rip #namjoy

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JOY

I hissed as my finger touched the steaming curling iron, unconsciously moving it to my mouth. I sucked on what would soon be a burn mark before setting down the iron and walking to my bathroom.

I turned the sink to cold and ran my finger under it for a few seconds.

When I was younger, a maid would do my hair, but now I prefer to do it on my own, as well as my makeup. It was times like these, though, where I would rather have them do it.

Once I finished with my hair, I started on my makeup. I had to spend more time on my under eyes, covering the bags and puffiness on my skin. Some concealer and powder were my best friends right now.

I had been crying for most of the night, and it wasn't helping my look today. It was Christmas, for goodness sake, I didn't need to be upset or frustrated.

Soft thumps echoed through the wood of my door, and I let out a, "Come in!"

The door creaked open and Taehyung stood in an all green suit; his hair was styled in waves to the side and a gold watch sat on his exposed wrist. He looked me up and down, grimacing as he took in the fact I was still in my pajamas and white cream sat under my eyes.

"Well you're not getting anywhere." He raised an eyebrow as a hint to his playful attitude.

I glared, turning back to my mirror. "I can't believe we had a Christmas Eve party last night; and now we have to attend a Christmas luncheon."

"Why can't you believe it? This happens every year. Mom and dad are so exhausted; they're yelling in the suite and it's only," Taehyung stared down at his watch, "Eight thirty in the morning."

"And that's another thing. You know, mom's new maid came and woke me up at seven today? I don't understand the concept of being early. Who is there to mingle with that you didn't drink with last night?"

"Speaking of last night, was I drunk or was your lover shoving everyone out of his way to get to his car and drive off?"

I gulped, my hand finding its place on my chest where my heart was. Tears threatened to spill over the makeup I had placed on my cheeks.

Hold yourself up like you were taught to! Don't cry or you're weak.

I sat up tall, running my hands through the solid curls of my hair. "You were probably drunk but you still saw correctly."

Taehyung took the liberty of sprawling onto my bed. Playing with his collar, he continued, "So... what happened?"

"Oh, this and that, but we broke up."

Taehyung immediately sat up. "What do you mean you broke up?"

"Well you know when two people are in a relationship and they decide to separate—"

"Joy, of course I know what break up means. I meant why?"

I didn't want to think about it. I'd feel the need to cry even more, and I can't cry. That's pitiful.

"Apparently, this life is too much for him." I began to giggle. "Isn't that funny? Well anyway, what are you expecting for Christmas this year?"

Taehyung blinked a few times. "Are you okay?"

Of course I'm not okay. I just don't want you to know I'm not okay.

"Tae, I'm totally fine! It's Christmas, lighten up." I shrugged my shoulders twice. "You have gold watches and I have diamond necklaces, what is there to not be okay about?"

"Since when did you gloat about our money?"

"It's just us two, silly. I'm not gloating if you have money, too."

Taehyung stood up and put a hand on my shoulder. "Okay... well, you'll tell me if you're not okay, right? I'm driving, too, so we can leave the luncheon whenever."

I took in a deep breath then put on my best smile to look up at my brother. "Of course, Tae. I'll see you in a bit."

He pat my head and walked to the door. "Don't wear too tight of a dress or your stomach rolls will show!"

I threw a makeup brush at him, but Taehyung shut the door just in time.

As soon as he was gone, I looked back into the mirror. Namjoon and I had broke up, I retold myself.

After remembering the events of last night, I had to redo my makeup.

NAMJOON

I told Jungkook I'd be gone by the morning. However, around one in the afternoon, I found myself in the bed I had fallen asleep in. I didn't know what was worse: my hang over or the lingering knot in my chest.

I felt groggy; my mouth was dry, my head hurt, and I'd have to find a way downstairs and out the door without anyone noticing me. It was Christmas morning, though, so Jungkook's family had probably ventured out to another Christmas gathering.

I let myself believe that as I slipped on my shoes. There was a bathroom connected to the bedroom I was given, but I decided to just wait till I got back to the dorms — I wasn't in the mood to ask for a toothbrush.

Quietly, I slid the door open and creeped out, holding onto the handle until the door fully shut so as to make no noise at all.

I whipped forward and almost body-slammed Jungkook.

"Woah!" He held tightly onto the platter in his hands; it held a cup of coffee and a few pastries. The dishes on the platter waddled slightly due to Jungkook's sudden halt.

I stepped back. "Sorry, I was just leaving."

"Oh," Jungkook's gaze wandered. "Gigi wanted me to bring you some tartlets."

I looked down at the round, pie-like pastry on the silver platter. Man, I was hungry.

I found myself eating breakfast with Jungkook. Apparently, his grandparents had left early in the morning for another event that would last all day. Jungkook had decided not to attend this year.

There was tension in the silence, and I could tell we were both trying to chew slowly, as if it would make a softer sound.

I couldn't take it any longer; I slammed my fork down on the table. "How long?"

Jungkook looked up, confused.

"How long have you liked her?"

Jungkook gulped and placed his utensils down. "Do we have to talk about this right now?"

"Are you kidding me? Jungkook, if you have any flaw, it's that you can't speak about things when it needs to be spoken about."

Jungkook exhaled, dropping his face into his hands. "Since Halloween?"

Namjoon scoffed, shaking his head. "I should have known. All those study dates, as if you were just helping her with homework."

"I hope you know she never did anything. Ever. This whole time her eyes have only been on you."

I stood up. "Of course I knew she wouldn't do anything, but do I really trust you, Jungkook?"

He remained silent but held my stare.

"Thanks for the food and a place to stay, but I need to leave. I can't really look at you right now."

Jungkook stood up. "Namjoon, wait, let's talk!"

I turned away. "I'll see you back at the dorms."

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