Love or Destiny

Shifting Loyalties

"Hyung! Stay in your limits!" Jungkook's voice rang firm and unwavering.

He stepped forward and grabbed Jisoo's hand, pulling her behind him, as if shielding her from Jin.

"Can't you see you are making her uncomfortable?"

Jin froze, startled, his eyes darting first to Jungkook and then to Jisoo.

Guilt consumed his heart when he saw her looking away from him with discomfort.

He had never meant to make her uncomfortable, yet unknowingly, he had. Ashamed, he muttered a quiet apology under his breath before retreating from the room.

Jungkook turned to Jisoo, concern etched across his features. He studied her carefully. "Are you okay?"

"Yes," she replied softly.

Without warning, Jungkook wrapped her in a tight embrace, holding her so close that she struggled to breathe.

"Jungkook! I can't breathe," she gasped, laughing nervously.

He immediately loosened his hold, scratching the nape of his neck sheepishly. "Sorry."

Jisoo couldn't help but chuckle at his awkwardness.

────୨ৎ────

Later, everyone gathered in the living room.

"So why did you call us here, Namjoon?" Hoseok asked, curiosity bright in his eyes.

Namjoon cleared his throat. "Tomorrow is Jihyo's birthday. I want to plan something special, so I need all of you to help."

"Tomorrow?" Rosé perked up.

"Yes. We need to organize a surprise party tonight," Jisoo added, determination in her tone.

Jungkook immediately jumped in. "We'll need to shop for supplies. And we must keep her busy so she won't suspect anything."

"I've already thought about that," Namjoon said. "Jennie and Lisa, you'll keep Jihyo occupied for the whole day."

Jennie nodded enthusiastically, and Lisa offered a soft-reluctant smile.

"Rosé, Jimin, and Hoseok hyung, you handle the entertainment," Namjoon continued. "Jin hyung and I will take care of the cake and food. Jungkook and Jisoo, you two handle the shopping."

Jisoo had no objection, but Jungkook's smirk told a different story. His eyes flicked toward Taehyung.

Taehyung feigned nonchalance, but his eyes got wide when he glanced at Namjoon and then Yoongi. Realization dawned.

"Wait, does it mean...I have to work with Yoongi hyung?" he asked cautiously.

Yoongi blinked. "Wait, what?"

Namjoon nodded. "Yes. You two handle the decorations."

"No way," Yoongi protested, shooting a glare at Taehyung. "Me and him?"

Namjoon raised an eyebrow at Yoongi. "Then do you want Taehyung and Jisoo to go shopping?"

Taehyung shrugged, calm on the outside. "I don't have a problem with that."

Everyone exchanging incredulous glances.

"Wait...what?" Jennie whispered.

Taehyung looked at Jisoo for any reaction, but her face remained calm, serene even. He sighed. "Forget it."

Yoongi groaned. "Fine. I'll do the decorations with that alien."

Namjoon clapped his hands. "Perfect. Everyone, let's move quickly. We don't have much time."

Lisa tugged gently at Jennie's arm. "Let's go."

────୨ৎ────

"Let's start with decorations," Jisoo said, pushing the cart alongside Jungkook.

"Yoongi hyung sent me the list," Jungkook replied, scanning the notes. "And Jimin hyung sent theirs too. We need to hurry."

They moved through the mall, Jisoo adding items to the cart while Jungkook watched, captivated by her every gesture. His heart pounded as a sudden question formed in his mind and on his lips.

"Will you ever...love me back?"

Jisoo froze. She looked up, meeting his gaze, and saw nothing but pure, unwavering love in his eyes. It took her breath away, not because of the question but because of the depth of emotion she saw reflected in him.

"Jungkook..." she whispered.

He blinked, startled at the sound of his own voice. "Did I say that out loud?"

She simply nodded, and he let out a nervous chuckle, scratching his neck before walking ahead, leaving her trailing, her mind spinning.

What just happened?

────୨ৎ────

As they exited the mall, a car suddenly swerved toward Jisoo.

Instinctively, Jungkook pulled her close. Her body collided with his, and for a moment, the world shrank to just the two of them. She felt the warmth of his hand on her waist, and their breaths mingled in the tiny space between them.

Their eyes locked, and time seemed to slow. Jisoo's heart raced. The distance between them shrank by inches as he looked down at her lips, and she barely had the courage to breathe.

"Stop..." she whispered.

Immediately, Jungkook stepped back, removing his hand from her waist. "I should have controlled myself. I'm sorry if I made you uncomfortable."

Jisoo looked at him, heart pounding. "Jungkook...can I have a word with you?"

────୨ৎ────

Meanwhile, back at the house, Taehyung's impatience was growing.

"What the hell is taking them so long?" he muttered.

"Would you stop?" Yoongi's tone was flat.

"What do you mean?" Taehyung asked, confused.

"I mean this," Yoongi said, nodding toward the empty table scattered with opened snack packets. "You've already finished thirteen packets and it's annoying me."

Taehyung feigned a scoff. "I thought you got annoyed by me all the time?"

"That's true," Yoongi replied, narrowing his eyes. "But watching you devour all the snacks Namjoon brought...that's a new level of annoyance. And trust me, you'll get a good scolding for this."

Taehyung's eyes flickered toward the door. "Are you really worried about the chips? What about Jisoo and Jungkook? They're out there alone!"

Yoongi's gaze sharpened. "Are you really just worried for them...or jealous?"

Taehyung rolled his eyes, but inwardly, he couldn't deny the pang of unease.

Just then, the door opened, and Jisoo and Jungkook appeared, shopping bags in tow, their faces lit with quiet smiles.