𝗛𝗘𝗔𝗗𝗟𝗜𝗡𝗘𝗥

𝗑𝗏𝗂𝗂.

The journey to the airport was wrapped in a comfortable silence, punctuated only by the melodies from Jiwon's playlist softly emanating from the car's radio. Joshua and Jiwon found themselves humming along to Rose's poignant track "Insomnia." Despite the song's melancholic undertones, the two managed to infuse their brand of humour into the moment, sharing amused glances and laughter as they exaggerated the emotional lyrics. Jiwon was at the wheel, having firmly insisted on driving despite Joshua's initial offer to take the reins.

As they approached the airport's parking area, Jiwon suggested that Joshua hop out first to greet Jeonghan. The airport was notoriously crowded, and with both Jiwon and Seventeen gearing up for a comeback, they wanted to avoid any unnecessary speculation in the press. "I'll be back soon," Joshua reassured her, donning a black mask and oversized glasses, even though it was the dead of night. Jiwon nodded as he closed the car door behind him, watching him stride away. The tinted windows of their sleek Mercedes provided a sense of privacy, shielding them from prying eyes outside.

Pulling out her phone, Jiwon glanced at the time: it was nearly a quarter to two in the morning. By now, Jayoung and Eric would have returned to their apartment, likely nestled in bed, drifting off into a peaceful slumber. A soft smile crept across Jiwon's face as she thought of her best friend's joyous wedding day. She decided to send a quick text to Jayoung, checking if she was awake. The message was delivered but left unread. "She's probably fast asleep," Jiwon mused, shutting off her phone and leaning her head back against the headrest, closing her eyes. Exhaustion washed over her, leaving her utterly drained.

Moments later, the car door swung open, and Joshua reappeared, his glasses removed, replaced by a bright, infectious smile. Jeonghan emerged behind him, his mask lowered and a matching grin spreading across his face. Jiwon could not help but break into a wide smile herself. "Jeonghan!" she exclaimed, excitement bubbling within her. Joshua announced he would stow Jeonghan's bag in the boot while Jeonghan closed the door and enveloped Jiwon in a warm embrace.

"How was your flight?" Jiwon asked, her voice soft as Jeonghan buried his face in the crook of her neck. After a brief moment, he pulled back, his expression slightly weary. "It was good, but the jet lag is hitting me hard," he replied, running a hand through his hair. Joshua slid into the back seat, ready to head home. "Should we leave then?" Jeonghan and Joshua chorused in unison, and Jiwon nodded enthusiastically. "Yes, let's go!"

Jeonghan's arrival had been kept under wraps, with the dispatch department being tight-lipped about his flight details. Jiwon felt grateful for the company's discretion; dealing with paparazzi could often become a substantial headache. As Jiwon pulled out of the driveway and back onto the road, the atmosphere shifted to one of lively chatter, filled with laughter and shared stories.

"So, how is everyone else back in Korea?" Jiwon inquired, her curiosity piqued. "Everyone's doing well," Jeonghan replied, his tone brightening. "Soonyoung was in disbelief when I told him I'd be meeting you in Paris. He rushed to the office asking for a few days off, but BSS had some recordings lined up," he explained, shaking his head at the memory. Jiwon laughed, "I heard he lost his phone; I haven't been able to contact him for ages!"

Jeonghan sighed dramatically, his exasperation palpable. "I don't understand what that boy gets up to," he said, sounding like a weary mother lamenting her mischievous child. Joshua erupted into laughter at the description. "And Seungcheol? How's he holding up without two of his best mates?" Jiwon asked, her eyes flicking between the road and Jeonghan.

"He's fine, sulking a bit, but otherwise doing well. Wonwoo and Jihoon are the responsible ones while we're away," Jeonghan replied, a smile creeping across his face at the thought. Jiwon nodded in understanding, her heart warmed by the camaraderie among their friends. Joshua joined in, discussing the group's schedules, promotions, and upcoming comebacks, and Jiwon redirected her focus to the road, ensuring Jeonghan was comfortable after his long flight from Seoul.

As they drove on for twenty minutes, Jiwon spotted a quaint café nestled on the corner. "Jeonghan, would you like something to drink?" she asked, glancing back at him. "An Americano would hit the spot," he replied. "Same for me," Joshua added, his voice eager. Pulling into the café's empty driveway, Jiwon stopped in front of the small ordering window, where a young boy, no older than seventeen, sat with striking Russian features and a rather uninterested expression.

"Bonjour, ma chérie! Puis-je avoir deux Americanos glacés? Merci!" Jiwon ordered in fluent French, her confidence shining through. The boy nodded, his eyes widening slightly at her command of the language, and disappeared behind the counter. A few minutes later, he returned with two glasses of iced Americanos. Jiwon assured him that she had already paid, and after exchanging polite farewells, she pulled back onto the road.

As they resumed their journey, Jeonghan suddenly spoke up. "Jiwon, aren't you going to have any?" Jiwon shook her head emphatically. "I've gained three kilograms since I arrived in Paris; my manager insists I keep an eye on my weight," she explained with a sigh. Though she wasn't particularly fond of coffee, Americanos were one of her guilty pleasures. She noticed Jeonghan raising his brows in surprise.

"Why would you listen to your manager?" he asked, passing his cup to her. Jiwon looked back at him, perplexed by his insistence. "Take it, Jiwon," Jeonghan urged, his tone firm yet kind.

Reluctantly, Jiwon obliged, taking a cautious sip of the cold drink. A sudden realisation hit her: she had just drunk from the same straw as Jeonghan. Her cheeks flushed as she exclaimed, "Oh, Jeonghan! I'm so sorry; I didn't mean to use your straw!"

He waved his hand dismissively, a teasing grin on his face. "Did I not tell you that I consider you one of my best friends, Jiwon? You don't need to apologise," he said, his nonchalance only heightening her embarrassment. A pink hue crept across Jiwon's cheeks as she navigated into the basement garage of their apartment complex. She was happy the garage was dimly lit. Jiwon was sure she wouldn't be able to meet his eye in light.

"I—Jeonghan, that's so sweet of you," she gushed, her heart fluttering. Jeonghan giggled and took a sip from the same straw, his playful gesture causing Jiwon to laugh despite her earlier embarrassment.

Just as Jiwon was about to kill the engine after parking the car, she caught a glimpse of Joshua in the rearview mirror. For a brief moment, time seemed to freeze as she locked eyes with him. For a few seconds, she forgot Jeonghan was still beside them.

In that instant, she recognised the familiar look of intensity in his gaze—the same hunger she had noticed the day Jeonghan had called, the day Joshua had pressed her against the wall and declared she was his. 

It was a complex mix of emotions—anger, desire, and an undercurrent of jealousy—that sent a shiver down her spine. Jiwon felt the same state of confusion rushing in her mind. The dilemma of either facing him head-on or dropping to her knees and letting him consume her.