You're my penicillium,
saving me, saving

Flashback: 27 May 2017. Part 6

You already shower, but you quickly throw on your sweat pants with a grey hoodie with a cute sequence. You didn't have time to blow-dry your hair. It was falling around your face in the " beach look."

You went down to the ground floor that leads to the hallway to the managers' offices. Your heart is pounding, and your hands were sweating because you don't know why do you feel all this dread all of a sudden.

You saw a big black cladded male standing in front of the door as a guard. He nodded at the door and quickly informed whoever is inside that you've arrived. You greet him warmly and knock at the open the door, and he gesture to go inside.

You were surprised to see your manager Mr. Oliver was opening the door wider for you to enter. You frown at him as he nod at you with a small smile. When you fully enter the office suite, your blood drained from your already paled face.

In front of you in the room were few people sitting on the couches or chairs, looking at you with questioning gazes. You know at least how to greet and bow respectfully.

All of them are Asians...not just any, but BTS managers. Omg as you lift up your eyes and shift it at a movement by the window, you saw Jimin standing with folded arms in a little defiant  manner looking distraught and you had that sinking feeling that BTS management has caught on your secret fling.

You can't let him be in trouble. He told you he was under  a strict dating ban, but you dismissed the rule now this. His eyes were looking at you apologetically. You even notice a sombre Taehyung and Jungkook among the people standing near Jimin to give him moral support.

It was Sejin. MS Cheong, your supervising manager. Mr. Oliver and the maknae -line. Jungkook and V look nervous.

The lovely and classy female manager gave you a small smile.

"Good day Ruby ...I'm manager Ms Cheong and this is -Mr Sejin , Bangtan Senior Manager whom you might know" the lady manager was addressing you. You look at the glasses guy and furrow your brows. You don't know who it is. You shook your head. How  will you know the glasses guy? Bangtan Manager. Omg!!!

Sejin smile a little," Thank you Mr Oliver...we'll take if from here." They gestured to you to take a seat.

Mr Oliver nod ,but you can see the curiosity in his eyes had him bad. He must be wondering what's  the interest in the famous band? His dying to know the deeds. You just smile at him.

Your eyes look intently at Jimin from across the room to indicate what this is all about? He shrugged back and gestured with his face on the table. The shock made you speechless.

Your gaze moves to the small coffee table—a folder lying open with numerous photos of your adventures with Jimin. Your hands moved with visible shock to your mouth. O gosh! You can't believe the Aussie paparazzi followed you. Your eyes started to tear up. You messed up.

The look on Jimins'face spoke volumes, concern and worry. He is now realising how reckless he was putting his girl in danger and ruining her calm life. If this is published her life will irrevocably be changed. Even Korean papz will hunt her down...Sasaengs? O goodness!!!!

"Geez... I'm so sorry, Jimin... ma'am, sir, I'm a real shocker for lettin' this happen on my watch," you choked out the words.

Sejin looks at your face and saw your genuine shock. They were so used to girls using the boys for fame. But they look at you with surprise as you repeatedly apologized.

Sejin sigh, "Ms Ruby...how long did you and Park Jimin knew each other-"Jimin wanted to interrupt..

"Sejin-Hyung-" he lifts his hand to stop Jimin from speaking. He had enough of this maknae nonsense. V and Jungkook look at Jimin who's teeth were clenched in annoyance.

You look frightened at their managers.

Ms. Cheong, "Ms. Ruby, you need to tell us everything. Your life would be changed overnight if the tabloid published it. They at least send us the pics to get us to respond to this dating scandal. I'm afraid some pics were already in circulation in South Korea. Our team is already busy negotiating with the Korean Herald. The Australian already got a wind from this said tabloid about a major exposure of this band..."

You were shivering now of the inner stress you are experiencing right now. The two younger maknaes had to keep Jimin in from running to you. Jimin knew he mess up big in Australia and this time he ruined the life of a girl he loved.

Ms Cheong got a call and by her serious expression the boys knew she was speaking to the CEO Bang Pd , who called her with the details.

You and Jimin's eyes were locked on its each other the whole time. You were biting your nails, a very nervous habit when you feel caged in. This morning you finally broke up now this!

Taehyung, with his deep voice speaking in Korean," Sejin-Hyung ...this is the first time Jimin likes hanging out with a girl who showed him the sights." He was trying to defend Jimin. Jungkook stood nervous with big round bunny eyes watching the scene unfold. Jimin took a seat with a defeated face.

Sejin with pursed lips," Bang is very upset, Jimin? this will cause him to reveal the identities of the other soulmates to the public and we are not ready for that. ARMY will demand answers of what happened here and what she Ruby is to you. Taehyung, you and Jungkook were aiding him in his mischief...You suppose to look out for him."

Sejin looked at a very stressed-out Jimin who has his hands in his hair. He wanted to sweep his girl now ex -girl in his arms and telling her it'll be ok. But he knows it will not be.

Sejin glanced at your beautiful face, and he can see why Jimin was so obsessed. Jimin told him a few days ago that he liked a Tarnished girl and he asked permission from Sejin to just spend time with her, Sejin didn't think that Jimin would seriously fall for the girl. They all know Jimin will tease and flirt maybe kiss a girl here and there but he was always careful.

Ms. Cheong handed the phone to Sejin. Bang Pd wanted to speak to him about the way forward to protect the band and the girl from ARMY backslash.

Ms. Cheong looked at your tear-streaked face, " Ruby ...these pics show you and Jimin are very....well acquainted... the two of you at the food market holding hands, you and Jimin in your car, at the harbor with your head on his shoulders, several photos of you kissing on the beach, on the boardwalk, your picnic. in the car-"

It felt as if there are now more blood in your veins, so white you became. This is so bad.

Jimin retorted back, annoyed, "That was a private moment."

"I know. Jimin, you did it in public places...You are famous and well recognisable..."she look, at his face which was filled with irritation and then glance at you to answer about the state of your  rendezvous.

You look at him and you know you going to tremendously  upset him in what you're about to say to Ms Cheong, they can't know the details. Jimin looked at you confusedly as you mouthed how sorry you are.

You sighs in relieved when Sejin came back and look at you and Jimin," the Korean team could negotiate with the newspapers and they agreed not to pose it. Dispatch is a bit tough...Bang Pd offered that 1.2million won, and they took the money. Approx. $1070. Dollars."

Sejin reread the rules for the boys" ....boys you know you still under the dating ban, yeah...The photographer gave us these photos for a fee with the negatives. The Sydney got the the hint also and want in,but Bang Pd is not that stupid , he paid up to squash the rumour. Ruby we need to be prepared to give a statement. What is the nature of this relationship...You both Tarnished."

You look at Jimin with deep despair, You have to play it down as one of Jimin flings" "Mr. Sejin, our adventures were just a bit of fun... it didn't mean a thing to Jimin and me... he was just muckin' about as usual... nothing serious..."

Jimin's eyes widen in shock. What the hell.!!! It meant everything to him. How can she say it meant nothing if she knew his heart belongs to her? She wasn't a cheap fling. He never slept around with random girls. She's the only girl for who he broke the moral code for.

He looks in your eyes with daggers.

The maknaes eyes lift in shock as they see the open hurt in their Hyungs eyes. You look at him apologetically, but you had to protect him. He'll understand later. His managers will not punish him for this. You had to protect him. Your "fling" meant everything to you.

Jimin's jaws were ajar in stunned silence, but he quickly closed it and look at you with an undefine emotion in his narrowed eyes. You could sense his inner fury, but the underline hurt was breaking your heart.

Your mouth, "I'm sorry," you know you hurt him with those words, but management mustn't know the state of your relationship. He is still under the dating ban. The CEO is already furious with what transpired from their Australian trip.

Jimin stood up and look with clenched teeth in your direction." Sejin... I think.... we have done here.Ruby is right; it...meant nothing to her... and for me, she was just a one-time fling ....soon to be forgotten....this stupidity almost.... cost me my career...I'm sorry, Manager hyung...I'll accept the consequence. ... lets' go ...I still have packing to do..." he walked to the door with annoyance and hurt evident in his eyes. You look at his back with sadness, tears running from your eyes as his shocked maknaes follow him out of the door. Ms. Cheong and Sejin look shocked and surprised. Sejin bow to you and nod at Ms. Cheong.

Sejin looked flabbergasted, and he knows in his gut that this was not just a "fling."These two kids are genuinely in love with each other.

'Ruby...we are sorry for everything...if this gets out, the company is willing to compensate you, but we begged you not to disclose your "fling" with the media...can we bank on your discretion?" He turns from the office door looking at you for confirmation.

You nod with teary eyes, and the heart was torn apart because you hurt Jimin by dismissing what you have in public as nothing serious. Jimin didn't want your relationship to end. But now he's so broken. You'll never use your connection to bring more damage to his image.

Ms. Cheong will speak to you further.

Your heart is bleeding especially when he said you were just a one-time thing. You know you hurt him first, especially when he told you how much you meant to him.

Jimin was not having that, and he was livid.

It was only you and Ms. Cheong now in the office... You wiped your eyes and looked at her concerned eyes, watching you intently.

"Ruby ...tell me the truth? You and our Jimin had a deeper connection. There's more to your so-called fling or distraction?"

You nodded "Sorry, Ms. Cheong. I didn't want to land him in more strife. But yeah, I did bend the truth? We ended up really into each other... It wasn't planned... I never aimed to get mixed up with celebs. Wasn't much into BTS at the beginning; didn't even notice the three youngest ones. They were surprised..." you spilled the beans, leaving out the most private bits, letting them reckon  that Jimin is still little mochi.

Ms. Cheong with sadness, " I sorry Ruby for what He said. BangPD took care of everything. You'll be safe. You can carry on with your life as normal. Don't hate Jimin, please. We can all see that he cares for you...for legal purposes...this is a confidentiality document it-" she explains to you the contents of the form, you read the fine print and sign. You'll never expose him or use your interaction to sell your story to tabloids for millions. You'll bury it deep into your heart.

She advised you not to interact openly with him, no calls to him, you need to break all connections so that your communication will not be compromised when things get out. In other words, stay clear from the said member. She wanted you to delete the photos of the two of you so that there''ll be no trace that will lead back to you.

If the connection were honest, you'd meet again.

After the talk with Ms. Cheong, you went to your room with a heavy heart. You were just lying on the bed and cry. Why did you hurt each other so much? It's strange. It felt like you denied each other and the pain in your heart was just escalating. You can't forget the stunned look in your ex-beau eyes.

.......

Back into your hotel room, you couldn't keep the tears in. You just fell on your bed and sobbed your heart out. Why Did You feel so empty, as if you lost more than a limb?

You had to get yourself together because you have a shift at the Executive lounge. You need to look presentable. You dressed elegantly in on a beautiful silky white and black top with your black pencil skirt. You put on your black short sleeve blazer with your name tag.

You blow-dried your hair to its glossy sheen and casually fastened it in an elegant messy bun.

Tonight Liz and you are on duty with Ally mending the welcoming desk.

You don't feel like interacting with the customers and ask Jason to be a host. You'll stand behind the bar, getting orders ready. Jason was so delighted to do something different, and he loves talking to people.

Just then, your heart sank because the whole Bangtan and their crew were entering. Where you were standing, you quickly hide away by sitting behind the bar on a chair, not wanting to see them. It was them, their management, bodyguards, and four-five female managers with staff lanyards.

Jimin looks so hot, but his demeanor was stoic and cold. The Hyungs couldn't understand what the matter with Jimin was. He was so exuberantly happy the past four days...what's wrong? Jungkook, the resident blabbermouth, inform the Hyungs about the latest dating scandal.

Namjoon felt it for Jimin. The Hyungs found out that he was so in love with the redhead, and according to Jungkook, they had to break up today. The maknae line didn't know how to console the Maknaes'  Hyung. He just dismissed them, telling them he's over his girl.

Taehyung and Jin-Hyung soulmates came this afternoon to join them for the Japanese tour. They are flying Sunday morning early. 

.......

You and Jimin didn't make any eye contact.

He was practically ignoring you, which hurt you so much. You felt the tears prick in your eyes, but you had to smile and remain professional.

He knew that you were discreetly looking at him, and suddenly he was from a stoic expression to the real Jimin overnight. He knew the management was observing the two of them closely.

The beautiful bombshell, Liz, was subtlety flirting with him. He was smiling brightly and flirted back with her.

Jungkook and Taehyung were so stunned at his sudden change in demeanor. It was as if he wanted to show you he'll forget you asap.
.....

You couldn't handle the agony. You were feeling the same break- up pain of two months ago just a thousand time more agonizing because the boy who shameless ignores you and flirt with a blond bombshell is the boy you love with your whole heart.

After you made two orders for a different table, you took out your phone and text Charlene to come and take over the last two hours of your shift. You told her BTS are the exclusive guests. She immediately responds with excitement. The band was eating and enjoying the high tea treats.

You quickly complete another round of drinks for their management. Charlene will be taking over in five minutes.

Suddenly you almost dropped your phone when Jungkook and V stood in front of you with apologetic eyes. They have side plates filled with assorted treats in their hands. You lightly smile at them.

"G'day...everything alright"- you look surprised at the two handsome bangtan members.

Jungkook coughs a little, " We sorry for ..Jimin...he is a ...fool."

V nod," He loves you a lot...he is in pain now..." he said in his deep voice.

You scoffed a bit, "Cheers, guys... you're tops... don't stress... Jimin and I are history... he seems real chuffed to me..." you nod your head subtly in the direction where Jimin was chatting it up with Liz.

Jungkooks' round bunny eyes look sad," Don't hate him....please. He wants...you only. He is so sad...now?"

You took a deep breath. "I'm out... It's all done between us. You were unreal last night... cheers for putting on such a ripper show for the Aussie ARMY. I was stoked. Swing by again... down under."

The maknae-line beamed at you. Jimin was following your every move but miss the crucial time when you slipped out. When Charlene took over with excitement, he was still chatting with Liz. The moment he lifts his eyes to look for you, you were already out of the room, in the elevator going towards your room.

You felt like bursting into tears, but there were guests sharing space in the elevator, so you be yourself strong.

When you reached your room, you quickly took out your suitcase and start packing because you're deciding by leaving tonight, you will quit and leave the hotel for good.

The tears were freely flowing. It pained you looking at him flirting with a blond. Your dad left your mom for a blond, Greg left you for a blond. Jimin flirt in front of you, hurting you bad with a blond. You love him, but you're done with love. Tonight you start burying all the pain at the back of your memories.

With a heavy heart, you pull your laptop out...sending your resignation letter to Mr. Oliver. Goodbye text messages to all your hotel friends...informing them you had to quit and leave earlier, family business. You quickly clothe yourself in your hoodie and skinny jeans, and your white converse sneakers.

With all your luggage securely packed, you lock your hotel room and briskly walked to the elevator.

In the elevator....you took out your phone, scroll down, and...

.... block his number.

......

Liz couldn't believe how hot Jimin was. She taught they like Ruby more, but Jimin wasn't even looking at Ruby which was surprising.

Jimin furrows his brows when he saw someone else at Ruby's post. He suddenly felt a deep emptiness and sadness. Losing her like this wasn't what he envisioned or planned—darn management.

The management told him to stay away from the girl. Get rid of all evidence of his association with the redhead girl.

He knew he acts immaturely by flirting, but she denied him in front of his management after all of his boys knows how whipped he was for her.

Did she really mean that? He knows he deliberately hurt her when he openly ignored her existence and flirted with her very hot colleague. He felt her pain, and it was too late when he realized he chose the same method to hurt her by preferring a blond girl over her.

Omg, she must've been devastated. Why did he forget her pain? He promised her that he'd never hurt her, and he did just that. She'll never forgive him. He had to get to her. She can never think he doesn't love her or that he just used her as a distraction.

He excused himself from the relaxing conversation and went up to the bar. Charlene looks nervous with the cute Bts member in front of her.

"Er... excuse me...miss...where is the girl who ...serve drinks...here? We want ...thank her for ...good service? " He looks hopefully at her.

Charlene was so star truck." Oh...Ruby ...she quit and left the hotel an approximate two hours ago..family business..."

Jimin's skin was pale white. Oh no!...he messed up big time and lost the girl he loves forever.

He turned around with deep despair in his heart.
He went to the restroom hallway and sent her a text.

"Baby...I'm sorry ...please... please forgive me...I love you," but to his dismay, the message didn't go through...

He looks in pure shock at his phone.

This number has been blocked...

A/n. Another update. Thank you so much for the reads, don't forget to vote and comment with your thoughts.

Question: Do you think Ruby and Jimins'attitude toward each other were justified?