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I took the gift with me home. When I open it, I find a red dress neatly folded inside. It’s sleeveless, knee-length and a relaxed fit. It’s simple and I think I can do with it. Staring at it, I think long and hard the whole night. And I remember his frustrated face every time. Maybe I have to give in since it’s the last time. I want him to remember me with a smile on his face. That I was the lady in the red dress, singing beside him in college.

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9AM, rehearsals for the program starts. Jungkook is still annoyed at me. I bet it’s still about the gift. I’m sitting beside him but he’s not talking to me. He’s not bashing me like he usually does. He’s simply sitting there, browsing on his phone like I don’t exist.

When it’s finally our turn to rehearse, he stands up before me. “Let’s get this done quickly,” he told me without glancing at me.

I feel bad. This is our last day together and we’re spending it with a salty taste. I should let him know that I’ve decided to wear the dress anyway. I can’t really part ways with him this way.

I stand up and follow him trying to open up, “Jungkook-“

But his phone rings and he takes it without hearing me out, “Hey! Are you free this afternoon? Come film me, I’m having a stage.” He said over the phone.

I shut my mouth as he continues to talk to someone. Even after the rehearsals, he keeps calling someone and I didn’t have to chance to talk to him. Now I’m sure he’s avoiding me, I’m very sure of it.

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3PM, we finally meet again backstage.

I see him across the area, his face form in a scowl. He’s still in bad mood, for the longest time I’ve seen him. I sigh. Yeah right, he’s not Jeon Jungkook for nothing. So, in the red dress, I slowly walk over him, passing by other performers nearby.

I notice others looking at me. They’re probably thinking, who’s this girl? Like they’ve never seen me before. I can’t blame them since I gathered my guts to wear this dress. I never thought it would hug my body perfectly. Jungkook picked it very well. And along with the dress, I curled my hair and put it in a bun. I also put on some light make up and a shade of red lipstick. All of this I did to go with the dress. I thought it was simple, but when I inspected it, it had glistening beads on it, and I won’t be able to pull it off without being in full glamour. This look is the best that I can do, and I hope he likes it.

“Jungkook!” I finally reach him and stand a few feet away from him.

He slowly looks over me with a crumpled face at first, but that glare turns into a gaze in seconds. He slowly moves his eyes down to my feet and up to my face again, and it stays there, taking in every detail.

I’m embarrassed at the way he’s staring at me but I’m happy. I’m really glad I managed to erase his bad mood. And I won’t ever do it again, if I ever have a chance again.

He finally smiles after what seems like forever and tells me, “You look great in the dress y/n.”

“Thanks,” I replied with a shy smile.

Seeing that baby boy smile lifts my spirits up again. Why did I have to be stubborn with him anyways? When all I want is to see him smile. I’m whipped for this boy. All this time, thank you for being with me Jungkook.

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Once our turn comes, together, Jungkook and I, pace to the center stage. It feels overwhelming. But he gives me a look of encouragement and with a deep breath, I condition myself to calm down.

Everyone gives us a round of applause as Jungkook sits on the side with his guitar and I stand on the platform with the mic stand in front of me. Today is the day. Today is our last day together.

He strums his guitar and I begin to sing the lyrics...

Neoneun nae salme dasi tteun haetbit
Eorin sijeol nae kkumdeurui jaerim
Moreugesseoi gamjeongi mwonji
Hoksi yeogido kkumsok ingeonji

As I sing the song, it almost brings me to tears.  I’ve been trying so hard to fool myself, but this song is undoubtedly about him. He's my euphoria. He's the reason I’ve been happy again. He's the reason I’ve been doing better. And I know I said I shouldn't wish for anything more than his attention, but right now, I’ve never wished so hard in my life, that he stay with me even after this is all over. That he won't abandon me. That even if it's only me falling in love with him, he'd still stay by my side, for always.

Morae badagi gallajin daedo
Geu nugai segel heundeureodo
Jabeun son jeoldae nochi mara jwo
Jebal kkumeseo kkaeeonaji ma
Jeogi meolliseo badaga deullyeo
Kkumeul geonneoseo supul neomeoro
Seonmyeong haejineun geugoseuroga
Take my hands now
You are the cause of my euphoria
Euphoria
Take my hands now
You are the cause of my euphoria
Euphoria
Close the door now
When I'm with you I'm in utopia

I couldn't hear all the applause everyone is throwing at us after ending the song. My eyes could only see Jungkook smiling on my side. He's the only person that matters right now. He's waving at the crowd with his million dollar smile which makes my world go in slow motion. I'll miss him. I'm afraid I'll die from missing him.

Then his glistening eyes turn to me and says, “Why don’t we hit home later to celebrate y/n? I’ll serve you the best dinner.”

I’d love that, I’d do anything to be extend our time together, so I reply, “Sure.”

He smiles at me and my worries lessen even only for temporary. Even only for tonight.

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To be continued…

- nantokanarusa 19.02.26