•Lust of Innocence•

There was always a certain aroma that books gave off and Nari almost felt suffocated by it in the book store. Due to the new age of technology where every book ever made could be found online, the place was basically empty, but she always found it to be more satisfying to flip the pages of a paperback as opposed to reading it on a portable device.

The choices were endless and her contemplative nature was not helping in making the decision of which one to buy. She already had a couple of books on nursing and anatomy in her hand, but it was difficult to resist the urge to buy another for recreational use, thus causing her to feel immersed in her current situation. Her dark eyes scanned the spines of each different colored book, finding a title that sounded the most appealing to her. Just when something almost caught her eye, her phone went off.

She felt embarrassed that the place was so quiet and her phone ruined the silence, but she checked it nonetheless, only to be met with Jimin's name next to a text. Just seeing that she got a notification from him made her flush. Who could blame her? She was still stuck on what had happened a couple nights ago.

She gulped and his eyes seemed to have scanned every inch of her face. The closeness was so intense for the girl, for she had never held such a proximity with another man in her entire life. It didn't help how attractive he looked in that moment either with his sharp eyes taking in her every being, the way his hair so carelessly parted to show his forehead, and the way his lips were naturally plumped. He was undeniably handsome and the fact that Nari was so close to him made her feel intimidated.

His thumb traced her cheekbone for a moment and she could see the glint of adoration in his eyes as they averted to lock back to hers. He gave a small but sweet smile to her and quietly said, "I am honestly so thankful I met you." Nari tilted her head a bit in confusion and he could sense her questioning.

She could still feel the warmth of his palm on her cheek as she looked up at him and mumbled, "Jimin..." The way he was looking at her made the girl feel like she could melt on the spot. Never in her life had anyone ever looked at her the way he was at that moment. He leaned in a little closer than before and whispered, "Thank you for accepting me. People have let me down far too many times and I'm so grateful in your efforts to understand me. I also really do appreciate you not scoping me out for money or for a fling with a hot guy. And yes, I know I'm hot."

That made her giggle a bit and she looked down, a little embarrassed by his bluntness. He grinned at her timidness and made her look up at him again. This time the amusement that lightened his features was gone and was instead replaced with complete and utter seriousness. Nari didn't know what was going to happen next, but she didn't care. The way he was speaking to her and the admiration and gratefulness that radiated off his character made everything feel so right. This situation didn't feel weird to her and she began to feel accustomed to the close proximity.

Jimin licked his bottom lip while his gaze dropped to hers that were slightly parted. Nari knew exactly where he was looking and even if her shyness begged her to push him away, she anticipated his next move. The girl always wondered what her first kiss would be like and if he was planning on showing her, Nari felt more than ready. He slowly leaned in, glancing back into her eyes for a moment as if asking for permission. It seemed to have been granted when she gracefully closed her eyes.

It was strange being in the presence of a man with her eyes closed and not knowing when he would do something, but it added a factor of excitement and anticipation to the overall situation. It felt as if she could hear her own heart beat in her ears and the sound of her hitched breathing. Jimin could tell she was a little nervous but he couldn't wait to do something.

And so he did.

His plump lips touched hers while his hand trailed down to the back of her neck, pulling her in a little more. Nari didn't know what to do and instead wanted to enjoy the moment. Earlier in the night, she questioned the category in which the two fell into. She was always under the impression that a worded confession made things official, but definitely not in this situation. This kiss was enough to show her that he liked her and she felt the same for him, despite only knowing him for a few months. A lot happened and she felt like after meeting him, her judgements and the way she felt about people changed. The moral compass she stuck to so well throughout her life made a change for the better. She never knew a person could influence her so much and never in her life did she think a man with such an occupation could do so much good for her.

He didn't want to move too quickly, so Jimin reluctantly pulled away after a few seconds. Nari's eyes fluttered open and she blinked a few times, a bit stunned at what just happened. He didn't step back or anything of the sort, instead he attempted to analyze her expression to make sure he didn't make a wrong move and that she was okay with him kissing her. She smiled a little and her cheeks had a rosy tint to it and by then, he knew she accepted him and that he made the right move.

That scene played over and over again in her mind as she stared at his name on her phone. Her face felt like it was on fire from thinking about it so much, and Nari put her hand on her cheek to calm herself down. Sliding the notification open, she read the message.

Jimin: Good morning :) What are you up to?

Nari almost squealed at the fact that he greeted her with a smiley face. Is this what teenagers did when they text their crush? She shrugged at the thought and typed back.

Nari: Morning! I'm looking for some books right now.

After sending the text, she stared at the screen for a few moments because she was desperate for a reply. He had her so whipped and she slightly hated how clingy she was being, but Nari couldn't help herself. The three bubbles signifying that he was in the process of typing popped up, and she brought the phone closer to her face in anticipation.

Jimin: I find girls that read in their free time so attractive. No wonder I like you so much ;) But anyway, are you able to stop by the club? Taehyung wanted to speak with you. He says it's important.

There were a rollercoaster of emotions that Nari experienced in that one text. First he shamelessly flirted with her, which made her widen her eyes and turn completely red. Then he blatantly said he liked her so casually that she felt like she needed to turn into ash and drift away into oblivion. Last, he just decided to switch the conversation after all of that without even realizing what he was doing to her? What a monster. Ignoring the tingly feeling in her chest, she quickly replied.

Nari: Yeah, I have time to stop by. When should I be there?

Jimin: Sometime soon would be best. Maybe when you're done with buying your books?

She looked up from her phone for a moment and thought about it. The girl can spend hours looking for a new book to read or she can go visit a strip club where her boyfriend- wait. The fact that in her mind she used the word 'boyfriend' made her truly question if she even had the right to use that term to refer to him. Did Jimin like her enough to call her his 'girlfriend,' or do people just casually kiss? Her own naiveness and innocence sickened her and she wanted to slap herself for being so ignorant to stuff like this. Maybe she should talk to Chae-Rin, but she knows her best friend all too well and can already predict the endless hyena-squealing and ugly tears, not to mention the constant hair caressing and the irritating 'my baby has grown up' line. Shivers crawled down her spine at that last thought.

Nonetheless, Nari opted for going to the club as soon as possible to see Jimin and try not to pass out in front of him from embarrassment from the night before, but also because she was curious about what Taehyung wanted to talk to her about, considering their very few conversations had never held such a context of importance. Glancing at her cellular device again, she sent him a quick text telling him she would be there soon, then averted her eyes back to the numerous books an the shelf in front of her. The girl frowned and caressed the spines of the paperbacks for a moment in despair because she chose to go to a strip club as opposed to continue looking for a book.

At the same time, she didn't feel any particular guilt at her decision.

•••

The brunette found it rather difficult to leave her vehicle after parking in the lot of the strip club. Her head spun with multiple scenarios of how she was going to approach Jimin and begin a conversation. Her chest felt awfully heavy, a heartbeat faster than she can comprehend. Her inner-self was trying its best to calm down, but she knew it would take some bravery to save herself from a mental breakdown. She was still trying to understand how she's gotten into the position she sits in now today.

"Honestly...you'll never know until you walk in there." She said to herself. It was enough to push aside her nervousness and get out of the car, making sure to lock it properly. Her steps were surely a bit off pace as she slowly entered the building trying her best to look presentable. She knew that facing anyone else at the cub besides Jimin was a matter of patience. Unlike her last visits, there weren't any people around within the main lounge. It seemed to her that everyone was backstage or in the kitchen preparing. Whichever area they were in, it certainly made Nari feel more anxious of running into someone if she looked around.

Luckily Namjoon, someone the girl had deemed decently comfortable to speak with, had walked right through the kitchen doors with two boxes of cleaning supplies. He huffs loudly and continues to take out the rags and spray bottles after setting them down on the counter of the bar. Nari cleared her throat, immediately grabbing his attention. "Hello again," The brunette bowed politely to him. The pink-haired employee had a wide grin and proceeded to leave the stuff as he quickly went around the bar to greet her.

"Princess Lee Na Ri! What brings you here this very fine afternoon? Come to see the lil' guy who doesn't know how to properly wear a jacket?" He courteously returned the gesture. Nari furrowed her brows, "Huh?" shaking her head quickly, she tried to move on with her reason, "Well no, I came because-"

"Oh dear goodness," a familiar voice called out from the backstage area, it belonging to an unamused Yoongi, "Looks like a hurricane is making its way back to our business again. Aish, the weather channel is really behind these days."

Nari had to bite her lip to prevent a rude comment slipping from her mouth. She had to remind herself that kindness was a better route than to start more negativity. She was sure that there was something off with him the more she had to listen to his words and his attitude shifting whenever she had been around. Namjoon sighed, "Perhaps a better way of acknowledging someone when they walk in would be a small wave or greeting them with a smile, no?" He gestured to Nari beside him as he eyed Yoongi making his way over to them. The elder rose a brow at the pink-haired bartender.

"Oh really? I guess I'll save that for the next visit." He sarcastically nodded. Namjoon lowered his head and gave a gentle pat on Nari's shoulder, "My bad. He must have forgotten to add actual sugar to his tea this morning."

Yoongi's left eye twitched, but before he could jump the tall man, another person sauntered through the back kitchen doors. With freshly cold bottles of wine and beer in a box, Jungkook managed to safely set them down on the bar area and began to stack them into the mini fridge below the countertop. When he felt the familiar awkwardness and tension that had not belonged to him for once, he peeked up from the bar just enough where his head was seen and stared quietly at the three adults across the lounge. "Uhm," He rose his hand to wave, "Hi Noona."

"See?!" Namjoon threw his arms up at Yoongi.

"Good afternoon, Jungkook." Nari responded, smiling at him with a short bow. The mint-haired waiter narrowed his eyes and took a deep breath, "Can we just get to the point and explain to me what's going on?"

   
"Of why you're being so rude? I'd love to." Namjoon crosses his arms triumphantly at his comeback. Jungkook perked up from his current position and stood up correctly to finish his task in order to avoid the tense conversations.

   
Nari had been quiet, but thought it was time to try talking once again. She cleared her throat, "I apologize for interrupting, but I was notified to be here. Jimin said that Taehyung wanted to speak to me, so I opened up some time to come by." She rubbed her hands together in hopes of not making anyone confused. However, the conversation had not been over at the mention of who she had referred to.

The boys, including Jungkook who had just put in the last bottle and closed the fridge, had altogether said, "Taehyung?!"

   
"Y-Yes? Is there something wrong?" The brunette girl felt as if she had mistaken the name, but she knew that she was correct. Even to her, she wasn't entirely sure why she had been requested to speak to him.

"Not necessarily, but," Namjoon's words drifted off as he thought to himself before coming to an idea, "Maybe it could be about something that you might have owned. Sort of like when you came over to retrieve your friend's necklace." He continued to ponder about the reasoning. Jungkook tugged at the hair on the back of his head, scratching the nape of his neck with slight nervousness. He stuttered, "A-Actually, I made sure that she didn't leave anything during her last visits. If there was an item missing, I would have reported it to Jimin-Hyung or find her contact information on the reservation forms in the file cabinets backstage."

Yoongi rubbed his temples to ease himself from the confusion that was circling around in his head. Namjoon decided to return back to his duties, offering Nari to take a seat for a little bit. Jungkook brought her a water bottle and a small bowl of grapes from the kitchen to snack on while she waited. Yoongi was not sure what to do, so he went to find Jin to complain to in the dressing room.

About three minutes later of everyone peacefully doing their business and Nari checking her school emails on her phone, Jimin was seen entering from the kitchen with his duffle bag over his shoulder and the same grey sweatshirt fitting his figure. He ran his fingers through his hair quickly as he placed down his items to massage his shoulders. "Welcome back, Jimin. About time you came; the Princess has been waiting." Namjoon nodded his head over to the distracted female sitting down at one of the booths across the room. While she had been so immersed in her emails and checking her grades, Jimin looked over and his eyes practically sparkled at her presence. Namjoon's smiling face fell and became slightly repelled by the thought of when he saw how whipped his friend was.

"So are you just gonna stand there or...??" He jokes, nudging the younger to move. Jimin blinked and returned to his normal state, "Right, right." And proceeded to walk towards the woman.

"Afternoon, Miss Nari. Did you hit traffic on your way here?" The orange-haired man cheekily slid into the booth besides her, keeping his hand on her mid-back. Nari almost jumped at Jimin's greeting, mind on high-alert mode as soon as he sat close enough to have their legs touch. It was a new burst of energy and the adrenaline in her body sped around in her veins. All within one second, the only effect she could feel were the goosebumps going down her neck and arms to her knees. She tried to laugh it off and sat herself in a straighter posture, "Hi, Jimin. And no traffic, but I did manage to see a cute puppy in a car next to me at this one stoplight down the street."

In response, Jimin smiled wider, "Hm, seemed like its been a good day for you. Also, I'm sorry that I came late. I forgot my duffle bag with all my things so I had to take another trip back home to get it. Did you already speak to Taehyung?"

Coming out of the Boss's office, the man himself wears a blank face, sauntering over with confusion swimming in his eyes, "Why do I keep hearing my name?"

Jimin looked back at his coworker, furrowing his brows at the tall, brown-haired male. The two gave each other a swift handshake as soon as they saw each other. Namjoon and Jungkook both managed to address Taehyung with a short, "Hey." And they were back to cleaning up. Jimin perked up at the reminder in his head, "I got Nari to come today like you asked. Have you guys spoken yet?" He tried to ask again, both people together this time.

"I was in Boss Man-nim's office for awhile, so I wasn't aware that she came until now. And speaking of that," Taehyung smiles at the brunette beside Jimin, bowing with excitement, "Welcome, Nari! Glad you could make it! Have you been waiting long?" He takes a seat across from them, smoothing down his bangs neatly.

"Not at all." The woman returned the gesture kindly. Jimin's reaches over to hold onto Nari's folded hands on her lap, gently squeezing them and moving on to pat her leg as he faced both of his companions. The jolt of electricity bounced in the girl's body, her eyes darting directly towards the location of their skin-to-skin contact and traced where Jimin left his hand on her knee. The said man sighed, "Well, I would love to hang out but I have to check in with Jin-Hyung in the dressing room. Said he wanted to figure out our shift arrangements for tonight. I'll be back in about twenty minutes, is that okay?"

Taehyung nodded in assurance, "This won't take too much time. And tell hyung I'll volunteer to have late shift with him." He watched as his coworker gets out from the booth and jogs off with a thumbs-up in reply.

Nari begins to stand up from the seat, "May I ask what the reason is for me being here? I'm not really understanding this whole scenario yet." She awkwardly tucked her hair back behind her ears.

"Sorry about that, I know it wasn't much information. Would you mind coming with me to my boss' office? I think he'll explain it more throughly." Taehyung asked, a glint of hope passing over his expression. Nari felt more puzzled, however she went along with the suggestion and followed the employee back through the large door where he was recently moments ago.

The main lounge was suddenly quiet with everyone gone until seconds later where Jungkook was seen pushing through the kitchen doors with a wet cloth and spray in hand, speed-walking towards the table where the empty water bottle and leftover grapes were sitting together. The boy tugs at his beanie on his head before moving the stuff to clean the tabletop. After a quick job done, he collects everything and waddles back into the kitchen to wash dishes.

Meanwhile, the fairly large office was particularly more pleasant than last seen by employees in the building. Nari keeps her eyes steady on the noticeably older man sitting back comfortably on his chair. Taehyung is reminded of how there was the strong scent of cigarettes always being the natural smell each time he strolled in, but with the inspection taking place, his boss had to maintain his own workspace with care so that the renovators could continue their building plans. No more cigarettes, no more ashtrays, and no more intimidating pictures and medals on the wall to show visitors. Basically, the office was clean.

"Is this the young woman?" The man questions, voice still remaining hoarse and low as he eyes the smaller girl before him. Taehyung was immune to the frightening vibes Nari was receiving from his boss, so he grinned quite easily without much thought. "Yes, Sir. I would like to introduce you to Lee Na Ri. She's currently a student in her last year of college."

"Is that correct, Miss Lee?" Attention was brought towards the 21 year-old, her fingers fiddling with the hem of her shirt. She nodded, "It is true, sir."

"I'm assuming you need a certain amount of skills and credentials for graduation, yes?" He asked, a little more gentle with his tone. Nari slowly nodded her head and glanced at Taehyung to try to understand where the conversation was going, however, he just stood there with a shining smile on his face.

"My company, as you may know, is going through our last renovations and will end tomorrow. For this business to stay working properly, I have decided on hiring any eligible volunteers that are willing to help out with the place once it opens back up in two days. Volunteers will be aiding in cleanup and other small activities during work hours depending on what they're willing to help with," the chief had continued, "I would like to offer a position for you to join that program. Because my boy Taehyung recommended you to me personally, I will sign off for however many credits you need in return for your help if you agree to volunteer for awhile."

Nari was intrigued, to her own surprise. She was looking for volunteer-tasks for months, but to her displeasement, none of them were fitting nor allowed more than five credits each hour. Her thoughts were jumbled, almost like they had fallen onto the ground and she was scrambling around to put them back into place.

"And the volunteer hours are around late afternoons towards the end of night shifts?" She asked curiously. Taehyung intervenes with the exception of his boss, "Yes, ma'am. Bartenders and waiters usually stay the latest to close up the place so you can leave earlier with the entertainers if business days are slow. In your case, as Boss Man-nim and I have talked about last week, you'll only have to come when you are sick or aren't busy with exams and finals. We know studying for a student is a priority."

Lowering her head, she nods a little without putting too much consideration in her mind. She decided that she was not going to let herself judge any aspects of the situation and instead found a peculiar opportunity hidden within this offer she was given. It worked with her schedule perfectly. If being a nurse meant getting full credits by volunteering with cleanup work at a strip club, she was okay with it.

"Okay...I'll take it."

•••

•••Milly here! I hope you all are enjoying the story so far! Kat and I greatly appreciate the feedback we get from you guys, so please leave a comment or ask us questions if you have any! :)

•••Thank you guys for reading and keeping up with this story despite the constant delay in updates! It gets crazy from here on out, so please anticipate the upcoming chapters!

•••Now to include another conversation between Kat and I for the chapter! (Because we always get distracted while writing lol)
Thank you!