Nascent

Chapter Twenty-Seven

As Jimin sat at the now-dim bonfire, his gaze lost in the vast expanse of the sea and the mesmerizing night sky, you approached him with a playful grin. "I can't believe you beat me to it," you teased.

"I saved you a seat," Jimin replied with a small smirk, gesturing to the spot beside him. You settled down next to him, your shoulders almost touching in the intimate space.

"So, why are you up?" you inquired, your curiosity piqued.

"Maybe it's the same reason as yours," Jimin responded cryptically, his eyes still fixed on the horizon.

"Is yours having your roommate cling onto her boyfriend after having one too many drinks? If so, then you're right," you joked.

"I'm not sleepy yet," Jimin admitted, his tone thoughtful.

"Sounds like the waves are comforting, and they'll lull you to sleep on its shore again," you remarked, trying to gauge his mood.

"I wouldn't mind, unless you're here too," Jimin replied softly, a hint of warmth in his voice.

"Wow, you want me to sleep on wood?" you quipped, raising an eyebrow teasingly.

"Isn't that what most beds are made of?" Jimin retorted, a playful glint in his eyes.

You rolled your eyes playfully, conceding with a playful shrug. You then pointed towards two silhouettes in the distance, a tall one with broad shoulders and a petite one with curly hair. "Oh, look at that," you remarked, drawing Jimin's attention.

Observing the silhouettes, Jimin pondered for a moment before you asked, "What do you think their story could be?"

"How'll that help me sleep?" Jimin countered, his playful demeanor returning.

"Storytime, duh?" you replied with a grin.

Jimin's eyes lit up with interest as you began weaving a tale. "You're gonna tell me a story?" he asked, leaning in to catch every word.

"Yes, listen. Those two could be total strangers, but they met on the beach as both felt lonely, even though they're with the company of comforting waves and glowing stars. They searched for love because their loneliness is overbearing," you narrated.

Jimin was fully immersed in the plot, hanging on to every word. "Go on," he urged.

"They bump into each other as they were walking aimlessly. Once they glance at each other for the first time, boom! They feel a spark," you continued, adding a sense of excitement to the story.

"Love at first sight?" Jimin questioned, intrigued.

"Maybe," you teased. "So, he asks her if she's okay, to which she says yes. Then, he tries to be smooth and says, 'Maybe I should keep you company to make sure you didn't get a concussion.'"

"Smooth move," Jimin chuckled.

"Maybe you want a chance to talk to me?" she counters, and he's like, "Is it working?" you narrated, adding a playful banter to the story.

"Well, we'll see," you continued. "So, they keep talking about themselves for a little as they find a spot on the sand to sit at, with the water just barely hitting their feet. They kept talking and laughing together until they eventually leaned in and kissed."

Jimin's eyes widened, captivated by the unfolding romance in the story. "And then?" he prompted eagerly.

"They held hands till they fell asleep," you concluded, leaving the ending open-ended, allowing Jimin's imagination to fill in the rest.

Jimin sat there, a small smile playing on his lips, enchanted by the fictional love story you had crafted.

Immersed in the moment, you continued, "And then later on, they started dating. But once summer vacation was over, they had to go back to their lives and maintain a long-distance relationship. It had its highs and lows, but they eventually made it."