Couple: Boy X Girl, KookJin
Tonight, she had to go to the restaurant. Her steps were involuntarily drawn in that direction. The sign on the door indicated it was closed, but ignoring the notice, she opened the door.
Jonghwa quickly lifted his head at the sound of the door chimes: "Jungkook..."
But it was the same girl as yesterday. Disappointed, he rose from one of the restaurant tables: "We're closed. You came too late."
Hyuna stepped inside, apologetically: "I know. I just came to pay the debt I owe."
She turned back as the door reopened, revealing a tall, breathless young man who looked exhausted from running. She had seen him somewhere... Where? Why did he seem so familiar?
Jungkook, paying her no mind, swiftly walked past her toward his father: "Where is Mom?"
Jonghwa headed toward a door at the end of the restaurant: "She's lying down in bed. I gave her the medication, but no matter what I do, she won't go to the doctor. She won't listen to me; maybe you can convince her."
They both headed for that door, leaving Hyuna alone. So, it was him. She hadn't been able to stare at his face or remember his features well, but she easily recognized his large, athletic build. (Why were they so upset? Did something happen to his mother?)
She was worried, though she didn't know why. She was concerned for that kind woman's well-being. She moved toward the door they had entered. It was rude, but she had no choice. She gently knocked and opened the door. No one was there. (They must have gone into one of the two rooms at the end of the hall.) Before she could move, Mr. Jeon, seeing Hyuna again, involuntarily growled: "Didn't you hear me? I said we're closed!"
She quickly moved closer to the room: "Is she unwell?"
He glared at her with a frown: "Please, come back another time."
It wasn't the right time, but she couldn't bring herself to leave: "I... can I work here? You see..."
Her sentence was cut short by Jungkook's arrival. He looked angry, but he said very calmly: "You want to work in my mother's place?"
He was so beautiful. Although she didn't like men, she was involuntarily drawn to this boy's handsome face. She stammered: "Yes... I can help her."
Jungkook glanced into the room: "Okay. She's asleep now. I'll talk to her when she wakes up. Give your number to Dad. If she agrees, we'll call you."
Hyuna quickly jotted her mobile number on a piece of paper and held it out to his father: "Please accept. I'll try my best at the job, I promise. My name is Hyuna. If you mention it to her, she'll know me."
She bowed and left. Jungkook was stunned by what she'd said: "How does she know Mom? Was Mom trying to find another match for me again?"
Jonghwa was too exhausted to stand up.
He sat on the edge of his wife's bed: "She washed the dishes yesterday instead of paying for her dinner. That's how she knows your mother. Now she's got a nerve and came back to apply for a job."
Jungkook glanced at his wristwatch, his mind preoccupied with his work. He sat on the chair beside the bed and leaned on his elbow.
Jonghwa stroked his wife's hair: "But in one way, it's good. We shouldn't let her work too much. Her doctor said absolute rest, but she won't listen."
Jungkook leaned forward slightly: "You should go home. We'll think about it later."
He took his wife's hand, Youngmi's: "Don't go anywhere tonight. You come home too. I'm worried."
Jungkook looked at his watch again: "But I have some work to do. These past few days, I've been busy with a criminal case."
Jonghwa confirmed his son's words with disappointment: "Go tend to your work. I'll look after her myself."
He was upset again. He irritably rose from the chair: "The way you say 'go' makes it sound like I want to be away from here."
Yungmi slowly opened her eyes at the sound of their voices: "What is it?"
Jungkook knelt beside her bed: "Mom, are you okay? You'd better get ready; let's go to the doctor."
She struggled to sit up halfway in bed and placed her hand on her head: "I'm fine, son. I just worked a bit too much today. I know I was careless. I'm sorry for making you worry."
Jonghwa reluctantly remembered the young girl from a few hours ago: "Yungmi... Hyuna came by. The girl who washed the dishes with you last night."
Yungmi paused to think: "Ah, yes, I remember. So? Did she pay her money?"
"No... she came looking for work. She wants to help you."
Jungkook added with a smile: "I think you should agree. I want to be at ease when I'm not around. You're risking your health by working."
Yungmi was delighted: "Really? Oh, the poor girl, so she needed a job... Oh my, I felt strange after she left last night. Even though I haven't seen much of her, I like her. Tell her to come. I don't want to be alone anymore."
Jungkook happy with his mother's consent, kissed her hands: "Thank you."
_________
Jimin knocked on her room door and entered: "Hyuna... come have breakfast."
She had been awake all night, filled with worry and anticipation, thinking about the future and a new life. She was both happy and stressed. What if they didn't accept her? What if her plan failed? Still facing the door, she answered her brother: "I'm awake, but I'm not hungry. You eat."
She shot up like lightning at the sound of her phone ringing. An unknown number. Her heart pounded in her chest. She pressed the answer button: "Hello?... What?... Really?... Yes, absolutely... right now... Of course... Thank you, thank you."
She jumped out of bed quickly and said: "Wow, they accepted! Can you believe it?"
She was flustered, not knowing what to wear. What should she even do first? "Where did I put my coat yesterday? Would that look good?"
Jimin, staring at his sister's strange behavior, gripped her shoulders: "Are you okay? You came home last night, went to your room, and didn't say a word. What's going on now?"
She was ecstatic. She couldn't believe she would see Mrs. Jeon so soon. Why was she so fond of that kind woman? "Chim, you know... they accepted me to work there."
Jimin hadn't grasped the reason for her happiness: "That's great. Then Kwangsoo won't bother you anymore. Your plan is going well."
Hyuna paid no attention to Jimin's words, not because she didn't want to. She was so happy she didn't realize what he meant.
She couldn't stay still: "Oh my, I have to be there within an hour! I still don't know what to wear."
She held a grey knitted sweater up to her face: "How about this?"
She didn't like it and tossed it aside. Jimin sat on the bed to guide her: "I think that maroon one is pretty. Are you going to see the guy?"
She was searching for the shirt Jimin mentioned: "What did you say?"
Jimin frustratingly stood up from the bed: "I better go. You're not listening to anything I say."
She didn't even notice her brother leave. Finally, after turning over all her clothes, she chose one. She quickly got ready, rushed down the stairs happily, and stood by the table. She quickly took a bite of food: "Chim, I'm leaving."
Jimin wanted to call her back, but she had already shut the door: "What's wrong with this girl?"
She stared at the restaurant door and felt intense stress. Why was she like this? She had been so happy. The chimes above the door sounded again as she opened it. It was near noon, and they still had no customers. The restaurant was empty. She walked slowly toward the door at the back of the restaurant.
She saw Mrs. Jeon cooking. A smile involuntarily formed on her lips: "Mrs. Jeon."
Yungmi turned back at the sound of her name: "Oh, look who it is. Hyuna dear, how are you?"
A lump choked her throat. She sounded so kind: "Hello... I'm well, thank you. Are you well?"
She came forward to greet her: "Thank you. I'm so happy to see you again. But I don't want you to work."
She played with her fingers, ashamed: "Ah... no, I have to work."
"Why, my daughter? Is there a problem? By the way, how is your mother?"
Hyuna felt ashamed, but she had to lie. She wished the truth were different. "She's not well. I have to work to pay for her treatment. I lost my last job. I don't need much money, just enough to help with expenses."
Youngmi kindly pulled Hyuna toward the workspace: "You are so kind and responsible. I will help you, too. In a way, it's good; I won't be alone anymore."
They spent a few hours cooking together. Hyuna didn't know much about cooking. She helped with cutting and washing ingredients. However, she also paid attention to Youngmi's movements and words while she cooked.
The restaurant got busy, and the waiter came to the kitchen to take orders. She was so engrossed and busy that she didn't feel the passage of time and felt good. A calm and trouble-free life alongside kind and friendly people.
They sat down at the kitchen table. Yungmi ladled some soup and rice for Hyuna: "Come, dear. You must be very tired today."
She happily took the plate from her hand: "I'm satisfied. I really like this place. I'm happy I met you."
She put the first spoonful in her mouth: "Me too. I somehow took a liking to you at first sight."
They were eating Mrs. Jeon's cooking together when the sound of her phone ringing pulled her away from this intimate space: "Yes... Hello."
Jimin: "Hyuna... we have to go to the bar tomorrow night, just the two of us."
She was so naive to think she was free from her old life! But this life was nothing more than a dream. The smile froze on her lips. A bothersome lump threatened to suffocate her.
"Hyuna, did you hear me? Don't make any plans for tomorrow night, okay?"
She took a deep breath: "Okay."
Yungmi was worried. Why was she crying? Did something happen to her mother?
After hanging up, Hyuna forced a smile onto Youngmi's face.
"My daughter, are you okay? Nothing happened, did it?"
She fiddled with her food: "No, no... it was just my friend."
How miserable she was. How was she supposed to put an end to her dirty past? Another lie. She hated herself and the lies she created.
They worked and cleaned until 10 PM. Although she was tired, it was worth it. For the first time in her life, she was doing something that enjoyed.
Hyuna hung her apron on the wall. Jonghwa went to the door with bags full of trash. Youngmi was tired but didn't show it. She was rubbing her shoulders with her hands.
Before leaving, Hyuna gently stroked and massaged her shoulders. Youngmi smiled, feeling the young girl's hands: "Thank you, dear."
It was good that she was sitting with her back to her so she wouldn't see her sad face. She gently kissed her kind shoulders: "Good night."
Yungmi turned back. But she was gone. This girl was strange, but lovely and kind. Yungmi wished knew more about the secret within her so she could somehow help her.
________
He placed a folder of photographs on his desk: "Here you go... your requests."
Jungkook quickly opened the folder and stared at the victim's photos from various angles: "Thanks, Jin. You can go now."
He didn't intend to leave. It was an excuse to be by his side again: "Are you kicking me out?"
Jungkook burst into laughter: "Are you crazy? What kicking out?"
He sat on the armrest of the sofa opposite his desk: "Jungkook..."
He was still engrossed in the photos: "Hmm?"
He was irritated; he didn't like this lack of attention: "I have something important to tell you. Look at me."
Jungkook raised his head and laced his fingers together: "Go on."
Jin, flustered by his gaze, stared at his shoes. Jungkook's sharp, attractive eyes sent a sweet shiver down his spine: "Come to our house tonight. Mom said you're invited, too. We're having a birthday party for Dad. All our friends and relatives will be there. I want you to be there, too. A party without you isn't fun."
Jungkook, who didn't like crowds and parties, ran a hand through his brown hair and said apologetically: "Thank you, Jin... but you know I'm not much for crowds and parties."
Jin stood up from the sofa armrest and stood beside him. His cool, masculine scent was noticeable even from this distance. How much he loved that smell. Even all the colognes on his desk were Jungkook's scent, but he never used any of them. Jungkook, puzzled by Jin's staring face, asked: "Are you okay? Why are you looking at me like that?"
He blinked a few times in confusion: "Mom... she insisted you come. Why are you being so stubborn? I'm sure it will be fun."
Jungkook, though reluctant, didn't want to hurt his feelings: "Okay. Let me catch up on some work first."
Jin excited, wrapped his arms around Jungkook's arm and pulled him up. Now the scent was closer. He took a deep breath and said happily: "Work is always there. It'll take time for you to get ready. We'll be late, and that's not good."
He dragged Jungkook towards his wardrobe. Jin started unbuttoning his work shirt. His breath hitched when he saw Jungkook's bare chest. His hands were clearly trembling. Jungkook, busy with his phone, looked up when Jin paused: "What is it? Can't you open it?"
He swallowed hard. No, he couldn't. He wasn't capable of doing it. He knew himself; he was afraid of continuing. He stammered his words: "I... I'm going to get ready. You get ready quickly, too. I'll wait for you in the car."
Jungkook was so engrossed in the article on his phone that he merely nodded, using his other hand to unbutton his shirt.
Jin paused at the door. He couldn't turn away from that beauty. He had seen Jungkook naked several times and had been lost for words. How hard it was to give up on him. God knows how many nights he had spent imagining being next to him.
Jungkook slipped his shirt off his shoulders with one hand. That arch in his back, that dazzling whiteness... He felt a strange ache.
Just one simple look at the naked body was enough for jin to get hard. How much he loved him, but Jungkook had no idea. How much he needed to be near him and feel the warmth of his presence, but he was never close. He felt a sharp pain in the middle of his chest. It was the pain of love, the pain of being far from him... the pain of Jungkook's indifferent and cold gazes.
Still nude, Jungkook was reading an article. What was it about this damned job that commanded all his life and attention?
Jungkook sighed and threw his phone onto the couch. How much he detested crowds. But he liked Jin. Jin was his best friend since high school. They grew up together and went to the same university. He knew Jin's pure heart was sore and fragile. This was his only reason for going to the party. He put on a white shirt. He wished had enough time to take a quick shower before leaving and didn't have a tie in his closet. It was strange; he always kept a clean, neat outfit along with the tie his mother had given him for his birthday in this closet. But the tie wasn't there. (I must have left it at home.) He paired a tight black jacket with fitted men's pants. He ran a hand through his messy, tousled hair, pushing it back. He held the lapels of his jacket with both hands and straightened it. The hands of his wristwatch pointed to 8 PM. Jungkook stopped his excessive fussing, picked up his phone from the sofa, and left the room.
Jin was waiting for him in the car, staring at an indistinct point.
He came to himself when the door opened. His tongue was tied by such beauty. He couldn't remember the last time he had seen Kookie in those sharp men's clothes.
Jin's staring looks made him uncomfortable: "Shall we go? Before we're late."
Jin's eyes impudently scanned every part of his face. He shouldn't lose his composure, but how could he? Jin forced his gaze straight ahead. With trembling hands, he turned the car key.
Jungkook noticed his state: "Are you okay? Do you want me to drive?"
Jin eagerly reached for the door handle: "Yes, you'd better do it. I don't know what's wrong with me. I think I ate too much for lunch."
What a ridiculous excuse. As they walked past each other, Jin didn't feel his heart beat for a moment.
Jungkook, suspicious of his behavior, paused: "Idiot, you are! Look when we had lunch. Are you sure you're okay? Has something happened? Tell me."
He couldn't even look into his languid, captivating eyes. This closeness and standing in front of Jungkook made his whole being tremble.
Seeing his silence, Jungkook was surprised: "Jin..."
Finally, they stared at each other. This damned pounding heart... that captivating voice that could be distinctly heard... was the answer to all his questions.
He didn't think. He didn't know. In a single moment, he pressed Jungkook tightly against himself. He needed this embrace and warmth. Jin touched him with all his being.
Jungkook still didn't understand. What happened? Why did Jin suddenly act this way? He felt the strong beats of his heart on his chest. He was so shocked that he didn't raise his hands to hug Jin back.
Jin took deep, long breaths to inhale his scent. What was he doing? How could he not endure it? He came to his senses at Kookie's muffled voice, crushed under his hands:
"Jin... I'm suffocating. Idiot, are you crazy?"
He quickly separated from him. He had no excuse for his action. Jungkook looked surprised and slightly annoyed: "What's wrong with you, man? On the one hand, you say we're late, and on the other, you hug me like a maniac. Let me see, do I have cancer or something that I don't know about?"
Jin started laughing at Kook's words and jesting. He had to put an end to this mess as quickly as possible: "I'm sorry. I had a bad dream last night. I was afraid of losing you."
Jungkook, believing his honest friend's words, gave a small laugh: "Man, you're really missing a screw. You yourself said it was a dream."
Jin, happy with the result, quickly got into the car: "Oh, you're right... We're late. Forget it, let's go."
_________
The noise and crowd were not pleasant for him. Holding a glass, he moved to a corner of the hall.
Jin was looking for him everywhere with his eyes. Their house was so big that with the crowd and guests, he could barely find him. (He was standing by the piano just a moment ago... Did he leave?) His heart tightened again.
Jungkook was lost in his own thoughts. He hadn't even touched the drink in his hand.
Finally, Jin found him. How quietly he was staring into a corner. He was the most handsome and distinguished of all. With long strides, he reached Jungkook: "Hey Kookie, why are you standing here?"
Jungkook smiled: "You know I prefer my own company."
Jin leaned against the wall next to him: "Oh... leave it to you. Poor Mom keeps trying to marry you off so maybe you'll settle down."
Jungkook laughed. That smile and those bunny teeth again. Jin secretly wished he wouldn't marry anyone. In fact, he was grateful that there was no one in his heart or life. But outwardly, he had to support his ailing mother.
Jungkook took a sip of his drink: "Jin... I have to tell you something."
Jin's eyes sparkled with excitement. What was this damned feeling? Why had it made him crazy and frantic?
Jungkook looked at him kindly: "I want you to help me. I only trust you."
The smile vanished from Jin's lips. He waited for him to continue.
"Tomorrow night, I have to go somewhere secretly. Will you come with me?"
Jin, shocked by his words, still hadn't grasped the situation: "Let me see, what are you planning now?"
Jungkook stood very seriously facing Jin: "Jin, I know the path I'm going to take is dangerous, even for you. After hearing what I have to say, you can refuse. I won't be upset at all."
Jin angrily growled at these courtesies: "Shut up. Wherever you go, I go. Now tell me properly what you mean."
Jungkook glanced around and said: "Where is your bedroom?"
Jin stared at the attractive boy in front of him with his mouth open. How many times had he imagined Jungkook in his room, on his bed? Now he was walking into that room himself: "Upstairs."
Kookie grabbed his arm and headed for the stairs. Jin's heart rate spiked to a thousand again from this closeness. He barely opened his room door: "Come in, make yourself comfortable."
Jungkook glanced at the room: "Wow, what a big, cool room."
Jin was always neat. He hoped he wouldn't go near his cologne table.
Jungkook was too preoccupied to pay attention to the room's contents. He sat on Jin's large, double bed: "Hey... do you sleep with someone at night?"
Jin was horrified by his question. He sat next to him on the edge of the bed: "What? No. I've never slept with anyone."
Jungkook laughed and pointed at the bed: "Then you must kick a lot."
Jin, who had just realized the context, started laughing. Kookie laughed with him. But he quickly became serious again: "Jin, I'm following the TMY case."
With his mouth open, he stared at the attractive boy in front of him: "What? Did I hear correctly? You..."
Jungkook nodded: "I've been on it for three months, secretly. In fact, when they told me to stop working on this case, I couldn't back down."
Jin firmly grabbed his shoulders: "Are you crazy? Are you tired of living? Do you think I'll let you?"
Jungkook, resolute in his decision, said with determination: "It doesn't matter. I don't need your permission or anyone else's. I said it at the start... If you want to, come with me. If not, I won't insist. But don't hinder my work. I will never give up."
Jin was scared. He knew this company was more dangerous and terrifying than his imagination and had nearly killed Jungkook once. He also knew that once Kook made a decision, there was no turning back. He reluctantly agreed. He couldn't leave him under any circumstances. He had even taken this job to stay by his side.
"Okay... I'll come with you. I'll help you, all the way."
Jungkook smiled deeply, showing his teeth, delighted by Jin's answer: "Thank you, Jin. You are my best friend."
He loved Kookie. He would do anything for his happiness and satisfaction, even if it cost him his own life.
Jungkook got up from the bed to go downstairs, but Jin pulled his arm, and he sat back down.
This time, he had a reason to hug him.
Jungkook was surprised by Jin's sudden move, but a kind smile settled on his lips.
His arms instinctively went up to hug his dearest friend: "You have to make a promise. You must never... die. Did you hear me?"
Jin, moved by Kookie's loving words, started crying: "Oh Kookie... Kook... I love you."
Jungkook gently stroked his back: "Me too, buddy."
He was in his embrace for a few minutes. He didn't want to part from him. This was the best opportunity to feel him more.
Jungkook grabbed his shoulders to pull him away. He was surprised to see his tears.
Jin, ashamed and downcast, immediately left the room. That emotional space and the bed where he had built his dreams... there was no guarantee of his behavior afterward. He loved him, but when this love was one-sided... he knew an confession would only lead to distance.
__________
She had spent the whole day thinking about the night's meeting. Even during the day, Mrs. Jeon had noticed her behavior and sadness.
Jimin was waiting by her room door: "Hyuna, hurry up. What exactly are you doing?"
She was looking for an excuse not to go to that hellhole anymore. She opened the door: "I don't feel well. I'm not coming."
Jimin glanced down the stairs to make sure Kwangsoo hadn't heard any of their conversation: "What?... Hyuna, please, if you don't come, everything will be ruined. It's nothing special; we're just going to play a hand of cards."
She knew her refusal would drive Kwangsoo mad. She wasn't worried about herself, but Jimin couldn't bear the pain and torment: "Okay. Wait, I'll quickly get dressed and come."
The bartender took their entry card and directed them toward a room.
All the tables were crowded and full. The table assigned to them was on the highest part of the hall.
Jimin sat down at the table with a frown. Hyuna stood next to her brother as the one dealing the cards and poker chips. Everyone was ready to play, but the chair next to Hyuna was still empty.
One of the men at the table stared at the empty seat and protested: "Looks like no one else is coming. We'd better start the game."
Jimin nodded his agreement and told Hyuna: "Deal the cards."
She skillfully shuffled the cards and started distributing them among the players, but she paused when she heard a young man's voice behind her:
"You started playing before I even got here?"
He pulled the chair next to him and sat down. Hyuna was positioned between her brother and that young man. She glanced at his face. Fear gripped her whole being. It couldn't be... (What is Jungkook doing here?)
He clearly felt the weight of the girl's gaze.
Hyuna quickly turned her back to Jungkook and started gathering the cards on the table before he could see her face.
One of the men at the table frowned at Jungkook: "Hey kid, do you think you can get away with that easily after your delay?"
The man slammed his fist on the table: "I had a good hand. If this one isn't the same, I'll skin you right here."
Jungkook, who knew what kind of place this was, sneered and said carelessly: "If you're lucky today, you'll win even with a bad hand, right?"
He knew they were all superstitious people. With that, the angry man calmed down.
Hyuna started shuffling the cards with trembling hands. Everyone's eyes were fixed on her delicate hands. It was good she hadn't tied her hair back. This prevented Jungkook from seeing her face.
After dealing the cards again, the game resumed.
Jin irritably looked at his watch in the car. How slow time was passing. He was worried about him. He got out of the car under the pretext of getting a drink to glance inside the bar. He ordered a glass of vodka and told the bartender: "I love card games, but I'm not a member. How can I go inside?"
The bartender sneered: "You can't."
Jin looked around and pushed some money toward the counter. The young man, seeing that amount of money, a month's income at that bar, quickly pointed to the door on the right: "It's there. Just try not to cause trouble. Because if they find out you went in without permission, they'll kill me."
Jin sneered: "Don't worry. I'm just going to watch."
Jungkook only had two cards. He shouldn't give up so soon. He glanced at the faces of all the players. He was waiting for a word or a signal. How professionally they were playing. He had learned even this little skill from Taehyung. The last round of cards was dealt. He had lost a lot of money. He hoped to end the last hand on a good note. He glanced at his wrist under the table. He was still recording the audio. He clearly remembered the faces and voices of everyone.
Jimin, who had played better than everyone until the last hand, sneered at Jungkook: "Let's see... Are you in or out?"
Jungkook raised an eyebrow and stared confidently at the boy he deeply hated: "The whole pot."
Jimin, puzzled by the move of the beautiful boy who looked strangely familiar, turned to Hyuna: "Deal..."
Hyuna was still anxious. It was a good thing he hadn't noticed her presence until that moment. She liked the courage he displayed, and judging by the way he played, she knew he wasn't a professional. But where did this audacity come from?
She stared intently at Jungkook's captivating face. He was hiding his stress behind the cards in his hand. She glanced at Jimin's cards. He still held the best ones. She didn't know why, but she felt sorry for him. Slowly, from the other stack, she quietly slipped a King card, one that Jimin didn't have, into his hands under the table.
Jungkook raised his head as his hand brushed against Hyuna's delicate fingers. He still hadn't figured it out. Hyuna gave his hands a soft tap. He looked down under the table. Seeing the card being offered to him, he panicked. If he made one wrong move, everything would collapse on his head. Cautiously, he moved his hand toward her fingers. Hyuna's hands were still trembling. As their fingers touched, Hyuna took a deep breath. He had finally taken the card.
Jimin proudly placed the Queen on the table: "No match."
Jungkook slammed the King down on the table with force and glared at Jimin: "The whole pot."
Jimin's jaw dropped. It was impossible! He was sure the King had been played.
A buzz of murmurs broke out among the people at the table; no one could believe it.
He lifted his head to see the face of his savior, but her chestnut-colored hair obscured his view.
Jimin, frustrated, stood up from the table. He had lost all the money on the table to Jungkook. He had to give back everything he had won today.
Jungkook remained seated, watching the money being thrown toward him.
The table emptied. Jimin was the last one, angrily snatching his jacket and leaving. Hyuna stayed behind. She was supposed to clear the table, but Jungkook was still there. Reluctantly, she started to follow Jimin out when her forearm was grabbed: "Why did you do that?"
Hyuna stood with her back to him. Her heart pounded from the sheer excitement. She had nothing to say: "Because I realized you didn't have any money."
Jungkook, curious to see her face, stood up: "Turn around."
She tried to pull her arm away to get out of there quickly, but Jungkook was quicker.
He positioned himself in front of Hyuna. But before he could see her face, Jin called out: "Kook... what are you doing?"
Jungkook, who had been pulling Hyuna's arm toward him, loosened his grip when he saw Jin.
Hyuna quickly passed by Jin and hastily left the bar.
She was uncontrollably taking deep breaths. She was indebted to that boy. If he hadn't called out... if he had seen her, her plan would never have worked. Jimin was waiting by the car, holding a cigarette.
"Chim... get in, let's go quickly."
Seeing Hyuna, he roared loudly: "Where have you been?"
She knew her brother was upset about losing the game.
"Why are you upset? Our goal wasn't to gamble. We were just supposed to observe that bastard's behavior."
He pressed the gas pedal: "I don't know. Losing to that nerdy boy made me furious."
Hyuna was anxious. She was afraid of Jungkook's recent behavior. She turned to Jimin. He was still angry. She stared at the city cars: "Chim..."
He didn't even have the patience to answer. The light turned red: "Hmm?"
She wet her lips: "That boy... is the one... He was a police officer."
Jimin's eyes widened at that sentence. The light had turned green, but he was still shocked.
"Go on already..."
"Hey, where is your mind? Are you sleeping?"
He ignored the others. He turned to his sister: "Hyuna... are you... are you sure?"
She only nodded.
Jimin was exasperated. He was forced to park on the side of the road and ran a hand over his face: "This means... this means he really... Wow..."
Now he remembered. He knew that boy well. It couldn't be.
He squeezed his sister's hand: "Don't tell Kwangsoo anything, okay? If he finds out, we'll both get beaten up."
She sneered: "Are you that afraid of him?"
Jimin turned Hyuna toward him: "Hyuna... it's a matter of life and death. That man is not one to show mercy. Don't say a word. Continue with your plan. Go to him, get close to him... You have to somehow lure him to your side. Do you understand what I'm saying?"
Hyuna didn't say anything. She was tired of all these words, this life, and this job.
"I don't feel well. Please, let's go home."
_________
Jin stared blankly at Jungkook in front of him: "Who was that?"
Jungkook paid no attention to Jin's words; his mind was occupied. That girl. Why couldn't he see her face even once? Who was she? Why did he have a bad feeling? Why did she help him at all? Everything was suspicious.
Jin angrily walked toward him: "I'm talking to you. Who was that? Why were you pulling her arm?"
Jungkook finally broke free from his thoughts and stared at his worried friend's face: "I don't know. I don't know her."
Jin ground his teeth and said: "I shouldn't have let you come alone."
Jungkook looked at the money on the table: "Jin... take this money. Give it to charity tomorrow."
Jin pulled his arm: "That money... is yours?... My God, you won the game?"
He had won, but if it weren't for her last-minute help... He was confused. He was lost in his own world. He squeezed his eyes shut. Her hair color, her figure... He had a vague image of that girl in his mind. She must be one of the people in that group. (But why? If she's one of them, why did she help me?... No, it's not possible... She was just a simple card dealer.)
Jin called him a few times, but he was engrossed in his thoughts. This state of Jungkook made Jin anxious. He didn't have a good feeling about the brown-haired girl. He hadn't seen her face well. But he knew what was going through Jungkook's mind. He hated anything that occupied Jungkook's thoughts and attention.
"Kook... we're here."
He glanced out the car window. They were in front of his house. When did they arrive? "Ah... thank you."
He opened the car door, but before he could leave, Jin grabbed his arm: "Kookie... I'm worried about you. What happened there?"
Jungkook smiled to calm him down: "Nothing. I'm just surprised I managed to win."
He quickly got out of the car to avoid Jin's repeated questions.
Jin knew him, better than anyone else. His lies, his secretiveness, even the sadness behind his laughter. He was lying. This action of Jungkook squeezed his heart even more. Was he so estranged that he wouldn't even tell Jin his true feelings? He wished Jungkook knew there was someone who loved him more than himself, so much that he would do anything for him, just to see his beautiful smile for a moment.