𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑼𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒓𝑾𝒐𝒓𝒍𝒅 𝑫𝒚𝒏𝒂𝒔𝒕𝒚

𝟔𝟐

Lisa paced back and forth, her brow furrowed with worry. "Where could they be?" she muttered, glancing at her watch. Jisoo was perched on the edge of the couch, her fingers drumming nervously on her thigh.

"I called Unnie's phone like five times," Lisa said, her voice rising in panic. "And V's hasn't even been ringing." Jimin stood up and started pacing alongside Lisa, their worries mirroring each other. "What if something happened to them?" Rosé asked, her voice trembling.

"Don't think like that," Jimin said sharply, turning to her. He sighed, running a hand through his hair. "They're probably just..." He trailed off, at a loss for words. Just what? He had no idea.  "Why isn't he answering his phone?!"

Suddenly, they all froze as a soft murmur filtered in from outside. They turned towards the entrance, eyes wide. The door creaked open, and in stepped V, his arm wrapped protectively around Ruby's waist.

Lisa was the first to react. She rushed forward, her eyes scanning Ruby and V worriedly. "Where have you two been?!" she exclaimed, relief and anger warring in her voice. "We've been worried sick!"

Ruby looked up at V, then back at Lisa, a sheepish expression on her face. "Was on the beach," she said, her voice small.

"On the beach?!" Lisa echoed, incredulous. "For hours? With no signal? And you didn't think to leave a note or something?" She crossed her arms, glaring at them. "We thought something happened to you!"  V winced, rubbing the back of his neck.

Lisa's gaze dropped to V's arm around Ruby's waist, her eyes widening as she took in the gesture. Her mouth opened and closed, no words coming out. She took a step back, her expression turning stony. "Don't tell me you two..."

The others had risen to their feet, drawn by Lisa's outburst. They took in the scene - V's arm around Ruby's waist, the way they leaned into each other - and the room went silent.  "V, are you and Ruby..." Jisoo trailed off, her eyes wide.

"What's going on here?" Jin asked, his voice sharp with confusion and a hint of accusation.

The others murmured amongst themselves, shock and curiosity evident on their faces. V and Ruby stood there, suddenly very aware of all eyes on them.

"It's not-" Jennie stammered, looking flustered under their stares. V's jaw clenched as he pulled her closer. "It's none of your business," he said, his voice low and warning.

Lisa scoffed, her arms crossed tightly over her chest. "None of our business? You disappear together for hours, come back like this, and it's none of our business?"  She shook her head, her expression hurt.

Jisoo's expression softened, her eyes filling with unshed tears. "Nini, you're my little sister. I just want to know if...if you and V are..." She bit her lip, unable to finish. The room was silent, waiting for an answer.

Ruby took a deep breath, straightening her shoulders. She looked up at V, who gave her a small nod of encouragement. "We...we're together," she said, her voice clear and steady despite the tremor.

Lisa stepped forward, her eyes locked onto Jennie's. She gripped Jennie's arms tightly, her voice low but intense. "We ought not to fall in love with them, didn't we? They're just going to break our hearts." Her gaze darted to V, her expression bitter.

"Lisa, stop it," Rosé hissed, stepping forward. Jisoo reached out, pulling Lisa away from Jennie. "Lisa, that's enough," she said sharply. 

Suddenly, Jungkook stumbled in, out of breath. "Guys! Exo...the last war...they sent a message," he gasped, leaning against the doorframe for support. The room fell silent, the tension palpable as all eyes turned to RM, awaiting his reaction.