Sinners, Saints & Jeon Jungkook

Chapter 7

-Jimin's loft-

I hesitated, my mind racing with conflicting thoughts. Do I really owe him an explanation? Maybe not, but deep down, I knew what I did was reckless and inconsiderate. Despite the platonic nature of our relationship now, there's still a lingering love between us. It's absurd to expect a friendship to flourish after dating, especially when there are unresolved feelings. But he was one of the few people who genuinely made an effort to understand me, embracing his own invisibility, not seeking attention from anyone. He simply didn't notice.

Letting out a sigh, I balled my hand into a fist and weakly knocked on his door. Faint rustling and a woman's giggle seeped through the cracks, instantly transforming my sadness and guilt into anger. How juvenile and petty, I thought to myself. I took a deep breath and turned on my heel, ready to leave.

As I walked out of the tall building on 150 W and 85th, something caught my attention in my peripheral vision. Jungkook's car casually parked by the side of the road. 

How did he always manage to find parking in this city?

Not wanting to encounter the devil himself, I picked up my pace, heading in the opposite direction. But it was futile. The car door swung open, and I felt his presence approaching.

"What do you want?" I said without breaking my stride.

"Here to make amends?" Jungkook's deep voice crawled into my soul like dark sulfur.

"Listen..." I abruptly turned around, causing him to softly bump into me. For a fleeting moment, I allowed myself to get lost in his pitch-black eyes. "I don't know what came over me last night. I'm not one to skip classes, indulge in drugs, or sleep with strangers I've just met. It was a mistake, and for the sake of everyone involved, let's never speak of it again."

"Aww, sweetheart, after last night, I thought you were more fun than that."

"Save it." I glared at him and continued walking.

"Jimin was fine with it. I called him a rebound as an apology, and he seemed to have forgotten all about you since you left almost immediately."

"You called him a hooker?" I exclaimed with a hint of disgust, freezing in my tracks.

"Don't be ridiculous. It was just a random booty call."

I stared at him blankly.

"Sweetie, if you're jealous, I know how to remedy that too."

Summoning all the strength I had left, I composed myself. "You're an ass and a bad influence."

"Sure am."

Sighing, I looked away from Jungkook, not wanting to show any signs of weakness. The silence between us felt deafening. Suddenly, tears welled up in my eyes. 

This whole situation was so messed up.

I felt his hand resting on my shoulder as he closed the gap between us with two strides.

"So, you really are hurt? I thought this was just about Jimin not being over it."

"It's complicated," I managed to say, my voice trembling.

Jungkook sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Blair, I know this is a mess. I never intended to hurt Jimin, and I certainly didn't want you to get hurt either. I should've known better. But what's done is done. Maybe it's for the best that both of you let go."

"Maybe you're right."

-

I stared out of the car window, watching the buildings and bright lights pass by as dusk settled in. After some arguing, I reluctantly agreed to let Jungkook drive me.

"This isn't where I live," I remarked.

"I know," he stated flatly.

"You said you would drive me home."

"No, I said I would give you a ride."

"How amusing," I sarcastically laughed.

"Come on, live a little!"

"I do just fine without your help, thank you very much."

"Honestly, I don't think so. You constantly wear that tense, grumpy expression on your face," he retorted with an undertone of annoyance.

"Well, it's because I have to deal with douchebags like you every day," I grumbled, fastening my seatbelt. "Now drive me home."

"Why is it that last night was the first time I saw a genuine smile on your face?"

I rolled my eyes and gave him a serious look. "Maybe because I was drugged?"

"Don't play innocent with me. You knew exactly what you were getting yourself into. Molly doesn't alter your decision-making. It's all on you," Jungkook argued smugly, placing his hand on my thigh.

What is happening to me? I thought to myself, trying to regain control of my emotions. 

This isn't like me. I'm not usually so irrational. But being around Jungkook seems to unravel my whole moral code and critical thinking. The longer he argues with me, the stronger the temptation to succumb to his vices becomes. I'm not a hedonist. I keep everyone at arm's length and rarely indulge in anything beyond a drink. But with him... it's as if he pulls me into a world devoid of rules and boundaries.

I narrowed my eyes, trying to shake off the influence he had on me. 

"You don't have to worry about me being after your stupid high school fame," He said, eyebrows furrowing.

"What do you mean?" I questioned, confusion etched on my  face.

"I spoke to some of the guys after you left class in a hurry. It's sickening how blatantly they chase after popularity."

I glanced down, absentmindedly fidgeting with the ring on my index finger.

"Yesterday, when I saw you in the courtyard, I thought you could use some fun. You seemed different, more of a challenge than those phonies at school," he explained.

"And you don't think I'm easy for letting you hit less than 24 hours after we met?" I chuckled with a self-deprecating laugh.

"I don't want to be your boyfriend who buys you flowers or goes on dates with you. I just want to help you have fun. Consider it my good deed of the year," he offered.

"Your good deed? Wow, you really have a high opinion of yourself," I retorted.

He sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Are you in or not?"

Why couldn't he just leave me be? He knew I lacked the strength to argue, and his handsome, smug face only added to the challenge. Sitting next to him, I could barely think straight.

I narrowed my eyes, the internal struggle evident. "You're evil."

"Don't flatter me, angel."

Butterflies—real ones, not the drug-induced kind—fluttered in my stomach. Every cell in my body screamed at me to run as far as I could. To survive, I needed to quell those feelings immediately.

"Okay... I'm in." I finally said, my voice betraying my uncertainty.

Jungkook smirked, his confidence evident. "That's the spirit, Blair. You won't regret it."

I shot him a skeptical look. "You know, regret is a strong possibility when dealing with someone like you."

He chuckled, the sound sending shivers down my spine. "Oh, I guarantee you won't be bored. We'll have the time of our lives, and I'll make sure of it."