It had been a month since BTS had left for tour and they were in Europe making it hard for Phoebe and Hoseok to have long chat sessions. However, the two had gotten closer and both even dared to flirt more. Hoseok was in deep thought as they left LAX to head to the hotel where they would be staying for the week. He remembered that she was from L.A. and wondered if her parents were buried here. 

Hoseok: We just made it to your Hometown. Question though… It’s a hard one to ask but, are your parents buried in L.A., and if so where? 

He didn’t expect her to answer knowing it was so late for her but, he wanted to visit her parents to pay his respects while he was here. Phoebe had become an important part of his life in such a short time he wanted to be respectful towards her family. He was shocked to get a reply from her so quickly. 

Phoebe: They are but why do you ask?

Hoseok: I wanted to pay my respects while I’m here. 

Phoebe was shocked and touched by Hoseok. She replied with the location with tears streaming down her face. 

Phoebe: You know you don’t have to do that. 

Hoseok: Well I don’t have to but, I want to. 

Phoebe: You are too kind for this world. 

Hoseok: I could say the same to you but, shouldn’t you be asleep? 

Phoebe: I was waiting for your text saying you made it. 

Hoseok: Well, I made it safely. Now go to sleep. 

Phoebe: Fine, fine. Night Hoseok. 

Hoseok: Night. 

Phoebe put her phone back on her charger drying her tears. It had been about four months since she buried them and the memory was still fresh in her mind. That day was also the last she was at their grave. She smiled thinking about Hoseok’s kindness as she drifted off to sleep. 

Hoseok doubled the check to make sure the gift he had just ordered had been shipped. The bracelet caught his eye while they were killing time at the airport waiting for their transport and decided to have one made for Phoebe. A sigh of relief escaped his lips as he saw that it had shipped. 

“Everything alright?” Namjoon asked.

“Yeah, hey how much free time do we have today?” 

“Nothing is scheduled till later like after dinner. Why?” 

“I need to visit Phoebe’s parents.” Hoseok began looking up flower shops as Namjoon realized what he meant. 

“Do you need me to go with you?”

“You can if you want. I guess I would feel a bit odd being there alone…” Hoseok didn’t know how to feel exactly. It would be a somber visit but in his heart, he knew he needed to do this. 

“You really care for her don’t you?” Namjoon asked. Hoseok nodded his head. 

Later that day the two idols headed to the cemetery with flowers. Hoseok couldn’t explain why he was so nervous. They got out of the car headed for Phoebe’s parents’ grave. As they approached he saw the family name engraved on the large tombstone. Hoseok sighed and laid the flowers on the grave. He could tell it had only been a few months with the granite not yet worn from weathering and the sod just now starting to fade in with the rest of the surrounding grass. 

“Um, Mr., and Mrs. Williams…” Hoseok sighed, “I hope you’re looking down on Phoebe with smiling faces cause she’s so strong… so brave and talented.” Hoseok heard Namjoon’s footsteps approach him. He smiled thinking about her smile from the last video chat. 

“I know she misses you. She tells me about you all the time. About the holidays and family trips… she holds those memories so dear. I hope you can see into my heart and know that I care for your daughter. I promise to make sure she ends every day with a smile on her face. That’s my promise to you.” A cool breeze swept across the small hill. Hoseok gave a small smile before turning and heading towards Namjoon. His friend smiled as he placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. 

Phoebe woke up to her alarm with puffy eyes. She laid her head back on her pillow with a sigh. Checking her phone saw a message from Hoseok.

Hoseok: Good morning! I hope you got some sleep. Let me know when you come home. I want to see you. 

Phoebe: Good afternoon! I did. It feels weird that you're still a day behind me. I can’t wait for you to be in an easier time zone.

She got up and hopped in the shower and rested her head against the wall. The last month had been nothing short of magical. It was starting to become harder to not let down her last few walls when talking to him. The way he listened to her vent about her interactions with Chan or even helped on nights when she missed her parents the most wasn’t much different from before she knew who he was. 

He had even begun to open up to her about some of his insecurities. Some calls, after concerts, he would sometimes feel like He hadn’t done enough or not his best. It was those nights that Phoebe would be reminded that even he had those same insecurities that she had but, she would smile and remind him that he more than likely left it all on that stage. 

Thinking about him smiling back at her made her heart race as she dried off from the shower. “This isn’t just a celebrity crush anymore is it?” She asked herself in the mirror. After finishing getting ready she headed out the door to catch the bus. Phoebe tried to put it in the back of her mind at least until after work but she couldn’t stop trying to figure out her feelings. She knew she had begun to like him before knowing he was J-hope but she was terrified that her feelings weren’t as genuine as she wanted them to be. 

“No, they are genuine,” she said to herself, “Why else would I be worried for him like this?” A smile grew on her lips as she looked at the window of the bus. 

Her office building was quiet until she heard the click-clack of Paenji’s heels as she hummed her way up to Phoebe. 

“What’s got you in such a good mood?” 

“I got to see Tae this morning!” Paenji walked alongside Phoebe into the elevator. 

“Aww, that’s sweet. I’m gonna do the same with Hoseok after work.” 

“Cuddle video chat?” Paenji wiggled her eyebrows, making Phoebe giggle. They chatted in the elevator as it went up talking about their secret budding relationships. The third floor was already buzzing with people working on projects. Chan was at his desk like usually brooding until he saw Phoebe sit across from him. 

“Morning Phoebe.” He smiled at her. He had been acting kinder to her recently. Phoebe didn’t think too much about it really. She just thought that he was one of those people who has to warm up to a person first. 

“Morning Chan.” She gave him a small smile as she opened her laptop. 

“Have any plans for tonight?” The question seemed so random but Phoebe tried to keep a blank face when answering. 

“Yeah. I’m hanging out with someone later after work.” 

        “Oh…” He seemed almost sad about her answer but he went back to work. Phoebe looked over to Paenji who had a look that was mixed with shock and disgust.  With eyes wide in confusion Phoebe returned to her work. Chan returned to his usual frustrated self to everyone else around him for the rest of the day. 

‘Maybe he’s just misunderstood?’ She thought. She had often gotten along with people most didn’t want to deal with. It had gotten her into trouble more than once. Phoebe was so into the work that she jumped when her phone’s text tone went off. 

Hoseok: Don’t forget lunch! 

Phoebe: But if I skip lunch I can go home a little early. 

Hoseok:... you drive a hard bargain but you still eat lunch. 

Phoebe: Fine

Phoebe pursed her lips in thought. If she did skip lunch she would be able to leave an hour early and have less of waiting time for the bus. She eyed Paenji who was busy referencing something for their project. 

“Hey Paenji,” Phoebe whispered. She turned to look at Phoebe confused. 

“What?” 

“Do you mind grabbing me lunch so I can eat it while I’m working? You know, so I can leave a bit early today?” 

“He’s telling you to not skip lunch for him? That’s adorable.” Paenji clutched her heart. “Sure you want the usual?” 

“Yes, and you’re a doll.” Phoebe smiled at her gracious friend. She ignored Chan’s glares as she continued to work. She took note that she needed to remember to take a photo as proof that she indeed eat lunch today. Paenji eventually got up to grab lunch for the both of them. 

“This should cover it. If it doesn’t let me know and I’ll get you tomorrow.”

“Don’t worry I’m not gonna keep track of a few cents.” Paenji waved as she headed off towards the elevator. Phoebe stood and stretched before heading to the break room to grab a drink from the fridge. She jumped as she turned not expecting Chan to be right behind her. 

“Jesus Chan. You startled me.” 

“Sorry about that. I just was wondering about something. Got a second?” He nervously scratched the back of his head before making contact. 

“Oh? Ask away then,” She said with a smile. 

“Would you like to go on a date with me? I know you’re busy tonight but how about tomorrow after work?” 

The question shocked her and made her anxious. For one she didn’t really care for him and the other reason was currently waiting for her to get off work. 

“I’m sorry, I just didn’t think you liked me that much.” She began to fidget with the logo on her bottle. 

“I’m not very good at expressing myself with others but, I just thought maybe we could get to know each other outside of the work setting.”

Phoebe bit her lip trying to figure out the right words that would keep the peace but let him know she was off-limits. ‘, I always get myself in these situations. I need to stop being so nice,’ she thought to herself. The promise she made to Hoseok stuck out in her mind. It wouldn’t be a hard one to keep. She just dreaded confrontation. 

“Your offer is really sweet but, I’m already seeing someone.” 

“Oh… I didn’t realize…” 

“Yeah,” Phoebe ducked her head and headed back to her desk. 

Phoebe: Hurry back Chan just asked me out.  

Paenji: The ?

Once Paenji returned the two stuffed their faces between working and giving each other

concerned looks about the man sitting across the table from Phoebe. She was instantly glad she was leaving early. When it finally hit four o’clock Phoebe said her goodbyes and avoided Chan’s gaze. She sighed as she got to the bus stop and saw the bus coming. Climbing on she felt her phone go off. 

Paenji: He looks so pissed right now. 

Phoebe: Too bad. I’ve got a video chat with Hoseok in a bit. See you tomorrow. 

Her thoughts turned to her upcoming time with Hoseok. She couldn’t help but smile at the thought of seeing him again. It had been a few days since their last video call. 

Phoebe: Almost home!

Hoseok: You skipped lunch didn’t you. 

Phoebe: No. I found a solution. 

Phoebe sent him the picture she took of her food from earlier before hopping off of the bus. She practically skipped her way home almost slamming into the door. Throwing off her coat and jumping onto the bed before she opened her laptop and called him, butterflies littering her stomach. His smile was the first thing she saw when he answered then she noticed he was laying in bed. 

“Hey,” she said, running her fingers through her hair. 

“Hey, beautiful. Missed seeing your face.” A nervous laugh escaped her lips. All of the anxiety of the day instantly washed away. 

“I missed seeing you. How was your first day in L.A.?” 

“It was good. A bit somber.”

“Why is that?” She readjusted herself on the bed concerned.

“I went and saw your parents. Hope they like the flowers I left them.” 

Phoebe couldn’t help but tear up. She couldn’t believe that he had actually gone to pay his respects. Trying to hide her tears she smiled. 

“Hobi, you didn’t have to.” 

“But I did. I told you I wanted to do this right. Plus I know how much they meant to you.” He smiled at her before making an attempt to dry her tears, “Don’t worry I didn’t tell them anything embarrassing.” That did make her laugh. 

“Thank you and I’m sure they loved the flowers. Hoseok, I can’t express how much it means you even thought to do that much less actually go do it.” 

“You mean a lot to me, Phoebe. I needed to convey that to them.” A few quiet moments passed as Phoebe dried her tears. “So, how was your day Ms. Writer.” 

Phoebe giggled at the new nickname. “Um, it was interesting. A coworker asked me on a date.” Hoseok’s face grew a bit sad. 

“Oh? Who?” 

“Chan of all people.” Phoebe fiddled with her thumbs. She didn’t expect his facial reaction to be so front and center. 

“What did you tell him?” Hoseok’s chest felt heavy. He felt confident that she would keep her promise but he had been let down by people before. Phoebe smiled and bit her lip. 

“I told him no and that I was seeing someone.” Her shy smile made him chuckle, relieving the anxiety he was feeling. He rolled onto his back giving her a good view of his chest rising and falling with each breath. 

“Did he ask who?” 

“I didn’t give him the chance to. Don’t think he would believe me even if I did tell him.”

Hoseok nodded in agreement with raised eyebrows. It was still early for Phoebe but she curled up in the bed imagining that Hoseok was there with her talking about their day. They talked for a bit longer about her work and his rehearsal and about the various shows he would have to do over the next week before heading to Chicago. 

At one point he rolled onto his side mirroring Phoebe and looked into her eyes through the screen.

“I’ve gotta get some sleep. Only three more months ok?” 

She nodded her head biting her lip. “Have fun tomorrow ok?” Her smile was quickly answered by his. “Good night Hoseok.”  

“Good night Phoebe.”