I used to live a few feet's away from the beach and Yugyeom's family shifted to town when I was twelve.

I was always enticed by his charming smile and his beautiful eyes.

Yugyeom lived down the street, and when I met him in school—despite not knowing what love was—I somehow knew that one day I would love him.

My heart was his the first moment we spoke in school. It was like we were meant to be—our lives defined by each other. I was always so infatuated with the idea of him being my boyfriend. When he asked me to be his boyfriend I was on cloud nine and I couldn't refuse an offer of lifetime.

And now that I have to go on without him, it feels as though the pieces that made me have scattered.

My life has forever been changed because of his impact. He made me into the person I am today, and I don't think I'd ever choose to go back.

I don't regret a second of our time together.

I got my great love with him, and I'm thankful.

Thankful to have experienced the kind of love that changes you.

I never thought I'd be fortunate enough to have it, but I did.

I had it at sixteen, and I think I'll be okay knowing that I'll never have it again.

I can't imagine loving another person.

I gave it all to Yugyeom.

"Jungkook?"

I lift my head to the sound of my name and realize I zoned out in the middle of my training, and my cheeks immediately flush in embarrassment.

Things are different now, my life getting back to some kind of normalcy.

Something grounded.

"Sorry." I swallow. "Can you repeat that?"

Jimin eyes me cautiously before exhaling and turns his attention back to the whiteboard posted to the wall on the way into the kitchen. The board detailing the restaurant's floor plan and table numbers, dry erase markers resting on the metal tray at the bottom.

"This is our system for the tables." He points to the top table. "Starting from the kitchen, we count down to the door and then back up the aisle. It's the same with the outside, and it's our responsibility to watch our sections and make a note on the board when customers seat themselves."

"Okay, easy enough." I examine it with his direction. "What do the circles mean?"

"Circles are for cleaning, no marks means the table is free and x's are for in use."

I nod.

"Are you okay?" He asks. "You look a little out of it."

"Yeah, sorry." I smile. "I'm fine. Can I ask how long you've been working here?"

"Since I was sixteen," He tells me, looking around the restaurant lovingly. "This place has pretty much become my second home. You'll enjoy working here if that's what you're asking."

"It wasn't, but that's good to know."

"Okay, then go ahead and ask your question," he says, turning to me. "We're an open book around here."

A laugh falls from my lips as I nervously tuck a piece of fallen hair behind my ear. I don't want to be curious about Taehyung, but I am, and I fear what it means if I don't lean into the little bit of curiosity I do have.

And as my lips part to give in, I'm hit with the guilt of what my prying means, and instantly feel sick to my stomach.

"You know what? It's not important." I shake my head. "What's next?"

He laughs but doesn't question my sudden change of topic. "Well, I'll let you shadow me for a few tables, and then once you're comfortable, you can take some of mine on your own. Usually, the bartender's the one in charge when Taeri's not here, or if Taehyung's here, he'll usually handle the manager stuff, so tonight that's Hyungsik," He explains, pointing out the tall blond behind the bar.

"Don't be afraid to ask either of us questions."

"Okay." I nod and take close note of everything he's doing as he walks me through his shift. He shows me all the ins and outs of how Love Maze runs, and I'm grateful for the patience. It doesn't take long for me to get the hang of things, understanding the way things work around here and how everyone gels together.

It's cohesive, and he's right about one thing—I think I'm going to enjoy working here. The atmosphere is warm, and it feels like I'm standing in the clouds daydreaming. The entire world felt like it was tipping on its axis. It was completely off balance, and now it feels like I'm finding a way to steady myself.

It's not perfect, but it's better.

"Are you always this perfect?" he asks.

I turn my head at the sound of Yugyeom, and the corner of my lips curl up slightly as I turn my attention back to the table in front of me. The grey bin resting against my hip, the edge on the table as I set the dirty dishes inside.

Yugyeom sinks into the chair as I move it aside, resting it on the empty chair to wipe down the surface of the table.

"What are you doing here?" He asks keen enough as he scrutinises the scenario.

I hum, keeping my voice low. "I work here."

My eyes shift to Yugyeom as he fades from my line of sight and moves up to where Taehyung stands, his hands now resting on the back of the wooden chair.

"Taehyung," I say as I straighten up, resting my hands on my hips. "It was nice of you to hire me despite having no authority to do so."

His lips curl up into a playful grin, a sweet smile finds its way to his lips as his dimples highlight a bit and his eyes crinkle. "Ah, you figured that out, did you?"

"You're not funny."

"I wasn't trying to be." He follows me as I pick up the dish container, resting it back on my hip with a gentle grip on either side. "It worked out, didn't it?"

"Yeah, but I'm pretty sure your mom was only being nice."

"You overestimate my mom's kindness," he teases. "I'm sorry. I should have been honest, but she gave you the job, didn't she?"

"That doesn't make it okay," I say as I pass the dirty dishes off to the dishwasher.

A weak smile crosses my lips as I turn back to Taehyung and cross my arms. "Are you working today?"

"Nope, I just thought I'd come check in on you and see how your first shift was going. Sweet, aren't I?"

I laugh. "I might have given you that if you hadn't of pointed it out yourself."

"So, you agree, I'm sweet."

"You're annoying. Sweet but annoying." I gently bump his arm as I walk to get around him, heading for the swinging door to get back on the restaurant floor.

"I'm amazing!" He hums, following me and obviously on a mission to make me miserable. "Thank you."

I can't keep myself from rolling my eyes as I check the board, making note of the new customers. "Are you staying or...?"

"Do you want me to stay?"

"Not really, no. I don't wa-."

"Then I'd love to!" He grins. "Where's your section?"

"Taetae, what are you doing here?" Jimin wonders over when he spots his tall and lengthy frame. "Don't you have anything better to be doing?"

"And miss the chance to see you, Minnie? Never."

Jimin shakes his head at him. "Hyung for you and Go home."

He laughs. "Nope you are minnie however big you are. And I actually came to grab something my mom forgot in the office, and to see our newest waiter, of course. I'll take a rain check on that invite, Busan."

"I don't remember extending one."

"Are you sure?" he teases as he steps back into the kitchen, leaving me alone with Jimin.

A sigh of annoyance falls from my lips as Jimin's gaze falls to me. There's a look in his eyes that I can't entirely read, but something about it makes my stomach turn.

"What?" I ask, almost nervous for the answer.

"Nothing," he says, waving me off. "He's just... different. That's it."

"Okay." I swallow and take a step backwards. "I'm going to get back to work then."

Jimin doesn't say another word, instead nodding his head before heading into the kitchen. I return to the few tables I'm serving and greet the newest customers, introducing myself as their server, and being a small town, their newest neighbour.

By the time ten o'clock rolls around, the restaurant is empty and Jimin walks me through the standard protocol for closing down. The tedious job of pulling all the outdoor tables inside for the night, knowing full well they'll have to take them back out the next morning.

"Did Taeri say when your next shift is?" Jimin questions as we walk down the pier.

"Yeah, she texted me earlier," I share. "She has me in tomorrow. Same shift. Are you working?"

He shakes his head. "Off tomorrow."

"Okay." I nod and stop at the driver's door of my car, reaching into my bag for my keys. "I'll see you when I see you then. I guess."

He waves as he heads off on his own, and I take a deep breath before exhaling. The door to my Bronco creaks as I pull it open and climb inside, starting the engine. The darkening sky requiring me to turn the headlights on, and butterflies flutter in my stomach when Yugyeom climbs in with me.

"Hi, baby."

"I missed you today," I say as I turn to take in the dip of his nose, his soft pink lips and sharp jaw—studying every inch of him.

"I missed you too." There's a moment of pure quiet, where I'm able to just bask in how good it feels to have him here next to me. The way his gentle curls still fall into his eyes and the mischievous look that almost always lingers in them.

He's everything I've ever wanted.

"Feel like watching the stars with me?" he asks suddenly, ending the silence."Always." I nod and pull the gearshift into reverse, pulling out of my stall before driving along the beach to find the perfect spot. It doesn't take long and after turning off the lights, I kill the engine and climb out with Yugyeom following close behind.

I undo the buttons on my hoodie until the sides hang open, white shirt underneath.

"Going for a swim?"

My lips curl up as I peek over my shoulder. "Maybe. You going to join me?"

"No, but I think I'll watch."

A small hum falls from my lips as I undo the button on my denim, slipping them down my legs until they pool at my feet. My shoes still on my feet as I step out of them, leaving them on the beach before pulling my shirt off and dropping it with along with hoodie and the pants.

When my feet touch the sand, I wiggle my toes as I adjust the waistband of my boxers.

"Are you sure you don't want to join me?" I ask again, looking at him as I slowly walk backwards towards the water. "It's a good night for a swim."

"You make a tempting offer, but I'm good here," he tells me as he settles into the sand next to my clothes. His eyes wander every exposed part of my skin, a small smirk crawling onto his lips.

"How did I get so lucky?"

"You're pretty persistent when you want something." I scrunch my nose up at him as the water hits the back of my calves. The water soaks my skin as I walk deeper into the ocean, untangling the elastic from my bun before diving in headfirst.

The cold shocks my system, sending chills over my skin, and I embrace it like it's home—swimming deeper.

The moon shines across the water and I lean my head back until I'm floating on the surface, taking in the day. I feel different, like the weight of my worrying is gone.

When I left Busan, I had enough money to get me through a few months without worry. But I had to think about something before I ran out of that. So I would have still gone a few more weeks without it but I had to stop somewhere at some point and its better here in Boryeong than any other place for now.

Not having to pay rent made things a little easier, but it was weighing on me.

Growing up, I always had the security of a home and it was something I always wanted to have. I liked my independence, but I enjoyed having a place to call home more.

With Yugyeom gone, it felt like I may never get that security back, but now I know I can make my own.

"Enjoying yourself?" Yugyeom smiles up at me when I get out of the water and wander up the beach until I'm near him. The sand is cold now that the sun is down and sticks to my damp skin as I settle next to him.

"I've missed the water so much."

"Yeah, me too." He admits before sighing. "Are you sure this is what you want, Gguk?"

"Want what?"

"This? Daecheon? Here?" He gestures around the thin air. "Are you sure this is where we should stay? I just, I don't want you getting hurt and getting close to people. I just don't think it's a good idea."

"Babe, if I try to avoid them, they'll start asking questions." I turn to face him, resting my cheek against the palm of my hand as my elbow rests on my knee. "You have nothing to worry about. We're going to be fine."

He stares at me before shifting his gaze to the sky. "Be careful, Jeon Jungkook. I don't want you getting hurt. I... I can't protect you anymore."

My stomach turns, realizing just how vulnerable I am. He is mad at me as he called my full name but I cant keep running away. I have to stop somewhere and this place is closest to being called my home.

For most of my life, I've had Yoongi hyung or Yugyeom looking out for me. And eventually Hoseok hyung. No matter the problem, they were always there.

And now I don't have them, making me sick to my stomach.

"Do you think I'm ever going to be okay again?"

His lips curl up slightly. "You define what okay is for you, Gguk."

I exhale slowly and brush the sand off my skin, getting most of it before pulling my hoodie back on to warm up my arms. His eyes avert from me to the horizon where the sun was meeting the ocean. "Then... not yet."

"Then one day. Maybe." I reply looking at the bright stars littered in the sky.

And maybe he's right.

Maybe one day I will find a state where I am okay and I can find the happiness I have been missing since he d!ed. It seems unlikely—impossible, even—but I need to have faith in myself that I will be.

~~~///~~~

My eyes peel open at the sound of rapping knuckles against my car window, and I immediately want to sink away from the world, knowing I've been caught.

I'm afraid to pull the covers down and look at the source of the noise, but when I finally do—I wish I could turn back time.

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AN:-  PLease show your support towards the story.....comment if you are in any confusion regarding the story.....its a deep story book...you all need to think only with open heart and mind......