•Lust of Innocence•

It was Nari's cleaning day and she was wiping down the counter with her rubber gloves during the late Friday afternoon. It had been an uneventful past few days ever since she last saw Jimin, so she spent her time studying, however, the stuffiness of her apartment was too much to bear. Taking off her rubber gloves, she inhaled a deep breath and leaned her back against the counter in exhaustion. Her eyes met the couch and she inwardly smiled as she imagined herself sitting back and relaxing for a bit before she puts away the dishes that just finished being cleaned in the dishwasher.

About to make her way to the sofa, she was interrupted when there was a loud knock on the door. She let out a frustrated groan and walked towards the door with her shoulders slumped. Swinging the door open, she was met with an excited face and was tackled in a suffocating hug. Her first instinct was to push the intruder away and attempt to kick their ass, but that plan was thrown out the window when the hug was broken and she sighed in relief when her best friend's face came into view.

Putting a hand on her chest, Nari breathlessly said, "Don't hug me, I'm disgusting," Chae-Rin let out a small giggle and eyed her from head to toe, almost laughing out loud at her friend's baggy shirt and sweatpants that she wore. The ponytail she tied her hair into had strands of hair sticking out from all sides, which didn't help her image. Chae-Rin let herself in and slumped down on the sofa as if it were her own home and said, "Be glad it was me and not someone else. No one deserves the torture of witnessing your current state."

The brown-headed girl glared at her behind her back and sat down next to her while sarcastically replying, "Haha, very funny," Chae-Rin stared at her with her eyes gleaming and waited for Nari to ask her the question of the day. She rolled her eyes and asked, "How was the honeymoon?" Chae-Rin smiled brightly and sighed, "Ah, it was everything I ever imagined! Manila was beautiful and Min-Ho was so romantic! By day, he treated me like a princess, but by night," She wiggled her eyebrows at the younger girl and Nari tilted her head in confusion until she caught on and blurted out, "Gross! Too much information!"

The black-headed woman laughed and flicked her friend's forehead, "I didn't say anything of the sort. You just have a dirty mind," Nari grimaced in disgust and replied, "Do not! Anyway, let me put the dishes away and we can talk more, yeah?" The older woman was about to reply until the cell phone that was on the coffee table went off and Nari quickly grabbed the phone and opened the text conversation. As she was walking behind the couch slowly to go to the kitchen, she grinned at the message. About to reply, the cellular device was snatched out of her hand from behind. She twisted around to see Chae-Rin standing on her knees on the couch and adjusting the phone comfortably in her hand.

The married woman looked at the girl and asked, "Whatcha smiling for?" Nari began panicking and yelled as loud as possible to intimidate the woman, "Yah! Who are you to invade my privacy?" All Chae-Rin did was smirk before averting her attention to the device in her hand and turning to sit comfortably on the couch, but before she could see anything on the screen, Nari jumped from behind the couch in an attempt to take her phone back. Unfortunately, her friend's arm was stretched out so she couldn't grab the phone. Going to extreme measures, the younger girl got on her friend's back and clawed at the other's arm.

"Give it back!" Nari screamed in her ear over and over again. Wincing at her loud voice ringing in her ears, Chae-Rin pushed Nari off of her, causing her to fall on her butt while the older woman stood up and walked away from her friend while looking at the phone. Reading the text aloud, she said, "'I'm looking forward to tomorrow. Pick you up at 6'...? Who the hell is thi-" She stopped midsentence and the brown-eyed girl widened her eyes at her best friend, whom looked up at her from the device and her mouth fell agape. Trying to register everything, she stared at the younger girl. Suddenly, Chae-Rin squealed and jumped up and down, questioning, "You're dating Jimin?! What the hell did I miss while I was gone?!" Nari facepalmed herself and wanted to bury her grave right then and there, but her best friend embraced her excitedly while caressing her head, "Oh my baby Nari! You are truly becoming a woman, dating a hunk like Jimin! You naughty, naughty girl!"

The brown-headed girl pushed her friend away and replied, "It's one date, not a big deal." Chae-Rin gasped dramatically, a hurt expression playfully crossing her features as she exclaimed, "Not a big deal?! This is a huge deal! You never date! Where is he taking you?" Her eyes widened slightly before averting her eyes to the floor and clasping her hands together while fiddling with her fingers, growing timid at the question, "I-I don't know. He said to 'trust him,' whatever that means..." Chae-Rin's eyes lit up as she slung an arm over the younger girl's shoulders, "I would not trust that man. He's too hot to be trusted, my dear," she playfully patted the girl's head and laughed, leaving Nari to roll her eyes at her best friend's ignorance.

. . .

Nari had been sitting in the passenger seat of Jimin's car while he drove to their destination. Making small talk was a lot easier than before and she began to find him down to earth and refreshing to converse with. She was relieved when he told her to wear something casual and easy to move around in, so she resorted to a relatively nicer blouse and blue skinny jeans while wearing a one inch healed shoe. Her breath nearly hitched when she first saw Jimin at her doorstep wearing a black button-up shirt with black skinny jeans and his orange hair was naturally parted down the middle, looking so soft that she found herself wanting to touch it.

Noticing the change in atmosphere outside the window as Jimin turned down a dark road, she asked, "H-Hey, where are we going?" He glanced at her and smiled as she continued staring at their surroundings as he slowed down his speed while driving, "You'll see." That statement made her gulp and she felt herself getting antsy. After what seemed like forever because several scenarios were running through her head, he parked on the side of a dirt path. She looked at him and whispered, "Where are we?" The man simply stared at her for a moment before smiling and unbuckling his seat belt and not taking his eyes off of her as he exited the car.

He jogged to the other side of the vehicle and opened the passenger door. Nari cautiously stepped out into the dark with only a single light above them that illuminated through the darkness. Jimin motioned with his hands to walk ahead of him and she only timidly nodded as she walked very slowly. She could sense the man's presence behind her and before she could say anything, she tripped on an object lying on the ground and nearly fell until Jimin put his hand on the small of her back and lightly gasped. He then whispered, "Be careful," in her ear, causing her to gulp once again.

Nari then recalled her best friend's words, 'I would not trust that man. He's too hot to be trusted, my dear.' She knew Chae-Rin was kidding but what if what she said is partially true? Jimin is handsome enough to probably get a girl to fall for his tricks, so what if he's luring her to her doom? She felt her hands getting clammy as she walked further into the darkness with the orange-haired man right beside her. Suddenly, he lightly grabbed her shoulder and whispered, "Wait here a sec, okay?" She couldn't see his face, but she still tried looking at him while whispering an 'okay' under her shaky breath.

From there, he jogged further into the darkness, leaving her standing alone. Her heart began racing as she thought about all of the horror movies she watched in the past. This is a perfect death scene scenario and she felt as if a scary man with a chainsaw was going to kill her at any moment because of how defenseless and vulnerable she felt. About to say his name, Nari was then blinded by a few lights and she had to squint for a second before fully opening her eyes. She looked around the area, confused as she realized they were at a construction site. What caught her attention the most was the huge dirt area with an unfinished concrete floor that was in front of her. Jimin was on the concrete, kneeled down on one knee as he unzipped a black backpack and took out a small speaker set. Setting it up, he plugged in his phone and scrolled through it for a moment while Nari stared at him, still dazed.

Suddenly, a slow song sounded through the speakers and he placed his phone down and stepped back onto the concrete floor and stared at her for a moment before holding out his hand and saying, "Let's try this again." All she could do was narrow her eyes at his hand. She met his gaze again and understood what he meant, but she disappointedly looked down at her shoes and pointed at them. Jimin's eyes averted to them as she said, "I borrowed these from Chae-Rin... I don't want to ruin them." He just chuckled and replied, "Come here."

Nari pursed her lips together and slowly walked towards him onto the concrete floor. He then said, "Take them off." She gave him a questioning look but complied to his demand nonetheless. After placing them down to the side, she watched as he grabbed his chin for a moment, deep in thought and she blushed at how adorable he looked with his nose scrunched as he was thinking to himself. He then snapped his fingers and exclaimed, "Ah! Put your feet on my shoes." She stared at his dress shoes and immediately became flustered and hid her face by looking down shamelessly. He let out a light chuckle and held his hand out and said, "Come on, don't go shy on me."

Nari hesitated for a moment before grabbing his hand and he pulled her to stand on his dress shoes, which she did so. She looked at him and noticed she was eye level with him and he put his hands on her waist while she put her hands on his shoulders. The two were extremely close and when she caught his gaze, his eyes turned to half-moons while his face got slightly red and he chuckled in embarrassment as he put his head down to avoid looking her in the eyes. She giggled and exclaimed, "Yah, don't go shy on me now!" He laughed and began moving slowly to the music.

Before, Nari would've felt uncomfortable, but now, she didn't feel the least bit timid in the state they're in. She actually found herself enjoying the closeness with Jimin. Halfway through the song, he kept in sync with his movements and she gave him a shocked expression when asking, "When did you get better at slow dancing?" The man looked at her cockily when saying, "I've been practicing. I'm doing well, huh?" The brown-haired girl laughed whole-heartedly and nodded before asking, "But with who?" Jimin's expression immediately changed to that of humiliation when looking away, "You'll laugh at me if I tell you." She chuckled at him and convinced him by saying, "I won't, I promise."

He sighed before turned back to her and admitting, "I told Jungkook I'd buy him a snack if he agreed to help me practice slow dancing. That kid will do anything for food." Nari pursed her lips together before staring at him and bursting out laughing. Jimin's eyes widened and he exclaimed, "Yah, you said you wouldn't laugh!" She kept at it and put her forehead on his shoulder to calm herself down and tried catching her breath when saying, "I'm sorry, I just- you couldn't find a girl to practice with?" Jimin's expression changed to seriousness when he patted her head that was still on her shoulder and saying, "I wouldn't feel right about dancing with another girl." Her head shot up as she stared at him wide-eyed. His words made her stomach become filled with butterflies and she had to look away from him.

The song then stopped playing and Nari got off of him and he brushed his fingers through his soft locks as she asked, "How were you able to get access here?" He walked towards the speakers and fiddled with a few of the controls while replying, "I know a guy who said I could trespass without getting caught." She nodded her head and watched as he put the speakers back into the black backpack. Recalling what happened a few minutes earlier, she smiled to herself. Zipping up the bag, he stood up and slung it over his shoulder when asking, "Wanna go for a walk?"

•••

  Jimin had been doing some random laps around the perimeter of the local playground, the night still dark and the moon still fully bright. He'd been laughing and waving his arms at his date whom had been not too far away from where he had been running. Nari had been standing on the sidewalk, staring down at her feet and smiling to herself at the remembrance of the enchanting occasion that had taken place an hour before. Her cheeks were warm despite the darkness of the night still remaining intact. Her mind went from thought to thought as she watched Jimin having a good time letting off some stress. She was too, enjoying the date and relieved that he still could handle her bluntness and timid innocence.

He came back to her, hands on his waist and the visual of his panting figure had meant he was finished. "You hungry?"

  While walking down the empty streets of the nearby neighborhoods, the repeating clacks of Nari's heels, the condensation coming out of their breaths each time they would exhale, Jimin's unnecessary smiling, It all spiraled around the girl's mind as she's faced with little fears that someone would chase them down the road or hoping she didn't look too loose about the whole situation. She wanted to keep her composure, show that she had class and that Jimin sees her respectful manner rather than a girl who's ready to party the night off. Although she was pretty far from that and even refused to think about the possibilities if she ever touched alcohol.

Jimin rubbed his hands together and glanced at Nari from the corners of his eyes. He'd given her his jacket from his car before they ventured on their evening stroll and there she was, walking besides him, wrapped up in a large coat with pretty pinch-worthy cheeks. He couldn't look at her for long, knowing that he would have to confess his feelings about the money problems he suffers with. He decided that since they're trying to choose a place to eat, he would let her know now.  "I don't have much and I apologize for that. I also know you probably wanted some big five-star-restaurant-type of date and I can barely afford a pack of ramen for the week. I didn't know how to approach you with it these past few days, for the fear that you'd cancel on me...but I promise you that honesty and dedication are my richest qualities."

Could it or could it have not been, but there was this reassurance within Nari that immediately accepted his apology without saying. She didn't think twice...in fact she had almost laughed because she knew that this would be the case. She wasn't mad. Expecting this outcome, she was nowhere near upset. After finding a sweet and pure heart dwelling within a person that does the typically "bad" for the good is almost impossible in a world like theirs. So when she nodded a quite simple "Okay, no problem. I'm fine with that," Jimin could have sworn there had been some sort of angelic saint hovering above them.

When he thought that she would pout or make a small complaint about it the moment he had told her, the world lends a little appreciation on an autumn's night to a man with nothing to give other than his precious and gentle kindness. He's baffled, but managed to swallow down the surprise and scratched the nape of his neck. They turned the end of the block and were met with the crossroads, passing cars, and a gas station not too far from where they stood. Jimin bit his bottom lip as he came up with an idea.

"This is cheap sushi...but it's good cheap sushi. You should try it," The orange-haired man ushered Nari over to the next isle, pointing out the varieties of food displayed on the counters. With the slushy machines and hotdog counter right besides them, the brunette pursed her lips at which food would fit her hunger. Deciding on what her date recommended, she obliged and picked out a random cherry soda from the drinks isle. Her hands cold and wet from the icy doors she had to open to choose a beverage. Jimin was right behind her, making sure to grab a pack of blue shark-shaped gummies and a regular container of almonds. Nari even added some watermelon-flavored gum to the batch since she claimed to herself that she would need it when she was studying.

After purchasing the stuff and leaving the small gas station liquor store, they were brought back to the brisk air and found the edge of an empty, clean sidewalk was good to relax and eat their so-called 'five-star meal' together. The scenery was not much to point out from an arrogant perspective, which thankfully wasn't the case, so Nari was quick to list off some of the things that naturally pleased her eyes.

She was used to visiting places like these on her own time like when she had ice-cream cravings or even when she didn't have much money to spend. This would be an area that she would go to for those needs. She took note of the purple and green cursive lights that spelled out 'Liquor' and 'Open 24/7'. Or perhaps the vehicles that will ride by them, measuring the speed and judging in her head the approximate times.

"What major do you study in?" Jimin carried on the conversation.

"Anatomy, but it's the basics I'm reading over. Hopefully I'll become a nurse or doctor with enough studying and preparations in the future. It's one of my main goals." The brunette breathes out, smiling at the many imaginations of success playing in her mind. Anyone could tell she was passionate about her choices and aspiring goals in life. A future to look forward to, but Jimin had been dwelling on the fact that he can't have something like her dreams. He didn't even have money to pay within the monthly deadline for his apartment. His second eviction notice was torture and brought his spirits down. If it weren't for Chae-Rin's big celebration, he would have been staying in the locker-room of the club again.

He was proud of Nari, though. Being able to pursue what she was completely capable of achieving. He'd support her, no doubt.

...

After the two had finished their cheap but fulfilling meal, they continued walking around. However, Jimin kept running around like a child and Nari shook her head while grinning at his goofiness. How could someone have so much energy? Jimin turned to her from afar and exclaimed, "I'm not on a date with myself, ya know! Get over here!" She smiled sheepishly, but began to run even in her heels. He watched her for a few seconds and turned away, running ahead of her on the empty street.

As she tried catching up to him, the heels were becoming difficult and she suddenly lost the ability to breathe evenly and began coughing. She stopped and put her hands on her knees, staring at the blacktop beneath her feet. Nari tried yelling as loud as she could, "Ji-Jimin, wait up!" He kept on his goofy grin until he turned and saw her bent over, looking like she was in pain. His eyes widened and he worriedly sprinted over to her.

She was coughing and trying to catch her breath. Jimin bent down to her level and placed his hand on her back, rubbing it around in soothing circles, knowing not to ask any questions until she was able to breathe properly. Nari slowly attempted to stand up straight, but was still slightly hunched over as she nodded her head and said, "I'm okay now." He stood up with her and squeezed her shoulder when he asked, "Are you sure you're okay?"

The brown-headed girl looked up at him and nodded her head when responding, "Y-Yeah, I'm just not used to running around this much." He still kept his eyes on her, worry heavily apparent. She breathlessly chuckling, "Hey, don't look at me like that. Let's keep walking." He grabbed her arm and held her back from continuing any further. Nari looked at him while raising an eyebrow and still trying to catch her breath. The man bit his bottom lip with his brows still furrowed in caution at the situation and whispered, "Just... Just let me carry you to the car."

She shook her head in denial at the suggestion and replied, "N-No, you don't have to do that." Jimin closed his eyes in frustration and then opened them once again to look at her, "Please. I would feel a lot better if you let me help you." Nari stared at him in disbelief for a moment, wondering why this man is so caring and kind-hearted. She didn't think anyone like him could exist in the world, but she was proven wrong tonight. Unable to say no to his pleading expression, she reluctantly nodded. He sighed in relief and bent down for her to climb on his back. The girl let her arms loosely wrap around his neck while he held her up by putting his hands under her knees.

Nari felt bad for having him do this but she couldn't deny the fact that she felt weak and that it would have been a major struggle to walk back to the car, even if it was a short distance away. Jimin felt her heavy breathing on his neck and he could tell she was completely and utterly exhausted. She stuttered when saying, "I-I'm sorry for being such a buzz kill." He chuckled at her words and shook his head, "I had a lot of fun tonight. Really, it's been a while since I felt so free." The brown-headed girl felt a smile tug at her lips at his words. She was glad she could be the cause of him feeling such a way and relieving his stress.

With the car in view, she sighed in relief and thanked him when he let her down. They stared at each other for a moment before Jimin warmly smiled at her and she returned the gesture. Feeling better, she entered the vehicle after he opened the door for her and from there, he drove off, ending a successful date.

•Lust Of Innocence•

-Milly and I hoped you enjoyed this chapter! Criticism is very much appreciated and we hope you all have a happy holiday!