Rewrite the Rules

We All Kiss: Part 16

They effortlessly switched between Korean and English, their fluency impressive and disarming. As they chatted amongst themselves, stealing glances in my direction, I couldn't help but feel a thrill course through me.

One by one, they filled their plates with an assortment of delicious-looking food. My stomach rumbled again, a loud and embarrassing counterpoint to their lively conversation.

Then, I noticed Namjoon. He was meticulously assembling a plate of food, his gaze occasionally flickering towards me. When he finished, he met my eyes, a hint of a smile playing on his lips, before holding out the plate.

The gesture, thoughtful and unexpected, warmed my heart. The cameras, the fans, the entire world outside that room seemed to fade away. All that remained was the delicious food, the company, and a growing sense of... possibility.

Throughout the live stream, they shared stories about the concert, their Vegas stay, and the next leg of their tour.

My attention, however, kept flitting between the conversation and the tablet screen, ensuring the recording captured everything perfectly. But beneath the surface, a new question bloomed in my mind: what would happen after the cameras stopped rolling?

With a satisfied sigh, I pushed back from the table, the delicious remnants of Korean BBQ warming my now-happy stomach. The camera remained resolutely focused on the members, leaving me a silent observer in the corner.

Yet, despite the lack of direct involvement in the livestream, a thrill vibrated through me. Being in the same room, sharing a meal with BTS – it was an experience unlike any other.

Namjoon seemed to share my secret amusement. Every so often, his gaze would dart towards me, a covert smile playing on his lips.

Once, he even winked, the audacity sending a jolt through me that had nothing to do with the spicy kimchi I'd devoured moments ago. He was undeniably sweet, this man who commanded stadiums with a flick of his hair.

The comments section on the tablet screen was a whirlwind of activity. A vibrant tapestry of Korean and English messages flowed by a testament to the band's global reach. Love, admiration, and excitement poured through the digital space, a wave of adoration for these seven men across the ocean.

As Namjoon addressed the comments, he mentioned the kiss, the one that had ignited the virtual world, and downplayed it with a casual wave of his hand.

"Listen, guys," he said, his voice smooth as butter, "there's no problem here. The kiss just happened spontaneously. No big deal."

I silently mouthed a single word towards him, the tablet strategically angled to hide my playful rebellion: "Consensual."

A flicker of surprise crossed his features, quickly replaced by a wide grin that threatened to split his face in two.

"Exactly!" he boomed, his voice laced with amusement. "And it was consensual, also. Remember, we are adult men. Some of us may drink, smoke, or swear. One thing for sure is... we all kiss."

The other members erupted in laughter, the tension dissipating like smoke in the air. The subject swiftly changed, swept away by the easy camaraderie that flowed between them.

As I monitored the recording, I couldn't help but be drawn into their world. Their genuine connection was undeniable, a warmth that radiated from their easy jokes and playful banter. Every so often, I'd catch Namjoon's gaze, a silent acknowledgment that sent a flutter of butterflies into my stomach.

The live stream continued, a delightful mix of upcoming projects, personal anecdotes, and good-natured teasing. It was a window into their lives, a glimpse of the personalities that hid behind the dazzling stage personas.

These were men who worked hard, laughed easily, and held a deep respect for the fans who fueled their success.

Finally, after what felt like both an eternity and a fleeting minute, Namjoon wrapped up the session. His heartfelt message of gratitude to the fans resonated in the room, echoed by the sincere sentiments of the other members. With a final wave and a collective smile, the livestream concluded.

As the room began to stir, the members dispersing with tired but happy smiles, Namjoon approached me. His smile was genuine, his eyes sparkling with a warmth that made my heart skip a beat. "So," he began, his voice dropping to a low murmur, "did you enjoy the live... experience?"

I could only nod, a wide grin mirroring his own. Words seemed inadequate to express the whirlwind of emotions I felt – gratitude, excitement, a touch of disbelief. To be a part of this, even from the sidelines, had been a privilege unlike any other.

The room emptied with surprising speed. One by one, the members ambled out, their goodbyes a blur of friendly pats and murmured Korean. Jungkook, lingered for a beat longer, flashing me a playful grin.

"Bye, Emma," he chirped, his voice barely a whisper. "See you in the morning."

The words hung in the air, a casual remark that sent a jolt through me. Jimin, ever the instigator, playfully swatted Jungkook on the arm, a silent command to keep moving.

"Morning?" I echoed in my head, the single word sending my mind into overdrive. My senses sharpened, attuned to Namjoon's every move like a gazelle with a lion pacing nearby. He remained rooted to the spot, a hint of a smile playing on his lips.

"Come over here," he beckoned, patting the plush cushion beside him. An invisible force kept me rooted to my spot across the room. The takeout containers lay scattered on the coffee table – a perfect excuse to keep busy, to avoid the intensity of his gaze.

"No, I'm good here," I stammered, reaching for an empty carton. The plastic felt strangely cold in my hands.

He chuckled, the sound warm and inviting. "Don't worry about that. There'll be someone to clean up. Come on, Emma, come sit with me."

"Stubborn," he began. "Strong-willed. I like that."

His words were a direct hit, bypassing my carefully constructed defenses and landing squarely on my already fluttering heart. My inner fangirl did a celebratory dance, her excitement warring with the more rational voice in my head that screamed caution.

This was Kim Namjoon, after all. Global superstar, international heartthrob – and now, a man with a keen interest in me. It was a heady mix, a recipe for either disaster or something far more exhilarating. And as I met his gaze, a spark of something unexpected ignited within me – a desire to see where this unexpected night might lead.