YOONGI POV:

My eyes fall onto Jiminie's purpling left hand and wrist, swelling beginning to happen already, sinking to my knees to gently grasp the hand and examine it properly. A storm of guilt is bubbling and brewing inside me, I just the worst moment clearly to go off to see if there was a café nearby- planning on treating him afterwards. And I'd come back to this?!

"Oh baby, hyung is so, so sorry." I breathe, looking up to see pain in his eyes, lip being bitten in attempt to hold back any sounds of pain.

He smiles at me, slightly wavery but genuine, nonetheless.

"Don't worry hyung, you couldn't have stopped it. It was just meant to happen." He says, shrugging his shoulders.

But that doesn't abate the concern and worry and all I can think of is how he needs medical attention immediately.

"You must've struggled so much trying to get off the rink with an injury." I say, eyes constantly drawn back to the sight of him cradling his left hand.

"Huh? No I didn't, I got help she's right here---" he tails off and when I look at him, I see him twisting to his side staring quizzically at the vacant seat next to him.

He didn't hit his head did he? The question is whispered worriedly into my mind.

I stare at him, panicking slightly.

"Hyung she was just here! She helped me off the ice and stayed with me until you came." He insists, gesturing to the seat and just as I'm about to help him up and drive him to the hospital straight away, he lets out a triumphant yell, hand darting down to lift something up, waving it in front of me.

In his hand is a pair of baby pink mittens. I look at them confused.

"She was wearing them." And with that statement, I let the worry of a concussion wipe away.

"We still need to get that hand checked though. Are you hurt anywhere else?" I ask, hands already undoing his skates and drawing them off, helping him into his shoes before drawing him up- arms firm on his waist.

And when we reach home the others fuss and draw him close, pampering him and showering him with affection as they cuddle him. But even so, Jiminie is more than happy to settle down between them and regale them with the full tale- finally filling me in too on the girl he said had helped him, the girl who'd come from nowhere to offer a pink mitten hand.

The maknaes aww and have a giggle over the small size of the mittens but he tucks them away safely- claiming that he'd have to find her to return them to her. it's cute the way he preciously puts them away later on, smiling unconsciously at them.

Whoever helped him seemed nice, to go extend that hand when she didn't need to. I'd love to meet her and thank her myself- feeling slightly disappointed that I had just missed her.

(Y/N) POV:

Habaek oppa's words float around my mind as I get ready for bed and even as I wake the next day. He hadn't been wrong in saying it. It wouldn't be bad at all to get back into a hobby or spending time out doing something I enjoy.

And the idea of the arcade swirled temptingly around me, whirling around my mind as I help cut fruit for breakfast and flip the French toast on the pan, tuning out the hum of chatter and sizzles and the coffee machine whirring to life.

"(Y/N)... sweetheart." Mi-sun unnie nudges me out of my silent thoughts, careful to make sure that her gentle action doesn't send the knife slipping and sliding across my skin.

"Yes unnie...?" I look at her confused. Had she been saying something? How long had she stood there?

"Aigoo...you're too cute. I was saying let's sit down and eat. Tell me what's going on in that pretty head." She says, pecking my nose before grabbing the plate of sliced fruit as she nudges me towards the table, looking at me eagerly once we're all seated.

I fidget with the fork, spearing some sliced strawberries and bananas before putting them into my mouth, chewing slowly and swallowing before answering- eyes glued to the French toast.

"I'm thinking of heading to the arcade." I say quietly but the clinking of cutlery against plates stops suddenly.

And then unnie's bright joyful voice.

"That's great. I'm sure you'll enjoy yourself, make sure to take as long as you want. And eat somewhere nice too." She encourages, her words making oppa snort.

"We sound like such bad older figures. Telling our dongsaeng to stay out late enjoying herself." He says, voice laced with amusement.

His words make me smile in response, making me feel at ease and comfortable.

They're right. I have a feeling today will be fun.

----

My hand hovers over the lever, eyeing the soft plushie that lies in the centre with determination. I will be taking it home today, no matter what. I think to myself, despite the sheer ridiculous amount of coins I've constantly pressed into the machine, taking go after go as I try to manoeuvre the crane into wrapping snugly around the plushie and bringing it to me- failing short at the slightest, barest millimetre of distance, or as the plushie just slides out of the claws.

My eyes narrow onto it, eyeing the soft cookie plushie, fingers oh-so-carefully controlling the lever, breath caught in my throat as I stop and then press the down button with a carefully controlled finger watching as it descends onto the plushie.

I watch with bated breath as the claws wrap around the cookie that sports a toothy grin, fingers scrabbling together in a pleading gesture as I lean forward watching and waiting to see what happens.

My heart thuds away loudly in my chest, but all I can focus on is the painstakingly slow way that the crane latches onto the plushie, rising slowly bit by bit and swaying precariously as it makes its way to the chute. It slips slightly, nearly freeing itself from the claws but makes its way to the chute, slipping successfully down it.

I jump up and down on the spot, a grin stretching across my face as I bask in the happiness of my victory. Finally! I bend down to retrieve the plushie, scooping it up as I cradle it to my chest, swaying on the spot as I internally squeal- a bubble of sound escaping my lips and melting and losing itself in the loud din of the arcade.

It doesn't matter how many coins I had to press into the machine, the plushie is finally mine! 

I'm so engrossed in my personal happiness that I don't even realise that my show of excitement has attracted a few amused stares and bubbly laughter. My cheeks flame in embarrassment and I quickly hurry away from the machine, suppressing the urge to stick my tongue out at the machine in triumph. I walk through the slightly emptier paths through the machines, eyes not drawn to anything in particular- the bright lights and tunes mingling in with the crowds of people chatting loudly and cheering each other on.

And then my eyes catch onto DDR, feet guiding me there with an eager haste, spotting the sight of the familiar arrowed layout in front of the large screen. Both spaces are vacated, I bend down to put my bag and plushie down safely in front of my eyes before hopping onto the centre- hands feeding in a note with impatience and then flurrying to find a beat that's catchy and of a good pace.

Unconsciously I begin nodding my head to a quick, funky tune that pours out of the screen- inviting and catchy. My finger taps on it to choose it, shaking my hands out nervously as I stand waiting for it to begin. At first I fumble slightly, body and mind still trying to catch onto past habits and practice and familiarity. But soon enough my body feels that ease and years of practice flow back, and soon enough my body is gliding across the steps, feet moving with fluidity as I side-step, twist, jump and move.

And when my score finally flashes onto screen, I stand there breathing heavily slightly but my lips stretch triumphantly when I make my way onto the leader board- not top place but that'll change soon, I intend on it fully. Looks like I'll be making frequent visits to push myself up the scoreboard.

The top place is taken by someone titled JK. Must be their initials I wonder, taking note of the difference in points- letting it rouse and ignite my competitive streak, lips pressing together in resolve.

"Wow...you dance well." A voice compliments, a voice that's both soft and deep, smooth and masculine; a voice that's pleasing to my ears.

I turn to spot a tall figure dressed in denim trousers, a white tee and denim jacket, dark hair parted to reveal a smooth expanse of forehead, leading down to big brown doe-eyes and lips that part in a toothy grin; a smile that's endearing and brings to mind the thought of a cute bunny.

I smile at him, lips curving automatically in response to his adorable smile.

"But not well enough to beat the top spot." He adds, tilting his chin to the scoreboard, lips twitching with amusement, the teasing tone making the smile slide off my face as I try very hard not to glare at him.

"Just kidding~ you have a really elegant graceful way of moving, you a dancer?" he asks, stepping forward onto the adjacent space, turning to face me.

I pause, confusion expressed on my face clearly.

"You move with the control of a dancer. I dance with my hyungs sometimes so I know how to spot a fellow dancer." He says, eyes sparkling with curiosity.

I nod slowly. Not a dancer professionally but I've lived through a few eras to know different dance styles.

Guess it never truly leaves you, I muse.

And then he twists smoothly, body turning to the front- hand hovering over the two-player option.

"Care to dance...?" he asks tentatively, a soft shyness in his tone- one I recognise from within myself.

I nod back shyly, watching as his smile widens, making his cheek curve upwards from the side and then his hand choosing a song.

When he stops one he likes, he turns to me.

"This one good?" he asks.

I nod.

"Let's dance." He chirps.

And just like that the music sweeps the two of us away, into a flurry of movements that pushes away our shyness in favour for our enjoyment, identical smiles stretched across our faces.

Guess you don't need words to communicate after all.

KOOK POV:

She's incredible. Not only had she initially caught my attention with her insistence to win the plushie, which had led to the very beginning of intrigue but then the way she'd transitioned from this slight fumbling to this natural grace, effortlessly moving across the floor- drawing not only my eyes but eyes of people passing by who'd stopped to marvel at her. I watched as her hair bounced on her back, her entire posture silently demanding of attention, lithe grace in her small frame.

I watched as she'd leaned forward to examine the scoreboard, body stiffening slightly and curiosity had pulled me closer, wondering what had caught her attention.

When I stood to see from the side, I saw a glimpse of full rosy lips tighten, press together in a straight line, eyes narrowed on the top score. A grin stretched across my face at the glare she's sending it.

And then decide to make my presence known.

"Wow...you dance well." I say, watching as she turns giving me my first glimpse of her face.

My breath catches when her movement sends hair tumbling across her shoulders, eyes widening as they look at me, a face that's soft full cheeks contrasted with sharp, high cheekbones and a defined jaw, rosy lips that curve into a sweet smile.

But the urge to tease niggles at me and bubbles out.

"But not well enough to beat the top spot." I tease, my head gesturing towards the scoreboard, lips twitching in amusement when the smile slides off and twists into an unconscious sad pout.

The downcast expression makes me feel a slither of guilt.

"Just kidding~ you have a really elegant graceful way of moving, you a dancer?" I rush to appease before the curious desire bubbles up and rears its head, question coming out before I can think over it.

She tilts her head, an adorable side cocking that makes me want to smile.

"You move with the control of a dancer. I dance with my hyungs sometimes so I know how to spot a fellow dancer." I add, not wanting myself to come across as someone who'd been intently watching her dance and move- cheeks threatening to flame with the mortification that would bring.

She nods after a moment, eyes flashing with an unexpressed emotion.

And when my feet walk over to her, it's with a desire to want to dance with her- experience it up close for myself, never expecting she'd say yes.

Never expecting that a few hours later I'd be battling it out vigorously over a game of ice hockey, her hands skilfully and quickly darting across, sending the puck darting back to my side, speeding into the gap at the end- signalling a point to her. She wriggles excitedly and triumphantly, the sign of the very different scores making me feel a mixture of competitiveness and slight embarrassment. My fingers slide the puck back out, the idea of mercy long since forgotten as I send it careening quickly towards her half- watching with disbelief as she intercepts it before it slides in, a deft flick of a slender wrist- sheer control and poise in her movements.

Though she's yet to speak, her face is very expressive. Lighting up brightly when she scores a point, accompanied with the cute wriggle, falling into a sad pout when I score a point and silently contemplative and observant as we make our way through arcade games.

I didn't imagine to stay for this long and have so much fun, for me to be so easily drawn out of my usually quieter demeanour around strangers by a girl who doesn't even speak to me. I put it down to shyness having witnessed the slight quirks of her behaviour as ones I'd seen in myself before I'd met the hyungs.

But it's refreshing to see her slowly seem to come out of a more reserved shell to someone who plays competitively without hesitation, the challenging gleam in her eyes and silent displays of joy making me respond similarly.

And it's the growling of my stomach that finally makes me throw the last basketball through the hoop slightly off-balance but turn towards the silent girl, looking at her imploringly.

"Can we stop for food?" I ask, the invitation easily sliding out of my mouth.

Her eyes widen fractionally, surprise flitting across her features before it vanishes.

She nods, turning to grab her bag and the plushie which is cradled close to her, she tilts her head towards the exit before turning to set off, me trailing after her with a mind that burns with questions and a stomach hungry for food.

----

I groan happily around the mouthful of burger I've eagerly bitten off, chewing happily- looking at it as if it's the best thing ever. The nearby diner had invited us in with the warm atmosphere and smells of food cooking.

The little booth we'd slid into is where we now sat, and my eyes widen when they fall onto the almost delicate manner with which she's eating chips, dipping them into sauce before biting cleanly through them- I self-consciously wonder if there's sauce or crumbs on my face.

She smiles at me, looking perfectly comfortable in her white tee tucked into denim shorts- eyes crinkling as she sees me so blatantly enjoy my food.

She lifts her glass of chocolate milkshake, lips latching onto the straw before sucking happily at it, cheeks hollowing briefly and for some odd reason I find my skin prickle with unexpected heat, feeling guilty for staring at her, so tugged towards her whilst all she's doing is innocently drinking her shake.

She peers up at me through a lowered angle, head tilted in question. Her hand, which I note is small and dainty, taps confusedly at my plate- where my burger is sitting there uneaten.

She pushes it forward slightly, hand making a flurry gesture of 'eat up'. I grab the burger to begin eating again when suddenly her phone chimes, screen lighting up.

Her hand plucks the phone from the table, face brightening instantaneously as she types out a response, surprising me by quickly turning her attention back to me.

Somehow the day keeps getting better and better, and I find myself entranced by her presence; feeling my shy restrictions easily melt away.

The last thing I'd ever imagined from today was to be enjoying myself at an arcade with a girl...I was always so shy and a fumbling mess- but somehow she'd tugged me out of that shy space, instilled a confident ease in me. And I found that I enjoyed her company. For a few hours she'd tugged me into this private silent world where words weren't needed for communication.

A world that was new and exciting.

(THERE YOU GO! DYNAMITE ERA KOOKIE FEATURING HEAVILY IN THIS CHAPTER MY LOVES, AND I'M LIVING FOR IT! LET ME KNOW YOUR THOUGHTS! THE PLUSHIE WAS A SHOOKY ONE!! AND HOW DID YOU FIND THEIR SILENT COMPETITION- KOOKIE MAY HAVE FINALLY MET HIS MATCH! AND YOU CAN BET SHE'LL BE BACK TO TRY AND BEAT THE UNKNOWN JK OFF THE SCREEN! AND WE ONLY HAVE YOONGI TO GO AND THEN THE PLOT WILL REALLY BE BRINGING THEM ALL IN, GUESSES AND HINTS WE'LL BE DROPPED AND MAYBE! DOTS WILL BE CONNECTED! AAHH...I'M EXCITED! STAY SAFE AND SEE YOU ON THE OTHER SIDE MY LOVES!)

QUESTION...SMALLEST PHYSICAL FEATURE?

Mine is... my hands- I've been by a friend to try modelling for toddler gloves 🥺😭 but they're not that small!

Borahae! 💜💜💜

PurpleQueenie <3