Chapter 6 - A Chance Encounter

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It's been a wild couple of weeks since waking up with no memory in this sprawling estate. I've done my best to get to know the supposed "husbands" I've found myself living with.

Chatting with Namjoon over coffee in the garden, laughing with Hoseok during his daily workout, listening to Yoongi play the piano - it's all been a whirlwind. But they've made me feel welcome, cracky jokes and all.

The one person I haven't crossed paths with is Jungkook. According to Seokjin, he's nose-deep in some kind of project and keeps odd hours. Part of me is curious about the quiet guy. Hopefully, our paths will cross soon so I can start putting together the pieces of whatever landed me here.

With nothing but time on my hands, I decided to explore the rose garden beyond my bedroom window. Though the flowers hadn't bloomed yet, the meticulous planning and care were clear.

As I admired elegant hedges and winding pathways, the sky darkened fast. Distant rumbles warned of an approaching storm. By the time I turned to head in, fat drops were already falling.

I hurried through the downpour, but it wasn't long before my sundress clung wetly to my skin. Great, now I just hoped I could slink to my room unnoticed. Each step as I climbed marble stairs was marked with a trail of damp footprints.

Just as I reached the landing, footsteps pounded from above. Startled, I lunged for my door - only to lose my footing on the slick floor. I braced for impact, squeezing my eyes shut against imagined pain.

Instead, a voice cried out and strong arms banded around my waist, yanking me backwards into a solid chest just in time. Heart hammering, I craned my neck to glimpse my rescuer for the first time. His concerned gaze seemed to glow golden in the dim hallway light.

No sooner did strong arms steady me than their support vanished. Wobbly legs nearly gave, but I caught my balance just in time.

I whirled to thank my saviour but found only his retreating. Curiously, hands obscured his reddening face.

As I looked at him standing there, all tense and wearing black, with his ears turning red, I realized he was nervous. He was kind of cute.

My gaze fell to a nearby window, reflecting a soaked and shameless version of myself. Yikes! No wonder the poor guy couldn't look.

"Sorry! I'd better get cleaned up." I bolted down the hall, nearly tearing my door off the hinges in my haste.

A hot shower helped me relax and calm down. I felt much better afterwards. I wondered if my rescuer had run away because he was embarrassed too. I hope that next time we meet, we won't be strangers for long.

***

That evening I decided to have some tea and a little snack before dinner time. The maids prepare black tea along with macaroons. My impromptu tea party was winding down when a polite knock sounded at the door. "Come in," I replied, setting down my macaroon.

In strode Namjoon, clad impeccably as always in a tailored three-piece suit flashing a warm smile over his owl-eye glasses.

"Mind if I join?" he asked, already taking a seat like he owned the place. Hard to be annoyed at that charming confidence.

"Of course, let me pour you some." I hastily added another teacup to the tray as he breathed in the earthy aroma. There was something eternally dignified about the way he carried himself.

He cleared his throat, drawing me from my observations. "Adjusting alright, I hope? Can't imagine how disorienting this all must feel."

I sighed. "It's been...an experience. Everyone's so kind, helping me piece things together. Just wish I could fill in these missing gaps myself, you know?"

Namjoon nodded gently. "In time, I'm certain clarity will come. For now, take comfort in present company." His smile was like a sunbeam, warming away my worries.

His deep brown eyes met mine with thoughtful care. "Don't stress yourself trying so hard to remember all at once. These things will come back in their own time if you're patient."

Namjoon swept a loose lock of hair from my face gently. "Even if some memories never fully return, it doesn't lessen our bond or time spent together. All that truly matters is how we move forward - creating new experiences and building each other up daily."

His words soothed worries I hadn't realized were weighing on me so heavily. What did my past identity matter if surrounded by such kindness now? Family and friends were what you found alongside life's journey, not just where you began it.

"You have a gift for putting anxious minds at ease," I said with a grateful smile. Namjoon had an educator's talent for insight and reassurance.

I realized there was still one thing lingering from this morning's events. Namjoon seemed the most approachable to ask.

"Hey, remember I said I hadn't met Jungkook yet?" At his nod, I continued, "Well, this morning someone pulled me back from taking a nasty spill on the stairs. Black clothes, reddening ears... it was him, right?"

Namjoon smirked. "Let me guess - he bolted without a word?"

When I confirmed, laughter lines creased his eyes. "That sounds like our maknae. What, did he avoid eye contact too?"

I felt my cheeks warm. "We had a bit of a, uh, situation. I think I scared him off."

His smile eased any lingering embarrassment. Whatever happened next, at least this found family seemed determined to make a place for me, memory or not.

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~To be continued ~

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