YOONGI POV:

When Joon-ah rushes in cheeks red- it's a mixture of exertion as well as embarrassment, bags swinging wildly in his hands as he makes an immediate beeline for the kitchen, the sound of his apologies filtering through to the living room where we've all reclined onto the carpet- finally finished with cleaning as we snack and watch the movie Hobi had turned on.

And when he reappears in the living room sans bags, he's smiling at us.

"What got you so held up? I know Jin hyung said you could head off to that book-café, but surely you didn't forget his list?" I ask, movie paused as we watch him enter further in, dropping down beside me.

The smile on his face doesn't slide off with embarrassment, it widens and causes his dimples to deepen- the indents attractive against his cheeks- a paler version of the honeyed warmth his complexion usually has in the summer.

I lean forward to briefly peck his cheek in greeting before leaning back, waiting for him to speak.

"I did go to the book-café but ended up losing track of time." he says.

"Book that interesting huh?" Tae muses from where he's lazily sprawled across Hobi's lap, tugging Hobi's hand to his head in a blatant invitation to pet his hair.

As Hobi obliges Joonie shakes his head.

"Not a book...(Y/N). I met her at the book-café." He confesses, drawing interested eyes who are now glued intently on him, mine included.

"Oh? Is that why you took so long?" I ask.

He nods, ducking his head to hide the shy smile on his face but I spot it, smiling down at him.

"She's thinks in such a unique way and she has such a beautiful way of looking at the world." He mumbles, stirring up fondness in my heart.

Because I can agree that her thoughts are complex yet beautiful, there's something so compelling about her that makes me want to just sit there and talk to her about music, excited that perhaps our unfinished conversation from last time can be continued. That now I know that when she said she worked with music; it was also as a dancer. I'd seen for myself just how beautifully she communicated and connected with the music when she'd danced- it almost felt like a guilty thought to admit that her dance holds a level of control, passion and finesse that seems far more advanced than the years of dancing the others have put in. As if she possesses an innate talent for it.

Jin hyung appears in the living room a few moments later, breathing out a deep sigh of relief.

"That's all the food prep done." He says.

"You should've let us help hyung, there are some of us who can cook." I say, grinning when Tae and Joon especially let out an affronted yell.

He shakes his head with a resolute expression.

"She challenged my expertise, so makes sense she'll taste mine too. So I can make her eat her words." He says, grinning despite the flushed state his face is in from bustling around so much, working hard.

It makes me feel fond to see the way he's going to such lengths for (Y/N) and know that this dinner will also give us the opportunity to thank her for helping Jimin, something we couldn't get to do properly.

That Jimin can finally give her, her pink mittens back.

And then hyung's eyes fly to the clock, widening with alarm.

"Look at the time. Go on...get ready." He says.

And though there's nothing wrong with the way we're dressed- I feel gross from the amount of chores and work I've done in them.

"Go on. We're not heathens, you clean up really nice." He says, trying to nudge us into getting up by using sweet words.

"What about you hyung? Don't you clean up nice?" Jiminie asks, head cocked, lips quirked up in a smile.

"I always look nice Jiminie baby." He corrects, tugging him up to kiss him hard and deep before sending him off.

And I tug Kookie up, the rest of them shifting as we go to get changed, because as hyung said...we can't be looking like heathens when she turns up. I can't be having a conversation about music when I look a mess. Not at all.

----

And despite all the preparing and cleaning and fussing we did over the small details, trying to make sure we don't make her feel uncomfortable, that she doesn't feel pressurised and yet when the doorbell rings, it seems to throw everyone into a momentary chaos- a flurry of flailing limbs, barely hushed shouts, and fidgety bodies.

I extract myself from Hobi's vice grip and head to the door, smiling at the din that threatens to rise from the living room. I pull the door open, smiling at (Y/N) who's smiling shyly with the bouquet of flowers she's holding and the bag that hangs from her wrist.

"Hi (Y/N), welcome to the madhouse." I quip as I stand aside to let her in, noting that my remark has her smile coming a bit more freely as she steps inside. She delicately slides her shoes off, shifting the bouquet into one hand as she bends down to place them neatly near the shoe rack before straightening up. And I take a close deep look at her, noting that she seems a bit weak still, that she doesn't look how I last saw her. But she still smiles, rosy lips parted prettily to reveal pearly whites, hair tumbling around and framing her face in silky waves, part of her hair pinned to the side by an embellished hair clip. It suits her.

I realise I've been staring and snap out of it, feeling my cheeks warm.

"Come in." I say, gesturing to the living room, allowing for her to pass by me first- catching faint floral notes as she passes, a gentle waft and as I follow I rub the back of my head sheepishly- for just silently gaping, I hope it didn't make her uncomfortable. It wouldn't be the ideal start to tonight.

But when she steps through, the others are trying to balance the fine line between trying not to overcrowd her immediately and failing terribly at it- enthusiasm and joy spread wide and clear across each of their faces.

Jin hyung is beaming at her, head tilted down towards her as she shyly brings the bouquet forward.

"Oh sweetheart you didn't need to." He says the term of endearment slipping out immediately.

I tense fearing the moment where it causes her face to shutter, for the emotion to be pushed back but am pleasantly surprised to see that she smiles at it, that there's a light dust of rose on her cheeks as she accepts his fussing and cooing. I watch as his beam threatens to split his face when she also brings the bag forward, not even sparing a glance to its content because he's so endeared by her sweet gesture.

And it's only when the others swarm to her, bees drawn to the honey allure of her natural self, that Jin hyung retreats to set the bag down, a glance inside making a touched look appear on his face.

And (Y/N) is silently accepting of the way Hobi and Jiminie fuss and ask her if her health is perfectly restored, even though their faces don't hold distress as they fret. And Tae beams at her, boxy grin causing his face to light up as he greets her and says that they need to go on another photography trip together, only relinquishing her to Joonie.

Joonie smiles as he tells her how happy he is to see her again, dimpled smile on full display when she signs him something- clearly understanding and eyes alighting with recognition.

And yet its Kookie who shows the proper manner of hospitality of ushering her to the couches to sit down before he begins talking to her, toothy bunny grin comes as he says he's happy to see her well and then regaling her with a lamenting whining rant about how some unknown person has claimed the top spot on DDR. The rest of us gravitate towards the sofas, watching endeared as Kookie's spiel about how if he can't place himself at number one then their competition can't really begin.

(Y/N)'s intrigued, interested expression slides off, giving way to a bright knowing grin that she shoots to his thrown back head.

And even if she doesn't say a word, somehow it's seamless the way we're able to communicate, seeing her expressive eyes speak volumes, conversation flowing easily.

And when Namjoon signs something to her, she cocks her head, hair falling to the side in a glossy wavy curtain as she thinks before nods.

(Y/N) POV:

I didn't think finding an outfit would be this hard. Didn't know that the prospect of dinner would make me such a fluttery mess that I'd eased those jitters by expelling that pent-up energy through baking, making pastel macarons to gift them, having called Habaek oppa on the way back to pick up some boxes and cute ribbons from the bakery shop on the way back.

And I'd fidgeted in my outfit until Mi-sun unnie had softly reassured me I looked fine and told me to be safe as I stepped out with the car keys in hand, telling me to enjoy myself.

I find myself brimming with excited anticipation as I drive, stepping out with the bag and bouquet I'd stopped by at the florists to hand pick each flower- hoping that my gesture wasn't underprepared for the seven of them.

Yoongi was kind and gentle and welcoming as he opened the door, his joking remark immediately setting me at ease and I'd entered with trepidation only to have that all instantly wiped away with the eagerness and excitement they all exhibited towards me; genuinely pleased to have me there.

Which made conversation with them seem so easy, made sitting next to Jungkook easy and familiar somehow- touched with the way that they'd all had something different to talk about- something all relating to the way I knew them.

And it had been so satisfying to hear Jungkook rant about the unknown S who'd claimed the top spot- hearing him whine about not being able to beat them out to number one and the way our competition couldn't begin until he did so was making it hard to repress the giggles I was dying to let out, to tap him and say that S was me.

But I couldn't help the bright smile that stretched across my face when he threw his head back to glare at the ceiling- finding the gesture both amusing and endearing; the petulant pout softening his face with a childish innocence.

And then Namjoon signs to me.

Whether I want him to get a large whiteboard so I could talk to them. It didn't matter to me which mode of communication we used- I'd used my phone often or a notebook but maybe a whiteboard would be best to communicate with all seven of them at once.

So I nod.

But it turns out that Namjoon's arduous labour of carrying it into the living room, muscles in his arm shifting as he sets it down is futile because no sooner does he turn to voice his idea that Seokjin stands up, announcing that we should eat dinner.

I smile sympathetically at Namjoon, who shakes his head in mock betrayal before following me into the large space which is a large room connected to the adjacent spacious kitchen. I feel my eyes rove with awe and admiration at the dazzling shine to it, the way the equipment are all colour coordinated and it's flawless in its layout. I'd love to work and be given an opportunity to be let loose in this kitchen.

I dither around the large table, a long stretch of wood- worn well and carrying signs of a well-lived in family and the casual seating of chairs that surround it. I don't know where to sit.

"(Y/N) sit next to me!" Taehyung says brightly, patting the back of the chair next to him.

I nod, grateful my decision is made for me, and begin to walk around when Jungkook exclaims aloud.

"No next to me." he says patting a seat on the opposite end.

And then Hoseok and Jimin call for me to sit between them.

The other three remain quiet, giving me the space to make the decision- quirking lips showing that they know just how well I've been pulled to a standstill.

"Leave her be! (Y/N) will be sitting next to head chef, aka me." he says with a tone of finality, the grumbling silenced immediately with the authoritative air he naturally exudes in that moment, for all the way he grins victoriously when I slide into the seat next to him, his oven mitts sliding off as he sets the pot in the centre.

But when I sit down the next seat to me is claimed immediately by Yoongi, who subtly slides in whilst the others stand there huffing.

And the exclaim of protests make me press my hand to my mouth, repressing the laughter even as I feel my eyes crease- feeling warm with the way the atmosphere is so welcoming and natural- making me feel how genuine their family ambience is.

And seated between the two is how dinner begins, a normal flow of chatter and before I can even go to reach out to serve myself, I find Seokjin and Yoongi from either side begin to fill my plate, piling on portions of each dish- feeling my heart twist when Seokjin before even serving each dish asks me if I'm allergic to certain ingredients or don't have preferences for certain tastes. His concern for me is touching and yet when I begin to eat, chopsticks and cutlery dithering over the many things to try, he watches my expression with a warm expression.

Grinning when he sees my eyes widen at the taste.

"Great isn't it?" he asks, but there's a note of vulnerability- as if he's silently waiting for my affirmation.

I nod quickly, shooting him a double thumbs-up and watching as it causes his eyes to light up.

And as conversation takes on several different turns, inside jokes and personal anecdotes thrown in- it's a mixture of wistfulness and happiness. Because the natural ease and deep love they share is apparent and reminds me of the bond I have with Habaek oppa and Mi-sun unnie but there's also a touch of something more, the way hands lingers and eyes catch onto each other- something hidden and unspoken and intimate in them, and just slightly it makes me wish to have the slightest chance of experiencing a shred of that in the future.

And I feel my cheeks flame when I realise what I'd walked into last dance session, reminded by the way Hoseok goes to feed Jungkook a mouthful and his fingers linger on the corner of his mouth, cleaning up a non-existent errant crumb.

"Yah! Not at the dinner table." Yoongi admonishes from my left side.

And when we're done I immediately rise, to help take the dishes back in and help Seokjin sort out the leftovers, filling them into plastic containers to store in the fridge.

"You don't have to (Y/N)." he says more than once.

I shake my head, indicating it's fine.

"Doing this won't get you out of accepting I'm the best chef though." He teases, coaxing a smile out of me easily.

And after that I join Tae on washing up duty, who'd grumbled and whined several times but perks up immediately when I stand by his side, tapping him lightly on the shoulder to get his attention at first.

And though the others protest vocally several times I wave them off.

It's the least I can do when they've been so welcoming and kind to me- never letting me feel excluded for a single moment.

Jimin suggests some games to pass the time until dessert, charades being the popular option that wins out. Just watching them play, the eight of us divided into two teams makes me realise how in sync they are with each other- quickly picking up on the weirdest and most unique gestures they make.

But I'm no stranger at charades, about having to communicate through mimes and silent gestures- in a bitterly ironic way, my life is like charades- but leaning more on the game aspect of it, never truly knowing whether I'll win or lose in it.

And also, charades happens to be one of the games the three of us frequent on late nights- when boredom wins out and our ridiculous miming and acting draws pealing laughter and breathless wheezes.

So it's easy to guess when Namjoon as my team member decides to mime out a book he'd read, the others looking stumped and aghast at his miming- Jungkook complaining that we won't win and Hobi cackling as he leans into him, laughing at the way Namjoon genuinely begins to look frustrated that no-one can seem to guess.

But it's easy. His gestures that is.

He keeps gesturing to himself. And then this motion gesture of going over something. And then pointing to us, each of us in turn.

It's easy. Three words.

Me before you.

And I rush to write it on the whiteboard, holding it in front of me- smiling when Namjoon sinks to his knees in relief, nodding eagerly.

And when I get up I mime throwing something and then catching it. Then acting as if whatever I've caught is burning in my hands.

And though Namjoon's face lights up in recognition, Jungkook and Hobi excitedly yell they just saw this movie- it's Taehyung who yells out victoriously crowing the name.

"Catching fire!" he yells, laughing even as the others yell at him for playing for the wrong team again. But his bright grin and the way he writhes as he's tickled by Jimin is so infectious that I find myself drawn and captured at the sight.

The games come to a close with our victory, Seokjin and Yoongi coming out bearing dessert alongside coffee. Taehyung leans to pass me a steaming mug of black coffee watching as my face wrinkles, nose scrunching as I imagine the bitter taste- black coffee is a no-no, even in desperate times of caffeine it's a heavily lightened and sweetened cup.

He smiles empathetically.

"Yeah coffee sucks!" he mutters vehemently before handing me a plate of cake, I smile as I note that my macarons have made it onto the tray too, plated delicately in a colourful pattern.

"Ooh these are fancy hyung, what patisserie did you go to?" Namjoon asks, leaning forward- hand dithering over the different colours.

I smile at his excitement, feeling warmth fan out across me as he compliments them- and smile as the others lean over to pluck some- humming happily around their mouthfuls.

And it's only when everyone's eaten a few apiece does Seokjin speak after a small sip of his coffee.

"(Y/N) brought them. I don't know the name either." He murmurs, looking at me with the others who stare wide-eyed.

I make a tentative gesture to myself, watching as Jungkook's eyes widen.

"You made them!" he says.

I nod, feeling my cheeks warm when the others stare.

"Damn. Jin hyung time to hang up that apron." Yoongi quips, drawing laughter from the others, a smile from me and a huffy pout from Seokjin.

And it's as I'm taking a bite of cake that Namjoon speaks up next to me.

"Your parents must be so proud of all your achievements. I know my parents would die with happiness if I had even half of your skills." He quips, taking a sip of his coffee.

But the cake in my mouth turns to sawdust, the soft spongy texture and buttercream turning from sweet to acrid in my mouth. With difficulty I swallow my mouthful, going to the extent of ending up taking that coffee, taking a deep sip of the dark concoction- the bitterness burning a hot trail down my throat and trying to take away the unpleasant nauseating feeling with it. I silently grimace at the taste, even as Taehyung laughs and says its too bitter- but its too late anyways.

The pleasant comforting feel of the atmosphere seems to be slipping away and all it took was for Namjoon to make a comment.

A well-intended comment.

But I can't help but wander how they'd react if they'd saw me now. Would they be happy that I'd survived or would they look at me with changed eyes, that their eldest child had escaped death when her siblings went to a watery grave.

It makes my stomach churn.

Even as I try to push that feeling back.

And I hide it behind the bitterness of the coffee and the silence I always revert to, pretending to be engrossed in hearing Jimin and Hoseok discuss dance- nodding absent-mindedly in agreement with them. 

But behind that gesture is the beginning of a gnawing pit in my stomach, threatening to end the beautiful memory of today with a sickening mess.

(THERE YOU GO! THE DINNER!! I HOPE YOU ALL ENJOYED IT AND IT WAS EASY TO IMAGINE WITH THE WAY THEY ALL DOTED OVER HER AND WERE SUPER EXCITED TO SEE HER AND SPEND TIME WITH HER COS SHE'S THEIR PRECIOUS FRIEND AND THEY DON'T KNOW IT YET BUT THIS BABY SIREN WILL BE TAKEN UNDER THEIR WINGS AND CODDLED, SHE WILL BECOME THE APPLE OF THEIR EYES. AHHH! I WONDER WHERE THE NEXT CHAPTER WILL TAKE US- EXCITED TO WRITE IT!! STAY SAFE AND TAKE CARE! LET ME KNOW YOUR THOUGHTS MY LOVELIES!! AND WE HAVE REACHED 20K READS, THANK YOU SO SO MUCH MY LOVES FOR YOUR SUPPORT AND LOVE TOWARDS MY WRITING!)

QUESTION...SOMETHING YOU WANT TO DO TO CHANGE YOUR APPEARANCE SLIGHTLY?

Mine is...hopefully at my next optician's appointment I'll be able to order grey contacts!

Borahae! 💜💜💜

PurpleQueenie <3