(Y/N) POV:

I watch with growing nausea as the three of them step close, finally reaching us- feeling as if they'd travelled an infinity and yet no time or space at all to get here.

"Habaek ssi, I didn't know you visited this gym too!" Namjoon says first, breaking the silent eye-contact made through the mirror reflection. I expect Habaek oppa to put me down when he smiles in greeting at Namjoon, but rather turns slowly, hands still tightly supporting me and cradling me towards his muscled torso, his bare arms shifting slightly.

"Ahh Namjoon. Maybe our timings just don't match. But I haven't been here regularly enough. Whenever I manage to escape the two of them really. But (Y/N) might look like my cute kitten, but she's got claws when she doesn't want to let go." He says jokingly, lips stretched in an easy laughing smile, eyes twinkling with mischief when he looks at me.

Knowing I'm not about to refute that verbally.

But it's not a lie.

When I'm cuddling or curled up next to him and he tries to leave, I latch on- hands trying to wrap around those muscled bulging biceps and wheedling him into staying.

But he doesn't need to call me out on it. In front of the three of them. My cheeks warm when I avert my eyes from Namjoon's soft smile, dropping down and then becoming distracted with the sculpt of his arms, curved biceps and lean muscle all on slightly glistening golden skin. It's such a distracting sight and I can feel the heat in my cheeks climb.

"Ahh the three of you are here together? Is (Y/N) your personal gym equipment, or is she available to swipe away for a few moments?" Jungkook asks, voice a mixture of softness and the fiery upfront side of him that I'm used to.

And when my eyes rake over him, see the contradiction of how he drowns in his black t-shirt in an endearing way and yet his chest and shoulders fill it out perfectly I feel my heart twist with a confusing mixture of longingness and want as well as slight trepidation. This is the same person I saw Hobi kiss, cradle close like he was the most precious person alive, the same person I'd seen Jimin's hands linger on and yet also the same man who'd approached me at the arcade, at the swimming pool, at the club- the man who'd become my anchor, my safety rope and kept me tethered. This was the man who'd as easily as he'd been soft comfortability for me, had nestled in my heart and made himself a comfortable spot there too.

"Hmm well...I rather think she's a personal, rare special equipment piece. A one piece only creation. I'm rather fond of her. Don't like sharing...but because I owe you several thanks Jungkook, I'll let her go this once." Habaek oppa says, seemingly contemplating. But his words seem to go beyond the level of conversation happening now, have more meaning and hidden messages in them. Have somehow become a message, a warning. I pick up on the slightest edge in his voice, at the way his voice lowers slightly and that despite his soft smile, there's a protective fire flickering in those brown eyes.

As if somehow Habaek oppa was giving him permission to sweep me away not from him right now, not only this, but of an offer of something more. Of a one chance only offer.

And it makes my heart squeeze with unbearable love and tenderness for his care, for his way of putting me first.

He slowly sets me down, hands slowly retreating from the back of my thighs and my back, his body a line of heat behind me as his hands squeeze the tops of my shoulders, a silent message in them. A promise that he's near. That all I need to do is make one sign. And without asking questions. Without stopping to justify- he'll take me away from here.

My hand briefly squeezes his hand on my right shoulder before stepping forward and I shoot Jungkook a small smile, surprised by the way his face splits into an adorable smile, nose scrunching slightly and that without hesitation he grabs my hand, lacing our fingers together.

"Thanks for that Habaek ssi!" he exclaims before tugging me away, my feet rushing to match his pace and smiling at Yoongi who's soft dark eyes had been observing the scene silently and at his own pace follows us to a larger, emptier work space.

I feel my heartbeat accelerate at being between the two of them, at the way their gazes seem to burn and scorch me, body prickling and I shift uneasily on my feet- not knowing what to expect next.

"Hey, (Y/N) are you okay? You don't have to stay if we make you uncomfortable." Yoongi says softly, gently- having received the complete opposite of treatment than I'd expected has my head jerking up, surprise coating my features and yet despite the softness in his words, there's something raw and vulnerable that flickers in his eyes. That makes me pause and stare. And wonder what it is he's feeling.

I shake my head quickly, giving him a small smile.

But until he's appeased with whatever he returns the searching look for he doesn't return the smile.

"You know if you told me you went to the gym; I'd have invited you a long time back (Y/N). it would've been another thing we can share and do together." Jungkook says matter-of-factly, simply and easily extending that hand once more so, so easily. As if sharing with me was easy, as if he enjoyed it, as if he wanted me there.

I smile at him.

"What sort of stuff do you do? Please don't tell me you're like an expert boxer or weightlifter. I don't think I have it in me to be defeated at something else." He sighs, shooting me a mock exasperated look.

But that smile turns soft and sheepish when Yoongi speaks.

"What did she defeat you in then Kook-ah. You said something else." Yoongi accurately spots, turning to grin at his dongsaeng who seems to wilt under his hyung's bright eyes.

"She's great at dancing- her stamina is endless. She swims quicker than you all hyung, but I'm quicker aren't I (Y/N)?" he says, turning to me with a wide hopeful look- silently asking for help and support.

I nod loyally, making a what-can-you-do gesture with a shrug of my shoulders and a shake of my head.

But then I nudge him with the slight of my elbow.

Looking at him meaningfully.

And immediately Yoongi pounces on it.

"What else Kookie?" he says, lips curved up in an amused tilt.

"....DDR hyung. I still can't beat her record!" he complains, whining cutely as he tugs on Yoongi's arm and shooting him a wounded pout, huffing as he shoots me a suspicious glance.

"What's your secret? You can tell me~" he says, tugging at my hand, the suddenness bringing me closer to the two of them, feet scrabbling for purchase against the ground.

"Oops sorry sweets." He says, not seeming to realise the term of endearment that has slipped past his lips as he moves to stabilise me, but my wide-eyed struck expression seems to be caught by Yoongi, who lets out a small laugh, eyes twinkling.

"Don't fluster the poor girl Jungkookie. Why don't you go do your weights? It's not my cup of tea." He says wryly, shooing him off and then proceeds to simply take a kettlebell, effortlessly lifting it up and completing sets with them.

I feel heart hammering against my chest, loud rapid thuds as if trying to burst out because when I'd taken Habaek oppa and Mi-sun unnie up on their offer to go the gym, I hadn't ever imagined, wouldn't have ever bet that I'd run into three of them today; two of who are currently flanking me on either side, muscled arms rippling as they workout, looks of determination as their bodies move. I didn't realise how much it could affect me to even be in their proximity, their silent working frames acting as bands of heat on either side of me, cheeks warming and mind buzzing when my eyes catch theirs in the mirror.

"Do you not lift weights (Y/N)?" Jungkook asks when he sets down the one he'd been effortlessly lifting, the only sign of force in the way his face hardens with focus.

I shake my head, eyes widening at the idea.

Immortality didn't equate to super strength. And I'd never bothered training myself to lift weights, not far more than I needed to. And my career in dance hadn't really called for muscled arms but rather slender lithe arms that would make graceful extensions.

"She'd beat you then?" Yoongi points out with a small teasing smile, setting the kettlebell down, the smooth milkiness of his skin contrasting attractively with the black t-shirt.

Jungkook shrugs.

"I don't think it would faze me if she did. She's full of surprises." He remarks, head turning so he can peer at me, shooting me an easy grin.

"True...she's full of depth. I wish we were somewhere else (Y/N), gyms aren't ideal for chats and relaxing." Yoongi says, looking wistful.

I smile softly at him.

Maybe another time.

And then just as we get pulled into the quiet comfortability of working beside each other, Jungkook interrupts my exercises with the resistance band.

"You need to bend further, fully stretch out." He points out, stopping to stand beside me and watching as I bend to stretch again, kneeling behind me to straighten my legs, one hand pressing down on the top of my thigh to urge me to bend down further and the other slipping to cup the back of my thigh, repeating the gesture to my other leg too- his hands seeming to scorch their large prints on my skin, searing through the leggings.

"That's better." he says, voice slightly rough and he stands up behind me, monitoring my form. Not by watching the mirror where my eyes are glued, but on me- his eyes fixed on me from behind, and when he watches me stretch and lower down into a more accurate squat, he nods his head approvingly.

"Much better." he comments.

And I knew if I hadn't been hesitant to speak, had already been comfortable enough with the idea, then my voice would've been shaky and trembling- much like how my legs felt like jelly; so affected with his presence, with the way I longed for his hands to remain on me.

It's not long after that that Namjoon and Habaek oppa join us, a sort of silently flickering conversation between their eyes- remnants of whatever they'd discussed still lingering. And mere moments after them Mi-sun unnie makes an appearance, sliding up easily behind me, Jungkook stepping aside slightly when she makes a beeline for me.

"Go on then honey, let's see those perfect squats." She says, eyes burning and fiery and words rolling off her tongue, saccharine sweet and smooth.

I feel multiple pairs of eyes on me, observing, watching as the resistance band between my legs causes me to feel the pull when I do a squat- feel a mixture of emotions at the way the three of them hold a different sort of intensity in their eyes and Habaek oppa is more focusing on my form so I don't hurt myself. Mi-sun unnie...her eyes are hard to read, despite being together for centuries, something clouding them.

"Your form is perfect (Y/N)." Jungkook says again, voice soft and encouraging- motivating me.

But Mi-sun unnie makes a noise in the back of her throat, almost dismissive, and I watch as his face schools itself slightly, features stiffening and his soft brown eyes flashing.

"Darling, why don't you do your plie squats, it's not like you don't have great balance. And besides...it's not like you haven't signed for classes that teach more...stuff." She coos, voice holding silent stories, lips holding back stories of the countless clubs I'd ended up signed up to with her. How many of those lessons had been for combining sensuality and fitness, in becoming confident with your body and knowing how to work it, how to use it and how to tone it. My cheeks burn and I silently drop into a set of plie squats, drowning out the heat of the other gazes, keeping my breathing level as I transition up and down. Just a normal set of movements. There's nothing unusual about being observed at the gym, but today it feels different. Today being in such close proximity with three of the seven men I'd grown enamoured with, makes my body prickle with heat, with consciousness and I bite back a gasp when Mi-sun unnie suddenly trails her hands down my thighs with each squat, commenting on my form and appreciatively squeezing at the fabric clad flesh.

"Still got powerful thighs gorgeous." She compliments.

Such words by her are normal, accepted, welcomed. Because we'd come a long way through different eras. And she'd always been my number one supporter, always the advocate for embracing myself how I looked and reminding me that whilst eras promoted certain desirable body images, that I didn't need to change with the time. That I needed to stay true to me and my image.

But right now. With the slightly flirty tone she throws in, hands looking as if they belong on my thighs seems to physically affect the three. Who's eyes had narrowed on the hands resting on my legs, that had trailed up to squeeze my waist as she'd spoken. And I didn't know how to explain to the three of them that it didn't mean anything beyond the type of dynamic we shared. A dynamic where boundaries between us just didn't exist. Didn't really stand a chance of existing against our closeness. That this was just how she was.

But I can't force the words past my lips, can't force the light scolding out of my throat, feeling as if my throat seals on itself, swells up and shuts down. Refusing to cooperate.

"Aren't I right Habaek? (Y/N) has a stunning physique. Just look at how good she is for me. All soft and sweet under my touch." She murmurs, eyes holding mine in the mirror, twinkling with slight amusement.

I wriggle out of her hold, shooting her an unimpressed look and smiling softly when she kisses my cheek in apology.

"Sorry darling. I won't play with you if you don't want. My pretty doll. You're too precious for that." She says, words clear. She won't push certain limits, and I know she hasn't. Not now. Not ever.

But her words sound oddly...insinuating? Or is it just me? Overanalysing everything because of how close the boys were and how intensely I seemed to feel their presence.

And when Yoongi steps back it's because something flashes in his eyes, a look of defeat on his face, expression shuttering. Jungkook's eyes are wide, and his teeth almost gnaw at his bottom lip, fingers fisting into the hem of his large t-shirt; a tic that I recognise. But what does he feel unsettled or confused about? Bothered by?

"I...uh...think we should leave you to it. Thanks anyways Habaek." Namjoon says, his dimples nowhere to be seen, and almost pained soft brown eyes staring at me, lingering on me, lips trying to dredge up a smile but failing.

The three of them step back. It's a small simple gesture. And yet for some reason I find my heart shattering at the distance, despite how minute it seems. Because of course they have to step back to leave. And yet it feels like they're stepping away far more than what the eye can see.

"Ahh, would you look at that, Yoongi must've left his bottle behind." Mi-sun unnie comments, pointing to the water bottle and without another word, plucks it and walks after them, stride fast and yet unhurried as she follows their retreating figures.

I tap Habaek oppa's arm.

Signing to him that the bottle was hers. That she brought it with her.

He laughs.

"I've learnt over the decades that it's best if you don't question her way of thinking. You'll end up with a headache." He says with a grin. But his eyes seem to show understanding.

And I don't know what has unified the two of them in that instant and whether I want to know.

But with the reassuring grin he gives me, it makes me feel as if things will be alright.

That the two of them wouldn't have it any other way.

----

Whatever had taken Mi-sun unnie that long to realise the bottle wasn't theirs but hers she won't say. And neither does she divulge anything on the way back.

Just nudging me with her hip to shower, calling out that tonight is another blanket fort campout on the living room floor.

The day passes by and I find myself in a satin pyjama set once more, between the two of them as Habaek oppa holds my right hand between his, gently filing and buffing up my nails to a bright shine whilst Mi-sun unnie unpacks her basket of pampering goodies.

"I think the boys look good working out." Mi-sun unnie remarks as she turns bearing face masks, her nonchalant tone making my eyes widen.

"Unnie!" I admonish but she shrugs.

"I know you most definitely thought it. Wondered how it would feel to have those same muscled arms lift you up like Habaek had. You can't hide anything from me pretty." She says, grinning at my shocked face, averting my eyes when I know I've been caught out.

"But that's all it'll stay unnie. I can't go about wrecking relationships. I refuse to." I say, immersed in the sight of my shining nails that Habaek oppa has finished working on, taking my other hand as he shifts to sit cross-legged in front of me.

"You're not wrecking anything. Far from it I think." She muses aloud, words full of ambiguity.

"How would you know unnie? You know me...you don't know them the same way." I say, feeling my spirits reach an all-time low.

"None of that cherub. Mi-sun for once in her life, a long life as a withered crone, might be onto something." Habaek oppa says with such seriousness, not raising his head once from his task but bursting into sweet deep laughter when Mi-sun unnie smacks his arm with an indignant affronted yell.

"I'm not an old crone Habaek! People don't chase after my supposedly withered body." She states, throwing his face mask at him.

"And I'm not an old ugly grump Mi-sun, but here you are- trying to insist that I am- just that other day actually, all to get a rise out of my poor darling." He says levelly.

"And if you keep throwing things Mi-sun, then I won't do your nails. Or let you cuddle with us." he threatens, flashing a victorious smile when she yells, backpedalling on her words and pouting.

His smile is infectious and I find myself giggling alongside him, crestfallen spirits flapping their weak wings and soaring a bit above the deep depths they'd reached.

"And besides, I agree. I think you can bank on it. I think give it some time. But life will most definitely be good to you." He says just as vaguely.

I don't know what they mean. Don't dare to dream in case those dreams disintegrate in front of my eyes.

And just believe them. Allow their words to lull me into a sense of comfort and kind hopeful promise.

And yet it seemed like the time I'd thought it take when he spoke was sometime in the near future optimistically.

Didn't think it would come as Habaek oppa and Mi-sun unnie dropped off to sleep on either side of me, crashing at some point after the third or fourth film, leaning into me as they slept.

That a small buzz could be so monumental, distracting me out of my tears as I watch Logan Lerman struggle with being a wallflower, with dealing with trauma.

I swipe at my wet cheeks, breath coming out as hitched and wavery- still caught up in the emotions he'd been dealing with, swiping at my screen mindlessly- not having caught sight of who it was. Probably spam. Or my game letting me know my task was complete.

I didn't expect it to open to a message. Short and brief.

Three words that each deliver a blow to my gut. Leaving me feeling winded and emotionally frail- as if suddenly there wasn't air for me to breath, lungs constricting around nothing.

Why do those three words always sound ominous? Why does my soul sink when I see it's from Tae? And why do I suddenly lose all hope.

Can we talk?

My stomach twists itself into knots.

And with shaking trembling fingers I reply.

One word.

Sure.

Not expecting an immediate reply.

Or for him to message he'll be outside in an hour.

Or for my world to suddenly seem to be hanging on fine frayed threads, all of which are clutched in his long-fingered, ring-adorned hand.

Not knowing what this talk could bring.

And whether my heart would be strong enough to bear it.

(THERE YOU GO! I HONESTLY FEEL FOR THE THREE OF THEM. FOR ALL OF THEM SEE MI-SUN WRAP HER HANDS AND LET THEM LINGER AND ROAM WITH SO MUCH FREEDOM WHEN THEY'RE DYING JUST TO CONFESS, TO HAVE THAT CLOSENESS. YOU CAN BET SHE ENDED UP CONFUSING THEM ALL AND MAKING THEIR POOR HEARTS SUFFER! AND I WONDER HOW YOU FOUND IT TO READ. TBH SHE ISN'T WRONG- SHE HAD THREE OF THEM AROUND HER AT THE GYM, IF I HAD EVEN ONE OF THEM GLANCING MY WAY- I'D HAVE BEEN DISTRACTED TO THE END AND PROBABLY HURRY AWAY. ANOTHER PAMPER PARTY NIGHT!! LET'S SEE WHAT THE CHAT WITH TAE LEADS TO! THE QUESTION DOES SOUND VERY OMINOUS!! AHHH EXCITED TO WRITE THE NEXT CHAPTER!! SUPER, SUPER EAGER!! LET ME KNOW ALL YOUR THOUGHTS MY LOVES!!)

QUESTION...A SELF-CARE HABIT YOU LIKE INDULGING IN?

Mine is...without fail! Sheet masks! Love using them and collecting them to have at my disposal-ready to use!

Borahae! 💜💜💜

PurpleQueenie <3