I'm Your Only Hope

Dinner Time

A couple hours later they all stumble out onto the street. Jhope suggests they get something to eat before heading home. Jungkook suggests they get something to go, for which Ami is grateful even though his suggestion is quickly shot down. He keeps growing on her tonight even though he persists in calling her Noona.

"Do you like seafood, Assistant Ami?"

"Ne," she says. "Like fish or shrimp, though. Not muscles or octopus."

She shivers as a childhood memory slithers through her mind like one of those nasty creatures people insist are edible.

Jimin chuckles. "This place has fish, so we should be good."

He points to a restaurant across the street, clicking off his phone.

"I don't think it's open, Jimin."

Jimin shrugs, marching straight over without hesitation. He yanks on the door, which swings open easily. He grins and walks inside.

"Why can't we eat at home," Jungkook whines, watching V walk off after Jimin.

"Because Assistant Ami's hungry, too, Jungkook," Jhope says, voice slightly stern.

"What's wrong?" Ami turns to face him, walking backwards toward the restaurant. "Is Oppa tired?"

There's a flash of annoyance, but before he can respond Jhope throws his arms around him and frog marches him to the door. Ami holds the door for them, smirking when she meets Jhope's eyes.

The restaurant is empty, probably because it's so late, but that's a good thing considering who she's with. If she weren't, she would have turned around and walked out of the place. It's full on grunge and it doesn't look like it's by choice.

Rust on the metallic lined walls, the furniture old and beaten, a massively thick and pixelated TV mounted precariously in the corner. The floors are littered with so many discarded nut shells Ami can't avoid them no matter how hard she tries. Oh well. She can't usually wear shoes more than a few times, anyway. These will just have to be retired earlier than normal.

The second they get to their table a neatly dressed ahumma shows up to help them. Jimin takes the lead, ordering drinks before asking what she recommends. The lady is sweet, laying out practically everything she's ever eaten that she thinks the chef, her husband evidently, cooks well. Jimin jokes and talks happily with her in between the others placing their orders.

As she totters off to place their large order, Ami can't help being impressed.

"Do you know her, Jimin?"

"Ani. Waeyo?"

Ami shrugs, surprised, grabbing a handful of nuts from the bowl at the center of the table. They'd seemed so familiar.

A young man shows up then with their drinks, a water for everyone and a couple bottles of soju. Jhope pours a drink for Jimin, then hesitates.

"Are you old enough to drink, Assistant Ami?"

"Ne," Ami says, slightly distracted by Jungkook's head suddenly whipping around to face her. "Or, wait. What's the legal age here?"

All eyes are on her now, some shocked others disbelieving.

"Nineteen," Jimin finally answers.

"Then, yes, I'm legal."

"By how much," Jungkook asks.

Ami ignores him, accepting the glass with both hands from Jhope with a slight bow of thanks.

She twirls the clear liquid in her cup gently, waiting for the others to get theirs.