Stirring The Soul

Chapter 33

When the movie ends, you both leave with the rest of the audience. "That was a great movie wasn't it?" Jungkook says as you walk down the steps.

You reply, "I guess so, I kind of missed a big chunk of it on account of someone being very jealous. Not that I'm complaining, if that's what you do when you're jealous, then I'll be sure to keep you on your toes more often. Although, it seems to me like you'd planned that activity in advance, hmm?"

"Ah, busted. I booked those back seats hoping something would happen, but your obsession over the Avenger guys fast-tracked my actions," he says, giggling.

"I really can't get over how sweet and funny you can be one minute, and then go rogue at, erm, other times," you say.

"That's what you love about me," he teases.

You deliberately don't respond and steer the conversation elsewhere, "So where are we going for dinner? I'm so hungry. I could eat as much as you do, today."

As if on cue, he hails a black cab and tells the driver where to go. "One of the guys at the school recommended a great Korean restaurant. It's small, but apparently the food is proper authentic. And it's opposite the British Museum, do you know it?" Jungkook asks.

"Ooooh, I know the British Museum very well, but I didn't know there was a Korean restaurant there! Ahh, I can't wait, mmmmm," you respond, excitedly. Jungkook laughs at you and holds your hand. In no time, you arrive at your destination and are surprised when you see that the restaurant actually is right in front of the museum, on one of the side streets. "Wow, I can't believe I never saw this place. It looks cute," you say.

Jungkook pulls his hat well over his eyes as he leads you to the restaurant. When you walk in, he nods at the person at the counter and goes straight to a corner table at the back. You look bemusedly between him and the restaurant worker. Jungkook really did plan in advance for this date. You sit at the table expecting the waitress to take your order, but she never does. Also, you notice that there aren't any other diners in the restaurant. Within a few minutes of sitting down, a server brings over two plates and many dishes to your table. Your eyes widen as you see the food being laid out in front of you.

"Tuck in!" Jungkook says, keen to see you enjoy the food.

"Wow, you don't fail to impress, JK. I feel so spoiled," you say as you help yourself to a bit of everything. Normally you'd politely wait for others to start before eating, but for some odd reason you feel ravenous.

"I'm sorry the restaurant is not flashier, I thought you'd enjoy good food in a comfortable environment rather than in some pretentious place," Jungkook explains.

"Oh my god, this is perfect! I can eat comfortably without worrying about my table manners," you say in between mouthfuls, "It tastes so good, I feel like I'm eating at an auntie's house."

"Yes, that's how I wanted you to feel! This is our first proper date as a couple, I really wanted to make it memorable," he says.

"It definitely will be memorable, and definitely on my top five of best dates," you say.

"Top five?!" Jungkook slams his spoon down. "No way, this has to be your best date surely, I put in some extra credit work earlier if you haven't forgotten! Ok, top three?" he cajoles.

"Hmmm, ok it can't be the best, I mean it is only a movie and dinner after all. But that side activity brings it up to the top three, ok?" you try to pacify him. "Don't worry, I have something planned for us after your Autumnal performance. I'll show you what a perfect date looks like," you say, throwing a wink at him. "Nope, I'm not saying anything more until nearer the time," you say, when he starts to speak.

"Ack, how could I forget my great news!" he suddenly says. "Jin hyung rang me today and said that all the members are coming to London to see me perform! And they're going to stay for a few days afterward. Isn't that cool?" he says.

"Oh my goodness, that's amazing! I get to see BTS! I mean, it's great for you that they're coming to see you! The bonus is I get to see the guys who looked after my man for all these years. I have so many questions for them! When are they coming?" you ask, even more excited now. Between enjoying the delicious food and hearing this thrilling news, your head is buzzing.

"They're arriving on Thursday evening. That's what I was doing all day, making arrangements for their stay. Sorry, that's why I didn't couldn't text you," he apologises.

"Oh, that's ok, how exciting is it, though? You must be looking forward to hanging out with them. Don't worry if you can't see me while they're here. I totally understand that you will be busy with them," you say, knowing he might feel bad if he can't spend time with you.

"Are you kidding? I want them to meet you! I can't wait to introduce you to them, although I haven't told them anything about you, just that I like someone. Why don't we all hang out one day so they can get to know you? After that, they can look after themselves."

You laugh at his naivety. You are sure that they will want to spend more time with him than he thinks. You nod while he continues to talk, a bit distracted by the other thoughts floating around in your mind. It hasn't occurred to you that Jungkook would have to tell the others about you and you're sure they will be surprised when they find out. Are K-pop idols even allowed to have girlfriends? At least in public? What if Jungkook seeing you causes problems for him and the band? What if there is bad press? What if......what if......Too many of those thought race through your mind and you can't deal with them right now.

"Noona, how's the bibimbap? You gotta mix the sauce in to really get the flavour out," he says as he pours chilli sauce into your bowl. You smile at him, deciding not to tell him what you're thinking. Not right now anyway. The date had been going great until now.