"𝐀𝐇 ...did you order some more anesthetic and needles?" Your body tense with the thought of having to do another hour of work when all you want to do is sleep.

 

"Yes, I did it during my lunch-break earlier. The shipment should arrive in two days' time."

 

You let out a breath of relief at the younger male's words. "You're a lifesaver, thank you so much! Remind me to bring you an extra donut when I get some on Monday."

 

He chuckles at your words. "Will do, see you on Monday Dr. [L/n]."

 

You stop your movements, apartment keys dangling halfway out of your coat pocket.

 

"Namjoon, what did I tell you? It's okay to call me by my first name after work hours. [Y/n] is fine."

 

"B-but I shouldn't!"

 

Your eyes roll at the clear tone of mortification in his voice.

 

"Yeah? And why's that?"

 

"To start off, I am merely a student fresh out of college while you have been in the veterinarian field far longer than I with more experience. It would be unprofessional for an apprentice such as myself to–"

 

"You know what? Just do whatever you want kid." You quickly cut him off before he could delve in any deeper into his The importance of professionalism during and after work speech.

 

An audible sound of relief is heard on the other line. "Thanks Dr. [L/n], see ya on Monday!"

 

"Yeah yeah," you grumble underneath your breath, "see you Monday."

 

Ending the phone call, you place the device in your purse before unlocking the front door.

 

You're met with nothing but silence as you step into the dark two-room apartment.

 

Shutting the door behind you, you quickly slip off your shoes and coat as you make your way towards the back.

 

A trail of discarded clothes follows you all the way to your room. 'I'll pick them up later.'

 

With a body-towel and bottle of lotion in hand, you step into the bathroom.

 

You turn on the shower, allowing the hot water to pelt your skin once you step into the tub. A sigh of happiness escapes you as the day's stress from working fades away with every scrub you do to your body.

 

As the last remains of the soap fall down the drain, you break away from your cocoon of solitude with a flinch as the recognizable shrill ring of the home phone resonates throughout the apartment.

 

'What the hell...that old thing still works?'

 

Huffing out in anger you quickly turn off the shower and grab a towel on the way out the tub.

 

With the towel tightly wrapped around you, the bathroom door is yanked open as you stomp into the kitchen where the phone is located.

 

A glare of annoyance sits on your face as the high pitch sound continues to fill the apartment.

 

"I'm coming, just shut the up!" You hiss towards the device right as your foot leaves the tiled floor and onto the shiny hardwood one.

 

"!" A cry of pain escapes you as your back collides to the hard surface.

 

Laying sprawled out on the floor both stunned and stiff from the impact, a moment of silence passed as you finally came to the realization that you have in fact just busted your on the floor.

 

A wince sits on your face as finally gather enough strength to carefully get up from the floor and lean against the wall for support.

 

Sweeping your eyes across the room, you stop at a bright yellow sticky note that sat neatly on the object that had caused all of your pain and humiliation in the first place.

 

"That ing phone."

 

Boiling hot lava-filled your veins as you limped towards the surprisingly still ringing phone- almost as if it was taunting you of your slip-up.

 

'No pun intended...or was it?'

 

You snort at the thought as you finally made it across the room.

 

With a hand pressing on your back like an old lady, you snatch the phone from its holder preparing to yell at whoever is on the other side.

 

"Who the is this and why are you calling my home." All logic of it being a possible customer or even your parents were thrown out the window as anger controlled your sensible side.

 

"Wow...such a nice way to treat their best friend. But hello to you too [Y/n]," a deep voice from the other line speaks with sarcasm.

 

You nearly drop the phone in shock as sweat started to build up in your palms, heart in your chest beginning to speed up at an uncontrollable rate.

 

"Whatever. What do you want Jin? I'm surprised that you would even remember me," despite the coldness of your voice, it slightly wavers with anger and disbelief.

 

Nearly six months had passed of no contact from him and you were sure of the countless missed calls and text messages from you filled his history logs.

 

The line goes silent for a few moments.

 

"I know you're excited that I called and miss me because I miss you. And based on how long it took for you to answer the phone with such an attitude, I'm gonna guess that you were in the shower, but fell from stomping to the phone just as when I had lived there."

 

Hearing him say that correct prediction, your mouth opens in shock of not knowing what to say. "I-I did not do such t-thing."

 

"Uh yes you did, but what gave it away was the stuttering. Come on I've known you for 20 years." Jin states with sass.

 

You let out a sigh knowing that it was impossible to get away with the lie so you decide to change the subject. "So why did you call?"

 

"Why did I call you?" Jin asks himself before the line goes silent for a few seconds.

 

"Oh yeah! I have something important to tell and ask you." He says, but this time hesitation was laced along with his voice.

 

You straighten up against the wall as a bubble of uneasiness sat in the pit of your stomach, anticipation buzzing along your veins.

 

"Okay? I'm not getting any younger man. Sooner or later I'm going to end up going into that phase of saying cringy dad jokes like you if I wait any longer," you teasingly say to set down the tension.

 

He softly chuckles at you causing your heart to flutter in succeeding in getting a good reaction from him.

 

"But getting off subject...I was wondering if it's possible that we can meet up tonight?"

 

A giddy smile stretches upon your lips. "Sure! What's the special occasion for?"

 

He nervously laughs on the other end. "You'll see."

 

Frowning at his way of words, I decided to just drop it.

 

"Okay then. Send me the location and I'll see you there," with those parting words you hanged up, a giant smile decorating your face.

 

"What should I wear? Ah ! Cocktail dress or t-shirt and jeans?" Your head shakes at your words, "goddammit [Y/n], get it together! This is Jin you're talking about."

 

Grabbing a bottle of water from the island, you take a big gulp of water in hopes of settling your nerves with a sigh.

 

Your eyes bulge out, hands rapidly hitting your chest as water spills from your mouth. You fan your face as water drips from your burning nose.

 

"Damn!" Picking up the dropped bottle from the floor, you continue to cough out the remaining water from your throat.

 

After a few minutes of nearly hacking out your lungs, you finally calm down and turn your attention to the note from earlier.

 

Pulling it off the wall, you nearly scoff at the message written on it as you wipe away the tears from your blurry eyes.

 

Dear Ms. [L/n],
Thank you for choosing Mr. Sandless Wood Polishing Services. And remember...if you're ever wishing for a sparkling floor, just call us and we'll always be right at your door!

 

P.S And if possible, please refrain from stepping onto the floor if it becomes wet or the bottom of your shoes/feet are.

 

"Well too ing late for that!"

 

Done with the situation, you ball up the note and decide to get ready for the night with a stomp...


 

 

...right into the puddle water.

 

A thud echoes around the apartment as you lay on the floor with a blank face.

 

"...SON OF A ! MOTHERFU–"

 

~x~

 

"Hey, [Y/n]?" Jin calls out your name as you chug a shot of vodka, enjoying the burning sensation of the liquor as it travels down your throat.

 

"Yeah, y~?" You playfully sing out with a wink as you turn towards his direction.

 

A grin sits on his face as he shakes his head at your flirty behavior before a serious expression appears.

 

Gently grabbing your hands into his larger ones, Jin intensely stares into your eyes causing your heart to flutter.

 

"Look [Y/n], there's something I need to tell you. And it really should've been said a long time ago." He watches your joined hands with a thoughtful look.

 

You pull away sensing the waves of uneasiness rolling off him. Any buzz that you had dissipated and was replaced with worry.

 

"What is it Jin? You know you can tell me."

 

His doe eyes gaze into yours before quickly shifting towards the party lights above you.

 

"It's just that...!" He rubs the back of his neck with a strained smile. "I really don't know how to put this in words."

 

Placing a hand on his leg, you give him a bright smile. "I doubt it could be that bad. And if it is, we'll just get stressed about it together."

 

He relax at your words, head nodding in agreement. "You're right. I don't know why I'm so nervous about telling you this. Especially when it's–"

 

"Baby!"

 

You flinch at the voice with a small grimace while a full-blown smile graces his face.

 

"[C/n]," he breathes out as a woman in a red skin-tight dress strut over and sits on his lap, hands wrapping around his neck before placing her lips on his. [A/n: C/n = cousin's name]

 

You look away as he returns the kiss with the same amount of passion- if not more.

 

The heartache and discomfort growg with each passing moment of having to witness the two lover's embrace and affection.

 

Luckily, it seemed that Jin caught on to your uneasiness and pulled away from her touches once they started to go towards his belt.

 

"Baby whhhhhy? I need you right now," she pouts at his rejection and starts to kiss along his jaw decorating the milky skin with colors of red and purple.

 

Your jaw clenches in anger and disappointment at the couple's actions in public knowing that there's a chance that the paparazzi can appear at any moment.

 

'Or maybe because deep down...I wish to be in her place. That it was me instead who marks him to show everyone who his heart and body belongs to.'

 

Shaking your head, you quickly fill up another shot glass and down it trying to erase both the images and thoughts from your mind.

 

After a few more seconds of Jin's protest, she finally parts with a sigh and sits on his lap with a satisfied smile.

 

Her eyes catch sight of your troubled ones before a fake gasp of surprise leaves her plump lips. "Oh my gosh...little cousin! I'm so sorry you had to see that, I didn't see you there."

 

'We're the only ones here...how could you not see me?'

 

Despite wanting to slap the out of her, you muster up the fakest grin that your drama teacher would surely be proud of. "Oh that's alright, he was just telling me something."

 

"Oh were you telling her about our engagement?" She casually questions with an innocent head tilt causing your heart to stop.

 

The music seemed to fade from your ears as numbness spread throughout your body.

 

'Engaged...he's engaged with her...he's truly in love with her...not me...never been me...he doesn't love me'

 

"Babe, why did you do that? I trying to find a way to tell her more smoothly," Jin lets out a sigh of disappointment, running a hand through his dyed locks.

 

"Oh," she pouts at his words, hanging her head in sadness, "I didn't mean to, I was just so happy to tell her. Please don't be mad at me."

 

He lifts her head up with a smile before gently placing a kiss on her forehead. "I could never be mad at you."

 

Her giggles filled your head as you finally pulled your emotions together.

 

"You're...you're getting married?"

 

Surprisingly your weak voice was heard through above the loud beats of the club causing Jin's face to falter once his eyes met your glazed ones.

 

"Yes isn't it exciting? Here's the ring," [C/n] squeals as she pulls the engagement ring out of her purse. The 20-karat gold ring proudly glimmered in the multi-colored lights as she places it in your face.

 

Jin looks at the ring with furrowed eyebrows. "Why isn't it on your finger?"

 

She stiffens at his words, smile dropping at the unexpected question.

 

"Um...well," angling her body, she smoothly moves her hair to the side to cover the side of her neck, "I had to wash my hands in the bathroom and didn't want it to fall down the drain."

 

Your gaze lands on the 'love bites' decorated along her lower jawline as it trails down to where the rest was covered by her hair.

 

'Yeah right'

 

The oblivious male nods his head at her words with a smile. "Okay, just remember to put it back on. I want everyone here to know that I'm the luckiest man alive."

 

[C/n] snorts at his response and reluctantly places the jewelry on her finger.

 

Grabbing her hands, Jin places butterfly kisses on her knuckles. "Is it alright for me to talk to [Y/n] alone for a moment?"

 

A moment of hesitation filters on her face before slowly nodding. "Okay...I guess I'll go and get a drink from the bar."

 

Getting up off from his lap, she gives him one last kiss before leaving the section with a sway of her hips.

 

A clear amount of awe and adoration resides on his face as he stares at her disappearing figure.

 

'Would you look at me like that had I been the one who captured your heart Jin?'

 

"So...w-when did this all happened?" Your throat began to slowly constrict of air as you stare at him with teared eyes.

 

"I proposed about 5 months ago."

 

It was almost as if a bucket of ice-cold water was dumped over you. You glare at him in anger, hands balled up in tight fists.

 

"What the Seokjin," you stand up from your seat in rage, "five months...five ing months passed before you decide to tell me? I thought we were best friends, so why the hell am I just finding out about your engagement huh?! I tell you everything!"

 

′Everything except how I've been in love with you since we were seven...′

 

"I know and I'm sorry. But your cousin said to wait a while because she wasn't ready to tell you yet. If anything don't be mad at her, be mad at me instead."

 

You scoff at his pleading.

 

'Even if it's her fault...you'd rather take the blame.'

 

Taking a deep breath of air, you force a smile causing his body to relax. "You know what...I'm not mad. I'm happy for both of you."

 

'No I'm not...I'll never be happy. The man I'm in love with is getting married to someone else.'

 

A grin appears on his face with a look of hopefulness. "Really?"

 

"Of course I am!"

 

'Lies. Twenty years...twenty years he's held my heart. But I was such a coward, never had the guts to confess. Especially when he only saw me as a little sister.'

 

He lets out a sigh of relief at your words. "Oh thank goodness! [C/n] said that you would've been angry and refused us getting married."

 

′You mean the same cousin who always wanted to take things from me just to feel the most superior out of both of us? The one who decided to use the crush you had on her to no only get access in the celebrity life but to also watch me sit back in pain with no other choice but to act happy for the both of you if I wanted to stay around?′

 

Tears filled your eyes as you finally came to the realization of what would happen causing Jin to look in concern of your sudden behavior change.

 

"[Y/n] what's wrong? Why are you crying? Are you hurt?" He quickly moves over and brings you against his chest in a warming hug.

 

"N-nothing Jin. I'm just...so happy for you two. Really," you try to reassure him and pull away with a shaky smile.

 

He shakes his head before pulling you to him once more. You melt at the feeling of warmth and protection that he always gave whenever he was around.

 

′Even if we can't be together the way I want us to be, I'll still be there for you...'

 

The sound of someone clearing their throat caused the short-lived hug to end.

 

You looked up to see your frowning cousin which soon turned into a smile once she spotted the red eyes and tear-streaks decorating your face.

 

Separating from you, Jin happily goes to stand next to her and intimately brings her to his chest to whisper sweet nothings into her ear.

 

"Oh [Y/n], I have a surprise for you~"

 

You look at her grinning face in time to see Jin's arms wrapped around her waist as he nuzzles into her neck.

 

"My beautiful fiance right here decided that she wants you to be Maid of Honor for the wedding. Isn't that great?" Jin asks as his radiant smile makes its famous appearance.

 

"I wanted us to feel closer despite the ups and downs we've had over the years. Plus, being my Maid of Honor you'll get the best view. You can even be the Godmother for when we have kids," her lips were stretched into a giant grin as the words slipped out.

 

"That's...great," you spit out the words despite wanting to go to a faraway place and never come back.

 

"I just can't wait! Mr. and Mrs. Kim with tiny babies that share both of their parents' features," Jin announces with a giddy smile.

 

"And if we have a boy we can name him [B/n] and if a girl [G/n]." You freeze at her words, heart-clenching in betrayal. [A.n: [B/n] = boy's name, [G/n] = girl's name]

 

"Those are perfect babe! Where did you get those?" Jin questions as he looks at her with admiration shining brightly in his eyes.

 

"How could you?" You hiss out, popping the little bubble that surrounded the engaged couple.

 

Your cousin looks at you in feign confusion. "What do you mean [Y/n]? I to–"

 

"Cut the bull! I'm done with this fake facade you've been putting up all night. Now answer the damn question!"

 

[C/n] holds Jin's arms once you stand in front of her, hands itching to punch the crap out of the woman you called your family.

 

"Now just hold up a minute [Y/n]! [C/n], what is she talking about?" Jin questions putting a protective arm in front of her to keep you from getting any closer.

 

"You don't remember [Y/n]? You have me those names," she innocently says causing your anger to grow even more.

 

"Give them to you...GIVE THEM TO YOU?! I didn't give you ! I was the one who thought of those names and had them in only one place. You went through my ing journal that's what you did!" You yell causing a frown to appear on Jin's face.

 

Tears began to fill her eyes as she reaches a hand out to you. "But [Y/n]–"

 

"Don't ing touch me!" You slap her hand away when it touched your arm.

 

Retracting her hand back, [C/n] quickly turns to Jin's arms and burrows her face into his chest letting out fake sniffles every once in a while.

 

"Okay that's enough [Y/n], you've just crossed the line there. Not only did you disrespect your elder but you've also disrespected my fiancee. So I'm going to need you to apologize," he firmly orders causing you to look at him in disbelief.

 

"Bull Jin! That snake is no elder of mine! All of my life she's taken everything from me...and the funny thing about it? I let her. But I'm over it now! She's taken our family's love, my friends, the names of my future children, and even..." your words trailed off as you held the rest of your confession in.

 

'...the man I'm in love with.'

 

It goes quiet, a stare-off is held between you and your best friend before he lets out a deep breath with a shake of his head.

 

"If you feel like that about her...then I don't think it'll be best for us to communicate anymore."

 

Your eyes widen, you step up to him with outstretched hands. "What? Y-you can't be serious Jin! I–"

 

He steps away from you, eyes holding a sort of coldness you've never seen before. "If you don't have any respect for my future wife-to-be then you don't have any respect for me. I refuse to let anyone call her out of her name no matter who they are to her. Now apologize."

 

Turning towards [C/n], a smug grin sat on her face causing tears to cloud your eyes.

 

′I will always win′ she mouths.

 

'And it's true...she always has and always will '

 

You gaze at the worn-down bracelet on your wrist. So many memories filled your head as you observed every crack in the leather strap.

 

'Is this what we've become Seokjin? Maybe if I had just gotten the balls enough to tell you, maybe everything would be different.' Your eyes harden as defeat swirl in its tired irises 'But in the real world...it's useless to ponder on the maybes and what-ifs. It's just time to accept it.'

 

"I'm sorry Seokjin...but I refuse to apologize for something that's true. Especially when your fiancee is a - attention-seeking ho," The words calmly slip past your lips as you rip the once cherishable item from your wrist and drop it in front of his feet.

 

Swiftly turning on your heels, you walk out of the area only turn towards the couple with a bright smile and misty eyes.

 

"Congratulations to you both. I hope you have a wonderful life together."

 

Blending into the crowded dance floor, you ignore the calls of your name, refusing to face him any longer.

 

As you moved through the dancing bodies, you immediately noticed a change in yourself.

 

All the weight in your heart somewhat lightened the further you separated from the two.

 

And you were loving it.

 

Finally reaching the almost deserted bar you plop down in one of the stools with no other action other but to get piss drunk.

 

′So much for being best friends forever'