beneath the surface | bts

chapter 8.

            My eyes began to open slowly to the sound of what seemed like chuckles and snickers and familiar voices. It made me frown slightly and shuffle in my position, my body wanting more hours of sleep, or only a few minutes if that was possible.

           But something shifted by my side and that's when I realized warmth was surrounding me. It felt nice and I wanted to envelop the warmth and pull it closer to me.

           Why did I still hear whispers and snickers though?

           When my eyes fully opened, I blinked.

           Enveloping me in his arms was Jeongguk, nearly falling off the couch since he kept me pressed against the pillows in case I'd fall over, and around us were the rest of the boys, staring in amusement.

           Well... I certainly wasn't expecting that.

           Instinctively, I buried my face in Jeongguk's chest to hide the deep blush on my cheeks, but I only realized after I did it that it didn't help at all. In fact, it got worse. Especially when Jeongguk let out a little groan and wrapped my body tighter in his arms, mumbling something about wanting to sleep longer.

           I didn't even dare say a word, but I felt Jeongguk shift a little in his position and I peeked up to see his eyes slowly opening and looking down at me. And then around us.

           I swear he almost jumped when he saw the boys surrounding the couch.

           Everyone laughed. Well, everyone but us.

           "What the--"

           "Watch the language."

            "--the frick frack guys! Don't you have better things to do than stalk people while they sleep?"

            "Actually-- no. It's our day off. And Jin hyung is cooking breakfast."

            A deep and frustrated sigh was emitted from his lips, but I swear he held me just that tiny bit closer to him before letting go and standing up to go to his room. I was left with those boys staring with me with an amused grin on their faces as if they expected me to give an explanation. Maybe I should.

          "I woke up in the middle of the night and we just... talked until we fell asleep." Why was I so embarrassed as I slowly sat up in the couch, pretending to be adjusting the blankets and pillow that we slept on?

          I still heard the classical unison 'aww' reaction, but it just made me blush even more, which I did not enjoy at all.

          "Leave Yoon-ah alone and come help me with breakfast, will you?" Jin finally spoke up from the kitchen, successfully saving me. His words had everyone groaning but they scattered off to get things done.

           I, on the other hand, walked to the bathroom to get ready, take a quick shower and get dressed in the clothes I was wearing the day before. I wouldn't be staying in the boys' dorm for too long after breakfast and just wished to get home to not delay the beating I knew I'd take. If I took longer, it would be worse. I didn't wish to imagine how worse.

          When I left the bathroom, and walked to the living room, breakfast was ready and the boys were starting to sit around the table to eat.

          "Yoon-ah, why are you dressed already? Aren't you going to stay with us today?" Taehyung asked with those innocent eyes, knowing anyone could fall for that and give in. This time I just couldn't.