The Wings of Harmony

28. Dinner and Drama

Time flew by, the days blurred together as they all immersed themselves in their work, their schedules packed to the brim with rehearsals, meetings, and preparations. The buzz of upcoming events loomed over them, leaving little room for anything else. But as busy as they were, the thought of their next gathering at Manya's place was always a bright spot on the horizon, a reminder that no matter how hectic life got, there would always be moments of warmth, laughter, and connection waiting to be shared.

Niha had called the boys over for dinner, and as they made their way, Jungkook rang up Manya. "Nuna, need anything? We can grab it on the way," he asked, his voice full of excitement. Manya reassured him, "Nah, I've got everything covered."

As they all arrived at Manya's home, the energy was electric. Jungkook and V rolled up on their bikes, the thrill of the ride still buzzing through them. "It's been a while since we first came here," V remarked, memories of that day lighting up their faces. Jimin nodded, adding, "Yeah, feels more like home now, way more comfortable."

Inside, Niha was busy setting up a home theatre and karaoke station, knowing the boys would be all over it. Meanwhile, Namjoon, Jin, and J-Hope were deep in conversation, hashing out details about their upcoming fan meeting and the Busan concert. Suga, however, was lounging on the couch, scrolling through his phone with a distant look in his eyes.

In the kitchen, Jung kook, Jimin, and V hovered around Manya as she prepared dinner. Jimin suddenly called out to Suga, "Hyung, can you whip up my favorite dish? I've been craving it." Suga hesitated but eventually made his way to the kitchen. The younger boys took off to check on the music system, leaving Manya and Suga alone. The atmosphere grew awkward, the silence stretching between them like a taut string.

To break the tension, Manya offered, "I'll chop the veggies for you." Suga simply nodded and got to work on the meat. As Manya sliced through the onions, her eyes began to sting and water up. Jungkook popped back into the kitchen, instantly noticing, With a laugh, he teased, "Whoa, Nuna, your eyes are like a waterfall!". Manya chuckled through the tears, "I'm just sensitive to onions, don't worry. I'm used to it—they're in pretty much all our Indian dishes."

Suga glanced at her, a flicker of concern crossing his usually stoic face. Manya quickly reassured him, "I'm okay, really."

Jungkook, ever the mischievous one, suddenly had an idea. "Since you're tearing up, we can't waste those tears. Come with me!". Before Manya could protest, he grabbed her by the wrist and pulled her toward one of the bedrooms, signaling Jimin and V to join them. She hesitated but couldn't shake off Jungkook's grip, so she followed him inside.

Once there, Jungkook's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Let's pull a prank! I'll call Nam Joon and tell him you're crying because of Suga hyung. You just have to act it up." He quickly set up his GoPro in a hidden spot. Manya's eyes widened with fear. "No, no, don't involve Suga! We're not exactly on the best terms as it is." But the young ones were too pumped up to listen, and before she knew it, they were out the door, calling for Nam Joon.

Nam Joon entered the room, his face a mix of concern and disbelief. Jimin and V were quick to back up the story. "Hyung, Nuna is crying in the kitchen. We think it's because of Suga." V added, "You should talk to him, how could he make her cry?"

Nam Joon turned to Manya, who was now covering her face with her hands. "Manya, what's going on? Why are you crying?" he asked gently. Manya, still hiding her face, mumbled, "I'm crying because of Suga," trying to suppress the raising panic as she thought to herself, Well, technically, I'm not lying—I did tear up because of the onions I cut for him.

Nam Joon stared at her for a moment before speaking. "Manu, you're not the type to cry so easily. This has to be a prank. But if it's not, stop crying, think it through, and talk it out with Suga. I know him, deep down—he wouldn't hurt anyone." 

Manya, trying to keep up the act, looked at him through her fingers. "Are you taking his side? Can't you back me up for once?" But the urge to laugh overtook her, and she buried her face in the bed, shaking with silent giggles.

Namjoon, sensing the oddity, shook his head with a deep sigh. "Manya, I'm going to send Suga in. If there's really something going on, you two should talk and sort it out yourselves."

At this, Jimin and Jungkook couldn't hold it in any longer—they burst out laughing. Jungkook threw his arms around Namjoon, "Hyung, you're still the same RM hyung! You didn't change at all—it's a hidden camera!" Namjoon let out a nervous laugh, "I had a feeling. I know you two too well to fall for it completely."

Back in the kitchen, Suga remained blissfully unaware of the prank, focused solely on his cooking. Later, as they sat down to dinner, Jungkook couldn't resist playing the video, which left Suga looking stunned and Manya mortified. She bowed her head, apologizing to Suga, "It was Jungkook's idea—I couldn't say no! I'm really sorry, I didn't mean anything by it."

Suga, although a little embarrassed, managed a smile. "It's okay, it was well played." As the video wraps up, Jin stands up, pretending to give Suga a slow clap, "And the award for Best Unintentional Villain goes to... Suga", with J-Hope laughing so hard he fell on the floor, his infectious cackles filling the room and easing the tension.

The night continued with drinks and karaoke, the room filled with the sounds of Jung kook and V belting out tunes and dancing with boundless energy. Manya found herself curled up in Namjoon's arms on the couch. "When are you leaving for Hong Kong?" she asked softly.

"Day after tomorrow. Then we head straight to Busan for concert rehearsals," he replied, a tinge of exhaustion in his voice.

Manya sighed. "I'll be stuck in Seoul all by myself while you're off to Hong Kong, and Niha's heading to the States for her training."

Nam Joon glanced over at Niha, who was seated on the floor with a drink in hand, facing off against Suga in a silent drinking contest. The two of them were locked in a battle of wills, neither willing to back down.

Manya's concern broke through her amusement. "Yaah, Niha, stop now. You've got a trip coming up—don't wreck your health."

Suga raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Sounds like you're running away for everyone else's good. So, where are you headed?"

Niha grinned, leaning into the banter. "To heaven, of course. Got an angel's meeting to attend. But don't worry, I'll put in a good word for you," she chuckled, raising her glass.

Suga rolled his eyes, not letting up. "Heaven? They must be lowering their standards if they're letting you in."

Niha laughed, quick to fire back. "Oh, please. They're probably just in dire need of some excitement. You know, someone who can shake things up—unlike a certain someone who's all grumpy and no fun."

Suga smirked, crossing his arms. "I'll take grumpy over reckless any day. Just don't go causing any international incidents while you're at it."

Niha leaned in closer, eyes sparkling with mischief. "Admit it, you'd miss me if I did. Who else would keep you on your toes?"

Suga shrugged, pretending to consider. "Miss you? Maybe like I'd miss a mosquito bite in summer."

Niha raised an eyebrow, her grin widening. "A mosquito, huh? Well, you know what they say—absence makes the heart grow fonder. You might just find yourself itching for my return."

Suga chuckled, shaking his head. "We'll see about that. Just don't let your wings get too big while you're up there, 'angel.'"

Watching them, Nam Joon turned his attention back to Manya. "About earlier... that prank—I'm sorry if I let you down."

Manya met his gaze, a soft smile playing on her lips. "Don't be sorry. I'm glad you handled it the way you did. It made me fall for you all over again." They shared a tender look before leaning in for a gentle kiss, the moment filled with a quiet understanding that spoke louder than words.