Inked

12-

"Thank you for bringing her today," Jungkook said, a soft smile playing on his lips as he watched Jasmine lean against the car door, fast asleep. It had been an incredible day filled with laughter and freedom, and he couldn't have hoped for anything more. Being able to share those moments with her felt like a dream.

Mingyu, standing a few steps away, tightened his jaw. "I'm doing this for the sake of her, not you. I want her to fall in love with me and not you," he declared, his tone sharp as he shot a challenging glance at Jungkook.

"Are you intimidated by me?" Jungkook asked, an amused glint in his eyes.

Mingyu shook his head, his expression dripping with confidence. "By you? God gracious! Hardly. You're just a tattoo artist with a few flashy tricks."

Jungkook laughed lightly, unbothered by Mingyu's bravado. "You might want to reconsider that, especially considering how much time she spends with me. But I'm not here to compete, Mingyu. I just want her to be happy."

"Yeah, well, happiness has its limits," Mingyu retorted, his voice low and serious. "I'm her future. You're just a fleeting moment in her life." The tension hung in the air, a silent battle of wills, but Jungkook remained unfazed, his heart set on Jasmine's well-being.

As the car arrived, Mingyu watched Jasmine snuggle deeper into her seat, her cheeks flushed from the sun and the drinks they'd shared. "She really drank too much," he murmured, concern flickering across his features.

"Yeah, but she had fun. That's what matters," Jungkook replied, his gaze softening as he looked at her.

With a deep breath, Mingyu opened the car door, careful not to disturb her as he leaned in to take her arm. "Let me help."

Jungkook stepped back, nodding in understanding. "Just make sure she's okay. I'll see you around." With that, he turned and walked away, his heart heavy but hopeful.

Mingyu watched him go, then focused on Jasmine, who stirred slightly at his touch. "Come on, princess. Time to go home," he whispered gently, lifting her into his arms with surprising tenderness. She leaned against him, her weight resting comfortably as he carried her to the car.

Inside, he settled her carefully into the back seat, pulling a light jacket over her to keep her warm. As he adjusted her hair away from her face, a pang of protectiveness surged within him. Despite their differences, he cared for her in a way he had never expected.

"Just a little longer," he murmured, glancing out the window as the car pulled away from the beach. "I'll make sure you're safe."

As they drove through the night, the world outside blurred by in a haze of city lights and shadows. Mingyu's thoughts drifted to the days ahead, the challenges he would face in keeping Jasmine close and ensuring her happiness.

But for now, he focused on the soft sound of her breathing, a reminder that in this moment, he was doing everything he could to protect her, to be the kind of man she needed—even if that meant facing off against the tattoo artist who had captured her heart.