clapping softly. She grins up at me, her dark curls bouncing as she claps for herself.

Across the room, Leandro is curled up in his usual corner, his headphones snug over his ears, completely absorbed in a book. He's been like that since we got here, quiet and content in his own world.

Diego appears from the kitchen, holding two mugs of hot chocolate. "Thought you might need this," he says, placing one in front of me on the coffee table before plopping down near me.

"Thanks," I reply, wrapping my hands around the warm mug, the rich scent of hot chocolate wafting up. Diego leans back, his eyes briefly drifting to Liliana as she hums to herself, starting on another tower.

The room feels peaceful, a cozy kind of stillness settling over us. Then, he clears his throat, breaking the tranquility. When I glance over, he's pulling something small and neatly wrapped out of his pocket.

"Hey," he begins, his tone casual but carrying a hint of something else. "I, uh... I got you something."

I blink at the box he's holding out, my stomach knotting slightly. "What's this for?" I ask cautiously, setting the mug down.

Diego shrugs, flashing a grin that doesn't quite reach his eyes. "It's nothing big," he says, nudging the box toward me. "Just...you know, to show my appreciation. For everything you've been doing for us. Especially Liliana."

I hesitate, looking between the box and his face. There's a flicker of something behind his grin; something unsure, maybe even vulnerable.

"Diego..." I say softly as I take the box. I open it slowly, revealing a delicate silver bracelet with a small star charm. It's beautiful. Simple. Thoughtful. And yet, too much.

"It's really sweet," I say, meeting his gaze as I close the box and hold it carefully in my hands. "Thank you, I can't wear it."

His smile falters, and I can see the question in his eyes, the silent 'Why not?' before he masks it with a shrug.

"It's not about the gift itself," I explain quickly, trying to soften the blow. "It's beautiful, and I truly appreciate the thought. But I'm with someone, Diego. And accepting gifts like this...it wouldn't feel right."

His brows furrow slightly, but he doesn't interrupt. He runs his fingers over his lips daintily and down at my hands.

"I'll keep this," I say, patting the box lightly. "Because I know it comes from a good place. But I can't wear it. And I don't want you to get me anything else, okay?"

For a moment, he's silent, his expression unreadable. Then he nods, his grin returning, though it feels smaller, more subdued. "Okay," he says. "I get it. It's just...you do so much for us, you know? I wanted to show you that it doesn't go unnoticed."

His words tug at my heart, and I offer him a small smile. "You don't need to give me gifts to show that. Just seeing how much Liliana and Leandro trust me, and you, for that matter. That's more than enough."

Diego chuckles softly, leaning back against the couch. "Fair enough," he says, though I catch the way his gaze lingers on the box in my hands before he looks away.

Liliana suddenly giggles, pointing at her new tower with both hands. "Look! It's taller than me!"

Diego's face softens immediately, and he congratulates her, showing how proud he is.

I sip my hot chocolate, grateful for the shift in focus, though a part of me still feels the weight of what just happened.

Some of his warm drink going down his throat, he fixes his eyes back on me. "Is that why you're wearing that new bracelet? It's a gift for Valentine's Day?" he asks suddenly, his voice casual but tinged with curiosity.

I glance down at the red string bracelet on my wrist, the one Jungkook gave me. "Yes," I say simply. "It's from my boyfriend."

His eyes linger on it for a moment before looking back up at me, something unreadable flashing in his gaze. "Does he treat you right?"

The question makes me pause, and I smile, understanding what he's trying to do. "He does."

"Right, right? Or could be better?" his lips curve into a grin, but he raises a brow playfully.

"Very right," I reply, making it clear there's no room for doubt. "Good then. As long as you're happy. Did you also get him something?"

"I did. A silver chain. I noticed he wears some often, and I like the way it looks on him," I tell him the truth, letting him know. He nods, his grin faltering just slightly before he masks it again. "Lucky guy," he says lightly, lifting his mug to take another sip.

I don't reply, letting the moment settle into a comfortable silence as Liliana's laughter fills the room.

Liliana runs over to Diego, tugging at his sleeve. "Diego, come see! My tower is the tallest ever!"

Diego sets his mug down and leans forward, scooping her up effortlessly. "The tallest ever, huh? Let's go check it out."

He carries her back to the blocks, where she proudly points to her creation. "See? It's taller than me! And almost as tall as you!"

Diego chuckles, crouching down to her level. "It's amazing, Liliana. You're the best builder in the world."

She giggles, basking in the praise, and Diego helps her add another block to the top before turning his head back toward me. "You're not joining?"

I shake my head, smiling softly. "I'd make everything fall. I'm too clumsy."

He smirks but doesn't press, focusing back on Liliana. For a moment, I let my guard down, sipping my hot chocolate and watching the easy bond between the siblings.

Leandro looks up briefly from his book, glancing at Diego and Liliana with a small, almost imperceptible smile, before his eyes dart back to the page.

"Leandro," I call gently, catching his attention. He lowers his headphones slightly, peering at me curiously. "Hm?"

"Do you want some hot chocolate? I can make you a cup," I ask, this cold day affecting us all.

He hesitates, then gives a small nod. "Yes, please."

I rise from the couch and head toward the kitchen, letting the sounds of Diego and Liliana's laughter fill the space behind me. The kitchen feels quieter, and I take a moment to breathe, rinsing the mug and filling it with milk to heat on the stove.

Footsteps approach behind me, and I glance over my shoulder to see Diego leaning against the doorway.

"You don't have to do that, you know," he says, his voice low.

"It's no trouble," I reply, stirring the milk. "Besides, Leandro doesn't ask for much. It's nice to do something for him."

Diego folds his arms, watching me. "You're really something, you know that?"

I arch a brow, glancing at him. "Something?"

He shrugs, a small smile tugging at his lips. "You've got this way of just...fitting in here. Like you've always been part of the family."

His words catch me off guard, and I look back at the stove, focusing on the rising steam. "That's sweet of you to say. I just love helping."

He doesn't respond immediately, and when I glance back, his expression has softened, the usual playful glint in his eyes replaced by something quieter, more serious.

"Still," he says after a moment, his voice dropping. "We're lucky to have you around."

I don't know how to respond to that, so I don't. Instead, I pour the hot chocolate into a mug and turn to him, smiling. "Can you take this to Leandro for me?"

He hesitates, his eyes searching mine for a beat longer than necessary, before he reaches out to take the mug. "Sure."

As he walks away, I let out a breath I didn't realize I was holding, leaning back against the counter. The weight of his words lingers, leaving me with a strange mixture of gratitude and unease.

By the time I return to the living room, Diego is sitting on the floor with Liliana, helping her rebuild her tower after a minor collapse. Leandro is sipping his hot chocolate, his eyes still on his book but his posture a little more relaxed.

I sink back onto the couch, watching them quietly, my chest tightening with the complicated feelings I'm trying to sort through.

Diego glances over at me, flashing a grin that seems lighter now, free of the tension from earlier. "By the way," he begins, his voice hesitant, "I wanted to ask you something," he toys with one of Liliana's blocks, shifting it between his fingers. "There's an event with games at my school in two weeks. We can invite whoever we want. I was wondering if you'd be willing to come with me."

A spike of anxiety rushes through me, my stomach tight. This isn't just a casual invitation. I can hear the unspoken meaning beneath his words.

"Jungkook asked me the same thing," I say, trying to sound casual, though my tone feels clipped. "But your mom still doesn't know if she'll need me to take care of Liliana, so I don't know if I'll be there."

Diego gives me an understanding look, but I can sense the small shift in his posture, like my indecision is a crack he's trying to ignore. "So, if you don't go, you'll be here. Right?"

I nod, trying to force a reassuring smile. "Yeah," I say, my voice a little lighter. "Good then. I'll get to see you no matter what."

His relief is almost palpable, but it leaves a strange taste in my mouth. I force myself to smile, though the expression feels thin, fragile.

As he turns back to Liliana, I try to push away the unease gnawing at me. It's not just about the invitation anymore; it's the growing realization that Diego might be needing too much of my attention. And I'm not sure how to balance that.

– Next day –

Thursday, February 15th, 2024.

12:40 pm.

As I just finished cleaning and tidying up Minjun's room, I go out and check my phone. Jungkook has sent me a text a few minutes ago.

< did diego invite you to go to the school game night and give you a gift yesterday? ]

[ Yes. How do you know about it? >

His reply comes almost instantly, the typing bubble barely lingering.

< my friend told me. Why did you accept his gift? Its valentines day its supposed to be for couples ]

[ I took it bcs he spent money on it and said it was to show his appreciation, but I told him I wouldn't wear it bcs I'm taken and I don't ever want him to give me a gift again >

< it wasn't to show his appreciation. He flexed like a bitch in front of his friends. And what did you tell him about that game night? ]

I bite my lip, my fingers hovering over the keyboard. I don't want to downplay Diego's behavior, but I also don't want to fan the flames of Jungkook's jealousy.

[ There's nothing to flex about. I accepted his gift but rejected him. I told him you already asked me but I'm not sure I'll be there bcs his mom might ask me to work >

< he didn't take it as rejection. He still thinks he's got a chance bcs he's better than your boyfriend he said. He is an asshole. ]

I exhale slowly, my chest tightening. His words are sharp, but I know where they're coming from. Jungkook has never been good at hiding his insecurities, and Diego's confidence is the perfect trigger.

[ He's not better than you. He can say and think whatever he wants, he doesn't have a chance with me bcs I chose you >

There's a longer pause this time, and I imagine him staring at the screen, debating whether or not to believe me.

< I know you don't like me saying this but I love you. A lot and maybe too much. I'm just scared, I'm sorry ]

The vulnerability in his message wraps around my heart like a vice. My chest tightens, and I swallow hard, trying to find the right words to calm the storm in his mind.

[ It's okay to be scared. I get it, Jungkook. But I don't want you to apologize for loving me. Just trust that I love you too, and I'm not going anywhere. >

This time, his reply comes slower, almost hesitant, but with a warmth that makes me smile.

< Thank you. I'll do better. I just don't ever want to lose you. ]

[ You're not going to lose me. Now, focus on school, okay? You've got this. >

< Okay, see you later ]

[ See you later, baby >

< wait ]

< do you still not know if you'll be available this week or next one? ]

[ She told me she'll stay home next weekend, so I'll go to the school event with you. This weekend, though, she'll need me so I can't be home >

< okay I'm happy you'll be free next weekend at least ]

[ Me too >

< <3 ]

[ <3 >

As I lock my phone, I let out a breath. My heart feels heavy, but there's also a strange sense of relief. His fear, though overwhelming at times, stems from a place of genuine love.

– Two weeks later –

Saturday, March 2nd, 2024.

6:40 pm.

I stand by the full-length mirror in my small apartment, adjusting the scoop neck of my white, form-fitting top just one last time. The soft fabric hugs my torso in a way that feels just right, appealing but not too revealing.

I tug at the waist of my low-waisted jeans, making sure they sit comfortably where they should. The low-platform leather knee boots give me just enough height, and I love how they make my legs look. The dainty chain at my neck catches the light as I turn from side to side, evaluating every detail of the outfit.

I know Jungkook's probably watching me, so I lift my gaze to him. I meet his eyes in the reflection. He's leaning against the doorframe, waiting for me to finish.

"How do I look?" I ask, keeping my tone casual.

His eyes scan me slowly, and I catch a flicker of something in his expression. I'm not sure if it's admiration or surprise, but I see a faint lip bite, making it hard to suppress the flutter in my chest.

"I need to look from closer," he says, pushing off the doorframe. He steps toward me, his presence closing the space between us in an instant. I can feel the warmth radiating off him as he stands just behind me, his body almost pressed against mine. His gaze never wavers from mine in the mirror.

Leaning in, his lips graze the side of my neck, and he kisses it with his tongue, sending a shiver down my spine.

"You look amazing," he says quietly, his voice a little strained. "Like...really amazing."

I smile, a warm feeling blooming in my chest. I turn around, our eyes locking. "Glad you think so."

Before I can move away, his hands find my waist, pulling me in closer. He kisses me, his lips soft and firm, as if the kiss itself is a silent confession. I feel the way he lingers, his lips pulling back just enough to let me know he wants more, but is holding back.

I don't know why, but I love how honest he is.

I pull away slightly, still close enough that I can feel his breath on my skin. "Ready to go?" I ask, slipping on my black, fluffy cropped jacket. It's soft, cozy, and adds a little warmth to the chilly evening air.

"Yeah," he answers, voice steady but his gaze still lingering on me, as if he can't quite get enough.

His expression softens, and he holds the door open for me as I step past him. But before I walk out, I catch him looking at me once more. This time with a look that's beyond admiration, it's something else, something deeper.

As we stepped outside into the crisp evening air, I pulled my black, fluffy cropped jacket closer around me. The cold didn't bother me much, but the jacket made everything feel cozier. I could feel Jungkook's eyes on me again as we made our way to the car.

The engine hummed to life as I pulled out of the driveway. The silence that settled between us was familiar, but tonight, there is something about it that feels heavier.

I glance at him, noticing his quiet demeanor. He stares out the window, his brows slightly furrowed, as though lost in thought.

I bite my lip, wondering if something is on his mind. "Jungkook," I say gently, "Is everything okay? You're awfully quiet. Did you change your mind about tonight?"

His eyes drift toward me, the tension in his shoulders easing slightly as he looked at me. "No," he responds, his voice a little tight. "I'm just...worried, I guess."

"Worried about what?" I ask, my fingers gripping the steering wheel, suddenly more aware of the distance in his tone.

"It's just..." he admits, the vulnerability in his voice catching me off guard. "You're looking really...like...let's say, attractive tonight. I mean, I always think you do, but tonight, it's different. And I'm worried that someone like Diego might try to get too close. I don't want anyone, especially him, flirting with you. It just...gets to me."

"You think Diego's going to flirt with me?" I ask, my voice steady, but I could hear the edge of amusement in it.

He nods, his jaw tight. "Yeah. He might get too close, and I don't know, it just...pisses me off already."

I remain quiet for a moment, processing his words. I understand why he feels that way, but it doesn't stop a part of me from wishing he didn't feel so insecure. "You don't have to worry about that, Jungkook. I'm here with you. Diego knows his boundaries, and if anyone tries anything, I'll let them know where they stand."

He doesn't look convinced, his eyes still clouded with uncertainty.

"I just don't want to share you with anyone else," he mutters, a vulnerability slipping into his voice. "Not when I'm already scared of losing you."

The weight of his words hits me, and I reach over, gently placing my hand over his. "You're not going to lose me. You're not sharing me with anyone."

His grip on my hand tightens, and a soft sigh escapes his lips, as if he'd been holding his breath for longer than he realized.

"Could you stay close to me the whole time?" he intertwines our fingers, his voice low and so brittle. I looked at him, my heart tugging at the quiet desperation in his request. "I will," I answered. "If that helps you feel more comfortable."

"Yeah," he murmured in a softer voice, brushing his thumb over my skin, still holding my hand like it was the only thing anchoring him.

A sense of peace washed over him, but the tension still lingered in his eyes. I could feel the weight of the night ahead, wondering just how it would unfold and how we would navigate these emotions together.