(Y/N) POV:

I wave goodbye to the three of them as I step outside, the air slightly cooler now that the day's ending- I can't believe how quickly hours had flown by. And never realised that whilst I seemed to be at war with the crane machines, it seemed the opposite for the three of them.

It had been an unintentional competition when Kookie claimed he could win me one easily, far more easily than the struggle he'd seen me go through when we'd first met. My cheeks had flamed when I realised he had seen my silent struggle and the subsequent victory dance when I'd finally won the cookie plushie. And rather than make me feel challenged and annoyed, it had just made Jimin and Hoseok step up to machines on either side- claiming that they couldn't let their dongsaeng outshine them.

And that's how a fierce, very vocal battle of trying to win me a plushie had started, coins poured and pressed into the slot with haste and fierce determination as they tried to win one- each claiming their sights on one specific one each, rather than choosing the nearest one, or one that would've been easier to grasp using the claws.

And that was how after a furious and ridiculous amount of time and money invested by the four of us had I left with not a single victory, but three- one after the other as they'd scored me plushies; one pink bunny with bold eyebrows, one cute round dog in a yellow tracksuit and the third a horse plushie who had a heart shaped nose and Hoseok insisted was hiding his dazzling self from the world under what was a mask.

But I was touched and warmed by their gestures- that even as they'd bickered good-naturedly, unable to decide who the plushie master was that they'd gone to such extremes to win me them. All three of them held between my arms and cuddled close to me, unable to hide the wide smile across my face as I silently gushed over them. 

But then I'd caught track of time and knew that the two would be back by now, and soon enough calling when they came home to an empty house.

The three had followed my gaze and murmured about the others coming home by now.

So I'd waved goodbye and stepped out into the cool late afternoon air, wondering whether to call one of them to pick me up or trudge home by foot- knowing it would be early evening by the time I'd made it back.

But then Hoseok's voice fills the air from right behind me.

"Are you waiting for someone?" he asks.

I turn to look at him, shaking my head.

But my answer makes a sunny smile burst across his face.

"Let us give you a lift back then." He offers.

I dither, should I, shouldn't I?

He spots my uncertainty.

"I'm a good driver, don't tell Jin hyung but the best from the seven of us." he confides, eyes sparkling as he shoots me a conspirator's wink, voice dropping low- rich honeyed warmth as he leans closer too. The combined effect of all three has my cheeks warming, feeling slightly flustered as I note and see the shade of his eyes much closer- the shades of browns in them and the way he lips curve into an adorable heart shape when I nod, beaming at me.

"Great! You can sit up front." He says brightly.

I stare at him.

"That way you can type in your address and the other two won't fight." He says, grinning when I nod, leading the way to the car and predictably- the two do bicker as we walk, claiming it's their turn, only falling silent when Hoseok says I'll sit at the front.

It's a struggle to open the door with my arms full of plushies and I try to, fingers stretching out without loosening my hold to try and tug at the handle, not realising that Hoseok hadn't stepped around the driver side of the car, laughing softly- hand reaching out to open it for me, I step back as the door opens, fingers brushing against his and whilst the touch is minute- brief moments of feeling the warmth of his fingers against my own, it makes me want to flush. And I clamber into the passenger seat, trying to situate them properly until Jimin reaches forward to draw two back, to make my arms less full.

Hoseok smiles as he closes the door for me before stepping around and I busy myself with doing my seatbelt. 

"Go ahead." Hoseok gestures, tapping onto the navigation system.

I type in my address, trying not to focus on how closely his hand rests, naturally and confidently on the gearstick.

He leans forward to examine it and nods.

"I know the area slightly; I didn't realise you lived there. I wonder how I hadn't seen you before." He mumbles to himself.

I shake my head. He wouldn't know. We moved here not that long ago.

I type it onto my phone, angling it towards him.

He makes an 'ahh' sound of understanding.

"Just moved here. Must've only been a few months then." He surmises.

I nod. Typing again.

"The day at the supermarket was your first day here? It's only been a few months then." He comments, nodding to himself before turning to face the two in the back.

"Belts on babies." He says, shooting them a soft grin, I see that the two of them are each cuddling a plushie, nodding as they listen to do their belts.

And when Hoseok has deemed everyone ready, he begins to drive- the journey back filled with upbeat music. I note that even sitting down Hoseok's upper half moves along to the beat, unconsciously dancing and swaying.

And when we reach, the car pulling into the driveway I note that the three of them peer with interest at the exterior, Hoseok letting out a soft 'wow'

"That's a nice house. I know Jin hyung would just love it based on the outside." He comments.

"Right? Are you a secret millionaire (Y/N)- hiding out on me with your wealth by spending time in arcades?" Jungkook teases, eyes wide as they drove over the details.

I smile and shake my head.

There would be no words that could try and explain that this was money accumulated from centuries of work, of effort and of labour. That this house represented the infinite hours the three of us had toiled away- in all sorts of jobs, small and meagre at first until we'd started building up experience, meeting the right people who didn't exploit their workers.

So sometimes it's better that I don't speak- so the lies can't be detected from my voice or tone.

I undo my belt before turning to smile in thanks, mouthing it to him.

He shakes his head.

"Friends can always offer each other a ride. Besides...I might be in need of your expert driving skills too one day." He teases, making me smile and nod.

And as I slide out of the car waving goodbye to him and the two, they slide out to hand me my plushies, Jimin laughs softly when he sees me make my way to the door and struggle to open it- hands once again occupied. But it's Jungkook who'd been closer who steps up beside me to ring the bell, hair hanging in soft waves around his face as he smiles at me.

The sound of footsteps approaching and the door swinging open is the only warning before Habaek oppa is speaking.

"Finally! I was beginning to wonder if you forgot the way home cherub!" he sighs complaining before noting that Jungkook is standing next to me, words trailing off and lips curving into a smile.

"Jungkook right?" he says.

A nod.

"Do you want to stay for dinner- you keep refusing my opportunities to thank you." he says.

"Ahh sorry, I'm heading back with the hyungs for dinner. Another time for sure though." He says, words full of promise, a beaming grin at me and Habaek oppa before he waves, heading back into the car.

And then oppa notes my filled arms.

"Did you raid the arcade or something? Is Jungkook your partner in crime?" he asks teasingly before stepping aside to let me in. I toe off my shoes and head upstairs to carefully deposit them onto my bed, rearranging them alongside the cookie plushie which now sits on the bunny plushie's lap before heading back downstairs and into the kitchen.

"Did you sign with them?" I ask by way of greeting, hugging her from the side and oohing as I watch her plate the food, laden with colours and a balance of pasta and garlic bread.

"Yup. The managing director mentioned that she wished you'd remember her offer was always open. You really left an impression." She adds, turning to kiss my cheek before stepping aside to put the food down.

I shake my head.

"Not the life for me unnie." I say, fork in hand before I start eating.

"Yeah don't you know? She's a world-renowned dancer- she doesn't just sign to agencies too." Oppa quips, nudging unnie and laughing when her pasta falls off her fork.

"Will you consider dancing professionally again?" unnie asks interestedly.

I pause, fork hovering near my mouth. I take the mouthful, chewing slowly and swallowing before thinking of answering.

"I don't know...maybe, it might be something I do after service. I haven't thought that far." I admit.

"It's been long enough that if your face does come into the media for your talent- no-one will make the connection." Habaek oppa points out.

He's got a point there.

I shrug, not wanting to delve deep into thought about that. I guess I'll see when the time comes, who knows where I might find myself- doing other things or maybe I'll feel differently. Only time can tell, and even though mortality is becoming a rapidly approaching end- I don't feel the rush to hasten myself and decide.

And anyways...I'm already in a dance team.

YOONGI POV:

"What's that Joon-ah?" I comment once we've finished washing up and almost immediately Joonie rushes off to return with a packaged item, eyes alight with excitement. 

He's barely focused, I doubt he's even heard me as he makes his way to sink into a beanbag in the corner, slightly detached and spaced aside from the couches- away from the bustle of the others who are discussing what to do before bed.

"Joon-ah." I call, once I sink onto a beanbag next to him, laptop resting shut on my lap.

"Huh. Oh hyung." He says, dragging his unwilling eyes away from the package to give me his attention, even as his posture fidgets with that restless need to turn back to the item in his hand.

"What's that?" I say, tilting my chin towards the package.

His eyes brighten.

"A book." He says the words enough to explain the bright shine of excitement and the way eagerness makes him fidget. He's so adorable. 

"Which one?" I ask, unable to stop myself- seeing him getting so animated over books, over research, over his work never stops being endearing- especially when his dimpled smile makes an appearance. 

"I don't know." He confesses but his voice is possible has become even more excited.

"Why not?" I say leaning forward curiously, as if my eyes will be able to penetrate the wrapping that's covering it.

"(Y/N) chose it for me. It's a surprise so I don't know what book it could be." He says, voice giddy.

His tone of excitement makes me smile in response but it also makes hyung and Hobi turn curiously towards us, heads peering over the back of the couch as they look at us.

"What's got Joonie so happy?" Jin hyung asks, thick lips curved into a smile seeing Joonie so animated.

"(Y/N)." I say dryly.

"Well actually...(Y/N)'s surprise for him." I add.

Tae rounds the sofa with an excited expression.

"Ooh I love surprises. Hyung open it." He says, shifting my laptop away quickly to claim the available space, setting himself down onto my lap instead.

I wound my arms around him, the others quickly joining the couch to peer over- wanting to see what all the fuss is about.

Joon carefully picks at the packaging, fingers carefully peeling the folded wrapping back- fingers peeling off the tape delicately. He's so careful as he unwraps, hands hovering almost nervously as he does so- despite the buzz of excitement that radiates off him. And the downcast dismayed expression almost makes me laugh when suddenly his hand rip part of the packaging, the small piece held between his fingers- silenced only by the way it dims his smile.

But then he peels back the packaging, finally revealing the book inside.

And he lets out a delighted laugh, picking up an English fantasy book.

"Harry Potter!" he exclaims happily.

He opens the cover carefully, trying not to crease the spine and reads the slip of paper that falls out, holding it up.

"You'd make an excellent Hermione, though maybe you'd be in Ravenclaw." He reads out.

His eyes are shining with happiness.

"How did she know I loved the series? I loved the movies and she got me the book for it. Hang on this isn't from the actual series." He muses.

Turning the book over in his hands, gently flicking through until a second note falls out.

"You have deep thoughts. What do you make of a book full of fan-crafted, deeply explored theories?" he reads out, dimples deepening.

"Wow...she really knows how to pick a book. Now I think mine won't be enjoyable." He adds, huffing a bit.

But given with how radiant and overjoyed he seems, touched too. I wonder whether she's opened her package, whether her face lit up too and shone with excitement. Whether she shook in silent giddiness and started reading too. 

And we all leave him be as he opens the book, eyes wide in anticipation as he begins to read.

None of us have the heart to disturb him like this, even if Tae does mumble in my ear he likes his takeout cup way more.

I smile, using his lap as my laptop's new resting place as I open it up, checking to see whether the orders will arrive on time tomorrow.

Eyes darting occasionally to see the immersed focused look on Joon's face.

I'm glad (Y/N) came into our lives, she's such a sweet kind person. And growing day by day as a wonderful friend to all of us too.

And I hope I see her again soon.

Whether it's at the shop or the supermarket or even out and about. Because friendship doesn't need a location, it just needs the people.

(THERE YOU GO! ANOTHER CHAPTER, ANOTHER LOAD OF LITERAL FLUFF BUT I HOPE IT'S ENJOYABLE, GOT PLOT AND NOT BORING YOU! IF IT IS LET ME KNOW MY LOVES AND STAY TUNED FOR WHAT'S TO COME- MAYBE WE'LL BE REACHING A BREAKTHROUGH NEXT IS ALL I'M SAYING. SO EYES PEELED LOVELIES! LET ME KNOW YOUR THOUGHTS TOO FOR THIS CHAPTER AND WHETHER THE MENTAL IMAGE OF HOBI, MINNIE AND KOOKIE WINNING PLUSHIES FOR HER IS AS SWEET AS I FOUND IT- JUST THREE LEFT TO WIN IF YOU CAN SEE THE LINK 😉. STAY SAFE AND TAKE CARE LOVES!)

QUESTION...A PERSONAL CHALLENGE YOU'LL BE TAKING ON?

Mine is...actually finding out whether it's possible to lose an inch from your waist in a week. I sure hope so! Pray and fingers crossed for the success my loves!

Borahae! 💜💜💜

PurpleQueenie <3