Eternal Love

~3~

The six decided to celebrate at a nearby bar. Much to Jin’s protests. Jungkook laced his fingers with Tae’s and Jimin’s. Standing in between the two. Namjoon had an arm around Jin’s shoulders while Hoseok had his arm, still, around Yoongi’s waist. They entered, welcomed by blinding lights, the smell of sweat, and alcohol.

Seokjin stays close to Namjoon, afraid of the men who wandered around. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing. I just don’t like coming to the bar.” That was half of a truth. He hated the bar, but there were other reasons for it.

“If you want I could take you home.”

“No. Just don’t leave my side. Please?” His eyes plead, boring into Namjoon’s. Something inside the man pulls. A need to protect.

“I won’t. Let’s get something to drink.”

“Okay.” They walk very close to each other before settling down on two bar stools. Namjoon orders a plain vodka while Jin orders a candy apple cocktail. Namjoon raises an eyebrow as their drinks were set in front of them. Jin’s was neon green in color, a few bits of caramel floating around in the triangle shaped glass. “What?”

“Nothing.”

“Tell me. I can tell you have something to comment.” He takes a sip, enjoying how the liquor burns his throat, only to be replaced with the bittersweet taste, similar to that of a candy apple. A chunk of caramel stays in his mouth, which he chews, loving how it was cold and would stick to his teeth, numbing his gums.

“Never thought you were a drinker.”

“Once upon a time, I was. But then something happened, and I stopped coming to the bar.” He plays around with the small paper umbrella, stabbing another piece of caramel. “I use to come here all the time. But, I have the hotel to worry about. I am the heir, after all.” He takes the candy in his mouth.

“And what event could have stopped you from returning?”

“None of your business.” Images flood his brain, making him set his drink on the bar.

“You don’t have to tell me now. When you’re ready, I’m all ears.”

“Thanks.”

Hoseok sets the trophy on the floor, holding Yoongi in his arm. “So… What do you do for a living?”

Yoongi shrugs, setting his beer on the table. “I work at my father’s hotel. Jinnie and I do. It’s a family business. Not as exciting as being a racer but still.”

“I wasn’t always a street racer.”

“Really?”

“Yea. I was a backup dancer. I loved it but my manager keeps making me do things that made me feel… like not myself or simply uncomfortable so I quit. Now, I dance only for those I know love me for who I am.”

“I wanted to be a rapper. Well, more like I want to be a rapper.”

“Do you like working at the hotel?”

“Yea. I meet new people there every day but rapping is what makes me feel alive. Jinnie and I would hold mini-concerts in our rooms for ourselves or each other as little kids.” He laughs. “He is a rather great singer.”

“Maybe… One day we could do something together. Namjoon used to be a rapper too. Rap Monster but he quit after people were criticizing him for his raps. They had a message but clearly everyone only wants to hear raps about the same subjects. Like sex and drugs. Not about how messed up society is or how the schooling system turns us into mindless zombies.”