Heartbeat // JK

8 - Escaping the Storm

The second I unlocked the door, they stumbled inside like a chaotic whirlwind, their energy loud and intoxicating, fueled by a night of clubbing and tequila shots. Shoes were kicked off haphazardly, and Jin—naturally—was the first to comment, his voice already tinged with dramatic flair.

"This is it?!" he declared, spinning around with his arms wide.

"This is the grand palace of chaos we've been hearing about? Eva, you're lucky I'm drunk; otherwise, I'd be deeply concerned about this couch."

I let out an exasperated laugh, nudging him aside as I stepped in.

"You're lucky I'm letting you sit on it, Jin. Keep talking, and I'll throw you back on the street."

"Eva, we all know you wouldn't do that," Jimin teased, flopping onto the arm of the couch with the grace of someone who'd definitely had too much to drink.

"You're too softhearted. Besides, who would take care of Taehyung if you kicked us out?"

Speak of the devil—Taehyung had wandered toward the balcony, his face practically pressed against the glass as he stared at the view.

"The city lights," he murmured, his voice taking on that dreamy, faraway tone he got when he was especially tipsy.

"They're sparkling like... diamonds."

"Like your forehead under those club lights earlier," Jimin quipped, earning a soft laugh from Taehyung and a playful shove when he finally stepped inside.

"Drinks?" I called out, heading toward the kitchen.

I knew better than to offer water first—they weren't ready to slow down yet. I grabbed the tequila and beers from my stash, holding them up like prizes.

"What'll it be?"

"Tequila, obviously," Jin said, dramatically throwing his arm over the back of the couch.

"We're keeping the party alive!"

"Alive and regrettable," Namjoon muttered, rubbing his temples but still accepting the beer I handed him.

He gave me a small smile.

"Thanks."

As I passed the drinks around, I noticed Jungkook lingering near the doorway, his gaze sweeping the room like he was trying to take everything in at once. His hand rested loosely in his pocket, his beer untouched as his eyes landed on me. There was something unreadable in his expression—something soft, but intense—and it made my stomach flip.

"You good over there, Jungkook?" I teased, trying to shake the moment.

"You're standing like a security guard."

He blinked, his lips curving into a sheepish smile.

"Just... your place is nice," he said, his voice a little quieter than usual.

"It fits you."

Something about the way he said it made my breath catch, but before I could respond, Jin cut through the moment with his usual dramatic flair.

"Attention, everyone!" he announced, lifting his shot glass like he was giving a speech at a royal banquet.

"To Eva—our fearless host, our tequila queen, and the only one crazy enough to let us crash here. Five stars. Would recommend."

The boys erupted into laughter, clinking their glasses together, and I shook my head, biting back a grin.

"You're only here because you were too lazy to call your drivers," I shot back, crossing my arms.