After the last message, you noticed the screen disappear as it got replaced by another incoming call. Your hands shaking and unknowingly unprepared, to whoever this could be, made it frighten of what could happen.

“Hell-“ Coughing to correct yourself, deciding to flee outside, where no one could possibly eardrop. Taking in another deep breath, you tried your hardest to deepen your voice as much as possible.

“Sorry. Hello?”

“Yes, is this Jungkook?” A delicate sweet voice was speaking to your ear, making your cheeks flushed. She sounded older with a formal voice, yet an innocent hue. You couldn’t recognise it, to whoever it could belong, and the urge of wanting to know build in the bottom of your stomach.

“Yes, this is Jungkook” You noticed your voice cracked along the chords, making your legs shake in fear. What if she would find out? Will Jungkook be in trouble? Her tiny giggles and background noises of other females, made you feel intimidated. As far as you knew, he would never have such a crackly and light puberty voice as yours, trying to deepen it.

“It’s Nayeon from Twice, we spoke the other day at the music bank?”

“Erhm… yeah…” Trying to sound convincing was hard enough, but imagining Jungkook stand beside this woman made you feel uneasy. He never told about another idol, but you knew, you had no rights of demanding to know about her. Jungkook was a free man, and being jealous of what he is doing, wasn’t fair.

“We talked about doing a collab together, and I thought we could meet up sometime?” You wondered if she was as pretty, as she sounded and what their conversation was like. Neither, when you mentioned it, he didn’t seem like he could put a finger on the person. Trying to devour the evil feeling abrupt in your body, you tried collecting your mind to what was most important.

“Erhm.. okay… but I’m not in Korea right now”

“When will you be?” Panicking with sweat drops, you had no idea when he would exactly be home. He never mentioned a date, and neither did you find courage to try to memorise the first info about it.

“I-I don-“

“Do you have a cold? You sound a bit weird” It felt like an interrogation. Like a hamster in a running wheel, unable to stop it.

“Y-Yea! I have a cold. Our concerts made it sound a bit off. Too much singing I guess”

“That doesn’t sound good. Will you be okay? Should I come over now?”

“N-NO! Don’t, I’ll be fine. You know, call up my manager. He knows when my schedule is done and all that stuff. GOTTA GO BYE!”

Facepalming off the grit, you panicked. The feeling of exposure and lies within your palms, was taking away your energy like nothing. Something made you feel relieved it didn’t get worse, but you were annoyed how such a random girl, could make you feel aware of your position. You were nothing.

Laughing at your own conversation, it felt alright at the thought of Jungkook was only a call away. He was there to take away your stress, as if he gave you a magical drink. Unaware, that whatever he said, made you blush of embarrassment, and excitement. You wished to know who the girl was, but telling Jungkook would only put fire to the fuel.

“Hey… Hani, what do you know about Twice’s Nayeon?” Blurting out a question while cleaning the floor in the old art supply shop, your co-worker didn’t seem it as a surprise. In fact, Hani was your favourite partner in work making everything seem more hilarious than it was. The both of you continued to work in the shop, despite the low cash of monthly pay offs and less costumers. It felt like a small family, meeting every day to new opportunities.

“Nayeon? I think they trended not too long ago and was on 1’st for a good amount of time and then went down to 2^nd. Their music is incredible, and they only just debuted about two years ago. Nayeon is the lead singer, I believe. Incredibly cute”

Incredibly cute. Went like a loop inside your mind like a wild roller coaster, at the thought of the beauty besides the beast. The feel of something tugging at your chest, to pull your loosened body closer to the cold floor, felt irresistible.

“Why do you ask?” Held together as if god didn’t let you slip away, Hani turned her way to lean against the woodened counter to view your darkened expression change. Pondering along the question, you couldn’t get yourself to tell her about Jungkook. The thought of her not believing you, or even worse, tried to do something about it, made your bones crack. There was multiple of scenarios of what could happen, if anyone found out you had a ‘deep’ connection with a popular idol, or rather, had his personal belongings right in your pocket. The risk of harassment and scandals made your fingers shake, as you tried to pull your most convenient smile with an innocent shrug.

“Nothing special. I saw a poster of them in the hallways at college”

“Speaking of college. Did you get to socialise?” Hani poured up another cup of coffee, considering if sugar should help the bitterness to battle.

“I met someone named Jooheyon, but we didn’t get to talk a lot.”

“Why not?”

“Lunch break” You lied again, feeling the regret fall upon your shoulders. You hated lying to Hani, because you both enjoyed the honesty and trust lingering in the relationship.

“Is he hot?” Hani is like usual, wondering if the guys you meet is good looking. Being single together and socially awkward, she just wishes to meet the right one through you. If just, she knew you had someone that might fit her perfectly.

“He is, I think. I can ask him to come here one day?”

“That would be awesome! Boss is considering your idea about the local art display idea, maybe Jooheyon can get to show his off?” Boss was mainly just an old lady, who was still stuck in the past. She was this ordinary traditional lady with a pure heart of gold, as if she was your grandmother. The wrinkles and crooked back, seemed like she wouldn’t last for long. Considering you and Hani as her own children, she had wished for you both to take over. Despite the fear of her leaving the earth, she was stubborn and demanding. That’s why, you both loved to call her ‘Boss’.

“I’ll ask him again when I meet him”

“Also, maybe tell him you got a good looking single friend in the shop” Wiggling her eyebrows suggestively, you both fell into a fit of laughter. Throwing her a thumb up, you took the request with open arms.

You don’t remember how long you have been looking at the multiple of videos floating around with Twice, and interactions with BTS. Nayeon was multi-talented, and more of all, incredibly beautiful. You could imagine that any man would fall for her outgoing looks and personality in an instant, which only made the urge in the bottom of your stomach, grow heavier. She has texted you for, you don’t know how many times the last days after your latest phone call. Questions about the Collab, how you were doing, or actually, how Jungkook was doing. A lie after another, you wished everything to end. There wasn’t a lot to answer, so most of her messages was unanswered or avoided. Apparently, she enjoyed Jungkook’s company and vocals, that she wished to know more in small baby steps. Jungkook would have loved her if he talked to her more. Another hit in the stomach, making your hand clench around the mouse clicker, as you felt the phone vibrate on the table.

“About time you called me back, slow poke” You answered into the mic, listening to an enjoyable chuckle as responds.

“Excuse you, but concerts and rest took a little longer than expected. Anyways, anything new with Nayeon?”

“No, get a lot of rest, you need it. And, not really. Despite, the fact she constantly texts you. Do you have ANY idea how hard it is, to keep up a conversation, when you haven’t physically been there to overview of whatever conversation went on?” You spoke exhausted, leaning against the creaky chair, as Jungkook went to crash on the bed.

“You sound jealous?” Amused to poke the bear, Jungkook wished to hear more.

“Oh yeah, I’m totally jealous of not being able to talk to you, or join you in this conversation talking about recent comebacks.”

“So, you are jealous?” There was a tiny light in his voice, hearing his mouth turning to a smile, asking once again about it. It made you slightly satisfied, but couldn’t keep up the tone.

“It’s called sarcasm, Jungkook. Out of all people, you should be the first one to detect it”

“Pfft I totally knew that” His small laughter, assured you he didn’t. Taking the notebook beside your computer, you held a pen getting ready to note every detail.

“Tell me everything about the meeting with Nayeon. I should be ready, if she continues like this. I might get out on a wild track, if I don’t know ANYTHING.” Jungkook tried to remember every word, and even every movement. Confused and dazed, parts of his story were either full of guesses or expectations. Your hand cramped along the way, as the deep hole in your heart grew hollow and heavier. There was something about the fact they had met, but you haven’t. Maybe Jungkook was right, you were jealous. But it wasn’t something, you couldn’t control. You didn’t feel like having a privilege, to keep him for yourself. Even if you wished for it. Biting down the sorrow and hurtful imaginations of being replaced, filled your mind more than the project you were supposed to work on.

“Enough about Nayeon. How was college?” Throwing the pen away to see it roll towards the ground, you firmly watched it do so.

“Alright. Haven’t been able to concentrate, since Nayeon constantly texts or calls me” You excused, moving towards the bed to comfort your back.

“I’m sorry, I hope it’s not too bad?”

“It’s mainly my fault. I was supposed to do a project for tomorrow, and Jooheyon will kill me, when I tell him I haven’t prepared a single thing”

“Jooheyon?”

“He’s my partner in this project. He is actually the first person I talked to when I came to class, and fun fact, we’re in the same group too, so we can easily sit beside each other in different classes when we don’t know anyone else”

“Partner?” A raised eyebrow and an unsettling feeling, burning in the bottom of his stomach. Not being familiar with the term of a ‘partner’ besides romantically involvement in webtoons.

“Class-“ That’s when it hit you, sitting up to process while the smirk grew larger on your face, letting the moon light flash upon your eyes.

“Are you jealous Mr. Jeon?” There was something about it, when you didn’t hear a response for a good few seconds. You could hear him, sense the doubt on his lips. The lie of another, when you wanted to hear the right answer.

“Psh. You wish” It wasn’t a ‘no’, but you couldn’t help but feel saddened of his response. Neither could Jungkook let you know, how the thought of another man, could get this close. Even for classmates, he didn’t feel right about this Jooheyon.

“Maybe I am…” You whispered, while laying down defeated. It was a hint of annoyance and completely random, not thinking about that Jungkook could hear every piece of word float through the speaker. You were used to talk to yourself, settling your feelings and thought aside, getting better at concentrating. Realising, that Jungkook was right there, feeling flushed if he should call you out, or keep it to himself.

“Come to think of it, I don’t think you have ever told me about the incident?”

“Incident?”

“The abnormal phone switching and basically stuck with unforgivable missions”

“You’re still upset, over your not so puberty voice” Jungkook rested along the fluffy mattress, letting his phone fall to his side, as he turned around. Headphones poking in his ears, making it slightly painful but couldn’t get himself to take one ear bud out.

“Damn right I am! Do you have any idea how hard that was for my throat? And I must do it many more times! Just so you can get a future girlfriend of live collaboration” You excused, flaying your arms in the air.

“Future girlfriend? I don’t think so. Besides, she’s not really my type”

“Then what is your type, Mr. I-get-nervous-around-girls” You were curious of his answer, since Nayeon wasn’t only pretty, but smart too. A free type of girl, that probably would have a line-up of guys wanting her.

“neoneun nae chwihyangjeogyeok~ (너는 내 취향저격)( You’re my type)

nae chwihyangjeogyeok~ (내 취향저격)(You’re my type)

malhaji anhado neukkimi wa~ (말하지 않아도 느낌이 와) (Even if you don’t say anything, I have a feeling)

meoributeo balkkeutkkaji da~ (머리부터 발끝까지 다) (From your head to your toes, everything)”

It was a familiar melody hitting your ears, as you heard Jungkook sing “My type” by iKON. Facepalming deeply, he couldn’t help but laugh upon your response.

“Could you be serious for once?” You chuckled, trying not to enjoy his vocals.

“What? And let the opportunity slide? No way” Laughing together, enjoying the moment of silence while he tugged another pillow to his chest. The perfect size, of another person while smelling his own perfume gaze on the fabric. It was too soon, or at least that’s what It felt like. As for now, he could only tell the half-truth, that you were the type. His type.

“When will you be coming home?”

“Soon, I hope.” It sounded rough, but heartfelt when he answered your question. The both of you, unaware of the time spent together with just text and calls. It was a different connection, letting your emotions take over, something none of you could control.

“Do you miss your phone that much?” You chuckled, feeling your eyes slowly close by.

“Not really.” He was honest, and something inside your chest skipped a beat. It was already late at night, and it was to no one’s surprise, that secrets could easily be told this way. It’s like a cover of truths, and nothing would be weird about it.

“Speaking of your phone. You never explained how all of this happened? As for now, I don’t remember a single thing.” It was just a blurry night out, and there was black hole filling at least 98% of it the memories. Hani went home earlier with some guy, and you were too intoxicated to pay attention to anything else.

“What if I don’t remember either?”

“You wouldn’t say that, if you didn’t. Means, you know exactly what happened.” You were determent and the blanket in anticipation didn’t help your nerves to calm down. You were eager to know about what happened, and if it was just a random coincidence. Jungkook, was terribly frightened of what you would think of his actions. Maybe he was just a plain idiot, who tried to be a hero on a night out, resulting in losing his most precious device.

“Do you like Jooheyeon?”

“I do.” Faintly answering and confused over the sudden change of topic, making your brows knit with a flustered chuckle.

“As in, like-like or just like?”

“What are you? Four? I like him as a friend. I don’t know him that well, to be in love with him” You giggled, feeling your cheeks feeling flushed over the way he questioned it.

“Do you like Nayeon?” There was something in the palm of your sweaty hands, that made you feel regret over asking. Did you really want to know? If the guy you have an undying interest in, likes someone else.

“I don’t know her that well.”

“So it’s a possibility?” You regret everything now. Your mouth was verbally vomiting with questions, that would create this deep hollow in your stomach to an end of nothingness.

“Hmm…” Jungkook pondered on the question, thinking about Nayeon. There was a possibility, that he could take a liking in her. But there was a problem, he didn’t get the same excitement about her, as he did with you. Just the glimpse of your name, gave him butterflies erupting in his stomach. Whenever you laughed, he smiled and wanted to see it in person. Your strong willed and stubborn personality.

“It’s not a possibility”

“But she’s pretty?” He has probably heard the same argument more than he had fingers to count, but you couldn’t help but push further about it. Was it an assurance that you had a chance, even though it couldn’t be possible in a million years.

“Looks isn’t everything. I don’t know her, like I know you” Blushed. Too much heat travelled along his cheekbones, praying that you wouldn’t have noticed. But you did, every bit of word. Did you hear, right? Probably. Biting on his bottom lip in an attempt to push his brain to work faster, so the awkward silence in the phone could stop torturing him.

“I-I mean a-as in t-that I like yo- no- wait. I mean, I like you a-as a friend. A-a-nd I didn’t take a l-liking in you because of your looks. A-as a friend.” Smooth. Or so, he believed it was. The pearls dropping from his forehead and his shut off eyes, as you tried to contain your laughter on the other end.

“I like you too, as a friend.” You chuckled along the words, but felt this slight of paint at the noun of ‘friends’. There was probably something inside you, that wanted Jungkook to realise that your feelings weren’t only friendly. But he was an idol, you couldn’t possibly stop him from persuading another idol or other female attendants, for your own selfish reasons.

“Yeah… as a friend” Jungkook could feel his heart skips beats of danger, when hearing you speak. What were you thinking? What were you feeling? Would you share? He wanted to know everything, he just wanted you. He couldn’t wait, to finally meet you when coming back to Korea. To see that smile blossom and your beauty make his knees weak. If just, he wasn’t an idol.

“I AM SO SORRY!!!” You couldn’t comprehend how many times you have repeated the same words, in a bowing apologetic motion in front of Jooheyon. A delightful smile plastered on his face, as you continued to apologise for not doing your part in the project. Nayeon have been keeping you in check, making your full attention be on her and Jungkook. More of all, you couldn’t quite explain to Jooheyon why.

“Chill Y/N… It’s just a project. Besides, we don’t get grades for it” He chuckled, trying to pull you from the floor. His hands were firmly warming your arm, making you notice how much bigger he was than you.

“But I feel so bad for letting you down… as your first partner too..” You whined, making him pat your head in response.

“Do you really feel bad about it?” Jooheyon was amused about the fact you cared this much, and got an idea in the process.

“How about you buy me a cup of coffee after college?” A light shined in your eyes as you nodded playfully at the idea, while checking your wallet for money. Saluting him, you both went back to the ordinary friendship at it has always been. You felt relieved, he didn’t think about why you couldn’t continue with your project, and be stuck in handing him a lie about not knowing Jungkook.

You got to know about Jooheyon, where he was from in the world. He didn’t have a close relationship with his parents but tried to send them letters, without a single respond. You wondered, if it was because of his career choice. Remembering that your mother wasn’t happy about your idea of becoming an artist, compared to your dad who bought you canvases every now and then. There was still a few hours before college finished, and Jooheyon carried you through the whole presentation. Walking together out of class, you noticed the rustling sound in your pocket, wishing out of all people, that it wasn’t Nayeon. In fact, you didn’t expect Jungkook’s name display on the screen in your hand.

“Hey what’s up? Finished practice earlier?” You were excited to talk with him, but it was also hard when Jooheyon was walking towards the exit.

“My body is a complete mess. I think my muscles is going to burst. How about college, didn’t you just finish for the day?” Jungkook remembered your schedule, when you told him last night on the phone. Whenever you had a day off, or where your classes were. He was unknowingly, remembering every bit of detail. When he saw the clock on the wall in the rehearsal room, he felt joy rise in his chest.

“Yeah, we just finished class”

“We?”

“Come on you sloth” Jooheyon was waiting in the door frame, tapping on his watch playfully. You waved in response, while biting on your bottom lip. Jungkook was confused, and could partly configure that the one who called, was the guy you told him about.

“Jooheyon and I are going out for coffee right now. Can I call you later?” You fiddled with the tip of your hair, as you walked towards your ‘date’.

“Yeah… Sure.. have fun”

“Rest well, all right? Bye” Closing the call you marched towards the impatient man, as Jungkook was left with an unsettling feeling in his chest. The joy of hearing your voice, was interrupted by thoughts of greed burn in his throat.

“I was actually meant to ask you. If you are free tomorrow in the evening?” You sipped on the milk coffee drink, while looking him into his eyes. The frigid air blowing in between your legs, as you walked along Han river together.

“Sure, but what for?”

“Since the shop I’m working in, is about to shut down unwillingly, a friend gave me an idea about doing local art display. Maybe do competitions, so others would be interested to get a chance to be shown to everyone? The shop is quite located in the centre, means there are a lot of people walking by.” You explained, thinking of Jungkook while talking. He was, the one who gave you the idea and even, bothered the other members to help. Without him, you would probably end up in the shop without a college degree.

“Sounds exciting, I’d love to help. Whatever it takes. Couldn’t your friend help?”

“He’s not here right now. He travels a lot, and the shop is quite in need of something new. Though, I wish I could ask him but I don’t want to be a burden”

“Someone special?” Jooheyeon wiggled his eyebrows suggestively, like Hani would do when you talked about boys. Throwing your cup away in the trash, you dug your fingers down to your pockets, feeling the sweat spread at the thought of Jungkook.

“You could sort of say that”

“Is he your boyfriend?”

“No…” You felt flustered thinking about the idea, that you could call him that. But also, your feelings were a bit on the edge, admiring the scenario of sunsets mirroring in the water.

“You should totally get him. You clearly have a huge crush on him!”

“I DO NOT” Your face was plastered with a smile and red cheeks, while Jooheyon could barely keep his laughter to a minimum, catching you ‘red’ handed.

“Say that to your strawberry face!” Jooheyon poked your cheek, making them puffed in annoyance.

“I’m not blushing!”

“Suuuure” He couldn’t help but laugh at your reaction, and teasing you was the most reliable way of getting closer.

“Yea sure. Oh shoot, I have to go, Hani is waiting for me. See you tomorrow!” Catching a glimpse on your watch, you noticed how many hours you have spent together with him, that Hani was waiting for you at the store. You could barely wait to tell her the news, that Jooheyon was going to help with promotion of the shop. Waving at him with a smile, you dashed towards the shop which was at least 10-20 minutes away by running. Jooheyon was baffled at your sudden speed, that he forgot to ask when you were going to meet tomorrow.

“Hey wait! You didn’t tell me when to meet tomorrow!!?” Without luck, you were out of his reach. Sighing in annoyance, he remembered he got your number on the first day and felt that this was an opportunity. Tapping along the screen, he huffed before pressing the send button.

*”Your” phone*

“Ah… I forgot to call Jungkook yesterday…” Working and cleaning last night, was a bit longer than expected. Texting Jungkook wasn’t a priority, when the newest launch of colours was going to be arranged on the shelves. You and Hani spent hours preparing and pricing every piece, before you could crash upon your bed. Strangely, you didn’t see Jooheyon the first class and only saw him creep in the hallway by himself. Knitting your brows, you walked towards the taller guy.

“Skipping the first class? Doesn’t look like you”

“Apparently not everyone is not what they seem like” He snapped, walking faster towards the next class. Luckily, you were in the same group, means you were going the exact same place.

“Erhm, did I do something wrong?”

“I don’t know, did you?”

“Wow, tone down the attitude and tell me what’s wrong? I’m really confused” Putting your hand on his shoulder, you felt his muscles relax in your touch. Your puppy like eyes looking at him, proved that you actually didn’t know anything.

“Either, you gave me a different phone number, or you have personality issues.” He explained, settling himself on a bench, to finally give you his attention.

“What do you mean?” You were only slightly confused, but you had a hunch something was wrong. To be fair, you wished it had nothing to do with Jungkook but life proved you wrong.

“I texted you yesterday about this promotion thing, but you texted me this?” Scanning the message screen, you felt anger boil in the bottom of your stomach. Biting on your lip, you didn’t know how to excuse this one. Protecting Jungkook, or save your friendship with Jooheyon?

“Look… I can explain… but I’m not allowed to…” You whispered, hoping Jooheyon would understand but he only tilted his head in wonder. It wasn’t good enough for him, and you knew better. After a while of convincing yourself to tell him the truth, you saw his eyes turn from calm to confused. You told him everything, from the day it all began and what relies on your shoulders when someone texts your specific phone.

“So…. You’re telling me, that you switched phones with this famous guy, and you can’t give it back. And because, he isn’t home in Korea, you both have to pretend to be one another?” There was something about his way of re-telling, that made you facepalm in defeat.

“So you don’t believe me?” You questioned curiously, already mentally saying goodbye to this friendship.

“I do. Come to think of it, it makes a little more sense when I noticed you talk with this deep voice”

“YOU SAW ME???” Jooheyon was back to himself, smiling like a fool, watching your reaction at his confession. Sometimes, you wish there was more people you could tell this secret to, but for now, one was enough.

“Erhm… so you won’t be coming for the tonight’s promotion?” You questioned carefully, fiddling your fingers while scared of whatever he could say.

“I made plans, but I’ll try to see if I can make it. No promises though”

“I understand” You nodded, while thinking of other solutions for the evenings promotion. Asking others would seem like a drag, but worth a shot. Jooheyon put an arm around your shoulder, tugging you closer to whisper in your ear.

“By the way, since you have told me one of your deepest secrets, let me tell you one of mine….”

Throwing your bag away, feeling the hard work linger on your tired muscles, you fiddled out your phone. The anger that boiled in the bottom of your stomach, was about to burst. You couldn’t believe Jungkook would do such a thing, and broke a rule.