Under the lights tonight || Park Jimin

26

Dinner had gone well, Jimin wasn't as helpful as he thought in the kitchen but his company was something I could get used to. He helped set the table and even helped gather everyone for dinner. Dinner was fine, everyone too busy eating and talking to Jimin to even acknowledge me. That was alright because it was nice to just observe and not be the one getting interrogated by my family. At first, I was questioned about Jimin and I was worried they were going to make him uncomfortable but he seemed so calm answering all the questions about his idol lifestyle. It was nice to see everyone so relaxed. We had finished dinner and I had sent the boys to get ready for bed while I did the dishes. Aunt Mae and Kiya decided to treat themselves to drinks tonight, so they were long gone.
"You know you don't have to help do the dishes right?" I question Jimin, who stood beside me drying the dishes I was washing.
"It's alright," He shrugs, "Thank you for dinner."
"Of course." I nod, silence falling between us. The silence was broken only a few minutes later by the yells of my youngest brother.

"Ana!" Yeonjun's shout echos through the house.

"Yes, Junnie?" I pause from the dishes.
"Is Jimin-Hyung still here?"
Jimin laughs, "I'm still here." Jimin calls out.

"Can you read me a story?"

"Sure buddy." Jimin laughs, setting down the dishes.
"You don't have to do that," I laugh, shaking my head, "I can read him his story."

"It's no problem." Jimin smiles as I set down the dishes, "I can read his story."

"Are you sure?"
"I can read Yeonjun his story," Jimin laughs, "Maybe you can try to talk to San."
"Maybe." I sigh as I follow Jimin out of the kitchen and up the stairs. Jimin is greeted by Yeonjun who was waiting for him. I laugh as the two go into Junnie's room for his story. I approach San's door slowly, nervous to talk to him. I know twice with no answer, "San can we talk?"
"No I'm busy," San shouts, "Go away."

"San please talk to me," I beg.

"Ana this isn't about you," he huffs, "I'm actually busy."

"I'm coming in," I said as I burst into San's room.

"Ana I told you I'm busy!" He huffs. I'm stunned to see San's laptop open and the face of our older brother on it, "Sorry Ji-hun." San sighs.

"Ji-hun?" I question moving closer, to see the screen.

"Hi, Ana," He waves, "Long time since we've talked."
I nodded awkwardly, "Yeah..." I trail off, "Where are you?"
"London." Ji-hun smiles and I nod.
"This is why I don't want to talk to you right now..." San sighs, "This is the one night a week I don't have to share the call with anyone. I get to talk to Ji-hun alone..." He groans.I pause, realizing this is really important to him, "I'm sorry, I'll go." I turn to leave.
"Wait," Ji-hun says, "Ana we have to catch up soon."

"Of course." I fake smile, it would be hard to get close to Ji-hun again only because he agreed with Dad when I was sent away, "Goodnight."

San just waves as I left the room. I shut the door and stand outside, I should feel bad for eavesdropping but I don't. Not this time. I heard Ji-hun start talking, "I bet it's nice to have her home huh?"
"I missed her so much but now that I'm seeing her again she doesn't want to do anything but leave." San sighs and my heart drops. I never realized that San might actually care unlike Ji-hun or our father.
"I bet she's just having a hard time," Ji-hun sighs, "It's only a few months with her if my early discharge gets approved." Early discharge? He's coming home? This was the best news ever.
"Yeah that's great but if you come home that means she's just gonna leave again," San sighs, "Unless Jimin can convince her to stay..." My eyes widen at the mention of the man just down the hall reading my other brother a bedtime story.
"Jimin?" Ji-hun questions.
"Somehow Ana managed to get some fancy boyfriend," San laughs, "The one from BTS."

"He's not my boyfriend..." I whisper to myself before turning back to listening.

San was the one speaking, "He seems to make her happy. I think if anyone can convince her to stay it'll be him."
"Are you eavesdropping?" Jimin's voice startles me as he comes up behind me.
"Oh uh," I pause, "No I'm not." I turn away from the door, facing him.
Jimin was biting back laughter, "You were eavesdropping."
"Whatever," I roll my eyes and cross my arms, "How was Yeonjun's story?"
"I did the little voices for each character and he was cracking up," Jimin looked proud of himself, "He also said that you don't read to him."
I pause, thinking about it, "I guess I don't... I'll have to read to him more."
He smiles, "Alright I guess I should probably go..." Jimin sighs, "I'll let you get some rest. Goodnight Ana." He leans in and kisses my cheek gently before moving past me to the stairs.
I follow him down the hall. We both get to the bottom of the stairs before I muster up the courage to speak up, "Wait..."
"Yes?" He spins on his heels to face me.
"Stay." I blurt out. It wasn't like me to want him to stay here or to even want to be around him but he said it himself, I don't need to do everything alone. It might be nice to have a friend.

"What?" Jimin's jaw drops.

"Stay here," I rush out, "Stay here with me. Stay the night." I cross my arms and shift my weight nervously.

He raises his eyebrows, "You want me to stay?"

"Well uh," I hesitate, wondering if I've overstepped a boundary with him, "It's just a suggestion, you don't have to if you don't want to." I suddenly regret everything, I guess it is my fault for not knowing the right thing to say. I wish Stella was here, she would've told me what to say.
"Ana," Jimin says, stepping over to close the space between us, "I would love to spend the night with you..."
"Great." I smile.
"But..."
"But? But what?" I cross my arms tighter around myself, growing more nervous with each passing moment.
"But Ana," Jimin places his hands on my hips, "Do you really think it would be a good idea for me to stay tonight?"
"Yes," I answer with no hesitation, wrapping my arms around his neck.
He laughs, "Nice try Ana."
I huff, "Please don't leave Jimin. I feel..." I trail off, "I feel like a real person with you around?"
He laughs again, "A real person? What are you a ghost?" He teases.
"Shut up," I roll my eyes, "I just mean I've gotten used to you being around or talking to you..."
"So you don't hate me?" He teases again.
"I might now," I said sarcastically, "But seriously Jimin..." I start to get embarrassed, covering my face to hide the blush.
"Tell you what," he uncovers my face, "How about we take things slow before I spent the night?"
"Alright." I sigh, completely embarrassed.
"So then can I take you on a date tomorrow night?" He raises an eyebrow, "A real date?" He adds.
"A date?" My heart was pounding and I actually felt happy.

I blush again, this time it wasn't my fault, "Alright. What do you have in mind?"

"Don't worry about it," Jimin grins, "I'll take care of everything."

"But Jimin..." I whined, hating surprises.

"Goodnight Ana." He leaned in and took the chance to peck my lips.

"Goodnight Jimin."