•Lust of Innocence•

It had been another restless night. She could see the sky clearly from her comfortable position in the bed. It was just past dawn and the traces of pink and orange has disappeared from the sky, replaced by the usual baby blue with the sunlight making its way through the white shears that gently swayed because of the ceiling fan that was set to high, causing the room to feel like there was a light breeze constantly moving about. Nari made the fan switch to full power in the middle of the night, hoping the refreshing cool air would soothe her to sleep. Unfortunately for her, that plan failed. It had been like this for the past two nights ever since the night Jimin blew up on her.

Thinking about it made her cringe at herself, for she knew that what was consuming her thoughts during those long and sleepless nights was guilt. She had no excuses because it was all her fault that their supposed date was ruined. The girl misjudged him to such an extreme extent that the generous and gentle man that she got to know, turned into a man full of anger and distaste . . . and there was no one to blame but herself. Nari knew very well that he must have been frustrated the whole night and her insults and judgements stacked higher and higher the more she opened her mouth, but her final words to him were surely the last straw and brought out a side to him that she had no idea he had.

Placing a pillow over her face, Nari thought about how long this guilt would consume her. Surely, it is destined to go away . . . or so she thought. But she understands what must happen in order to stop her self-hatred from that night. Chae-Rin would be telling her the same thing, but she wasn't even in the country at the moment because she was on her romantic honeymoon. Taking the pillow off her face, she shut her eyes and sighed, allowing herself to arise from her self-pity and take control of the situation.

•••

The phone lay on the coffee table, untouched and the screen dark. The girl has been pacing back and forth for the past five minutes trying to piece what she was going to say. "I'm sorry; how hard is that?" She mumbled to herself in frustration. With her legs growing tired, she slumped down on the sofa feeling miserable and defeated. Her words were crucial and she didn't want to complicate things more than they already are.

Her hand slowly reached out to her phone and she stared at it while it was in her grasp. A feeling of déjà vu occurred to her and she chuckled, remembering how she was overly nervous about calling Jimin for the time of pick-up for the reception. Then her lips turned into a frown, recalling how he actually tolerated her at that time. Exhaling sharply, she whispered, "No more stalling," and clicked on his contact and allowed her phone to dial his number.

Precisely four rings sounded through her ears and she nearly lost hope when she heard a tired and slightly husky "hello." The brown-headed girl covered her mouth in surprise and understanding, for she didn't even consider the fact that he may have been sleeping.

"H-Hi, Jimin," she hesitantly and slowly responded. There were a few seconds of silence when he coldly responded, "Nari? What do you want?" She was very taken aback by his tone and her shoulders slumped in disappointment. He really was pissed off at her, which was very much his right.

"I need to apologize to you," she made her voice as soft and genuine as possible, but he tested her by responding with an unfazed tone, "You need to or you want to? There's a difference." Gulping at his words, she felt her palms grow sweaty from anxiousness, "I-I want to, really, I do, Jimin."

"I really can't do this right now," he seemed too exhausted to even want to hear her out, but there is no way she's going to leave their current circumstance as it is. Maintaining a stable tone, she said, "Right, I get that. You're probably really tired and frankly, I don't think it's right for me to apologize over the phone. It should be in person. I want to see you today if possible." Nari internally fist-pumped the air at her clever response.

She could hear a sigh on the other end of the line, followed by a few moments of silence. Finally, Jimin said, "Fine. I'm off this afternoon." Smiling to herself, the girl responded, "Great. I'll meet you at a café at 1. I will text you the address." Another long pause and he replied with a simple "okay." preparing to say goodbye to him, she was cut off when he hung up on her, causing her to scoff in disbelief. Nonetheless, a small smile tugged at her lips but a bubbly feeling grew in the pit of her stomach, signifying her utmost anxiousness.

•••

Her thumb tapped the steering wheel and her whole body felt tense, even in the comfort of her whole vehicle. The music that she let blare in her car seemed to be drowned out by her thoughts that didn't hesitate to replay everything that involved Jimin. From how he selflessly helped carry her unconscious and drunken best friend to how he generously offered to help with her groceries and how he opened the door for her and pulled her seat out like a kind gentleman would.

Nari didn't understand how she could be so idiotic for allowing a small detail like his occupation get in the way of who he truly is. However, for some odd reason, she still had reluctance lingering in the deepest pit of her emotions and she would still wince at the thought of him being a stripper. She wanted to physically slap herself for still sticking with that mindset, but she really can't help how she feels, no matter how hard she tries. In her field of vision, she saw the café and let out a deep exhale.

It was the moment when she parked her car in front her destination and saw the orange-haired man through the window that it dawned on her that she was extremely intimidated by him. He did not have a satisfied look on his face as he scrolled through his phone and his posture really showed he did not want to be there. Not to mention, she saw the waitress approach him and he didn't even politely smile at her.

The girl let her heart pound out of her chest as she exited the car and slowly walked by the window where Jimin could be seen so that she could enter the café. Immediately, she took notice that the place smelled of coffee beans, which she considered refreshing and heard endless chatter of those around her, but fortunately, there weren't too many customers in the small place. She saw his eyes land on her and his expression was blank. Why was she expecting him to give her a small smile like he always did when she saw him? When they met each other's eyes, the man glanced away from her as if she was too painful to look at, but she attempted to ignore his cold aura and pulled out a seat and sat across from him.

Pursing her lips together for a moment, she quietly said, "Jim-" but was cut off when the waitress smiled at her and asked what she wanted to drink. "Just a water, please," she nicely replied. Even though Jimin wouldn't look her in the eye, she wanted to take a moment to simply scan his features. He wore a plain white shirt and jeans with his bright-colored hair carelessly falling down to the sides of his face and parted in the middle. His eyes held no emotion and his lips were almost in a pout.

The waitress quickly came back with her glass of water and Nari didn't realize how dry her mouth was from the bubbling nervousness until she saw the translucent liquid. Quickly taking a few sips, she cleared her throat, causing Jimin to glance at her. "I-" his stare cut her off and she felt like a statue slowly cracking, almost breaking into pieces from his unamused gaze. Successfully regaining her composure, she stared straight into his eyes and wanted to express every thought on her mind.

"I was wrong," he perked up in his seat at that, slightly intrigued, "I completely misjudged you and didn't consider you or your feelings. That night . . ." Nari felt her eyes watering, but blinked it away, for she had no right to let a single tear fall in this situation, "I realized just how disrespectful I was being to you. I couldn't look past your job to take into account of how sweet you have been to me ever since I met you. And for that, I am truly sorry, Jimin."

He stared at her for what seemed like the longest time and it was as if her dark eyes were pleading for him to respond. The man couldn't deny that he was moved and barely satisfied by her apology, but it wasn't what he felt that bothered him, but how she felt. He leaned back in his chair and moved his hair back with his fingers, strands slowly falling into place, then he folded his hands on the table and leaned forward.

"I don't think you truly understand," he started, allowing her to register his words before he continued, "I feel like you still don't get me. You probably still ask yourself 'why is he a stripper?' Am I right?" Nari bit her bottom lip and simply looked at his folded hands on the table to avoid his gaze. She was too nervous to even respond, but simply nodded her head. He bitterly chuckled at that and said, "I've always been misunderstood by my friends and family for my job. They think it's disgusting and it ruins my pride as a man and when I met you, I really thought you would break that barrier, but I ended up being mistaken. I'm tired of feeling bad for something I can't control."

He patiently waited from her response, hoping her next words will make him stop feeling stubborn to forgive her. She pushed a strand of hair behind her ear, feeling like a piece of inconsiderate trash for failing his high expectations, "I'm really sorry you feel that way and I want this feeling to stop and I don't think it's right of me to judge you so quickly like the others in your life. I really, really wish I could turn back time and take the opportunity to better understand you." Her head hung low in regret as she spoke.

Jimin let out a sigh, allowing her words to register in his mind, contemplating between acceptance and denial, but she sounds genuinely sorry and he is not the type of man to want to push someone away for misunderstanding. She did take control and called to meet him afterall. He just can't bring himself to shut her out so quickly. "I do think you are really sorry for how you treated me and I can tell you're carrying a lot of guilt after that night," She still kept her head low and all he wanted was to look at her face while he talked to her instead of feeling as if he was talking to a wall.

"But I don't want you to carry that guilt anymore," Nari snapped her head up at his words and met his sharp gaze. She was completely and utterly confused. "Wh-What?" She unconsciously questioned. He bit his bottom lip and smiled slightly at her surprised expression. "You act as if I don't have a heart. I can be quite forgiving if I feel the apology is sincere." She grinned in relief and bowed her head, "Thank you so much, Jimin."

"However," her dark eyes met his at that single word that came from him, his voice soft and his facial expression turned serious, "I find myself feeling as if you are still hesitant to be around me because of what I do for work, but Nari, I need you to understand that this is the only thing I can do to survive on my own," Jimin could see pity in her eyes and she responded while fiddling with her fingers, "I see."

He let silence fill the atmosphere for a while before opening his mouth to say, "But I'd like to stop that hesitation you have," Nari tilted her head and narrowed her eyes at him, "What do you mean?" He shyly looked down for a moment then meeting her gaze again before responding, "Come with me to work tonight." Her eyes widened and she awkwardly chuckled, "Uh, I'm sorry, but what?" He couldn't help but smile at her adorable yet shocked response.

He fiddled with the metal ring on one of his fingers when he replied, "I'd like you to see that I'm not as enthusiastic or particularly proud of what I'm doing," he then looked at her flushed face and continued, "Come observe how I really am so I can show you that this is just a job that means nothing to me. That's all I want from you and if you still hate that side of me, by all means, walk away and don't look back. But Nari," his voice sounded almost desperate and she examined him closely, witnessing how genuine he is being, "I want so badly to prove to you that I am not what you think I am. I'm only doing this as a means to get by and make enough money to do something amazing with my life in the future. So please, let me prove that point."

The two looked at one another for a moment, letting Nari sink in all that he said. She seriously considered running away and not giving a second thought, but deep down, that is not at all what she wants. Jimin is giving her another chance and he genuinely wants to show her that he is not in it for the luxury or for the women. He simply doesn't want her to misjudge him again and think of him as a stripper and only a stripper. He wants her to feel comfortable in his presence. Sighing and closing her eyes, she muttered, "Okay." She opened her eyes to Jimin's small smile and he nodded, "Come by at 9 tonight while we're setting up." And with that, she gave a small but unsure nod at his request.

•••

  Nari parked her car outside of Jimin's workplace, the same spot in the parking lot she was on when she had arranged Chae-Rin's bachelorette party. She couldn't believe that she was actually coming back — especially to stay and actually watch a performance — but it was all for observation. She wanted to know that this was all just a job for Jimin. Not because he was pleasuring himself while getting paid, but because this was his only way of surviving and being able to take care of himself when all other occupations weren't working for him.

This time she wanted to look a little more blended in tonight with all the people instead of coming in with sweatpants and matching sweatshirt, since she had some kind of pride in dressing for occasions. However, she still looked as if she's ready to take the job of a librarian at any moment given.

Her outfit consisted of regular black jeans, a white blouse and a soft pink blazer. She even decided to wear matching pink wedges since heels were too much for her and she'd be in pain just within an hour of wearing them. Making her way over to the front as she locked her car, the security guard had stopped her, asking for her name with a low and irritated voice. Eyeing the people in line beside her, she felt her face redden. They all looked pissed off and stood against the tagged wall altogether. She didn't exactly know how clubs and their guest system worked, so she fiddled with her handbag, assuming that it was one where she had to look hot, be on the list, or have a lot of money to bribe herself in. Not knowing what else to say, she quietly stated her name in hopes he'd have some kind of sympathy towards her if she wasn't on the list.

When it seemed that she was going to be forced in line, the guard's eyebrows raised at his board. He hesitantly tapped his partner, whom seemed to be the one who handles opening the door and stamping people's hands for clarification when entering or leaving the club. While whispering to him, Nari feared that she'd done something wrong, even if she just stood there holding her purse. The neighborhood wasn't all that great, and nor were the people who joined together at this specific joint, but she wanted this. Nari wanted to see Jimin work...or whatever he claimed to have called that. Basically, she wanted to trust that everything he said to her earlier was true.

The guard finally motions her over to the other man, "He'll lead you in." Was all he said before gently pushing her past the drunken line of desperate people. Pulling out a different stamp and pressing it right down on the back of Nari's hand, the man was walking behind her as she was escorted in.

If it weren't for all the strains being used to create fogs of smoke, Nari would have remembered most of the scenery just taking a glance within the room. The club wasn't even fully opened yet, but she assumed that the wealthy customers were allowed to hit the bongs before all the foreign and expensive weed was taken. They all seated comfortably in their reserved spots and Nari felt intimidated by their careless and arrogant auras. She did take note of the bar when they got closer to it, only the man was leading her to the corner, where a large door had sat there with the words 'Staff Only' imprinted on its wood.

He unlocked it and led her in, where a few people from the kitchen staff had been putting on the finishing touches of their outfits. White chipped walls, metal desks and lighting too unfitting on the girl's skin, too yellowish and old for her taste. There had been a few lockers and rows of stacked plates and appliances. Some broken chairs and a ripped up vintage couch with striped designs, even some leftover meals on a table on the righthand side of the room. Doors to the kitchen, bathrooms, and offices all displayed before her. The chefs, waiters and waitresses all scurried out from one of these many entrances, not forgetting to give Nari weird looks as they were off to work.

A familiar brown-haired bartender was talking to one of the food delivery men, making small conversation with his undeniably wide smile. He was leaning against the back door when he caught a glimpse of Nari across the way. He quickly straightened his posture and said a short goodbye to the man while running over to her. "You! The girl! Hi!" He exclaims, grabbing her hand and shaking it roughly. "Remember me? Taehyung? I was the one who balanced a wine bottle on my head and got scolded!" It was almost too awkward just being greeted by someone she barely knew. It was a rare thing to ever happen, especially if it wasn't even a family member and just a stranger with a huge grin.

The guy behind Nari bent down a bit to whisper, "You got it from here," and exited through the door they came in from. She wanted to call him back to ask what she was supposed to do, but found herself still facing forward.

"Yes — yes, Taehyung. I remember you. Nice to see you again. The name's Lee Na Ri," she shook the guy's hand back. She wasn't used to being recognized, since she was presumably someone whom no one can remember. She was boring, a girl of a few words and wore a frown when she wasn't particularly doing anything. Finding out that Taehyung, someone who she didn't even properly greet before, had remembered her...it was genuinely warming the girl's heart. It just felt nice and she didn't seem to mind the huge smile so much anymore.

"Welcome back again! But if you don't mind," Taehyung says, leaning in more, "What makes you come back? Like I know it's a local club and all, but it just seems unlikely for a girl like you to come to places like this. I really hope it's not Namjoon-Hyung, because...well it's Namjoon." He whispered.

Nari held in her giggles as she witnessed his utter confusion. She sighed and folded her arms together so she could adjust to the new temperature. "I'm actually here for Park Jimin." She smiled politely. Taehyung's expression lit up with more confusion than the last, but he wasn't quick enough to reply when someone else exclaimed out to the both of them across the room.

"Yah, Taehyung! Your shift starts in two minutes and you're not even cleaning the glasses yet? Get your ass out the door and stop socializing!" A raspy voice yelled over everyone. Nari tenses up when recognizing the mint-colored hair from last week. She felt a mixture of anger and agitation dwell up in her chest, but it was far too past the point to run out with Taehyung when she got the chance. Yoongi, as she clearly identified, had stormed over to her. "And you," he growled, "Unless you have some kind of pass, Why are you in here?"

"N-Nari?" Another trembling voice popped in.

Overwhelmed already, the girl was relieved to see Jungkook standing not too far behind the beast of a man, waddling over with his white handkerchief. She glanced between both men, wondering who she would answer first. If it weren't enough people by now, Nari saw Namjoon coming to join in on the situation as well. "Would you look who it is. What brings you back, princess?" He winks.

Nari decided to just respectfully bow to all three, despite her disliking for one in particular, and introduced herself again. "Hello, I'm Lee Na Ri."

"We don't care who you are."

"I know y-you. Welcome back."

"Princess Lee Na Ri. It totally works."

The girl nervously inhaled, trying to ignore the negativity being bestowed on her, "And I'm here for Jimin. Sorry to disturb you all, the guard upfront stamped my hand, but I don't really know why he brought me in here." She tried to explain. Yoongi rolled his eyes, "So then get out, you fool. You're taking up our space to work and distracting our bartenders while on the job." He was practically fearless talking to her like this. His snappy and horrid attitude was getting on Nari's nerves, but she wasn't here to argue with him. She was here for Jimin.

"But Hyung look," Namjoon pointed to the brunette's hand, "The blue stamp. She's a VIP guest here."

Jungkook gasped, then hid behind both men with his hands over his mouth just realizing that he had embarrassed himself over a mark on Nari's hand. Yoongi fumed, rubbing his temples while Namjoon gleefully scanned the girl's presence as if she were actually apart of a royal family this time. All the boys could do was to stand there for a long moment, and Nari was still wondering what to do. When the mint-haired man ruffled his bangs, he sighed. "Okay, get her the top booth and Jungkook, you're on VIP duty. Don't run off from her unless you're called by me or Jin. Understand?"

"Y-Yes hyung!"

Namjoon whined, "What about me?"

"What do you mean, 'what about me?'? You're still a bartender. The doors are opening to the public soon so get out there and mix drinks like you usually do." Yoongi ordered. While the pink-headed man walked out with a few curse words under his breath, the demon chil—Yoongi turned to Nari. "You sit near Jin's stage. Jungkook will be with you the entire time because it's a VIP requirement for full assistance. Make him work as much as you please, but he's clumsy so don't let him bring you more than two glasses of alcohol. The strippers won't bother you unless you're willing to throw bills at them, though I highly doubt you will. Anything else is out of my hands. Got it?"

•••

It was almost too much to take in. She's been here twice already, yet they weren't enough visits to make her feel as if sitting there wasn't a big deal. Nari contemplated for awhile about whether or not she should have just taken Jimin's words without questioning, but she was still curious about how he displayed himself. A good-looking, young, seemingly smart, and gentleman-like person such as himself was too good to be working in the entertainment business. In fact, no job should even exist like that in her personal opinion. It's dangerous, outright not for anyone under eighteen to witness such a business, but it's there. She had no control over it whatsoever.

When J-Hope, as she recalled, had opened up the stages and introduced both dancers again, Nari's heart felt like exploding. She felt too innocent and the last time she experienced this, she spent a good hour in the restroom just to collect herself from an intimate moment with someone she didn't even know at the time. It was sad to say that she never even held a guy's hand, so that was a giant step into a world she never wanted. It surprised her when Jimin had whispered in her ear about being gentle, and she didn't think about it then, but now it brings a pang to her chest because she realized he could have just not cared about her feelings.

Considerate, She thought.

While seeing Jin, the other performer, working the pole —goodness, that sounded weird for her to think— she took note of how he didn't show much expression as Jimin had. He was smooth, flexible, had this mother-like nature to her, but didn't have that same spark feeling as Jimin. Nari hated to compare them, but she couldn't help it. She was observing the place...and she didn't miss how Jin seemed exhausted.

When the orange-haired man began to "entertain" the women near his stage, Nari was quick to see the uncomfortable expression he held each time someone ran their hands over him like handling a toy. Carelessly without consent. He's hiding this uncertainty under clenching teeth, which to the women looked like a teasing growl. Narrowed eyes was studied as the tired gazes, exposing his skin was clarified as trying to get as much cash as possible, and the dancing was because he was sick of having strangers handling parts that shouldn't be allowed. She assumed that it happened a lot, seeing as in he's been doing this for years and that really brought the reality in doing a risky job like such.

Between the darkness and neon lights flashing in her eyes, Nari saw Jungkook's feet move around in his spot. He looked uncomfortable just standing for an hour, and frankly the brunette girl already felt guilty about many things, so she tugged at his sleeve gently to not startle him. He jumped anyways, "Yes M-Miss Nari? Do you need more water or something to eat?" He stuttered out. With his bangs slightly draped over his eyes, the look of worry and mysteriousness embedded into his expression. Nari sadly smiled up at him, "I'm okay. Sit down next to me."

"S-Sit where n-next to who now??" His pupils dilated with surprise.

Nari sighed out a long breath, running her fingers down to his wrist and pulling him closer. "Sit down, your feet must be hurting." She said louder so he could hear. He leaned back from her and stared at her like she was entirely insane. From across the large room, the girl could spot Yoongi staring with a distinctively harsh glare as he waited guests. Ignoring it, Nari tugged a little more on the boy, feeling sympathetic. "Please, I need to ask you some questions as well. I won't hurt you or anything."

Without much left to do, Jungkook stumbled over and plopped himself beside the girl, sitting straightly and keeping a professional posture while Nari rubbed her knees. She couldn't stand the fact that he was afraid of her for no reason, but she could also understand that he wasn't going to be like any other guy and just talk to her like nothing. She decided to start making conversation to ease him while watching Jimin at the same time. "How is it like working here almost every night? Does it ever bother you?"

The shy man shrugs before sucking up more courage to speak, "It's an okay job. My hyungs take care of me s-so I don't mind the commotion." He admitted politely. There was a small smile forming across his face at the mention of the boys, but Nari wondered how he could find Yoongi tolerable. She was sure that she would strangle him if he made another comment to her face, but she also had some class left in her to leave him be. "Do you speak to Jimin a lot?"

"Definitely," Jungkook nodded. "He's the one I'm most comfortable with. Plus he buys me food even when he doesn't have enough money for himself...I guess I shouldn't be saying that kind of stuff. S-Sorry, Miss Nari..." he mutters the last part, facing the other direction to avoid her confused looks. "I don't usually tell people about his...business."

"No, no. It's okay. Just means you're able to talk to me now," Nari says, patting his back, "Don't be so stiff around me. I could be a bit harsh unlike my friends, but I promise I'm sort of chill." She laughed.

The two talked for a little more as the night went on, but Jin had been done with his shift and was eager for something to drink. Jungkook stood up and bowed to Nari, this time more confidently, and began to run off to help his hyung.

Now that Nari put a lot of effort into observing them, she was closer and closer to believing Jimin entirely. She felt sympathy for how sweaty he looked and just all in all feeling guilt wash over herself. She questioned how clueless she was the first time seeing him. She didn't look hard enough to see that Jimin overworked himself for people's pleasure just for the little money that barely managed to pay for his everyday needs.

•••

People began leaving the club, the lights turning on more brightly and the smoke fading out the doors and into the freezing city. It was nearly one in the morning, and Nari never stayed up that late to begin with. With all the iced-water and a few cherry sodas she ended up drinking to keep her awake, she was astonished at the time. She couldn't blame anyone though, there was a big crowd that night. The last few people made their way out and Jungkook came by to clean up her table one last time. Because she went to the bathroom twice, her stamp was fading away, but was still noticeable. Yoongi also showed up at the table, whispering in Jungkook's ear before walking back into the bar area to help a tired Namjoon and Taehyung.

Hoseok was putting away all of his wires and closing up his laptop. Unhooking many things and rolling out his station to disappear behind the stage. His energy still seemed to be uplifting even after such a long night and jumping around to get the crowd dancing. Jungkook wiped down the table and Nari thanked him for the service and sitting with her. He nodded, "There's been a request."

"What kind?"

"Jimin-hyung wants to meet you backstage in his dressing room after he's washed up. I'll be right back to escort you over," He managed not to stutter this time and took his towel with the remainders of the empty glasses. Nari sat there, still slumped over and going through her overall thoughts. During the time she was observing, she was calmer and tried her best to see what Jimin had been doing behind all of the makeup and sexually tense moves. Tried to see behind the distant gazing and behind pleasing the crowd with his charms. If they even were his true charms. She couldn't ever imagine seeing him struggle behind all of it in the beginning, but now it's almost too clear.

Sliding on her blazer, in reminder of how kind Jungkook was to fold it for her, she stood up and adjusted her outfit, smoothing out any rugged lines on her pants or blouse. She didn't wear much makeup other than mascara and clear gloss, but that wore off hours ago with all the water and rubbing her eyes from being tired. It's a good thing the mascara didn't smudge as much like she thought it would. Either way, she checked just incase she didn't look like a crying mess.

The waiter came back again, handing Nari her handbag from the table and leading her over to the backstage area. She recognized the doors, since she had gone back there once when retrieving Chae-Rin's necklace, but she still felt like she's never really taken in the sight. It was all a blur the time before her, now it's something she can't walk by without really analyzing its every corner and smooth creamy beige walls. Being in front of Jimin's dressing room felt like she was intruding, even when he was the one who requested her to meet him after his shift.

Jungkook knocked softly on the door, "Hyung, she's here. Are you presentable enough or should we wait more for you to put on a shirt?"

Goodness gracious, Jungkook...Nari closed her eyes.

The door pried itself open, a hand slipping out and slapping the waiter right on the head, "That's not how you say something in front of guests, Kookie. Let her in and go help Jin-hyung in the other room. Says he needs a snack." Jimin's voice calmly spoke, widening the door and his shadow disappearing into the room. Jungkook stepped aside and bid her a farewell, bowing and moving on to the next room. Nari swallows. She stood there, just staring at the entrance with more nervousness than when she had been sitting out at the VIP table. It was as if all of her analyzing just disappeared when taking a few steps forward. And once within the dressing room, she had to inhale the new air. Hairspray, cologne, roses, cash, hair-straighteners, and much more products.

  Her sight focuses on the lights, then the lockers, the bags, the tables and drawers of makeup and clothing, the accessories, him.

Jimin was casually throwing on his grey jacket over his white tang-top. The same black basketball shorts and sneakers, his small silver chain around his neck. His skin, although not pampered with foundation or any eyeliner, was babylike and soft-looking. He had damp and flat messy hair over his eyes and water ran down the back of his neck. While he looked like he could pass out from exhaustion, he turned around and faced Nari with a gaze that was unexplainable. Not harsh, not super delighted. Relief possibly?

"What did you think?" He asked, rubbing his arms to get the warmth of his sweatshirt into his skin. The first thing that came to Nari's mind was, plain. Normal, human, regular. Noting around fantastic, dreamy, amazing, beautiful, passionate. Just...him. Himself. Doing his job.

"I thought," she quietly steps forward, sitting herself on the bench, "I thought you were at the grocery store."

"What?"

But she wasn't finished, "You looked tired, neutral, not thinking about how you dance on poles for a living. Your energy was there because you thought of how hungry you are like when you saw the Fruit Loops in my hands. Your eyes narrowed but you were thinking about which soap was cheapest to buy in the isles. You were uncomfortable when I was cold to you about carrying my bags to my car. I thought you were at the grocery store." she concluded more discreetly.

Jimin pressed his lips together, trying to hide the smile from peeking at his lips. It was hard trying not to stay mad at someone who looked adorable just staring off into space and putting so much effort into trying to break down his performance. She really paid attention this time, he kept hearing in his head. When Nari turned to face him, her expression was stern and a bit lost in her own world. Nonetheless she wanted to make it clear to him.

"I'm...extremely sorry." She said, and when her eyes began to water, Jimin's mouth opened to say something, but she kept going, "I apologize for mistaking you and who you are. I've ignored your helpful gestures and all the little nice things you did like pulling out my chair for me and shit..." she choked. "I feel so bad that you're out there just so exhausted and uncomfortable with everyone crossing the lines and I hope you forgive me because this is just hard for me to even say. My friend would call me a 'pussy' right now but she's having the time of her life while I weep in a guy's dressing room..." she cupped her face into her hands.

The orange-haired man sighed, deciding to sit beside Nari and wait until she stop tearing up. He pulled her arms down and lifted her chin to meet his eyes. "You shouldn't cry. It's okay. Thank you for understanding..."

After collecting herself, Nari realized that she and Jimin were sitting so close, their legs were touching. But another thing sparked her attnetion, which was all the water dripping from his damp hair. Without even thinking twice about it, Nari looked around for a small towel and grabbed one, leaning over to dab it over the spots. "You look like you're the one crying with all of this water just running down your face." She softly whispered. At first, Jimin was going to flinch back, but he just stared at her gently fixing his hair out of his eyes. After fully seeing his deep brown eyes, another realization hit her. She scooted away, lending him the towel. "S-Sorry. I didn't mean to invade your privacy."

"It's fine. Thank you." He didn't take his gaze off her.

"S-So I know that I got to see you perform and all. But I still kinda want to prove something for myself, just to really understand that there is a life aside from your shifts. Like weekend wise. I'm not sure if you're okay with it, though..." Nari was shy about approaching him with the suggestion, but was stunned to hear his response.

"Are you asking me out?" He playfully rose an eyebrow at her, but she still could not look him in the eye without feeling overly timid.

Giving out an awkward chuckle, Nari quickly replied," I—what? No—I just thought, ya know—I want to see what it's like—not in that way but if you are up to–"

"I'd love to go on a date with you this weekend. How about Saturday? I don't have work that night." It was as if his eyes lit up and his features became so charismatic from the overwhelming joy he felt.

Jimin was so casual and smiley about it, he almost swore he was a different person than a few moments ago. Nari was still in shock and apparently would stay like that for a couple of days. Date? With him? Who knew? Is this real? More and more questions strangled her mind for answers but all she could say was, "Date. Okay. Saturday. Um. Yes."

•Lust of Innocence•

•••Happy we got a long chapter in for you guys! Kat and I are thankful and we hope you enjoyed it! Until the next update! :-)