Heartbeat // JK

5 - Heartbeats in the Dark

Jungkook's gaze flicked to me, something unreadable in his eyes—equal parts fond and exasperated. He leaned in close again, this time just enough to whisper, his voice soft and warm against my ear.

"Next time, no stop."

My breath caught as I looked at him, but before I could respond, Taehyung's voice rang out again from across the room.

"Yah, Jungkookie! Not just stand there—come back!"

Jungkook groaned, rolling his eyes dramatically as he pulled back, his expression shifting into a grin.

"Coming, hyung!"

I exhaled shakily, feeling the giddy buzz of what had just happened settle into my chest like a hum. My heart was still fluttering when Emma appeared at my side, her expression a little too composed, her smile too tight.

"What was that?" she asked, her voice low but sharp.

I blinked, thrown off by her tone.

"What?"

"You and Jungkook."

Emma's eyes darted to him across the room before snapping back to me.

"You're practically glued to each other. Don't you think it's a little... much?"

I frowned.

"Emma, we're just talking. It's not a big deal."

She forced a light laugh, but the sharpness lingered.

"Sure. Just talking."

Then, as if suddenly switching gears, she grabbed my wrist.

"Come on! I'm getting another drink, and you're coming with me."

I let her drag me toward the bar, confusion swirling in my chest. Something about her mood was off—her smile too bright, her energy teetering on the edge of something restless.

"Two cocktails, please," she chirped to the bartender before glancing at me.

"What's with you tonight, Eva? You've been acting... weird. Shy one minute, and then suddenly you're all over Jungkook."

I bristled at her words.

"I'm not—Emma, what's your problem?"

"Nothing!" she said quickly, flipping her hair back as she grabbed one of the drinks.

"You're just not usually like this, that's all."

I opened my mouth to respond, but before I could, she turned sharply, and time seemed to slow. Her arm swung wide—too wide—and the cocktail in her hand splashed straight down the front of my black dress.

The cold liquid hit me like a shock, the sticky drink trickling down the smooth fabric and soaking my skin.

"Oh my god!" Emma shrieked, loud enough to draw attention.

"Eva, I'm so sorry!" She immediately grabbed a stack of napkins, her movements exaggerated as she patted my dress—too forcefully, like she was making a show of it.

"It just slipped! The crowd bumped me!"

I stood there frozen, cheeks flaming, my dress clinging uncomfortably to my skin.

"Emma—what the hell?"

"I didn't mean to!" she insisted, though the faint smirk tugging at her lips suggested otherwise.

"You know I'd never do that on purpose."

"What happened?"

Jungkook's voice cut through the noise, his tone sharp and protective as he appeared at my side. His brows furrowed as he took in the scene—me standing there, dripping and flustered, and Emma still holding her empty glass.