Fate

Chapter 171

Namjoon's P.O.V.
"Didn't you say you were gonna be subtle?"

"Whatever do you mean, hyung?"

Yoongi couldn't stay serious for too long. "Wipe that smug off your face, Namjoon! You guys went to Inkigayo. We have the pictures that prove it."

I shrugged. "We went to see the rookies. We were at the far right, out of sight."

Kookie laughed handing me his phone. "Not that out of sight, hyung! You two look like you're having a good time."

Maybe we hadn't been that discrete. Min was quite entertained. We commented on the performances after each of them. Pictures were decently clear. You could see us, masks on, loose shirts and cargoes. Perfect outfits to be incognito, no? "We even had caps on! What more did you want us to do?"
Jungkook showed me other pictures as we were walking back home, holding hands. "Oh, come on. I was there 24 hours. Big deal!"

"Did she tell you?" Way to ruin the mood, Yoongi hyung. Thinking about it, she used to leave the door open when she got changed. The door was closed yesterday.

It went around. They all knew to various degrees. "No. I'll see how long she'll stay quiet."

Weirdly enough, Jungkook was the most upset. "That's not nice, hyung. You can't do that to noona dongsaeng."

I wasn't worried anymore, but I was bitter. "She's been doing it to me."

"You could've told her you know. That would solve everything. Wouldn't it?"

"Oh, so you're on her side?" I was trying to understand, so hard. How could he?

"She's too nice to do what you're saying, hyung."

"That's kind of a fair point, Namjoon." Yoongi, don't agree with him!

Whatever. "Maybe it doesn't make sense, but that's what happened. She's doing great, that's what matters in the end, but we're gonna have to have a chat when she does tell me."

"I'll tell her-"

"Jeon Jungkook, don't you f*cking dare. You promised me. I told you maknaes last week because you felt out of the loop, not for you to do this." I shouldn't have told the chatters. I swear.. that was stupid of me.
I sighed. "Please don't mingle in my relationship."

Kook deflated. "But, Min's my friend too.."

Suga hyung nudged him. "Yes, but he's right, Kookie. It's their argument. They're adults. Let them handle it."

It would be nasty wouldn't it?

Mina's P.O.V.
"You're sure you're up for that?"

He was really asking? "How could I not? I've been practicing."

"You? Practicing dance challenges?"

"They're short! It's perfect to get back into it."
It shouldn't be surprising. "Jake, do you want to do this or not? I'm missing the release of the next Percy Jackson season. I could be binge watching that instead."
I went on. "Or at the gym, or painting, or-"

He stopped me. "I get it! I get it! We run it through a few times, film and we go watch the show?"

A corner of my mouth rose. "We?"

"Don't act like you don't know I like that show too. I'll pay for dinner. Deal?"

I wasn't looking for food, but the company would be nice. "Deal! Which one did you want to do?"

"This one is a bit dated.." It was weird to call 2024 dated. "But, we could do this Stray Kids one?"

Chk chk boom? Damn, it feels like Thunderous was a year ago. "Sure! The full ending or just the chorus?"

He grinned. "Let's start small, right?"

I was too ambitious, wasn't I? "You're too normal about this."

Jake pointed at himself. "Me, normal? You need glasses sunbae."

I laughed, softly and jokingly pushing him. "Put the song on!"
.
.
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"Our takes looked nice. Do you think our sunbaes will like them?"

"Which sunbaes?" Be more clear. We did songs from 5 different groups.

A frown and smile. "All of them? It's wishful thinking. It'd be nice to post them before Bangtan sunbaenim come back, right?"

It would be nice! I didn't know exactly when they'd be back. Could be anytime from tomorrow morning to in three days. They had done their layout of the arena when they left. They didn't need an extra day here. "Would be. Has to be approved by your manager first."

He sighed. "Buzz kill.." He got a text. "Ouh! We got the stamp of approval."

Already? "It's been 5 hours. That's quick."

It took a day with Solar's videos. Jake glanced at me. "I say to post them?"

"Oh, my gosh. Yes! Send me a copy so I can share it, or do I just repost it?" It was still new to me. I did these challenges alone, never with people.

"The ones they post will have our watermark, so I think I can ask to send the raw footage to edit it and post it on your page. They're gonna add a filter. You know how they are."

At least they didn't do anything other than a bright filter most of the time. "It'd be great, thanks a lot!"

He put his phone down. "Ready to jump back into the show?"

"Yes, please!"

Namjoon's P.O.V.
The door's unlocked? I opened it. I whispered. "Hello?"
Nothing. I was greeted by her dog. "Hey, buddy. Where is she?"
He stared at me, tail wagging. "Come on, dude. I know you're smart. Don't look at me like you're sharing a brain cell with the plant. No, does Bam have the neuron today? Bummer."
I made my way into the living room.
"There you are."
On the couch, covered in blankets.
Was that a note? You fell asleep,so I'll leave you to it. We'll watch the finale of the show another time! Goodnight.
"That's signed by Jake.. I like that guy."
Mina was sound asleep, looking peaceful. Should I wake her? Move her? It'd be scary to wake up to someone you didn't expect. I mean.. she did expect me this morning. Probably by 10am, not 5am. Half asleep would be enough not to scare her. My fingers brushed against her cheek. "Min? I'm home, for real this time. I'm gonna take you to your bed, okay?"

Her eyelids fluttered and slightly opened. "..Home?.. Really?.."

Goodness, don't be an adorable sleepyhead. "Promised. Will you let me pick you up?"
She nodded and I picked her up. Now that I thought about it, that felt lighter than I remembered.
"We're gonna have to eat out at our favorite place more often, you're easy to sweep away. We can't have that, can we?"

"..Or hit the gym.. together.." She mumbled.

I had to muffle my laugh. "That works too."
I layed her down and put the covers on her. "I'll be in my room. You go back to sleep."

My partner didn't let go. "..With you?"

Was she awake enough? I wouldn't risk it. "You can join me later, how about that?"
A tiny nod. Back to sleep, she was.
"Goodnight, Kitten."
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.
.
Are the sheets getting pulled? That wasn't the dog. I felt her arm lay on top of me, hand on my torso, her chest and head pressed against my back. Boy, did I miss these cuddles.. She radiated heat. I hadn't been this comfortable in a while. Then, there was a soft peck from her lips on my neck before she snuggled closer.
That moment was perfect.. The cherry on top, her whispering welcome home into my ears.