LUCKY SEVEN ✱ jungkook

03 - PLUS ONE.

𝒦𝒩

THE FOLLOWING MORNING was heavily leaning on the dull side; even with the weight of a rich man's necklace in my trench coat. Exploring the faintly familiar paths of Seocho District proved a lot less exciting. I had experienced one night of danger tangled within the ropes of adrenaline and thrill, now the idea of leaving that lifestyle behind seems highly unattainable. But I refuse to revert back. This is my chance to build a foundation, define a stable character development for myself.

And Kim Azaria, wait, no. Kim Nari does not give up. This is the new me, and she is not going to perish in the aftermath of her past.

The phantom touch of a large hand clad in a wedding ring ghosts over my thigh in that moment, sending a shiver down my spine. Stealing a Rolex from an older, married man was quite fulfilling. He got what he deserved.

But the memory only reminded me of my hatred for men and their entitled nature. Though I will not deny the fact that those infuriating men did help with encouraging my swindling career.

Perhaps a little too much. I was high on the idea of winning, my luck unmatchable when it came to a successful target.

And now, I am planning on abandoning that lifestyle entirely. Set on leading a normal life.

One that does not land me in trouble, the kind of life that I don't have to alter my name and move locations for.

The concept of building a new life while walking the streets dies the moment I catch a silhouette leaning against the sleek of a car, wisps of smoke swirling around him like a captivating dance. A flicker of recognition ignites within my system, bringing me to my senses. The distant memory resurfacing.

He seems to take notice of the stare I burn into the lit cigarette resting within the lazy hold of his calloused fingers, gaze now reaching mine. I manage to see the shift in his eyes, the confusion melting into awareness before a boxy grin pulls at his round cheeks.

"Zari?" I had not heard that nickname in six years. Somehow it warms me the same way.

"What's your name, kid?"
"Azaria."
"Good luck, Zari."

Kim Taehyung. I never considered the idea of crossing paths with this man again, but here I am.

The reminder of a rainy night and a man sat in a black convertible floods my mind. I only met Taehyung once, and somehow he had become a very prominent figure of my past. One dark night and a couple hundred bills later, the man had helped a nineteen year old me escape town.

Six years ago. And still the helpful act in my most vulnerable teenage state remains engraved. Taehyung did not question me, he simply observed the way I sat on the sidewalk as though admitting defeat and approached me with the hope that I originally lost sight of. I recall telling him that I wanted to leave Seoul and he silently handed me the needed cash to do so.

I'm in slight disbelief that he remembers my name, partly because that moment was likely not so impactful to the milestones of his life as it were to mine. He helped me escape and find a new life, even though it ended with me returning to this hellhole of a place.

"Tae," The nineteen year old girl bottled up inside me seems to sink in the comfort of his smile, as though we have known each other for several consecutive years.

Of course, his aura is intimidating and the stained red against his bruising knuckles tells another story in comparison to the welcoming grin that plasters his lips. But this man helped me when nothing else felt possible, he gave me hope and so in this moment I decide not to overanalyse the mystery that coats the edges of his dark irises.

"Thought you never wanted to return to this living hell of a place," He brings the cigarette to his lips, sharp features illuminated by the glowing ember. And, he's right.

I vowed he would never see my face again, yet here I stand before him. My throat tight with the truth, though I force a smile.

"You were right," His eyes drag from the cigarette between his lips to stare directly into mine before I continue. "Running isn't always the best option." 

"Are you in trouble?"

"No." At least not until I get caught.

Silence engulfs the two of us amidst dense smoke as Taehyung takes another drag from his cigarette, gaze holding the most inscrutable expression. I might not have known the man very long, but it was clear that he was able to conceal his emotions behind a deadpan outer appearance.

His lips press together in a restrained smile and the faint creases marking the corners of his eyes don't go unnoticed. I almost forgot just how much older this man was. When I first met him, I assume he was roughly in his late twenties. Still, he holds a suave maturity.

I would be lying if I said the man was not attractive. Taehyung's chiselled features were accentuated by the faint stubble that followed the sharp of his jawline, while his piercing eyes resembled those of a dragon. His appearance had an uncanny resemblance to someone, but I just couldn't quite put my finger on who.

"Since you're staying in town, how about you attend a local engagement as my plus one?" He suggests, letting the cigarette roll between his slender fingers. "It will help you keep a low profile, knowing someone in town."

The idea is not entirely awful.

"When is the engagement ceremony?"

"Tomorrow."

"Well I'm sure glad it wasn't tonight, I haven't had time to adjust my hair," I manage to spit out, words laced with sarcasm that happens to take to his humour. His quiet laughter fills the silence for a moment.

"I shall make arrangements, since you clearly lack ball gowns and wedding attire in your little wardrobe, Zari," And with that, he drops the used cigarette to the ground, crushing it with the heel of his shoe.

In that moment I realised that Taehyung was not one of those pompous ass men who are conceited and self-absorbed. Though his extravagant lifestyle and convertible car says he would be a total ass, the kind who brags of wealth and his ability to get laid — Kim Taehyung was not the stereotypical man his looks gave the impression of. He could even be considered a friend in my book.

I dig my palm into the pocket of my coat, squeezing at the lucky prize of white gold before nodding. "I guess I'm your plus one."

Maybe today wasn't as dull as I predicted it to be.