𝑬𝑵𝑺𝑵𝑨𝑹𝑬𝑫 | JUNGKOOK

34. Gratitude

Alba's POV

After your bath, you emerged from the bathroom, feeling refreshed and slightly more at ease. You wore Jimin's clothes, which, despite being a bit large, were incredibly comfortable.

The soft cotton of the t-shirt and the warmth of the sweatpants were a welcome change from your uniform. As you stepped into the suite, you spotted Jimin on the phone, his suit jacket discarded on the couch. His shirt sleeves were rolled up, and his hair was slightly messy, his hand pushing through it as he spoke.

He was facing the balcony, his voice low and serious. "I can't make it to the meeting tonight." Jimin said into the phone, clearly frustrated. "You'll have to reschedule it."

Whoever was on the other end seemed to be insisting, as Jimin sighed, turning slightly and finally noticing you standing there. For a moment, he paused, his eyes taking in your appearance his gaze lingered on you for a moment. He seemed caught off guard, his eyes roaming over your features as if seeing you for the first time.

The person on the other end of the line continued to speak, but Jimin's attention was wholly focused on you. "I understand." he said, his voice a quiet murmur, almost as if talking to himself.

He quickly ended the call, saying he'd speak later. Turning to you, he asked, "Feeling better?"

You nodded, managing a small smile. "Yeah, a bit. The bath helped," you replied, running your hand through your wet hair. The air in the suite felt charged, filled with an unspoken tension. Jimin continued to stare at you, his gaze intense.

You hesitated. "Were you canceling your meeting because of me?" you asked, guilt creeping into your voice. "You shouldn't do that. You should go."

He shook his head, dismissing your concern. "It's not a big deal." he said, but you insisted.

"No, really. I'll feel bad if you don't go. You should take care of your responsibilities." you urged, your eyes pleading.

He chuckled as he took a few steps toward you, closing the distance between you. "You're still trying to act responsible, even now?" He reached out and gently tucked a stray strand of your wet hair behind your ear, his touch sending a shiver down your spine.

"You're adorable." he teased, his voice soft. "But don't worry about the meeting. I can handle it."

You crossed your arms, your expression firm. "If you don't go, I'll feel terrible. Please, just go to your meeting."

He relented with a sigh. "Alright, fine. But only because you're insisting." he said, his tone slightly teasing. He walked over to a nearby table and gestured towards a covered tray. "I ordered pasta and steak for you. You should eat something."

You felt a wave of gratitude wash over you as you looked at him. His concern, wrapped in playful teasing, was a comfort you hadn't realized you needed.

As he gestured toward the tray, you couldn't help but smile, touched by his thoughtfulness. "Pasta and steak, huh? You know the way to my heart," you joked, trying to lighten the mood.

Reaching out, you gently grabbed his arm and pulled him toward the table. "Sit with me, at least. You should also eat something before you go." you insisted. There was something reassuring about his presence, and you wanted to hold onto it a little longer.

Jimin allowed himself to be led to the table. He pulled up a chair and sat down, watching as you uncover the tray of pasta and steak.

"Bossy, aren't you?" he teased lightly, a smile playing at the corners of his lips. He reached for a glass of water, taking a sip.