✨

"Well that was the quickest vacation ever. We didn't even get to go see some kangaroos."

Jin's whining became a comic relief for the group as they all walked towards the airport's lobby. Jisoo on the other hand looked fairly pissed and was about to throw a few punches at her husband.

"Would you stop whining? Or do you want me to play kangaroo and punch you in the face?"

"This face makes millions for you, Soo. If you damage it, say goodbye to your lifetime supply of chicken wings."

Her eyes narrowed at his sassy remark to which the guy answered with a kiss on the girl's temples.

"Ya!"

Chaeyoung can't help but react at the two's sweetness making Jimin worried.

"What's wrong, baby? Why are you crying?" He asked in panic. "Are you hurt? Is your tummy hurting again?"

"I'm fine, Chim. It's..." she sniffed while brushing off the tears forming in her eye. "It's just the hormones. They're just so sweet—"

"Ya! You two! Stop being sweet! You're making my girl cry!" Jimin immediately called out earning a deadly glare from his hyung.

"Shut up, you midget! I can be sweet to my wife whenever I want!"

"Not when my future wife's getting affected you dumbass!"

"Why you disrespectful punk—"

"Are they always like this?" Lisa asked Namjoon—whom she had taken a liking to, as she was clinging on his arm. Jungkook was at the back talking with Chanyeol. "They're like Dumb and Dumber."

"They're basically my kids even if Jin hyung is older than I am," he answered chuckling.

It was a good thing that they took the VIP entrance. If not, the media would've had a field day seeing all members of Royal having a girl next to them.

"If I was your manager, you'd be a soloist by now," she muttered making the guy chuckle. "And by the way, I want that mixtape of yours on my table as soon as we get back to Seoul. I just can't get enough of your songs! Why didn't you say you know how to produce?"

"Well I just trying it out. I didn't think it was that good."

"He's been stalling showing it, Miss Manoban," Jin interjected. "He's had that tape since last year. He chickened out before he could give it to CEO Jung."

"I uh... I really didn't want to impose myself—"

"You're not imposing yourself, Joonie," she said shocking everyone at the sudden sweetness of her tone. "You're giving me money. And possibly a new Birkin bag."

Everyone chuckled except for Jungkook who looked a bit distracted. Her brows furrowed but didn't dive into it that much as she thought he was just exhausted.

Their travel back to Seoul was a calmer than they've imagined. No sasaengs were spotted at the First Class section of the plane so Jimin was free to switch seats with Jisoo to tend to his girlfriend. Jin was asleep 80% of the time while Namjoon and Chanyeol talked producer stuff.

"Aren't you cold?" Jungkook suddenly asked her after an excruciating 3 hours of silence.

"Not much," she answered. "I'm kinda used to the coldness of airplanes. Plus I have you to keep me warm from time to time."

She leaned closer to him and tried to cuddle but he flinched. That caught her by surprise.

"Kook?" She asked worriedly. "Is there something wrong?"

"Huh?" He turned towards her. His expression a bit weird. "Ah, it's nothing. I'm just tired."

He then leaned in and wrapped his arm around her. He's acting rather odd and it's starting to tick her off.

"Jungkook. Please tell me what's going on in your head. I'm starting to get worried," she demanded. "You've been out of it since two days ago and I'm not having any of it. Tell me now or I'll throw you out of this airplane myself."

"I-It's nothing, really," he answered. "I'm just... just nervous. Yeah. Nervous. I'll be meeting your parents this weekend and I'm kinda scared that I wouldn't make a good impression."

She raised an eyebrow. "That was what you're worried about?"

Jungkook sighed. "Kinda. Yes."

"You're such a big idiot," she scowled. "You've met my mom a thousand times because of my brother. And dad's not the scary type. He's the sweetest man you'll ever meet."

"Oh. Okay..."

But he clearly wasn't.

"Hey. If you're not comfortable meeting my parents, it's fine," she said holding his hand. It was cold. And sweaty. "I'll just tell them you're busy."

"I-It's fine. I'm just really nervous, that's all," he answered. "How about we sleep for a while? It'll be a good eight hours before we land. It's best if you get some rest before we get bombarded with calls back at home."

She just let him be. Maybe he was really just nervous. But something in her gut tells her otherwise.

✨

Jungkook can't concentrate. He's been staring at a blank word document for about twenty minutes now and the report needs to be submitted before lunch time.

And oh, he's supposed to have lunch with Miss Mano—Lisa. Right. He should be calling his girlfriend by her first name now. But... he's still her secretary. He sighed.

Saturday is near and he's been a nervous wreck since Australia. It's not just because of him meeting her parents but it's also the fact that Saturday's the same day his accident happened years ago. The one where he accidentally ran someone over.

He thought it was just a coincidence. Many accidents happen each day and it might've not been him. He would've remembered his face, right? Or at least recognized him?

"Secretary Jeon?"

He got startled and almost knocked over his cup when someone called him. He was too deep in thought that he didn't notice the intercom was buzzing.

"T-Thank you, Miss Bong. I'll head in," he said scurrying towards Miss Manoban's office with his tablet. "Yes, Miss Manoban?"

Lisa turned to face her secretary slash boyfriend. She had a faint smile plastered across her face before walking towards him—hands straight towards his tie.

"You're a mess," she said as she fixed the crooked tie. "This is so unlike you, Jungkook. What's the matter? Is this still about Saturday? I've told you, it's fine if your can't come. Yes I'd be sad but I don't want you doing something you're not comfortable with."

The concern in Miss Manoban's voice hammered inside his head. He doesn't deserve her. First of all, she Lisa effin' Manoban—primaballerina and heiress to Madam Jung. Second of all, she's way above the social hierarchy line and he's five levels down. And thirdly, she's perfect. How can he match that?

Also, there's the big possibility that he might have something to do with her brother's death.

"Jungkook."

He turned to Miss Manoban.

"Yes, Miss Manoban?"

"Is it me?" she suddenly asked. "Am I... Am I the problem?"

His mouth parted as he heard those words come out of her mouth. What? Why would she say that?

"N-No!" he immediately replied—voice sounding a bit louder as he was caught by surprise.

"Then what?" She sounded so broken. Was it... was it his fault? "After that Australia trip, you started to distance yourself from me. Was it because you finally got me? Was there no more challenge? Do you not want me anymore?"

"What? No!" His feet automatically moved from his place to hers. "I was just a bit distracted by work and some personal stuff. There's nothing wrong with you, Lisa. You're perfect."

"Then why?" She looked at him straight in the eyes. "I don't know what to think anymore, Jungkook. Especially after what happened between us... what else am I supposed to think? You had your way with me and all of a sudden you distanced yourself from me. Tell me, Jungkook. What's so wrong about me?"

"Nothing!" he insisted. His fingers brushed through his hair. "I was just busy, okay? I just have work stacked after our trip. It's not you, Lisa. I swear."

Lisa folded her arms and didn't look convinced. He sighed and made his way towards her. He wasn't sure if this was allowed during office hours but he did it anyways.

He pressed his lips over her cheeks. Then on the top of her forehead. His hands held both her shoulders and looked directly through those big doe eyes of hers.

"I was just a bit distracted, okay?" he said trying to calm her down. "I'm sorry if I made you think that but in all honesty, I would never do that to you. Nothing is wrong with you. You're perfect."

She didn't say a word forcing him to give him a quick peck on the lips. If someone caught them now they'd be sent to the HR for inappropriate behavior inside the office environment.

"I'm sorry," he repeated. Miss Manoban just nodded before heaving a sigh.

"So where's my financial report?" she asked switching from the soft girlfriend Lisa to the no-nonsense boss Miss Manoban. "Didn't I say I want it on my desk first thing in the morning?"

He smiled. She can be both and he'd still love them the same.

Love. Yeah, he does. As distracted as he may be, he only felt love for her. And maybe a little bit of fear. Fear that he might lose her when all dots get connected and he might have something to do about her brother's death.

✨

"So, how's Chaeyoung doing?"

Jungkook handed a freshly rolled towel to Jimin as soon as the guy sat on the floor after that painstaking dance practice. The group was preparing for their final comeback before Jin finally enters the military—a comeback Miss Manoban managed to sneak in in exchange for Jimin and Jin's recent behaviors. Also, it was a way to recover some loses as the tickets and accommodations in Australia were a bit expensive.

"She's fine," he said taking the towel from him. "She's enjoying it too much actually. Who knew pregnant women can be such a pain—ow! That hurt noona!"

Manager Kim just glared at Jimin after she threw that empty water bottle straight to his head. He couldn't help but stifle a laugh when she showed him her fist.

"But I'm loving every second of it," Jimin continued as he turned to face him again. "She have these weird cravings for strawberries and ketchup—anything red really. So if our baby end ip like a cute miniature version of Hellboy, I wouldn't be surprised."

"Strawberries and ketchup? Wow. That's... weird," he commented. "But people did say pregnant women's tastebuds gets really weird oftentimes."

"Remember when Manager Kim ate Avocados and Peanut butter sandwiches?" Jin suddenly interjected. "Yup. She really lived them when she was pregnant but hated it after."

"Who wants some chicken?" Manager Kim suddenly asked from the other side of the room. Jimin and Jin immediatelu raised their hands makinh Namjoon chuckle then raising his to. "Great! I'll order two boxes of chicken and can you give me some mustard with that? Yup. The yellow one. What do you mean you don't serve them with mustard—"

His forehead automatically creased.

"Oh no. She's not pregnant," Jin immediately rebutted. "She just really likes mustard on Chicken. Even before I met her."

"Good. I thought we were gonna lose our capable manager for a couple of months again," Namjoon said as he sighed in relief. "Not that I don't want a pretty little niece again or a cute nephew."

"The  expect one after I return from the military," Jin declared. "Or during. Maybe on our first break since I don't know if I could hold out that long—"

Againc another emply wattle bottle flew from Manager Kim' side.

"Stop discussing our private life to your members!" she hissed before turning her attention back on the phone.

"She loves me," Jin said smiling widely. "Anyways, I think this comeback would be good—"

His attention was suddenly taken by a faint sound coming from outside. That's odd. There were no other scheduled practices for the day since it was Royal's comeback week. Also, none of the artists stay beyond 10 in the evening on weeknights.

"Secretary Jeon?" Namjoon looked at him with concern.

"I just need to go and check something," he said as he stood up. "Go ahead and take your break. I'll be right back."

The faint sound grew louder as he went outside the hall. He recognized that sound. Immediately, he knew where to go and who was using the last room at the end of the hallway.

It was the same classical song as before.

Her arms extended in an elegant line as the music continued to raise. Her body moved fluidly at every turn and bend. Her moves were similar to that of what he saw months ago. But ultimately different. It felt different.

There was more emotion on her every move. It was as elegant and precise as before but now... it was even better.

He took a few steps closer as he watched at awe how graceful she moved with the song. The way her legs point at a certain position after turning on one leg—tiptoed, was executed flawlessly with her arms extending like an elegant bird.

Then it was time for that one sharp turn. The one he saw last time. The one which made her break down.

He clearly saw how Lisa took a deep breath  before bending back and swaying her arms. And then she took a step with her left leg and the right pushed for the turn.

"Sh—"

Lisa fell on the floor and he immediately ran towards her.

"Are you okay?" he asked making her turn to him.

"What are you doing here?" she asked—clearly shocked.

"I heard someone's illegally using the practice room so I just had to check who," he sain in an attempt to lighten the mood. He clearly remembered how Miss Manoban reacted the first time he saw her fall.

"I'm not using this illegally. I'm CEO," she rebutted.

"Even CEO's need to schedule the practice rooms, you know?" he teased making her chuckle.

Jungkook wasn't so sure what to say so he acted out on impulse. He laid out his hand in front of Lisa and smiled.

"Can you teach me?" he asked. She just looked at him like he was speaking in a different language.

"What?" she questioned. "Teach you... the dance?"

He nodded and stood up. "Well, not the twirls thing. But isn't this dance usually done with a partner?"

"So... you want me to teach you how to dance with me? The Swan Lake?" she asked again making sure. He nodded again only this time motioning her to take his hand.

Still looking confused, Lisa took his hand and stood up.

"You can't dance in slacks and a suit," she commented. "Do you have anything with you that's comfortable?"

He froze. All he has is his backpack with his black hoodie and black sweats he uses for his fan site activities.

"Uhh..." Miss Manoban raised an eyebrow. "I'll be back in a minute."

And he ran. He loved being jieunislife but he loved Lisa more. Yes guys. Love. Y'all heard that right.

✨

"So you stand there and hold my waist while I twirl," Miss Manoban said as she did turn and unceremoniously lifted her leg like it wasn't even attached to her body. "See?"

The close proximity of their bodies started to awaken something and it was starting to look pretty obvious. Good thing his sweatpants were loose and the lights in the practice room was kind of dimmed.

"Don't you get dizzy?" He asked out of the blue. Mainly to distract himself from the awakening because it's embarrassing as hell. "From all this turning? You look like a spinning top."

"Nope," she answered with a popping 'p' sound. "I was trained to spin around like this, Kook. I used to do fouetté's for the Swan Lake dance and that's one of the—if not the most, hardest move in ballet."

"Used to?" he asked making her suddenly lose the smile on her face.

"Yeah..." her voice a bit weak. "The fouetté is the signature move before the sequence ends. And since I injured my leg... I couldn't do it anymore."

Seeing her like this—broken and hopeless, felt like there was something inside him being stabbed multiple times. And not only that, he felt like he wanted lift her up, wrapped her inside his arms and just stay like that for a whole eternity.

"Can you... show me?"

She lifted her head and looked straight at him. With a hint of confusion, she hesitated.

"I-I can't do it anymore—" she tried to move away but he stopped her. He held her by her arms and made her look him in the eye.

"Lisa," he said as soon as they locked gazes. "You can do it. You're the strongest girl I know. You've done it before so you can do it again. Accident or no accident, you are still the best ballerina I know."

"I'm the only ballerina you know," she argued rolling her eyes at him.

"Please?"

She sighed and took a step forward. He also took a few steps back just in case she needed the space.

"Prepare to catch me, Secretary Jeon," she warned.

"I don't think I would," he answered confidently then put the classical song on.

Lisa took a deep breath before starting the dance again.

So far in the routine, she executed the turns perfectly as they did not require extensive use of her left leg—the leg that was damaged the most during the crash.

Her heart started to pound heavily as the moment of truth comes closer. She was nervous again—afraid of not being able to make the turn. With ever bend of her body and movement of her arms added to the growing fear inside her.

But she saw him. He saw Jungkook smiling at her. Believing she could make that turn.

Her mind then transported her back on her first ballet recital. The crowd was mainly of mothers and fathers. But one little boy stood out clapping among all the parents.

It was Jaewon. Her brother. Her number one fan back then.

He had the same smile as him. Had the same expression of belief inside his coffee brown eyes. The same faith.

She stepped her left foot forward pushing herself to turn. Images of the accident came flashing inside her head as she started to lose balance.

"You can do it, Lisa," she heard Jungkook say as she took a momentary pause as she regained her balance.

"You can do it, Lisa..." a voice echoed inside her head. It sounded like Jaewon's voice. For a split second she saw her brother Jaewon standing in Jungkook's place as he cheered her on.

"Oppa..." she whispered. She started to cry in between turns.

As the song progressed she continued to push herself and doe the turns ignoring the pain she feels on her left ankle. It wasn't there. It never was. She was already okay.

Jungkook's smile widened as the music reached it's end and Lisa made the final pose.

She really is the best dancer he knows.

"I... I did it," she whispered as she stood back up straight. Then she turned to him. "I did it, Jungkook."

"Yes," he answered smiling. "Yes, you did—"

Lisa ran towards him engulfed him in a tight hug. Jungkook lost balance and they both fell on the dance floor.

"I did it!" she exclaimed while hugging him tightly. "I bloody did it!"

"You did," he said with the same excitement. "I know you will."

Miss Manoban was crying. Not the sad kind but the happy one. You could even hear the excitement in her voice.

"Thank you, Kook. Thank you," she said as she leaned back and cupped her face. "I love you."

Jungkook's body stiffened.

"You... you love me?"

Miss Manoban smiled and nodded.

It literally brightened the dimly lit practice room as she did. He felt like his heart was about to explode at how adorable she looked. But at the same time, something else was threatening to explode as well as she was literally on top of him wearing only leggings and a thin sleeveless top over her sports bra.

"For real?" he made sure. A playful smirk formed on his girlfriend's luscious lips before grabbing him by his hoodie.

"Well I can show you," she whispered—her hooded eyes looking straight into his. "...better than I can tell you."

He felt his cheeks burn at the boldness of Miss Manoban's statement. She shifted her position—straddling him on the process.

"So, Secretary Jeon. Are you up for it?"

He blinked before clearing his throat.

"Yes, Miss Manoban."

Who knew that mirrors can be very... useful?

✨

"Mom?"

"Adeul? What's wrong? Why is your voice like that?"

"That night... that night I came home with a blood soaked shirt... You went to check on the hospital, didn't you?"

"Yes, dear. I checked up on the poor boy. He was fine."

"W-What was his name, mom?"

"I can't quite remember... was it Kim Banbi? Dani? Rani?"

"Kim Hanbin?"

"Omo! That's him, adeul. The boy's name was Kim Hanbin. You got him to the hospital just in time."

He dropped his phone on the floor. It was him. He was the one responsible for his death.

He killed Lisa's brother.

✨