The Clandestine Us

Twenty

───── ❝ Jennie's POV ❞ ─────

I stayed in my car with my driver near the main gate of the place where BTS was staying. I wanted to surprise Jungkook, which was why I refused to call him.

We hadn't spoken for the past few days because I'd been busy packing some important things for my stay in Korea—long enough to celebrate his birthday. He hadn't contacted me either, so I assumed he was busy as well.

I just hoped J-Hope hadn't spilled anything yet. Since he hadn't replied to my message, I decided to call Taehyung instead. It didn't take long for him to answer.

"Hello? Jennie?" he said, sounding unsure.

Did he forget to save my number?

"I'm so offended, Taehyung-ah," I teased, adding a playful aegyo tone.

"Ani, ani (No, no), I just wanted to make sure it was you!" he explained, sounding amused. "So, what's up? It's kind of late."

"J-Hope's not replying. I just wanted to know if you guys have a group schedule today."

"We don't, actually. But the hyungs are always at HYBE working on something. They're like robots," he joked.

"Got it." I sighed. "Um, Taehyung-ah... I'm actually outside."

"Outside? Like outside HYBE or outside my room?" he asked, and I could hear shuffling, as though he was moving.

"No, no! I'm outside The Hill," I clarified quickly, my cheeks flushing even though he couldn't see me. "I wanted to surprise Jungkook, but I don't know how to get in."

"Ah, arasso (I see). Should I come pick you up?" he offered hesitantly.

"No, no need. Could you just check if Jungkook's in his room?" I asked, still feeling a little shy.

"As far as I know, he doesn't have a schedule either, but hold on, I'll check. I'll call you back, so hang up for now."

"Okay, thank you," I said softly before ending the call.

A few minutes later, my phone rang again.

"Jennie-ah, he's not in his room. No one's answering. I'm not sure where he is. Maybe you should call him?"

"That would ruin the surprise." I laughed. "You know what? Just take this cake I bought—it's yours now."

"Ouch, I'm just a backup?" he teased, making me chuckle.

"Well, you are my second choice right now," I joked back. "Meet me at the convenience store near Han River?"

"Alright. Hang up now, I'll be there soon."

I ended the call and asked my driver to take me to the convenience store.

The thing about BTS is that they're all so sweet and thoughtful. Their kindness could easily be mistaken for flirting, but it's just who they are. Growing up together made them so in tune with each other's personalities. They've adapted in a way that makes their closeness feel like family, and it's probably why they're all so naturally warm.

I sat at one of the outdoor tables, the box of chocolate cake sitting in front of me. As I waited, I watched the river flow under the soft glow of the city lights. The tranquility made me feel drowsy after a long day of strolling around.

A car pulled up, and I instinctively turned my head. It wasn't hard to guess it was Taehyung, but when the doors opened, I was greeted by not one but two figures running toward me.

"Jennie!" Jimin reached me first, pulling me into a tight hug before Taehyung joined in.

"Yah, are you two trying to suffocate me?" I said, laughing as I tapped their backs.