" Tell me you don't love me, and I won't ever show you my face. Push me away so hard that I'd stumble to even look at you. " He leaned closer to my face. " Push me before I kiss you, before I cherish every inch of you. " His palm traced my waist.
I...
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NO ONE'S POV
The Laurent family's living room was filled with warm laughter and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee. Mr. and Mrs. Laurent sat on their plush sofa, their attention focused on the young man seated across from them. His infectious smile and bright eyes lit up the room as he regaled them with stories of his time abroad.
"And that's how I ended up learning to surf in Australia," the young man finished, before taking a sip of the coffee. "Who knew a business trip could turn into such an adventure?"
Mrs. Laurent chuckled, shaking her head. "Oh, you haven't changed a bit. Still the same adventurous boy we remember. Never afraid of anything. "
His cheeks flushed slightly at the compliment, a shy smile played on his lips. "Thank you, Mrs. Laurent. It's good to be back in LA after all these years."
Mr. Laurent leaned forward, refilling his coffee cup. "Your father must be thrilled to have you home. He's been talking about your return for months."
"He is," the guy nodded, his expression softening. "It's good to be back with family. Speaking of which," he paused, his eyes darting around the room as if searching for something - or someone. "How's Vesta doing? Is she around?"
There was a beat of silence, almost imperceptible, before Mr. Laurent answered. "Vesta's doing well. She's not home at the moment - busy with work, you know how it is. She has shifted to other side of LA. "
"Ah, of course," he nodded, a flicker of something - disappointment, perhaps? - crossing his face. "She always was dedicated. What's she up to these days?"
"She's working at a finance firm. Doing quite well for herself." Mrs. Laurent declared.
"That's great to hear," he said, his enthusiasm seeming just a touch forced. "I'd love to catch up with her sometime, if she's not too busy. It's been so long since we last talked."
Mr. and Mrs. Laurent exchanged a quick glance smiling. "Of course," Mr. Laurent said slowly. "I'm sure she'd be happy to see you. It's been a long time since you both met "
The guy's cheeks colored slightly at that. "Yeah. We were just friendly acquaintances, really."
Mrs. Laurent smiled, but it didn't quite reach her eyes. "Yes, of course."
The conversation moved on, but there was a new undercurrent to it now. His eyes kept darting to the family photos on the mantel, lingering on one of Vesta from her college graduation.
As the visit drew to a close, the guy stood, his boyish charm back in full force. "Thank you so much for having me over. It's been wonderful catching up, Uncle and aunt. "
"Of course, Jungkook. You're always welcome here." Mr. Laurent said, patting him on the shoulder. "We'll have to have you and your father over for dinner soon."
