Lost in thought, I was walking down the street when I suddenly bumped into someone.
- Watch out!
I would’ve fallen if the guy I crashed into hadn’t caught me. I looked up to see who it was, intending to apologize but the words got stuck in my throat.
It was Jungkook from BTS.
- Are you okay? - he asked, peering at me from beneath a green-and-black baseball cap.
I stared at him, mouth slightly open, before finally stammering,
- I’m fine… Sorry… and thank you.
My voice trembled a little, which made him smile. I gave a quick bow and scurried off, flustered.
**********
I hadn’t seen him again since that day. I kept scolding myself for wasting such an opportunity. Today, once again, I was walking down the same street toward home.
- Still walking with your head in the clouds? - a cheerful voice called from behind.
I couldn’t believe it was him. I turned around cautiously and saw him standing there. My cheeks flushed, and I immediately looked away. His eyes and smile were way too much for my heart to handle it was pounding like crazy.
- I’m Jungkook. - he said. - But I guess you already knew that.
- _____. - I mumbled.
An awkward silence fell between us. We kept sneaking glances at each other, followed by shy smiles.
- Want to take a walk? - Jungkook asked, breaking the silence.
- Sure. - I replied, smiling slightly.
I wanted to get to know him better. He was my bias, after all. And the sparkle in his eyes only intrigued me more.
**********
From that day on, we started meeting regularly. We became good friends.
At least, that’s how it was for him. For me, I wanted something more than just friendship, even though I knew it probably wouldn’t happen. I tried to forget about him, but every time he called, I caved and picked up.
**********
One day, I was tidying up the kitchen when the doorbell rang. I opened the door to see Jungkook, grinning from ear to ear.
- Hey. - I said, letting him in.
- Hi. - he replied. - Sorry I’ve been so busy lately, but I couldn’t miss today.
- What’s today? - I asked, confused.
He narrowed his eyes and scanned me.
- Don’t tell me you forgot your own birthday…
I made an embarrassed face, which didn’t go unnoticed.
- Turn around. No peeking.
I did as he said. Moments later, I heard the door open and close twice.
- Okay, you can turn around now.
When I did, I saw Jungkook holding a huge plush bear.
- Happy birthday!
I thanked him and offered him something to drink. While I moved around the kitchen, I could feel his eyes on me. Every time I caught him staring, he quickly looked away.
- Here you go. - I said, handing him a glass.
I sat next to him on the couch. He looked distracted, staring off into space. Something felt different.
I cleared our glasses and stood in front of him.
- Are you okay?
He looked up and nodded, but it didn’t convince me. I pressed him until he finally said.
- Well… I have another surprise for you. I’m just not sure you’ll like it.
- Come on, of course I will!
- You don’t even know what it is. How can you be sure?
I didn’t know what to say. He looked unusually serious.
- You know me. What could possibly worry you?
- This.
He stepped closer, hesitantly. I felt his hand on my cheek and then his lips on mine. The world spun, and my legs turned to jelly. Just in case, I clutched his shirt tightly, feeling the toned body beneath.
- I love you, _____. - he whispered as he pulled away. - And happy birthday again.
- Didn’t I tell you I’d love your surprise? - I smiled. - I love you too, you idiot.
I barely got the words out before his lips met mine again in a long, passionate kiss.