Haewon POV

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I hadn't really seen much of Penelope these days, often times I'd find her asleep or passed out at the front of her desk. Any sane person would wake her, have her change into more comfortable clothes and retire to her warm l, comfortable bed, but no. I didn't. I couldn't. It would only result in her continuing with her work.

She'd lost weight, her appearance changed drastically within a month and a half. I couldn't say anything, I wouldn't just yet. Now was not the time.

Our little outting had done wonders, for the both of us. I missed her, I missed us, I missed the good outdoors; I could tell by the sparkle in her eye and the change of tempo in her breathing that she felt the same way.

It was nice to return to the good old days, anew. Different but still the same. We had both grown so much since our rookie days, we'd travel by bicycle to flower markets, snacking on cheap convenience store foods, retiring to our dorm going head to head trying to entertain ourselves by arranging flowers. A fun, simpler time. One I wish I hadn't taken for granted.

Penelope had been different lately, withdrawn, depressed almost. It wasn't hard to tell that she missed Taehyung. I knew he felt the same way but they were stubborn, headstrong and set in their ways. Any hint of longing, they would go running to the other only to leave feeling guilty, like they had taken something away from each other. It was a whole load of bull though but try telling them that.

Jin and I amused ourselves by their love, it was the cutest, purest, rawest, realist, most beautiful thing we had ever seen, aside from ourselves of course.

Jin would often comment about how happy he was that they were all slowly starting to grow up and fall in love, he emphasized a relief in some of them not feeling or being alone and being genuinely cared for. Which was exactly the kind of person Penelope was. She was the most empathetic, kind, loving and giving person anyone would ever come across. It was highly unlikely to meet anyone who didn't share those sentiments.

Her caring, kind and soft nature was one of the things that drew Taehyung to her - at least that's what I've been told, not to my surprise though.

What did surprise me was how guilty Penelope felt. She was never truly able to enjoy her moments with him, to truly let herself go. I had to bite my tongue and stop myself from interfering on more than one occasion. Lucky for me though, I had the most amazing boyfriend, who helped me, and saw what I saw, who helped me in helping her during her struggles.

I briefly wondered what Jin would say if I told him about our conversation in the park. Would he laugh and brush it aside? Would he mirror my shock and heartache? Would he help reassure her?

I had no doubt that he would. Which was why I needed to see him, I needed to fix this, to rectify the situation, to remedy my best friends broken mirror - and who better an accomplice than my beautiful boyfriend Mr World-wide handsome himself.

Seeing the opportunity arising, I grabbed it with both hands.

"Hey...Do you maybe want to make a quick stop at the boys? You haven't seen them in forever" i tried to sound nonchalant, like it was no big deal, like I wasn't internally bursting to see her happy and also to see my man.

"Yes please. I'd love that" she says, from the corner of my eye, I see her smile. She's excited, twiddling her thumbs. Success!

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It wasn't always so simple, dating an idol, secretly that is, it just added to the already high pressure of having to blend in as is, to never slip up, to always be on guard and on point.

Quickly calling Jin, who was on the ball immediately, another thing I loved so much about the him.

Within minutes we pulled up and into our designated spot. God bless NDA's I thought as I scanned the lobby.

My heart racing as soon as my eyes land on Jin. He was handsome in every sense of the word, his charm and chivalry only intensified my love for him.

I was blessed with someone who understood my life and the people in it. Jin knew how important Penelope was to me, he understood my overprotectiveness, my need to constantly mother her. He had a real soft spot for her after getting to know her. Penelope though on the other hand had voiced her fear of Jin, she was probably the only one in the world to find Jin intimidating but not Yoongi. Very upside and inside out of her.

Grabbing her flowers she walks along with us, there's a tension between Jin and I due to some unresolved issues, and I knew instantaneously that Penelope could feel it as she cast a concerned look at me before turning her attention back to her flowers.

Now was not the time to address our issues, we had to help Penelope out of this emotional rut.

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Namjoon and Hobi kept Penelope occupied, they even assisted her with arranging her flowers while Jin and I watched from the kitchen Island.

The maknaes were asleep. They would sleep through a hurricane those three.

"She said that?" Jin asks, as his eyes scan the three of them.

"Yeah. Loud and clear. I'm telling you Jin. It broke my heart" I feel a sudden urge to protect my petite best friend. She was more than that, she was my little sister. We had so much in common, so many life lessons learned together, so many hardships and trials we had faced side by side.

She meant more to me than my biological brother.

"I have known Penelope since she was in seventh grade, despite the slight age difference -her intelligence and my lack thereof - we were always really good friends that became even closer when she she joined me at university. I was in my second year of college, her in her first, she was bright, wise beyond her years. She helped me Jin. I wouldn't be who I am or even where I am if it weren't for her". I recall fondly.

It was true.

I lost my mother in high school, car accident. I remember that day vividly. Penelope had slept over that evening when we heard the news. I was devastated. I knew we'd be forever tied to one another when she sat there, crying with me, sharing my pain, reliving her own traumas, but she never once made it about her. I had spiralled out of control, but she was there, to pick me up, dust me off, help me in every sense of the word. She never gave up on me - even when my own father did.

The way she was, the way she handled me with kid gloves, the way she never gave up on me - never, not once no matter how rude or mean or out of control I was she remained there, glued to my side, my guardian and protector, my safe haven. It was something I'd forever be indebted to her for.

"Ah. I don't think Taehyung-ah knows" Jin says rubbing his eyes. He sighs. This weighs heavy on him. An obvious cue to just how much Penelope means to him, to them.

"I dont think so either" I'm watching them, they're laughing, she tilts her head back laughing, almost falling off the chair. Her hair cascading down her back as she laughs carelessly. Her hair shines as light reflects off it Like a mirror. It's glossy and silky. It adds to her prefection. Light bounces off her, casting a halo-like glow around her.

I blink at the sight, a smile spreads across my face, it was comforting, beautiful much like Penelope.

Penelope was by far the most beautiful woman I had ever laid eyes on, everyone I knew who knew her or met her shared my sentiments.

She was a walking dream, the embodiment of perfection, an angel in human form. She fit Taehyung perfectly. Their other worldly, ethereal beauty was enticing, captivating, almost sinful. How could anyone look so beautiful, not only individually but as a couple too.

Penelope wasn't Korean, at least not fully Korean, but if you were to speak to her over the phone, you'd never say, she was fluent, metriculous, precise and well informed and educated. She was also a polyglot. She picked up languages as easy as she found breathing.

Though we'd credit her diverse genes for that.

Penelope stood up, discarding the flower offcuts. She says something to them and I watch Namjoon laugh at her, Hobi is watching her fondly. They were all whipped for the charming and charismatic, beautiful woman who sadly doubted herself and her worth.

As a woman myself it is my honour and duty to help her, to adjust her crown, remind her of how amazing and beautiful she is, how worthy of the world she was, and I would be damned if I ever see her or anyone else for that matter slip up.

She walks off with Namjoon, I suspect to find Taehyung. Hoseok joins us, laughing at how "cute" Penelope was, the trio of us laugh at the vast height difference between Penelope and Namjoon.

I hoped that this visit would in some way help her, spiritually, mentally, emotionally, psychologically and physically. I thought deviously, smirking to myself.

Hobi retires to his bedroom, promising to return later.

This gives Jin and I a chance to reconcile, set aside our differences.

"Let's talk about us"

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About an hour or two had passed before Taehyung and P made their appearance. She falsely sang Boy with Love, doing their dance. Taehyung watched her adoringly, his eyes sparkling, a fond smile etched on his face.

They walked in hand in hand. Penelope looked the definition of elation. She was practically twirling about.

Everyone had gathered in the lounge. Namjoon had called a meeting, to go over their schedules for the next few days and what was on the agenda for the day.

Penelope looked at me, a look not hard to place, we shared the same feeling, dread. We dreaded departing, leaving our loved ones.

"Happy?" I ask the obviously ecstatic Penelope.

She nods back enthusiastically.

"Taehyung-ah, Jin-Hyung!" Jimin calls out to the men.

"We better go" I say to Penelope, as Taehyung joins us, handing her a bottled water.

"You don't have to, it's nothing formal" Jin says, hoping to convince us to stay.

At the same time Taehyung grabs Penelope, shaking his head defiantly.

"You're not going anywhere!" He commands, physically picking her up.

She let's out a surprised gasp but laughs. Penelope's laugh makes everyone laugh. Taehyung is bursting with happiness, I can almost smell the dopamine emitting from across the room as I quickly glanced around. Everyone stared at them, smiles of adoration, love and approval adorned their faces. I wished Penelope paid attention, I wished she noticed. She would have such a change of heart.

I look over at Jin, who catches my stare. Would it kill him to be that spontaneous and romantic.

"Ah. Really... My back-" he starts protesting. Rolling my eyes at him, I shake my head. He could do no harm could he?

Taehyung places Penelope in his lap. She's flustered. But stops squirming, it's a lost cause.

As soon as we're all settled, Namjoon starts, addressing the room. Penelope and I melt into the furniture. The boys have switched their personas. They're not our boys, they're BTS.

"We have to leave soon, we're booked for dance practice and then booked for studio time. If there's any spare time, let's try and interact with ARMY today. " Namjoon suggests scanning the room.

Everyone voices their approval.

I watch Penelope. They're like the perfect puzzle. He moves, she moves, in perfect sync. Their beauty so captivating... I couldn't look away whenever they were together.

She taps his forearm, he's holding her tight. She wants to get off. Stubbornly he shakes his head.

"No. No. No! You can't go anywhere" he says burying his head in her back.

I watch Penelope. She's taken aback. Even I was. I noted that the longer they spent time together, the more comfortable and affectionate Taehyung became with her. It was quite the sight to see. Something I think Penelope herself is getting used to but loving as she herself was always a fairly affectionate person - though that largely depended on the person and the relationship she shared with them.

She turns her torso to look at him. He looks up at her with big, pleading, puppy dog eyes. His mouth slightly agap.

Even I would cave with a look like that. By now no one seems to be paying any attention to Namjoon, even he seems enticed by their interaction.

They're looking at each other, from my angle Taehyung's gaze becomes intense. They stare deep into each others eyes. Penelope pressing her forehead to his. He momentarily closes his eyes. They melt in each others arms, drowning in the presence of one another. Hell - we all were.

"Ahhhhh so cute!" Hoseok comments beside me, watching the exchange. There's a chorus of agreement and hopeful wishing. Even from this distance I can tell she's blushing, her neck a darkening shade of pink - if that wasn't anything to go by. Penelope buries her face into the nape of his neck. Taehyung chuckles fondly, wrapping his arms around her. Placing a kiss on her exposed cheek. He adjusts them, with her still on his lap, he makes them comfortable before turning his attention to us. He's completely unphased by the attention.

Penelope slowly revealing herself. She looks at me, and I dont pass up the opportunity to egg her on, surreptitiously throwing kissy faces her way. She smiles shyly, making herself comfortable in his arms.

It was back to business. The boys discussing their itenary, their plans and such.

Even I got caught up, offering advice and suggestions.

Both Jin and Hoseok elbowed me, gesturing to Penelope. To my delight and amusement, we watched as her eyes drooped, try as hard as she might, she could not fight this sleepless battle any longer and within minutes, her eyes drooped, her head limp against Taehyung's chest, she was asleep. Content and comfortable.

Sneaking a picture, it catches Taehyung's eye who looks down at the sleeping body in his arms. He smiles a bright smile, silently chastising himself for moving. He mouths "so cute", looking like a loving, proud boyfriend, before gently and carefully adjusting their position to make her more comfortable. The way he touches her, holds her it's so sweet, feather-like and gentle. It will forever remain embedded in my head and in her heart. I would remind her of this moment for as long as I live that was a promise and I had the picture to prove it.

So pure.

So perfect.

So beautiful.

Just like him.

Just like her.

Just like them.