3 months later...

Sumi climbs out of the taxi van, breathing in the fresh beach air wafting around them like an alluring aroma, begging them to come to the sea. She looks up at the sky, the sun warming her right down to her soul. 

She is wearing a short beach dress with flowers all over it, her hair out and free to blow in the breeze. She smiles, excitement filling her like the intoxicating warmth of alcohol, slowly spreading to each limb. She turns to Jennie who has an equally excited expression on her face.

Jennie is wearing the same dress as Sumi but a different colour, matching cutely. Namjoon is behind her, his hand on her waist as he stares off into the distance, the direction of the beach. He is wearing blue shorts and a white graphic printed singlet, a sun hat on his head.

Hoseok climbs out next, his fingers entwined with Jiho's. They are wearing a cute couple outfit that makes Sumi both cringe and smile, seeing Hoseok so happy. He is wearing a white shirt with yellow shorts, and Jiho is wearing a long yellow dress. Both outfits have a small love heart embroidered on the chest. They even have matching suitcase tags.

After talking to Jiho at a gathering where they planned the trip together, Sumi has come to really like her. She is fiercely independent, kind, and bubbly – perfect for Hoseok.

Jungkook and Sara climb out next, looking at their surroundings with awe. Sara is holding onto Jungkook's arm nervously, which she has done ever since they met at the airport.

Sumi likes Sara, but she is very shy and reserved so it is hard to know too much about her. She fiddles a lot, a very anxious habit it seems. Jungkook spends a lot of time mumbling reassurance to her, which softens Sumi's heart. 

She doesn't feel jealous, or resentful. Just pure happiness and relief. She knows that this time he will do it right. She can't wait to see their relationship blossom and bloom.

Jungkook is wearing a button-up Hawaiian shirt and blue shorts, his hair wavy and messy, not used to being in its natural state. Sara is wearing a pale pink baggy shirt that she has tied at her waist and a black pleated skirt. The pink warms her tan skin and brightens her eyes, which is a very attractive look on her, which Jungkook has definitely noticed with the way he watches her.

Yoongi climbs out after them, his tussled hair swept back. He looks up at the resort and grins, his adorable gummy smile framing his expression. He is wearing a long-sleeved white shirt and striped swim shorts.

He glances at Sumi, who looks away, blushing slightly. They move to the back of the van and collect their luggage before heading over to the resort to sign in.

Namjoon and Jennie organise the booking, so everyone leaves their bags with them and heads out to the beach. They watch the waves happily, moving off into their respective pairs. 

Jungkook leads Sara to the water, wanting to wet his feet a little. Sara squeals with delight as the cold water washes over her feet. Hoseok and Jiho go sit on the sand, watching the other two splash and kick the water.

Soon, Sumi is left standing beside Yoongi, watching the waves, completely mesmerised.

"You know, I never understood your intense fascination with the beach," Yoongi speaks up, pulling Sumi from her reverie.

"It's just so calm and peaceful... yet happy and exciting," Sumi explains, "I don't know, I just love it,"

"That's fair," Yoongi nods. He turns to look at Sumi, a small smile on his face, "You remember the first beach trip we ever went on together?"

Sumi looks at him and grins.

"I remember you trying to drown me," Sumi teases.

"Yah, I was only splashing you," Yoongi retorts, smirking as Sumi starts giggling.

"It was a beautiful day too... not too hot, not cloudy... we had a picnic, didn't we?"

"Yeah, my failed attempt at a lunch box," Yoongi pouts. Sumi smacks his arm playfully, trying not to laugh at his expression.

"It wasn't that bad," Sumi expresses, "It was just... soggy,"

"We ended up eating takeaway, didn't we?" Yoongi questions, the playful grin still dancing on his lips. 

Sumi laughs as the conversation continues, comfortably reminiscing over their previous beach trips in high school. Sumi finds her heart racing as they continue talking, watching Yoongi tease and laugh at her.

Even if we can just be like this... I would be okay, she contemplates, I want more, I dream for more... but as long as he continues to look at me like this, I'll be okay.

. . . . . 

Namjoon and Jennie collect them from the beach and lead them to the restaurant. Famished, everyone orders a large lunch, creating a buffet-style spread of food for everyone to try. There is a selection of dishes they often get when eating out, but also a variety of dishes that Jeju Island, and the resort, are known for.

They all sit at a large circular table with a large rotating tray in the middle so everyone can access the food easily. Jennie assigns seats so everyone can interact and talk with each other.

Jungkook insists that Sara sits beside him, which Jennie agrees to for her comfort. Sumi sits beside Sara with Yoongi on her other side. Hoseok sits beside Yoongi, then Jennie, Jiho, and Namjoon on Jungkook's other side.

Jennie immediately starts talking to Jiho about her job and her life. Jiho lights up as she becomes more passionate about her job role. She appears to really enjoy working in the police force. Hoseok gives her a look of admiration before turning to Yoongi to engage in conversation.

Namjoon sits tensely beside Jungkook, staring at the table as if fascinated. Eventually, Jungkook starts talking to him about Namjoon's new album. At first, Namjoon responds shortly but soon becomes more relaxed as the conversation becomes easier. He even starts asking Jungkook about how he has been going with his new life in Busan.

Jungkook is holding Sara's hand, running his thumb over her knuckles in a comforting way.

Sumi takes this opportunity to get to know Sara better.

"Hey, I think Hoseok introduced us at the airport... you're Sara, right?" Sumi smiles. Sara looks at her, pouting and tense. She nods slightly, looking away from Sumi's eyes.

"I'm Sumi, Bae Sumi," Sumi continues, "How did you and Jungkook meet?"

Sumi has already been told a lot of things about Sara from Hoseok, Jennie, and Jungkook. But she can't think of anything else to ask.

"We met in group therapy," Sara supplies, "And we live in the same apartment complex,"

"That's nice," Sumi nods, trying to find something else to say.

"You're Jungkook's ex, right?" Sara asks bluntly, startling Sumi. She blushes and glances at Jungkook who side-eyes her warily.

"Yeah, we used to date..." Sumi admits, smiling awkwardly. She wasn't expecting the anxious woman before her to be so blunt.

"I'm glad you guys have become friends. I know everything that happened, and I think your friendship is really mature and kind of you. I hope we can become friends too," Sara smiles as she relaxes a little. She sits up straighter, turning more towards Sumi. Sumi is now the one who is tense and anxious.

"I hope we can be friends too," Sumi rubs her neck, feeling embarrassed at the compliment and the realisation that Jungkook wasn't kidding when he said he tells Sara everything.

"I'm sorry if I am too blunt..." Sara shuffles uncomfortably, "I try not to be..."

"No! It's okay!" Sumi clarifies quickly, chuckling, "I like it, really... it just surprised me a little,"

"That's fair, you should have seen Jungkook's face when we first met. He had this look of permanent shock for days!"

Sumi and Sara chuckle as the conversation turns to Jungkook. They share stories of Jungkook's little quirks and behaviours. Sumi tries to avoid the toxic parts, but Sara brings them up herself, surprising Sumi even more. Eventually, she finds herself relaxing and comfortably talking to Sumi about various things.

They talk about anything from Korean dramas ("Wait, you wrote that drama?! Jungkook! Why didn't you tell me you are friends with such an awesome person?") to Sara's plush toy collection ("Oh my god that is adorable! I love it!")

Sumi doesn't notice, but everyone continuously glances towards them, giving each other knowing looks and smiling. It's nice to see, what would normally be a very uncomfortable and tense situation, become so casual and sweet.

Jungkook keeps a close eye on Sara, ensuring she is comfortable. Occasionally, Jungkook and Yoongi will make eye contact and look away from each other. After meeting Sara, seeing how close Jungkook and Sara are, and observing Sumi's comfort with the both of them, Yoongi wants to break the ice and express that he's ready to move past everything with Jungkook but he doesn't know how.

He can see the fear in Jungkook's eyes, which Yoongi is mirroring back to him. But how does he start a conversation like that? Sorry for beating you up but you deserved it, let's move past this now? That sounds rude and complicated.

Luckily for Yoongi, Hoseok can sense his uneasiness. As the plates become empty, he speaks up.

"Hey, I have an idea," Hoseok suddenly declares to the table, silencing the conversations, "We all have swimwear on, right? Let's go check out that awesome pool! I heard the view of the beach is amazing from there,"

"Yeah, sounds like a good idea," Jennie nods. Everyone responds with varying degrees of enthusiasm.

Quickly, they stand and leave the restaurant, the bill being added to their tab, and head out to the pool. They collect a towel each from the desk by the pool, take off their outer clothes to reveal swimwear, and head over to the pool area.

The view is stunning. Being late afternoon, the sun is skimming the surface of the ocean water. The beautiful oranges, pinks and yellows blend into the blue sky like an oil painting. The sand looks soft as the waves gently slide across it. 

The pool is two stories above the beach with glass walls, giving this illusion of the pool merging with the ocean water. It has been a long time since any of them has seen something so spectacular.

Jennie grabs Sumi and Jiho's hands, leading them to the water, Sumi grabs a hold of Sara, gently leading her to join them. Sara gives her a grateful smile, which soon changes to shock as Jennie pulls them into the water, forcing them all to clamber in together.

The guys watch on in amusement. Namjoon pulls off his shirt and follows them in. Before Hoseok follows, he gives Yoongi a quick look, which he immediately recognises as his opportunity.

Hoseok rushes off, leaving Jungkook and Yoongi standing beside each other awkwardly. Before Jungkook can follow the others, Yoongi turns to him.

"Hey..." Yoongi clears his throat, "Can we... talk or something?"

Jungkook stares at him for a moment, looking nervous and unsure about the situation. He nods and follows Yoongi over to two sunbeds under an umbrella nearby.

"So..." Jungkook starts as they sit down on the beds, "I guess I should start... I'm sorry for everything Yoongi," Jungkook says, looking out at their friends in the pool.

"I'm sorry too... I probably wasn't helping the situation," Yoongi responds, also looking out at their friends.

"Don't make excuses for me," Jungkook says firmly, "I have many issues, and yeah, maybe you triggered some insecurity in me. But it doesn't matter. My actions were my own and I ruined a lot of good friendships,"

"That's true, I guess," Yoongi frowns, "But I also need to take accountability for my part... I was jealous, insanely jealous when I came back from America to find Sumi had moved on,"

"I was worried that Sumi was going to leave me once you got back, so I was jealous as well," Jungkook smirks.

"Well, I guess we have that in common... jealousy," Yoongi returns Jungkook's smile, looking at him.

Jungkook chuckles and glances at Yoongi, his eyes glistening from unshed tears.

"Even though I royally messed up and I made decisions that were harmful that I can't take back, I'm glad you still want to talk to me," Jungkook smiles, a tear escaping his eye.

"I'm just glad you understand what you did and that you are actually working on yourself," Yoongi responds, "Not to mention, that girl seems really nice," Yoongi gestures to Sara, who is laughing happily as she splashes Jennie.

"Yeah, I'm so grateful to have her," Jungkook looks at her fondly before looking back at Yoongi, "Plus, you and Sumi suit each other,"

Yoongi frowns, making Jungkook laugh at his expression.

"You all keep saying that" Yoongi mumbles, "But it's all so complicated. Sure, I really like her... but I don't know what to do with that,"

"Just talk to her," Jungkook sighs, "You guys are just going in circles at this point,"

"Okay... I'll try to talk to her... now will you guys stop bringing it up?" Yoongi grumbles. Jungkook laughs again before changing the subject.

They talk a little more about this and that, like Jungkook's life in Busan and Yoongi's music career. After a while, they join the others in the pool. Hoseok asks Yoongi how it went with his eyes. Yoongi beams at him, the relief evident on his face. Hoseok nods, looking happier than before.

. . . . . 

After playing in the water for 2 hours, the sun starting to fall past the horizon, they climb out of the pool and head over to an outside bar near the pool area. It is mostly timber, decorated with fairy lights and warm standing lights. It is a beautiful atmosphere for a resort on the beach.

There are bar stools surrounding the gloss-finished bar and a few small tables. There are a couple of other people sitting at the bar, so they take 2 tables instead. Namjoon moves to the bar and requests 2 jugs of beer, some soju, and some meat. The bartender passes him two BBQ grills, the drinks, and the meat. Hoseok and Yoongi help him bring it over to the table. They aren't too hungry after having such a big late lunch, but nothing beats BBQ and alcohol by the beach.

Jennie collects the sides when the Bartender calls out to say they are ready and places them around the table.

They continue chatting into the night, drinking lightly and merrily. Each of them experiences a moment of clarity, looking around at everyone's happy faces with contentment. These moments of comfort and joy are intoxicating. 

It has been a long time since they have had a vacation together, and they have never had such a lavish vacation before. The warm environment mixed with the excitement and alcohol has left them feeling elated.

Jungkook is feeling a lot better after his conversation with Yoongi, and his obvious relief is making Sara feel a lot more comfortable. Jiho has come to adore Hoseok's friends and Hoseok loves watching her interact with them like she has known them for years. Jennie and Namjoon act like a loving engaged couple, their engagement rings hidden in their luggage for the surprise later. Even Yoongi and Sumi are interacting more comfortably, subtly flirting with each other.

Soon, the conversation turns to the rooms of the resort.

"Now," Jennie starts, "We booked a couple of rooms, but we couldn't afford too many so everyone is paired up," Jennie smirks at Sumi.

Oh no... Sumi's eyes go wide, she didn't...

"So," Namjoon continues, an equally playful smirk on his lips, "We have Sara and Jungkook together," He passes the room cards to Jungkook and Sara, "Then we have Jennie and me in one room," Jennie shows her card, "Hoseok and Jiho in another room," he passes them their room cards, "And..." He grins, looking between Yoongi and Sumi as if waiting for the realisation to hit them.

"Wait..." Yoongi blushes, "What...?"

"And we have Sumi and Yoongi in one room!" Jennie finishes, passing them their cards. Sumi glances down at the card, which has a 700 in the corner. She looks to Yoongi, who is holding the same card.

"We also made sure everyone got awesome rooms," Jennie continues, her eyes glinting with mirth, "So everyone has a huge queen bed!"

"Wait..." Sumi blushes.

"One queen bed??" Yoongi asks, avoiding eye contact with Sumi.

"Yep!" Namjoon grins.

Sumi looks around the table to find their friends looking at them mischievously as if they were all in on the surprise. Or they are simply overjoyed by Jennie and Namjoon's idea to finally force them to interact.

"We are not only sharing a room," Yoongi clarified, "But we are also sharing one bed?"

"That's correct," Jennie winks, "Anyway, your bags are already in your rooms, so once we are ready to call it a night we can head up!"

Their friends cheer enthusiastically, excited by the prospect of having a nice, fancy resort room with a big bed.

Sumi glances at Yoongi, but quickly looks away when she finds him staring at her, anxiety written all over his face with bright red cheeks.

Fuck... 

(A/N) Uh oh, they are sharing a room and a bed?? 

What could possibly happen in that situation? 😏

See ya tomorrow 🫰🫰🫰