Rogue Hearts | PJM ✅

Chp. 14: A Family Outing

Lily's POV 🌺

"Yoongi, you don't have to worry about me going to this class. I swear I will be fine. I'm completely healed," I whisper when I feel him tighten his grip from around my waist. I look into the bathroom mirror to see him nuzzle into my neck and take a deep breath.

"I know I don't have to worry, but it's what I do. I love you," his deep tone settles over me and calms me.

"I love you too, but I need this," I gently plead with him for more understanding. "I need to feel in control of something other than my career. You and music can't be my only safe-havens. I need to start venturing out into the world on my own again."

"You do, you do," he sighs, meeting my eyes in the mirror. "I just wish you didn't ask for me to terminate your security detail. It's hard knowing you are out in the world without protection. I got used to knowing someone was following you around, making sure you are okay."

"I'm tough; I can do hard things," I reply with a sigh, but I'm not sure if I'm trying to convince Yoongi or myself anymore.

He walks with me to the door as I grab my bag, "I love you, enjoy your woodworking class; I hope your vlog goes smoothly," I say, and then I'm taken aback when he pulls me in for a long deep kiss, as if we may never see each other again.

The heat rises through me as I rake my fingertips through his soft hair that is so long now it sits on his neck. To this day, Yoongi melts me with every touch, every kiss. Even when it seems like we've settled into being together like a little old couple, the passion is never far behind. It only takes a gentle touch or a kiss like this to bring me right back to that giddiness I felt the first day I met him. I don't think he'll ever understand how much my heart intertwines with his.

When we finally break apart, we say our goodbyes, and I depart for JK's boxing studio to meet my friends. It feels so strange to look in the rearview mirror and not have a security team following me or to be driven by someone. I steel my nerves and drive into my new reality.

Today is exactly what I need!

💜

Ari's POV 🌸

"Left, right, jab, jab, jab!" I exclaim as I pretend to punch Jungkook in the chest.

"You two are out of control. I can tell you are related," Jae laughs.

I smile widely at her. When I found out Kook, and I were cousin's a while back, it made me so happy, and we've become super close. Little did I know I'd gain his girlfriend as someone I consider to be family as well. She's supported me from the onset, making my heart happy. Namjoon decided to pass on the boxing lessons, saying that it sounded more like a "you and Kook activity," so we are here at the boxing gym today waiting for the rest of our crew to show up.

It's not long before Lily, Jimin, and Dallia show up, and I'm so excited to begin. Kook's boxing coach was kind enough to put on this special session for us. He lines us up in a row but with enough space between us so that we can move comfortably and tells us we can just call him "Coach."

Coach stands facing us and begins explaining how to protect our faces from hits, proper stance, and then how to jab. As I watch Coach go over the steps again, my eye catches my friends' reflections in the mirror.

Lily looks completely serious and concentrated. I worry about her often; we have been through a traumatic experience together, and it has bonded us together. I feel so protective of her, and I know Yoongi was afraid of her coming here today, but he told me in confidence he wanted to give her the space and time she needed to work through her feelings.

Kook happily follows along with the instructions even though he is well beyond these basics; his eyes are nothing but proud when he steals glimpses of Jae and her technique as she begins to follow through the motions of landing the perfect jab.

Then I see Jimin and Dallia. Jimin has nothing but stars in his eyes when he sneaks glances at Dallia, and I can see she is completely oblivious to him doing it. She is listening intently to Coach's instructions, but I notice she keeps smoothing down her shirt. She is definitely uncomfortable showing any kind of skin, and it hurts my heart a little bit. Dallia is a natural beauty, with a body for days, and it kills me to think she is self-conscience of it because of her shitty ex.

Coach then goes on to show us a cross punch and a hook before working with each of us individually to help with our form and putting all the steps together.

As Coach begins to help Dallia, I wander over to Jimin. "How's it going?" I ask quietly.

"I'm not sure," Jimin whispers. "Does Dallia seem unhappy to you? She said she really wanted to come to this class, but now she looks uncomfortable."

"I noticed, but I'm pretty sure I know why and it has nothing to do with the class," I reply.

Jimin's eyes widen, and I can see how much he's grown to care about Dallia. It's written all over his face.

"After her break up at the restaurant, I brought Dallia into the bathroom to take a moment to wipe away her tears and breathe. She told me how Dae's new girlfriend made fun of her weight and asked why Dae would ever date someone with an ass the size of Korea right in front of Dallia's face!"

"What? No, Dallia is beautiful," Jimin breathes out while his eyes graze over Dallia as she shyly follows Coach's instructions. His eyes drag over her white t-shirt and baby blue shorts with appreciation.

"I know! I agree, but I noticed she keeps tugging on her shorts and smoothing down her shirt. I think she feels self-conscience."

"Oh my God," Jimin breathes out quietly. "I hate her ex so much. So, so much," he trails off.

"Alright, Lily, you are up next!" Coach calls out as Dallia returns to our little group, and I take a few steps away to make room for her.

I watch Jimin shoot a smile at Dallia, and my ears just barely catch his words to her. "You are amazing at this. You did such a good job!"

"Oh, gosh, no," Dallia replies shyly. "I feel like everyone is looking at me because I look ridiculous."

"Are you kidding me? You are so good at this, and I think you look so pretty," his words are straightforward and honest, and my heart starts to pound because this is the first time during our friendship that I've seen Jimin look completely taken with someone.

"Ha, I think not," Dallia says nervously.

"We're always our own worst critics, Dallia. I think you look perfect."

"Jimin, stop," she trails off, but I see a smile creeping up on her face as it flushes. "You know, Dae always said I should eat less because..."

"Dae is a fool. An absolute fool, and I will die on that hill," Jimin says while both their cheeks turn a dusty pink.

I have to hide my smile. Watching these two makes me so happy! I walk away when Lily comes back, and she seems satisfied with the moves she is learning.

"What are you all smiling about?" she smiles with curiosity.

I nod over at Jimin and Dallia, "I think Jimin has a crush."

Lily claps her hands together, and I see a light spark in her eyes for the first time in a long time. "Oh good, I was hoping this would happen!"

There is no greater advocate for love than Lily. She may seem tough on the outside, but her heart is soft, and it's one of the things we all love about her.

"What are you doing after our session?" Lily asks.

"Namjoon only has to work this morning, so he's going to meet me at my place for lunch, and then we are going on a bike ride!" I beam.

"Ahh, this is what I love to hear!" Lily cheers while clapping her hands together. "I'm so glad you two ended up together!"

Coach corrals us back into a line formation to start practicing our moves in succession, and I'm thrilled.

Time to kick some ass!