Rogue Hearts | PJM ✅

Chp. 16: Today's TMI

Dallia's POV 🌼

Today has been both exhilarating and a little nerve-racking. I am so proud of myself for going outside of my comfort zone and trying something new in the company of people I'm only starting to become familiar with. It was so exciting to try boxing; Dae would never have encouraged me to do something like this. I'm beginning to realize that maybe she was never very supportive of me outside of ventures that made me an income. Whenever my brain starts to analyze that fact, though, I begin to shut it down immediately. I'm not ready to explore what truth this may reveal about how unhealthy my relationship may have been. Not about the person that I let have all of my heart. I can't think about it.

I'm also very proud I've agreed to take on extra work with Lily; it's scary as hell saying yes, but I need to start taking chances even if I suffer from a bit of imposter syndrome. I can't stop growing just because Dae ripped my heart to shreds.

After a long shower, I dry my hair and slip into something comfortable that isn't so revealing. I don't care how hot it is; I put on my softest pair of jeans and a white v-neck t-shirt so I can feel comfortable at Jimin's and not uncomfortable like I felt in class when I couldn't stop myself from constantly trying to tug my shorts down, so they weren't revealing my thighs.

Ugh, I hate how I'm so curvy, and everyone else is stick-thin. I stick out like a sore thumb!

Jimin texted he would be by shortly. I take another quick look at myself in the mirror and shrug, "Good enough."

It's surreal to think I feel that way about hanging out with Jimin, but in short order, he has been becoming a good friend, and I know I don't need to waste my time trying to impress him. Sure, there are moments when he looks so pretty that it sort of takes my breath away, or he is so kind that it starts to make me feel warm over, but I've been working hard to make sure I don't confuse kindness with feelings. I know I'm just in a vulnerable period of my life, and I need to keep myself in check.

I grab my bag, lock my apartment door and head out to the sidewalk only to see Jimin already pulling up to the curb. I jump in and am greeted by a warm smile.

"Hi, stranger!" I joke.

"Well, hello to you! Long time, no see," he chuckles as he shifts the car into drive and pulls away from the sidewalk.

"So, is there a particular movie you wanted to watch tonight?" I ask out of curiosity.

"Not really. I was just happy you wanted to hang out. It's not often I get a whole day off without a work obligation interrupting some part of the day."

"That is rough. I love that I make my own schedule," I reply while I think about how packed Jimin's schedule must be. "I can make time for appointments and Binna."

"That's fantastic! I love that you have your own business. You really are a badass!" Jimin replies, sounding impressed with me, which is surreal.

"Nah, I just saw an opportunity that made sense to me and ran with it. I never realized that a college side job I was using to help pay for my textbooks would turn into my life!" I laugh. Sometimes I can't even believe I've made a career for myself.

"Well, you should be proud of yourself! It reminds me of myself and the members. We started out with nothing and built ourselves from the ground up. I feel like you understand the importance of hard work," he explains.

"Wow, Jimin!" I joke. "A woman can get used to all these compliments. Keep it up, and you will move right into being my number one friend!"

"Pfft, I already am!" Jimin says mischievously, his pouty lips pursing together, making me belly laugh.