(Y/N'S POV)

"Y/N and Jungkook... Bangshik... Bought a house?"

"So?" Jungkook raises an eyebrow. "The dude makes seven figures. Heck, he could buy a house every month if he wanted."

"No, no. You don't get it." Namjoon shakes his head. "He bought you a house."

Jungkook grins and does a fist-pump, "Aw yeah! I finally get my own space!"

"I didn't say you were going to live there alone." Namjoon glances in your direction and the smile on Jungkook's annoyingly-cute bunny face fades.

"No way..." There's a quiver of disbelief in Jungkook's tone.

"Bangshik bought a studio apartment for Y/N to live in... Separate from the group."

All you can do is laugh at your terrible luck.

"Hold on, wait." Jin raises his hand. "How is moving them out of the dorm a benefit to us?"

Namjoon sighs, "Honestly, I don't really get it either but Bangshik says that if a couple stays in the same dorm as us it'll distract us from work."

The room succumbs to a brutal silence.

So... It's just you and Jungkook... Alone...?

A multitude of thoughts cloud your mind and the sinister thought of smashing your head into the wall seems magical for once, as your mind-teasing fantasies left to its own devices in a house with a man is dangerous.

"When are we moving?"

Namjoon faces you and shrugs apologetically, "Tonight."

Your heart drops to the floor and you run a tired hand through your hair.

"Great. Just great."

❥

(Yoongi's POV)

My cheeks ache in their plea to stop my insincere smiles. A gush deep within me floods my chest, fills it like a water balloon on the verge of eruption, but merciless enough to keep the high pressure on my pride.

What is Bangshik up to?

He's not the type to buy a house for just anyone — then again, since when is anybody that generous?

Plus, there's no telling what Jungkook will do.

Unease wells in my stomach.

If he pulls anything with Y/N, I won't forgive him.

(Jimin's POV)

What is wrong with me? Why is it so hard to say anything?

Everytime I see Y/N's smiling face, guilt sucker-punches me in the gut. In the tense sea of thought, I glance over at Hoseok who's laughing, cheerful, playing games with the others.

Right... I can't open my mouth because I don't want to hurt you hyung.

I remember the first time it happened, when I came fresh out of a showing after losing a fight to my insomnia. I was groggy, the fatigue rubbing starry fuzzies into my vision, not really paying attention.

"Shoot! Wrong room." I muttered to myself.

Then I noticed two shadows outside and froze. I instantly recognized the hushed voices as Y/N and Jungkook, and yes even though it was wrong, can you really blame me for wanting a peak?

I smirked when seeing the pair, coddled in each other's warm embrace, kissing like there's tomorrow.

I chuckled and whispered quietly, "Nice Kookie! Hyung will treat you later."

What can I say? The maknae learned from the best after all.

My kisses are legendary.

Suddenly, a creak echoed from the next room. I sauntered over in the dark with caution but stopped in the dining room. It was too dark to make sense of anything except the dim glow of a cell phone.

There was a shutter.

Anger burned through my entire fibre but all I could do was walk away knowing my capture would be an embarrassing death sentence. In the back of my mind, I only hoped it wasn't real...

But that ignorance didn't stick around.

The second time I was in this vicious crossfire began with a stupid move from Taehyung.

"Bruh, can you get my pants?"

"What?"

"You heard me ding-dong." He smiled cheekily.

I turned to him in offence. "Do I look like a slave to you?"

"I dunno."

"Get your own pants you brat." I said.

"Please! I think Hoseok stole them and he likes you better right now."

"What-"

He sighed. "I ate too much of his watermelon..."

Then it was my turn to grumble. "How the heck do you forget where you put your pants? You are so dumb sometimes..."

Taehyung snickered to himself from our room and called out. "Thanks! See ya soon my idiot!"

I headed on over to Namjoon's room and he let me in, but the search was useless. Then Namjoon suggested, "Hey, maybe it's in Y/N and Minhee's room?"

"In the girls room? Yeah right."

Namjoon cringed at the thought, "Yeah but Tae's a bit... Spontaneous."

"Good point." I sighed.

Afterwards I walked over to the next door and knocked. No reply. When I shook the handle, I was surprised to see it open so effortlessly.

"Hello?" I projected.

Nothing.

I then announced, "I'm coming in!"

The room was tidy and both girls had packed but there was still clothes spotting the floor. Within those piles, I finally find Tae's beloved jeans. Then a phone on the bed rang and I did a double-take.

Is that what I think it is?

The distinctive hip-hop tune must mean it belonged to Minhee.

As a victim of cruel curiosity, I couldn't help but want to confirm my suspicions. If I went into her gallery and found the photos, I could either clear her name or drag it in the mud.

After a few attempts, I guessed the password and gained access. In retrospect, I should've guessed Kookie's birthday on the first try — it would've saved me time.

Eventually, I found it.

Incriminating evidence!

Not just one but multiple pictures of the smooch-fest! What a creeper! That's the paparazzi's job, not the inner circle's.

Impassioned by my discovery, I paused.

But why?

What motive could she possibly have?

The bathroom door creaked open. Reflexively, I threw the phone back onto the bed and put some distance between myself and the device.

Minhee strutted out of the bathroom with nothing but a single towel wrapped around her wet body. When she noticed me, her eyes widened and she frowned.

"What are you doing here?"

"Ah right!" I dragged out dizzily. "Taehyung lost his pants. Found them!" I chuckle, shaking the jeans in my hands.

She glared, sceptical, "How did you get in? I could've sworn the door was-"

"It was unlocked!"

"Oh... It must've been Y/N." She sighed. "Okay whatever. Can you leave now? I'd like to get dressed."

"R-right! Of course!"

Once out of that hell and in the hallway, I felt like I dodged a bullet. Still, though Minhee took those photos, there was no way to prove she would use them negatively, unless caught red-handed. So, the third time I caught her, it was planned.

I was listening in through the doors, ears pressed like a Sherlock-class idiot.

"Got it." I hear a woman chuckle from the inside. "How much are we talking here?"

There was a brief pause.

"Hmmm... My scoop has to do with a top celebrity and honestly, I don't think that will cut it sir. I can always call another company you know."

Minhee!

The audacity of this snake!

"I assure you this isn't hearsay, I have proof. He's in a relationship with a girl."

I clenched my fist in restraint.

"Okay, great! I'll send the photos. Just keep me anonymous. We wouldn't want our reputations to be mutually ruined after all."

With that, the discussion ended.

Shortly after, another conversation began, this time with the volume of her voice louder. "Yeah, I handled it. You know I'm very forgiving but that bitch had karma coming for her. She's lucky it was only photos and no sexual assault statements."

Minhee then giggled in response to the speaker.

"Exactly! This is why we get along so well! You always get it."

Then a loud bang erupted and I cringed at the crappy timing of dropping my phone. In response, Minhee sharply shushed the speaker, muttering, "Shut up. I think someone's here."

I let out a shaky breath when her piercing gaze made contact with mine through the crack in the door. I wanted to bolt but my body sunk in place like wet cement.

"Sorry, I'll tell you about the dealers. I need to deal with something here." With that, the line dropped cold.

"Come out." Minhee said frostily, "I know you're here."

I remained petrified.

What the frickity-frack is going on!?

Suddenly the door propelled open, revealing an angered, sleep-deprived Minhee on the other side.

"So you're the rat huh?" I didn't like the way she lazily smiled. "Did you think this was a game of cat and mouse that you could outsmart me in?"

All I did was gape in terror.

How did none of us suspect this?

She hums a bit, "Don't you know the cat always wins?"

"I'll do it. I-I will! They'll all know what you've done Minhee and they won't forgive you!" I squeaked through trembling legs.

Her shoulders broadened at the challenge, puffed up like an alley cat on the offensive. "Then take me down. Do it already. Unless you can't?" She seized my wrist and pressed it mockingly to her cheek, rubbing against it softly. "Who knew you were so soft-hearted?"

I gritted my teeth. "You know exactly what's stopping me."

What a bitch.

To think Hobi hyung is related to her...

She then dropped my hand and sighed. "You really believe everyone is innocent?"

I gulped, unable to move despite my brain screeching for me to run.

"Jungkook's mine. Y/N's just a pawn in this game of chess. She's nothing special and you know it deep down. Don't forget that." She placed her hand on my chest and leaned in with threatening eyes, "Stay out of it while I'm being polite."

I will not let her win.

But even with all this, I still haven't told Y/N.

It's not exactly easy to tell someone they have a psycho-obsessive rival out to get them. And everytime I find myself in front of Y/N, I can't bring myself to ruin the mood or be doubted.

Am I too flakey?

Even now, I can hear the vile mockery of Minhee repeating its threats in my ears. If I do nothing, this will get to me.

That's it!

I have to tell Y/N the truth!

I don't care who gets hurt anymore. I refuse to be a liar.

❥

(Y/N'S POV)

Your suitcase rocks the gravel with a thud. Jungkook does the same and then closes the trunk.

Namjoon hands you a notepad and the apartment keys, then waves his goodbye, "Here."

"Thanks?"

Jungkook's gaze flutters to yours, almost in uncharacteristic meekness — like a chocolate labrador awaiting its treat.

You arch a brow. "What are you waiting for? Go."

With a small nod, he hesitantly races ahead, making his way to the parkade. He holds the door open for you and then leads the way to the company vehicle. You flounder at the sight of his backside — not that you were intentionally staring at his derriere — but hey, a girl will welcome eye candy when she gets some.

How the heck are you going to survive living alone with him?

The thought makes you fan yourself as the wildfire of desire rages on in your pheromone-teased brain, stained with the thoughts no woman should have of their platonic male roommate.

After packing the luggage, Jungkook claims the driver seat and you, the passenger. He revs the engine and enthusiastically heads off to the new place you'd soon be calling home.

The fatigue of the day weighs down your eyelids as you watch the night scenery.

Jungkook grins and cranks the volume on the radio: of course jamming to one of his very own songs. You shriek and take a moment to recover from the mini heart attack.

"Really!? One of your own songs too?"

Jungkook shrugs and roars with bubbly laughter.

"Gosh you're so full of yourself." You mumble.

"I'm like that with you." He says.

You roll your eyes and fire back, "Gosh, that's so much better."

"Fine." He flashes his innocent bunny smile, "Then I'll do something better."

The car slows to a stop as the light turns red. His fingers glaze the back of your neck and he leans in close; one hot breath away, one sweet moment to come. You close the gap.

Jungkook's satisfied hum vibrates against your bottom lip as you card through his hair. The tension is ticklish and electrifying, yet horrifying and guilt-ridden.

A suave slickness lathers his red-stung lips. There's an amused glint in his eyes and he scans your reaction.

"Just returning the favour." He says, "Don't think I don't remember."

This makes your cheeks erupt in crimson. "I don't know what you're-"

He smiles. "Did you really think I was asleep that night?"

You gulp hard.

"Jerk."

"Bambi." He sings back.

"Bunny."

"Princess."

"Shut up."

"Make me." He challenges, staring you down intently with that attractive haughtiness you rightly want to tear from his pretty little mouth.

"I hate you." You mumble with bitter defeat.

"Love you too." He says sweetly.

❥

"Wow, is that Y/N?"

"Yeah. She's the girl dating Jungkook."

"What a slut."

"Reporter bitch."

"Whore."

Would it kill your rumour-thirsty colleagues to at least whisper in your presence? If anyone bothered asking they'd see they got it all wrong: you're a rumour trap, not a honeytrap.

With a much-needed sigh, you gather the freshly edited articles on your desk.

There's always a comment for everything you do these days. Unshockingly, most are negative but you mostly accredit this to jealousy. Still, all the hate can only be tolerated until a snapping point.

"Y/N!" Your co-worker calls, "The boss says he needs to see you in his office."

"Thanks." You nod, walking on into the metaphorical lion's den. The ringleader is leaned back in his computer chair, phone to ear to pretend he's looking busy until he 'coincidentally' hangs up just as you enter.

"You needed me, sir?"

He tries to run a hand through his hair, only the middle section is a scalp runway.

"Y-yeah." He clumsily spills over his words. "I just wanted to ask... Is it true you're actually dating, you-know-who?"

Your eyes narrow in shocked frustration. "I don't think that's an appropriate question."

"Aye, don't be that way! You know I have your back as a friend."

"A friend you want to write an article on?" You gesture to the pictures of you on his desk, with circled information from other documents.

"No, no." He adamantly denies, "This is just prep for employee of the month."

"Right," You sigh, "Either way, I'm not obliged to answer concerns unrelated to work sir. If that is all, I will take my leave n-"

The middle-aged man chuckles nervously. "Wait!"

You freeze in drilled obedience, smiling through gritted teeth. "Yes sir?"

"The company's made a decision regarding your- situation? Yeah. That's the right word. Anyways, we've decided to give you an extended vacation, you know, until the situation dies down a little in the office."

You clench your jaw.

"But I've been working on this story for months now-!"

"The senior editor decided to drop it. The public is a lot more interested in other things..."

You scoff. "So you won't even let me work on my exclusive?"

He hums, "There's some concern with bias. So we're dispatching another staff on the story."

"Are you serious?" The anger finally manifests in yourself in your growl. "You're going to break the NDA and drag my name in the mud when you get sued?"

"The risks outweigh the benefits Y/N-"

"No." You boom firmly. "This is to line your own pockets. You don't give a damn about us reporters under you."

"What a rude little-!"

"You know what?" You roar through disbelieving laughter. "Go bankrupt on your own. I'm not breaking the NDA. I'm done with all of you! I quit!"

You storm out of the office and scramble to take your important belongings, specifically all your work backed up on a single USB.

Fucking prick!

What the hell are you going to do now?

You let out a steamy sigh, watching your faith in humanity evaporate into the grey winter sky. Rubbing your hands together, you shiver. The subway was broken down and all the buses were late, but there's no way you can wait out here reasonably without freezing.

You glance at your reflection on your homescreen, fingers sliding over the glossy surface to surf through your contacts. Eventually you dial one.

"Hello?"

"Hey, Yoongi. You busy?"

He giggles, "No. Why? Miss me?"

You laugh dryly. "You wish. Actually, the reason I called was because something bad happened at work today."

"Oh no, what happened?"

The concern in his voice makes your heart tingle.

"I sort of... quit my job."

"I'm so sorry that happened Y/N. Are you okay?"

"Yeah. Maybe." You sigh, "Is there any way I could have a way back to the dorms? Maybe we can get a bite to eat on the way back?"

"Oh..." The playfulness and genuinity drains from his voice. "Sorry, I'm a bit busy right now actually. I don't think I can."

Your heart plummets to the floor.

You know from the tone of his voice, this isn't about his schedule at all; no, he's just mad at you. Maybe that's why the rejection hurts more.

"Fine. I get it." You mumble sourly.

"Hey, Y/N it's not like that-"

"So lying makes it better then?"

There's a heavy silence.

You scoff, "No, I get how it is. You're the one who can't see past himself. You're not the one being called a whore at work."

Yoongi panics at the accusation. "There's nothing to it, I'm just busy. And you're just angry and taking it out of me."

"Right," You laugh sardonically, "I can't believe you expect me to believe those lies. Do you think I'm an idiot?"

"You know I didn't mean it like that-"

"Yeah, well it sure came across that way."

Dishing the final jab, you hang up. Tears well in your eyes and you berate yourself for feeling too sensitive. Were you right or wrong? Who knows.

The lines of rationality in all of this are too blurred for you to care anymore.

BTSgotJams_170 ❤