Before you disappear

Chapter 74

I had my eyes closed as I sat in the chair, getting my hair and make up done.

It was noisy around me, with people running around, calling out to each other. I tried not to let it affect me, but couldn't avoid my heart beating faster because of the anxiety it gave me.

I'd been able to keep a low profile and other than Jimin, no one had come up to me to talk to me, which was fine. Though I knew it was only a matter of time before the other members would strike up a conversation.

I'd seen them in passing though, raising my hand to greet them and exchange a few words, but not much else. And now, with my eyes closed, I'd given myself some time to think things over. The renewed schedule gave me lots to think about, but also the fact that I still hadn't been formally introduced to the guys. That was something that I needed to get to as well, and perhaps now, by being Jungkook, I could make that process easier by simply pulling her into the conversation and then physically into Jungkook's life. Though I also realized that I wasn't sure how Jungkook would feel about that. We hadn't actually talked about that too much, so could I make that decision without really knowing how he felt about it?

Some commotion to my left made me open my eyes. I heard the high voice of Hobi, followed by the laugh of Jin and then Hobi's laugh. What was going on?

I turned to see what the commotion was about – and spotted myself near the door. Wait. Jungkook's here? Instantly, I stood up which resulted in a shriek by the girl doing my hair. I muttered an apology, before leaving the chair and making my way to where Jungkook stood cornered by Hobi, Jin and Namjoon.

"It's nice to meet you," Namjoon said as he reached out his hand to shake Jungkook's.

"Nice to meet you, too."

I blinked, trying to figure out what was going on. How did Jungkook, as me, suddenly turn up here? Should we not have talked about this?

Then again, I could feel a sense of relief that he was here, and did the first introductions as me. At least that was something I didn't have to do in the future anymore.

"Hey, hey, hey, don't smother my girl!" Hye-Jin appeared beside Jungkook, holding her hands up and waving at the guys to move backwards. "I only brought her so she could see how things are going here. Not so that you guys could all gang up on her like this!"

"Whoa, no one's ganging up on anyone. This is just a very small area," Jin said with a straight face, causing Hobi to laugh.

Namjoon noticed me, and then turned to Hye-Jin. "And this guy kept her hidden for so long, that we were curious, too."

Jungkook and I locked eyes and a warmth I couldn't explain ran through me. "And now you've seen her," I said, pushing myself through the group towards where Jungkook was standing, "and now, I'm taking her with me."

Some disapproving noises came up, but I didn't let that stop me. I took Jungkook gently by the arm and walked out of the make up room. The room adjacent was empty, so we walked in and I closed the door behind us.

"What are you doing?" I whispered, and Jungkook raised his eyebrows in surprise. I shook my head. "I mean, we hadn't talked about this... Are you okay?"

He waited a moment before replying, taking in my slightly out of breath voice. "Are you?"

It wasn't until he returned the question to me, that I noticed my breath being shallow. "Oh. I-I don't know." I held up my hands. "I didn't mean to come off disapproving or anything. I'm just taken aback."

"I get it. Don't worry. Hye-Jin offered to take me up and meet the guys. I figured it was the best way to 'rip the bandage off' - figuratively speaking." He stepped closer, causing me to automatically step back and hitting the wall behind me. "After all, I've wanted the guys to meet you anyways, so this way I could make it easier for you by doing it myself." He leaned in. "Was I wrong?"