The Last Boy Scout

8

"I think it's time you started dating."

I froze. "P-pardon?"

"You heard me," Jimin's voice became more raspy. I could tell he was thinking other things.

"B-but... I don't-"

"Jungkook-ah, it's time you started to get out there. I'm sure lots of girls would want to date you."

"I-I don't know... those are just ARMYs, Jimin."

"Don't say that, Jungkook. Imagine if you did date an ARMY, they are really nice, it wouldn't be that bad."

"Yes, I know hyung, but... then other ARMYs might get jealous and..."

"Ok, whatever. Scratch that off, then." Jimin moved on. "Jungkookie, are you into guys or girls?"

I considered what he asked me. "I don't care, really. As long as they have a nice personality, nice legs and is shorter than me, it's all good."

Jimin went silent again.

"Hyung? Jimin?"

"Oh! Right.,."

"But it doesn't matter anyway, Jiminnie... I'm not going to start dating. I'm already... so busy."

"Doing what, Jungkook? Playing Gucciwatch with your Seventeen hyungs?"

I was offended. "Hyung, its Overwatch. And my Seventeen hyungs are busy, too."

"Then find someone who plays Overwatch, that way it'll be less awkward."

"That sounds fun, hyung, but I'm not interested."

"Kookie-ah.., you should start dating! Please, Kookie... please...."

"Why are you so pushy about this? Aish..."

"Kook, if dating other people is too awkward for you, you can start dating one us... like V-ssi or..."

"Jimin!" He was really on my nerves now. "It's just not my thing, and I don't want to get into all of this right now,"

"Ah, Jungkook. You're such a little kid."

I rolled my eyes. "Hyung, you're shorter than me."

"I know..." Jimin went silent for a few seconds. Then, he continued. "I'm sorry, Jungkook-ah. I don't know why I did this."

"Neh? It's alright, Jimin... if talking about other things will distract you from... those things... it's alright."

"How did you..." Jimin sighed. "I'm so confused, Jungkook-ah, I'm sorry I bothered you at a time like this. I just needed someone to talk to."

I imagine something bad happened between him and his girlfriend.

"It's alright, hyung..." I realized I was starting to call Jimin hyung more and more often. "If you need to talk, I'm here."

Jimin didn't say anything back.

"Hyung," I told him.

"Neh?"

"Let's go bowling."

---

Mingyu called me before we left and I told him Jimin and I were going bowling. I offered if he wanted to come with us, and he hesitated.

"I-I'm not sure, Jungkook... I'm really busy,"

"That's alright. Ask DK and The8 if they want to come,"

"I will."

I was about to hang up when Mingyu stopped me.

"Wait!" He said quickly. "I'll go with you. Wonwoo keeps on giving me death glares. Jungkook, please let me come with you... I'll bring along DK, he's here with me... Minghao is at home... I can go pick him up, just please, let me come with you please, please, Wonwoo is scaring me..." he was out of breath.

"Um... okay we'll wait for you there."

I hung up and waited for Jimin. He was calling V-ssi to ask if he was interested in coming with us.

"Hello, you've reached Kim Taehyung. I am busy practici-"

Jimin hung up. "He won't pick up."

"It's fine," I say. "He's probably busy."

Jimin looked anxious. He started to pace around. He looked even more stressed than I thought.

"Let's go, hyung," I head toward the car. "It's going to be okay."

---

At the bowling alley, we payed for our shoes and reserved a spot.

Mingyu brought his hyungs like he said he would. He looked pale.

"What's wrong?" I was about to call him hyung because he looked older than me. He was so tall, but I was a year older than him.

"W-won...woo..." he clutched his phone so tight that his palms became sweaty and the knuckles turned white.

Minghao came by his side. He patted him on the back like a comforting mother. "Come on, Mingyu. It's your turn to bowl."

DK was over talking to Jimin. Jimin looked less stressed and he talked calmly without hesitating.

Was Jimin...blushing? I couldn't really tell because of the dim lights the bowling alley reflected off the shiny floor.

Mingyu came up to me. "Jungkookie, it's your turn,"

I nod and walk over to the bowling balls. I picked up a bowling ball and turned it around in my hands. I could see my reflection in its brown finish. There were also three finger holes, and the bowling ball reminded me of a coconut.

I turned the ball in my hands. It felt smooth and round but with a little bit of weight in it. I got a good grip on the ball and was about to swing when some movement caught my attention.

I turn around. My hyungs were conversing with each other or on their phones or eating. It wasn't them.

Just past our table was the entrance to the bowling alley. I saw a couple standing in line to pay. The girl had dark hair pulled into a messy bun. She had sunglasses on even though it was in the evening. Her significant other was turned around paying so I couldn't see who it was.

Then he turned around. He laced his fingers into those of his girlfriend's. He took off his hat and the white mask he was wearing. I still couldn't tell who it was because he had sunglasses on, too. Something glistened on his wrist.

It was a watch.

He slowly removed his glasses with one hand, and that's when I saw who it was.

Taehyung.