Nascent

Chapter Seven

The air was warm and fragrant as spring finally embraced the city, coaxing blossoms from the long-dormant trees. As the vibrant colours of the March emerged, so did the idea of a neighbourhood cookout on the rooftop of the penthouse building. The residents decided to come together for a communal celebration, marking the end of winter's chill.

You, donned in a long pastel green sundress, embodied the essence of the season. A cute ponytail secured by a claw clip matched the beige hue of your sandals, contrasting the golden earrings and necklace you wore. The rooftop, adorned with fairy lights and a projector, was transformed into a cozy haven. You found yourself assigned to salad duty, chopping fresh veggies with the sun kissing your skin.

As you diligently worked on the salad, Jimin dressed with a simple jeans and a white shirt combo that read "Lovers", ambled over. "How's the salad coming along?" he inquired with a menacing tone.

"It better be good because that's the only thing I can do," you quipped, a teasing glint in your eyes. "That's not right. You can sit and look pretty, you know." Jimin said while throwing a wink in your direction.

You rolled your eyes playfully feigning annoyance. "Get back to work Jimin, and make sure the meat is as red as your ears when you're all flushed," you countered, a victorious smirk playing on your lips as you saw his flustered self retreat to the grill.

As the day unfolded, the tantalizing aroma of grilled food filled the air. The rooftop transformed into a picturesque scene with blankets, a popcorn stand, and drinks. With a sky painted in the hues of the setting sun, the atmosphere became magical.

With plates in hand, you and Jimin found a quiet spot to enjoy your meal on a lime green bench table overlooking the ready-to blossom trees across the city. The two of you sat together, surrounded by neighbours whose names you still mixed up. Jimin, being the only familiar face, became your default companion.

As the sun dipped below the horizon casting hues of pink and orange, the rooftop came alive with the soft glow of fairy lights. The projector flickered to life, casting scenes from "13 Going on 30" onto a makeshift screen. You couldn't contain your excitement, dragging Jimin to sit next to you after getting a big bucket of popcorn and two cans of soda.

"I love this movie," you confessed excitedly, "Jennifer Garner and Mark Ruffalo have amazing chemistry."

Jimin nodded in agreement. "Absolutely, it's a shame they haven't done more movies together."

As the movie was being set up, you decided to share a little secret. "It's one of my favourites because it has my favourite trope - friends to lovers. But even better, there's this 'it's always been you' subplot."

Jimin's interest was piqued. "That specific scenario, huh?" he questioned with a knowing smile.

"It's my ultimate favourite," you confessed. Jimin leaned in, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "So, based on that, can I assume you don't believe men and women can be just friends?"

You pondered with a hand under your chin. "Well, of course, they can. But I prefer relationships where they start as friends and slowly fall for each other. You know, where there's hidden feelings, stolen glances, resisting urges - all of it, because you don't want to ruin the beautiful foundation of friendship. It's usually a slow process as you can infer. Oh you know that there's this one Frank Sinatra song where he sings"And then I go and spoil it all / By saying something stupid like I love you" describes the whole friends to lovers situation." You concluded with a breath of air as you didn't notice how long you talked for. " I am sorry I rambled a lot didn't I?" You asked embarrassingly and then he replied " No need to apologise, I asked for your opinion and I appreciated your answer plus I don't mind listening to you. '' He says as if it's the most casual thing to say. Your breath hitches as you feel butterflies in your stomach dancing around because growing up as a chatterbox with an audience who couldn't care less what you're talking about, no one has ever shown interest in what you had to say. But before you can thank him he nudges you with a soft smile to tell you the movie has started as he wrapped a blanket around you. Leaving you to realize this is the second "first" you've experienced with Jimin.