Chapter 30: 29. Stay
Saturday Morning, 28th. March. 2015
I woke up snuggled between the warmth of Jimin and Yoongi. But a numbness blanketed me as my mind strayed to the horrific events of last night.
Had I lost everything?
I'd had a close encounter with those wild and dangerous flames, within inches of the destruction they wreaked and.. Even moments from being trapped in there and burnt alive.
I felt empty. Were it not for the body heat warmly reaching my heart from both sides, I don't know what I would've done. Still, there was only so much it helped. Only so far the warmth from their care that seeped in. At my core still resided an unshakable chill.
The longer I lay there, it became apparent just how caught between them I was. The fold out wasn't huge to begin with. However, Yoongi had an arm thrown over me and had somehow buried his face against my chest so that his light breaths passed through my shirt and tickled my cleavage. Then there was Jimin, who was so tightly pressed behind me that our bodies melded together. His cheek rest over my head and I could feel him breathing too, but on my hair.
His arm was also thrown over me and Yoongi's head as well, encasing the three of us in a tight sandwich. I didn't see how I was going to get out of this without waking them, gosh they were adorable. Whenever I was in trouble, they always seemed to come running to my rescue. Going above and beyond to make sure I'm alright.. And as time went on, it only became more obvious…
The dream of Tae only reinforced my suspicions, maybe even enough to consolidate them. I must've known them before I lost my memory. Tae had said we were best friends.. it felt like they were all my best friends.. maybe that's the kind of relationship we had.
I still didn't understand why they wouldn't just come out and tell me that. Instead, they avoided certain things by being indirect. It confused me to no ends. And when I confronted Tae, he'd said it was to protect me.
Protect me from what?
Those messed up dreams I'd had, the ones that seemed to be triggered by Joon, they were still unexplained. And it nagged at me. If we were all best friends and they wanted to protect me.
Why had I felt so fucked up in the dream?
The rest made sense. But there was still the girl in the crimson dress. It was the one piece that didn't fit. And I didn't know what to make of it.
Anyway.. right now.. I needed to figure out what my next step was. I was homeless right now, right? I didn't have any belongings? I.. where exactly do I go from here?
Yoongi's phone rang. He rubbed his face in my chest before poking his head up and looking at me through sleepy, disoriented eyes. The phone rang again, reminding him of what he was doing, so he groaned and turned over on his back and reached for it to answer.
"Namjoon-ah" Yoongi said huskily as he held the phone to his ear. I could vaguely make out a muffled voice that sounded like Joon.
The commotion must've disturbed Jimin because he rubbed his face on my hair and tightened his arm around my chest in a hug. I reached up and stroked his forearm, then he gave a light moan and I felt him place a soft, sleepy kiss into my hair.
"You already did all of that? It's only-" Yoongi sounded apprehensive as he pulled the phone away to check the screen. "It's only 10am."
There was another brief pause before Yoongi gave a sigh and spoke again. "Alright, I'll let her know. We'll see you soon."
I looked up to Yoongi as he met my gaze, phone limply held in his hand.
"So, Joon headed to the fire station and collected all your belongings that they could salvage. He's got them back at our dorms waiting for you." He blinked a few times before continuing as though he needed a moment to collect his thoughts.
"He also contacted the University to arrange your new apartment. They said it won't take long, but he wants you to come and stay with us in the dorms until it's ready."
I felt like I still wasn't processing what was being said. "What? Are you serious? He did all that… for me…"
"Yeah." Yoongi licked at his chapped bottom lip.
"But… Ah.. about staying with you.." The thought of it made me unsure.
"What about that?" Jimin finally asked, snuggling into me. Could I really do that?
"Um.. There's.. Severn of you.." I hesitantly mumbled.
"It's okay. We can make room for you. Don't worry your pretty little head." Jimin sighed sweetly.
"I mean.." could I really say there were seven of you guys and one girl and I was nervous about being accidentally walked in while changing or showering or any of those things?! Ugh.
"It's really not a bother. We'd prefer you stay close to us, to be honest. That way, we can protect you better. If you're worried it's a burden or something, it really isn't." Yoongi elaborated.
They really didn't get it, did they? I felt myself give up on fighting it. It would not be for long, right? I'll just have to be extra careful for a little while, but I can get through it. Besides, what are my other options?
But there's that word again… Protect me. From what? Maybe if I was closer to them, I could find out more. If anything, taking this chance to try and learn more wasn't a bad idea.
"Okay, I'll stay with you guys… Thankyou…"
The three of us collected our things and got ready to leave the studio. We all seemed to still be a little slow and sleepy. Jimin caught his yawn in his hand as he sat at the edge of the bed. Yoongi was trying to figure out what to pack to take with him back to the dorms. Once he had, Jimin and I helped him fold the couch back and fold the sheets and blankets.
I glanced around to check one more time that everything was tidy before Yoongi locked up his studio. Jimin snuck his hand into mine and held it before we all made our way down to the car park. Yoongi was the one to drive while Jimin and I sat in the back. We spoke little, seeing as we were still sleepy and hadn't woken up fully.
Jimin lazily slumped his head and rested it on my shoulder as the soft revs of the engine sounded. Soon enough, we pulled up into the driveway of the dorm. There was a big black van parked in the other space beside us.
Before Jimin could even help me out of the car fully, I saw Jin racing out the front door and over to us. I was stunned in place as he rushed over without a word and embraced me.
Yoongi and Jimin stood there for a moment, watching as he just held me. I slowly raise my arms and wrap them around his midsection, hugging him back.
"Jin, it's okay…" Even though he hadn't said anything, I could feel how worried he was just by the way he held me.
"I know. You're a strong little force to be reckoned with. I just, I still worry about you," Jin finally said, pulling away and holding me at shoulder length as he looked at me. I could tell he was putting on a brave face, but his words rang true.
"On the upside, I get to spend more time with you" I cracked a faint smile, trying to find some kind of bright side to all of this tragedy. Jin snorted.
"I can't believe you just said that. Ahh. Jia, you're nearly worse than me. Nearly." And with that, Jin wrapped an arm around my shoulder and led me into the house.
Yoongi went in first, saying he'd be back before disappearing into a room. Jimin waited for me at the table. Once I'd slipped off my shoes, Jin let me go, and Jimin pulled me over to sit down with him. I settled down onto the cushion closest to the hall at the end of the table and I felt Jimin's hand slip into my right hand and cradle it.
Suddenly Yoongi returned, holding a towel and a handful of clothes. He looked around until his gaze stopped at me on the floor. "Here, I got something for you to change into after you wash up."
"Good idea. I'm assuming none of you have eaten anything yet?" Jin asked, not even waiting for any of us to answer before opening the fridge and peering inside.
"Not yet. Some egg rolls would be nice," Jimin suggested, giving a light squeeze to my hand. "How does that sound?"
"Please, that sounds nice," I replied with a smile.
"Alright, wash up then. It'll be ready by the time you finish," Jin smirked at me as he placed the egg carton on the kitchen bench.
Yoongi reached out a hand to help me to my feet, then walked me into the bathroom. He showed me where all the shower soaps and face wash were and set the towel and clothes on the bathroom counter for me.
He gave a brief close eyed pursed smile when I thanked him and then he shut the door as he left behind him. I snipped the lock after him to make sure no one accidentally came in once I was showing. I was already worried about that from the beginning, so I had to be extra careful not to let accidents happen. I'm sure they weren't used to having a girl living with them. They were all clumsy in their own way. Therefore, was up to me to stop any awkward mishaps.
I took a moment to look around at the bathroom as I took my clothes off. It was quite small but still fit a bathtub that doubled as a shower and a counter with a large mirror. There was a small pastel pink bath mat on the white tiles of the floor by the tub. The counter had all their different aftershaves, creams, toothbrushes and razors. It was tidy given there were so many of them. It only seemed messy because of so many things being crammed into such a small space.
It wasn't until I was naked, standing in the tub and fiddling with the water taps that I felt strange. It hit me. Just behind that door there was a bunch of boys.. and I was in here naked. I don't know why, but it made me feel kinda vulnerable but also strangely excited.
Like I was doing something risky?
I pushed my thoughts aside as I finally got the water temperature right and stepped under the stream of pelting water. It ran warm over my skin, soaking my hair and all my crevices. My attention turned to the rack filled with different shampoo and conditioner bottles and body washes. There was quite a selection and I didn't know which one to use.
It felt like a lucky dip.. not knowing whose was whose. I popped open the lid to the orange blossom body wash and smelled it. As soon as I did, I knew it was Jimin's. He always smelled exactly like this. Another one had a more citrusy and bold scent. I could tell it was Hoseok's. After trying a few more and being unsure, I settled back on Jimin's one.
Next was the shampoo. The only one I could make out was a Jungkook's.. it was the most pleasant smelling one as well. Like fruity popcorn, so I stuck with that and lathered it in.
After I'd finished, dried off my hair and body, I checked out the clothes that Yoongi had picked for me. It was a black oversized T-shirt and wide-legged pants. The material was quite light and overall very comfortable. I glanced in the mirror and saw that I looked like the epitome of comfort.
I was just about to go back out, but at the sound of voices, I stopped. I pressed my ear closer to the door and listened.
"Where is she? I refuse to let her out of my sight again. She belongs with us."
"Relax, she's here now. Just washing up."
"What about recon? Anything helpful?"
"Let's talk more about it later. Now is not the time."
After that the conversation changed to discussions about the concert, which I'd completely forgotten was tonight. But it wasn't like I could focus on that right now after what I'd just heard. I'm pretty sure it was Hoseok that had just said I belonged with them. What did that mean, exactly? And what about recon? Were they secretly ninja or something? It makes little sense...
I jolted out of my confusion as a knock sounded on the door and Tae called out my name.
"One second!" I called back straight away before taking a moment to compose myself. For now, I'd have to act like I heard nothing. It seemed like they would not tell me anything.. which didn't surprise me anymore. They seemed to enjoy keeping things from me. But, when the chance presented itself, I'd find out more.
For now.. I opened up the door to see Tae standing there half facing me, hands in his pockets. As soon as he saw me he went wide eyed, it was only momentarily, and then he pulled my head against him with one arm and held me there, as though he'd never let me go ever again.
"Are you alright?" he asked, voice low. I managed a nod and when I pulled away, he loosened his grip so that I could look up into his sultry features.
"Yeah, I'm fine. Please don't worry Tae." My words seemed to relax him a little bit. However, he still wore a heavy expression as though he wasn't really willing to just drop this because I said so. Either way, he let out a resigned sigh.
The moment was interrupted as Yoongi called out from the Kitchen that breakfast was ready.
"That's us, let's go" Tae led me back out into the main room as he steered me by the shoulders.
Jimin had moved over to the end and there were two empty spaces which I slipped into and Tae followed next to me.
Hoseok greeted me from his spot at the table end with a warm smile as I sat down. Jungkook had just placed down two plates filled with egg rolls and another dish of vegetables before settling down beside Hoseok. Jin followed next to him, bickering with Jungkook to push the plate further down to the other end where Yoongi sat next to Jimin.
It was only Joon that wasn't here.. which felt kind of weird. But I hadn't actually seen him since the incident. I didn't really know what I'd feel when I saw him again.. If I'd be uncomfortable or if I'd be okay. I wasn't sure, and that made me nervous. So, I was secretly relieved he wasn't here yet. I'd have a bit more time to prepare my heart for when I did..
Some chatter erupted across the table as we ate together, but I felt a bit dazed and couldn't follow any one conversation. Until I heard Yoongi call my name. When I lifted my head from the roll Tae had placed on my plate over to Yoongi, he asked if I was coming to the concert tonight.
It hadn't even crossed my mind, and I didn't know how to answer. I thought I couldn't make it. I didn't have a ticket or anything. It was too late by the time I found about it and they were all sold out.
Jin frowned and shook his head as I mentioned this, and then Hoseok beat him to the punch, saying their manager could just drive me over tonight. Yoongi nodded, adding that they could sneak me into the VIP section easily.
When Jimin giggled and said it was their concert after all, I felt happy but also silly for thinking I couldn't go. Once we'd finished breakfast, Yoongi and Tae volunteered to clean. Jimin excused himself and said he needed to pack, seeing as they had to leave for the venue soon. Hoseok offered to help and went with him.
As the number of people dwindled, that left me across from Jungkook, who had been staring at me with those big doe eyes of his since I'd sat down. Like he was itching to say something, but holding it back with all his might. And then there was Jin, who was sipping a cup of tea, as though there wasn't anything bothering Jungkook at all.
"Do my clothes fit you alright?" He finally burst, unable to hold it back anymore. But, of all things, why was he asking about what I was wearing?
"Sorry?" I asked, trying to get a bit more detail out of him.
"Ah, I mean, are they comfortable enough? They aren't too big for you, are they?" He ran a hand through his hair, pushing the black strands that had hung over his eyes out of the way to reveal forehead.
"These are yours?" I asked, feelings of the comfort I'd taken in them dwindling at knowing they were his. Out of everyone, he was the only one who had some kinda thing with someone else, which just made me feel awkward.
"Yeah," he answered, but it was strained. It all made sense. Was he trying to say he didn't want me in his clothes? Trying to suggest if they're too big I should change?
"Oh, I'm sorry, I just- Yoongi just gave them to me, I can change if-" My fluster took over as I rushed to explain why I was even in his clothes to begin with. I'm so dumb. He must've been eying me down this entire time because I'd been sitting here in his clothes the whole time!
"No! No, don't change. You look so pretty in my clothes," Jungkook blurted out. I felt like he'd punched me in the face.
"What-" I spluttered, pretty? Did he actually just say that?
"Fuck. Nothing, forget it. Just don't change," he cussed under his breath before trying to backpedal. I was stunned, totally unsure of what to even say.
"Why is this so awkward?! What's wrong with you two?" Jin, having only been observing the back and forth between us unfold as he sipped his tea, finally interjected.
"Nothing!" We both shot back in unison. God, he's right. This is awkward. Jin burst out laughing as he placed his cup down on the table, somehow finding humor in our exchange. It seemed to do the job of defusing the situation, though. Jungkook told me not to change, so I agreed with him and said okay.
Not long after, Hoseok and Jimin came back out with four big black bags packed and let the others know they were ready to leave. I didn't really know what to do as all the boys had gathered their things to leave.
Tae was the first to be ready, so he took a seat beside me. He told me he felt bad for having to leave me here by myself. He said he wanted to stay, but they'd send their manager, Sejin, to come and pick me up and bring me to the venue at the time it started.
With a happy grin, I let him know it was fine, and that I was excited. I'd be cheering them on from the VIP section, so look out for me. He seemed pleased by that and promised he'd blow me a kiss.
With a round of hugs, I said goodbye to the boys. They packed their belongings into the van and someone I didn't know showed up to drive them there. With one last wave at the car as it pulled out of the driveway, I closed their front door behind me.
What should I do now?
Weekly Power Status
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Ranking 
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