Full Moon

Chapter 16: Like a Brother

Jungkook's POV

"I'll take care of these Jimin, you can join the others." I took the sponge from his hand. I began washing the dishes, starting with the glasses.

"I've been meaning to ask you this." He began. He leaned on the counter beside me, folding his arms and fixating his gaze on me.

"Hmm?" I hummed in response.

"Have you thought about the vacation this coming month?" he asked.

My hands stopped moving as I registered his question. Water kept running from the faucet and so I turned it off. I took a deep breath before nodding my head slowly, "Yeah. I have." I continued cleaning the dishes.

It has been my dilemma ever since I started staying in his residence. It was hard enough for me not to get too attached to these people, but the vacation will only worsen my situation. I wanted to regret everything and go back to running.

"Are you coming?" Jimin asked. December's around the corner. I can easily say 'no' and have them go without me. I'll have the whole month for myself, I can pack everything and leave without a single trace. It's the perfect opportunity to disappear from their lives.

So why?

"Of course. Why wouldn't I?" I flashed him a smile and saw him flush red. He averted his gaze and nodded.

"Jimin! Jungkook! Let's drink!" shouted Tae from the living room.

"Coming!" Jimin shouted back. He turned to me and I urged him to go, leaving me alone in the kitchen. I exhaled a breath as I began drying the dishes.

Unexpectedly getting attached to humans. I never hesitated to leave even if I have resided in a place for months or years because I never get attached. But now. . . was it Issy? Was it their warm welcome and acceptance? I'd have to exclude Ayla since she really seemed like she didn't welcome me but she did loosen up after a month... of endless bickering.

It's all the same in the end anyway. I'll stay with them and get attached and then regret everything when I lose them.

With that, I have made up my mind. To see how everything will end for me and for them.

I was down to the last plate when my ears twitched from the news coming from the television. With my heightened hearing, I was able to hear the news I dreaded from that day.

"... news about an unknown monster in the forest involved in last month's kidnap. The description wasn't clear as it's narrated by young children, and the scene took place at night, but as of now, the police had concluded it to be a mere wild animal freely roaming in the forest. The investigation will continue..."

I gently placed the plate on the rack and drew a deep breath. I cleared my throat before finishing up and joining the others in the living room. They were all focused on the news flashed on the wide-screen TV.

I looked at their reaction; Hoseok, Tae, and Jimin shared the expression of uneasiness. Ayla seemed to be confused and fazed by what she watched and heard.

I sat on an empty seat between her and Jimin and watched the news, pretending to listen until Hoseok switched the channel to a variety show. The tension dissipated, they were no longer holding their breaths and were pouring each other drinks from bottles.

"Here." Jimin handed me a shot glass and I took it, drinking it in one gulp, and placed it back down on the table.

"Jungkook, I heard you're coming with us next month?" Tae began. I nodded my head before drinking another glass. "Among us, you're the most experienced in traveling, so you should suggest a place."