FALLING FOR THE FLAME

Part 7: Butterflies and Unspoken Words

The Office Evening:

It was one of those rare quiet moments in the office. The soft hum of the fluorescent lights and the clattering of keyboards was all that filled the air. Y/N sat at her desk, her focus fixed on the pile of reports in front of her. She had been working late again, trying to finish everything before tomorrow's big meeting.

Jungkook had already finished his tasks for the day, but he was still lingering in the office. He watched Y/N as she worked, noticing how her brow furrowed in concentration, her delicate fingers swiftly flipping through the pages. She was so dedicated, so determined. There was something about her that intrigued him, something that made him want to learn more about the girl who had been his secretary for so long.

As if sensing his gaze, Y/N looked up, her eyes meeting his for a brief moment before she quickly looked down again. Her cheeks flushed a soft pink.

Y/N - "S-sir, is there anything else I can do for you?"

Her voice was a little shaky, and Jungkook couldn't help but smile at how flustered she was.

Jungkook - "No, Y/N. You’ve done more than enough today."

Her name on his lips felt different. He’d never realized how special it sounded when he said it—how it seemed to make everything else fade away. Y/N, in her usual composed way, tried to go back to her work, but her heart was racing. She could feel the butterflies in her stomach whenever Jungkook was near. But she couldn’t let herself get distracted.

Jungkook stood from his desk and walked over to where Y/N was sitting, his steps silent against the carpet. The space between them felt charged, heavy with the unspoken tension that had been building over the past few weeks. Y/N’s breath hitched when he stopped right beside her.

Jungkook - "Y/N, you’re working too hard. Take a break. Let me treat you to dinner tonight."

Y/N’s eyes widened in surprise. She had never imagined Jungkook would ask her out like this. Her mind went blank, and she stuttered, caught off guard by his unexpected kindness.

Y/N - "D-dinner? B-but, sir, I-I… don’t deserve that..."

Jungkook chuckled softly, his gaze softening as he looked at her.

Jungkook - "You deserve more than just a dinner, Y/N. You’ve been working tirelessly."

His words hit her like a wave, and her heart fluttered in her chest. She had always seen Jungkook as the demanding CEO, the man who expected perfection. To hear him say such kind words to her, to look at her with such warmth, made her cheeks burn with embarrassment.

Y/N - "I-I… okay, sir. I w-will go with you."

Her voice trembled slightly, and Jungkook’s smile widened at the sight of her nervousness. He found it endearing, the way she couldn’t even speak properly around him, the way her usually composed demeanor faltered when he was near.

He leaned closer, his presence overwhelming her senses. He could feel the warmth of her body just a few inches from his own, and the scent of her perfume was intoxicating. Y/N stiffened as she felt the proximity, her heart thundering in her chest.

Jungkook - "You’re cute when you’re shy, Y/N. Don’t worry, I’m not going to bite."

Her eyes widened, and her heart skipped a beat. Did he really just say that? Jungkook noticed the way her pupils dilated slightly, how her lips parted in surprise. The fluttering in his chest grew stronger, and for a moment, he realized just how much he was drawn to her.

Later that evening, Y/N and Jungkook sat across from each other at a quiet restaurant. The dim lighting cast a soft glow on their faces, and the soft clinking of glasses and quiet chatter around them seemed miles away. Jungkook had ordered for both of them, and now they were enjoying their meal in a comfortable silence, though neither of them could ignore the subtle tension that hung in the air.

Y/N shifted in her seat, stealing glances at Jungkook when she thought he wasn’t looking. He looked so different out of the office, more relaxed, his usual cold demeanor replaced by something softer. His gaze was intense, and it made Y/N’s stomach flutter in ways she couldn’t explain.

Y/N - "Sir… this is really nice. Thank you for bringing me here."

Jungkook looked up from his plate, meeting her gaze with a slight tilt of his head.

Jungkook - "It’s my pleasure, Y/N. You deserve it."

There was a softness in his voice that made her heart skip a beat. For a moment, it felt like time had stopped, and everything in the world revolved around them. She could feel the warmth of his gaze, the way he was looking at her, and it made her feel like the most important person in the room.

But then, as quickly as it had started, the moment was interrupted. One of the servers came over to check on them, and Y/N snapped back to reality. She fumbled with her napkin, not sure what to do with herself.

Jungkook’s gaze softened as he watched her, an amused smile tugging at the corners of his lips.

Jungkook - "Y/N, you don’t have to be so formal all the time. You can relax around me."

Y/N looked up at him, her heart racing as she tried to speak but only managed a small smile. She felt the heat rise to her cheeks, and her breath hitched.

Y/N - "I-I’ll try, sir…"

Her stuttering response only made Jungkook’s smile grow wider. He leaned forward slightly, his voice low and teasing.

Jungkook - "You’re adorable when you get nervous."

The way he said it, so tenderly and sincerely, made Y/N’s heart swell. She didn’t know what to do with herself anymore, the emotions swirling inside her. She couldn’t deny the growing feelings she had for him, but it was still so confusing.

As the night drew to a close, Jungkook walked Y/N back to her apartment. They stood outside for a moment, the city lights casting a soft glow around them.

Y/N - "Thank you again for everything, sir. I… I had a great time."

Her voice was quiet, almost shy, as she glanced up at him. Jungkook stepped closer, his hand brushing against hers. The touch was so light, so fleeting, but it sent a jolt of electricity through Y/N’s body.

Jungkook - "I’m glad you had a good time, Y/N. I’ll see you tomorrow."

Y/N nodded, her heart pounding in her chest. She was still caught in the whirlwind of emotions that Jungkook had stirred within her. She wanted to say something, anything, but the words wouldn’t come.

As she stepped back into her apartment, her mind was racing. She couldn’t stop thinking about him—his smile, his touch, the way he made her feel.

                                             --------------------
                                                    ♧♧♧