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"and i know it's long gone and that magic's not here no more..."
•••

"You think they'll notice we already left?"

Lisa's voice was still a bit wobbly but at least she managed to talk what happened earlier. She forgot that aside from running into Jungkook, there was still a chance she'd run into Sehun since he too lived in this neighborhood.

Though she did not care about him nor his stylist anymore, of course she'd still feel affected seeing them together.

"Bambam and Mina?" Jungkook then said. He was holding her hand tightly as they were walking back to her apartment's building. "I don't think they would. But fuck them, right? It's payback for tricking us just so they can meet."

"Wow. You're quite despicable aren't you?" she commented while giving him a side-eye. "So much for you being their friend."

"I'm surprised that you think I'm just despicable after punching me three years ago," Jungkook countered. "Didn't you say that I was... a fucking monster who feeds on innocent girls' broken hearts?"

Oh. So he still remembers that.

"Well... you were," she immediately defended. "You ghosted Chaeng. And I've heard you did that to SinB and Umji too."

"Has it ever occurred to you that I'm not just the relationship type of guy?" Now it was Jungkook's turn to defend himself. He didn't try to before that's why it kind of shocked her to hear him counter her claim.

"Then why flirt with them on the first place?" she blurted out and folded her arms. "I mean, of you're not interested on being in a relationship with someone, why bother waste your time talking to those girls?"

"I was just being friendly." Jungkook mimicked Lisa as he too folded his arms. "Does talking to girls equate that I want to be in a relationship with them? Or that I like them? So does that mean me talking to you right now is a declaration that I'll marry you some day?"

"You know that's not what I meant," Lisa said while rolling her eyes. "Talking is different with flirting. All those good morning messages and have you eaten texts are sending signals to girls that you are concerned about them. And that you like them. This thing between us is talking. More like arguing, to be honest. Totally different things!"

"How would I know if arguments turn you on or not? I can read minds, you know."

Lisa can't even tell whether the guy in front of her is being sarcastic or not. Nevertheless, their arguments was close to being pointless now as neither one of them wanted to concede.

As they reached the lobby of her apartment's building, she noticed that there were quite a few residents outside. Good thing she was wearing her mask and trusty bucket hat. Jungkook's hair, however is quite exposed as he had no cap on.

"Hey. Thanks for helping me, by the way," she said as they stopped in front of the elevator.

"It's fine," he answered. "Us monsters like to play hero once in a while."

That one, she knew, was sarcasm. She squinted her eyes at him not knowing how to respond to that. And being the lucky one, the elevator door opened just in time for her to make a quick escape. But it looks like the guy wasn't letting her slide.

"You don't have to accompany me to my place. I'm good."

Jungkook turned to her as if she said something extraordinary. He looked so puzzled.

"Accompany you? I'm heading to my place."

Then he pressed the 15th floor button.

"Oh really?" She said with a smirk. "Then why'd you press the button of my floor? Just admit it, Jeon. Don't worry. I won't hold it against you."

"You live in the 15th floor too?" He sound genuinely surprised making her forehead crease.

"Y...eah," she answered. "Wait. You really didn't know?"

"How would I? We're not technically close. And Bambam tricked me in going to the convenience store so he didn't tell me shit."

Oh, right. Embarrassment was slowly creeping into her cheeks.

"15th floor..." she heard him mumble. "There are only three units on that floor and the one next to mine is Hoseok hyung's."

"15C," she supplied earning a small gasp from the guy.

"You're the new owner of Florence hyung's place?!" he blurted out. "The one with the best view of Han River?!"

"Uhh..." Lisa can clearly see the excitement in Jungkook's eyes. She even saw a soft glimmer within those coffee brown orbs. "Yeah? What about it?"

A small smirk formed in Jungkook's face as the elevator door opened once again.

"Well this should be fun," the guy said as they both stepped out of the contraption. "Let's see how long we can survive without killing each other or you punching me square on the face again. Whichever comes first."

She rolled her eyes. When did Jeon Jungkook ever become funny?

•••

"Are you sure you'll be fine being alone for the weekend? You'll stay at your apartment, right?"

Jungkook just sighed. It was his Jin hyung telling him all sorts of instructions since he'd be going on an urgent trip to Japan for his business and the rest of the members will be doing solo activities for now. And it has been a while since he had a break after endless promotions comeback after comeback.

"Yes, hyung. I'll be fine. I'm not a baby anymore," he insisted. His hyung chuckled over the other line.

"You say that yet you call me almost every waking minute because you didn't know where shit it in the kitchen," the older one countered making him pout.

"Well I don't usually cook so how'd I know where you put the pots and thingamajigs."

"They were hung right there just above the kitchen counter, kid. Are you blind or something?"

"Those are the good pots," he argued. "Mom said use the bad ones for yourself and use the good ones only if there are guests."

"I—" His hyung chuckled again. "Stay pure as hell, kid. Stay pure as hell."

As soon as their phone call ended, he thought of going out to the convenience store nearby to buy some things he needed. It's been a while since he's been in his own place so he didn't get the chance to stock up of supplies.

"Yes, eonnie. I'm fine. I can handle moving on my own—whoops!"

Jungkook has good reflexes. Before the box could even fall completely, he was able to save it and hold on to it firmly. It was only then he realized who he just helped.

"Manoban?"

"Jeon," the girl replied as she spared him a quick glance before turning her attention back to her phone. "It's fine, eonnie. Yes, it's Jungkook. Yup. We're neighbors. I swear, I'll be fine. So please, do me a favor and just make out with Namjoon oppa so I can move in to my place in peace."

So that was Jisoo noona. And he's with Namjoon hyung.

Busy, my ass! He's just busy being all gross and chummy with his girlfriend.

"So you're really moving in," he commented as the girl slipped her phone inside her pocket. She was wearing a matching sweater pants. Something similar to the ones he's wearing right now.

"Yeah," Lisa answered as she stepped closer to get the box from him. "Thanks for the help, by the way. My trophies are in here."

"No problem." Then he remembered. She just got into an accident. "Didn't you just break a rib or two? Should you be moving around carrying heavy boxes around?"

"Wow. I'm surprised to see that you're concerned, Jeon," she said while chuckling. "I didn't think you'd be like that with me."

"Contrary to your belief, Manoban, I'm not heartless," he countered with a grin. "If I wanted to hurt you I would've just left you dying on the street."

"I already thanked you for that."

"I know," he said then shrugged. "I'm just stating a point. And wow, you keep owing me lately, huh?"

Lisa just rolled her eyes and entered her apartment. Since he was one curious person, he followed her and walked in inside her new place.

"Nice place," he commented while looking around. Lisa had already placed the box on the floor next to this big ass television. "Wow. So you're really loaded. Must be nice being YG's moneymaker."

"That's weird," the girl said with her arms folded and an eyebrow raised. "I don't remember inviting you in."

He ignored her sassy remark and went straight to the balcony. He had his own but the view wasn't as beautiful as this.

"Unfair. You have a better view than mine," he complained. "Wanna trade? We have the same floor area. Plus, I have a hot tub installed."

"So you want to trade a good view with a hot tub?"

"That and this TV," he offered. "Wow. This is the latest one."

"Aren't you like a global superstar? You can pretty much afford the same thing. Or even get a bigger one."

"That's the biggest one they have, Manoban. Jin hyung has the same thing," he countered.

"Then buy yourself your own," Lisa said as she pointed at the TV.

"How about we just share?" he offered innocently. "I can come over to use your balcony and you can go over to my place and use my hot tub any time."

Again, Lisa's eyebrows shot up. He didn't immediately see her reaction as he was busy looking over the view and imagining himself lounging there while drinking his banana milk.

"Are you even hearing yourself, Jeon?" Lisa commented. "You're actually offering me to use your hot tub in exchange for you freely coming over to use my balcony and television?"

"Well, yeah. Pretty much."

Lisa was about to say something but she stopped herself. Who is this guy with her right now and where's the womanizing pig she had known for years? This guy right here is too innocent for his own good. He can't even realize that it was hella inappropriate to offer a girl to come over to his place to use his bathroom freely.

Or maybe, that's his play? Playing innocent to lure her or something.

"Maybe I should get my camera. I can film the sunset here," Jungkook mumbled while pressed on the glass screen. "I should've just bought this place when I heard it was on the market and sold mine."

Lisa couldn't help but just roll her eyes. What the heck.

"Okay fine," she blurted out. "You can come and use my balcony. Just don't bother me that much, okay?"

"Okay!" Jungkook's smile was so big that Lisa felt that the room suddenly grew brighter. It's not a secret that the guy was indeed a charmer but she never thought he was adorable like this. She laughed. "Why? Why are you laughing?"

"It's nothing," she answered. "Aren't you going somewhere? I mean, you look like you're about to go out before you saw me almost drop that box."

"Just by the convenience store," Jungkook answered. "I don't have food so I was thinking of buying something to eat."

"Why not just eat over here?" she offered. "I just bought enough stuff to whip up some good ol' pad thai."

"Well... I don't know," he answered. "I mean, Bambam did mention that you almost poisoned him once. And I heard from hyung that Jisoo once stopped you from almost burning down the kitchen of your shared dorm."

Lisa's eyes squinted and threw dagger stares at him. He suddenly felt scared for his life.

"Here I am being hospitable and a good homeowner by offering my neighbor some food yet you're throwing insults at me. Dick move, Jeon. Dick move."

"I uh—" He gulped. He'd rather die from poisoning than being murdered by the Thai girl. "Well we all know Bambam exaggerates most of the time and kitchen accidents happen often so... sure, why not!"

Lisa grinned. Wow. How gullible.

"Great!" She patted her tall neighbor's shoulder and smiled. "Just relax and make yourself at home. This will be quick."

Jungkook obeyed her like a good puppy. Her opinion of him changed drastically. His opinion of her, though, didn't. He still thinks she's quite scary. But she does have a really beautiful smile. He liked that.

•••

"Okay. Now I know Bambam was really exaggerating. This pad thai is really good!"

Lisa grinned widely as Jungkook commended her cooking. Truth be told, she really sucks as cooking. But having a Masterchef for a father does have its perks.

"Well now, give the poison a chance," she joked. " Give it a few more minutes to take effect."

The look on Jungkook's face was priceless. She couldn't help herself from laughing so hard she fell from the sofa. She felt a short sting by her rib but she was laughing so hard she didn't even bother with it.

"Ya! Be careful!" Jungkook said as soon as she fell and realized he was being fooled. "You know, for a person who got into an accident and almost died, you're quite rowdy, aren't you?"

"It's cause you look like you were about to shit yourself," she defended while still laughing. The pain by her rib was getting more noticeable that she flinched a bit.

"See?" Jungkook helped her sit back up straight. "Stop straining yourself. You're not fully recovered yet."

"Aww. Look at you being all concerned."

Lisa felt more and more comfortable with the guy. Yup, she still pretty much hates him for what he did to Chaeyoung but if the girl had already forgiven him, she should as well. And besides, life's too short to wallow in hatred. Also, she owed him for saving her life.

"I told you, I'm not as bad as you think I am."

His pout was quite adorable. A grown ass man with long hair and tattoos peaking on the sleeve of his sweater pouting like a toddler is really a sight to behold. One wouldn't even dare think at the charismatic bad-boy who flashes his washboard abs on live television would be capable of being cute like this. She couldn't help but pinch his cheek. Both of them.

"Sure, sure."

"Ow! That hurt!"

Again, she chuckled. She was about to grab the glass of water on the coffee table when her phone suddenly rang. Coincidentally, Jungkook's phone rang too. He stood up and went to the balcony to answer it.

"Hello?"

•••

"Hyung? Why'd you call?"

"Kook. You're neighbors with Lisa, right?"

"Yeah," he answered. "In fact, I'm inside her place right now."

"Oh? That's great then—"

"Is that Jungkook? He's with Lisa right?" she heard a woman's voice over the line. It was Jisoo noona.

"Yes I—"

"Give it—Hello, Kook?" Yup. It was really Jisoo. But he can clearly sense distress in the tone of her voice. She usually speaks calmly. "Hi. You're with Lisa right now?"

"Yes, noona," he replied. "Why?"

"Can... Can you do me a favor and make sure she doesn't check her phone for a while? Please, Jungkook. She can't find out—"

It was too late. He heard a loud "thud" coming from inside and saw a shocked Lisa standing over a now broken phone.

"Kook? What was that noise?"

"It's too late, noona. I'll call you back later."

He immediately ran back towards the living room and grabbed the phone from the floor. Lisa was still hovering over it but her face was pale and it looked like she was about to pass out any minute.

He flipped the phone and the news from dispatch was the first thing he saw.

[BREAKING] Dispatch reveals EXO's Sehun and BLACKPINK's Lisa Have Been Dating For One Year

•••
"...and I might be okay but I'm not fine at all."
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05 - 09 - 2021