Empty Space | Jeon Jungkook

Part 16

**

You're back at work the next week and everybody's just happy you're around and feeling better. The Tuesday visit takes place again and you have to stop yourself from lunging on Jungkook because with the hatred dissipating, you now get to appreciate how ridiculously good-looking he is in his blue button-down tucked-in shirt that highlights his tiny waist, tattoos just slightly peeking out of his short sleeves.

It highlights his gorgeous arms that you know are so strong because god knows he's able to lift you against a wall while he's ramming himself into you. His pants are the right fit that you could make out the taut thighs that you used to get off on. The color is a contrast to his caramel skin and he just looks dominating, commanding, and so sexy, you immediately grab the glass of water by the side of the counter.

It doesn't help that he turns to you with a softened gaze as he greets you, his bunny smile appearing at the sight of you drinking yourself to death with water spilling from your mouth. Your eyes widen and you apologize before keying in their usual.

He's looking at you now with more confidence and affection; it's making you feel sweaty and your heart is hammering in your chest. He's about to say something when a siren catches everyone's attention as you look out at the police cars driving past the cafe.

"We rarely get calls in this area. Is everything okay?" You ask the officers in front of you.

"There have been disturbances a neighborhood over, a series of robberies taking place in several establishments." Taehyung checks his phone. "It probably isn't the case right now because they've been happening at night but we're just on high alert. You never know," he continues.

"Should we be worried?" Jin asks from next to you.

"Well, you have a good security alarm and the targets are more of the higher-end stores and restaurants, those attached to big names," Taehyung responds. "But you should still be careful."

"Maybe you shouldn't be closing shop on your own," Jungkook turns to you.

"I'll make sure she doesn't, don't worry," Jin assures him.

"And must you know, I took self-defense classes and I give a mean kick in the nuts," you add lightly. "I'll be fine, Jungkook."

It's the way you say his name with such tenderness that makes his heart twist in affection and pain because of how much he wants you right now. The sight of you asleep on your couch the other night reminded him of how nothing about what he feels for you has changed.

He takes Jin's and your word for it though, but it doesn't keep him from worrying.

On the nights when he knows you're tasked with closing with Jimin, he grabs late dinner at a nearby restaurant and drives along the cafe's street until you're at the bus stop; he texts you shortly after just to know if you're home safe.

He's always tempted to just ask you to hold off on the night shifts completely or let him take you home instead but he doesn't know how you'll take it. It doesn't feel right looking out for you like this but he can't shake off the worry, given the increased frequency of the break-ins the past few weeks.

It's one Thursday night - in the midst of debating with himself about it again - when after you and Jimin part ways by the entrance does he see a silhouette approach you.

Panic-stricken, he gets out of his car and runs towards you. Before he knows it, the figure pushes you against the door, causing your face to hit the glass, and forces your arms behind your back.

You're unable to scream and you're starting to feel lightheaded until you feel emptiness around you and you hear a loud thud.

You turn around and see Jungkook tackling the man on the ground. You weakly call out to warn Jungkook of the knife that you felt nip your torso, but it causes him to be distracted as he turns to you. He gets a punch to the face and a kick to the gut before the man runs away towards an alley, leaving you cowering on the ground and Jungkook running to assess you.

He calls for back-up, informs them of the direction of the man, and asks for an ambulance. You're conscious enough to let him recall the request; it's just a small cut on the head, you insist, it's nothing serious. Jungkook is radioed that the assailant is nowhere to be found but that they'd check the surveillance cameras.

Jungkook turns to you. "I'm taking you to the station, ___. I need to get your statement."

**