The Bad Boy's Promise

chapter 11

           ✨Beneath the Surface✨

The next few days passed in a delightful blur, filled with laughter and new memories. Riyanshi found herself eagerly anticipating her encounters with Jungkook, each moment shared revealing layers of his personality that captivated her more and more.

One afternoon, as they walked to the library together after classes, Riyanshi couldn’t help but notice how effortlessly Jungkook carried himself. His confidence was palpable, yet there was a softness in his eyes that made her heart flutter.

“Hey, do you have plans this weekend?” Jungkook asked, breaking the comfortable silence between them.

Riyanshi tilted her head, contemplating. “Not really. Just some assignments I need to catch up on. Why?”

“I was thinking we could go grab some food again, maybe check out that new Korean BBQ place. I heard it’s amazing!” he suggested, his eyes sparkling with excitement.

“That sounds great! I’d love to,” she replied, unable to suppress her smile.

“Perfect! I’ll pick you up Saturday at six?”

“Sure,” she confirmed, her heart racing at the thought of their time together.

As the week progressed, their friendship deepened. Riyanshi found herself more comfortable around him, sharing stories and jokes, teasing each other like old friends. Yet, beneath the surface of their blossoming relationship, she sensed Jungkook holding back—there were shadows in his eyes that hinted at a past he wasn’t ready to share.

One day, as they sat together in the library, studying for an upcoming exam, she decided to gently probe. “Jungkook, do you have any siblings?” she asked, glancing up from her notes.

He paused, a flicker of something crossing his face before he shrugged. “Yeah, I have a younger sister. She’s really into art and always dragging me to her exhibitions.”

Riyanshi smiled, imagining a elder Jungkook dutifully supporting his sister. “That’s sweet. Do you guys get along?”

“Most of the time,” he said, his voice softening. “But we have our moments, like every sibling, I guess.”

“Yeah, my brother and I used to fight over the remote all the time,” she laughed, sharing her own story. But when she glanced back at him, she noticed a fleeting sadness in his expression.

“Do you miss him?” Jungkook asked, his tone suddenly serious.

“Sometimes,” Riyanshi admitted, her heart aching at the thought. “But we talk often. It’s not the same, but it helps.”

He nodded, his gaze drifting to the window as if lost in thought. “I get that. It’s tough being away from family.”

Riyanshi wanted to press further, to peel back the layers of Jungkook’s guarded demeanor, but she could sense he wasn’t ready. Instead, she changed the subject, bringing their focus back to their studies.

Later that evening, as they strolled through the campus, the sun setting in hues of orange and pink, Riyanshi felt a surge of courage. “Jungkook, can I ask you something?”

“Of course,” he replied, turning his full attention to her.

“Why do you always seem a little… distant sometimes? Like, there’s something you’re not sharing,” she said, her heart pounding in her chest.

He hesitated, and for a moment, she feared she had overstepped. “It’s just... I have a lot on my mind, I guess,” he said finally, a shadow crossing his features. “It’s not that I don’t want to share; it’s just hard sometimes.”