ACATALEPSY I BTS AU

CHAPTER 44

"Here you go, guys," says the waitress, balancing a tray filled with drinks and fresh snacks "Where should I set this?"

Their small table is already quite cluttered with plates and half-empty glasses. Jimin hadn't held back with the orders.

"Let me take that for you," Namjoon replies, taking a drink from her, aiming to look natural as he pretends to stumble, spilling a good portion of the drinks over Tae.

"Oh no, I'm so clumsy! Sorry Taehyung" He slaps his forehead, an exaggerated gesture of self-blame.

Tae's face flushes red, rage barely contained. He forces a tight smile, one that seems to say, I see exactly what you did. Payback's coming. Meanwhile, Jimin and the waitress try to help Tae dry off, handing him napkins with little success.

"I'm extremely so sorry for what happened sir! The restroom is just down that way—I'll grab a towel for you," the waitress says, a hint of nervousness slipping through her polite tone. She clearly doesn't want this incident to cost her a day's pay or worse, her job.

"It's alright, miss; it's not your fault. These things... they just happen." Tae emphasizes the last words, standing up to head toward the restroom.

Namjoon sighs, *Finally... alone.*

**Meantime**

The door closes, your heart hammering wildly. *What just happened? Why is my heart racing like this?* You touch your chest, almost as if trying to still it.

"Maybe I should just go to bed." You start getting into pajamas, brushing your teeth, when suddenly you sneeze. "Ahchoo!" You touch your nose, feeling the tickle fading.

**Back at the table**

Namjoon runs his fingers along the edge of the table, a deliberate move that pulls Jimin's gaze from his half-empty glass. The room is dim, but the tension is anything but subtle. Jimin, slightly buzzed, shifts uncomfortably. The alcohol warms his veins, but it's no match for the creeping unease he feels under Namjoon's scrutinizing stare

"Let's cut the crap," Namjoon starts, his tone calm but carrying a serrated edge. "What's your deal with Y/N?"

Jimin freezes for a second, the faintest crack in his composure. He forces a smile that doesn't quite reach his eyes. "I'm not sure I follow."

Namjoon's fingers curl against the table. "Don't play coy. I hate liars," he says, voice lowering to something almost predatory.

*Shit. Is he onto me?* Jimin thinks, his heart racing as he scrambles for a response. "I mean, yeah, I know her, but what's it to you?"

Namjoon's laugh is sharp, cutting through the tension like a knife. "What's it to me? Maybe I'll just take it up with Y/N herself—or Mr. Bae. Bet he'd be thrilled to hear how his future son-in-law spends his free time. Courting someone else? Bold move, Park."

The words hit Jimin like a gut punch. This guy's got receipts. *How? Is he some kind of super-detective?* He leans back, feigning indifference. "Y/N who? It's a common name. You've got the wrong girl."

Namjoon leans forward, voice barely above a whisper but sharp enough to cut. "You know exactly who I mean—the waitress.

Jimin picks up his glass, swirling the ice before taking a slow sip. His mind races, but his face remains blank. *Stay cool. Don't let him rattle you.*

Namjoon doesn't relent. "What's your connection to Y/N L/N? Don't tell me you're sneaking around as 'Minji' to get close to her. That's real bold for a CEO in Louis Vuitton suits, but hey, maybe I'm missing the bigger picture."

Jimin exhales slowly, buying himself a moment. "Disguise? You're reaching, man. Y/N and I... we're childhood friends. Nothing more, nothing less."

Namjoon's scoff is almost theatrical. "Right. And childhood friends send each other designer gifts and roses? Cute cover story, Jimin."

Irritation flashes across Jimin's face, but he reins it in. "It's for her privacy. Maybe you didn't realise it sir Kim Namjoon but I'm not some random guy—I'm Park Jimin, and my life's in constant spotlight. The paparazzi, the stalkers... they follow me everywhere. The last thing I want is for her and her family to deal with that." He straightens, almost daring Namjoon to challenge him. *God, he's so relentless. Does he really think I'm a stalker?.....Maybe I am a bit but I need to pay more attention from now on*

Namjoon tilts his head, his smirk widening. "Funny. Because last I checked, she barely knows you. She doesn't know your name. She calls you 'Minji,' doesn't she? That sound like besties to you?"

Jimin pulls out his phone, swiping to a photo—a candid shot of Y/N asleep against him. "She calls me Minji to keep things low-key in public. This?" He taps the screen. "This is what friends do. They're there for each other."

Namjoon studies the image, his expression unreadable. "Sure. Friends." He pauses, letting the weight of his words linger. "But let's be real, Jimin. There's no love between you and Suzy, is there?"

Jimin's jaw tightens. "I'm loyal to Suzy. Don't get it twisted." *Even if I'm lying through my teeth right now.*  "She's an icon, one of the most beautiful women in the world. Why would I cheat?"

Namjoon's laugh is humorless. "Oh, please. You don't even like her, let alone love her. This whole 'engagement' is a PR stunt, and we both know it."

Jimin feels his pulse quicken.* This guy's not just nosy—he's dangerous.*  "What's your angle, Namjoon? Why do you care so much about Y/N?"

Namjoon's grin turns sharp. "She's my future wife," he says, the words laced with malice. "She mentioned someone—a creep, actually. Didn't think it'd be you."

Jimin's grip tightens on his glass, the jealousy roaring to life inside him. *He's lying. She's not dating anyone. Adam said so.*  "You? Her type? That's rich. Didn't you just ask me for tips on winning someone over?"

Namjoon shrugs, unfazed. "Let's just say, I like to keep my options open. And your advice? will surely be useful. I took notes" He raises his glass in a mocking toast. 

Jimin grits his teeth, the anger boiling beneath his calm exterior. *This guy's a threat. He's playing games, and I'm not losing.* 

Namjoon leans back, his voice taking on a mocking edge. "You're a real piece of work, you know that? Living a double life—sneaking out windows, hiding behind fake names. What's next, Park? You planning to take her to your Batcave?"

Before Jimin can respond, Tae appears, clapping a hand on his shoulder. "Yo, Jimin, let's hit the dance floor. This vibe's dead."

"Perfect timing," Jimin mutters, shooting Namjoon a pointed glare.

Namjoon waves them off, his smirk unwavering. "Go ahead. I'll sit this one out."

As Jimin and Tae make their way to the dance floor, Jimin casts one last look over his shoulder. 

*Whatever your game is, Namjoon, stay the hell out of Y/N's life. For her sake, I won't let you win.*