Before you disappear

Chapter 73

She seemed to be okay when she left last night. Jungkook had done his best to prepare her for the day to come, though he hadn't anticipated the schedule change. But now that Hye-Jin had come over to have breakfast together, and he was sitting here in the restaurant with her, hearing about the schedule change, all sorts of anxiety surfaced.

How would she deal? Was she okay? Did he need to go to her right now? Would they let him? How would she handle the pressure of two concerts so closely together?

He kept reminding himself that he was her right now. He couldn't barge in the common room as though he was Jungkook and it was perfectly normal he was there. She still hadn't met the other members, so being her meant he had to keep a low profile.

"What's going on inside that mind of yours?"

Hye-Jin tapped against his hand.

"Oh!" He shook his head. "I'm just a bit anxious, that's all." Which wasn't a complete lie. He could see her being anxious for Jungkook, seeing as she was ARMY and he was her bias. Although he wasn't sure if she'd confided that information to Hye-Jin yet.

"Because you don't know what will happen next for you? Didn't you and JK talk about that yesterday?"

"Talk about what?"

"About you staying with us?"

Jungkook blinked a few times. That had indeed not been discussed yesterday. They both knew she'd stay with the group, but Jungkook only now realized that they hadn't actually talked about what to tell the others. Or rather, how to explain to the others that she would travel with them. And that also meant that he had no clue whether or not the staff had arranged a flight ticket, or that he needed to arrange this right away.

"Do you think I can go see him now?"

"Jungkook?" Hye-Jin checked her watch. "Right now, they'll be going over their schedule today but in about half an hour there might be some time. I'll be doing their make up and wardrobe, so you can join me? I'm sure you'll find a few minutes alone with him." She winked playfully, making Jungkook laugh.

He remembered her telling him about the playfulness between her and Hye-Jin. "She's sweet but I think she's kind of a tease also. So, if she gives up this teasing vibe, be sure to tease her back. That's what I would do," she told him yesterday.

He smiled, mentally putting himself in her shoes and visualizing what it would mean to take Hye-Jin up on her offer. "Well, I'm already a bit anxious about meeting the guys, so whatever idea just popped up in your mind, drop it."

Hye-Jin laughed – a clear sign Jungkook had nailed the right response. "I love that you just tease back. Shows you've got some backbone and that's a much needed characteristic in this business." She took a few sips from her coffee. "So, you'll join me when I start working?"

"Won't I be in the way?"

Hye-Jin waved dismissively. "You can just take a seat on the side, and watch. You'll be fine."

Jungkook looked at her, slightly tilting his head. Seeing the smile on Hye-Jin's face, her willingness to include him, made him smile. At least she wasn't completely alone. At least, Hye-Jin was here to talk to. "I'm glad she has you," he muttered.

Hye-Jin raised her eyebrows. "What?"

Jungkook blinked, realizing he'd said the words out loud. "Oh! It's nothing." He waved dismissively. "I'm just happy. I mean, that you're so easy to talk to, and want to include me." He took a deep breath as he imagined how this would be for her, being alone in a different country. "I guess I just realized that having you to talk to makes me feel less alone."