Translation for Spanish words
used in this chapter—

enemigo — enemy
tía — aunt

-

Another week of decent, yet slightly awkward, conversations and Jeon Jungkook's nerves had started to kick in.

Fiesta de los Muertos. A celebration that lasts days, sometimes weeks on end. It was arriving soon.

He knew very well that before Jimin left for Venice he would always join Jungkook in the festivities, mostly on wasting themselves away until the morning where the hangover would feel like a damp cloth of death clamped over their minds.

But of course, this year was going to be different.

Sighing, he squeezed the grape between his two fingers with frustration, head hanging low as he sat against the vineyard shed.

"Why that look, amigo?" Taehyung's voice bloomed into his ears. He looked up and found the worker stood with his hands on his hips, looking down at the glum boy.

Jungkook only pouted. "Dia de los Muertos is coming up soon."

Taehyung grinned. "Then you should be excited, stupido!" His smile suddenly turned sheepish. "I mean, unless someone you know died recently, then—"

"No, no, not that," Jungkook cut off, heaving up his seat. "No, Tae, it's Jimin."

He looked down from the boy again, feeling weirdly guilty. "He's my best friend and all, but with the Fiesta coming up—"

"—you don't want to celebrate with him," Taehyung finished off, grinning devilishly. "Any specific reason why you've grown such hatred towards your beloved best friend?"

Jungkook held in the urge to smack the amusement off his face. "Have you seen the way he looks at Aeri?"

With the way Taehyung's face fell Jungkook truly thought he'd slapped him. "Wait, what?!"

It was the younger's turn to be sarcastic. "Surprise, Tae! Park Jimin is head over heels for Aeri!"

"Oh—mierda," Taehyung suddenly cursed, slapping a hand atop his forehead. "Why didn't you tell me?!"

"I was going to anyway," Jungkook said. "Jimin told me nearly two weeks ago, and I've hardly seen you then."

The worker wasn't really listening anymore, but too busy pondering over this new information. Clearly he was alarmed, but his boss never expected such shock to pass over the boy.

"Taehyung..." Jungkook called, nearing him.

"Señor," Taehyung suddenly spoke up. "Would you like to go to Granada?"

The unexpected question threw him off a little. Shaking his head, Jungkook asked, "What's Granada got to do with anything I'm talking about?"

"Well, I've got to ask her first," Taehyung started, fingers tapping against his chin, "But every year Aeri and I go to Granada to celebrate Dia de los Muertos because she's got a lot of family there."

"And your point is...?"

The peasant sighed, putting a rough hand on the boy's fine robes. "Tonto, I'm saying you should come with us."

Jungkook didn't know why his heart started beating faster. "You want me to come with you and Aeri to Granada?"

"I know it's ludicrous, but I don't want Aeri near Jimin now that you've mentioned it." Taehyung then winked at him, adding, "And plus, you'll get to see her family too, so it's more advantageous for you."

The boy blinked. "You know I like her?"

Taehyung blinked back, but then his lips trembled, unable to control the harsh laughter that slipped out from him.

"I'm sorry, mi amigo, but you're not very discreet about it. Even that dog of yours probably knows how you're in love with her."

In love.

Jungkook didn't dare correct him on that.

But love. It's a sacred word, one that he's never used on a girl, shockingly. He'd had more advantageous alternatives to flower them up with, but the main reason was that he'd cared for that term.

Love.

Something he's never really done in his life. The closest to love he's probably felt is for his nurse. A motherly affection he'd always needed and got from her. And then the love of a best friend, specifically Park Jimin's, who loved long and hard and deep. If he wasn't so invested in his amor, maybe Jungkook would have been the sole receiver of all that affection.

Jungkook still didn't correct him. Because although in his mind it wasn't love, he knew he was capable of it. He just had to make sure he didn't fuck up with Aeri or he'll never forgive himself.

So he kept quiet over Taehyung's little mistake, and gave his answer.

"You bet I'm going."

-

Aeri was sitting at her desk in her crimson room, writing away when Jungkook knocked, she knowing full well it's the playboy who's come to torment her.

Realising avoiding him is quite inevitable, with a sigh she called, "Come in!" And heard him enter with an excited burst through the door behind her.

"Mi amor," he drawled, closing the door. "You know what time's near us?"

Aeri turned around in her chair, giving the boy an exasperated look. "I'm sorry, señor, but I'm not making you lunch at this time."

"You know what I said, amor," he near-whined to her. "Call me Jungkook."

"Whatever your name may be, I'm busy!" She exclaimed, swivelling back to focus on her letter. "I have much to do, and your hunger is the least of my concerns."

"But Aeri," Jungkook said, now stepping right behind her, "I've got news."

The girl stopped her writing, quill still poised above the paper. "What news?"

"Well," he started, a smirk positioning his lips, "I may or may not join you and Taehyung to your annual Granada trip!"

This was when Aeri turned round again. "What?" she demanded.

Jungkook put a hand on his hip. "You don't seem too happy about it."

"Forgive me that I'm not pissing the bed over the news," she said as she rolled her eyes, putting the quill back in its lodger. "But it's usually just me and Taehyung that go."

"It was Taehyung who suggested it," Jungkook added.

"You didn't have to accept it," Aeri countered. "And isn't your boyfriend in town now? Park Jimin, was it?"

The very name had Jungkook's smile faltering. "Don't even say that," he muttered, sitting on the bed behind the chair she sat on. "The reason I accepted Taehyung's offer was because of him."

His eyes didn't waver from hers. And you, of course. To make sure Jimin stays as far from you as I want to be near you.

The dancer rested her head atop her hands that gripped the head of the chair. "I've noticed some friction between you two. What's the deal here? I thought you two were inseparable."

Jungkook couldn't tell her the real reason the friendship had become so awkward.

Because it was her. They were both giving up a lifetime of certified friendship for a wisp of the girl who sat before him.

Maybe seeing his face screw up in thought had her saying, "You don't have to say why, you know. You're allowed to have your privacy."

The boy gave her a small smile, leaning in to level his head with hers. "If I could, mi amor, I'd tell you the whole story, back to front. But not today. Maybe another time."

Only nodding a little suspiciously, the girl turned around, picking up her quill and going back to finishing her letter.

"Who is it to?" Jungkook asked out of mild curiosity.

"My tía in Granada." Signing it smoothly, she put the quill back to its original place, folding the letter and spreading a circle of wax, then stamping her seal atop it to secure the letter. "I'm just informing her that me and Taehyung are meeting her for Dia de los Muertos."

"Your tía is in for a pleasant surprise," the boy mused, winking at Aeri. The action, as expected, didn't get reciprocated, and so Jungkook got up, with one more final order for the girl.

"Before I forget, there's one more thing."

This time Aeri set her elbows back to lean against her desk. "Yes?"

"If we're leaving tonight, then we'll need to be discreet," Jungkook said.

A brow raise. "Why?"

"Jimin," he only said. "If he finds out we're going to Granada he'll do anything to come with us." He furrowed his brows. "And I can't let that happen."

"Does Taehyung know?" She inquired, getting up from her chair. When he nodded, she declared. "I'll pack my belongings then."

"Belongings?" Jungkook parroted. "Just bring a few things. I'm sure your aunt will provide with the rest."

"First of all," Aeri said, crossing her arms, "I've only got a few possessions to my name so taking them all hardly have any weight problems."

"Oh."

He kept forgetting. Kept forgetting that Aeri arrived in this estate with literally a backpack worth of clothing and a two year old son. He never really realised she wasn't like the other women in town that had wardrobes the size of houses in their own homes.

"That'll all change soon," Jungkook promised, heaving off the bed. "Until then, pack. I've already ordered a carriage for tonight."

He was about to leave when Aeri's voice stopped him.

"If you're so keen to run away from Jimin then why do you let him stay with you?"

Jungkook's hand fiddled with the door knob.

"Because he's supposed to be my best friend."

He left after that, curtly shutting the door.

And it was the 'supposed' in his answer that left Aeri Alvarez even more muddled on the two players' mysterious friendship.

-

When the sun retired and the night was born, Jungkook had everything packed.

The nurse made him many snacks for the journey despite her son's insisting of not bothering to, and she'd ironed up her favourite cloak of his, a night blue with silver swirls engraving the edges.

He'd blended into the dark surroundings perfectly, as did Aeri as she stepped out, her son held securely in her gloved hands.

With everyone asleep except for the two of them, they made to leave the estate, Aeri leaving first from the gates.

The carriage was at the end of the road, but Jungkook ushered her to keep walking while he'll be right behind her.

He was about to exit from the doorway when a damned voice stopped him dead in his tracks.

"Jungkook-ah!"

With frightful slowness the boy turned around, not at all surprised to see Park fucking Jimin standing in the middle of the courtyard, a huge fluffy robe to protect him from the midnight air. His blonde locks reflected the light of the moon, making each strand of his hair practically glisten in its own light.

It broke his heart how he looked so innocent. So surprised to see him sneaking out.

"Jungkook, where are you going?"

The boy toiled in raising his voice, to say anything.

"I'll come with you if you want!" Jimin exclaimed, rushing closer to him. "I just need a nice jacket, and—"

"I'm going to Granada," Jungkook cut him off, raising one hand to his chest. "For a few days at least."

"Few days?" Jimin repeated. "Whatever for?"

There it is. Now tell him the truth.

Jungkook took a deep breath.

"I love her."

WAIT NOT THIS TRUTH—

Jimin gasped.

Jungkook's own eyes widened, but his voice did not waver. "I love her, and I'm going with her."

His friend parted his mouth, in utter shock or disgust he did not know.

Then suddenly he scoffed. "You're not serious."

The look in Jungkook's eyes said the opposite. They did not dance with mischief, nor did they mock Jimin's love for the dancer who waited for one of them in the carriage.

That look held an answer Jungkook was searching for.

"You said to me that we both know who's able to give Aeri Alvarez the whole world.

"You may offer her the world in your hands, Jimin, but I'm willing to give her the universe in her hands."

Jungkook made to turn around but again his best friend's voice stopped him.

Specifically the crack in it.

"J-Jungkook."

The said boy looked and saw tears in his best friend's eyes. "P-please don't do this to me. You can't do this to me."

He didn't even know what to say. Even offering an apology seemed useless.

"I'm t-telling you, J-Jungkook," Jimin stuttered. "Don't d-do it. Don't t-tear this friendship t-to pieces."

Jungkook mustered up the strength to dare palm Jimin's cheek with his hand. "Jimin," he murmured. "You tore us apart the moment you laid eyes on mi amor."

A whimper escaped the blond's lips. Jungkook let his hand go.

"Adios, mi amigo."

When he turned his back on him, the screaming began.

"JUNGKOOK!"

The boy did not turn back.

"YOU CAN'T DO THIS TO ME—"

He heard metal clanging, Jimin probably tripping against the entrance as he dashed for his friend.

"DON'T TAKE HER AWAY FROM ME—"

Don't look back, don't look back—

More wailing burst from inside Jimin, he trying to catch up to Jungkook but the latter just too composed on his emotions and the former just too heartbroken.

And with heartbreak, comes vengeance.

"I'LL KILL YOU, BASTARDO!"

Jungkook's heart stopped.

"YOU'LL REGRET TRYING TO TAKE WHAT WAS MINE!" The screams got louder. "I'LL MAKE YOU BEG FOR MY FORGIVENESS!

"YOU'LL REGRET EVER FUCKING WITH PARK JIMIN!"

Jungkook could not bear the screams any longer.

So he ran. Ran to the end of the road, where he saw the carriage clearly, waiting for him.

He rushed to the transport, instantly getting in.

Taehyung and Aeri were already seated together, and jumped with shock over Jungkook pouncing inside the carriage.

"Woah, there, amigo, that was intense," Taehyung observed, looking out the little window. "Everything okay—"

"Just drive!" Jungkook shouted, making them both flinch again.

The peasant did not indulge in further conversation, as he ordered for the driver to lead on full speed.

The boy collapsed against the tattered leather seat, heart nearly bursting out of his skin.

I love Aeri Alvarez. I said to Jimin that I fucking love Aeri Alvarez.

But that wasn't even the least of his concerns.

"Jungkook..." Aeri started, holding her baby, "...are you...okay?"

He didn't answer her. Stayed eerily silent, as realisation washed over him like a huge wave slapping against the shore.

Park Jimin. My once best friend, had become my worst enemy.

-

Hey guys!

So it's nearly 4 am and ya girl couldn't sleep till I wrote this chapter for y'all ooF

Also whoever is still here reading this book y'all are the real MVPs I've had many people abandoned this book and it hurts a lot but to the people who wait for my updates thank you so much for putting up with my lazy ass :'))

But anyway, I hope y'all enjoyed this chapter cause the next ones are gonna be very Jungkook x Aeri centric ;)

P.S. A I R P L A N E  P T 2 FUCKED ME UP NOT JUST CAUS OF THE MCBUT IR GAVE ME SUCH HARDCORE CASANOVA VIBES so much so that this whole Grenada idea is inspired by the MV so be prepared for some wild ass shit ;) 🖤