YOONGI POV:

I smile when I note all six of them in the stands cheering me on, holding cute signs and wearing matching colours- not that I'd ever admit it aloud. I can't stop smiling as I play, hearing their loud bright yells and cheers filter through the other noises, bolstering me on to play better, harder just for them.

And I don't stop smiling even as we all pile into the car and drive home, the others waiting with food, blankets, and cuddles when I come back from showering- arms open invitingly for me to slide in and just enjoy the time with them.

I pull Kookie close, smiling when he happily nestles into my side, entangling our legs as I draw a blanket over the two of us, pressing a kiss to his awaiting pouty lips.

"You were amazing hyung." He breaths against my lips, before moving to pepper sweet slow kisses against my skin, ducking down to press a final kiss to my neck before curling around me again. I feel my heart swell with the love I have for him, for the others who've stuck by me all this time. Hobi and Jiminie are curled up together on the adjacent couch, murmuring softly between themselves, faces alight with a soft hope and then they turn to shoot me bright loving smiles. Everyone is slotted around easily with each other, Tae situated between hyung and Joon. Everyone has their place here, everything clicks- we're all wandering souls who found each other.

But as I think of that my mind suddenly drifts off to a lost soul with deep eyes that hold a world of untold stories, of a soul who drifted into Magic Shop and smiled despite hurting. And I wonder if she has people to help keep her adrift and just for a few moments with Kookie sighing happily in my arms, I wonder whether she has anyone to hold her when life gets too much.

(Y/N) POV:

I sit on my bed, blanket lying on my lap as I stare at the card, the hypnotic allure of Hoseok's promise, his words which could change so much, help me cope so much better.

I look up when there's a knock at the door, Habaek oppa pokes his head in, smiling brightly when he sees me already up.

"Morning cherub." He chirps before stepping in, eyes falling to the card in my hands- slight curiosity in his features.

"Mi-sun wouldn't say anything about the dance lesson. She was just very happy to tell me that she'd left you with two guys." He says, walking closer.

I lift my blanket from the side, a clear invitation for him to get in if he wants and he beams, an excited yell coming out of his throat before he eagerly dives in, wrapping his long limbs around me as he lifts me up, plopping me onto his lap, hugging me from behind.

"Hoseok offered to move me to an advanced class. He thinks I can dance better." I confess, turning to look at him.

He hums thoughtfully before a bright smile spreads across his lips.

"Well...I know you can dance better. You didn't spend the good part of a few decades training in some of the best centres in the world and performing on some of the biggest stages to be in a beginner's class." He says, nudging me playfully with a proud gleam in his eyes.

His words stir up memories of masks, costumes, spotlights, of the world melting away until there was only me and the music. Of months training endlessly, coming home drenched in sweat, muscles aching and protesting but feeling so, so satisfied and proud that I'd managed to nail a dance or if that day's performance had gone particularly well.

"One of my favourites was the birth of the black swan." He adds, tugging me further into him, head resting on my shoulder.

I smile at him.

Perhaps one of the earliest dances I'd done, performed one a stage that perhaps now lay in ruins or was shut down. It was a dance I helped choreograph- a dance based on rebirth because for us, moving to a different city, a different location was a rebirth- another chance at starting afresh and making new memories, settling down in different cultures.

"Mine too. So I was thinking that maybe I'd give it a chance...maybe it would help with the memories and the—" I tail off but he nods understandingly, smiling encouragingly.

"Do what makes you happy cherub. I'll support you anyways. I came to ask if you wanted to go swimming- it's been some time since we've gone, not counting our service." He says starting off with a hopeful tinge, eyes wide and soft as he looks at me before tailing off bitterly.

I reach down to cup his face, look at him seriously.

"Let's go. Swim to your heart's content oppa, I know how much being in the water meant to you before we became sirens." I say softly, watching as he looks at me with soft eyes that flicker with hurt and memories of his past.

"I'd like that." He replies.

And when he smiles, I smile back.

----

I stifle a laugh at the desperate look for help Habaek oppa sends me from one end of the pool, eyes wide and needy and lips repeatedly mouthing the phrase and shake my head slowly- leaving him to be tormented by the sudden fawning and heavy attention he's receiving. He's backed against one corner of the pool, a few interested women arching their chests forward, bodies skimp in barely-there swimwear. Poor oppa- maybe I'll rescue him after watching for a while longer.

I continue to swing my legs through the water, hands pressed against the tiles- not wanting to slip into the water just yet, smiling at the feeling of the warm water swishing and sloshing gently around my shins.

This side is the deep end so it's barely occupied, the few intense swimmers doing laps to and fro from one end to the other, the shallow end occupied with a few people. It's not busy- which just makes the experience that much better. And just as oppa shoots me a burning glare, eyes promising revenge if I don't come help, I'm about to get up, swinging my legs out of the water as I stand- the view of him suddenly obscured because of a sudden splash, a swimmer diving straight into the pool, swimming swiftly forward. I walk around, picking my way through the few people to get to oppa- ignoring the few glances that linger.

"I'm so sorry, but please. I am not interested." Habaek oppa can be heard as I approach, voice taking on a tinge of panicked desperation, body pressed tightly against the side of the pool, hands pressing down harshly.

One woman leans forward, eyes thick with lust as she daringly takes her hand out to trail across his body but before she can place it on his chest, my hand darts out to grip the wrist, steering it very clearly away from him in a blatant gesture of 'hands off'. Her eyes don't glaze over with the natural allure we all emit as a siren, which just tells me that I can maintain control over my pheromones- my mind exulting victoriously over the fact.

It means I don't need to fear it as much as I had been.

But the woman glares at me, smile twisted into a vicious smirk; and the sight of it makes me pleased, smile wider- giving her the wrong intention but at this moment I can't feel happy with the newfound knowledge.

And I gently tap his bare shoulder, he pulls himself up out of the pool, water sloshing as he stands and I can't help but smile at how adorably sweet it is when he places himself behind me, still clearly apprehensive of the women, though he continues to tower behind me.

And his arms wrap around my shoulders, steering me away from those women who stare at us as we leave, with glares adorning their faces.

"Thank you cherub. Any longer and I was scared that my pheromones would start secreting in my panic." He murmurs and I feel slightly bad for wating out that long.

"But don't think I missed your little trick. I'm not sure I want to cuddle you anymore." He says, voice serious and disapproving as he steps to my side, eyes going to glower at a man who's stopped to gawp.

I shake my head pleadingly at him, trying to widen my eyes as I silently ask him not to do that but he just laughs, deep and joyous as he plops down to where I had been sitting, tugging me down with him.

My legs slide back into the water, alongside oppa's, just sitting in the blue water as I turn to him.

"Shouldn't have gone off without me then! What would you have done if I hadn't been there?" I ask, nudging him playfully.

He mock-groans, clutching at his side before straightening when he realises I'm not going to fuss over his imaginary injury.

"I'd be lost without my little protector! My dashing knight!" he exclaims rousing a giggle from me. We sit side by side watching as someone comes swimming towards this end, body propelling easily through the water before coming to a stop at the end.

I watch as the man surfaces, body straightening up, rivulets of water running down a black swim shirt, that clings to his clearly toned and muscled frame, outlining sculpted muscular biceps and a toned chest, leading down to the slightly visible outline of abs. I feel my face flush as I hurriedly trail my eyes up, feeling guilt for the way my eyes snagged onto his lean, toned frame. But when my eyes go to his face, I feel my mouth dry with shock- watching as he shakes his hair out of his face, hand going to push strands aside, revealing the face of someone familiar. My bunny from the day at the arcade. His eyes open, big brown doe eyes that land on us and widen on me, lips parting in a matching expression of shock before creasing into the familiar bunny smile that is so endearing, so innocent and contrasting to the masculine definition of his body.

He raises his hand to wave at me, face creased into a bright expression, wading forward through the water to approach me where I've paused in shock. But then he pauses, taking note of oppa who's glancing curiously at the two of us.

He dips his head into a small bow, shyness creeping onto his face.

Habaek oppa returns the gesture, silently taking in the situation. And as my leg slightly bumps his in the water, he turns with a soft understanding look, smiling at me.

"Find me if you need to." He says before getting up, a small squeeze to my shoulder before he leaves.

Because in that smile alone, bunny man had revealed that we knew each other.

"Ahh sorry...I only saw you first." He says sheepishly, smiling at me.

I shake my head, indicating it's fine.

"I didn't realise I'd see you here!" he chirps, voice gaining that beginning of excitement.

I nod eagerly, gesturing to him.

Me too.

"Do you swim? Or just like sitting on pool sides?" he teases, voice soft and mischievous.

I glare at him, shaking my head vehemently.

"You sure? Then prove it." He challenges, somehow already knowing that he's able to rouse up my competitive streak.

I'm already sliding into the water as he speaks, huffing when I see that his head and neck and top of his shoulders are above the water, I shift up so I don't go sinking to the watery depths. He wades over to the adjacent lane, eyes gleaming with challenge as he looks at me.

"3, 2, 1. Go!" he yells promptly beginning to swim, body slicing cleanly through the water as he swims. My own body moves into motion, legs propelling me forward, arms slicing through the water, the desire to win pushing me further down the lane, to move quicker. That part of me that knows he has the advantage of a taller frame doesn't faze me, I have a slighter frame and I intend to use that fully. The two of us straighten up, both of us sporting victorious expressions until we realise it's a draw.

And somehow, so easily his challenging assure face prompts me to compete with him, lap after lap until we decide who the victor is. I huff as he pumps his hands happily in the air, water splashing onto my face slightly and I can't begrudge him that happiness, not when his whole face is alight with the expression, eyes crinkled and happy laughter bubbling out- the sound so innocent, so joyous that I feel the frustration slip away to give to happiness for him.

When he's finished cheering he turns to me.

"You're not bad at all! Some of my hyungs have a hard time keeping up- you didn't. I'm impressed." He adds, and for some reason that stamp of approval warms me far more than it should.

He pulls himself out of the pool, water trailing down his shorts and his bare shins as he straightens up. But then he bends down, hand outstretched to help me up if I want to take it.

I hesitate. Do I take his hand? The incident earlier had taught me I had control over my pheromones and he's just being sweet and kind.

My hand reaches out to slide into his, feel the warmth of his skin under the slight slipperiness. He tugs me up, effortlessly, I watch as his arms glisten and the muscles in them visibly shift, his other hand coming to steady me, hovering over me but not touching.

When I've straightened up his hand leaves mine, and weirdly enough I miss the feel of the solid strength in it.

But he begins to walk away and then turns over his shoulder to look at me.

"Two things. One your hands are tiny! And two...wanna go on the slides?" he asks, easing the teasing remark with an eager offer, expression bright and awaiting.

I nod and follow him.

KOOK POV:

She's incredible. There's no other way to describe the burning competitiveness, the equally fervent need to win and best me. But also the way her slight frustration had slid off as she'd beamed, face radiant and sharing in my joy with me...happy for me I realised.

I still couldn't believe I'd met her here of all places. Didn't expect to come out of the water and turn to see her with her legs in the water, body clad in a sweet yet appealing swim suit. I felt my mouth dry when I saw the glistening sheen to her legs, saw the way the suit hugged and moulded to her curves, the glimpse of skin from the panel at her torso. I avert my eyes, rising to focus on her face- the familiar bright sweet face of arcade girl.

And now as we climbed the slightly slippery stairs to the waterslide, I couldn't help but trail my eyes nervously to her climbing in front of me, eyes nervously scanning each step, watching as she carefully climbed higher and higher- scared and concerned for her.

Her hand is on the rail, carefully navigating and I don't know why but when she turns to check on me, nervous look smoothened out to a smile makes me happy, makes me want to beam at her.

She stares excitedly to the inside of the large pipes of the slide, looks at the water that rushes through it too- gives me an exhilarated smile before she promptly drops down and lets go of the edges, whizzing down with a fast speed. I gawp at the now vacant entrance, at the suddenness of her vanishing and wait a few long moments before sitting down, figuring she'll be finished by the time I get down. And when I slide down I laugh at the feeling of swerving and sliding down the large pipes, allowing myself to be rushed away by it all. When the end of the slide comes into view, I suddenly find myself propelled quicker, sliding out into the end with a rush of water, surprised when I find a familiar figure just reaching to get out.

My body collides with hers, the force strong enough despite all my tensing and resistance to propel her forward and face-first into the small pool, diving in through to the depths of the water.

I wait for her to reappear, staring anxiously at the water when suddenly she flails, breaking the surface with a loud splash, mouth parted in a gasp, eyes wide and panicked, hair plastered to her head and frantically shifting and twisting in the water, hands grappling to get out. I reach out to tug her out, arms landing around her waist as I pull her up, pick her up and move her to the side where it's empty, kneeling worriedly in front of her.

"Are you okay? I'm so, so sorry- I suddenly slipped and..." I tail off when I note that nervous tremors and shivers are wracking her frame, her body hunched over, the posture so raw and vulnerable.

I feel alarm and worry flood me, push aside the guilt and force myself to focus on her.

"I'm...I'm going to put my hands around you." I say carefully but when she doesn't respond I reach out to wrap my arms around her, holding her towards me, she doesn't resist but she doesn't curve into the touch either. I assure her that she's fine, she's safe now. And slowly she begins to loose the stiffness in her posture, the tremors abate and slowly she lifts her head- eyes looking red and wet but no tears have fallen.

She looks shaken. Disturbed.

"Are you okay?" I ask softly.

She nods slowly at first but then again to reassure me, dredging a slightly trembly smile.

She straightens up, face creased apologetically but before she can do anything I shake my head.

"It's my fault, not yours. And you can't help it- we all have things we're afraid of." I say, helping her stand back up, seeing the slight shakiness to them.

"Do you want me to help find the man you were with?" I ask, hands hovering nervously around her- fluttering with a panicky motion, ready to move if she needs help.

She smiles and nods, slowly turning to walk- head darting slightly to try and locate him.

We're near the exit to the pool when she stops, head turned towards a corner where the man is turning away from a few other men, eyes catching onto her.

And then he's hurrying forward, expression worried and alert as he gently puts his hands on her, bending down to murmur softly to her.

And then he straightens up, eyes landing on me.

"Thank you so much. I don't want to imagine what would've happened if you weren't here." He says, bending his head in a show of gratitude.

"It's no problem, I'm glad I was there. Take care..." I tail off realising that despite meeting her for the second time I don't know her name and she doesn't know mine.

"(Y/N)." the man supplies helpfully, a fond smile as he looks at her.

"I'm---" but I get cut off when a violent shiver wracks her frame, immediately spurring the man into action. He bustles her close and turns to me apologetically, her body covered by his.

"I'm sorry, I should get her back home. Thank you again...." He says.

"Jungkook." I fill and he nods, taking note of the name.

"Thank you Jungkook. I hope one day I can show my thanks properly." He says sincerely.

I shake my head.

"It's fine. I hope she'll feel better. Bye (Y/N)- see you again." I add, calling to her.

Her head turns from around his frame, poking out slightly as she shoots me a small smile, nodding assuredly.

She waves at me before she's gone- flurried away by the protective, tall, handsome man.

The sight of her leaving makes me look on wistfully.

Already I find myself eager to see her again, wondering where it is that we'll meet.

(WOW....THE CHAPTER REALLY WENT ON LONGER THAN THE OTHERS BUT I HAVE NO COMPLAINTS- I LOVED SEEING (Y/N) AND KOOKIE HAVING A BLAST IN THE WATER- JUST ENJOYING THEMSELVES- THE PAIR OF CUTIES! MADE ME ALL SOFT AND WARM INSIDE FOR THE TWO! I PERSONALLY LOVE THIS BOND THE TWO ARE BEGINNING TO FORM- AHHHH! I'M EXCITED! AND FOR THE ONES WHO'VE COME FROM BOUND BY BLOOD- THIS IS MY APOLOGY AND GIFT TO MAKE IT UP FOR YOU- SORRY MY LOVES!! CHEER UP WITH THIS FLUFF! AND LET ME KNOW YOUR THOUGHTS MY LOVES!! AND STAY SAFE AND ENJOY!)

QUESTION...FAVOURITE THING TO BUY WHEN YOU SHOP APART FROM CLOTHES?

Mine is...jewellery and cute stationary.

Borahae! 💜💜💜

PurpleQueenie <3