"So you're actually a couple now? " Seokjin inquires.

Guk had insisted that I be here for this family talk, but I feel like melting into a puddle on the floor. Neither Jeonguk, nor Jin, have called attention to the incident that spurred Guk into action in the first place. And though Seokjin seems to be all smiles, I can't help but notice that it doesn't quite reach his eyes.

"Yes, " Jeonguk doesn't hesitate to answer.

It's odd, despite how shy he'd been before, there is no trace of it in him now. His hand is firmly grasping my own, our hands linked for everyone to see. In fact, since we'd arrived, Jeonguk has maintained skin contact, and I wonder if he isn't actually still nervous deep down.

"I'm happy for you, " Jin speaks softly.

"Yeah!" Taehyung exclaims, unable to keep himself out of the conversation any longer.

"I agree, " Jimin adds smugly, smirking like the cat that ate the canary. "I knew you were into her. It's about damn time!"

All around, Jeonguk's brothers smile. Save for Jin, who's face falls when he thinks no one is watching. A dose of worry, and a dash of disappointment, his expression is still just as inscrutable as before.

Jeonguk, too, isn't smiling.

For a moment, I'd hoped we'd move beyond the awkward confrontation that Guk had planned.

So what if Seokjin tried to kiss me?

He didn't, and it's over now. Now that Jeonguk and I are together, I'm sure everything should be fine. Jin doesn't strike me as that kind of man, so I find it curious that Jeonguk is making such a big deal out of this.

Especially since he'd been so adamant about us not being together.

But the set of his jaw is resolute. I've never seen Jeonguk so serious.

"You knew I liked her hyung, " Guk's hand grows increasingly more clammy, fingers grasping mine tighter as a result. "I know you disaprove of Alice, you've voiced your concerns. But I can't believe you would go so far as to try to kiss her."

Jeonguk's eyes are stormy, defiance and hurt battling for control within his toffee colored irises. They say that the eyes are the window to the soul, and if what I am looking at is Guk's soul, it's downright tumultuous. 

"Kookie, it isn't like that, " he pleads, "it didn't mean anything, really. I swear, it won't ever happen again, and I'll keep my concerns to myself. Just come home, okay?"

The wheels in my head are spinning, turning out of control. Seokjin had counciled Jeonguk against me? I don't know how to feel, or what to think. Given Jeonguk's initial overwhelming shyness, I'd agreed with Jin. I didn't think Jeonguk was really capable of being in a relationship, and to some extent, I'm still not sure how well this will work between us.

But…

I still want to try.

"No, " Jeonguk counters. "I need some space, I might not be home for a while."

Concern wrinkles itself into Seokjin's brow, and he furrows them. He looks, for a split second, as if he wants to say something, to argue against it. But he clamps his mouth shut, and regards Jeonguk solemnly. 

"I understand."

I take one look at Seokjin's crestfallen look, and I elbow my boyfriend's side gently, grabbing his attention.

"He's your brother, " I remind him softly.

Jeonguk softens a bit, and says "I promise I'll text you every day."

Jin looks at me curiously, but nods his head regardless. 

"I'll take what I can get."

Guk stands, and I rise with him.

"Don't do anything I wouldn't do!" Jimin hollers as we retreat.

"Yeah, be safe!" Taehyung yells. "Remember! Don't be a fool, wrap your tool!"

"That's rich coming from you!" Guk yells back, clearly embarrassed.

As we step out the door, a few of his brothers chuckle heartily. The sound fades as we shut the door, and Jeonguk takes a deep breath.

He is quiet, unusually so, as we board the bus. And that silence continues all the way home.

Even as I unlock the front door, and we step inside, his silence persists. The look on his face says he's thinking deeply about something, and I can't help but wonder if it's really okay for him to stay here.

Seokjin clearly doesn't approve, and I don't want him straining his relationship with his brother, especially not for my sake.

"Penny for your thoughts?"

He shakes his head, eyes wide and startled as he regards me with a blank stare.

"Sorry, " he mutters, eyes softening. "I was just thinking about summer break."

I remove my shoes, waiting patiently for him to continue as he stands there in my foyer, fidgeting with his hands.

"Summer break is in two weeks, " he reminds me. "Hyung is taking everyone to Jeju to celebrate my first winter break. I was wondering if you'd come if I invited you."

Jeonguk follows behind me, quickly removing his shoes before joining me in the kitchen.

"We have our own set of cabins, " he reveals, grinning bashfully, "out in the water so far out that all you can see is ocean for miles. I'd really like it if you came."

I smile, glad that it wasn't anything terribly serious weighing on him. 

"I'm not sure that's a great idea, " I reply, "I think it'd be best if you just go with your brothers. It'd give you guys some time to talk and work things out."

Jeonguk frowns slightly, youthful face marred by his obvious displeasure.

"If you're not going, I'm not either."

"Alright, " I cave, frowning slightly now myself. "I'll go."

His smile returns in full force, and an answering one teases at the corners of my mouth. But deep down, I can't help but worry.

I place my purse upon the table, and rummage through the fridge for something I can turn into an edible lunch. I sigh, frustrated as I realize that, yet again, my fridge is empty.

Why?

Why is my fridge always empty? I don't get it. I don't even eat that much, I swear.

I close the fridge and bend down to open the freezer. There are a couple of microwavable meals left over from when I had Lani over for the weekend, like, three weeks ago. But a quick examination of the separation date reveals that they are still good.

I sigh in relief.

Well, that was the sound that was supposed to come out of my mouth.

Instead, it comes out as more of a strangled yelp of surprise as I realize that Jeonguk is right behind me. I stand straight, meals in hand as I kick the freezer door shut. 

"You startled me!"

"Sorry, " he grins sheepishly.

He sits at the table, watching me with an odd, hungry look as I stand before the microwave. It dings, and I scramble to pull out the now warm meal, and serve it to Guk. I try to ignore the way he looks at me as I finish heating mine, but my efforts are wasted once I finally sit down.

"Looks like you need to go grocery shopping again, " he chuckles.

"Yeah, " I sigh. "I'm probably gonna head out after lunch. You're welcome to join me if you like."