You kneel in front of Jungkook where he sits in the empty dressing room, both of you still wet from the rain. The voices of BTS and the staff drift down the hall. Resting his foot on your knee, you get to work undoing the dressing to check his stitches. A few strands of wet hair fall in front of your face that he tucks behind your ear. You slow the unraveling to look up at him, his damp hair sticking to his face.
“The view is pretty good from up here,” he says, grinning and caressing the side of your face. Forgetting where you are, you close your eyes and lean into his hand. “You’re mine now.” You meet his gaze and an intense longing for him overtakes you. His eyes darken as he pushes his thumb between your parted lips and into your mouth. You close your lips around him and suck gently, hearing him curse.
Approaching footsteps echo in the hallway. He slides his thumb out and leans back in the chair while you finish removing his dressing. Eunji appears in the doorway.
“How’s the healing coming along?” she asks. Jungkook’s face stays relaxed and neutral.
“The stitches are still fresh but holding up well,” you say in the most casual tone you can manage. Your voice still comes out an octave higher.
“Good. Make sure it stays that way.” She turns on her heels and leaves. When you’re sure she’s gone, you and Jungkook fall into a fit of giggles.
“We really should be more careful,” you say, drying his heel with several gauze squares. You place a new gauze over his stitches. Rewrapping the Kerlix, you seal off the fresh dressing and Jungkook removes his foot from your knee.
He lets out an exasperated sigh. “How am I going to keep my hands off you?”
Still kneeling in front of him, you face him and place your hands on his knees, watching desire grow in his eyes. “I’m sure you’ll think of something.” You push yourself up to stand and turn to leave. A force from behind you yanks you back and down into his lap. He gives a satisfied grunt. Looking down, you see his fingers hooked around the belt loops of your jeans. His arms wrap around your waist.
“You know,” he says, his lips brushing your ear, “you come off as sweet and innocent, but I’m finding out just how bad you really are.” Your face turns a deep red, and he smiles. “So you don’t deny it.”
You shift in his lap to face him, feeling a hardness beneath you. He lets out a small sound of approval. “I am,” you say, locking eyes with him, “for you.”
His lips crash into yours, his kiss needy and desperate. Forcing his tongue into your mouth, he grabs a fistful of your jeans. You grind into his erection and open up to him.
“Shit,” you say, breaking away from the kiss. “It’s time for hair and make up. I can’t get in trouble again.” You hesitate, and he pulls you in for another kiss. The passion growing, you laugh and push him against the chair. “Jungkook, we have to go.”
He sighs, releasing you. “Fine. You go ahead. I have to…stay here for a few minutes.”
“We can resume this later,” you say on your way out.
“Not helping,” he calls after you.
Smiling, you return to the medical staff dressing room and take out the work uniform you packed for the concert in your backpack. You peel off your clothes and change into dry ones. As you’re folding your wet clothes, Arahae appears in her work uniform toweling off her hair.
“Oh, hey. Where did you and Jungkook run off to?” Arahae asks.
“We were chased by a royal guard.” Arahae’s eyebrows raise. “Yeah, it was crazy. Somehow we lost him outside. Then we found the rose garden and…we kissed.”
“Oh my god!” Arahae runs over and slams you with a hug. “Wait.” She steps back. “So are you guys dating now?”
“Yeah.” You smile broadly and look down. “I think so.”
“Oh my god! ” She squeezes you with another hug and spins around while you laugh.
You borrow the towel from her to dry your own hair. “What did you and Jimin end up doing?”
“Oh, nothing like that. We wandered around talking a lot and looking at the art.” She blushes and says softly, “It was nice dancing with him.”
“Are you sure he’s not into you?”
“He’s like that with everyone.” She shakes her head. “Libra men.”
Doyun enters the room, and Arahae makes an excuse to leave. “Hey,” he says, “I wanted to talk.”
“Oh, okay.” You brace yourself.
“I just wanted to say…I’m sorry.”
Oh.
He continues, “I took it pretty hard when Eunji removed Jungkook from my supervision. You should’ve seen how mad she was.” He winces at the memory. “All I want is to make her proud to have me on her team. After that, I felt like a failure. I took that out on you. It wasn’t right.” He looks away. “I just hope you’re not my replacement.”
“I wasn’t expecting that.” You think over his words. “If I’m really your replacement, then she would’ve trained me to be responsible for more members. Right now, Jungkook is all I can handle. Trust me, she knows that.”
Doyun cracks a smile. “Well, I hope we can start over.”
“I’d like that.” He sticks out a hand and you shake on it.
“See you out there,” he says, leaving.
Stunned, you dig your makeup bag from your backpack and carry it into BTS’ dressing room full of staff and the members getting ready. Weaving your way through people, you make your way to Jungkook and set your makeup bag down on the vanity counter. His hair is dry, and his subtle makeup enhances his natural features in his prince-inspired outfit.
“So,” you say, dragging a chair over, “Doyun just apologized.” You face the mirror next to his and begin reapplying the makeup that was washed away by the rain.
Jungkook crosses his arms. “Good. I don’t want to have more problems with him.”
You weren’t used to people giving apologies, much less sincere ones. A smile forms as you brush blush across your cheeks. You finish the last touches on your makeup and someone announces there’s ten minutes before IDOL.
You walk through the dim metal tunnel created by silver scaffolding to the lowered center stage platform. While the others get last minute touch-ups underneath the stage, uneasiness creeps into Jungkook’s eyes. “Hey,” you say, taking his hand. “They love you, and you’ll heal. This is temporary.”
A small smile pulls at his lips, and he squeezes your hand. “I’ll be thinking of you,” he says. A production staff member calls one minute to IDOL. Jungkook releases your hand and sits in his designated chair for the concert as his members get in their places on the platform. Joining Doyun and Arahae, you watch the platform rise into the cavernous arena with screaming fans.
• • •
The members enter the dressing room breathing heavily after the encore. Jungkook sinks into his usual spot in front of the mirror next to you.
You study him. “I’m surprised,” you say.
“At what?” he asks, taking a drink of water.
“At how closely you’re following Dr. Kang’s instructions.”
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He looks amused. “You think I can’t follow instructions?”
You laugh. “No, but I was expecting a little more resistance.”
He pauses. “After my heel injury, I realized how quickly all this can be taken away. And how I needed to start taking things more seriously in my life.”
“Not too seriously, I hope. But you are making my job a little easier.”
“Just wait till my heel heals. Then we’ll see how ‘easy’ this is for you.” You fight a smile forming at the vague threat. He stands. “I’m going to change then you’re riding with me to karaoke.” He doesn’t wait for a response before walking off.
Namjoon appears in his street clothes. “That crowd was amazing,” he says. “I’m ready to go out. They’ve got me fired up.”
You feed off of his energy. “Same. I need to blow off some steam.”
Arahae stands in the doorway. “Hurry up! The reservation starts soon and we can’t be late.”
Grabbing your makeup bag, you carry it into the medical staff room and pack it into your backpack. You sling your backpack over your shoulder and wait in the hallway for Jungkook. Doyun passes you. “Hey,” you hear yourself saying. He turns to you, and you hesitate. “Um, are you coming with us to the private room karaoke?” You’re doing what you’ve always done—trying to win over people that don’t like you. Besides, you don’t see any reason to exclude him. You know what that feels like.
His eyes widen, and he quickly switches to a neutral expression. “Yeah, that sounds fun.”
You give him a cautious smile. “Okay, I’ll text you the address.”
He nods. “Cool.” You pull out your phone to text him, and he leaves. Jungkook appears by your side as you send the text to Doyun.
You walk out to the black SUV waiting outside and slide in as Jungkook gets in on the other side. He takes the middle seat next to you. “I was thinking,” Jungkook says as the car leaves the arena, “I need to take you out on a date.”
“Really?” You hate how that sounded coming out.
“Yes. You deserve that,” he says, a glint of warmth you haven’t yet seen in his eyes, “and so much more.” Heat rises to your face, and you look down. He smiles. “If you’re going to be with me, you need to get used to being taken care of.”
You look back up at him. “That might be hard for me. I don’t think I’ve ever had that before.” Who cares for the caretaker?
His eyebrows knit together, and he pulls you into his arms. “That’s all in the past. This is now,” he says into your hair. You relax into him. As you listen to his breathing and the sounds of the car, a feeling you don’t recognize stirs deep within you. Tears prick your eyes. “Jas, I know you have your guard up. I want you to give yourself over to me entirely.” That strange feeling comes on so strongly that it overwhelms you as he strokes your hair. “Can you do that for me?”
You hesitate, a twinge of fear running through you. Then, you recognize it. You know what that foreign feeling flooding your whole body is—security. “Yes.”
I hope I can. I want to.
He separates you from him, that same warmth shining in his eyes. “Good girl.” You come undone. He chuckles softly, eating up your reaction. You lose control, kissing him hard. As your tongue explores his mouth, your hand slides up his thigh higher and higher. He breaks the kiss, and snaps your hand away with a tight grip on your wrist. “Don’t,” he warns. “If you do that, I won’t be able to control what happens next.”
Your eyes beg him. “I need you.”
He kisses you again, gently biting your lip. “God, you’re so hot. But not here. Not now.” He pulls you into his arms again. You settle into him, listening to his unruly heart. As you both calm, your breathing evens out and yellow light from the road rolls across you.
I am safe.
For once, you actually believe it.
The SUV pulls up along the curb of a multi-level building. You both get out, and Jungkook holds the door open for you. Inside, you see the others standing at the entrance of what looks more like a nightclub than a karaoke bar.
The hostess smiles widely. “Right this way.” She leads the group to a room lined with red neon lights and long leather couches facing a screen. A row of microphones rest on a table next to the screen. “You can enter your orders on the iPad in the room. Enjoy.” Everyone settles into the couches.
“I’m so glad we did this,” Hobi says.
“Let’s put in our drink orders first,” Namjoon says. “I need to get lubricated.”
“Same,” you say. “Very lubricated.”
“Whiskey shot, anyone?” Yoongi asks.
You make a face. “Pass. I prefer vodka.”
He laughs. “Suit yourself.”
“I’ll do a vodka shot with you!” Arahae says.
Namjoon takes everyone’s order and enters it into the iPad. Jimin and Jungkook decide to take a whiskey shot with Yoongi. Namjoon, Doyun, Tae, and Hobi join the vodka shot train. Jin orders a gin and tonic.
“Last time we did this, Namjoon ended up hogging the mic and singing our songs. I think he was blackout,” Jimin says, laughing.
You smile. “Should make for an interesting night, then.”
“What kind of songs do you like to sing?” Arahae asks.
“Anything as long as I’m not by myself.”
The waitress returns and sets a tray down on a table by the door. Jin hands out the drinks. Once drinks are in hand, everyone raises their glass. A chorus of “Wonsyat!” rings out. You down the clear liquor, a smooth burn stinging on the way down.
“I’ll go first,” Tae says. He jumps up and grabs a mic. He tests the settings on the mic, and Jimin rolls his eyes. You and Arahae stifle giggles. He programs the song, a moody ballad. As his smooth, deep baritone fills the room, Jungkook snakes an arm around you. Your stomach fills with butterflies as you catch glances from some of the hyungs. A warmth grows in your abdomen as you start to feel the effects of the shot.
Namjoon twirls his pointer finger in a circular motion to ask if everyone wants another round. You and Jungkook nod along with the others. Tae closes his eyes and sways as his voice easily glides through the soulful melody. When the song fades, everyone cheers and he bows with a flourish.
“Yoongi, do a song with me,” Jimin says.
“Let me do another shot first.” The waitress deposits another tray of shots. Everyone takes theirs and raises it. You drain your glass with the others.
“Alright, let’s go!” Yoongi says, standing. The warmth within you grows as you sink into the crook of Jungkook’s arm. He smiles at you.
The song starts and you immediately recognize it: Tony Montana. Before you can contain yourself, you scream like an ARMY which makes Jimin and Yoongi laugh. They jump around, rowdy and free. When it gets to Jimin’s rap, he flips his jacket off his shoulder and throws hand gestures. They finish the song laughing and yelling some of the lyrics.
“What else do you want to drink?” Jungkook asks, tightening his arm around you.
“I’ll take a vodka cranberry.” He tells Namjoon who enters it into the iPad.
Arahae turns to you. “Let’s do a song together!”
You get nervous. “What song?”
“Do you have a song you usually sing?”
You think for a moment. “Do you know ‘Woman’ by Shania Twain?” You were raised on the iconic Shania, and if there was any song you could nail in karaoke, it was this one.
“Of course I do!”
As you both walk up the front, your heart rises into your throat. The waitress sets another tray of drinks down, and you grab your vodka cranberry. You take a long gulp to calm your nerves and set it down. It helps. The brazen courage from the alcohol smothers your good sense, and you pick up a microphone, trying not to think about who’s sitting in the audience. The music starts, and your limbs are stiff. Arahae dances around, making you laugh, and you let yourself get swept away by the music. You dance with her and vibe with the others who are sitting. You end the song with your fist in the air, and Arahae strikes a pose. Cheering and clapping erupt from the couches, and you take your place next to Jungkook.
Handing you the red drink, he whispers, “You’re so cute,” into your ear. Blushing, you smile and take another drink. He sips on a light beer.
“My turn.” Namjoon stands. “You too,” he says, pulling a smiling Hobi with him. He takes a mic and hands Hobi one. “I think you’ll know this one.”
Cypher 4 plays, and you swallow another scream. Jungkook smiles at your excitement and sneaks his arm back around you. Hobi and Namjoon give an over-the-top rendition. When it’s time for Yoongi’s part, Tae runs up and raps into Hobi’s mic. You laugh so hard your sides hurt, falling onto Jungkook.
When you recover, he says, “Sing a song with me.”
You take another pull from your drink. “Let’s do a duet.”
“Exactly what I was thinking. Do you know the song ‘No Air’?”
You laugh, the warmth spreading throughout your body. “Wow, that’s a throwback and yes, I absolutely do.”
He clinks his glass against yours and takes a drink from his beer. You both walk to the front and pick up mics. The R&B beat comes in, and some of the others yell. Taking the first verse, you sing to Jungkook. He joins in, and you both give a comically dramatic performance. The chorus peaks, and Jungkook drops to his knees and reaches up to the sky. Hobi and Jimin double over with laughter, and you can hardly sing your part. When the song ends, the members yell and clap.
As you both take your seats on the couch, Jin takes the mic. He chooses a light pop ballad, and you cozy up to Jungkook. Jin’s clear, soft voice soothes the room, and you feel how long the day has been. The song builds and wanes, and you cheer with the others when it ends.
“Ladies and gentlemen,” Namjoon says, wearing shades you didn’t know he had, “it’s time for me to head out. It’s been real.”
“That’s not a bad idea,” Taehyung says, yawning. “We have to fly to Amsterdam tomorrow.”
Others stand and stretch, agreeing with them. RM salutes the room and walks towards the exit. Following the others out, you get into the SUV with Jungkook.
“It was nice to see you have fun,” he says, smiling. The car pulls away.
“This has been one of the best days I’ve ever had. I don’t want it to end.”
He kisses you lightly, and a need grows in you as you taste the beer he was drinking. Breaking away, he pulls you in close to him. You ride to the hotel in his arms.
Getting out of the car, you grab your backpack and walk into the hotel with him. He interlaces his hand with yours as you wait for the elevator in the lobby. The doors open, and you get on. As the elevator ascends, he kisses you again. The doors open, and you walk down the hallway until you get to your room.
He kisses you harder this time, pushing his hips into you. “Sleep well.”
“Goodnight, Jungkook.”