The Bad Boy's Promise

chapterr 21

Riya stretched her arms above her head, feeling the slight tension in her muscles from a long day of work. The project on charismatic chemistry was turning out to be more fun than she had anticipated, especially since it involved working with Jungkook. The chemistry they shared—not just in science—was undeniable.

Today, they were scheduled to meet in the campus lab to work on the project. Riya had spent the previous night reading about different compounds used in cosmetics. When she arrived at the lab, Jungkook was already there, surrounded by various chemical samples.

“Ready to become mad scientists?” he asked, flashing her a playful grin as she approached.

Riya smirked. “As long as you don’t blow anything up.”

“Me? Blow something up? Never.” He winked, making her laugh as she set her bag down on the bench.

They worked together efficiently, Riya organizing their notes while Jungkook mixed different samples, carefully explaining the properties of each chemical compound. As much as she hated to admit it, Riya was impressed by his knowledge.

“Who knew you were such a chemistry genius?” she teased, watching him measure out some benzyl alcohol.

Jungkook shrugged casually. “I have my moments. Besides, charisma and chemistry go hand in hand.”

She rolled her eyes but couldn’t stop the smile from creeping up her face. “And here I thought you only knew how to charm people, not molecules.”

“Why not both?” he quipped, smirking.

As they worked, Jungkook leaned closer to explain the process of combining ingredients used in perfumes, his voice low and smooth, sending a little shiver down Riya’s spine.

“So, cosmetics, huh?” Riya said, trying to lighten the moment. “You know, makeup is pretty major in cosmetic chemistry.”

“Oh, is it now?” Jungkook raised an eyebrow, amused. “You think I’d look good in some?”

Riya bit her lip, holding back laughter. “I don’t know, maybe some eyeliner would really bring out your eyes.”

Jungkook chuckled, leaning back in his chair. “I’ll leave the makeup expertise to you. Although, I have seen those K-pop idols rocking some eyeliner. Maybe I should give it a shot.”

She laughed, shaking her head. “I think you’re charismatic enough without it.”

They continued to banter as they worked, both of them surprisingly efficient despite the constant teasing. At one point, while measuring a particularly delicate solution, Jungkook made a move to steady Riya’s hand, his fingers lightly brushing against hers.

“Careful,” he murmured, his breath warm against her cheek. “One wrong move and we might end up with a potion instead of a cosmetic.”

Riya tried to ignore the way her heart skipped a beat. “I think I can handle it.”

“I know you can,” he said softly, giving her hand a brief squeeze before letting go.

They fell into a comfortable rhythm after that, both of them working side by side as they pieced together the final components of their project.

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Later that evening, after wrapping up in the lab, Jungkook suggested they grab something to eat. To her surprise, Riya found herself inviting him over to her place for some home-cooked Indian food.

“You’ve never had real Indian food, have you?” she asked as they walked to her apartment.

“Not the homemade kind,” he admitted. “But I’m ready to be amazed.”