**brief author's note - I'm aware there is no rooftop bar/club at The Venetian in Las Vegas. I had already chosen the resort as where Catherine would stay, but failed to think through the after party scene I have in mind. So please use your imagination along with me. 😁**

Catherine's POV

That was awful! Meeting the guys of BTS was nerve wracking to say the least. I'm so confused now. The one guy I THOUGHT would talk to me, didn't... In fact when I tried to start a conversation, he didn't hold eye contact at all, and seemed irritated. I felt frustrated and ended up walking away from him.

We're in the limo on the way back to The Venetian and Ashley (Halsey) tells me we're going to the after party at the roof top club. I need a drink or two so I'm alright with that. I really had such a good time tonight, but am bothered by thoughts that Jungkook didn't like me... What am I even worrying about?!? 'Jeez Cath, it's not like you'll ever encounter them once this fairy tale ends... Get a grip...'

When we arrive at the club, I'm floored. The club is beautiful and the view is amazing! Ashley, Rich, and I head to the bar and I order a margarita. We take our drinks to an area with couches and cushioned chairs near the terrace. We spend the next hour talking about the awards, and finishing a few drinks. I'm really relaxed, but I suddenly feel sad again that Bridget is not here. I shake it off when I feel my phone vibrate in my purse. Thinking it's B, I pull it out and am disappointed to see Jacob's contact flash on the screen. Ashley sees my face and asks what's wrong. I brush it off and say it's nothing. Changing the subject, I again tell her how amazing her performance was.

Halsey's POV

Catherine has had a couple Margaritas, and seems to be pretty relaxed. She and Rich are laughing over something, but I'm lost in my thoughts. I know she's leaving the day after tomorrow to go home to a funeral, and I just want her to have as much fun as possible in the moment. I'm happy that she ended up having a good time at the awards. But I saw the disappointment on her face, in the green room, when Jungkook didn't talk to her. I hope the guys show up and he can get a second chance. Her phone screen, which is on the table, lights up and I look. It's the ex-boyfriend. She declines the call, but I can see it's affecting her. Another Margarita it is...

Jungkook's POV

We finished our v-live and RapMon hyung mentions an after party at the rooftop club. We discuss it, and decide to go. He says there wouldn't be media there so that's a relief. We can just be ourselves, and not worry about scandals or trying to put on a show. Don't get me wrong, I'm blessed and love what I do. But just like any other job, there are days, and situations, where it's exhausting.

Walking in to the club, we head to the bar first. Jimin hyung offers to buy me a drink and of course I accept. Not wanting to get drunk, I ask for a beer. While I wait for the hyungs, I wander towards the terrace. The view is amazing. I see a couch area with enough room for all of us and head that direction. I take a seat at the end of a couch and raise my head to watch for the members and see Halsey and Catherine at the other end of the seating area. I look away to not be creepy, and pray for the members to arrive and rescue me from my awkward self...

Jimin comes over and plops down, handing me the beer. I thank him and point to the view. He agrees it's beautiful, but then notices the ladies at the other end of the couch. He laughs at me and I want to die. He waves at them and says "Hi!!" really loud. Halsey smiles and waves. She asks where the others are, and poor hyung doesn't understand. I just point behind her where the other 5 are heading our way.

The rest of the members come and sit down. Hoseok hyung sat next to Catherine. Since she saw me and Jimin hyung she's been looking at her lap. Now I watch as Hobi hyung says something and she lights up. They continue talking, and she's laughing at whatever it is. I feel dejected, but happy she's smiling. There's a light in her eyes whenever she laughs that is so beautiful. I am now completely frustrated with myself. If I wasn't such a loser, that could be me making her smile... I excuse myself and walk out onto the terrace to look over the view of the city and escape the feelings I'm having.

Jimin's POV

I watch Jungkook head out to the terrace. I share a look with Taehyung, and we both know that Kook's hurting. Grabbing our drinks, we follow him out. Approaching him, I can see him looking almost teary, but as soon as he realizes we're here, he puts a smile on. I speak first...

"Why are you so afraid to talk to her?"

"I'm not afraid Hyung. I just don't see the point..."

Taehyung pipes in with his thoughts, clearly frustrated with our Dongsaeng. "Kookie, I don't know why you're pretending... we know you like her."

"Maybe... But we're leaving to go home soon, and she'll be here, so it doesn't matter."

I remind him of the obvious. "There are phones you know..."

"FaceTime too!!" Taehyung adds.

"I know hyungs... I know..."

"Jungkookie, I hate to see you sad. Please, just TRY!!"

"I'm not sad Hyung. I just don't see the point..."

Jungkook's POV

Out of the corner of my eye I notice movement, and see Catherine with her phone moving towards the terrace. She looks upset, and I watch her walk up to the edge and answer her phone.

"WHAT.DO.YOU.WANT?!?"

I can't hear the other side obviously, but whatever was said makes her laugh sarcastically. The hyungs keep trying to convince me to talk to her and I tune them out when I hear her next sentence...

"Well, you should have thought of that before you FUCKED THAT SLUT!! NOW LEAVE ME THE HELL ALONE!!"

She hangs up and I see the tears. Angry tears. She is clearly in distress. I am about to man up and walk to her, when Hobi hyung comes over and puts his jacket on her shoulders. Then he takes her into his arms. I hang my head and fight the tears I feel coming. Jimin hyung and Tae hyung follow my hurt gaze, and stop talking... What more is there to say? I lost...

Catherine's POV

I saw Jungkook as soon as he sat at the other end of the couch, but he hasn't noticed me. When he does, he looks away immediately. Did I do something wrong? I really thought that he found me attractive. The looks he's given me... the way he held my waist in the elevator... Where is THAT guy? Is he not impressed now that we've met? Am I not his type? Maybe I was imagining everything, and I'm just the pathetic, thirsty girl, who read the situation wrong...

The rest of the BTS members come and sit down. I'm lost in my thoughts, with my head hanging low, when I feel a touch on my arm. I look up into the face of pure happiness. The smile could light up the whole world. He reminds me of his name "Hoseok - call me Hobi" and I can't help but return his grin. We keep talking with the help of a translation app on his phone. This guy is very cute. I find myself forgetting all my troubles while talking with him.

After a bit, I see Jacob trying to call again. This is probably the 100th call tonight. I have to stop this. I excuse myself and take my phone to the terrace.

*otp*

Me - WHAT.DO.YOU.WANT?!?

Jacob - What I've always wanted Catherine... I want you to come home and be with me. I love you!

Me - Well, you should have thought of that before you FUCKED THAT SLUT!! NOW LEAVE ME THE HELL ALONE!!"

I disconnect the call and feel the tears running down my face. I hate that he made he cry. He cheated and I'm the one left feeling like I'm not good enough... I want to scream but all I can do is cry. I feel a jacket being placed on my shoulders and I turn to the concerned face of Hoseok. He doesn't say anything, just pulls me into a hug. It feels warm and like I'm cared for. It's nice.

Hoseok's POV

Walking towards to seating area where JK and Jimin are, I notice Halsey and her beautiful friend. We spent the last few days teasing Jungkook about how shy he is around Catherine. He keeps telling us all that he doesn't like her and just thinks she's pretty. Well, he's not wrong. He's seated far away from her, and doesn't seem to even be looking her way. I decide to sit next to her.

Touching her arm and sending her my best smile, she turns to me. She grins back at me, and I reintroduce myself. We keep talking and get to know each other better. She tells me about her job as an event planner. I mostly understand what she's saying. I feel nervous about my own abilities though. Namjoon is sitting on the other side of me, so I ask him a couple times to help me know how to say something. He's patient, but seems annoyed. I don't know why, but maybe he's just tired. He recommends the Naver app though, or papago, so I start using those.

Her phone keeps ringing, and she keeps declining the calls. I can sense she is getting upset. I don't want to be nosey, but I feel really bad for whatever is bothering her. Eventually she excuses herself and walks out to the terrace to answer the phone. I look around and Halsey smiles at me and surprises me by saying "Thank you". I don't really know why she is thanking me, but I smile back. We watch Catherine from where we're sitting, and I can see she's yelling. She looks really mad and even sad. When she ends her call I can see the tears. Halsey sighs, and is about to stand up and go to her, but I put my hand up and say "I go." She nods at me and I head to where the crying girl is.

I approach her and feel how chilly it has gotten outside. I remove my jacket and put it around her shoulders. She turns to me, and I see her face covered in tears. I pull her in to my arms and hold her. I feel butterflies dancing in my stomach as I rub her back and try to comfort her. After a few minutes she pulls back and thanks me. I cup her face with my hands using my thumbs to wipe her tears. I lean in and kiss her forehead because I couldn't help myself and I want to soothe her. She smiles at me and my heart stops. She's so gorgeous... Even with tear stained cheeks, mascara smudged around her eyes, and swollen lips due to worrying them with her teeth.... Beautiful...

We head back inside and take our seats. I ask her if she'd like to exchange numbers with me. I don't want this night, this feeling, to end. She smiles genuinely and agrees. I feel like I'm walking on a cloud right now. I take her hand and tell her how much fun I've had tonight. I spoke to her about how I don't know why she cried, but I hope she won't anymore. My broken English is making her smile, but she doesn't tease. She just thanks me and leans in and gives me a kiss on the cheek. I'm going to die a happy man!!!

Halsey's POV

Well, this is not at all what I expected. Watching Catherine and Hoseok talk, and laugh, together gives me mixed feelings. I am super happy that Catherine is enjoying his company, but I know that she has some connection she feels to Jungkook. She doesn't know he's the shyest being on the planet and his behavior has caused her to turn away from that connection. But looking at Hobi comfort her, and bring her smile back, I know that as long as she's happy, I'll be content. It's only been a few days, but I feel like I've made a life long friend. The fan that won this contest could have been anyone, but I thank my lucky stars it was Catherine.

Rich and I decide to go back to our room. I ask Catherine if she wants me to walk her, and she declines. She's looking down shyly and blushing when Hoseok says he'll make sure she gets back. Cath and I make a quick plan to meet for lunch tomorrow and I head out. I look back as I exit and see Catherine and Hobi smiling, but then see Jungkook... Is he crying? SHIT

Jimin's POV

Watching Hobi hyung and Catherine getting closer, is sweet. But I'm standing here with Tae and Jungkook and I don't know what to do. Jungkook said so many times he didn't like her. He was adamant about it. And now, he's standing here looking like someone kicked him. I put my hand on his shoulder and tell him it'll be alright. He chuckles and looks me in the eye and I see it... I see how heart broken he is. How he knows he screwed up, and can't turn back time. Then the tears start... I grab Taehyung, and drag Jungkook away to a corner. I pull him in to a hug and let him cry. Tae blocks us so noone sees.

I tell him we should go back to the room and he agrees. Tae goes to distract the hyungs while Jungkook and I head out of the club. Walking to the elevator he just keeps sniffling.

"Kookie-ah... Why are you crying? I thought you didn't like her."

"I... I don't know hyung... I... I don't know..."

"You know, if Hobi hyung knew you liked her this much... He would"

"NO! You can't tell him hyung. I saw how happy he is. Even she was smiling... You can't tell him! Don't tell anyone... Please!!"

"Fine Kook. I won't say anything. But I hate to see you like this. I knew I shouldn't have listened to you..."

"I'll be fine hyung. It's my fault anyway..."

The rest of the elevator ride was silent. We got to his room, and he told me he just wanted to sleep, so I told him good night and went to my room. I wish I could fix this. But now... No matter what, one of my brothers will be heartbroken. Damn...

Catherine's POV

Walking back to my room with Hoseok, I feel light. He really has made me feel so happy tonight. Even Jacob's stupid antics couldn't keep me down because of this sunshine next to me. We arrive at my door, and I thank him again for walking me. He smiles and brings me in to a hug. He backs away a little, holding my waist, and looks me in the eye. I see him glance at my lips and then back to my eyes. I wait, and he starts to lean in. He places his lips on mine softly, and I sigh. My lips move with his, and I feel butterflies in my stomach. It was a kiss full of fondness and care. When we broke away, I smile and tell him good night. He wishes me good night back and turns to walk away. I go into my room and grab my chest and sigh. That was the sweetest kiss I've ever had.

_________________________________________

Thank you everyone who's reading. I really appreciate it. I hope I'm not disappointing people.

Poor Jungkookie... I was heartbroken writing this... 😥😥

STAY SAFE!!

STAY HEALTHY!!

WEAR A MASK!!

**MASKS ARE SEXY!!**