turn around || jjk

-8-

I stare into his eyes, looking for a further explanation. Stop? Stop what?

He doesn't break eye contact and for a second I'm sure he wants to kiss me too. I snap away after what seems like years and look back to the ocean.

I fiddle with my ring and take short, shallow breaths. I feel scared, but at the same time so safe.

"Are you going to talk to me or not?" He moves his head so that he can see my face, and I continue to stare at my fingers. I can't dare to open my mouth, scared that all of my feelings will burst through the seal of my lips.

"Fine. I have an idea." He slides his arms under mine again and squeezes my hands. "I know we were gonna start that road trip mid-July, but why don't we go next week?"

I lift my head and quickly turn to face him. I don't say anything, however. I just stare into his eyes, which I seem to do a lot.

The road trip. We've planned this for years, yet it seems to be one of the biggest things I'm dreading. Stuck in a car, with the one man I can barely resist, knowing it'll never happen.

I do desperately need a vacation though. I think I'll be able to survive one month.

I smile and think of all the things we planned to do.

"Sure, why not?" I finally say.

"Hey wait," He sputters out. I look at him confused. Wait?

"We can only go next week if you tell me what's been bugging you."

A catch, of course. I sigh, but maybe he'll feel the same way?

"Em, you don't have to tell me now, but when we're on the road you do."

That's perfect. I'll have a whole week to think of an excuse.

My mind dances through the thoughts of blasting music with the windows down, dancing on beaches late at night, finding an empty field to watch the stars, this is gonna be awesome.

Shit. I still have to pack.

I jump up and dust off my butt.

"Hey, where ya goin'?" JK asks.

"What do you mean? We only have a week, I have to start packing!" I scoff and start walking towards the stairs.

I feel him roll his eyes from behind me. Then arms sweep my legs up and pull my torso back. JK is holding me like a baby. I can't help but laugh and he follows.

My smile grows wide when I see (and feel) his biceps flexing under my leg. I blush and tilt my head back, snickers still escaping my mouth.

THURSDAY-1 DAY UNTIL ROAD TRIP

I'm scrambling around my room trying to find my Vans. I have my black and lavender duffle all packed, everything I need.

I have my outfit picked out for tomorrow sitting on my dresser. I'll wear a white cropped halter tank, pale blue jean shorts, accompanied by a gold 'E' necklace. I'm just missing shoes, that is. I'm throwing clothes out of my closet when I hear a knock at my door.

I swim through my tops and pants and walk to open it.

"Whoa, when'd the hurricane hit?" JK scoffs.

I turn to face my mirror and see my hair sticking every-which way. I pull my brush off my desk and go through it a couple times.

He plops on my bed and grabs the teddy bear from the pillows.

"Oh, I see. Hurricane Closet." He chuckles.

"I can't find my Vans, I've looked everywhere."

"Em, you mean the same Vans sitting in my car from last night?"

"Shit" I smash my palm to my forehead. "I made this whole mess."

"Clean it up when we get back, we'll have plenty of time."

"Sounds good to me!" I smile and plop down on the bed, too. I lay on my back and stare at my ceiling. I still haven't thought of an excuse that would make sense. I watch my ceiling fan spin in a circle, kind of like my feelings for JK, never ending.

I snap out of my daze and turn to my side to face him. "So have you finished packing yet?"

"Are you kidding? I finished last Monday!" He laughs.

"What?! We didn't decide to go early until Saturday. You packed 6 days before I even agreed?"

"Well yeah. I thought of the idea on Monday, going early that is. I didn't doubt you would say yes, 'cuz I know you love me so much." He smirks.

My face immediately flushes. He knows? He knows. Shit. I'm so screwed. I've been able to hide it so well.

"Em, what's wrong? Did I say something?" He pulls my body towards him and holds my hands.

Oh fuck. I've known him all my life, of course he knows I love him. Even if I didn't find him hot as fuck I would still love him.

"Oh, uhm- yea, yea. Of course I am, I just have a-a headache, that's it." I stumble.

I see him doing the thing where he searches my eyes like google. As he's doing so, I realise Belle still hasn't talked to me about the Jimin situation, she could have been murdered by him. I wouldn't put it past Jimin. This is the longest me and her have gone without talking in, well, ever.

I quickly sit up and crawl to my end table. I grab my phone and frantically open my messages.

"Jheez, whats wrong with you?"

"Belle still hasn't answered me from the party and I'm really worried." I reply, my thumbs punching the screen.

"I didn't see her when I picked you up, she probably just went home early." He shrugs.

What?! How can he say that?

"Who are you and what have you done with Jungkook?" I scoff.

"Uhm, 1. 'Jungkook' doesn't exist because that's a stupid ass name. 2. What do you mean? Should I be worried about something?"

He doesn't know. Oh, this'll be rich.

"Oh my god. 'Kay, um, sit back down for this." I know he'll go all mom. Him and Belle aren't extremely close but he'd do anything to help our friend group.

"Em, what the fuck, you're scaring me."

"Just listen. At the party I was going to the bathroom and when I opened the door I saw Jimin and Belle making out." I say. I see his face stiffen and his mouth open, trying to say something in return, but I quickly wave my hand at him signalling him to shut up.

"I left and went to the bathroom upstairs. When I woke up here, I read my texts and Belle said that she slept over at his house. They were both really drunk and she doesn't remember much of last night, she thinks they might've, you know, done it."

JK stands up and starts pacing back and forth. He clenches his fists and holds an angered look.

"When you saw them, in the bathroom, were they just kissing?" He stops moving and looks at me. What? What does that have to do with anything?

"Uhm what do you mean?" I reply, still confused.

"Did you see any drinks beside them? Do you think he drugged her?"

"No, definitely not. I had Finn watch Belle's drink all night. I asked him the same question, he said everything was good."

"Then why on earth did Jimin make out with Belle." He scoffs, a slight chuckle behind his voice.

"Why did you say it like that?" I ask.

"Oh c'mon Em. A guy like Jimin, with a girl like Belle? Doesn't seem likely." He sits back down beside me. Why isn't he more concerned? Does he not believe me?

Mind my suddenly flashes to grade 4.

To something Jimin had said to me.