Stirring The Soul

Chapter 38

You leave school as soon as it's over and head to your usual hairdressers to make yourself somewhat presentable before the performance tonight. Since Jungkook's beloved band members are going to be there, you figure it's worth investing the time and money to tame your hair today. An hour later and your face has been steamed, your hair has been settled and your nails have been given a dash of colour. You head home, hoping to keep your improved appearance intact for at least the next 12 hours. On your way, you stop by a supermarket to fill goodie bags for the guys which will include Cadbury's chocolates and small jars of your hot chocolate. At first you'd debate whether you should go through all the effort, but Mia and Layla both convince you that there is no harm "sweetening them up" and getting them on side. And you can't go far wrong with a bar of London chocolate.

Within two hours, you are standing in front of Jungkook's practice room, hands laden with six goodie bags. Jungkook's goodie bag will be waiting for him at home, and it doesn't need a gift bag, you think to yourself, blushing slightly. You wonder how to knock on the door with your hands full when it suddenly opens and in front of you stands a handsome man with soft features and a head full of dark hair. He looks at you surprised. "Hello?" he says, with a deep voice. "Can I help you?"

"Hi, I'm Anna, Jungkook's piano tutor. I just came to say hi to you all," you say, peering in slightly to see all eyes on you.

"Ah, Jungkookie's piano tutor? Come in! I'm V, nice to see you," he says.

"Yes, I recognise you Taehyung!" you beam at him as you walk into the spacious room. You take in your surroundings quickly. Some of the guys are seated on a large sofa, some are standing in front of a mirror, while Jungkook, who had been standing in front of an ice-cream machine, comes to you as soon as he sees you. "Noona! You're here! Let me take those," he offers, taking the bags from you, not realising that his slip of the tongue.

"Those are for the guys, Jungkook. Just a small 'welcome to London' gift. Hope you like it," you say, a little shy with all the eyes staring at you. Jungkook hands out the gifts and almost all the guys look at the contents curiously, voicing their appreciation for your thoughtful gesture. Namjoon, meanwhile, walks towards you saying extending out a hand. "Ms Murilo, my name is Namjoon, it's so nice to meet you. Jungkook was telling me about how much help you've been helping him and we're really grateful to you for looking after our maknae," he says.

You try not to blush as you reply, "Namjoon, the pleasure has been mine, believe me. Jungkook was already so talented, he didn't much help from me. And I have to say, you did a great job teaching him English! I sometimes forget that it's not his first language!"

Namjoon smiles broadly showing his dimples. Soon another member's voice can be heard approaching you. "Noona, thank you for the presents," says Jimin as he stands next to Namjoon. He smiles as he continues, "I've never seen these chocolates before, I need to come to London again to get some more. I can't believe you are Jungkookie's teacher, you look so young!"

You laugh at the obvious play to get on your good side and the conversation between the three of you continues jovially while the others stay respectfully away. Every now and then you catch Jungkook glancing in your direction looking unsure about something. You also see Jin watching Jungkook the whole time and he has a slightly concerned look on his face. Does Jin know about me and Jungkook?

Soon Mr Brown walks into the room. "Hello, everyone ready? Anna, you're here too, how nice," he smiles with that knowing look again. This time you can't stop your blushes, so you quickly make your excuses to leave. "Good luck Jungkook, I'll see you after the performance," you say before practically jogging to the auditorium. You take your 'VIP' seat in the front row where you have an excellent view of the stage. You settle in, looking forward to getting lost in Jungkook's performance, but at the same time gutted that you didn't get a chance to spend any time alone with him before. He's the last person due to perform out of the three chosen, so you still have to wait another hour before he plays. You see Mr Brown walking towards you, taking the empty seat next to you. "Anna, how have you been? I can see a certainly glow about you, I wonder if it has to do with a certain K-Pop idol," he says, clearly intent on making you blush a lot tonight.

"Mr Brown, I'm not sure I know what you mean!" you exclaim in surprise.

"Don't worry Anna, I'm actually really happy to see you looking like your old self. Your personal life is yours, you certainly don't need to tell me anything, but if Jungkook has anything to do with the way you're looking now, then that can only be a good thing, no?" he asks innocently. You don't say anything, so he continues, "Anna, please don't mind me saying, but I care for you like a daughter, so I will be frank. Jungkook is not Mark, obviously, but that doesn't automatically make him off limits. In fact, I see some of Mark's personality in his."
You look at Mr Brown, eyes glistening, and simply nod your head. He pats your hand and says, "Don't let anything stop you Anna, I think Jungkook may be the best thing that's happened to you recently. Let things take their natural course." You instinctively hug Mr Brown. Not having a father in your life, he has always had your best interests at heart, and you know what he says makes sense.
The lights dim very slightly to indicate the start of the performance and the auditorium goes silent. You and Mr Brown settle back into your seats and politely wait for the first student to perform. He plays the violin with a piano accompaniment, and although sounds very accomplished, his music doesn't do anything to move you. By the time you are halfway through listening to the second performance, you try very hard not to fall asleep. You are glad when finally the applause is given to this performer and Jungkook comes on stage. You watch him carefully, trying not to distract him by waving at him in a cheesy way. As expected, he focuses on going straight to piano and sitting himself down. He gives himself a few seconds to ready himself and you could hear the anticipation from the audience. Eventually he starts playing and as expected, takes his audience on the journey with him. When he finally finishes his piece, you see the beads of sweat that have formed on his forehead. Yet again, he's managed to stir all your emotions with his playing. Everyone gives him a standing ovation and he politely bows in gratitude. After almost five minutes of applause, the audience reluctantly sits down. You are full to the brim with pride and happiness at your Jungkook. You expect him to leave the stage, but he stays still and Mr Brown suddenly gets up, making his way next to Jungkook. You watch in mild surprise as Mr Brown takes a mic and looks like he's about to make an announcement.