The One I'll Be (JungKook Version)

Chapter One

Ella Huntson sat cross-legged on her bed, the faint glow of her phone screen illuminating her face in the dimly lit room. The sound of her fingers tapping on the screen was the only noise breaking the silence. She glanced at the clock—11:42 PM. The night was still young, and her mind buzzed with restless energy.

Her conversation with JungKook had taken an unexpected turn. What started as a casual exchange about their favorite music had led to JungKook revealing that he had a home studio. Ella's heart had skipped a beat at the mention of it. Music was her escape, her solace. The idea of being in a space dedicated to creating music was irresistible. Yet, a familiar knot of hesitation twisted in her stomach. She had made impulsive decisions before, and they often led to cycles of pain and regret.

**JungKook**: "I could pick you up. Show you the studio?"

Ella hesitated, her thumb hovering over the keyboard. It was a spontaneous decision, one that her cautious side warned against. She was tired of playing it safe, of living within the confines of her parents' expectations. But the memory of her past mistakes tugged at her, reminding her of the trust she had given too easily, only to be hurt.

**Ella**: "Okay. Sounds fun."

She hit send before she could second-guess herself. Almost immediately, her phone buzzed with JungKook's reply.

**JungKook**: "Great! I'll be there in 15."

Ella jumped off the bed, her heart racing with a mix of excitement and nerves. She quickly changed into a pair of jeans and a hoodie, grabbed her keys, and made her way downstairs. Emily, her roommate, was sprawled on the couch, half-asleep in front of the TV.

"Heading out," Ella said, trying to sound casual.

Emily looked up, raising an eyebrow. "At this hour? Where to?"

"Just... meeting a friend. I'll be back soon."

Emily shrugged, too tired to question further. "Be safe."

Ella stepped out into the cool night air, her breath visible in the chilly breeze. She walked to the curb and waited, her eyes scanning the street for any sign of JungKook. A few minutes later, a car pulled up, and she recognized JungKook behind the wheel. He rolled down the window and smiled.

"Hey, ready to go?"

Ella nodded, feeling a flutter of nervous excitement. She got in the car, and they drove off into the night, the city lights blurring into streaks of color as they sped through the streets.

The drive was quiet at first, both of them wrapped in their thoughts. JungKook broke the silence.

"So, you really love music, huh?"

Ella turned to look at him, his profile highlighted by the passing streetlights. "Yeah, it's my escape. I've always wanted to be in a studio, see how everything works."

JungKook smiled. "Well, you're in for a treat then. My studio is my sanctuary. I spend hours in there, just losing myself in the music."

Ella felt a connection, a shared understanding. She realized they were both searching for something—an outlet, a way to express themselves, a place where they could be truly free. Yet, she couldn't ignore the nagging voice in her head warning her not to fall too fast, not to trust too easily.

They arrived at JungKook's apartment complex, a modest building on the quieter side of town. He led her up a flight of stairs to his apartment. As he unlocked the door, Ella felt a mix of anticipation and caution.

The apartment was cozy, with musical instruments and equipment scattered around. JungKook led her to a room at the back, his home studio. Ella's eyes widened as she took in the sight—keyboards, guitars, a drum set, and a computer setup with mixing software.

"Wow," she breathed, stepping inside. "This is amazing."

JungKook smiled, clearly proud of his space. "Feel free to look around. Make yourself at home."

Ella wandered around, running her fingers over the keys of a piano, strumming a few chords on a guitar. JungKook watched her, his eyes reflecting a mix of admiration and curiosity.

"Do you play?" he asked.

"A little," Ella admitted. "Mostly for fun. I've never really had the chance to get serious about it."

JungKook nodded. "Well, you're welcome here anytime. Music should be shared, experienced together."

Ella felt a warmth in his words, a sense of belonging that she had been craving. She picked up a pair of headphones and sat down at the keyboard. JungKook joined her, and they spent the next few hours lost in the music, playing, creating, and sharing pieces of themselves through the melodies.

As the night turned into early morning, JungKook turned off the last track they were working on and leaned back in his chair. "Do you want a drink? I have some rum I've been trying to finish."

Ella hesitated. "I don't usually drink."

JungKook shrugged. "No pressure. You can stay the night if you want. It's late, and I'm going to have a drink either way."

Ella's initial instinct was to decline. She was tired, and her mind was clouded with the events of the night. But as she looked at the clock, she realized how late it had gotten. The idea of driving back now seemed daunting.

"Okay, I'll stay. But no drink for me," she said, attempting to sound resolute.

JungKook nodded and went to the kitchen, returning with a bottle of rum and a glass for himself. He poured a generous amount and took a sip, his eyes thoughtful. "You sure you don't want to try just a little?"

Ella sighed, feeling the pull of her spontaneous side. "Alright, maybe just a sip."

JungKook handed her the bottle, and she took a hesitant swig. The liquor burned her throat, and she coughed slightly, handing the bottle back. "That's strong."

JungKook chuckled. "Yeah, it is. But it grows on you."

Ella settled back into the couch, feeling the warmth of the rum spread through her. JungKook continued to drink, and she watched him, sensing a different side of him emerging. He seemed more relaxed, almost vulnerable.

"Do you drink often?" she asked, her voice softer now.

"Sometimes," JungKook admitted. "It helps me unwind. Life can get... complicated."

Ella nodded, understanding all too well the need to escape from one's thoughts. She took another sip, feeling the effects of the alcohol more quickly than she expected. By the third sip, she was giggling, the room spinning slightly.

JungKook watched her with a mix of amusement and concern. "You okay?"

Ella nodded, laughing. "Yeah, I'm just... not used to this. I think I'm drunk."

JungKook smiled, shaking his head. "One shot and you're already tipsy. Lightweight."

Ella giggled again, feeling a strange sense of freedom. The walls she had built around herself were crumbling, and for once, she allowed herself to let go. As they talked into the early hours, she felt a connection with JungKook that she hadn't felt with anyone in a long time.

Yet, deep down, she knew she had to be careful. This newfound freedom was intoxicating, but she couldn't forget the lessons of her past. Trust was a fragile thing, and she had to protect her heart.

For now, though, she decided to live in the moment. The future could wait. Tonight, she was just a girl enjoying music and company, feeling alive and hopeful.