Impossible decision // Jaebeom/Jungkook

23. Jungkook ending *****

I got the internship in Europe.

It has now been three years since I moved to London and I love it. I work full time for a fashion magazine in charge of the cultural section.

I have been sent to Paris for the 2024 Olympic Games to write about the mix of cultures. I know he will be there but the likelihood of meeting him is very low and I'm not sure I want to see him. I mean I am desperate to see him but then what? Will he hate me? Rub my face in his happiness? I doubt he would but...

One evening, I have been invited to a black tie event and after getting ready, I meet with other journalists in the lobby, familiar faces from other magazines I regularly meet in the circuit, like Jooheon.

"Woah! You look amazing!"

"They said black tie, so I assumed I needed to dress up too. Don't you look dashing!" He blushes.

"Thank you. My lady, your taxi has arrived." He shows me to the taxi that a few of us are sharing.

After a short ride, we arrive at the venue, another hotel where the reception is held. Jooheon helps me out of the car and offers his arm which I take. We enter and as I pass the revolving doors, I see an all too familiar silhouette facing away, in the lobby, in the middle of others. I hold my breath. It can't be him. What are the chances? Hundreds of hotels and he's here?

"Are you okay?" Jooheon checks, feeling me suddenly slowing down.

"I... yeah!" I faint a smile.

We walk passed them. Do I approach him? What should I do? I have no idea. I might miss the chance to speak to him. He's probably moved on by now. I need to know he has been okay. I need to know I didn't destroy his ability to let someone in.

Getting closer to the entrance of the reception room I am still fighting with myself.

"Ina?" I stop, making Jooheon turn around, pulled by his arm. My hands are shaking. "Ina? Is that you?" Why is breathing such a complicated task suddenly? I turn around and face him. He looks as beautiful as he did three years ago. Handsome, that same cheekiness in his round brown eyes.

"Jungkook." I smile awkwardly. I can't look at him in the eyes for longer than a few seconds, I feel so intimidated.

"Ina? Do you know each other?" Jooheon asks.

"Yes, this is Jeong Jungkook."

"I know, nice to meet you, I'm Lee Jooheon." He says excitedly, shaking his hand.

"Nice to meet you." He looks at me, at my hand around his arm and then nothing.

"Ina, I'm going in. I'll keep you a seat."

"Thanks Honey." He walks away, leaving me to face my boy... he's a man but he will always be my boy.

"Honey?" He repeats obviously bothered by it.

"No, it's not..."

"Ina. It's fine, I was just expecting that the next time I would see you, you'd be with Jaebeom." Hearing his name is still painful to this day.

"It's his nickname. Jooheon. Joohoney. Honey."

"So he's not..."

"No."

"So Jaebeom." I sigh deeply.

"No. Jaebeom either."

"Oh." I don't feel like talking about it to be honest and decide to change subject.

"How have you been?"

"Very well actually."

"I saw. Congratulations. That's what three medals?" He smiles tilting his head, probably pleased to see I keep an eye on his progress.