Stirring The Soul

Chapter 11

As soon as Jungkook sees the effect that the song is having on you, he quietly ends it and passes the mic to the next person. The crowd politely applauds the very short performance, but Jungkook immediately jumps down to comfort you. He puts his arms around you and takes you to a bench away from other people. You are now sobbing uncontrollably. He stays respectfully silent while you get everything out of your system. His arms cover you so that you can let it out without public embarrassment. You shamelessly cry into his t-shirt, which soon becomes drenched in your tears, and you hold the collar of his jacket for support. When your sobs start to subside, he quietly whispers in your ear, "Noona, shall we go back home?

You let go of his clothing, wipe your tears away, and look at him apologetically. "JK, I can't believe I did this again. I'm so embarrassed. Bloody hell, look at what I've done to your t-shirt."

Your tears have actually made his top so wet that you can see his pecs and the top of his chiseled abdomen. You give your handiwork a quick glance and sit back shyly to create some distance.

"It's ok Noona," he says flapping the t-shirt. "It'll dry soon enough. As long as there's no snot on here, it's fine," he says, looking to see if his joke has worked. You quickly cover your nose and laughingly say, "Oh my God, that's not even funny, I hope I haven't!"

You both laugh and soon you calm down enough to answer his original question. "We don't need to leave now JK, it's a rare day off for you, and you wanted to explore Kensington Gardens."

"As long as I'm with you, I don't mind what I do."

What? You look at him. "I mean, I don't mind doing whatever you want to do, I'm cool," he explains.

"Let me make it up to you by cooking you a home-cooked meal. We can go to my apartment and I'll rustle something up," you suggest. Is this really a good idea Anna?

He crosses his arms and pretends to think, "Hmm, that's a hard one. Should I have a home-cooked meal or yet another pack of instant noodles? I don't know, depends. What's your cooking like Noona?"

You smack him on the arm for his cheek and get up from the bench. You both walk back to the train station in silence. You're still recovering from the memories of Mark's funeral and the embarrassment of letting your guard down again with Jungkook. This day hasn't turned out as expected and you really do want to just make it up to him with a meal.

It's a short walk to the station and the train doesn't take long to arrive. You find seats next to each other in an empty carriage, and you use this opportunity to explain to Jungkook why you ruined his performance. "JK, I'm sorry about earlier. I wanted to help you get over your fear of performing in public, but I totally ruined it. No, let me explain. The thing is, the song you sang was the one I chose for Mark's memorial service and that was the last time I'd listened to it. When you started singing it, I was completely thrown." You look down at your hands on your lap, avoiding his eyes in case you start to cry again. He places one hand on yours and says, "Please don't apologise Noona. I'm sorry again. I feel bad for doing things to bring back painful memories for you."

You clasp his hand in yours and lightly stroke with his fingers which feels so comforting. You want to tell him that it isn't his fault, but you can't make eye contact right now since you can sense that his face is close to yours.

'The next station is Notting Hill Gate, please change for the District and Circle Lines...' The driver's announcement reminds you that you need to get off here. Once out of the station, you make the short walk back to your apartment block. "Now JK, just to warn you that my pad isn't as plush as yours. A teacher's salary doesn't pay much in London," you joke to lighten the mood. Jungkook simply grins at you. Is he nervous?
His stomach growls in anger and you laugh, "Don't worry it's only on the first floor." You lead him into your apartment, relieved that you had decided to clean it before you'd left. "Make yourself comfortable, I just need to see what I have in the kitchen," you say.

"No way, let me help you! I'm great at chopping and slicing," he volunteers.

"Wow, a man of many talents. How are you still single?" you joke, and then realising you may have overstepped, you say, "Sorry, I don't know why I assumed that. Just ignore me," you look away, blushing.

"Nah, it's fine. You're right I am single. I'm not really allowed to date being an idol and all, but girls my age don't really interest me anyway. I much prefer someone older whom I can get along with easily," he replies casually.

"Mmm-hmm, I see," you say, totally avoiding looking at Jungkook and pretending to concentrate on peeling some onions. Still not looking at him, you point at the fridge and say, "Why don't you grab whatever veggies you can find in there and start slicing." When his back is turned, you look at him to see that he's removed his jacket and his muscular body is very visible through his snug t-shirt. You quickly turn the tap on and splash your face with water.

"Onions," you explain to Jungkook when he suddenly turns around. He finds a knife and chopping board, washes the vegetable, and gets to work. He quietly raps to himself as he chops to a rhythm. Some of the vegetable pieces end up in his mouth. You giggle at his innocent behaviour. How is this guy so sexy and adorable at the same time?

You skilfully avoid being too close to Jungkook while you prepare the rice for the pressure cooker. You instruct Jungkook to fry the vegetables and add the correct amount of spices and sauce. In no time, both the rice and the curry are ready. You plate everything up and Jungkook asks if he can sit on the floor using the sofa as support. You agree and join him. Jungkook immediately stuffs his mouth with the food, making noises to indicate his satisfaction. "We make a great team Noona," he finally says.

"Mmm-hmm, yup we do," adding nothing more that you can safely say.

"So I guess no practice tonight Noona? Not that I'm complaining," Jungkook continues.

You lower your plate and slap your forehead, "Oh man, I totally forgot. What shall we do? You've only got 3 and a half weeks before the performance. Should we have a session tomorrow? Or Sunday?" you ask. Before he answers, Jungkook places his empty plate down and stretches his arms up.
Is that a tattoo on his bicep? What is he trying to do to me?