Holding Me Back

Chapter 34

Narrator's POV

It was Monday, another Running Man shoot. Somin yawned and got up to shower. As she finished showering, she wore a black long sleeved shirt that has a print showing 'Los Angeles.' at the front of it. She wore denim short jeans that she loved.

A call came from her phone. "Hello?" Somin greeted her manager, Mr Kim. "There's a shoot today," He stated. "Yeah, I know," She replied. "You know how it will be, right? After today's episode, the editor will most likely edit alot of yours and Jongkook's footage," Somin heard him sigh.

"I know," She whispered. "I'm sorry if I caused you inconvenience with my personal life. I really didn't know my relationship would get out so easily," Somin apologised. "We've talked about this, Somin. Don't worry. I'm your manager after all," Mr Kim consoled her.

Somin smiled even though he couldn't see her. "I'll pick you up in 15 minutes," He informed her and hung up the call. She then decided to eat a light breakfast before heading out.

On the other hand, Jongkook was pumping muscles in his house. Yeah, not the gym. He knew that his gym friends would literally gather around him, which he strongly disliked. It was 10:30am. He stretched his muscles one more time before washing himself up.

At 10:40am, Jongkook's manager, Mr Min, arrived. As he reached the Running Man set, he sighed and kept a poker face before entering. Jongkook got ready, in case there were sudden reporters or staffs to overwhelm him.

His eyes widened as he saw all the members, except Somin, infront of the cameras. "Why are they already here? Jihyo too?" Jongkook whispered to himself in shock. He awkwardly went to the set as the staff fixed a mic on his shirt.

As he went infront of the cameras, he saw Somin dramatically walking in the set too. "What an amazing timing," He thought. He heard the other members cleared their throat or even whistled playfully. Jongkook quickly glared at Haha, who was whistling along with Kwangsoo.

"The camera is on!" The director mentioned, startling Somin. The atmosphere was still awkward as Jaeseok fiddled around, not sure whether to approach the subject. Out of everyone that should start the introduction, Somin broke the silence.

"Today's weather is perfect," She cooed and smiled brightly. "For a date? Yeah," Haha blurted out purposely, releasing his inner excitement. Kwangsoo pushed him jokingly to the floor. "What?" Haha laughed as he was pushed. "Are you crazy?" Jaeseok playfully raised his voice at him.

Somin laughed awkwardly as she glanced at Jongkook, who was touching his ear repeatedly while smiling. "Whatever. Lets move on so that Seokjin hyung can get a penalty," Jaeseok joked, avoiding the topic.

Everyone played along and laughed as the director gave out instructions. "Alright. Just to let you guys know, we'll be on our own today. With no guests," He said as the camera turned off for the next location.

"Hey, PD-nim. Are you doing this on purpose?" Jaeseok voiced out and glanced at the couple behind him. The director laughed and shooked his head. "We do this every 3 weeks, remember?" He reminded Jaeseok as Jaeseok cleared his throat.

Seokjin then realised that the cameras were fully turned off. "Hey, Somin. Why didn't you tell me about it, huh? I thought we were close like friends but I guess not," Seokjin complained like an old man. Somin smiled and bowed playfully. "Please, as if it's her fault,"Jongkook went in the conversation.

Suddenly, the other members applauded. "What a man," Sechan stated while still clapping his hands. That flustered both Jongkook and Somin, making them wave their hands as a dismissal to stop.

If only they knew, how much Sechan liked her.

Jongkook's POV

As we walked in the bus, everyone pushed me towards Somin. Kwangsoo was the one pushing me extra harder, making me punch his arm. He winced in pain as I laughed and apologised. I decided to just sit beside Somin. I mean, why not?

Somin's face looked flushed with all the teasing from the members. I can't help but tell them to stop since her face was getting as red as a tomato. I glanced at Sechan, who seemed quieter than usual. I felt slightly disheartened as he was like a younger brother to me.

I knew Sechan liked Somin, more than a friend. Probably because of their loveline. Somin was supposed to play as a playgirl for the show so she might've gone to circustances when she would make Sechan's heart flutter. I understand though. If a woman kept clinging onto me and called me with a sweet tone, I'd get used to it and might even like it.

I'd get jealous whenever Somin always called Sechan in a sweet tone or even show affection, before our relationship even started. I don't know if I was protective as an older brother, as a friend or as a man. That doesn't really matter now, does it?

As everyone talked among themselves, I nudged Somin's shoulders slightly, who was staring out of the window. I saw her took a careful glance at the cameras, making sure it was off, before turning to me with an arched eyebrow. "What?" Somin replied. "You okay?" I asked. She smiled before she nodded.

"I feel abit uncomfortable but it's all good," She answered. I put on a small smile and patted her thigh before crossing my arms. "Alright, we'll film now," The director announced and the members automatically fixed their postures.

Narrator's POV

The shoot finally ended. It was exhausting. Somin's back ached as the activities were all running, crawling and crouching. She went into her waiting room and put on some pain-relief patch. She was about to head out until there was a knock on the door. She opened it and smiled.

"Sechan-ah. You're still here?" Somin greeted Sechan as she made way for him to come in. She didn't close the door, thinking it would be a quick chat. She sat down on the sofa near to the wall. Somin looked at Sechan, who seemed anxious. He was still standing. "Do you want to talk or something?" She asked.

He cleared his throat and ran a hand through his hair. He then shooked his head, as if telling himself to not think of anything. Somin's eyebrows frowned in confusion. "I just want to congratulate your relationship with Jongkook hyung. I didn't call you when the news came out since I thought everyone would be calling you," Sechan explained.

"Oh...thanks, I guess," She replied, still in confusion. "Are you here just to say that?" She asked once more. He crossed his arms and took a deep breath. "Gosh, no. I wanted to say that.." He trailed off. "What?" Somin was persistent, impatient with the delay of words.

"No, I shouldn't be saying this. I'll get going," Sechan shooked his head once more and walked towards the open door. Somin was confused and the next thing she knew, she was gripping onto his arm, turning him around. She was annoyed with his behaviour.

Jongkook's POV

I was heading towards my car until I saw Somin's manager, waiting for her. I took the chance to ask her whereabouts. "Hey, Mr Kim. Sorry if I'm disturbing you but where is Somin?" I asked politely. Mr Kim looked up from his phone and his eyes showed a hint of exhaustion. "She's in the waiting room. Are you going to talk to her?" He asked.

I nodded. "Then, can you tell her to come back? She has another photoshoot today," Mr Kim stated. I nodded again and bowed respectfully as he bowed back. I headed towards her waiting room.

My smile turned into a frown as I heard another voice in the waiting room. Sechan. Suddenly, it was quiet. I quickly fastened my pace and glanced in the room as the door was opened.

A wave of sadness enveloped me. Sechan...was kissing her?