"Wow, so you really do live here?" Taehyung confirms as they make their way to the elevator again, each holding a bag. She nods, still feeling the shame and guilt of accusing him for no reason.

Luckily, it seems like Taehyung isn't the sort of person who holds grudges.

Earlier when they left the building, they walked to the store together. He helped her with her groceries and continued to ask her about her living situation.

Eventually, she gave up and showed him the spare key card Jimin gave her. She is now fairly certain that Taehyung is just a unique guy who lives in the same apartment complex as her, doing a similar degree to hers, and not someone here to harm her.

That's why they keep running into each other; they live parallel lives. The only difference is he appears to have lived a very safe life in comparison to her.

Now, they are heading up to their separate apartments. Once they reach their floor, they move down the hallway. She gives him a small wave as she turns to her apartment, unlocking it.

"Wait," he says quickly, "Can I have your number?"

"Huh? Why?" She blinks a few times.

"Well, that's the next step in a friendship, isn't it?" He chuckles, "If it makes you feel better, I can give you mine,"

She tilts her head, looking at him carefully for a moment. He seems to be genuinely asking. Is this what normal people do in friendships?

She shrugs, opening up her contact list and passing him her phone. He types in his number and passes it back, smiling sweetly.

"Text me," He smirks, turning to head to his apartment. She waits for a moment to see what apartment he goes into. He's only two doors down on the other side of the hallway. She makes a mental note of this, entering her apartment.

"You took your time," Is the first thing Jimin says to her. She rolls her eyes, entering the kitchen to put the groceries away.

"I didn't take that long," She retorts, checking the time.

"Well, I'm hungry," He turns around on the sofa, pouting at her, "Can you make some lunch?"

She rolls her eyes again, sighing as she begins making some food for them. He grins, watching as she prepares some ramen.

Once they are finished eating and sitting on the sofa together, she looks at her phone, eyeing Taehyung's number. Apparently, she has been staring at it for too long, as Jimin speaks up.

"Who is that?" He asks, eyeing her phone, "Tae bear?" He cocks his eyebrow at her. She looks down at it again, finally realising the name he gave himself for the contact. She laughs lightly at this, finally making up her mind. She will text him.

"He's a friend," she replies as she changes his name to Tae.

"Ah... Hoseok said you were avoiding friendships?"

"Well... I changed my mind," She blushes, ignoring his knowing look as she begins texting him.

LUNA: Hello, it's Luna. This is my number.

Quickly, she gets a response.

TAE: Hey! I was worried you were never going to text me.

LUNA: I was bored.

TAE: Sure.

TAE: I've set your name to Kitty.

LUNA: YAH! Don't you dare!

TAE: Too late! Hehe.

LUNA: I regret messaging you. Delete my number.

TAE: Awe, don't be mean.

TAE: I'm bored too, but I need to study.

LUNA: Go study then.

TAE: Want to study together?

Luna looks up at Jimin, who is smirking secretively to himself. She shuffles away from him so his eagle eyes can't see her screen.

"Hey... am I allowed friends over?" She asks. He turns to face her, pinching his lips together so he doesn't laugh.

"Why? Is your boyfriend asking to come over?" he wiggles his eyebrows. She smacks his arm, making him wince and lean away from her.

"He's not my boyfriend," She snaps.

"He isn't a guy who is your friend?" He asks, still teasing her. She raises her hand to hit him again, but he quickly grabs her wrist so she can't. She pulls away, rolling her eyes at his antics.

"You can have friends over," Jimin says, "You just gotta let us know so we don't bring work home, you know?"

"Yeah, yeah, I know," Luna chuckles, "So, can a friend come over?"

"Sure," He shrugs, "I'll text Hoseok and let him know,"

"Okay," Luna grins, returning to her phone. Luckily for Jimin, she doesn't see him smirk at her behaviour.

LUNA: Sure. Come over.

TAE: Seriously? I was expecting you to say no.

LUNA: Don't then. Go be bored.

TAE: I'm on my way!!!

Luna places her phone down, smiling at his message. Jimin chuckles, so she looks at him, frowning slightly.

"What?" She snaps.

"Do I need to go to my room?" He teases, "Do you guys want some privacy?"

She hits him again, harder this time. He whines, leaning away from her again as he rubs his arm. He glares at her, pouting.

"What was that for?" He demands.

"I didn't hit you that hard," She teases, "Maybe we shouldn't spar, hm?"

He narrows his eyes, straightening up as he stops rubbing his sore arm.

"It didn't really hurt," he says firmly.

"Yeah, right," She stands up as she hears a knock at the door, "He's here. Be nice," She warns.

He leans back on the sofa lazily, his mischievous eyes glued to the TV again.

She heads to the door, opening it to reveal Taehyung. He has his laptop bag hanging from his shoulder and a pack of pastries in his hands.

"Hi," He beams, "I brought food,"

"I see that," She replies sarcastically, stepping aside so he can enter. He moves into the foyer, sliding off his slip-on shoes before moving further into the house. He pauses so he can follow her into the living area.

As soon as they enter, Jimin turns his attention to Taehyung, his eyes narrowed and his jaw tense.

Is this kid seriously trying to play the role of protective older brother right now? Luna sighs.

"Hello," Taehyung says politely, bowing deeply, "My name is Kim Taehyung. I am Luna's friend,"

"Nice to meet you," Jimin nods, his voice deeper as if he is trying to intimidate him.

"Anyway, let's study in my room," Luna mumbles, walking past Jimin to head down the hallway.

Jimin stands up between Luna and Taehyung, folding his arms as he looks up at Taehyung. The taller man cowers slightly, his eyes flicking towards Luna, pleading for help.

"Now, let's get one thing straight," Jimin says firmly, "If you ever... wait, are those chocolate?"

Jimin's eyes widen as he eyes the clear plastic container of pastries, his anger disappearing in an instant.

"Y-Y-Yeah," Taehyung stammers, "Would you like one?"

Jimin looks from the container to Taehyung before nodding quickly. He holds his hands up in front of him as Taehyung pulls one of the pastries out, placing it in his palms. Jimin's eyes widen further, breathing in the smell of the pastry.

"Oh wow..." Jimin grins cutely, looking up at Taehyung, "All is forgiven..."

He sits down on the sofa, crossing his legs as he wiggles with excitement. He begins nibbling on the pastry, looking up at Taehyung.

"Are you going to move? I want to watch TV,"

"Oh, sorry," Taehyung bows, shuffling over to Luna quickly. Jimin chuckles to himself, taking a huge bite of the delicious treat. The protective act is long gone at the sight and smell of sweets.

"Come on," Luna grabs Taehyung's arm, leading him to her bedroom. Once inside, she closes the door, groaning loudly at Jimin's embarrassing behaviour.

"Sorry about him," Luna sighs.

Taehyung sits down on her bed awkwardly, clinging to his laptop bag as he looks at her. She gestures for him to sit at her desk as she brings her laptop to her bed.

"It's okay," He chuckles, "Older brothers can be protective," He sits on the computer chair comfortably, spinning it so he is facing her.

"He's not my brother," Luna replies, opening her laptop as she leans against the headboard of her bed.

"Who is he then?" He asks. She looks up to find him frowning, giving her an uncertain look.

"He's my roommate," Luna explains, "He helped me move here,"

"I see..." He nods. He opens his mouth a few times, trying to find the right words. Eventually, he just asks, "Why do you have a male roommate?"

"Male roommates," She corrects, "Plural. My other roommate is at work,"

"You have 2 male roommates?" Taehyung confirms, "Why?"

Luna shrugs.

"Do you live alone?" She asks. He nods, looking a little proud of himself, "Why?"

He tilts his head, unsure where this is going.

"I don't know, I just do... I prefer it,"

"Exactly," Luna looks back at her laptop screen, "I also, just do. Hoseok, my other roommate, cooks really well. And Jimin gave me the money for this laptop,"

"I see..." Taehyung mumbles. Slowly, he turns to his computer. A comfortable silence falls over them. Well, Luna thinks it's comfortable, but Taehyung looks tense.

"So... how did you guys meet?" Taehyung asks.

"We are childhood friends," She replies vaguely, not looking away from her computer.

"Same with your other roommate?" He asks.

"No," She says, "I only met him a week ago,"

"Really?" He looks towards the door and back to her, "And you're comfortable with that?"

She sighs in annoyance, looking up to narrow her eyes at him.

"If this is some patriarchal bull shit, I don't want to hear it," She snaps, "I have male roommates, so what?"

"You know what?" He sits up straighter, "That's completely fair and valid,"

She cocks her eyebrow, closing her laptop to talk to him.

"Then why are you asking?" She presses.

"Curiosity..." He says vaguely, "Plus, your roommate being protective of you when he isn't your blood suggests he has feelings for you,"

Luna scoffs at this suggestion.

"That guy out there set me up with my first boyfriend," Luna explains, "He might as well be my brother, honestly,"

This isn't entirely true. Jimin just gave her the confidence to ask him out, which is close enough.

Taehyung nods, as if satisfied with her answer.

"Okay," He says cheerfully, "Anyway, what are you studying for?"

"Just the psych basics exam in a month," Luna replies.

"What?" He frowns, "The criminology assessment is due in a few weeks, why are you bothering with that?"

"Because I can, what's it to you?" Luna chuckles.

They spend the next few hours arguing over various different things. She's got to give it to him; he is definitely lawyer material. He can argue about anything.

They discuss their class subjects, the curriculum content, the university food, and even the best way to get to school. Obviously, Luna is right about most of these things. Taehyung, of course, thinks he is right.

Strangely, the more they argue the happier Luna becomes. This concept confuses her. How can someone become happier with someone they are arguing with?

The conversations are closer to discussions, but it does feel like an argument – or a debate.

They chat away, the intended study session is long forgotten as they eat the pastries Taehyung brought with him. Slowly, they move closer to each other, Luna lying on her stomach across her bed while Taehyung moves the computer chair over, resting his feet on her bed. He is an interesting person to talk to, even if he has a strange way of communicating.

After a few hours, Taehyung glances at his watch. It is 6 pm now. How has the day passed by so quickly?

"I should head home," he says, getting up from the chair. Luna slides off the bed, ready to lead him out.

"I'll walk you out," She grins, opening her bedroom door.

Unbeknownst to her, Hoseok arrived home earlier. He is standing in the kitchen, Jimin sitting at the bench across from him, preparing dinner.

"Oh, hey, Luna," Hoseok calls out, "Thanks for grabbing the chilli paste..." Before he can finish his sentence, he looks up and spots Taehyung.

Luna grimaces, hoping Taehyung doesn't have too many questions. Hoseok has a black eye and a busted lip, a few bruises peeking out from his clothing.

"Hey, Hoseok," Luna smiles, "This is Kim Taehyung, my friend," She emphasises.

"Hi," Taehyung mutters timidly.

"Hello," Hoseok leans against the bench sassily, "Jimin was just telling me about you,"

Luna rolls her eyes, grabbing Taehyung by the wrist to lead him to the front door.

"Okay, cool, you met. Now, say goodbye," Luna says quickly.

"Bye!" Jimin and Hoseok call out.

"Goodbye," Taehyung says politely, bowing as much as he can considering Luna is leading him away.

He slides on his shoes as Luna opens the door and pushes him out, closing it behind her.

"I'm sorry about them," She sighs, "They are a little weird,"

He nods in response, his face a little tense as he stares off into the distance at nothing in particular.

"I guess I'll see you Monday?" Luna asks. Taehyung looks up at her, wiping his expression of all concerns.

"Of course," He beams, "I'll meet you here? 8 am?"

"8 am?!" She gasps, "Wow, no wonder we never met on the way to school. 6 am?"

"No way!" He stares at her as if she has grown another head, "7 am,"

"Hmm, 6:30," She suggests.

"7,"

"6:45?"

"7:30,"

"Okay, Okay, 7 am," She concedes.

"Good," He grins, "I'll see you Monday morning then,"

He turns and heads to his apartment, waving at her happily. She waves back, trying to conceal her own grin. She re-enters her apartment, moving into the living room. She glares at the two giggling men in the kitchen, folding her arms as she reaches them.

"Dude..." Luna sighs, "What the fuck?"

"What?" They say in unison.

"What was all that protective bullshit?" She asks Jimin.

"I had to make sure," Jimin clears his throat, "But he brought chocolate pastries, so it's fine,"

"Also... all that," Luna circles her face, looking at Hoseok, "Startled him,"

"My bad," Hoseok chuckles, "Anyway, are you two ready for dinner?"

Hoseok finishes preparing dinner while Luna and Jimin set the table. The food is served, and they are seated, digging into the delicious meal. Once they are finished, Jimin decides to speak up.

"Luna, there is something we need to talk to you about," Jimin murmurs as he slides his empty plate away.

"Oh? What's up?" She asks, looking between them. Hoseok gives her an unknown look, which Jimin mirrors. She starts to become concerned by the stiff atmosphere.

"A friend from America got in contact with me," Hoseok explains, "The one who made your ID for me,"

"Okay?" She frowns, "And?"

"Someone attacked him," Jimin continues.

"Who? Why? How?" She asks, looking between their grim faces, "Who?"

"Jeon Jungkook,"

Luna stares at them for a moment, the gravity of this situation slowly sinking in. Jungkook confronted the guy who created her ID. That means he is looking for her and he is right on her tail.

She takes a deep breath, calming herself.

It's okay... it's okay...

"All right," She breathes, "Well, based on the fact that the guy is still alive, he is just looking for me," Luna expresses.

"That's... what we are worried about," Hoseok points out.

Yes, that is true. That is just as concerning. If he was hunting her down, she would only find out once he arrived. This is Jungkook's way of letting her know that he's on his way.

"We did the same training, Luna," Jimin leans forward, creases of worry on his expression, "We know this is a message. He's closing in,"

"Right," Luna nods, "So... what's the plan? Do you want me to leave?"

"Huh? No!" Hoseok frowns as if the very idea is ridiculous.

"We were thinking," Jimin cuts in before Hoseok can continue, "That I will attend the university with you,"

"What?" She scoffs, "You think I can't defend myself?"

"That's not what we are saying, Luna," Hoseok says sternly, "But... it's Jungkook,"

"The Jungkook," Jimin emphasises.
"Yeah, I know... okay," She nods, "So, you will attend school with me?"

"Precisely," Jimin grins, "I think it'll be fun! And he's less likely to try to corner you if I am nearby,"

Luna nods along, comfortable with this plan.

She cleans up the table, promising them that she is really fine and not stressed out about the news. But, of course, once she goes to her bedroom, she collapses on her bed and screams into her pillow. They are right, it's not just any Reaper member on her tail. It's Jungkook, the Jungkook.

Her ex-boyfriend. 

(A/N) 🫰🫰🫰