Jungkook's pov

As I dragged myself home, completely drained and yearning for the comfort of my bed, the obnoxious ringtone of my phone disrupted my imminent rendezvous with sleep. Letting out a tired groan, I ambled over to the table where my phone lay, reluctantly answering the call.

" Hello? Who the fuck is it?" I grumbled, feeling a bit irked.

The voice on the other end retorted, " Yah!! coconut head! Talk to me nicely!"

Letting out a sigh, I replied, "Alright, shorty. What's up?"

Jimin, undeterred by my lack of enthusiasm, demanded,  "I'll overlook the disrespect for now. I need you to come to Marble Bistro at 8 pm."

I firmly stated, "Not a chance. I'm dead tired. My bed is calling my name."

Jimin shifted to a more imploring tone, "Come on, Kook. We're throwing a small party to celebrate Jin Hyung's recent success."

Rolling my eyes at Jimin's relentless persuasion, I couldn't help but groan, "Another party? Seriously? We literally threw one yesterday, and I'm practically running on fumes. Can't a guy get a decent break around here?"

Jimin, undeterred by my tired objections, leaned into the phone, his voice more pleading now, "You have to come, Jungkook. Yesterday's party was all about the public and maintaining our image. We didn't really get a chance to celebrate Jin Hyung's achievement. We owe him that. Please, for the team."

Feeling the exhaustion in my bones, I sighed, "But I've been working non-stop, and I just want to crash."

Jimin, playing the ultimate card, interrupted with a mischievous tone, "You owe me a favor, remember? This is payback time, buddy. You have to do this for me."

I sighed once again, surrendering to the inevitable, "Fine... I still have an hour to pull myself together. I'll see you there. Just promise me it won't be another wild night, okay?"

Jimin chuckled, "No promises, Kook. Just be there. It's going to be fun."

I kept my phone down and went to the bathroom, deciding a quick shower would help shake off some of my fatigue. Opting for a shower instead of a bath to avoid the risk of dozing off, I turned on some upbeat pop songs to keep myself awake and refreshed.

Exiting the shower in my bathrobe, I confronted the daunting task of picking an outfit. Feeling indecisive, I decided to enlist Kat's help. I FaceTimed her, and as she answered, concern etched on her face, she inquired, "What happened?"

Turning the camera toward my wardrobe, I explained, "Help me pick an outfit. I have to go to Marble Bistro for dinner with the guys—Jin Hyung, Jimin, and the rest."

Katlyn swiftly pieced together an outfit and offered clear instructions. Grateful, I thanked her for her assistance. Despite her evident weariness, she asked, "Should I come with you?"

Smiling at her unwavering care, I reassured her, "No, I've got this. You need to rest tonight."

She cautioned me, her concern evident in her tired voice, "Alright, but I won't be there to take care of you. Don't drink too much and, for heaven's sake, don't do anything stupid. Everyone will be on my case if you mess up. So please, don't do anything reckless and let me have a peaceful evening."

I nodded sheepishly, "Yes, Ma'am. Roger that."

Locking my apartment, I settled into my car and drove to Marble Bistro. Upon arrival, I parked and made my way into the restaurant, which had been closed down for our gathering. The receptionist, recognizing me, guided me to where everyone was. As I approached, my eyes widened at the sight of Kim Taehyung sitting beside Jimin. What was Taehyung doing here? I wasn't mentally prepared to meet him yet. I gulped, taking a deep breath.

Upon noticing me, Jin Hyung remarked, "You're late, idiot!"

I defended myself, "Well, it's Jimin's fault! Who the heck calls at 7 pm, saying to meet at 8? I needed some time to get ready! Besides, I came as fast as I could."

Hoseok chuckled, "Yeah... considering it's Jungkook. He got ready pretty quickly! One hour! New record!"

I glared at Jimin, "Exactly! I didn't even have time to ready myself mentally! I don't know how my social battery is going to last the whole night with you guys... mentally, I am currently in my bed, watching Grey's Anatomy, eating ice cubes!"

Taehyung suddenly asked, "Eating ice cubes?"

I noticed him again, having momentarily forgotten he was there. I didn't know how to reply. How could I explain the ice cubes without sounding weird?

Jimin came to my rescue, "This idiot loves ice cream but can't eat it due to his diet. So he eats ice cubes while binge-watching instead of ice cream."

I turned red. Why did Jimin have to expose me like that? Now Taehyung's going to find me weird. Jungkook? You are going to die single. But my thoughts were interrupted when Taehyung laughed.

It was the best sound I had ever heard. He didn't laugh gently like other celebrities did. It was loud, raw, and natural—so sweet. It made me forget about my embarrassment.

He said while laughing, "That is so cute..."

I looked at my shoes, my cheeks turning a shade of crimson. The teasing glances from everyone around me didn't help my situation. As I gathered my composure, I surveyed the room for an available seat. The only option was a spot between Taehyung and Jimin.

Mixed emotions flooded my mind. Panic and excitement intertwined, causing a flutter of butterflies in my stomach. Taking a deep breath, I made my way to the seat. Once settled, I noticed Taehyung's gaze on me, subtly checking me out. The realization that Taehyung was observing me brought a fresh wave of embarrassment, and my cheeks blushed even deeper.

I couldn't help but wonder why Jimin hadn't informed me about Taehyung's presence. Taehyung wasn't a regular part of our group, and if I had known, I would have chosen a more put-together outfit.

Taehyung leaned in, creating a delightful turmoil of butterflies in my stomach. In his deep, husky voice, he whispered in my ear, "Hello, Mr. Bewitching Beauty."

His voice sent a shiver down my spine, and goosebumps formed on my skin. I realized he was playfully referencing our conversation from the previous day. Despite the blush that crept across my face, I refused to back down and replied, "Hello, Mr. Philocalist!"

He chuckled at my reply. Not paying attention to our little exchange, the rest of the group was busy chatting. The waiter, dressed in a formal black and white ensemble, approached our table with a polished demeanor. His eyes scanned the group as everyone else confidently placed their elaborate orders for various dishes, from mouth-watering appetizers to succulent main courses. When his gaze finally landed on me, he inquired with a practiced smile, "Sir, what would you like to order?"

Returning the waiter's smile, I offered a polite response, "I'll just have a soda."

As my words hung in the air, a collective frown swept across the faces of my companions. Concern etched lines on Yoongi Hyung's forehead as he directed his attention toward me, a pointed question in his eyes, "Eat something at least!"

I shook my head, a small smile playing on my lips, "I've already had my quota for the day."

A wave of concern washed over the group, but Hobi hyung, the eternal optimist, made a plea, "Eating a little won't hurt. Just a little."

Politely declining, I maintained my cheerful demeanor, "I was here at Marble Bistro just this afternoon for a lunch meeting. You can't refuse food during a lunch meeting. So, I've already had more than I am allowed. It's alright, guys. I'm fine. You all enjoy your meal."

As Jimin persisted, urging me to indulge in a drink, the rest of the group joined in, their teasing smiles and playful banter creating an atmosphere of camaraderie. Yoongi Hyung, the ever-observant one, probed about the absence of my constant companion, Katlyn.

"Your shadow is missing today! How come? Did you two fight or something?" he inquired with a mischievous glint in his eyes.

I shook my head, clarifying, "She was looking too tired. I am already sleep-deprived, but she rests less than me. I don't want her to fall sick. So, I convinced her to let me come here alone, and she should rest."

Namjoon Hyung chimed in, intrigued, "And she let you go alone?"

I giggled, relishing the moment, "After giving me a whole 10-page list of to-dos and not-to-dos."

The table erupted in laughter, the shared amusement bonding us even tighter. Jimin, ever the persuader, continued his plea, "Have a drink! Come on! We are here to take care of you! We won't let you do anything stupid!"

I chuckled, "That was the main concern Kat had – leaving you all responsible for taking care of a drunk me. We all know that the combination of a tipsy me and you guys is not the best idea." Everyone at the table burst into laughter, recalling some probably not-so-pleasant past experiences with my intoxicated self.

Jimin, with a mischievous grin, remarked, "Well, the night is still young. Who knows, maybe we can make some new memories tonight!" The others nodded in agreement, clearly plotting something mischievous in their minds.

I rolled my eyes, half-amused and half-apprehensive about what the night might have in store for me.

Everyone laughed and agreed with the statement, but they continued their attempts to convince me to drink. Finally giving in to the peer pressure, I ordered a glass of wine. The atmosphere became more lively as everyone started joking around, having fun while enjoying their meals and engaging in lively conversations. The camaraderie and laughter created a warm and pleasant ambiance, making me momentarily forget about the exhaustion and stress that had plagued me earlier in the day.

Suddenly, Jimin raised his glass and cleared his throat, capturing everyone's attention and silencing the room. With a mix of professionalism and sweetness, he announced, "Ladies and gentlemen, we have all gathered here today... to celebrate the success of our best friend, the one and only... world-wide handsome... Jin Hyung! He has been rightfully bestowed with the title of the most handsome man, truly living up to his WWH title! Let us all extend our heartfelt congratulations to him!"

Then Jin hyung spoke, "Well! We already celebrated this yesterday, so today, the main purpose is not to celebrate the new title! Today, we are celebrating friendship! You all are my closest friends and have supported me since the start, in thick and thin. You all are a very important part of my life, and I hope we share this bond forever!"

Jin Hyung's words were met with heartfelt nods, smiles, and a few teasing remarks from the group. The warmth of friendship filled the air, and we raised our glasses once again, not just to celebrate an achievement but to cherish the bonds that held us together through the journey of life.

Suddenly, Jimin smiled mischievously, "Guys! Let's play Truth or Drink!"