Originally posted by bangtannoonas

Stepping out the boat, I look down at myself having a complete mental crisis. To say I got splashed by some water was an understatement. Lee had pushed me to the front of the four-seat boat and Joon being a coward had made Jungkook join me.
He doesn’t look any better than I do. Well, actually he does but it doesn’t seem to bother him.

I just didn’t look as great that way. My hair was wet, the sleeves of my blouse were drenched and I was currently flinging some of the excess water from my fingers.
My skirt was spared, my legs weren’t but that was easy, wiping it off with a tissue will solve it.

Even though the sun was still out since it was nearing the night, it was getting chillier and as soon as the breeze hit me I couldn't help but shiver. “I swear next time, I’m just going to push you into the water.’’ My voice was slightly trembling as I threaten Lee.

They were wet, too, but not as severe as my situation. I got it the worst. ‘’Sorry, next time the boys will be shielding us.’’
Next time, I don’t even think I’ll voluntarily step into an amusement park with them.

‘’Wait for me here, I’ll be right back.’’ Deciding to seek shelter in one of the shops, I walk into the nearest one also planning to buy something to change into. I can't believe I'm going to waste money on clothes but I also didn't want to get sick.
But as soon as I walk in I turn right back around because I remembered that my wallet was in my bag which Jungkook had taken for me kindly.

However, instead of the entrance, I bump into Jungkook who reaches out to steady me. He looks at me and his forehead creases. ’‘You’re trembling.’’

’'It’s cold.” It was pretty cold inside the shop as well, with the air conditioner constantly being on, it wasn’t much better than outside.

Letting go of me, he reaches for his beanie and takes it off, he shakes his hair and then pulls it over my head with a cheeky grin. “Cute.’’

‘’Mhm?’’ I hum sarcastically and turn to search for a sweatshirt. ’'I think it’s a bit too big for me.’’

’'What color do you like?” Jungkook’s voice sounded close and I see that he was standing behind me, looking at something on the other side of the shelf.

‘’Why?“ I ask him, wary. He in return shows me by lifting up two beanies from the shelf. ’'Mhm, I like red.’’

‘’Oh, me too.’’

Choosing a simple black sweater with a cute bunny printed on it, I take it from the rack and join Jungkook. ‘’Let me guess, you also like black and white.’’

His head snaps to me in amazement. ‘’How did you know?’’

I give him a knowing smile. ‘’You’re always wearing either of those.’’

‘’Then you must like black and white, too.’’

I shrug and admit it.

‘’Then red it is’’ Taking off his beanie from my head and putting it back over his hair, he then takes a red beanie from the shelf in a smaller size and tugs it over my hair and even my eyes.

I blindly swat at his hands. ‘’Oppa!’’

‘’This is payback.” He says mischievously and pulls the beanie back slightly so I could see again.

I pout thinking of how easily he caught up with me anyway. ‘’But you won, so don’t feel sour about it.’’

Playfully, he pinches my cheek. ‘’I don’t feel sour, you’re going to fulfill one of my wishes. Why would I feel bitter?’’

Releasing my cheeks, he takes the sweatshirt and beanie from me and goes to the register. ‘’Wait, what are you doing? You don’t have to pay.“ I didn’t even know he was carrying a wallet.

He turns around, his expression puzzled. ‘’I wasn’t going to.’’

‘’Oh, well then,…’’ I trail off, completely thrown off and flustered by my over haste. ‘’That’s good?’’

Jungkook bursts out laughing and I’m as confused as ever. ’'I’m joking, of course I’m going to pay.’’

Feeling all over the place, I was speechless. ‘’What?’’

‘’It’s a gift.” He goes to pay for my items and I feel bubbly and tingly inside. It’s the first time to have a boy buy something for me as a gift.

Walking back out with him holding the door for me, I make my way over to the restroom and change out of my clinging blouse.
Holding the beanie in my hand, I try to dry as much of my hair with those hand dryers and look myself in the mirror.
I look different. My skin is glowing and a healthy blush was complimenting my complexion. I was a hundred percent sure that Jungkook was the cause of this. My eyes were shining even though I wasn’t smiling. My heart felt lighter and I looked and felt happier.

It’s funny how one person, if the right one, can do that to you.

Putting on my beanie, I get out and see Jungkook looking fixedly at something. Heading in his direction, I try not to cause any noise and sneak over to him, take a deep breath and poke his sides.

Totally unfazed, he turns his head over his shoulder and smirks at me. He lifts his arm, so I step under it and he loosely drapes it over my shoulder.

“What are you looking at?’’ I couldn’t see because someone was standing in front of me.

‘’Pastry, are you hungry?’’ I place a hand on my stomach, I hadn’t eaten anything today, not even breakfast.

‘’Yeah, you want to try some?’’ I reach for his hand that was holding the plastic bag and drop my blouse in and go to take it from him when he tightens his hold around it, not letting me.
I glare at him from under his arms but he just smiles cutely. How can anyone ever stay upset or irritated at him?

Stepping forward, he orders something and returns to my side, handing me a small paper bag. I see two medium-sized bunny shaped pastries inside. ‘’Aren’t you hungry?’’

He inclines his chin towards me. ‘’You eat first.’’

Taking a bite, I chew on it and show him a thumbs up. ‘’It’s tasty.’’

But I don’t think he heard me because his eyes were concentrated on the pastry sticking out of the bag. Touched by his effort to be a gentleman, I smile and raise the bunny towards his mouth, so he can take a bite.

Jungkook looks at me sheepishly and shakes his head, but I reassure him and finally, he takes a bite and I’m just happy to see him eating. Is that how a mother feels when they see their son or daughter eating well?

Delighted, I take my own bite as he places his hand on the small of my back and gently turns me in the opposite direction, guiding me to wherever he was planning to take me.

Alternating between offering him some pastry and eating myself, we comfortably stroll through the amusement park.
I have a feeling he was taking me to Lee and Joon, and my assumption is confirmed when I see the familiar surroundings of the haunted house I’d been to earlier.
I stop dead in my tracks and Jungkook looks at me with his eyebrows raised in question.

‘’It’s so scary.’’ Whimpering, I begin walking towards the two recognizable figures waiting for us.

‘’You don’t like haunted houses?”

I was shuddering at the thought of going into one. ‘’I’m don’t deal well with scary things. I usually can’t sleep.’’ Joining the two of them, I grudgingly look at Lee. “Why would you do this twice?’’

‘’I actually walked right back out earlier.’’

I look at her in bewilderment. ‘’Then why are we standing here now?’’

‘’I wanted to do it together with you.”

I drop my head and groan at my lack of luck. “Why does this always happen to me?”

‘’Now that Kookie is here, you’ll be fine,’’ Joon says looking thoroughly entertained by my current state.

Straightening back up, I pout in displeasure. ‘’Maybe Kookie is scared, too.’’

‘’He doesn’t look scared to me.“ Lee looks over my shoulder at Jungkook.

Heaving a sigh, I motion for them to go first and mentally prepare myself. There was no line at this time, as most visitors were already making their way to the field to find good spots for the firework show.
Taking a deep breath, I follow after them and walk into pitch black darkness, my eyes unaccustomed to the change.

Inching forward, something suddenly touches my shoulder and I recoil, squeezing my eyes shut.
‘’________.” Jungkook’s familiar voice, now coming from right in front of me, instantly makes me feel safer. “I’ll go first.’’

His hand trails down my arm and firmly grasps my hand into his bigger one. My heart leaps but this time for a completely different reason. I had already held his hand before but it was different, this time I could only feel and his hand feels protective around mine.
Anyone can tell that he is strong, but not just his physique represented that. Now that it was completely dark, I could feel the powerful presence in his aura.

Holding my hand, he pulls me behind him and deeper into the haunted house. Paranoia creeping into my head, I follow closely behind not leaving any space between us.
Out of nowhere, a hand grasps my ankle and instinctively I kick my feet and hear someone grunting.

‘’I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to hurt you, I just….. Sorry!’’

At my words, Jungkook laughs and squeezes my hand then releases it and instead wraps one arm around me, pulling me into his side.
I hold onto him like my life depended on it. Seriously, why would people find joy in this?

~ ~ ~

It was horrifying. At one point Jungkook had pulled the beanie down over my eyes and told me to cover my ears as he swiftly led the way back out into freedom.

The dark was settling in completely and the fireworks were going to start soon. I take a photo of the beautiful sunset and the lights lit all over the place. It was a dreamlike sight, the lights making it seem like Christmas again. The atmosphere and soothing music were making me sleepy, causing me to yawn.

"You’re tired, aren’t you?” Jungkook returns with his backpack and a blanket in his hand from the information counter.

I rush to his side. “Wah, let me help you.”

But he steps out of my reach. “No, no. I’ll do it.”

“You’re really stubborn, you know that?” I follow him as he starts walking to the grass field, a little bit off from the attractions.

“I call it being manly.” I couldn’t help but laugh at that. So, he does have an ego.

“Have I told you that you remind me of a bunny?”

He stops and looks around, seeking a good spot for us to sit down on. “Bunny?”

I nod and smile. “When you talk your lips and teeth remind me of a bunny.”

Looking down at me, his face shows amusement. “Do I?”

“Yeah, it’s just so cute.” I was teasing him, and I have a feeling he doesn’t like being called cute.

He stops and puts the things on the ground, and lays out the blanket. “I didn’t know that you looked at my lips so often.”
Jungkook was concentrating on the blanket but from where I stood I could see his smirk.

A little bit flustered that I was caught noticing something like this, I deny his statement. “No, not at all. I don’t, really, I don’t.”

He doesn’t press the matter and takes a seat on the blanket leaving the other side for me. I sit down on my legs. Now, I really wish I hadn’t worn this skirt because sitting in this position for long was going to get uncomfortable real quick.

Jungkook glances at my legs for a second then turns and searches for something in his backpack. I look at my own legs to see if everything was still where it should, as in my skirt.
He pulls something out of his bag and holds it out to me. A band-aid. As I take it from him moved once more, he only turns back to his bag to get something else again holding it out to me.

A black cardigan.

I raise my eyebrows at him in question.

He nods at my skirt. “To cover the skirt, I know this sitting position isn’t very comfortable.”

“Oh, thanks.” With my heart feeling warm and tingly, I take the piece of clothing from his hand and change my position so that my legs are pulled out straight in front of me and drape his cardigan over my thighs. “That’s very considerate. How do you know?”

“I see a lot of girls doing this.”

I look at him sharply. “'A lot of girls’. Are you that popular with the ladies?”

He looks at me alarmed, realizing his slip up. “I just see a lot of the girl groups doing that when they are wearing skirts and dresses.”

I make a 'thinking’ sound. “You aren’t denying that you’re popular with girls, though.”

Arching his brow almost in an arrogant manner, he looks mischievous. “Well, that I can’t control.”

My mouth drops open, unexpected at his response. Did I hear correctly? “What did you say?”

At my change of facial expression, Jungkook claps his hands together and laughs. “I’m joking, I’m joking.”

I look at him, amazed. “Wait, hold on. I never thought you could be so cocky.”

“That's not it, I’m just kidding.”

“Hm.” The tone of my voice was doubtful. I’m sure he had an arrogant nerve in him, and to be honest it was attractive. “Who is your favorite girl group?” I was curious because according to Lee there were a lot new girl groups now.

“What? Girl group?” Jungkook was tripping over his words and it was an adorable sight. “Uh, you don’t know her.”

I lean closer and continue to taunt him. “Her? So it’s not a group. Is she cute? I’m sure she’s pretty.”

He was a smart guy to keep quiet and not answer. A 'no’ would be a lie and a 'yes’ was never a good answer when another girl was around. I don’t mind, though, but he doesn’t know that, of course.

“Who is it?”

He was rocking back and forth gently, eyes averted and hands fidgeting with his knee. Was he blushing? “IU-sunbaenim…”

“IU?” Ah, IU. No surprise there. “Mhm, she is definitely pretty.”

His eyes finally focus on me again, surprised. “You know IU?”

“Eoh, my brother is a die-hard IU lover. You two have something in common.”

“It’s not to that extent.” He sounded defensive.

“No?” My voice teasing. “You sure about that? How long has she been your favorite female artist?” He looks away again from being caught and fidgets with his lips, it’s endearing to watch.
I turn to look at the sky and take in the beauty. “You know, if you’ve been her fan for a long time it only shows that you are loyal. It tells me that you are devoted, and that’s a good quality.”

He doesn’t speak for a while, so I turn my head and find him watching me intently, his expression thoughtful. “You’re really wise… I’ve noticed.”

I drop my head and smile sadly. “Am I? I guess one could see me as that, but I think I just had to grow up sooner than other people...”

I could feel his eyes on me, listening attentively. But he doesn’t push me to elaborate and that’s probably the reason why I tell him, or maybe it’s just the reason that I feel like I can trust him.
I look up at the sky again, the moon high and the stars visible now. If I look at Jungkook, I have a feeling I might cry.

“Three years ago, my mother got into a car accident and fell into a coma. I was terrified that she wasn’t going to wake up.” Thinking of that day makes my skin crawl, it was one of the most tragic days of my life, but it got even worse.
“After a week she finally did wake up, but instead of being happy or relieved, I felt shattered inside.” I pause for a moment, trying to hold onto the little control I had. “She got diagnosed with cancer. She had just gone through a coma and then when she wakes up, the doctors had to tell her she had cancer.”
The angry tears spill. “She fought for months, but at the end, it got to her.” My lips were quivering, the silent tears falling.

Hands envelope mine in a warm and comforting hold, I pull back from my memories to the here and now and focus on Jungkook.
He squeezes my hand looking sullen himself. It was heartbreaking to see, his face was made to shine.

Focusing solely on his eyes, I take a few seconds to calm down and reign in my overwhelming emotions.
“My mother passed away two years ago, and ever since then me and my brother have been building our life’s back up again. Because of the hospital feels, we were covered in debts.” My tears have stopped flowing now, I was still looking into his eyes. They gave me a sense of protection.
“That’s why my brother is always busy and I guess that would explain why I had to grow up fast. I go working so often so that my brother doesn’t have to give me living expenses.”
I look at the sky once more and laugh at the memories of the many times we had argued because of this subject. “He doesn’t like it, of course. But it keeps me busy.”

Jungkook doesn’t say anything to try and comfort me, but that was OK. Sometimes people just need that someone to be by their side. No words are needed, him being here is more than enough.
Emotionally drained from reliving the most terrible moment of my life, yet, I look down at my lap and focus on our joined hands.

His hands were emitting warmth that made me feel secure. For someone who does a lot of labor, his hands were considerably smooth.
Absentmindedly, I lift my other hand to draw on the back of his. “I thought you would have more veins.”

“Why, you like that?” His voice is soft.

Shyly, I nod my head and keep drawing random things on his skin. “I do. I think it looks manly.”

Suddenly, he let’s go of my hands and I miss the feel of them wrapped around mine immediately, but as soon as he let’s go his hands find my face and lift so I have to look into his eyes.
Heat rises to my cheeks from the closeness and I’m sure he could feel it. His thumbs brush underneath my eyes and I realize that I hadn’t even bothered to wipe away my tears.

The fluttery feeling in my stomach returns and I try not to show that my breathing was affected. He was scanning my face, making me extremely self-conscious.

After a while, the corners of his mouth and cheeks lift in a soft smile. “I do have them.”

Caught off guard, I frown confused. “Huh?”

His smile widens, his bunny teeth visible now. “Veins, they appear when I dance or work out.”
Oh, so we were still on that topic. I look away from his face, slightly embarrassed that I admitted to liking these things.

He let’s go of my face and goes to get something out of his bag. I watch him carefully taking it out and give him an incredulous look when I see something familiar.

“Oh, this is….” I gingerly take it from him and stare at it open-mouthed.

“I was there that day.” My head whips towards him as I, too, slowly recall the day of when I had last seen my sketchbook. “In the cafe, where you got the call.” Jungkook doesn’t elaborate, and he doesn’t have to. I know more than well enough what call he was referring to.
“You left it there, and I selfishly took it.” He sounded embarrassed. “I had to look for it because we moved.”

Carefully, I flip through the pages and the sketches of a few years back, when everything was fine, stare back at me.
Flipping to a pair of eyes, I frown when I see that it was the last thing I had sketched. They also stared back at me, and a sense of familiarity fills me.
Slowly, my eyes trail up towards Jungkook’s and sharp realization overcomes me. I can’t help but grin.

“Oppa, you grew up well,” I say in a teasing voice and he looks surprised to see that I wasn’t upset over the fact that he had taken something that wasn’t his. I didn’t miss it, so there was no harm done. “No wonder, you are so popular with the ladies.”

“You remember me?” He thinks I wouldn’t?

“Of course, you were so cute then like a baby.” I coo at him with an accompanying expression.

His thumb and forefinger pinch one of my cheeks. “Aigoo, you really like to make fun of me.”

“No, but you were really cute and shy that day.” All teasing aside he really grew up well. “I remember I told myself that you were going to become really handsome. Just like a ladies’ man. Now look at you, you are.”

“Am I? Are you one of those ladies?” His head was tilted down and his eyes were piercing at me through his lashes, smirking.

“No, I don’t think so. My heart solely belongs to the bear I met earlier.” Chuckling at my constant mentioning of the bear, his eyes close from laughing so much. It’s contagious, making me laugh alongside him.

Suddenly, the music around us gets louder and the lamps are dimmed and for a moment I think the monsters from the haunted house are out to get me.
Several bangs go off and the sky enlightens with the beautiful vibrant colors of the fireworks.

I watch them go off and fade in awe and quickly reach for my camera to capture this moment. I turn to Jungkook and take a photo of him admiring the fireworks as well, his face illuminated by the different colors.
He turns to look at the camera and I take another shot, it takes my breath away. He’s just so beautiful.

Lowering the camera, I put it into the hand he holds out. Turning the lens our way, he puts one arm around me and moves closer. This time instead of a funny face, I smile happily into the camera and tilt my head in his direction.

Snap.

We look at the result and I am surprised that he, too, was smiling warmly. “I thought you were going to make a funny face again.”

He looks at me, eyes bright. “For your birthday it should be a pretty photo.”

My heart melts and I wrap my arms around his shoulders in a hug. “Thank you. I’m really happy that you could make it today.”

One arm wraps around my back. “Me, too.”

We stay like that for a few seconds but a cold night breeze causes me to shiver.  He pulls away. “Let’s go.” He stands up and offers me a hand to help me up.

We fold up the blanket together and again he insists on taking it. Remembering his cardigan, I hold it out to return it but he shakes his head. “You keep it for the bus ride back.”

Smiling gratefully, I place it over my sling bag but when it slides down due to it being leather, I take the sleeves and wrap it around my hips.
I look at myself and laugh. “I changed my outfit completely.”

“It looks good.” He looks pleased to see me wearing it and I can’t help but grin. So, he’s that kind of guy.



~~~
…. :( this one is a little bit sad, I remember worrying about how to write this scene because I’m not that good with angst stuff but I hope I was able to convey the feelings a little..  -K