Stirring The Soul

Chapter 34

An hour later and all the food that had adorned your table has now disappeared. Despite being preoccupied with other thoughts, you still manage to inhale everything, pleased that your own appetite has given Jungkook's a run for its money. When the waiter comes to collect your empty dishes, you thank him and the owner, standing behind him, for the amazing food.

"Anything for our Jungkook," the owner says. "He always sends his friends over here to eat and even helps out in the kitchen sometimes. He's quite the sous chef!"

With a raised eyebrow, you say, "Oh really, JK? Wow, is there anything you can't do?"

He goes to say something and then thinks better of it, disguising it instead with a cough. The owner and waiter leave and then Jungkook pulls your hands towards him. He strokes your open palms and appears to study them. "Ah, I can see that your life line is very long and deep, that's good. I can also see a clear intersection on your love line at around age 30, which means you will meet a person of strong significance, probably your life partner," he says coolly and you laugh uncontrollably. "Oh really? How very specific. Will it be one of the other BTS members? I hope it's Yoongi, I kind of have a soft spot for him," you tease.

Ignoring this, Jungkook stares intently at the side of your left palm now, "Hmmm, looks like you'll have, one, two, three kids. Wow, you'll be keeping Yoongi hyung pretty busy, it seems! Hope he can keep up with you, hyung does like his sleep," he winks at you cheekily and you playfully smack his arm, pulling away your hands.

"If the whole K-pop idol career goes tits up, you can always fall back on the scientifically-accredited palm reading line," you joke. Jungkook giggles at this, and you say, "Why don't we walk back to the station, it'll be good to burn off some, no, most, of that food," you say, patting your satisfied belly. He agrees and then goes to settle the bill, rejecting your offer to pay for at least half. You leave the restaurant holding hands, walking comfortably together on the roads, savouring the cool night breeze. While you are happily lost in your thoughts, Jungkook suddenly says, "Hang on Noona, I need to check something." Letting go of your hand, he peers down his T-shirt for a few seconds. After releasing his clothing, he says, "Phew, just wanted to check they were still there." As though that explains everything, he takes your hand and carries on walking. You look at him dumbstruck and ask incredulously, "Did you just look to see if your abs were still there?"

"Yup," is all he says.

"Your abs?! You really thought after eating just one meal, they would suddenly turn to flab? Really? So all those years of workouts were for nothing and would have gone to waste in a matter of hours? Science wasn't your best subject, was it JK? I genuinely wonder about you sometimes."

"Oh really Noona, only sometimes? I'm surprised I'm not in your thoughts more often. I've been working pretty hard to make sure that I am," he's grinning widely now, "You're definitely in mine." You blush deeply at the thought of his 'hard work'.

"Actually, you don't need to work that hard to be in my thoughts, JK," you say, coyly. Why am I acting shy around Jungkook, am I really too scared to fully admit how I feel?

"Mmmm, that's good to hear," he replies. Then, Jungkook raises your left hand and asks sincerely, "Noona, you've had your ring off for a few days now. Does that mean you're ready to move on?"

You've been expecting the question, so it isn't a surprise when he asks. You nod your head and say, "Yes, I figured it was time. And it wasn't fair on you that I kept holding onto something so far in the past. I wanted to give you and me a chance."

Jungkook kisses the back of your palm and simply says, "Cool."

You reach the station and make the short train journey back home. He insists on getting off at your stop with you and seeing you home. On the way, you ask, "So you said the guys were coming on Thursday, right? The performance is on Friday and you'll only have tomorrow to practice. How are you feeling? Are you feeling nervous at all?" You watch his face carefully to check his reaction.

He shakes his head, "I'm not nearly as nervous as I was when I first heard that I had to perform. You helped me so much, Noona. And now my hyungs are coming, so I feel even more confident. They always cheer me on whenever I do anything by myself, so knowing that both you and they will be there makes me feel excited about Friday!"

You smile at him, genuinely pleased that he's looking forward to performing. You're certainly looking forward to hearing him play, even though it will be for like the 50th time. Every time he plays the piano, you get transported into another world.
You're finally at your building entrance and you say, "So, maybe I'll see you tomorrow if you want a final practice, although you don't need it."

"I would love to see you tomorrow Noona, but I'd better get everything ready for hyungs. Jin hyung keeps reminding me to make sure their accommodation and airport taxi is sorted which I gotta do tomorrow, cos I actually forgot to check," he says, sheepishly.

You laugh, picturing Jin ranting at Jungkook. "In that case, make sure you keep the weekend free because I'm arranging something for just the two of us. I don't want you to say you forgot and made plans to hang out with your hyungs," you warn Jungkook.

"Oooh, sounds intriguing. Of course I'd do anything to spend time with you, Noona. Even if it means ditching the other members and facing their wrath, it'll be worth it," he says, before kissing you tenderly on the lips. "Now, the date has been completed with a good night kiss," he says. Caught off guard, you blush again. You promise to keep in touch during the week and then you head in to your apartment, recalling the date with Jungkook and smiling at how amazing it has been, especially the mid-show performance in the cinema. You'll have to make sure the weekend activities are just as amazing, if not more so.