The Last Boy Scout

21

It was a calm, quiet evening. Crickets had just begun to chirp, and a cool breeze rustled the trees around the park.

Jungkook sat alone on a wood bench by the creek. When he was nineteen, his leader hyung would always take him on long walks in the same park. They would talk about their lives and their families and the other Bangtan members, and when the sun almost set, they would skip stones across the river.

But Namjoon was busy today, and he didn't have any free time on his hands.

So it was just Jungkook.

In the park.

Alone.

Jungkook picked up a smooth pebble and rolled it between his fingers. His gaze shifted from the rock to the creek. He positioned the pebble against his thumb and forefinger and flicked his wrist, sending the pebble skipping over the water.

Jungkook sighed. He wished someone were here with him. Is this what it would feel like when his other hyungs enlist?

A feeling of nostalgia rushed over him, though Jungkook took it as a good sign. He pulled out his phone and began to record what feelings he felt. He felt sophisticated, writing down things that worried him. It seemed like something Namjoon would do, and that made Jungkook satisfied.

The sound of water sloshing across the river bend was soothing. Jungkook planted his elbows on his knees and bent over. He cupped his face with his hands and stared into space.

(Flashback)

It was during one of their 2018 concerts. Everyone was getting ready for the next performance, which was the title song performance for their Love vs Lust album. Everyone was sweaty and exhausted from the previous song they performed; water bottles were being tossed around offstage, and artists scrambled about freshening makeup.

Jungkook was sitting lopsided on a chair. His makeup artist came over to him with a bright smile, and began dabbing a cloth onto his sweaty face. Jungkook was used to having multiple people come over to fix his hair or apply foundation to his face.

"You look very handsome tonight," Lee Jiwon smiled, and started to dust some glitter across his cheekbones. He knew she didn't mean it in a flirtatious way. After all, she was like his noona; she was around the age of twenty-seven or so.

"Thank you," Jungkook smiled, while trying to catch his breath. "All thanks to you,"

At that, Jiwon kept silent, trying to hide a small grin as she continued with Jungkook's hair. She used a thin tool to part his brown bangs to the side, moving each lock of his hair here and there effortlessly. Jungkook loved it when people played with his hair, though he kept quiet and waited patiently for Jiwon to finish.

"All done," she said, looking back with satisfaction. "All we have next is your outfit." Jungkook quickly followed Jiwon into a closed off space.

Jin and Namjoon were already changed into their outfits and were all ready for the next performance. They both had their makeup on, but they still looked out of breath and sweaty. Namjoon's hair was ruffled and Jungkook couldn't tell if it was because of his hair stylist or because of something else.

Jiwon must have sensed something was going on; she quickly handed Jungkook his outfit to change into and disappeared behind a curtain.

Jungkook went to the changing area and changed into his outfit. When he came out, Namjoon left and it was just Jin and the maknae backstage.