"I'm never listening to you again." Taehyung drawls taking a huge gulp of wine from the very expensive bottle I was saving for Saturday night. It's the only night I get to spend alone. Both him and Jimin hang out with their male friends. A group of guys, I know well, but not enough to tag along. It's also because they happen to be perverted men, despite us all being working adults.

"Tae, she literally just arrived." I reply, speaking lowly in hopes that Jimin and his girl, Scarlet, won't hear the gossip the two of us are doing. The kitchen, although spacious, doesn't do well in drowning out noise.

"And she had the nerve to flirt with me." Taehyung scoffs while I roll my eyes at his exaggeration. Yes, Scarlet did allow her tone to drop into a sultry voice and she pressed her chest into his body while hugging him. It was a little more than the pathetic side hug she gave me. But I understand, Taehyung's gorgeous and even he knows that.

"I told you she'd be basic." He sighs, taking another gulp.

I wince at his language. Between the three of us, his language is always the least careful. Even going as far as to slip up in front of his own parents at times. Imagine how they feel hearing their heir be the complete opposite of the son they'd like him to be. Even at the company, Taehyung doesn't hide his language. If he wasn't known, he'd be fired by now.

"Don't be mean. That's somebody's daughter." I smack his arm, but he barely moves. Instead he fixes me with his feline eyes. Pulled into slits of boredom as he stares me down. "And stop drinking my wine. I was saving that."

The bottle is placed on the counter, cap on top of it. "I could buy you fifty more of where that came from." He shrugs.

I roll my eyes and pull him into the lounge area. Jimin and Scarlet are sat whispering to each other like two high schoolers in love. It's cute seeing him this happy, even if it's not with me. He deserves to be loved. I've learned to mask my hurt well over the years.

Noticing our presence, Jimin looks up, his eyes raking over our intertwined hands. A smile finding his face as he motions to the seat opposite the two of them. To anyone, this would look like the perfect double date. Instead, it's the lovely couple and two best friends who'd rather be somewhere else. Taehyung doesn't try to hide it as he pulls me beside him. A blank stare being sent to Scarlet.

"Ellie, Jimin tells me you two are roommates." Scarlet smiles, her pearly whites showing themselves to me. I make an effort to return a smile of my own, but it's not s genuine.

I nod, "Have been since university and it's Elle, not Ellie."

"Oh my, I'm so sorry." She gasps, way too surprised for something that small. "Please forgive me. I just heard him call you that earlier." She refers to Jimin, her acrylic nails, raking through his hair. He melts like a puppy making me internally gag. They're way too affectionate for people who just started dating.

"It's okay."

"I was just wondering if you'd be bothered by me staying over in future." She smiles.

The question is way too sudden. For now, what she should be focused on is making sure Taehyung and I approve, not working about whether she's invited to spend the night. I don't tell her that though. It would be rude.

I shrug. "Sure. I don't mind." I hope it sounds passive.

"Yeah, then maybe Taehyung could stay over too." She smiles at him, receiving odd glances in return. "You guys are cute together." She smiles, motioning between the two of us.

Both Jimin and I fall into laughter at that. Her face pulls into confusion.

"We're not together." Taehyung says, his hand still cleaving onto mine. Even I can admit that it's a contradicting sight, but we're used to it.

"Babe, we're just close like that." Jimin explains. She nods, face pulling into a smile at the term of endearment. Beside me Taehyung sighs, throwing his head back onto the sofa. My heart stings at the term.

Jimin, picking up on the tense atmosphere, suggests us going out for dinner. Because he'd just randomly invited his girlfriend over, neither of us had the chance to prepare a special supper for her. She doesn't seem phased by it, easily playing it off for a normal occurence, even suggesting that next time we can cook together. Jimin smiles at that and I know that I have to do it for him. He's happiness is what matters.

With coats and scarfs we exit the apartment. Jimin and Scarlet tightly holding onto each other like their body heat could block out the winter cold of Seoul. It's not a practical way to walk, but who am I to complain? I'm single and cold.

Taehyung ambles beside me, his phone in hand, illuminating his face. Furrowed eyebrows don't hide themselves and as always he's in a pissy mood. This time I don't think it has anything to do with work.

"He's so happy." I state, watching as Jimin pauses to take a selfie next to a Christmas decoration. His smile conveying just how thrilled he is to be with Scarlet.

"I've seen him happier." Taehyung mumbles, his attention still on his phone.

I click my tongue, "Stop being a negative Nancy."

"He's happy, but they're not going to last long."

-

"I really think we could last long." Jimin smiles wide. Taehyung snorts next to me remembering his words and knowing Jimin, he most likely won't prove the brunette wrong. He never has. Not when we were in high school, not in university and not now while we're adults. Every relationship he's ever been in has failed within the span of a month.

"She likes you guys and you like her-"

"Don't mistake me being polite for liking her." Taehyung interrupts. I roll my eyes at his attitude. Jimin doesn't seem phased either. "And she's exactly like all your ex girlfriends."

My eyes go wide at his open confession.

It's too early to even tell what she's really like. Yes, there were moments where she was overly nice and moments where she looked at Taehyung a second too long, but it's only day one. People behave differently the longer you get to know them.

"Elle, what did you think of her?"

Jimin looks hopeful, as he's been all evening. Trying to show us why this relationship could outlast the rest. Also rubbing in my face that I really don't stand a chance. Never did and never will.

"She's okay. I think you guys could work. You seemed really happy." I smile, polite.

Jimin nods, brushing a hand through his hair. "I really am. She's just so different. Most girls would either be in my bed by now or be completely jealous over our friendship, but she wants to take things slow and I honestly respect her so much more for it."

I take things slow too. I think, but don't say. Wouldn't want to end up having that conversation again. I can only stand being rejected so many times. At least we're still friends.

"As long as you're happy." I shrug. "Tae and I will always be here."

-

AN:

Thanks for such positive responses on the Prologue. I hope you enjoy this chapter. ❤️

Please comment and vote! Bye.