Direct And Linear Relationships

Chapter 39: Talk

I stared at myself in the mirror. Up. Down. Up. Down. My eyes raked over my outfit over and over and over again. Blonde hair curled to perfection lay flawlessly across my shoulders. Compliments of Jungkook. The halter peacock purple dress popped beautifully against my skin, showing off my paled arms down to the way it hugged my hips like a snug blanket. High heels have never been my thing being that I spent most of my life in Vans, but I kept a pair in my closet for those times when I needed. Not to mention they make my legs look like they go on for days. So, I guess they’re good for something. My make-up was nice, not too much but just enough to boost my confidence instead of bringing out the self-conscious.

“Hyun!” Jungkook shouted from downstairs, clearly annoyed that I had been taking so long to get ready. But in his defense we are running behind. “I already called the Uber. Yeri will be here in three minutes.”

His footsteps thundered through the apartment before he appeared behind me. The charcoal colored slim-fit tuxedo and matching purple shirt brought something out of him, a self-respecting pride and confidence that glistened on the surface, combined with his freshly buzzed undercut hairstyle and slicked top made his eyes shine brightly.

“Okay, we look hot as fuck.” His compliment did little to ease the nerves building inside of me. But, we did look hot as fuck.

“Is it too late to bail?” I halfway teased but judging by the raised eyebrow he was giving me it did not land the way I thought it would. From behind, Jungkook wrapped his arm across my chest and pulled me back, simultaneously resting his chin on my left shoulder.

“I think it’s a little late for that.” Slowly he turned me around so I was face to face with him, unable to run away. “Nerves are nothing but a signpost, love, the crossroads of adventure and fear. Tonight let’s choose adventure.” His lips pulled into a lopsided smile urging me to send one of my own. Yeah, I guess there’s no way around it now.

“You’re right. Tonight will be amazing. We’re going to celebrate the consummation of a beautiful couple.” I stated, hoping those words would find their way to my anxiety and ease the tumbling feelings inside. Jungkook nodded, dropping his hands only to prop out his elbow for me to take. Grasping the inside of his arm we walked downstairs and as nervous as I was, I never felt more gorgeous. I didn’t even feel this way for prom, but I mean, we know how well that night ended for me. Jungkook reached for my purse, disconnecting for only a moment before he was right by my side again. His phone beeped in his pocket as we opened the door and a beautiful black Bentley pulled up to the apartment. That must be Yeri.

“Really? An Uber Black?” the surprise clear in my voice. He sent me a playful smirk, nudging my shoulder with his.

“You know the Hatter’s have style.” More like his mom has style, considering she’s the one who got it for us. The deal was she gets us there and my parents get us one back. But an Uber Black? Shit has me feeling like a celebrity. The door opened and a woman in a suit hopped out.

“Hello, my name is Yeri and I’m your Uber driver for this evening.” We both greeted her before Yeri opened the passenger door for us. Thoughts of Yoshi came to mind and for a split moment I wondered how he was doing and if he was still working for the Minatozaki’s. Would he be there tonight? It would be nice to see him. To know somebody outside of the bride and groom party. Jungkook kept up idle chatter with Yeri while my eyes gazed outside the tinted windows on the trees that grew in their infinite patience, leaves breathing out our oxygen, bathing in the same golden light as we soon will. The movement of the wheels over the road follow the curves and greet each slope in a smooth way. This car ride was my moment of meditation, a chance for my thoughts to settle before being in the presence of the family that I had thought was left in the rearview mirror, outside of Yeonjun. Soon the car was slowing down, too quick for my liking and hoped the worries would dissipate upon arrival.