This morning, I decide to grab my things and stay at a hotel for the night. Martin joins me without asking why we were leaving without saying goodbye to the boys. Although we couldn't stand each other most of the time, we followed one another blindly and with complete trust. I wouldn't have come to South Korea had I not trusted Martin.
Just as we're about to open the front door, Jimin comes out of his room and into the common area. He's rubbing his eyes and making his way to the kitchen and almost doesn't see us standing there. When he finally notices us, he takes a moment to look us over. Seeing us holding our bags and a folded up note on the table, his sleepy dazed look has vanished.
"Jess, what's going on? Did something happen between you and Kookie? Or Taehyung? Are you leaving?"
I guess one of the guys talked to him about the situation going on between the guys and I. "No, Jimin. Everyone has been great to me. I think it'd just be best if I left for the day. Let some tension brush off. Once that happens, I think I'll feel more comfortable here and maybe we can come back. Assuming you're all ok with that."
He nods. "We'll miss having you guys here, but I'm sure it'll only be for today. I think that might be a good idea. I don't know what kind of mood those guys will be in when they wake up."
"Thanks, Jimin. And tell the guys I'm sorry for not saying goodbye, I just couldn't face them. I'll see you all at the studio for today's filming."
Jimin hugs me and walks Martin and I out.
Not long after Martin and I are settled into our new hotel do I start receiving texts from both Tae and Jungkook. They both apologize profusely if they made me feel uncomfortable. They both have also agreed to lay off the flirting for the remainder of our filming time. However, both still wanted a real date after the ones for the show were over. I ignore the messages and decide to have my hair and makeup done at the hotel instead of the studio. Now that BTS and I had become friends, the guys would often share a hair and makeup station with me and our wardrobe would be separate. Because of this, I decide it's for the best. Martin still doesn't question anything going on and I just assume he knows what has happened.
Just like Martin, my crew acts as if this sudden change isn't weird. Just two days ago the guys and I were inseparable. Now I'm not even getting my hair done with them.
Once my look is done, Martin and I make our way to the studio with just two assistants for any touchups we may need during filming. Today they gave me beach curls and very minimum makeup for a natural look. I am wearing a yellow dress that stops just above my knees and a thin brown belt hugs my waist. I pair it off with brown heels with thick straps at the toes and ankles.
Right as we pull up to the back entrance, Tae and JK are standing outside. Their hand gestures and facial expressions makes their discussion seem serious. My face instantly flushes as I now realize I have to pass by them in order to get inside. I gulp. Martin seems to notice and tells me to stay behind a few beats while he walked inside the building. I do as I'm told.
Martin steps out of the car and quickly closes the door as if to hide me. The guys see him and they all bow to one another. Martin walks into the building without saying another word to them. Tae and JK look to my car and I'm so glad the windows are tinted. They exchange a few words before finally making their way into the building as well. I take the opportunity to make my way into the building as well.
Once inside, my team heads straight to the studio to film the next date's introduction. The guys all come in one by one and keep distance between us. JK and Tae come in together and barely even acknowledge my presence. Even Tae Min notices the awkwardness between all of us.
"Jungkookie, Jess! Did you two have a fight? Why is he not drooling over you like he usually does?" He laughs loudly, but when he notices the rest of us shifting around awkwardly, he bites his lip and doesn't press on the matter.
We have finished filming our introduction and we make our way for a wardrobe change before leaving again. Tae Min told us we should really dress up for tonight's date and I can't help but feel a little excited despite all the madness going on. My crew changes me into a long, beautiful red satin dress with a long slit to show off my leg. My eyelashes are more dramatic and my nude lipstick is changed for a deep red shade.
After our wardrobe change, I meet Jimin at the car that will take us to our next date. However, instead of a regular car, Jimin and I are picked up in a sleek black luxury car. Jimin is given the keys. All we can do is stare at the car with our jaws on the floor. Tae Min steps forward and laughs.
"Where you guys are going, you need to go all out! Jimin, we hope you can handle this car!"
He nods. "Oh yeah, I can't wait to drive this beast!"
Jimin opens my car door and makes his way to the driver side of the car. Once we're both inside, we peel off to the destination already entered into the GPS. I can't help but feel a little jealous that Jimin gets to drive such a fancy car.
As if he read my mind, Jimin smiles at me. "Don't worry, Jess. I'll ask the staff to let you drive it around a bit after we finish filming. It can be a small addition to our private time on the date."
After a short drive, Jimin pulls into a long driveway up into a mountainous are full of trees and high grass. At the top of the driveway is a mansion with large windows. A fountain spouts just in front of the mansion decorated in beautiful flowers. Jimin opens my car door and holds my hand to help me up the stairs and into the foyer. My heart is in my throat as Jimin and I follow a trail of rose petals that lead into a grand ballroom. A crystal chandelier hangs in the middle of the room and a quartet is off to the side with classical instruments.
Jimin smiles warmly as he offers me his hand. "Would you like to dance?"
I giggle nervously. "Me? Dance? I don't think so."
He grabs my wrist anyways and pulls me to my feet in one quick motion, grabbing my waist and pulling me in to dance. He awkwardly places my arms around his neck while his go on my hips. The song is slow, and we sway back and forth slowly. My gown brushes along the floor and he's careful to make sure his feet don't get tangled up in it. At first, it's awkward and I step on his toes repeatedly. I apologize constantly, yet he just laughs and tells me to let him lead. When I finally learn to let go, the dancing is much smoother, and I no longer step on his feet.
I can't help but feel guilty being on this date with everything going on. Jimin, always observant, notices right away and brings his forehead down to mine. He keeps his eyes on the floor while he speaks softly so the cameras can't pick up what we're saying, but still looks romantic enough for the viewers.
"Jess, something on your mind?"
I nod.
"Tae and JK?"
I nod again.
He sighs softly. "What exactly happened? Tae said he was going to beat JK, and all Kookie said was 'I have to try harder' and walked away."
"Tae has feelings for me. Both the guys want to take me on a private date once filming is over, and I can choose who I want to be with at the end of it all."
"Well that should be easy, right? I mean, you like JK, right? You guys have been inseparable since day one!"
I bite my lip. When I don't answer right away, Jimin's eyes shoot up to look at me.
"It's complicated…"
Jimin pulls away suddenly, but he plays it off by spinning me around. He brings me back into our embrace. "What does that mean? Tae might actually have a chance?"
"At first, I really was crazy about JK! I only went along with the idea of this show just so I could go on a date with him. But after Singularity was released and I spent the day with Tae, we became close. I learned so much about him. With Jungkook, I only know 'Jungkook of BTS.' He hasn't let me in much since our first date. But Tae, he lets me in. He's not afraid to be himself around me and vice versa. I might've fallen for him, too."
Jimin sighs again. "I thought this would happen. The night before Singularity was released, when we stayed up late talking, he mentioned he'd pursue you. I advised him not to because in the end, he'd just wind up confusing you. I guess he didn't take my advice."
Once the music is over, the quarter makes their way out of the room and in comes six BTS members carrying a white marble table. Behind them is a few members from the film crew with white dining chairs. They all set up the dinner for us and the guys all tease JK for getting distracted by the way I look. I notice his gaze on me while he sets up the table, but I pretend not to. Once everything has been set up, the members all bow and leave the room with the cameras.
Jimin takes my hand as he pulls out a chair for me. Once we're settled in, we look over all the food that was set up for us to enjoy. I lick my lips as I try to decide where to begin.
Jimin notices me and laughs. "I recommend you start with something not so heavy. You don't want to get full before you get to try everything!"
I blush, slightly embarrassed. "Yeah, I think you're right. Maybe I shouldn't start with the meat like I always do. I love meat!"
He nods. "The guys you've gone on a date have mentioned it. They say that's essentially all you eat on the dates."
Now I'm sure my face is bright red with embarrassment. Regardless, I enjoy all the food until my stomach has almost doubled in size. When we've both had our fill, we lean back on the couch. Jimin stares at me and I can't seem to shake his gaze away from me.
I finally decide to ask what the deal is. "Jimin?"
He raises his eyebrows.
"Why are you staring at me?"
He smiles. "Sorry, I just can't believe you're the same girl that walks around the dorm with dried drool on her chin and messy hair in the morning."
"Jimin!"
He laughs. "I didn't mean to be rude! I think it's cute. What I mean is, you look beautiful tonight. I think this is the most dressed up you've ever had to be on one of the dates. I'm glad I got to be the one to take you out with this gown. Honestly, you really look amazing!"
"Thank you. I was a little unsure about the whole thing—it felt a bit too much. But if you like it, then I'm glad."
"I love it."
