Closer than Ever

Chapter 73 - BBQ and B-ball

The guys and Emily grab beers, while I opt for ice water, and we troop out to the hot tub.

At first, there isn't much conversation; everyone just leans back into the water jets and decompresses from the concert. Before too long, though, the guys start reliving moments from the show, chatting and laughing. They very politely translate as best they can into English, so Emily won't feel left out. I have the weird feeling, looking at the four of them, that they are all part of my family now, and I smile to myself.

Tae glances over and grins at me, then pulls me onto his lap. I giggle at him, and Emily and JK roll their eyes at us. I turn to Tae and say, "Should we make out and really disgust them, babe?" We act like we're going to, but just do a quick peck on the lips instead and laugh.

Jimin says, "Awww, that wasn't a real kiss!"

Emily smirks, but her eyelids are drooping. "You sleepy, sis?" I ask her.

She grimaces. "Yeah, this water is too relaxing. I don't want to miss anything, though."

"Well, don't worry, these hooligans and their hyungs will be here tomorrow, too."

"It is way past my bedtime, I'm sure." Emily sighs and stands up. The guys politely avert their eyes as she climbs out of the hot tub and wraps a towel around herself. "Good night, everyone!" she says.

"Good night!" we all chorus back.

"Your sister is nice," JK tells me.

I laugh. "Yeah, she's OK. I've gotten used to her, since it's been 26 years now..."

"You said last night she was out on a date with her ex-boyfriend?" Jimin asks, meeting my eyes and then looking away consciously.

"Yeah, the guy she dated back in high school. She says it wasn't a date, though."

"Does she have a boyfriend now?" Jimin says.

JK looks at him, shocked. "Hyung! Isn't this too direct?" he asks.

"Yeah, Jimin-shi!" I say. "You have no subtlety!" I laugh. "I don't think she's dating anyone right now, but she lives in Colorado, and you live in Korea."

"Plus, Jin-hyung is her bias. She told me," Taehyung says. I crack up.

"Well, love, biases can change, you know!" I say, giving him a significant look.

"NO!" he yells, grabbing me around my waist. "You're only mine, Birdie!" I turn my head and stick my tongue out at him.

"What's this about?" Jimin asks.

"Oh, well," I say, "Back before I worked for Hybe, before I met you guys, I was ARMY and had a BTS bias. But..."

"But it will never change, no matter what!" Taehyung interrupts.

The guys chuckle.

I say, louder, "But I decided I can't really have a bias now that I know all of you. So Tae got demoted." I giggle. "AH! No! No tickling! Taehyung, we have company!"

"You are so cruel, Birdie!" Tae complains, while Jimin and JK laugh.

I relax and lay my head back against his chest. The guys start shop-talking about the Proof Live video that they're going to shoot on Tuesday; their voices are so soothing. Tae snuggles me close, putting his chin on my shoulder, and my eyes start to close.

"Eunen Sae-shi is falling asleep, too!" Jimin says. I smile and crack my eyes open.

"You guys have such nice voices, they're lulling me to sleep." I lean my head against Tae's. "I have to get up a little early tomorrow and go get some more groceries for the party, so I probably should go to bed. Do you have any food requests, guys?"