Jimin's P.O.V

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[EARLY OCTOBER, THURSDAY]

It's morning.

"It's morning! I hope you're ready for a breakfast run!" Taehyung chirped from behind the wooden door to the guest room. Luckily his voice didn't seem to shock me much, considering that I had been wide awake and scrolling through my phone for hours now. My fingers opened and closed the same three apps about forty times until Taehyung had managed to walk past and scoop me up from the never-ending loop that is the internet. It was 10:30 PM- so I guess breakfast sounded great right about now.

I blinked a few times as I sat up way too quickly, all of the blood imbalance impairing my vision a little. I cringed at small ache at the back of my head. The mini voice of Jungkook's advice about not eating too much candy spread from side to side in my brain, rattling my excitement about today's future events.

I exhaled, gazing around the near empty guest room like it was a frolic-worthy flower field.

First day real day in Chicago.

Taehyung's footsteps clicked against the wooden floor of the hallway, leading up to the door where he poked his head into the frame, showcasing his messy black curls on his forehead and bare face that seemed smoother any marble or pearl in the sea.

He grinned while speaking. "I know you're awake in here."

Sighing, I pushed away the sheets that comforted me early this morning, keeping me warm while the strong AC blew just above my bed and frosted over the tips of my ears and the bridge of my nose. I offered a smile back to him as I swung my legs off the mattress and sat up with a small yawn and stretch.

"I've been awake for hours..." I admitted, Taehyung fit more of his body into the room. His entire get up wasn't anything close to an apron you see in a flower shop; he was wearing a deep V-necked white t-shirt, tucked into a plaid pair of bottoms. A small gold chain hung down from his nape caught my eye as it dangled during his movement, "... How long have you been up for. You're all dressed."

Taehyung stuffed both of his hands into his front pockets and huffed with shrug as a prelude to his answer. "Oh, you know... Just for-a couple, couple minutes... Hours... Who knows?" He giggled warmly after his small joke.

I swallowed. "Sh-should I start getting ready for something?"

Taehyung shook his head dismissively. "No, no- I mean, I did get us tickets to the Shedd Aquarium and had ideas to go shopping and all, but if you want to head to this diner not too far from here in your pajamas that's good too, it's a pretty decent place when you're stuck in any of the three H's." I furrowed my eyebrows.

Three H's?

Taehyung rolled his eyes. "Hungry, Hungover, and or horny-but you don't have to be one of those of course it's... You'll be great, it'll be great. We'll eat before we go and I'll attempt at calling my brother to come eat with us... Unless you're feeling up to it?" My spine was sizzle with a sudden race of electricity that help me straighten up, suddenly my ears didn't feel so chilled.

"I'm not--" I blurted absentmindedly, "-- I mean I can, I really can, but you're his brother so..."

"Ah," Taehyung held up a finger to shush me, "although that is true... I've already called him twice and he hasn't picked up. He doesn't like when I call back-to-back, and judging by how he treated you so kindly yesterday, he might crack a little for me." I nodded along with Taehyung's confession aimlessly; my heart dropped even further into my stomach once he approached the ending of his encouraging yet disheartening statement.

For a pair of siblings, they don't seem to be on the same page often.

Jungkook's voice wisped into my brain once more.

"I came here for closure, nothing more, nothing less. So yes-we did fly in the same plane, but we were not looking for the same person."

I scooted forward on the bed as Taehyung waited for me to accept his offer. Only that wasn't exactly what my head had swirling around at the moment. Taehyung and Jungkook's words about each other were nothing I would expect any family member to admit out loud; each time they spoke it was like a mystery layering thick onto a canvas that desperately needed to be covered up. Whatever picture they had painted in the past while being raised couldn't have been a pretty one.

"Do you and Jungkook--" I exhaled again, "-- do you and Jungkook have... A problem? I don't mean to be so personal, you don't have to say, but... Yesterday Jungkook told me he came down to see you, and so did I... But--"

"So, the cat's out of the bag, huh?" Taehyung shouted; a small chuckle followed; his face didn't look anywhere near amused once he continued. "Yeah, well, Jungkook has the problem and I... I don't blame him for it..." There was an almost dead look sailing in his eyes as he trailed off for several seconds before he picked it back up, his demeanor flipping in instant. "So, are you ready to roll or? I could just go pick up the food and bring it back if you're not."

Picking up on Tae's dodgy attitude, I swallowed, knowing that clear answers didn't come easy when situation isn't your business to be sticking your nose in.

I pressed my lips together, biting back my tongue. "No... I'll get ready. I'm actually kind of hungry."

Taehyung beamed, clapping his hands. "That's good news. Just come out when you're done-and you're going to have to make that phone call by the way."

Oh boy.

"I will, I... I won't forget." I scratched at the back of my neck; Taehyung winked before head out of the bedroom with a slight bounce in his walk.

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Riding with Taehyung in a car was one of the things I imagined before I traveled here. I thought of the wild teenage scenes you'd see plastered on the TV screens in dramas; I pictured the car plowing through the brisk fall air with the windows down and the music turned up to an obnoxious level as we speed off into an open road with a peachy sunset stretched beyond without any care for tomorrow. Not at all, in any dream or day, did I come across the idea of Taehyung and I cruising to a 24-hour diner and sitting in the horribly paved lot as we waited for his step-brother to arrive.

I wanted to apologized to Taehyung the moment I had called Jungkook's number. It was almost as if there was a barrier between the two men even on different side of a phone call. Every air molecule had been vacuumed from the vehicle, making it maybe 10 degrees colder than the outside whenever they utter a word in each other's direction.

Taehyung's calm and passive ways clashes with Jungkook's blunt responses, and I-being the only one left in the dark, squinting just to understand- had to sit there, and nod along like I hadn't heard a thing.

When we had pulled through to the end of the conversation, and Jungkook seemed like he was close hanging up, I had to speak my mind about something-anything.

And just for mere seconds, I felt like I had the red carpet beneath my feet to begin talking; the floor was cleared and ready for walking. Telling Jungkook that I had never been to an aquarium switched things around for the better.

I didn't how, or why.

But after that phone call, a thrum of impatience flickered and was on the edge of burning my body alive as I wait for Jungkook.

As I waited to begin my week-long trip finally

But sooner than later, Taehyung and I had grown tired of sitting in the car and decided to enter the diner. The outside didn't leave much to the imagination on what the interior looked like. The lights were a dim yellow that shined across each of the tables lined up on both sides of the small lobby. There were only about two groups of people who had occupied a few seats; one being a small trio of thick bearded men, and the other being a couple that looked like they hadn't sleep in ages-the lady's eye-makeup smudged on her cheeks.

"Hey, Jimin... You can go ahead and sit down if you want. I'll order waffles while you keep a look out for my brother." Taehyung patted my shoulder with another wink as he then gestured to an empty table near the entrance.

"Sure." I agree simply. Taehyung then walked off toward the cashier's counter as I slowly made my way to the table and plopped down on the wooden chair, scooching up to the table. Another yawn had managed to slip past my lips as my phone buzzed in pocket.

Startled, I rustled into my pants pocket to look at the screen that sported a lovely text message from my halmoni. I hurriedly clicked on her message to read them and start replying right away.

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[TEXT MESSAGE]

JM= Park Jimin
HO= Halmoni

HO: Good morning!

HO: I hope you've gotten a chance to eat.

JM: Morning!

JM: I'm going to eat in few minutes!

JM: How was your sleep?

HO: It was great.

HO: But the mornings just aren't as lively when you're away. I really you get to have fun today so you can tell me about it!

JM: I'm planning on it! I'm actually heading to the aquarium today to see the dolphins.

JM: I want to know what my eomma felt when she saw them.

HO: I'm sure you'll enjoy it. Send pictures!

JM: I'll try!

HO: And we have to speak about something before you go off and forget about me for the day.

JM: I wouldn't forget about you halmoni! What is it?

HO: I was promised a photo yesterday. Did you every take one?

JM: Yes...

JM: {Image attached}

JM: There it is.

HO: Oh Jimin!

JM: What?

HO: Is that the man you were talking about beside you?

JM: Yes, halmoni.

HO: He's a looker. You've gotten lucky for sure.

JM: Halmoni plz.

HO: I am just being honest.

HO: A man like that should be married by now. Do you know if he might be?

JM: I don't know. I don't really want to think about it though.

HO: Or you don't want him to be?

JM: I didn't say that :(

HO: I'm just poking fun at you!

HO: You know, there's nothing wrong with feeling attracted to someone. Sometimes you don't even know when it'll happen and it could be an accident.

HO: But a good accident.

JM: Sure halmoni, I understand.

JM: I'll talk to you when Taehyung and I get to the aquarium!

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I placed my phone face down on the table, sighing as I gazed up to the cashier's counter where Taehyung stood with two styrofoam cases in each hand. My shoulder's slumped in relaxation once he had pivoted on his feet to head back to our table. I breathed a little once Taehyung took a seat across from me and flipped open the white container to reveal two stacks of golden, fluffy waffles, I leaned forward to geta closer look and Taehyung giggled.

"Told you, this place may not look it-but... It's got some good stuff," he said as he pushed the container of waffles toward me then reaching to the end of the table to nudge the syrup further, "and yes, I do mean the food not-anything else."

My eyes widened at Taehyung's implication, he just laughed smugly. I picked up the plastic fork and knife and cut deep into my breakfast, and I though Taehyung was going to do the same, my eyes locked onto his in the strangest ways-he hadn't been looking at his food or me, he was gazing far beyond me. His face was free of emotion, drained and depleted of his smile just seconds before. I chewed my food slowly, craning my neck just to see the person we had been waiting for walk their way up to the glass doors of the diner, their black hair tied in a nice bun to the back of his neck.

When I turned back to my food, taking a few short breaths to prepare, Taehyung had shifted in seat once more his hands shakier, his face a little redder-why did things have to be this way between them?

The swooshing of the door pushing in sounded, Taehyung sat up and replaced his dropped, dull features with smile that anyone could call phony from a mile away. A small patch of heat kept its incline near me until Jungkook arrived in front of our table wearing a black suit and no smile-just like the day I met him. I continued to eat as Taehyung cleared his throat.

"Oh, hey, you finally made it... Jimin and I were starting to get worried." Taehyung started off in Jungkook's direction. I glanced over at the standing male who now folded his arms and glared over at Tae like he had vomited all over his brand-new shoes.

"I bought my own ticket... So you don't have to do anything for me." Jungkook replied, his voice like an icy blizzard.

"Hm... Not even a hello back? At least to Jimin?" My muscles tensed at mention of my name. I looked back over to Jungkook who's dark eyes seemed to latch with mine in seconds, and in those quiet moments when I didn't speak, Jungkook did it for me.

"Hello there, Jimin." I was staring again. I was always staring again-- it felt like. Jungkook's blank face, for just a little, looked like it has swatch of color. A smile tugged at his lips that meant nothing for anyone else, but for me, it was like my heart was on the verge of exploding.

With just a few more blinks, halmoni's words were becoming clear.

"There's nothing wrong with feeling attracted to someone..."

I shuddered, looking back at my waffle like it had a plan to save me. "Uh-um... The waffles here are really good, " stop talking, just stop talking, "honestly, you should really try it, officer."

Jungkook raised his eyebrows and just before he could open his mouth, Taehyung had to intercept. "Okay, how about we just head now-you can eat on the way, Jimin..." Tae's eyes connected with me, his stare strong and stern; he then looked back up at Jungkook who scoffed, "... And Jungkook just- don't change your mind."

Jungkook rolled his tongue on the inside of his cheek. "Well, thank god I am nothing like you or else... Who knows what would happen?" Those were his last words before turning around for the entrance, never turning his head back to give us second look.

After I closed up my waffle container, I finished chewing and looked back at Tae who was already beginning to stand up from his seat.

"Car." Was all that he managed to say before he and I were head out of the double door ourselves.

Once we were finally settled in the car Taehyung's trembling hands fumbled with the in the ignition before finally plugging them in and turning them as so. The car's engine rattled as he started up and back out of the parking lot; he waited all the way until we go to the street to turn on the GPS. My body had calmed as we drove with Jungkook in our rearview.

Taehyung drove for what seemed like hours until we were slowing up to turn. A large building could be seen from afar, it's gray exterior and large blue banners waving out by the entrance signifying that we had reached our long-awaited destination. My fingertips glided upward to my neck, feeling the ridges of the dolphin and its fin hanging there.

"Just a couple of seconds eomma." I whispered to myself as we pulled into the parking lot that wasn't even halfway full. Taehyung swung around the lot a few times, circling until he found a close enough park. My head was facing he window the entire time, taking in the large structure with a smile splitting my face.

Taehyung unclicked his seatbelt beside me. "Alright... You ready?"

I opened the car door and pulled myself from the passenger seat an out to stand on the ground. I grinned at the older male who followed my lead, resting his arm on the hood of the car as he stood.

"Born to be." I replied simply.

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Upon entering the Aquarium Taehyung and I stayed side by side while Jungkook hadn't come into our sight. Everything about the interior was grand, the walls being marble lightly colored and the floors looking freshly polished as we walked through huge hallway with a couple of people ahead of us. The commotion wasn't too much since there weren't many groups looking around as it would have been on a hot summer day. My heart was beating faster than I knew it should've been; Finally, after coming out of the large hallway we were met with an oversized room that station a large cylinder exhibit of all types of sea life. Gallons of water stored in a column with bright coral peaking from the sides and a multitude of marine life floating within.

I was speechless as I stared up, stared down, and looked off to the side while witnessing all the different paths we could take throughout the large building. There was so much I wished I could say, so much I wished I knew prior to stepping foot here. This feeling, as you step closer to the glass that you're told never to tap too hard on, the blue waves reflecting back into your eyes like diamonds spread out in a dream that you can't grab in the real word could grab in the real world.

A fantasy-like experience.

Taehyung stood silently beside me as others roamed and skipped.

"It's beautiful here." I said as I scanned the tank of water.

"Yeah... It's really something." Taehyung responded, sighing afterward. He then poked my side with his elbow.

"Go ahead and explore, I'll catch up with you eventually at the dolphin exhibit." I turned to Taehyung who still was starting off at the water.

I nodded. "I'll see you later then!"

And with that, I was let loose and into the fray of the aquariums various exhibits. Since the space was pretty open, there wasn't much intimidation in exploring. The rooms were large enough that there was more than enough space to maneuver to wherever you needed to get no time with no hold up. For just a short amount of time, I felt like I were a fish in their habitat; I was just simply swimming and sometimes drifting in an open space. Everything is stretched so far ahead; everything is so vast that sometimes you may wander off just to keep enjoying the open space.

A few twists and turns came about as I was skipping through the exhibits, glancing at sea anemones and watching the jellyfish float in another turn. With more corners to come around and bend, I finally came across an exhibit that seemed way farther than any of the others, this one didn't have any other visitors but one tall man with dark clothing-- I man I have definitely met before.

I inched my way towards the man, walking around several people just to get a tad bit closer to the exhibit he had been zeroed in on. I slowed up once I came face to face with it the blue tank that wasn't as big as the others-- but I guess it wasn't unimportant either. I kept my distance from the man, respectively, trying not to spook him.

But after a while.

"I know you're there..." I clenched my fist at Jungkook's deep voice and tried to keep quiet just for fun, "this isn't Starbucks, you don't have to stand behind me... Minnie."

None of that mattered.

I groaned, exhaling while stepping up to stand beside him. I eyed the life inside the water which looked empty at first, but when you a bit deep enough you could see everything. My sight flickered over to Jungkook's illuminated features; he was studying the tank like he hadn't seen what was inside all his life.

"Starfish..." I began, panning my vision back to the tank of unmoving animals, although some of them had the same size, each of them had their unique patterns would catch anybody's eye even if they were drowning, "... That's fun."

In my peripheral vision I watched Jungkook tilt his head to the side. "Define fun."

I paused for a moment to respond, shrugging and saying what came to my mind in the simplest way. "Well, it's usually when you're happy doing something you like... Does watching them make you happy?"

Jungkook's delay said more than words. His hands pushed deep into his pockets and his Adams apple bobbed a bit. "I don't know."

I nodded slowly and pursed my lips as I hoped he would continue, but nothing came from him. So instead of waiting, I decided to make something happen in the meantime.

"I guess you can find out today then," Jungkook jerked back, my head turned to look his side profile which soon changed into Jungkook staring back at me, "I came here to see the dolphins. I hope you don't mind watching them with me, officer."

"Ah, and I'm guessing I can't say no because we're supposed to be 'friends', right?" Jungkook suggested, and I decided to play into his dry humor.

"Yep, and this is the second act- enjoy the show." With all of the pride I had stored up and lacing around my limbs, I turned around from the exhibit to stroll way and hopefully bring Jungkook along with me to the other side of the facility. When I realized Jungkook hadn't stayed behind me like I thought he would I turned to face him. "You're supposed to follow me." I informed.

He chuckled, pulling his hands from his pockets to point at me. "I know, just wanted to see how far ahead you could get. Confidence is key to a lot of things."

"You think I have a lot of confidence?" I tried to tame my idiotic smile to the best of my ability. Jungkook took a few short steps to catch up with me since I didn't get anywhere far.

"I think you have something." My bottom lipped jutted out a bit.

"But it's not confidence?" Jungkook rolled his eyes to the side, not yet annoyed.

"Why... Are you not with my brother right now?" He asked, jumping me back from the topic. His question wasn't expected, but it had an answer.

"I-- He told me to go look around and- I did. We're supposed to meet at the dolphin show." I affirmed and Jungkook squinted.

"And somehow you found me on the other side of the aquarium by accident?" I nodded in full agreement except for one thing.

Halmoni's words fit so well into everything I ever did.

How it possible that she's always right?

"A good accident.... Don't you think?" I asked, curious of his point of view.

Jungkook briefly and he wrinkled his eyebrows.

"I'll think I'll decide after the dolphin show."

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On the other side of the aquarium lied a large arena that was filled with bleachers like you'd see in a sports event. Some people had gathered in the arena at an earlier time and were spread out in small groups or individual spots. In the center of the arena was a large pool that gave the dolphins enough room to do what wanted to wow the audience. The lights were bright and the air was cool and still.

Jungkook, who stood beside me, looked out into arena the same as I did. "My brother isn't here."

I scanned the area few times, looking at the entrance from which we came, but I didn't see him walking up. "I'll-- I'll text him."

Jungkook huffed and began to walk in front of me, each step faster than last. "Don't even bother, just find yourself a good place to sit." A dry swallow passed through my throat as I watched Jungkook climb solo up the bleachers to find a completely empty row at very top. Once he sat down, he took of his jacket and placed it on the seat next to him. A shadow of awkwardness hover over my back as I stood at the entrance for a while and soon decided to do as Jungkook said.

I stepped onto the bleachers calmy, my eyes focusing on his dark figure. Mimicking Jungkook's pathway, I made the best decision available. I made my way up to reach him in the last row where he looked over at me as I if I climbed a building with my bare hands and looked at him through a window.

"Hi." I greeted, occupying second seat away from him.

He didn't respond right away, instead he just stared for several seconds, his eyebrows furrowed like he had been given world's most difficulty puzzle. "Why're you sitting up here?"

"Because you told me to. I found a place to sit." I confessed as blunt as I could.

Jungkook's voice seemed utterly stunned. "I said a 'good place'- not 'follow me'. There's a difference."

"Well, I don't think so. Sitting up here is good to me... Is it bad for you?" Jungkook looked away, shaking his head.

"I'm saying, sitting in front would've made more sense, kid." I stood up and moved once seat over to answer, Jungkook looked back at me again with those same shocked eyes.

"Then come with me, and we can both make sense." Jungkook wet his lips and look ack at the water.

"No." It was so short and to the point, and I wanted to be same.

"Okay then, I won't be leaving up here until the show ends... There's no reason for both of us to be alone."

Jungkook we're stuck like that for a while, minutes I passed and we watched the staff come in and out of the arena setting things up around the pool and even some taking a dive into it for some type of prepping. Occasionally, we'd notice that there were dolphins swimming through and they jump up making a large splash in the water, the people around us cheered from time to time brighten the mood until the arena was mostly filled. I spent most of my time searching for Tae, but as the crowd grew the more my sight was strained.

"So... Officer, do you have a favorite sea animal?" I wanted to fill the silence so badly that I might've resorted to grabbing at straws. It was like talking to wind and hoping for a response, praying that the wind had something to say back.

That an opportunity would just blow right into your hands.

"I did..." He stated blanket, "... And I'm guessing you want to speak about yours?"

"Uh... No, I- don't have one." Moments, just mere moments passed and the air stilled just in the right way to keep everything moving; it stilled so the silence could finally escape.

"Well, I guess you can find out today." I fixed my lips to respond, touch short by a loud voice coming over a microphone that sounded in each corner of the arena.

I listened to a young lady's voice give us instructions on the show, introducing the staff who walked in and their proper attire, and even some of the dolphins as they swam up when they were called upon and signaled by other workers. The clapping and cheering all around rattled my chest, my heart skipped several beats when I looked out to see the majestic creatures in the beautiful lighting.

Automatically, my hand gripped onto my necklace. I sucked in a large amount of air, filling my lungs with it before I could lose my breath just from observing. I tugged onto the dolphin figure like it was a rope hanging me over an edge of a cliff; As soon as I felt my eyes water, just bordering to cascade onto my cheeks, my eyes were as wide as they could be. The speaker's voice had muffled in my ears, and all I could see was the majestic creatures jumping in and out of the crystal waters.

I allowed myself to drown in those sounds, for just a few seconds, I submerged myself and closed my eyes; I imagined the happiness my eomma must've felt in this setting.

I imagined her smile, her hand claps, her cheers, the vibrations of the lively arena coursing throughout her as she watched the show.

And when I opened my eyes, I saw.

I understood.

"Eomma..." I squeezed the dolphin hanging around my neck once more as I murmured again, "... Thank you."

Eventually, the dolphins had to cease their activity in my fingers had to loosen their grip. I couldn't bring myself to look away from the pool, I couldn't bring myself to do anything but stare like I usually do.

As I was trying to catch my breath, I nearly lost it again once Jungkook began speaking. "You shouldn't pull too hard on that necklace... It seems like you care for it."

"Y-yeah... I do," my voice cracked a bit when I spoke, "I didn't know I'd feel like that."

"Well, accidents happen... Good ones too, according to you." Jungkook said, and I scooted backward in my seat to relax from being so on edge.

"You wanna know something, officer?" Jungkook didn't speak. "I didn't really know if that was true until today. I- I came here to see the dolphins because of my eomma, this necklace meant something to her before she passed... And I didn't know if it would mean anything for me, but I wore it... And I see everything she meant even though she isn't here."

Jungkook turned in his seat to look at me, and my eyes blurred a bit as I gazed into Jungkook's. "Do you wanna know something too?" I nodded for him to continue, he looked off to the side before he started. "I'm not really an expert, but I always liked the sea when I was a boy... But-
I used think, well, I guess- when you look at a starfish, they're not moving, but they're alive..." He trailed off as he confessed with a small smile rising on his lips, "... They sit there every day and soak up the water and they're fine- they live. And I used to think they were 'the flowers of the sea'. And maybe your eomma thought dolphins were her flowers too. And now they're yours because... She brought them to you."

I was now lost and floating in the midst of Jungkook's words.

Just like a fish-I was wandering in the space of my habitat.

A place I felt safe.

A small tear felt from my right eye as I stared bravely at Jungkook for the sixth time today.

I wiped at my cheek quickly, hurrying to give Jungkook a response.

"Always water your flowers-or else they won't survive," Jungkook picked up his jacket and handed it over to me, "It's cold in here, you look like you need it."

I took hold of the jacket, pulling my arms through the larger sleeves. Jungkook watched carefully and I flashed him a smile to reassure him. "Thank you."

Jungkook gave me nod and stood up from his seat. "Let's go and find my brother."

Since the show was just beginning to end, some other people were heading out as well. Jungkook lead the way back to the entrance of the aquarium and I ended up having to send a text to Taehyung, asking him to come back to the entrance. After around ten minutes had emerged from far across the room and he jogged with a worried look.

"Jimin, are you okay? Did you see the dolphins-I tried to find you guys, I promise, but--"

Jungkook interrupted his long-winded excuse with a groan. "Let's not talk about it now. I'd rather just head back without ruining anything."

Taehyung's mouth fell open in offense. "Oh, what? Are you gonna take Jimin with you too since you're speaking for him now?"

Jungkook's jaw clenched, his aura darkening. "Not my decision to make."

Tae's eyes bounced between the both of us as if I was supposed to say the day.

"Tae, it's fine- I had fun, we can go--" I reached out for Tae's hand but took a step backward, out of my reach.

"No, no, it's fine-everything is... You can ride with him-wouldn't want to anger the police." Taehyung's words weren't loud, but I could hear the subtle rage flaring in each pause. He walked around us and stormed back through the long hallway for the exit.

What have I just done?

"Guess I'll be your driver again for the day?" Jungkook made a note.

"I didn't mean for that to--"

"Yeah, well, accidents happen. This just isn't your fault." Jungkook cut me off, taking his own steps the hall way. I did my best to keep up with him as we ended up exiting at the same time, thankfully. When I looked out into the parking lot, it didn't seem like anything was changing; Taehyung had pulled off without me.

Jungkook kept walk to toward his rental car, I double my speed to a jog so I could back to the car. Just when I was resting my fingers on the door handle, Jungkook was already inside the car and was beginning to start it up. I swiftly entered the car and buckled up so he could pull out with no complications.

My fingers fidgeted with the soft fabric of Jungkook's jacket. "Can we... Can we just stop somewhere?"

Jungkook slowed up once we came to a red light. "Where's that?"

"I-- I don't know... I just, I feel bad for making Tae angry. I don't feel good..." I heard Jungkook sigh a bit once the light turned green.

"Look, you didn't make him angry- it had nothing to do with you and more to do with him." Jungkook restated, making his voice much clearing and up-front.

"But, I- I wasn't supposed ride home with you- we were supposed to go shopping after--"

"Alright, alright-fine, pick something." I looked out of the window and hoped we pass of come up to a sign. Many of the places on the street were fast food or cosmetic places. When were made a few more turns, my eyes locked onto a large sign that read multiple store I couldn't understand what they were for, and there was only one that I could read with ease.

Nordstrom, a clothing store.

"Up head... The clothing store." Jungkook didn't give a reply with words; instead, he adjusted the speed of his car so he could switch his lanes and pull into the store's parking lot. Jungkook made sure we parked close enough to the store.

"I'll sit here and wait for you to come out." Jungkook said, unlocking the car door so I could exit.

I nodded, unbuckling and opening the door. "I'll be right back."

I marched out from the car, a nervous rush waving over me when I thought of Taehyung's plans for the day. Jungkook told me it wasn't my fault, but being in the middle of their issues put tons of stress on my mind. I've never had a sibling, never had another person to truly hate. I could only imagine the struggle, just being around it was constricting enough.

So I couldn't let this day go out ruined.

When I enter the clothing store, immediately, I gravitated toward the shirts and steered from the pants. I made sure to pick out a pair of matching green sweaters. I didn't pay too much attention to the others who shopped since there weren't many to begin with. I stacked up the sweaters and shirts on my arm and searched for a place to try them on before buying.

Sadly, there wasn't a dressing room. No signs for fitting.

I sucked my teeth and looked around to find a door with a symbol that I read 'all gender bathroom'. I made my way to the bathroom and looked back to check if anyone else had noticed.

Swinging open the bathroom door, there were only two stalls and two sinks. I hurried to place the stack of clothing on the bathroom counter. I look a deep breath to calm my nerves, observing my reflection in the mirror I breathed in again.

Not all first days are easy.

But maybe it could get easier.

I picked through the stack of clothes and pulled out a shirt I felt was nice enough to put on. To speed this process along, I removed Jungkook's jacket as well as my own shirt. When I flipped my head back up to look in the mirror, fixing my hair and reaching for the new shirt there was something different in the reflection.

Another person was beginning to enter the bathroom, his hoodie was a dark green and wore a face mask like we often did in Korea. The man closed the door and I could sense something off with the atmosphere.

I froze in place as I watched the man's movement.

"Hey there, sweet-thing." My throat feels dry, my back felt like it had been stuck with pins and needles once the man closes the gap between us. His body heat hung over my back while my brain told me to scream until I felt something sharp jab at the back of my neck; I watched the reflection in the mirror, seeing how he jostled the neckless with his weapon I assumed to be knife. His hand rested on the small of my back as he leaned in, sending a disgustingly warm breath over my ear.

"I'm gonna need you... to do something for me--" the knife's ridges pulled on the necklace so hard that it could leave a print on my skin. There was no air flowing to my lungs as my eyes filled with tears. "--- I saw walk in from outside-I was thinking I could take pretty necklace from you. Huh? What do you say?"

I opened my mouth to speak, but I guess he had grown impatient in just that short span of time for him to whisper more forcibly; my legs were close to buckle. "I asked you question bitch... Give me the goddamn neckless or I'll cut out your tongue and you won't get say at all... Do you fucking understand?" I nodded vigorously just to show my surrender.

"T-t-take it... Just-- just don't hurt me." I wept, as I got glimpse at man's green eyes in mirror.

The man laughed, and next then I knew it, the necklace had been cut from my neck and a tear dropped to the ground along with the day I tried so hard not ruin.

I wasn't floating anymore.

It felt more like I was buried.

Like a flower that hadn't been watered and left to wilt.

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A/N: SOOO... HOW WAS IT?

Sorry for the wait, this chapter had very triggering elements and it was a bit hard for me to write! I hope writing didn't upset anyone.

Q: FEELINGS ABOUT JIKOOK'S AQUARIUM INTERACTION?

Q: OPINIONS ON TAEHYUNG'S ATTIUDE AND IT'S EFFECT ON JIMIN?

Q: PREDCITIONS FOR THE NEXT CHAPTER?

Well as you guys know...

You'll just have to wait and see for the next chapter!

Love you guys!

XxxS