The Clandestine Us

Twenty-three

───── ❝ Jennie's POV ❞ ─────

Two days until Jungkook's birthday, yet I still don't know how to face him. When that picture spread from one group chat to another, everything felt heavy. I couldn't even cry, and I don't know why. But deep inside, I was silently begging myself to stop the pain.

The next day, Jungkook showed up in front of my house, but I just couldn't bring myself to face him—I knew I'd break down the moment I did. Thankfully, he didn't push me. He just stood there, waiting for my words to finish, before eventually leaving.

Lisa, despite her packed schedule, refused to leave my side for three days. She didn't want me to feel alone, and I was grateful for that. During those days, I kept thinking of ending things between us, convinced it was the right thing to do. But Jisoo somehow managed to talk me out of it. I still don't know why I let her, but maybe... maybe it's because, despite everything, I still want to be with Jungkook.

What happened caused a rift within BTS, and I didn't even realize that my girls had gotten into a fight with them, too. Eventually, we all managed to reconcile—after I received Jungkook's explanations through letters, messages, and every desperate attempt he could think of. But even then, I still avoided him. He tried so hard to get my attention, making every effort to win me back. But I stood my ground. He should never have made me feel that way in the first place.

"What are you thinking about? You look deep in thought," Joshua said, snapping me out of my trance.

I scoffed.

"Seriously? Why are you here again? We just hung out with Woozi and Mingyu yesterday. Miss me already?" I teased, throwing him a look.

I had just gotten back to my condo after a Pilates session with Suga, only to find him waiting in the lobby.

Joshua gasped, feigning offense.

"Wow, rude. And yes, I do miss teasing you—that's why I'm here," he said, grinning before sliding a cup toward me. "Also, I ordered you your current favorite coffee. So, technically, you're not allowed to be mean to me."

I sighed but couldn't help smiling. He knew exactly how to win me over.

"A friend invited me to something later. You coming?" he asked, scrolling through his phone.

"I've got plans with the girls. We're going out."

"Nice! What's the occasion?"

"It's a night out, so... clubbing, probably."

Joshua nodded, then gave me a pointed look.

"Drink moderately."

I smirked, holding my head high.

"Of course."

━━ •⩊• ━━

Joshua's attentiveness never ceases to amaze me. After I casually mentioned considering selling my seldom-used room, he took it upon himself to vacuum it thoroughly. I had lived here for a while after leaving the dorm and while renovating the first house I bought. But eventually, I managed to build a home in UN Village—a place I truly cherish and used to dream about.

With a playful glint in his eyes, Joshua suggested I rent out the room instead of selling it out of boredom. Half-jokingly, he asked if he could buy it at a discount, saying, "We're basically besties."

"Shua," I called out, noticing him flipping through a magazine on the table, his legs crossed as he sat comfortably across from me. I was sprawled out on the couch, feeling a little too lazy to move.