Author's POV

Catherine woke up to her body being moved. She tried, and failed, to open her eyes. She could hear Jungkook's soft voice talking and even chuckling. He was dressing her because she was exhausted from all they'd done last night. Jungkook admired Catherine's body while he worked to cover it. He feels guilty that he left a pretty dark hickey on her neck, so he chose a turtleneck for her.

While he continues working to cover her naked frame, he smiles remembering 30 minutes ago when Namjoon came to wake them... Jungkook heard the knock on the door and had gotten up putting on his sweats. When he opened the door to a dressed, and fresh looking Namjoon, he was surprised.

"Jungkook... We're leaving in an hour. Are you packed?"

Jungkook shook his head and Namjoon came into the room. He saw a passed out Catherine face down on the bed with only a sheet covering up to her waist. Her naked body has love bites and even fingerprints bruised into her skin. Namjoon turned to look at Jungkook with a raised brow making Jungkook shy. Laughing at his dongsaeng, he moved back toward the door telling him to get ready, and wake his girlfriend.

Jungkook had taken a quick shower, dressed, and packed. He chose the clothes for Catherine and tried to wake her, but he failed at that. So here he is finishing up with dressing her... When he's finished, he picks her up and brings her to the bathroom. Sitting her on the sink, he lightly taps her cheeks getting a groan.

"Baby... Wake up... We leave soon."

Catherine cracked her eyes open and hissed at the light intrusion. Jungkook put the prepared toothbrush in her hand and helped her bring it to her mouth. She was like a helpless baby this morning. She started brushing her teeth slowly which helped her regain her conciousness. Opening her eyes she realized she was dressed, and Jungkook was too. She reached a hand to brush some hair away from his face getting a cute smile and nose scrunch from him.

"Sorry if I too much last night"

"No. I loved it..."

Catherine's voice was deep and hoarse from all the screaming and moaning she'd done. Her face now had a cute blush from her admission, and Jungkook gave her a peck on her toothpaste covered lips.

"I love you."

"I love you.  Do you think you stand ok?"

"I think so... I'm just tired. You didn't hurt me... So wipe that sad, sorry look off your face!"

Jungkook smiled and nodded to his love, helping her off the counter. She stood on shaky legs and bent over to spit out the toothpaste. He handed her a cup of water and she rinsed her mouth. When she was finished, she looked in the mirror to see her swollen eyes and face.

"Ugh... I look awful!"

Jungkook whispers to her "no baby... you look fucked"

Catherine slapped Jungkook's chest playfully, and he picked her up to carry her out to the couch. Letting her rest some more, he packed both their suitcases, and made sure they had everything. When a knock came, Catherine got up with some struggle, but made it to the door. Opening it she saw her best friend holding out a steaming cup of coffee to her.

"Uh... Namjoon said you would need this. You ok sis?"

Bridget was trying not to laugh at her friend's sorry state, but she couldn't contain the giggle that escaped when Catherine grabbed the cup desperately. Walking into the room, she saw the messy bed, and Jungkook packing for both of them, like perfect boyfriend material. She watched Catherine move tentatively, and again held her laugh. She'll tease her later when they're alone.

Bridget moved to help Jungkook gather Catherine's phone, charger, and meds to pack in her messenger bag. When it seemed they had everything, the threesome left to meet everyone else. When they arrived in the common room there was alot of loud talking, and Jungkook walked quickly to see what the commotion was.

Catherine and Bridget just looked, in confusion, at the members who were clearly upset. A sickened feeling hit Catherine when she saw them waving a phone around, and Jungkook turned to look at her. She looked back blankly, trying to read the emotion in his face... Was it anger, sadness, or both?

Just then, Sejin came in and called the members. They all turned to him and listened to his instructions. Nodding and agreeing with him, they started leaving the room. Bridget grabbed Catherine's hand as she was feeling nervous for no clear reason. After all the members except Jungkook and Yoongi had left, Sejin turned to the confused girls.

Sejin smiled at them, and handed them both masks and hats. Jungkook came to Catherine's side and took her hand looking at her. Yoongi stood behind Bridget and placed his hands on her shoulders. What has happened? Noone told anything, and Catherine squeezed Bridget's hand with worry.

Bridget broke the silence. "Is someone going to tell us what has happened?"

"There is new story... It will be upsetting for you both, so we want ask you wait for PD Nim. He will speak you both on plane." Sejin answered her.

The girls shared a look and not knowing what else to do, they agreed. They put on the masks and hats to hide their faces, and holding hands, followed Sejin out. Jungkook and Yoongi followed behind, both nervous and heartbroken from what they'd seen and read. How did this happen? Where did people get this information? Those pictures??

When they exited the hotel, a mob of people started shouting at them and taking pictures. The girls moved quickly into the van behind Sejin. What is this story? A panic starts to set in for Catherine. She folds herself down to keep her face in her lap. She feels sick now. Jungkook sits next to her and just runs a hand up and down her back. He doesn't know what to do because this is nothing he could ever imagine.

Yoongi and Bridget are sitting in the back and Bridget begs him to tell her what is happening. He gives in and opens Twitter, showing her what is Catherine's worst nightmare come true. Bridget sat there looking at the police pictures taken at the hospital of Catherine's ruined face and body... Who would do this? The terror of that time came back to settle inside Bridget. Catherine will be destroyed.

Yoongi takes his phone back and opens another post. An interview with Jacob? His side? He doesn't get to have a side!! He's a rapist, and people want to hear from him? The tears are flowing out of Bridget's eyes. She wants to kill whoever did this... The top of her list is that bitch Aureum... She caused this! If her sick obsession with Jungkook hadn't made her think that she could get him back by tweeting that picture, noone would have dug into Catherine's life.

When Bridget's phone rings, she answers right away. It's Ashley (Halsey) checking in after seeing what's happening on twitter. Bridget speaks to her quietly and let's her know Cath doesn't know yet. The friends talk for a bit and neither knows how to help Catherine. Ashley considers meeting them in Germany, and they even discuss if Bridget's Mom should come. This is a bomb about to explode, and Catherine is going to need all hands on deck.

The van arrives at the airport, and Catherine has fallen asleep. Driving onto the tarmac directly, the customs agent meets them at the plane. Jungkook wakes Catherine gently, smiling as genuinely as he can at her cute sleepy features. They all hand over their passports and are cleared to get on the flight. Catherine doesn't miss the pitying looks from everyone.

Following Jungkook to a seating area where PD Nim is talking with Namjoon, she sits down reluctantly. She knows whatever this is, it's bad. She's scared and can't stop her legs from shaking. Jungkook runs a warm hand on her thigh and keeps close to her, trying to comfort her for what's about to happen... Bang PD looks at the exhausted Catherine, and after having seen the pictures, finds a new and bigger respect for the tiny woman.

"Good morning. Catherine... You look tired. Did you not sleep well?"

Choking a little she just shrugs her shoulder. He doesn't push on the topic since Jungkook also looks a little pink. He's not so old that he doesn't recognize WHY the 2 are tired. He's sad he has to ruin what should be a nice morning. They're going to meet the President of South Korea and perform for him, the French President, and French prime minister. It's supposed to be a happy and proud occasion...

"I don't know how to start this conversation. It is very sensitive, and I fear it will be hard for you."

Catherine's eyes go wide and Jungkook immediately takes her hand in his. He puts his face in the crook of her neck and waits for the knowledge to be given to her.

Bridget speaks up. "Sir... If I may? I'll tell her..."

He nods at Bridget, and she turns to her friend. Bridget holds Catherine's hands firmly, and smiles sadly. Catherine feels a tear slip her eye, but keeps looking into her best friend hazel eyes. A deep breath in is taken by Bridget and she tells Catherine what is happening.

"Catherine... Someone has posted pictures... The pictures taken at the hospital."

Catherine doesn't understand at first. She can't imagine why everyone is acting like this over a trip to the hospital after a panic attack. Granted, she was being carried by Jungkook, so it's going to cause some uproar... But why does everyone look like she's going to freak out?

"Ok... So, is it clear that Jungkook is the one carrying me?"

The rest of the people sitting there share a confused look. Bridget looks at Catherine with sad eyes.

"Sis... Jungkook wasn't there... It's not pictures that some fan took..."

"Then what? Just spit it out. You're really freaking me out..."

Jungkook squeezes Cath to him tighter, as Bridget drops the bomb...

"Catherine... It's the police pictures from the hospital after... After Jacob assaulted you."

Catherine literally freezes... Her blood runs cold and it's like the air in her lungs is stuck. She stares into Bridget's eyes looking for the lie... The bad joke she's telling... Pictures of what he did to her? That's impossible!

"no.. no.. no.. no.. No No No No NO NO NO NOOOOOOOOO!!!"

Catherine's scream is all anyone can hear. The sound of misery and pain. Jungkook continues to try to soothe her but her skin feels like it's on fire. She rips his hands away and almost growls at him not to touch her. He looks surprised and hurt, but PD Nim puts a hand on his shoulder to reassure him.

"Catherine... You survived it all... You will survive this. We're all here for you. Don't push us away."

Catherine grabs her bag, digging for her phone. Once she has it, Jungkook tries to stop her. She screams at him to not touch her, and he backs off. She clicks on the stupid bird app, and finds the pictures almost immediately... How?

Pictures of her bruised face, the bite marks, the bruised thighs, the broken skin on her back... All the physical wounds that took months to heal, on display for everyone to see... They paint a picture of the things that animal did to her. Things she still can't forget... And now Jungkook has seen them... He's seen her broken and must feel disgusted...

Catherine continues to stare unseeing at her phone. In her mind she's back in her room... Back with the monster who stole everything from her... She's stopped hearing those around her, only listening to the harsh voice in her mind... The bits of memory robbing her of her sanity...

Jungkook gets off his chair and kneels in front of Catherine. He tries to gain her attention, but she's lost in the past. She reacts quickly and violently when he tries to take her phone. The sting of her backhand sends him on his butt. He's not upset with her. He knows she's not in her right mind at the moment, but he's determined to help her.

As gently as possible, he grabs her wrists. She struggles but he won't let go. He is saying how he loves her and he's proud that she is his girlfriend. She struggles a little more, and when she can't get away she looks at him. The tears begin... Seeing his face looking at her so lovingly with the mark from her hand...

"jung-jungkook... i'm sorry... you deserve someone better... someone without all"

"Shhhh.... I deserve prettiest, bravest, kindest girl... I lucky to have her already... I love you. Only you."

He raises up and pulls her to him holding her tightly while she sobs. He moves into his seat bringing her with him to hold her and let her cry. With approving looks from the others, he sings quietly to her, while the others discuss what they can do. Catherine may be able to sue the Police Dept that held the evidence, but it won't change anything. The pictures are out, and everyone knows you can't erase them from the internet.

When the flight lands, Catherine is once again sleeping. Everyone watches as Jungkook picks her up with ease, and carries her to the van that's waiting. He's aware that he will have to seperate from her soon to go do his job, and he wants to make sure she's settled before he does. The other members pile in silently to not wake the girl. They share sorrowful looks, but Jungkook is just smiling at her sleeping figure.

When they arrive at the hotel, everyone except Jungkook and Catherine leave to check in. The driver brings the 2 into the parking garage so they can avoid the crowd waiting in front. He holds her tightly and wishes he could erase the last few hours. Arriving at the elevator he carries her you to the room where Yoongi is waiting with the key.

Once inside, he lays her on the bed and covers her with a blanket. He kisses her forehead and moves to where Yoongi is waiting. Yoongi explains that Bridget is coming as soon as she drops her stuff off in their room.

"You're a good man Jungkook. You didn't shy away at all when she tried to push you away. I'm proud of you."

"Hyung... I would do anything for her. I hate that this happened."

"It isn't fair. She's very strong. She'll get through this. And you'll help her."

The two men get up when Bridget arrives. Jungkook takes a last look toward his love and leaves her there with her best friend. He just wants to get today over with now.

3 hours later

The members all put on brave faces and did their best at the Korea-France Friendship Concert. When the concert had ended they met with South Korean President Moon Jae-in and his wife. Jungkook thought they were adorable and very loving. It made him think of Catherine and dream of a future...

They were gifted some watches, and took many pictures. As the time ticked past, Jungkook became restless. He knows Catherine will wake soon, if not already, and he wants to be there for her.

Finally they are finished and can head back to the hotel. The maknae is impatient and the other members do everything they can to move along faster. In the van he's drumming his fingers on his knees and swaying his legs signaling he's nervous. Tae just sits next to him and places a brotherly arm around him. Jungkook just looks blankly out the window though, his mind whirling with thoughts.

He runs to the elevator from the entrance and impatiently waits. As soon as the doors open he's inside pressing the button repeatedly until they close. He doesn't notice, or care about the people rushing towards the elevator... When it opens on his floor, he sprints to his door. Taking a deep breath, he opens it and enters.

She's sitting on the balcony, wrapped in a robe. Bridget is asleep on the couch, so Jungkook walks quietly to where his heart is sitting. He notices the trail of smoke from the cigarette, but he bites back on the scolding he would normally give. If she needs a cigarette, then she can have it... today... As he gets closer he sees the bottle of wine also. A side view shows dried tears, runny red nose, and swollen lips from chewing on them... All of this, and he only sees her beauty.

Approaching her slowly, he sits on the chair next to her. She doesn't look at him right away. He can tell she's been outside a while, and it's cold. Her lips are a little blue, and her teeth are chattering, but it's like she's absent. He notices the cigarette is burning but she hasn't been smoking it. It's burning down slowly with one long ash hanging, about to fall. Jungkook reaches for it putting the half full ashtray under it and gently takes it from her frozen fingers.

Her eyes turn to him and he can see she's not really aware of much right now. Did something happen while he was gone? Maybe he should have asked Bridget before coming out here, but it's too late. He puts the ashtray and cigarette away then takes her hand. She just looks at their joined hands and then back at his eyes. Her fingers are like ice, and he imagines she's been out here for a while... Too long.

What he doesn't know is that she had woken from a nap and was feeling needy. She had gone to the bathroom to relieve her ache, but flashes from her past wouldn't let her finish. She felt like her skin was on fire from the need for orgasm, so she went to the balcony to cool off. Bridget was napping and she just sat on the chair crying in the frigid air. That was 3 hours ago...

Standing, he pulls her up on her feet. He sees she's barefoot and under the robe she's only wearing her bra and panties. Was she's trying to freeze to death? He pulls her to him and rubs her back vigorously trying to warm her some. She doesn't fight back, but it's like she's numb... Maybe she is, due to the cold. Someone is knocking on the door and Bridget shoots up, looking around confused. She sees me and Catherine and heads to the door.

Yoongi comes into the room behind Bridget and takes in the scene. Jungkook had successfully pulled Catherine inside the room, but she was just staring blankly out the window. She was still shivering and he was trying hard to rub some heat into her. Bridget starts apologizing to everyone that she fell asleep. She didn't know Catherine had gone to the balcony. It's not her fault, but she's afraid since she has seen Catherine at her worst, and right now she's spiraling backward.

Yoongi talks to Bridget and Jungkook leads Catherine into the bathroom. After sitting her on the closed toilet, he runs a warm bath. She doesn't seem to even be seeing what's right in front of her. She's lost in her own mind, and it scares him. When the tub is ready, he stands Catherine up and removes her robe and bra. She shakes uncontrollably, and Jungkook cups her face to get into eye contact. He is relieved when he sees it... The spark of recognition, and she leans into his hand. Speaking softly to her and telling her that they're going to take a bath together. It's just to warm her, so he leaves his boxers on and her panties.

Picking her up, Jungkook steps into the tub and sinks down into the warmth with his chest pressed against hers. Her legs wrap around his waist and she leans into his chest. Taking a washcloth, he takes warm water and squeezes it over her freezing skin. Hearing her sigh he repeats the same action. He feels her tiny arms wrap around his torso as she buries her face in his chest and begins to cry.

Singing quietly to her, he continues warming her skin with the water and touches. A quiet knock is heard and Bridget pokes her head inside. She smiles seeing the two in the tub together. Leaving the hoodie and sweat pants for Catherine, she asks Jungkook what he would like to wear. He points to the things she brought for Catherine and she understands. She's back in some short minutes and leaves an almost matching set of clothes for Jungkook.

When the water starts to cool off, Jungkook stands, holding Catherine under her thighs. She's clinging onto him, and he steps out of the tub. Quickly drying her off, he pulls on the hoodie and after removing her wet panties, the sweatpants. He dries himself and gets dressed, then lifts her into his arms again. When he exits the bathroom, he sees Bridget and Yoongi sitting at the small dining table waiting.

He sits down keeping Catherine on his lap and sees a bowl of soup.

"Catherine. I found your soup. Chicken n Stars... It's hot, so eat it quick."

Jungkook takes the spoon and stirring it slightly, scoops she broth with the star shaped pasta to Catherine's lips. She opens her mouth for him and allows him to feed her the hot soup. He looks into her eyes after every spoonful, and she doesn't look away. It's almost as important to her as the soup right now. Her mind is a mess of old and new memories, but looking into his eyes grounds her in the present.

When she's finished eating, she lays her head on his chest listening to the heartbeat she loves so much. He's talking to Yoongi and Bridget, and she enjoys the vibration of his chest against her cheek. Her hands are fiddling with his hoodie strings, and he is holding her tightly with one hand around her hip and the other on her thigh. After a while, Bridget and Yoongi leave to go back to their room, and Jungkook lifts Catherine to bring her to bed.

"thank you."

"for what?"

"loving me. i wish you didn't ever see those pictures..."

"don't say sorry. you not do wrong."

"jungkook... i will only be bad for you... you deserve someone who isn't broken."

Lifting her chin with his finger, he looks into her eyes and places his lips on hers. He doesn't rush. It's a loving and sweet kiss. She begins to respond, and he holds her tightly. When they break apart to breathe, she pecks softly on his neck and then places her head on his chest. She hears his increased heartbeat, and smiles a little that she did that.

"why you smile?"

" i just love you..."

"i love you too baby."

With Jungkook holding her tightly with one hand, and running his other through Catherine's hair, she falls asleep feeling safe.

Jungkook's POV

I woke up because my stomach is empty. I was so concerned to make sure Catherine was ok, that I didn't care to feed myself. Now, I'm starving and I need to get something. I gently move Catherine away from me and turn to the phone. I call room service and order a sandwich and fries. I open twitter while I'm waiting. Things have gone from bad to worse with people retweeting the interview with the man that hurt Catherine.

I hadn't read it because I didn't want to give him an audience. I guess it doesn't matter, and the people that are using those pictures to attack Catherine, are sick enough to believe his lies. I click on the interview link and read the article with difficulty. Not only is my English too weak to read it with confidence, but what he said makes me nauseous.

My food arrives, and I sit at the table still scrolling my twitter feed. The idea of tweeting in support of my love, and letting everyone know she is my girlfriend, comes back. I find the original picture that Noona Aureum posted, and take a screen shot of it to compose a tweet. Once I've finished, I send it Namjoon hyung and climb back in to bed. Pulling Catherine to me, I inhale her scent and close my eyes enjoying this feeling.

Catherine's POV

Waking up, I look at Jungkook sleeping peacefully. There is almost nothing better than his cute sleeping face. I sit up on the edge of the bed looking around, seeing a room service tray and a feeling of guilt hits me. He spent so much time making sure I was alright, that he didn't eat until the middle of the night...

Getting up on my feet, I walk to the balcony and look out over Paris. It's beautiful here. I've always wanted to come here on a vacation with someone I love. It's chilly since the sun hasn't risen yet, and I head back in to put some socks on. I see a keurig and make a coffee to bring out with me. Grabbing my phone, a blanket, and the hot beverage, I sit down on the chair to watch the sunrise.

I turn my phone on for the first time in almost 24 hours. I have alot of messages from Ashley (Halsey) and my other friends. I see Namjoon's name, and click the message. I'm confused... He's telling me to look at twitter... Did he forget to put a "don't" in his text? I set my phone on my lap feeling suddenly anxious. I sip my coffee and light a cigarette.

Taking a deep breath, I click on my twitter app. I open the trending and I am stunned.

TOP TRENDS

#1 SORRY_JK

#2 SUPPORT JUNGCATH

#3 WE_LOVE_YOU_JK_AND_CATHERINE

I don't understand... but I find it quickly. A tweet sent out late last night... My hands are trembling so hard I can't clearly see my phone's screen, so I set it down again. I finish my cigarette and then rub my hands together to warm them a little before picking up my device.

BTS' twitter account sent out a tweet with the picture that Aureum used to out us? Clicking on it, I feel the tears slipping down my cheeks... A letter to ARMY from Jungkook?

ARMY! Thank you for always being there for us. I want to tell you about something that I should not have hidden. I have fallen in love ARMY! It is the best feeling in the world and I hope you all get to experience it someday. When the picture attached was posted, a lot of negative reaction happened. I can't understand it really. Is it wrong for me to love? It has never changed my undying love and devotion to you ARMY. Catherine would not want to come between us. She makes me a better person. She supports my dreams and my love for you. I ask you to support my love for her. Some photos were shared recently of the worst moment in my Catherine's life, and I'm sad to see people sharing them still. She is the bravest and strongest woman I know to survive what happened to her. The ARMY I know, and love, would NEVER take pleasure in another's pain. Please help me stop these photos from spreading. I don't want to see my love in pain anymore!
I have made alot of mistakes, and I'm sure that I'll make more in the future. I get through it with your support and love. I hope I will continue to receive it. I am just a BOY IN LUV and I hope you understand me. I love you ARMY! See you soon!! -Jungkook

Setting my phone down I bury my face in my hands and cry. How did I get so LUCKy? Is this real, or a dream? I can feel my heart pounding and there's a buzzing in my ears. I jump and squeal when his large hand lands on my shoulder. I spin towards him seeing the man who stood up for us... for ME!! Leaping out of my chair I jump at him, and he catches me stumbling back a step. He chuckles while I pepper his face with kisses. Stopping my kiss attack, I look into his eyes to see them sparkling back at me.

"Thank you so much... I can't believe you did this... I love you so much!!"

I land my lips on his as he cups my face. I want to spend my life kissing this man. We share that moment together while the sun slowly rises over Paris. I've never felt so happy before, so loved.

Resting his forehead on mine, he stares into my eyes and just smiles.

"I love you so much. Saranghae my Catherine."

"You said CaTHerine..."

"I practice it... I want to say it right always. Catherine."

Grinning like the biggest fool, I kiss him deeply and let him lift me to bring me to our bed.

*THE END*

_________________________________________

Thank you SOOOO MUCH to everyone who has read this book. I had a hard time ending it. I fell in love with my characters, and might even make a second book... But for now, I'll leave their story here.

Special thanks to Taethecrisis, Anushkieeee, MBC205, mochijiminie101, and JiMinTheSexyOppa

You guys cheered me on constantly, and it meant the world to me!! No amount of thanks is enough!!

Please vote and comment if you enjoyed the story.

As always...

STAY SAFE!!

STAY HEALTHY!!

WEAR A MASK!!!

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**MASKS ARE SEXY!!**