𝐑𝐎𝐒𝐄𝐒 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐑𝐍𝐒

VIII

She nodded slowly in response, tucking her chin into her chest as Jimin watched her curiously. Cautiously. Her gaze lowering to her feet. Staring at her toenails.

A sniffle. Shoulders rounding. Lower lip wobbling as she shuddered, then lifted her hand to flutter briefly in front of her mouth, swallowing air in loud gulps, then throwing her head back as if to stifle tears, to stop them from welling up in her eyes and spilling forth…

Damn. She did not take that well… Jimin felt a slight bitter taste in his mouth at the sight of her crumpling. Wilting before him-as she had the previous night in her bed, though, of course, without her knowing she was being watched…

Fall for it… Rosé lowered her head, fixing her teary gaze upon Jimin, blinking rapidly, making a show of taking deep, calming breaths, of trying to actively push down the swell of negative emotions that had overtaken her. "I-I understand, Jimin-it's just that-there's nothing really for me to do in here, save for watching television or sleeping… there's not really anyone for me to talk to, except for you or-or Jungkook…" She gnawed on her lower lip as she continued to look pitifully at Jimin.

Well, I could always introduce her to-

"How would you like to meet my younger brother, Miss Park?"

The question hung precariously in the air. Rosé pretended to wipe her eyes on the back of her hand.

Great. Another Park- another asshole to deal with.

-younger, too-no doubt he's even brattier than his brother is heartless-

"Ah-that'd be… well, I'd really appreciate that, Jimin," she replied, bowing her head slightly in thanks.

Jimin let out a sigh of relief. Thank god she didn't start weeping again…

And, besides,Jihun can cheer practically anyone up-

"Well, if you'll get dressed quickly, I'll be back here with my brother shorty and he can give you a tour of the Manor. Does that sound acceptable to you, Miss Park?"

Rosé curved her mouth up into a wan smile. "It does indeed-thank you, Jimin…"

"I'll be right back." Shifting the tray onto one hand with ease, he pulled open the door, stepped across the threshold and closed it behind him. Then the sound of locking. Again.

Rosé chewed on the inside of her cheek roughly, fighting back a groan of annoyance. I had to open my damned mouth and now I'll be forced to entertain the bastard's brother all day long…

She walked over to the dresser, haphazardly pulling open drawers and rummaging through endless piles of clothes until, finally, she withdrew a white, long-sleeved peasant blouse, a pale blue ankle-length skirt, and the appropriate undergarments. Well, it seems Jungkook figured me out rather quickly-in terms of what clothing I prefer-

She changed, darted into the bathroom, splashed some water on her face, combed through her hair, brushed her teeth, and returned to the bedroom, fairly thrumming with nervous irritation. I don't suppose I could feign illness…?

The rattle of the door unlocking made her jump. That was rather fast of him-

Before he could knock, Jimim found the door opening before him; he looked down at Rosé, now dressed, combed, freshened. Cheeks slightly pinked. Eyes blazing.