Magnetism

Chapter 1 - An Undeniable Attraction

I saw him for the first time; just across the studio, harshly illuminated by overpriced flood lights purchased on the lucrative backs of the members of BTS.

Jimin leaned nonchalantly on a table, fingers tapping, an expression of boredom painted across his face. He was unconcerned by the busy happenings of crew members around him. A picture of blasé indifference. 

This lead singer couldn't care less.

I shook off my cowardice and moved to the other end of the studio. I had just debuted as a singer last year. My big break happened when Big Hit Entertainment hired me to work within their million-dollar bubble of talented K-Pop artists. Being a solo performer, it was astonishing that Big Hit even took notice.

Out of the corner of my eye I could still see him. He transmitted his unashamedly careless attitude even to the furthest corners of the room.

He looked at me, I looked away.

The music industry is a daunting place for an amateur singer, especially when working alongside the likes of Jimin. Today was the official photo shoot for all artists of the Big Hit enterprise. The other members were busy getting the finishing touches done on their makeup. Meanwhile, I was ready and focusing on paperwork.

"Everyone to set in two minutes please", a man blurted through a megaphone with an air of importance.

I made my way over to the clean white backdrop facing a dazzling army of cameras, joined by the BTS and TXT members. Hobi gave me an encouraging smile as I stood in my spot, right in front of Jin and Yoongi. My heart beat a little faster when I saw Jimin take his spot on my left. The proximity of the members around me left me feeling a little hot. A quick glance to the side made me swallow as I processed the sight of Jimin's black blazer and white shirt hugging his chest.

"One, two, three", click. The cameras had started and I snapped back into professionalism. But despite my efforts to look alluring, I could barely control my breathing. His cologne engulfed me in fragrant pleasure, and I could feel my skin tingle at his closeness. The sparks that flew off him were almost tangible. His shoulder brushed against mine as his perfect posture claimed the space it desired. As I fought with my wondering attention, my peripheral noted his lowered chin and softly parted lips. I felt weak picturing what the camera would be witnessing.

Click, click, click.

The photographers operated the cameras in quick succession. I cleared my mind. This is not a time to be thinking about Jimin. Infuriated at the effect he had on me, I lifted my chin indignantly and gave the cameras my sexiest glare. With a quick toss of my head, I let my waves capture my face, some tumbling down Jimin's arm.

But despite his indignant pride, that moment between us was electrifying. And once the shoot had ended, I could not deny the feelings that arose within me.

I spent the rest of the working day avoiding his gaze and talking with the other members. Jin and I hit it off and spent the day laughing, drowning out the sounds of the insistent cameras. Hobi insisted on sharing his choreography secrets with me, eventually rounding up all the boys to practise alongside me. Before leaving, Jin invited me to have dinner with them. With a rumbling stomach, I grabbed my coat and joined them in the minivan on the way back to the hotel.

When we arrived, Jin and Namjoon were eager to eat and ran straight to Jin's room to order room service. I entered slowly, with a hungry Yoongi pushing me inside. I flopped onto the couch, and finally allowed myself a tired yawn. I was often reluctant to stop working, so permitting myself the pleasure of relaxing felt wicked, but indulgent.

Jungkook, Hobi and Taehyung collapsed into the spaces next to me, with the other boys coming in one by one and wearily falling onto the bed. Jimin came in last, throwing his blazer onto a hook and rolling up the cuffs of his white shirt. I couldn't help but stare at his captivating expression while he ran his hand through his hair, an unenthusiastic reluctance at my being there, that was discouraging, yet beautiful. He sat opposite me on the bed and breathed a sigh of exhaustion. He didn't look at me once, yet concerned himself with fixing Yoongi's hair. I felt my heart sink, but pulled myself together in the realisation that his attitude towards me should have no impact on my mood.

There was a knock at the door and Jin jumped up to let the hotel waiter in. A trolley of decadent meals was brought in, and Yoongi, Jin and Namjoon erupted in noises of admiration. Jungkook nudged me with his elbow and winked.

"Sorry you have to deal with these idiots all day."

I shook my head and laughed.

"Don't worry, it was really fun." I cast a quick glance at Jimin but he was preoccupied with his steak. 

Jin looked at me and said with a mouthful of food, "you don't have to be so nice, we all know you're sick of Yoongi already." Yoongi looked up and punched him, and Jin shouted and threatened him with his chicken wing. Meanwhile, Jimin was still silent. 

"Jin was really good with his dancing today", Hobi said. "I'm really proud of him." 

Jin feigned bashfulness. "I have a good teacher." He winked. They flirted with each other comically across the room, while Tae rolled his eyes.

"Ey Namjoon, at least Hobi didn't go psycho with the teaching today", Tae said with a cheeky smirk. 

"Yeah, in front of our new friend, that would've been embarrassing." Namjoon winked at me.

"My teaching is not embarrassing! I bet she's dying to see full psycho mode." 

"She will never talk to us again if she sees that."

"Take it back or fear your life!"

"You can't make m-"

"Hey Jimin, what did you think of my dancing today?" I boldly interrupted, a challenging look on my face. 

The room went silent. The lighthearted atmosphere had raised my confidence and I was feeling a little daring. I wanted to put Jimin on the spot and make him feel vulnerable. Vulnerable like how he had made me feel all day. 

"To be honest, it wasn't that impressive." 

Everyone stopped eating. Jin's mouth fell open. Even Yoongi raised an eyebrow.

"That isn't how you talk to her", Jin said sharply.

"So what? She's not my friend."

"What's the matter with you?"

"What's wrong with you?" Hobi butted in.

A few of the boys started talking at once, but Jimin just waved his hand dismissively. I could sense he was becoming frustrated, his cool persona starting to crack.

"I'm going to bed." He said, rising suddenly, and left the room.

Anger rose in my chest. Looking fiercely at the door I shot up and followed him. In the cool air of the empty corridor I grabbed his wrist and hissed, "you've been treating me like dirt all day. If you've got a problem with me, be a man and say it."

He halted and looked at me. For the first time this entire day, his hazel eyes locked with mine. In that sudden moment, I froze, falling into those lustful chocolate pools with no willpower to stop myself. Flecks of light brown mixed with darkness tugged at my being, his eyelashes casting shadows across his pupils. Untamed hair sinfully swept his brow. His expression spat fire, but there was something a little more wicked in the enticing curve of his lips.

My heart raced. I let go of his wrist. 

"The only problem I have with you, is that you think I have a problem."

I stared at him, bewildered. "You've been a dick to me all day!"

Suddenly he snapped and pushed me against the wall, hands either side of my head. Peering down on me, he gloated, "I can be a lot worse, if that's what you want."

My words caught in my throat, and I stared at him in shock. His warm breath and cold countenance pulled me deeper into passionate sensations. I was trapped by his strong arms without a single retaliation. Jimin had me helpless. 

Seeing my feeble reaction, he smirked, backed away, and disappeared down the corridor. I watched him leave, back still pressed against the wall, heart still thumping. Why was he acting like this? Surely he's just having a bad day. Maybe tomorrow he will be nicer? Is Jimin really just a talented singer with a well-hidden attitude problem?

My mind reeling, I pulled myself together and went back to the room.