ARRANGED LOVE

Chapter 24

When the other four guests made their way into the cafeteria, Jungkook was overjoyed, like he was reuniting with his beloved family after half a lifetime apart. Then, after just a moment of elation, he saw Taehyung standing next to Jimin and froze right up.

Seeing those two together was genuinely shocking. Even Jungkook's socks were in danger of being knocked off now.

In that moment, he wasn't sure what was more evil: the diabolical show that was making them jump through all these blazing hoops, or Jimin's traitorous finger that had liked a ten-year-old post?

"God Tae," Jungkook blurted out. He could only think of that old post, and the trending tags on Twitter, so he quickly added, "Don't bully our little Minnie, okay?"

"We're getting along super well now," Jimin reassured. He had found the perfect way to compensate Taehyung for all the trouble he'd put him through, after all. He was totally confident that he didn't have anything to worry about anymore.

Jungkook didn't get it at all.

Could the grievous sin of liking a ten-year-old piece of someone's dark history truly be forgiven so easily? What price had Jimin paid to earn that forgiveness?

Furthermore, Jungkook still didn't understand why he had been forced to wash fifty extra plates.

"I don't want to do a reality show anymore," Jungkook complained, whining like he was close to tears. "I want to go home."

And he really, really, really wanted to know what Taehyung and Jimin had done.

After hearing the other four guests recount their experiences on the show so far, Jungkook pouted and complained, "Why does it feel like you guys are participating in a game show, while I'm working a part-time job?"

The main purpose of the first stage of the show was to unite the five guests, so the challenges hadn't been too daunting. All five of the contestants had managed to clear their first challenges and win a task key.

After the group assembled, the games began in earnest. These games weren't exceptionally challenging either, as the main purpose was to have the guests interact and get to know each other. The five guests blew through the games and soon won their freedom, unlocking the school gates to make their escape while each throwing the director a middle finger on their way out.

With filming on the first installment of the show all wrapped up, the contestants retired to the hotel the director had arranged for them. They would get a night to rest up before going their separate ways and heading home the next day. Since the games had all been cleared so easily, the director decided to get some extra footage of the guests checking in at the hotel.

After filming together all day, the five guests had become fast friends. They had no shortage of things to chat about when they gathered for dinner.

"Next time, let's be the ones to torment the director," Jisoo, who had been subjected to wearing a tiny miniskirt all day, suggested. "We can't let these showrunners mess with us for free."

"Sounds good," Jimin agreed eagerly. "I'm totally in."

This was nothing like the variety shows he had filmed before. His companions were all so friendly, making it easy for Jimin to let his guard down.

Minho was a bit older than everyone else, but he was incredibly easy-going and easy to talk to. Jisoo was younger and more energetic, and she was a total pro at keeping the conversation flowing. Although they each had different personalities and backgrounds, they had no problem getting along and chatting all throughout the meal they shared.