Falling for You (BTS Jimin Fanfiction)

Part 19

Jimin's POV:

OH MY GOD.

I try not to let my nervousness show. Hobi, oblivious as always, hums cheerfully in the driver's seat as he buckles his seat belt. V, in the passenger seat, looks at me and waggles his eyebrows, winking before turning back around so Hyun-Ae doesn't notice.

Because Hyun-Ae...

Jungkook coughs to subtly cover his laugh. He did this on purpose. The devilish maknae helped her in, setting her so close to me, I can barely breathe without disturbing the stray hairs behind her ear. I stay still, frozen, as she shifts, only to suddenly realize how incredibly close we are. Hell, she's practically sitting on my lap. 

She gasps slightly, nearly falling over in her attempt to put some distance between us. I can't tell if I am relieved or slightly hurt. 

"Sorry," Hyun-Ae breathes, cheeks pink.

I nod, looking out the window because I don't want her to see how red my face is from that small interaction.

With Hoseok-hyung and Taehyung in the car, the awkward silence doesn't last very long, and soon enough, the car ride is filled with laughter and easy conversation. Hyun-Ae gets along very well with Jungkookie and already seems comfortable and affectionate with V and J-Hope. I fight back the small twinge of envy, choosing to forget it for the sake of the fun stories and jokes we're exchanging, the atmosphere light and excited.

The park doesn't seem too crowded today, and the line moves quickly. Must be a good omen. We buy our tickets and stroll in, Hobi beaming.

"Soooo...what are we gonna do first, you guys?"

V rubs his hands together excitedly. "I say the Drop Tower!"

I swallow the rising lump of fear in my throat.

Hobi looks horrified, though he tries not to show it. "Uh... since this is supposed to be Hyun-Ae's treat, why don't we let her pick?"

She shrugs and smiles. "The Drop Tower's fine with me. I love thrill rides."

Great. I suddenly realize that asides from Hobi and myself, everyone else in our group happen to be adrenaline junkies. 

"Yayayay!" Jungkook and Tae exclaim, dragging her with them to the line. I can hear the screams from here.

Hobi-hyung is looking after them uncertainly. "Er, Jiminie, maybe you and I could get food while waiting or something?"

I mentally brace myself and steel my nerves. Am I really going to do this? I was the one who wanted to come along. And it can't really be that bad... right?

"It's okay, hyung. I'm going to join them. You should too."

J-Hope looks at me like I'm crazy. Maybe I am. "Jinjja? Since when did you like thrill rides?"

"Um, about thirty seconds ago. Come on, let's go, before the line gets too long."

Hobi grumbles but grudgingly follows, hesitating again at the entrance of the line. He looks up to take in the height of the tower. I decide not to, for fear of chickening out. 

Hyun-Ae turns around and notices us stalling. "Come on you guys! It'll be fun! I used to love this ride when I was a kid!"

"Remember Master Choi took our class here once?" Kookie reminds her, smiling. 

"Oh yeah! I do remember! You were the only one who wanted to go on that giant roller coaster with me."

How many memories do these two have together?

It's our turn. Wait. How did the line move so quickly? I nervously sit down, Taehyung and Jungkook giving me the space next to Hyun-Ae. I'm too anxious to glare at them. Instead, I buckle myself into this death trap and pull the safety bar down with shaking hands. Well, at least this ride is short. And I have my friends with me. And they've been on this before without dying. 

"Jiminie, are you okay?"

I'm startled by the use of my nickname. It's the first time Hyun-Ae has spoken to me casually. I fight my blush.

"Um.. uh, yeah. I'll be fine. Just give me a moment. I'm kind of... I don't normally..."

I'm stammering and Hyun-Ae simply turns her head to smile at me before finding my hand with her own and giving it a small squeeze. 

"Relax. Have fun. Don't be scared."

The ride starts to lift us up, bringing us higher and higher. Hyun-Ae is still holding on to my hand and I can't express how grateful I am for the comfort.

"...and don't look down."