"I don't know if this is a good idea..."
The whispered words barely made it past my lips.
A glimmer of uncertainty flashed in his eyes as he gazed down into my own.
Jin swallowed and glanced away, and I started to move from my spot between his too-near body and the wall behind me.
He wasn't going to let me go that easily.
Before I could even manage a gasp, he'd gripped my waist with one hand and shoved me back against the wall, just rough enough to let a sliver of his desire show through his gentlemanly exterior.
He moved even closer, cutting short any idea I might have had of trying to leave this spot again.
He rested the forearm of his free hand against the wall above my head and leaned in slowly, never taking his eyes from my own.
I couldn't breathe. My heart beat erratically in every vein of my body, and everything was so hot, the atmosphere too thick.
My lips parted slightly to allow more air into my lungs, and his eyes finally left my own, locking on my lips. His gaze was intense and hazy and hungry and nervous, all at once.
He lowered his head further, slowly, his perfect lips only a mere couple inches from my burning face now. They parted, barely, mirroring my own.
My eyes drifted closed and his forehead came to rest gently against mine. For a few heavy, feverish moments, that's how we stayed, his skin against mine, our bodies centimeters away from pressing into each other, our lips close enough to feel each other's every breath against our cheeks.
"Why?" he whispered, his voice shaking just slightly, his words ghosting against my cheek.
I opened my eyes and took in the too-calm expression on his handsome face. Seeing him so serious did something to my heart. I wanted his smile back but didn't know how to bring it out.
"Why?" I managed, not understanding what he meant.
It earned me a smile, but it wasn't the cheerful one that I missed. It seemed sad.
His eyes met mine again. "Why wouldn't this be a good idea?"
His fingers gripped my waist a little tighter and my breath caught, my eyes half closing again as his chest brushed lightly against mine beneath the thin cloth of our shirts.
His smile slowly grew more confident and his thumb traced back and forth along the bottom of my ribs, sending delicious tremors across my skin.
"Because from where I'm standing," he breathed, "it looks like the best idea I've had since I met you."
His face lowered again, but not to my mouth. His soft lips skimmed my cheek and came to rest against my ear as he sighed, and my blood caught fire from the feeling of his breath against that insanely sensitive spot.
My knees went weak, but I'm not even sure he noticed. His strong grip on my waist held me firmly in place.
And then he pulled away and took a step back.
I stared at him in confusion and he smiled again, a bit ruefully.
"I won't push you. I respect your decision."
I blinked, realizing that I sort of didn't want him to respect my decision.
He slipped one hand in his pocket and brushed the other over the back of his neck, clearing his throat and suddenly looking everywhere but at me.
"Just know... I plan on getting you to change that decision."
His eyes cut back to me, sweeping from my eyes to my mouth and back up as his tongue eased out to moisten his lips.
My face flamed and he smirked.
"I will get you to change it. So look forward to that."
My eyes snapped open, a thin film of sweat on my skin and my heart pounding against my ribs.
Jesus fucking christ. What the hell was that about?
The dream had already started to fade, but the fever remained. I blinked rapidly and ran a hand over my face. I'd had dreams like that before, of course, but never with a man I'd actually met. They usually starred Johnny Depp, or Shemar Moore... or Jason Momoa.
I took another few breaths and shook my head as I climbed out of bed. I was in desperate need of a cold shower.
I had just stepped out and barely had time to pull on an oversized t-shirt and cotton shorts before the knock came at the door.
I skipped down the stairs in a suprisingly good mood, answering it with a smile.
"Tae!" I exclaimed brightly. "What's up?"
His own cheerful smile outshone mine a million times over.
"Are you really coming to have dinner with us?"
I was confused for a moment, and then the events of the day before came flooding back.
Ah. I had said that. A tiny bit of my good mood ebbed away, but looking at the hopeful excitement on Tae's face, I guessed it didn't seem quite so terrible an idea as it'd seemed yesterday.
I grinned and nodded.
He literally bounced and clapped, before grabbing me in a hug that was already over before I could protest.
"Namjoon said so but we thought he was teasing. Jin said he's going to start cooking at 3, if you want to help."
I laughed and nodded again. His energy was infectious.
"Of course I do. Is it okay if I bring some stuff as well?"
His eyes lit up. "Like more food? Yeah!"
I found myself laughing again.
I asked what Jin already had to cook, and Tae named off a couple Korean dishes I was familiar with (including my favorites, spicy kimchi and galbi), then checked if everyone was okay with seafood and liked veggies, receiving another enthusiastic yes.
He finally left after enveloping me in yet another of those two-second hugs that I was quickly beginning to adore.
Shaking my head, I made my way back inside and ran a brush through my mostly dry hair, before searching out my purse and throwing my shoes on.
I glanced over at the neighbor's house as I climbed into my car, waving at Jungkook who was once again on the balcony talking on his phone. He smiled and returned the gesture, then I was off to the store.
Tae had confirmed that there were, indeed, seven boys at the house, so I made sure to pick up twice as many ingredients as I would have normally.
I grabbed lobster tails, along with shrimp, bell peppers, onions, and baby red potatoes to make skewers. It was something I'd been making since I learned to grill, and I'd never met anyone who didn't love them.
After a moment of debate, I also searched out the ingredients for my homeade banana pudding, since Tae hadn't mentioned Jin making any sweets.
Satisfied with my haul, I checked out and hurried back to the house. I was actually a bit excited. I hadn't had anyone to cook for since Hye-ji, my best friend, had moved back to Korea to take care of her mom, and even then I'd only had her and her boyfriend to feed occasionally. I hadn't cooked for a family since I moved out of my parents'.
Smiling to myself, I started to unload the groceries, only to be bombarded by Tae again, this time with Jungkook tailing rather shyly behind him. This close up, I could see he was just as gorgeous as my initial impression of him had seemed, though he had an underlying adorable, almost bunny-like look about him.
I greeted them as Tae took the bag from my hands, telling me to let them help, and passed it to Jungkook, then grabbed another couple bags himself before I could say another word.
I stuttered out a suprised thank you as they went ahead and carried the food over to their house.
Grabbing the last couple bags- the puddding ingredients- I headed inside to go ahead and throw it together, glancing at the clock in the hall to make sure I had enough time to let it chill for a couple hours.
It was only noon, so I was good to go.
About an hour later, I stuck the finished product in the fridge to set and climbed the stairs to my room. I still had a little bit to relax before having to get ready, but I went ahead and dug through my closet for something comfy enough for the heat but also cute enough to make me feel good.
I ended up settling on an airy, slinky blue and black babydoll shirt and soft black shorts, already knowing I just wanted to wear my flats. I had a half dozen pairs of heels and at least as many different types of boots, but this California heat made me cringe at the thought of any extra effort in the wardrobe department. I hadn't even really worn makeup since I came out here, and didn't plan on it tonight either.
Chapstick would do just fine, thanks.
Glancing at the clock, I realized I'd taken a lot longer deciding what to wear than I'd been aware of. It was already 2:15.
I hurridly threw on the outfit and brushed the tangles from my hair, tieing most of the thick, curly mass back in a high ponytail.
After taking a moment to wash my face again, I slipped on my flats, descended the stairs, grabbed the desert from the fridge and was out the door, making sure to lock it behind me.
Some of my excitement started to ebb away to be replaced by nerves as I crossed from my yard to their's. I mentally kicked myself. This was no big deal. I'd hung out with guys before. Granted, Hye-ji had always been there, but with the way she and I acted we may as well have been guys ourselves. This was no different.
Stepping up to the front door, I took a few deep breaths, collecting myself and fighting back my ridiculous nerves.
I wasn't some hormonal teenage flirt, and so far it seemed like the neighbors I'd met so far were genuinely nice guys. Though I still wasn't sure what Namjoon's deal was.
And then there was the fact that I hadn't met the other three yet.
"Knocking would probably help."
My soul left my body as someone spoke from directly behind me. I spun around, nearly dropping the dish in my panic.
Strong hands steadied me, then immediately let go, grabbing the dish from me as well.
"Can't have you wasting food."
I'm sure I was staring.
The man in front of me stood a few inches taller than myself but not as tall as the others I'd met, with a slender frame, fashionably tattered skinny jeans, and a plain, baggy black shirt.
What stole my attention, however, was his shaggy, pale, bubblegum pink hair.
He cocked his head slowly to the side, his eyes squinting a little in concentration as he took in my appearance as well.
A small smirk tipped his lips.
"Do you see something interesting?"
I blinked, feeling my face warm as I quickly lowered my gaze.
"Ah, sorry," I laughed nervously. "Um, I like your hair. I'm Dezza."
His smirk spread to a small smile and he nodded. "I thought so. I'm Yoongi."
He bowed his head slightly before stepping around me to the door, pushing it open.
"It's just me and Hoseok right now, but come on in. Namjoon and Jimin are still at work, and the others went to pick up some last minute stuff for dinner."
I hesitated then nodded and swallowed my nerves, following him inside. Great, no one I'd met so far was here.
I would have been more on edge being in a house with two guys I didn't know, but something about Yoongi put me at ease. He had a no-bullshit air about him that was oddly comforting.
I glanced around as he led me through to the kitchen, setting the dessert in the fridge before sweeping me into the living room.
Another guy was sprawled on the spacious couch, one leg thrown over the arm, playing a game on his phone.
He glanced up as we walked in, quickly sitting up and combing his fingers through his touseled black hair as his eyes passed between Yoongi and myself.
After a brief awkward moment, he beamed at me and bowed his head.
"Dezza, yeah?"
I smiled back and nodded.
"Hoseok? Nice to meet you."
He clammered to his feet, rushing over to clasp my hand, still wearing that contageous smile.
"Would you like something to drink? We have juice and tea. And Sprite!"
I laughed and told him Sprite was fine, since he seemed so excited about it, taking a seat on the couch he'd vacated.
I wasn't really sure what to do with myself, and Yoongi didn't seem to know or care, since he just propped himself against the doorframe and looked at me.
"So..." I ventured. "All of you guys live together?"
He nodded. "Makes traveling and working together easier."
"Cool. What kind of work do you do?"
He eyed me for a moment, seeming to think something over.
"Studio work."
Vague. Okay. I supposed maybe it was too personal a question.
"We do choreography and stuff like that," Hoseok offered, walking over to hand me my Sprite and take the spot beside me.
I stared at the drink. He'd added both a lemon and a lime wedge to the glass.
"Fancy," I grinned.
"Only the best for our honored guest."
I laughed outright at that one. "Honored?"
Yoongi chimed in. "Well, you did willingly agree to cook for us. That basically earns you our undying loyalty."
He pondered something and grinned.
"At least, if it's good."
We all laughed, and just like that, I was completely at ease. Yoongi suggested playing video games to pass the time since the others would probably be a moment, and I proceeded to kick both of their asses in Smash Bros, earning some shocked yet impressed looks and sarcastic bows feigning respect.
We were having such a great time that we didn't even hear the door open or notice the others come in until a round of applause met my third Yoongi victory.
Startled, we spun to find Namjoon and a guy I still hadn't met leaning against the wall by the door as if they'd been there for a while.
I blushed and gave a mock bow, and Hoseok introduced me to the seventh and final neighbor, Jimin.
He had an adorable, innocent looking face complete with round cheeks and an easy smile, and his expertly styled hair was a striking gray. Despite the innocent face, the guy had a suprisingly masculine stature, not to mention a killer jawline...
I stared for a bit longer than was necessary, as I was doing more and more often lately.
He smiled wide, extending a hand for me to shake. His hands were almost exactly the same size as mine, odd for most guys, but it seemed oddly fitting with his youthful appearance.
"I should probably head up to shower," he admitted, not taking his eyes from mine. "I'm all sweaty. Promise you'll still be here when I get back?"
The tease made my face flush and I laughed a bit nervously. "Of course. Didn't they tell you? I'm playing assistant chef for the night."
He raised his perfect brows at the others, almost accusingly.
"I hadn't heard, no."
Namjoon cut him a look. "Well, if you'd come home more than 3 or 4 hours a night to sleep, you'd have known. She's our neighbor, we invited her to dinner. She didn't want to 'impose', so she's helping Jin out in the kitchen."
Jimin glanced back at me appreciatively. "You can cook?"
It was my turn to tease. "I guess you'll find out in a couple hours, huh?"
He nodded again and excused himself to go shower just as the door opened again and Jin, Jungkook and Tae poured in, laughing about something.
They were a bit suprised to see me in their living room, but Tae, at least, recovered quickly, bolting forward to catch me in his signature hug, which I returned this time.
The guy had grown on me, fast.
Jungkook smiled and nodded a bit shyly before asking where Jimin was and rushing up the stairs after him, and Jin smiled warmly and apologized for them taking so long.
"It's us you should be apologizing to!" Yoongi exclaimed in mock seriousness, gesturing back to the television. "Thanks to you we've had our asses handed to us and our pride shredded trying to entertain the girl!"
Everyone laughed and Tae begged to play so I handed him my controller and promised I'd play him after dinner, following Jin back to the kitchen to get started.
After a few moments of washing hands, finding dishes, suppressing unwelcome reminders of the dream I'd had, and him expressing his thanks, we got started. Prep didn't take very long on my part, and I made my way out back to throw the lobster tails and skewers on the massive grill that looked like it must have cost a small fortune.
Namjoon was already out there and had the charcoal going, so I was able to go ahead and throw everything on.
He watched me with a curious look, and I found myself flushing under his gaze.
"Is there something wrong with what I'm wearing or something?"
He startled, as if he hadn't even noticed I'd seen him looking, and it was his turn to blush.
"Ah, no. You look great. I mean, it's fine. What you're wearing."
I nodded. "Uh, thanks."
"I was just wondering if maybe you wanted some help or something."
I smiled but shook my head. "I've got it, but thank you. I love working with grills. How's the hand?"
He looked confused, so I gestured to his bandage.
"Oh, yeah, it's good. Thanks again for the first aid stuff. Thought I was gonna bleed out before Jin could get to a store." He laughed nervously. "And uh, sorry for the flower pot, by the way."
My cheeks heated. "W-why? It's not like you made me do it. I'm a klutz. It wasn't your fault."
A knowing smirk tipped his insanely attractive lips.
"Wasn't it though?"
I lost concentration for just long enough for me to brush my hand directly against the grill rack, gasping and leaping away when I felt the sudden flash of pain.
"Shit." I cursed, shaking my fingers as if that would help.
Namjoon rushed to my side as the patio door flew open and Hoseok popped his head out. "What happened?"
He saw me clutching my hand and put it together before we could say anything, ducking back inside.
Namjoon grabbed my hand and snatched his glass of water from the rail beside him amd slowly poured it over my red fingers, cooling the burn a little.
"Told you. Klutz," I groaned.
He tried not to laugh.
"Point proven."
I grimaced. "I should probably head home to put something on this."
"No need," Jin said, stepping onto the patio with a first aid kit in hand. "Picked a new one up today. Someone usually gets burned when we grill."
Namjoon cringed.
Jin sat me down on one of the patio chairs and gently and skillfully spread burn cream over my injured fingers. "It doesn't look like it will blister," he mused, deftly wrapping my fingertips in gauze in a way that wouldn't make using my hand awkward as
I tried not to focus on how his gentle fingers felt on my skin.
By then everyone had made it out to the patio to witness my medical attention with concerned looks on their faces.
"It already feels better," I assured everyone, flexing my fingers once Jin was finished. "I'm fine."
The guys smiled and nodded respectively.
"I dont think it's best for you to take Tae up on that match tonight though," Jin continued. "Best if you don't use your fingers too much."
I glanced over at Tae apologetically, and he made a ridiculously cute pouty face before his bright smile popped back out. "That's fine. Just means you have to come back another day."
I laughed and nodded. "I guess so."
The guys (Yoongi in particular) refused to let me near the grill again, so Yoongi ended up helping Jin in my place. I instructed him on when to flip and season and butter things, and before long everything was heaped on the patio table and we were all fixing plates.
I sat by the pool, kicking my flats off and dangling my feet in the cool water, and the guys followed my example and seated themselves around the edge.
Jin explained to everyone that they could speak Korean around me and I'd still understand, and soon we all lapsed into comfortable company, enjoying the food and how the temperature had mercifully dropped a few degrees.
When everyone had finished their plates I made my way to the kitchen and brought everyone bowls of pudding. I had to coax Yoongi into at least trying it, because apparently he wasn't a huge fan of sweet stuff. The cotton candy hair was a lie.
Once he finally tasted a bite, his eyes lit up and he cleaned the bowl in record time, making everyone laugh and tease.
After the sun had set and the dishes were packed into the washer, Jin brought out and passed around shots of soju, making sure to state beforehand that he only got enough for everyone to have a couple, since they had work the next day.
I took one eagerly; it was something else I had missed since Hye-ji had went home.
Everyone toasted to me and Jin for the meal, and I made sure to include Yoongi since he'd done half my work for me.
I'd started feeling a pleasantly warm buzz by the time someone started playing music.
I layed back and closed my eyes, loving the cool night air and the feel of the water around my ankles, until someone started singing.
I turned my head to see who had such a beautiful voice, my eyes settling on Jimin.
He was sitting a few feet away, leaning back on his elbows, face turned to the sky and eyes closed, the perfect picture of peace.
"Eonje buteonga jeom jeom,
yeonlakage dwae naega meonjeo."
I smiled, and then Jungkook joined in, his voice just as sweet, just as flawless.
"Niga eopneun goseseon beolsseo,
neol baby-ro bulleo nado cham ugyeo."
The melody stirred my memory and I smiled. It was a song I knew, one that Hye-ji had sung for me more than once.
Tae and I joined in at the same time, his voice much stronger and deeper than I would have ever expected.
"You're my chocolate, my sweetest chocolate, and I really wanna have you..."
The singing stopped and everyone stared at me, making me blush for the millionth time.
"Sorry. Didn't mean to intrude on your moment. My Hye-ji... my best friend... Taeyang was her favorite. She used to sing it to me when I was... down."
"Don't be sorry," Tae said, at the same moment that Jimin uttered "You're beautiful."
My blood heated as everyone turned to stare at him. He flushed and backtracked.
"Your voice. You have a beautiful voice. Mianhae."
I nodded. "Thanks. Nothing compared ro you guys though. You should seriously look into music as a career."
Hoseok choked on his soju, and the heavy moment was gone as Yoongi beat him on the back.
Jimin looked confused and turned to Jungkook, but Jungkook just shook his head at him and tossed back the rest of his shot.
I glanced at my phone, finding it to be 11:30 already, and sighed, clambering to my feet and brushing my clothes off.
"It's about my bedtime, and you guys said you have work tomorrow, so I should probably head home." I smiled at all of them. "Thanks for dinner, it was amazing... We should do it again sometime."
The way every one of their faces lit up was enough to stop me from kicking myself for letting that last comment slip out.
Everyone scrambled to their feet to head inside, and Hoseok was the first to offer to walk me home. I declined, but he wouldn't take no for an answer.
I said goodnight to the others at the door and we made our way across the lawn in companionable silence. He waited for me to unlock the door and step inside before waving his hand and stepping off the porch.
Right before I shut the door he turned on his heel and said my name. I looked at him.
"I don't think Jimin just meant your voice."
Confused, I waited for him to continue.
"You're a good person. You have a beautiful heart. I think we can all see that already."
He paused.
"I think after tonight we're all glad that you moved here, even if we don't know you too well yet."
I smiled softly and nodded, blinking back the wetness gathering in my eyes.
"Thank you," I managed. "I'm glad too."
He smiled his ridiculously bright smile and waved the hand that wasn't in his pocket, then turned and jogged back across our yards.
I closed and locked the door before kicking off my shoes, shaking my hair down, and making my way to my bed.
Collapsing back onto my sheets, I let snipets of the day replay through my head.
Tae's face when I said I'd be there, he and Jungkook rushing to take my bags. Yoongi's hands steadying me before I could lose my balance, preparing food with Jin. The embaressing conversation with Namjoon, and his careful touch when I hurt myself.
I breathed deep.
Jin's hands holding mine so gently, taking care of me. Yoongi refusing to let me near the grill and taking over for me. The boys' chilling voices. Jimin calling me beautiful and stumbling over his words. The way everyone beamed when I suggested hanging out together again. Hoseok walking me home, making sure I got inside safe, and the words he spoke.
A smile crept to my lips. Maybe these boys weren't nearly the nuisance I'd originally thought they would be. For the first time since Hye Ji left, I felt at home.