Black Tears

lighter

I can't restrain myself anymore. I reach to take another slice of the 3 layered cake at the table. It's blue with white icing written on the top reading "Happy Birthday!" It's probably one of the best cakes I've ever had other than my grandma's. Nothing can beat her cooking.

"Do you have an answer for us, Yoongi?"

Across the table from me, Yoongi is deep in thought to only regain focus when Seokjin clears his throat. Seokjin asked each of the members to set a goal with me as I stay here in their home. I won't lie, Its nice to hear the guys making an effort in making me feel welcome.

"...Well?"

Seokjins voice draws him out of his thoughts, and he glances up from under heavy lids. He tries to keep his face calm and free of contempt. Needless to say, I can tell Yoongi has no interest in this conversation. Yoongi glances furtively at Jungkook, who is giving him an overexaggerated thumbs up. I can see Yoongi's struggle to fight the urge of rolling his eyes. Just then he shoots his attention towards me, keeping strong eye-contact. 

"My goal is to..." Yoongi begins, trying to not let out a derisive snort. "... to memorize all of your favourite songs." 

He tries to deliver his words with as much conviction as humanly possible, but his attempt falls flat. Even I know he would rather wrestle a grizzly bear naked than memorize all of my favourite songs. Despite his flat words, his answer seems to please Seokjin somewhat. He nods in affirmation and settles back on his chair, folding his hands together and giving Yoongi a pleased smile. 

"An admirable goal," Seokjin says placidly. "Much better than 'race each other to finish 50 Swedish meatballs in one sitting'." He shoots a pointed glare at Jungkook. 

Jungkook pretends not to notice. 

"Jin." Teahyung pipes up. "Just letting you know we have to go in five minutes, so..." His eyes sink when he looks at me. "Happy birthday. I know this is not practical but, we could do something later in the day together as a group." Taehyung shoots me with an angelic smile and this time, Yoongi physically cannot stop himself from rolling his eyes. 

Namjoon chuckles as he gets up from his seat. "Oh yes, thank you, Tae for bringing that to our attention. Time goes fast when you're having fun, right?" 

I quickly finish chewing the cake in my mouth and clear my throat. "Where are you guys going now?" 

"We're going to begin shooting a couple of clips for our music video. Directors hate it when we are late- ehem, Jin." Namjooon glances at Jin with a raised eyebrow. Jin teasingly punches Namjoon at his back looking offended. 

One by one each of the guys waved goodbye saying happy birthday leaving, even Jimin who gave me a high five. As the days go by it feels as if I'm starting to get more and more respect; treated as if I'm one of them.

Just as I begin stacking the plates to clean I hear someone enter the house walking towards me. It's Namjoon. 

"I have to say this quickly so I'll make it short. There has been no update from the police as of yet. There's no telling when you will be able to leave but don't expect to leave anytime soon. I'm sorry." He lowers his head. 

"I... I won't lie. I am bummed out by the news but I'm grateful for my stay here." I give him a reassuring smile.

"I'm glad to hear that. You're welcome to stay as long as needed. Isabella will get her justice."

He puts his hand on my shoulder keeping his eye contact with his warm smile. He's a good leader, a good man. "One last thing..."

"Yeah?"