𝑬𝑵𝑺𝑵𝑨𝑹𝑬𝑫 | JUNGKOOK

5. The Audacity

Alba's POV

"Hey, Alba." Felix's voice cut through your trance, his tone laced with concern.

"You look like you've seen a ghost. What happened in there?"

"Nothing out of the ordinary," you replied, though the quiver in your voice betrayed you.

Felix knew you too well; he could read the unrest in your eyes as easily as the titles on the bottles behind the bar. But you could not afford to unravel—not now.

"Just the usual, high expectations and even higher tabs," you playfully said.

He studied you for a moment longer, then nodded, accepting your attempt at nonchalance.

"Alright, but if they give you any trouble, you tell me, okay?" His care was like a balm to your nerves.

"Will do," you assured him by offering a weak smile.

"Can you whip up their drinks? Three single malts, one double, two with a dash of water, and one neat and two bottles of wine."

"Coming right up," Felix said, already reaching for the top-shelf with the ease of someone who had done this a thousand times before. You watched him work, feeling grounded in the quiet space.

Felix's eyes scanned your face with the precision of a detective sifting for clues. "They didn't do anything, did they?" He asked, his voice low and laced with protectiveness.

You shook your head, tucking a stray lock of dark hair behind your ear. "No, its fine," you assured him, though the echo of Jungkook's intense gaze still confused your pulse.

"Just the usual VIP drama. You know it can be overwhelming." Your words became more stable than you felt.

"Alright," Felix replied, not entirely convinced but backing off nonetheless. He turned to his task, measuring and pouring with practiced ease. —the rhythmic sounds of shakers and the ice clink against glass wrapped in familiarity.

"Drinks are ready," he said, gesturing toward the gleaming array of glasses and bottles lined up on the bar top in a tray.

"Thank you," you replied, wrapping your fingers around the tray with a confidence you didn't quite feel.

You effortlessly balanced the tray.

You walk back to the dimly lit VIP lounge, your heart racing as you approach them with a carefully balanced tray of drinks.

As you went inside, you were met with the same gazes, despite your nervousness.

Jungkook, the one with an intense gaze, suddenly spoke up, making you tremble.

"You're not very quick, are you?" he said, his tone laced with irritation.

"It seems like we've been waiting for these drinks for ages," he added as he leaned forward in his seat.

You bristled at his comment, your professionalism slipping for a moment. Despite that, you tried to reply to him as politely as you could.

"I apologize for the wait, I had to make sure everything was perfect, as waitressing is not my everyday job," you replied, narrowing your eyes as you continued. "You don't need to talk to me like that. I'm doing my best while your usual bartender is away. Complaining won't make your drinks come any faster."

You felt every eye watching you.

Jungkook's eyebrows furrowed. "Perfect? Let's hope so. I don't like wasting time."

Your patience got lost as your face flushed. The audacity How did he talk to you in such a manner?

"Ya! I'm doing my best here. If you have any complaints, you can direct them to our manager."