Chapter 2 – Well that was a start
Split into several cars, the members and staff travelled to a group photo-shoot. Jungkook barely glanced my way as we got into different cars but I caught a look between him and Jimin, an eye roll from Jungkook's part and a smirk from Jimin before they disappeared from my sight.
"Stick close to me Marley-ssi," Nicole said as she indicated for me to follow her. "It can be a little overwhelming to start with but everyone is very friendly."
"Oh thank you," I said, grateful to have someone watching out for me. It was definitely out of my comfort zone although the buzz of noise and people was not that different from busy award days and I handled those. The difference was I had a very defined job on those days and here and now, I had no real idea of what my job was going to be. And of course, there was Jungkook. He changed the way I felt about the job I was doing, feeling more self conscious than I normally would because, frankly, he was ridiculously attractive and it gave me all kinds of feelings.
Pulling up to a building that looked like it could double as the murder scene in a horror movie, we piled out, staff carrying things and beginning to set up stations to touch up makeup while other staff took the members aside to talk through what the theme of the shoot would be and give them clothes to change into inside hastily set up areas screened off through the doors of the derelict looking building. Nicole was lead over to where there were some men who looked like they were the caretakers of the building, a little rough around the edges and big eyed at all the action going on around them.
"Good afternoon, is there anything we need to know about the building, places that we shouldn't go," she asked.
"Yeah love, stay away from the 3rd floor, there are quite a few rooms that have holes in them. We wouldn't want a lovely thing like you to fall through one now, would we?"
The man was eyeing her up as he answered and I wasn't loving the look on either of the men's faces or the obvious discomfort they were causing Nicole.
"Thank you, unless there is something else we need to know, we won't be needing you for anything else. I'm sure you've been told you can't take any pictures so it's probably best you wait outside now or better yet, come back in, what, three to four hours," I asked Nicole and she nodded along, turning away from them to look at me. Raising an eyebrow slightly, I saw the infinitesimal quirk as the corner of her lip twitched towards a smile. "Gentleman, thank you," I said and taking her arm, I walked us both away.
"What a complete ass," I said when we were far enough away for them not to hear. I would've said it to his face but considering it was my first day on the job, I'd probably already overstretched.
"And you Marley-ssi, are fabulous," she replied and we both cracked up laughing, walking back over to all the action.
At that point, Hobi and Jin had appeared, decked out in a grunge look that was very fitting for the surrounding. The photographer was speaking to them and giving guidance about what he wanted them to do and that is where Nicole was needed, translating when his English failed to convey what he wanted the two of them to do. Before long, they were snapping away and I watched, 10 plus other staff also watching or zipping away to help another member, filming something in another corner of the room. It was constant motion and noise and I was blinking as I took it all in.
"What normally happens at photo shoots is they work in units and then they do some individual and full group shots. They'll also change out for another outfit. I think the plan today is two very different looks in this place. There will be several more photoshoots over the next few weeks elsewhere as they are shooting for an album, some promo work and for a DVD package." Nicole was explaining it all to me and I was grateful as I'd never really liked getting my own photo taken so watching them get theirs taken was fascinating, my eyes glued to the front. You could tell they had been doing this for years, turning and changing their poses, each member showing something different to the camera. Once Jin and Hobi had finished, they called for Taehyung and Jimin and I watched them in action too. Tae didn't take a single photo that wasn't good and Jimin looked so innocent in some, like he was a teenager and then he ran his hands through his hair and turned into someone completely different. Definitely fascinating.
When it was time for Namjoon, Yoongi and Jungkook, it was easy for me to watch without I being obvious I was staring at Jungkook. I'd been standing with Nicole, listening as she talked to the photographer, occasionally calling something out to a member. We belonged where we were standing, front and centre, just off to the left of the action and it gave me a chance to really look. I'd been stealing glances since he'd emerged from behind the screened off area, rips in jeans strategically placed to show his thighs when he moved a certain way, hair styled messy, like he was a rebel, dark eye make turning him a little goth. The stylists had tied a shirt around his waist so he was wearing just a tank top and his arms were visible, muscular and tattooed. All of that was seen from quick snatches while his make up was finished and now he was standing in front of me and I had to pretend I was just watching rather than what I was actually doing. Which was taking in every move he made.
He was looking dead at the camera and the look he gave made me want to rip all his clothes off and jump him then and there. Very unprofessional thoughts were zipping through my head and I was so focused that I didn't hear Jimin come up behind me.
"Enjoying everything Marley-ssi," he asked, smirk evident.
"I'm learning a lot Jimin-ssi," I answered, avoiding his eyes. I knew they were boring into mine and would be able to read what I was thinking and the thought made me try desperately not to blush.
"He looks good, doesn't he," Jimin persisted and I decided to play along.
"Hmmm, yes, Namjoon looks very striking in what he's wearing."
"I was meaning Yoongi hyung but I'll be sure to tell Jungkookie that you thought Namjoon was hot," he said and I glared.
"I did not say that," I replied and he cracked up laughing, narrowly avoiding throwing his body against mine, pulling back just in time. Especially as Jungkook's eyes fell on us, frowning.
"Ah, lets not provoke the jealous one," Jimin said, stepping back a little.
"Jealous," I asked and he nodded vigorously.
"Oh yes, he can get very jealous and I think you will be no exception," he answered and I looked to where Jungkook was focused again on his work but it looked like he was holding his body a little stiffer than he had been.
"The photographer said to relax Jungkookie," Nicole called out to him and Jimin cracked up before moving away.
"See," was his parting word as I watched Jungkook take a breath, glancing our way and relaxing his body. I doubted whether Jimin was completely telling the truth but I was interested to know that he could be that way about some people. It was piecing together a picture of who Jungkook was because I really knew so little about him apart from what I saw on screen. I did know he was very good with his hands though and I blushed at the thought. My imagination had always been vivid and it was so memorable that it didn't take much to conjure up those images again.
Flicking my eyes back to the shoot in front of me I enjoyed watching Jungkook in his element and if I wasn't mistaken, he looked like he was trying just a little bit harder to impress, Yoongi smirking at one point as he looking from where Jungkook was standing, towards the camera and me.
"Hold that look Yoongi," the photographer called and Nicole yelled out the instructions, causing him to smirk broader as he winked at me. I blushed, especially when Jungkook scowled and the photographer liked the contrast, asking for Kook to hold that look too.
"Perfect, perfect, you're doing really well," and I had to look away because it felt like I was causing a little disruption, even if the photographer seemed to be making the most of it. They were after all, professionals at their job.
The last part of the photo shoot was to bring them all back together to do the group photos before outfit changes and then they would start all over again. I hadn't been needed much today for translating but it gave me a good chance to see a sample of what I would be doing and it was fascinating. And as they came together to shoot the group photos, I marvelled again. They were like a machine, moving in synergy as they looked at the camera, at each other, briefly touching, smiling, smouldering. And then when the lighting was reset, they joked around with each other and staff before putting their game faces back on when the photographer was ready for the next ones.
I hovered in the background of it all, not wanting to draw attention to myself as I was still new and I didn't want to get in anyone's way. But throughout the whole day I caught Jungkook looking my way, eyes sliding away when it wasn't safe to keep looking or occasionally when the angle allowed it to seem like he was staring into the camera, he was looking at me instead. People would say I couldn't tell that for sure but I could tell and I'd seen that look before. The one where he is undressing you with his eyes, the hint of a smirk on his lips. I had very fond memories of that look, of a hotel room, of gazing up at that look from where I lay under him. But it made me uncomfortable as I wondered how obvious it was to others so I avoided looking at him when I caught that look, choosing to focus on another member or the photographer or my shoes instead.
When the first set of photos were over and it was outfit change time, the members all took a moment to relax as they headed over to the changing area for their next outfits, some refreshing with a drink or a quick snack. Jungkook picked the food table, right next to where I was now standing.
"How is today going for you," he asked, startling me from where I had been staring blankly at the food selection and picking nothing.
"Oh, it's really interesting," I answered, glancing around to see who was nearby. Staff was everywhere and Jin was also picking something to eat a few steps away. "I'm learning lots and enjoying watching."
"I bet," Jin said as he grabbed some grapes, popped a couple in his mouth and winked as he walked away.
"Ignore him," Jungkook said, grabbing a couple of pieces of fruit and turning to smile cutely at me. I was more than a little astounded at the variety of expressions he could pull in just a few minutes, switching between intense and sweet in what seemed like a heartbeat.
"He's not wrong though," I said, smiling back then quickly looking around again. This clandestine thing was not going to be easy. Holding my face as neutral as possible when he was close would be a chore when I felt like my attraction for him was blatantly obvious on my face.
"I'm enjoying it too," he said, pretending to lean for more food but leaning close enough to whisper on his way past. "Watching you watch me."
"I might not be doing that," I answered as he turned to leave.
"I don't believe you," he replied, raising an eyebrow as he turned his back and walked over to the changing area. I had to shake myself out of watching him walk away. I'm sure if anyone glanced in my direction, ogling his ass would definitely give my feelings away.
"He's got a thing for you," Jimin said as he joined me at the table, standing too close for me to move without bumping into anything, effectively trapping me for a moment.
"Oh, does he," I said, attempting to sound nonchalant but internally doing a small victory dance. "I'm sure you're mistaken."
"We all live together and drink together. He gets chatty when he's tipsy," Jimin smirked, not moving from my space and I blushed a little.
"Oh, does he," I said again, desperately wanting to ask what he said but holding my tongue in a vain attempt at not being too obvious.
"Yeah, I had to find out, because, well," he said, raking his eyes down and up my body before shrugging, "I think you're pretty and I told him so."
"Oh, ummmm, thank you," I stuttered out, wondering where the confident me had disappeared to from when we'd first met. Then I felt in control. Now, I was out of my depth with the language, the people, the men all around me.
"We all have eyes but Jungkook made it clear it was hands off," Jimin said, quietly but as casually as if he had just told me the time.
"Interesting," I replied as calmly as I could and he grinned.
"I thought you'd think so, considering what I interrupted earlier," and he turned to follow Jungkook to get changed. "Have fun with that," he added, taking himself out of my personal space and leaving me with lots of questions.
If he liked me and had 'staked his claim' so to speak, I wondered who knew what had happened between us that night, how much of that night they knew about in what details and what was he thinking would be happening while they were here in town?
"Marley-ssi," I heard, turning to where Nicole was waving me over. "It would be good if you ran point for this second shoot since a lot of your job will be communicating with the English speaking crew we'll be working with."
"Oh, sure, sure," I answered, my nerves kicking up a notch at the thought and apparently they were obvious on my face as Nicole leaned closer so only I would hear.
"Don't worry, you could be telling us anything and most people wouldn't know. Only Namjoon and I speak a high level of English, everyone else does their best but find it exhausting. Just find the best words to fit the situation and it'll be fine."
"Thank you Nicole-ssi," I replied, relieved at her encouragement. I still felt woefully out of my depth but I was here for a reason and needed to step up.
"Can you gather the first duo," the photographer asked. "Ah, that's Taehyung and Yoongi," he continued, looking at his piece of paper.
"Yoongi-ssi, Taehyung-ssi, they need you now please," I called, seeing them appear from behind the changing screens. No-one blinked an eye that it was me organising them, following along with instructions as they tucked in their shirts and makeup noona hurried alongside to touch up their makeup. I almost stumbled though when they got closer, dressed completely differently than before. This time it was business attire, long coats and button up shirts and ties giving them the appearance of wealthy young professionals. A contrast to their last set of photos and to the back drop of the dirty, grimy walls of the building we were in. They both looked amazing and my mind began to form a picture of what Jungkook would look like dressed in the same clothing.
And then I didn't have to imagine, as he appeared next to me, watching as Yoongi and Tae got into position, leaning a little closer to me as he appeared to be intently watching what his hyung were doing.
"I see you," he whispered near my ear.
" I see you too, you're standing next to me," I said back, equally as quietly.
"That's not what I meant, you were checking me out earlier."
"It's my job to watch you Jungkook," I replied, keeping an eye on the men posing in front of me.
"I like that you're watching me because I'm watching you too," he said, standing up and straightening his tie, drawing my attention to his outfit although I had to quickly look away. It warmed me too quickly to be standing so close to him dressed like that.
"I'm working Jungkook," I said quietly and he nodded.
"I'll leave you to it then Marley-ssi, keep up the good work," and he sauntered away to wait for his turn while I attempted to focus back on the action in front of me.
But when it was his turn, standing there looking like a meal alongside Jin, I had to give myself a mental talking to so that I could get through the afternoon. His eyes penetrated straight down the camera lens and since I was standing just off camera, behind the photographer, it looked like he was staring me down and I was lost for a few moments every now and again, having to snap myself out of it.
I was able to relax a little more as the shoot wore on so by the time the whole group was assembling for the final photos, I could laugh and joke as well. Jungkook stole the occasional glance and it looked like he was sizing me up still but doing what I asked him to do when instructions were sent his way.
"Can you ask them all to lean back against the wall, cross ankles, hands in pockets, one or two only one hand in pocket. I want a few with their heads tilted back on an angle and some looking off to the side."
I repeated the instructions and there was a blank look across most of the their faces.
"Ah, kind of like this," I said, leaning against a wall to demonstrate a few poses, thumbs up from he photographer, smiles from the members, causing me to blush a little but taking their good natured ribbing as it was meant to be, just some light teasing.
"You should join us Marley-ssi," Jimin called and I shook my head with an emphatic no.
"Focus everyone," Hobi called out and they all fell naturally into those poses, spaced out in a way that made sense and playing to their own strengths. The fact they had been doing this for years definitely made working with them so much easier than if they had no idea what to do. At least I was the only one out of my depth and not them as well.
You could tell they were getting tired, the whole process taking many hours, the sky outside now dark but they held it together with the promise they could head back to the hotel after this for some dinner. Feeling even more relaxed now, I translated when the photographer said to 'look like you were bored with all the options in front of them, turning your heads away in disdain' to 'look like Yoongi-ssi does when a reporter asks a stupid question', earning laughter from them all before they gave the desired poses.
"Well played," said Yoongi as he walked past me at the end, knowing I was teasing and I was glad that he wasn't annoyed with how familiar I was being with them all.
"Thank you kind sir," I teased with a curtsy and he stopped walking, turning back to stare for a moment.
"Careful Marley-ssi. Jungkook may have decided he is the one who will spend his time with you but there are others who see you as well," and his eyes dropped a little, to my lips.
I swallowed, trying to work out his words. "I'm a person with my own mind, I get to decide who I spend time with not Jungkook."
"Oh he knows, that's what he's worried about. That someone else will catch your attention. I know you've caught all of ours."
"Don't tease Yoongi-ssi," I said, embarrassed at his words.
"You don't know me well yet but I don't lie," he answered, a quick raise of an eyebrow before he walked away, leaving me wondering what that was all about.
I glanced around, not seeing Jungkook anywhere, assuming he was getting changed like the others. I didn't really have a role in that moment, nothing to pack up or really do so I walked out towards the waiting cars, needing a moment to have some fresh air. I knew these weeks would be intense no matter whether Jungkook and I were to carry on from where we left off or not but I felt a little off kilter in that moment, replaying Yoongi's words in my head.
Feeling a tugging on my hand, I was quickly pulled with a short gasp into a darkened alcove that was between the photo-shoot area and the cars waiting outside. I could hear the chaos in the distance as everyone changed and packed up but was focused only on Jungkook who had turned his back on it all, shielding me on the off chance someone walked past. We weren't easily visible as we rested against the back wall of the alcove but we weren't exactly out of the way either.
"Hey there," Jungkook said, gazing down at me. He was still in his suit from the last shoot and I was very tempted to reach out and touch, holding myself back instead.
"Hey yourself," I answered, locking with his eyes and seeing them dilate against the dim light. Yea, that was probably just from the light, I told myself.
"You seemed in control earlier, I liked seeing you like that. It reminded me of the first time we met, the clipboard, those legs on display," he said, clearly flirting with me.
"I'll probably not have much need to wear those kind of work clothes when I'm working with you guys," I replied,
"Pity, I miss those legs," he said, stepping towards me, his head angled to look down even as I lifted my face towards him, my lips in his direction.
"Yeah," I asked and he nodded.
"Yeah, I miss them wrapped around my hips," he whispered, reaching his hand to take the back of my head in his, drawing us even closer.
All the tension came together as our lips grazed, Jungkook hovering his mouth so tantalisingly close and smirking before he finally closed the gap and I almost pulled away before it happened, annoyed at how he was teasing. But once they hit, it was instant. That feeling I remembered from a few months earlier, the easy way we moved together, lips slotting to settle once the first taste had happened. It was deep and slow, no frantic moving or desperate rush to sink into each other. We were enjoying that it had finally happened again but a small noise in the distance brought us out of what we were doing, reminding us of where we were.
"Well, that was a start," Jungkook said, licking his lip and I brought my fingers up to rest briefly on my own lips as I leaned back to look up at him.
"The start of what," I asked, waiting for him to finish the sentence.
"The start of whatever comes next," he answered and I had to look away from the intensity and innuendos, insides bubbling and churning from how weak he made me with just a few words.
"Jungkook-ssi," a voice called and we moved back from each other, both knowing it was dangerous to get caught. "Where are you? We need your suit."
"You go," I said, taking a moment to settle my breathing, escalated from his mouth and words.
"I'm very much enjoying watching you from a distance Marley but getting close to you is even better," he said as he backed away, taking off at a jog towards whoever was calling him and I grinned. I was very much enjoying watching him too and I wasn't sure I would ever get enough of those lips.