Her head leans back against the bark of the tree as Jimin holds her thigh tighter, adding another finger in. Her eyes roll back, betraying her body. "Stop it, Jimin," she says, her voice strained.
A smirk tugs on his face. "Say the safe word, Clara...
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ᴄʟᴀʀᴀ |
I stepped out of the car, my parents right behind me, their conversation already picking up where it had left off before we arrived. The lights of the grand estate glinted off the polished marble steps, and I adjusted the off-shoulder dress I'd chosen for tonight. It was a deep, rich shade of emerald that hugged my figure perfectly, the fabric flowing elegantly as I moved. I knew the moment I walked in, all eyes would be on me—and I was counting on it.
"Clara," my mother began, her tone carrying that edge of disappointment I'd heard all too often, "we told you weeks ago how important it was to have a partner for tonight. It's not just about appearances; it's about making connections." My father nodded in agreement, his eyes scanning the crowd already gathering at the entrance. "You had plenty of time to find someone suitable. This isn't like you."
I rolled my eyes, letting out a small sigh. "Oh please, both of you. I don't need a partner to make an impression." My voice dripped with sass, but deep down, I could feel the tension coiling in my chest. They didn't need to know how much their words were getting to me. But the truth was, I was determined. I was going to find a partner by the end of this party, if only to get them off my back.
As we walked up the steps and into the grand hall, I could feel the shift in the air. The moment I crossed the threshold, all eyes turned towards me, just as I knew they would. Whispers spread like wildfire, and I couldn't help but let a small, satisfied smirk play on my lips. They could say whatever they wanted, but there was no denying that I had their attention.
The off-shoulder dress fit like a glove, accentuating my every curve, and I walked with the confidence I'd perfected over the years. Even without a partner, I knew how to command a room. But still, beneath the surface, my mind was racing. I needed to find someone, someone who could prove my parents wrong and show them that I could handle this on my own.
But for now, I let the spotlight wash over me, soaking in the attention as I walked deeper into the party. One way or another, I was going to make this night work in my favor.
The evening dragged on, the room filled with laughter and clinking glasses as everyone mingled and made connections. I kept up my facade, smiling politely, nodding at the right moments, but my mind was elsewhere, scanning the crowd for a suitable partner. It wasn't easy to find someone who met my standards, especially with my parents' critical eyes watching my every move.
I felt their occasional glances, no doubt judging my lack of progress, but I brushed it off. I was determined to make this work, no matter how long it took.
Just as I was about to give up on another dull conversation, my eyes fell on Jungkook. He was standing by the far end of the hall, dressed in a perfectly tailored black suit that screamed wealth and power. His usual cold, indifferent expression was in place, as if he couldn't care less about anyone or anything around him. The expensive watch on his wrist glinted under the chandeliers, and his gloved hands rested casually in his pockets. Typical Jungkook, always looking like he was in control of everything.
