Heartbeat // JK

20- Perfume and Poison

I opened the door, still rattled from the pounding knocks.

And there she was.

Emma.

Flawless hair tucked behind one ear, perfect coat cinched at the waist, heels clicking against the hallway tile. She looked like she had just stepped off the glossy page of a lifestyle magazine — styled, polished, untouchable.

"There's my girl," she said, voice dripping warmth that didn't quite reach her eyes.

Before I could answer, she slipped past me with a kiss of perfume trailing behind her, moving like she owned the lease.

My mouth opened, but nothing came out. She was already halfway across the apartment, setting her bag on the counter in a practiced motion, like she had every right.

"I couldn't miss today," she added, turning that brilliant smile on me.

I blinked, still at the door, my brain lagging behind.

"Today?"

Emma's smile sharpened, though anyone else might've called it sweet. "Your big day," she said smoothly, like it was the most obvious thing in the world.

The words landed hard, a cold knot twisting in my stomach. My throat tightened.

Because I hadn't told her about the audition.

"Wait, how—" I started, my voice thin.

"Oh, word gets around," Emma said quickly, brushing it off with a too-bright smile as she set her bag on the counter like she'd already claimed the space.

Behind me, footsteps padded closer. Jungkook.

I felt him before I saw him — the air seemed to sharpen with his presence. He stopped just at my shoulder, and Emma's eyes snapped to him like a magnet.

Her expression lit up too fast, too wide.

"Oh my God." A soft laugh slipped out, the kind that tried too hard to sound casual.

"So it's true — you actually came all the way here."

Her gaze lingered on him, bright and unblinking.

"In the middle of the tour? That's..." She paused, eyes flicking to me with a smile that was just a shade too sweet.

"...that's really something. Not everyone would risk that."

The air thinned in my chest.

Emma tucked her hair behind her ear, the movement deliberate.

"I mean, I know how packed your schedule must be. All those shows, all those fans waiting..." Her voice lifted in airy admiration, but her eyes didn't leave him.

"And still, you're here. For her."

The last word hit sharp, though her smile never faltered.

Jungkook didn't flinch. His posture stayed calm, but his gaze was steady, cutting through the gloss like glass.

Emma finally peeled her gaze off Jungkook and turned back to me, her smile warm enough to glow. Too warm.

"So tell me everything," she said, voice bubbling like champagne.

"How did it go? Did they see what I see?"

The question tightened something in my chest. I fumbled for words.

"It went... good."

Her eyes softened, almost pitying, and she reached out to brush my arm.

"Good?" she repeated, lilting the word like a compliment.