-BUDDY-

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FLASHBACK • 1950s •

Jungkook wears a beaming smile as he enters the venue where the party is in full swing. He looks around, taking in the lively atmosphere and wanting to make the most of this evening. Although he's inexplicably happy today, there's a tiny sliver of unease in the back of his mind. He chooses not to dwell on it, determined to enjoy the festivities.

The dance floor is filled with people dancing joyfully in groups, and couples twirl around with bright smiles on their faces. Women don dresses that fall to their knees as they gracefully move to the music, their partners beaming beside them. Jungkook, dressed in a stylish suit with a long coat, knows that he might meet his friend, who has recently become a mayor.

The thought brings a smile to Jungkook's face, and he feels genuinely happy for his friend. However, in the midst of the crowd, his gaze locks onto a stunning woman. She wears a vintage hat and a brown dress, adorned with a delicate necklace around her neck. She chats with a man beside her, her smile radiating warmth in the bustling atmosphere. As she looks down to play with her necklace and then turns to respond to someone else, Jungkook watches her, captivated by her beauty.

A smile grows on his face, and he wonders if he's infatuated or...

Shaking off the thought, Jungkook turns on his heel and walks outside the mansion, his hands casually tucked into his pockets.

"Jungkook?!" His friend's voice calls him to a halt.

"Jungkook, where were you going? I was just waiti—" Jungkook immediately turns around and envelops his friend in a warm hug, patting his back affectionately.

"Congratulations, Harris," Jungkook says with a smile, holding his friend tightly.

"What, you trying to crush me?" Jungkook quips, still embracing his friend.

Harris chuckles, "Thanks, buddy. You're a kind and sweet man. Thank you for being my friend."

- END OF FLASHBACK -

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"Ladies and gentlemen, shorties and tallies, all of you who have been patiently awaiting this magnificent night—are you ready to meet her?!" A man's voice booms from a stage, his face radiating excitement. The room, an opulent mansion adorned with stunning red lights and spotlights scattered throughout, is packed with elegantly dressed guests, many of whom are not just ordinary people but well-known figures in their respective fields. They hold glasses of champagne, wine, and various alcoholic beverages, eagerly anticipating the moment they've been waiting for. Tonight's celebration marks the arrival of a rising fashion designer, someone who's quickly become a star in the fashion industry, and the atmosphere is electric.

The crowd erupts in cheers, raising their drinks high in agreement. Anticipation fills the air, and the guests can hardly contain their excitement as they wait to greet the remarkable woman of the hour.

"Uh-huh! So, let's welcome the extraordinary fashion designer of the moment... Regina Theobald Angelos!" With those words, the mansion's entrance comes to life as a woman strides in, clad in an elegant, curve-hugging black gown and pointed black heels that accentuate her height. Her long, straight hair cascades down to her waist, and a man rushes over to her.

"You're late! Move it!" He exclaims, nudging her towards the stage.

The woman chuckles, pausing to grab a glass of wine from a passing waiter, who looks utterly petrified by her presence. She raises her wineglass high, allowing the spotlight to bathe her in its glow, capturing everyone's attention. A sly smirk graces her pretty, red lips as the awe-struck crowd gazes upon her.

The host, who knows her well, enthusiastically announces, "Our dear Reina!" He gestures toward her, and the room erupts in cheers once more.

With the same smirk adorning her features, the woman takes a leisurely sip of her wine, fully aware that her role for the evening here is now complete.

───── ☾ ─────

"What?" Baekhyun turns towards Jungkook, his brow furrowing in confusion. The soft rays of sunlight streaming in through the café's window cast an enchanting glow on both of their handsome faces.

"Is it her? Your mate?" Jungkook asks, his expression stern, a hint of irritation flickering in his gaze at the notion of you being his mate.

Baekhyun nods affirmatively, and Jungkook's gaze darts to the side, noticing Alita working in your place. He can't help but wonder if he chose the wrong moment to inquire, and his eyebrow arches in puzzlement.

"Her?" Jungkook queries, his mouth slightly ajar, still grappling with the revelation.

"Yes."

"Congratulations, buddy. Go and get her!" Jungkook exclaims with an exuberant smile, leaping to his feet and engulfing Baekhyun in a warm hug, patting his back with enthusiasm.

"Um . . . Okay?" Baekhyun replies, somewhat bemused by Jungkook's elation at his confession. He watches as Jungkook excitedly walks away, practically bouncing like a bunny, paying no heed to the odd looks from those around him. Jungkook appears overjoyed, having just uncovered this newfound revelation – unless he chooses not to believe it.

Back in the kitchen, you are engrossed in decorating a cake, your focus intense. The delicate icing adorns your face, including your nose, but your dedication remains unwavering. You move the icing cone with precision, crafting intricate patterns on the pristine white cake before you. You're still in the learning phase of cake making, while Raya, a seasoned pro, offers guidance. This cake has to be perfect.

Despite your concentration, two arms suddenly encircle your waist, causing your eyes to widen in alarm. This cake holds utmost importance, and the unexpected intrusion isn't helping.

"JUNGKOOK?" you exclaim, your teeth clenched, but he remains unfazed, relishing the warmth and burying his head in your neck.

"You're freezing. You should warm up with a hot bath," you tease, shaking your body in an attempt to dislodge him. The chill in the air makes you shiver slightly.

"Y/N . . ." Jungkook mumbles, snuggling deeper into your neck, catching you off guard. What has gotten into him today?

"Let me indulge in the hope that you're her," he murmurs, deepening your confusion.

Jungkook appears to want to hold you indefinitely. He acknowledges his clinginess, but he's simply being true to his feelings.

"Jungkook?" you call him, puzzled by his unusual behavior. He lifts his head, his doe-like eyes fixed on yours while his chin rests on your shoulder. Is he trying to be cute to garner more of your warmth? If so, it's working.

You exchange gazes for a few moments before you slowly pivot, the cake perched precariously behind you, a bewildered expression on your face.

As Jungkook's gaze locks onto you, the atmosphere takes on an entirely different quality, charged with an unfamiliar tension. He leans in gradually, his eyes closing, and you follow suit. His hands caress your waist, and your heart races wildly, causing your cheeks to flush. His right hand moves to your hip with deliberate slowness.

Just as your lips are about to touch, a voice pierces through the electrified air. "Y/N! Get the cake ready already!"

You snap your head in the direction of the voice, causing Jungkook's lips to land on your cheek instead. You push him away, sprinting out of the café as fast as your feet will carry you. Something feels amiss. Is it just your imagination? You wanted to kiss him, to feel him, but a nagging sense of unease gnaws at you. This unease seems connected to you in some way. Why is this happening?

You rush out of the café, ignoring Raya's shouts, still clad in your work attire. You run in the direction your instincts guide you. The cake can wait; your thoughts are in disarray.

───── ☾ ─────

"Jungkook?" Taehyung's concerned voice fills the kitchen, and Jungkook stands by the counter, his hand gripping it tightly, his gaze cast downward.

Taehyung approaches him, worry etched on his face. His eyes shift from Jungkook's face to the hand he's clenching onto the counter.

"What's wrong?" Taehyung inquires, watching Jungkook closely. He can sense something is amiss, and his concern deepens.

"It's nothing," Jungkook mutters, taking a few steps, walking past Taehyung with a blank expression.

"Jungkook?!" Taehyung's voice raises, and he grabs Jungkook's shoulder. Jungkook reacts by shaking off Taehyung's hand, his eyes still fixed on the floor.

"It's nothing, Tae," Jungkook repeats as he exits the kitchen and enters the café. The girls' eyes light up upon seeing him, and Jungkook offers a polite and professional smile, something he used to do when he worked as a businessman. He avoids prolonged eye contact and proceeds to the kitchen, standing there and randomly making a drink. He doesn't even know what he's preparing; he's that lost in thought. He would even make poison if someone asked him to right now, so preoccupied he is. Raya observes him from behind, her sigh heavy with concern.

Jungkook takes the concoction he's prepared and places it on a tray, handling it roughly. His mind is consumed by the fear that has gripped him, and he can't shake the thought – the fear of losing you again.

"Fuck this," Jungkook mutters, his voice a jumbled mess of emotions as he slams the tray onto a table, then abruptly turns around to remove his apron.

Jungkook tosses the apron onto the counter, his actions hurried and agitated. He decides he needs to remain calm, but it's impossible with this fear haunting him – the fear of losing you again.

"Falls!" Raya shouts, not caring about the customers anymore, as she answers the question that had been plaguing Jungkook's mind.

Falls?

"She's developed this habit of going to the falls when she's feeling sad or confused about her life," Raya explains, not worrying about the cafe's patrons. There's been a surge in customers lately, all because of the two "hot boys" working there, so she's not overly concerned about losing a few.

"Thank you!" Jungkook waves his hand in a quick gesture of gratitude and bolts outside. His feet carry him toward the falls, his heart pounding with the urgency of finding you.

───── ☾ ─────

You sit by the falls, your feet submerged in the clear, cool water. The breathtaking view of the cascading water in front of you is framed by lush greenery and trees. The golden sunlight filters through the sky, casting a warm glow on the scene, accompanied by the cheerful chirping of birds. You gently sway your legs in the water, deep in thought.

Lately, those unsettling nightmares and episodes of sleepwalking have been increasing. They only occur at night, filling you with dread, as if some impending doom is lurking. You shake your head, dismissing the ominous thoughts, and wrap your arms around your knees. This place, despite the memories of Jungkook, feels peaceful to you. Your feet seem to lead you here whenever something doesn't sit right in your mind.

Suddenly, you feel someone taking a seat beside you, and your brows furrow in surprise. Who could approach so silently in this dense, wooded area?

Turning your head, you find a woman sitting next to you, her gaze fixed on the falls with warm eyes. She possesses an alluring beauty – a slender figure, slanted eyes, full lips, and wavy hair cascading down to her waist.

You peer at her in astonishment, a myriad of questions swirling in your mind. Who is she, and what is she doing here?

The woman turns toward you, a gentle smile playing on her lips as she asks, "Y/N?" She seeks confirmation, and you nod, still regarding her with a puzzled expression.

"Yes, that's me." You respond, confusion evident in your voice.

The woman chuckles lightly, wrapping an arm around your shoulder and squeezing you affectionately. "Just a stranger who wants to be your friend," she quips with a radiant smile.

"Friend?" You remain bewildered, desperately needing an explanation for this sudden encounter.

"Regina, not you again," a familiar voice says, and you turn to see Jungkook approaching. He looks at both of you with a frown, hands resting on his hips. He appears relieved yet had been worried just moments ago.

"Jungkook?!" The woman exclaims, her eyes lighting up. She rises and rushes to him, enveloping him in a tight hug. You can't help but wonder about her connection to Jungkook. Are they friends?

"So, did you enjoy your trip to Italy, sweetie pie?" Jungkook asks, eliciting your puzzled expression. What is happening? Who is this woman? Sweetie pie?

"Yes, sweetie pie," she responds enthusiastically, leaving you more perplexed. "I also met Y/N."

"Y/N, don't worry. We're just friends," she reassures you with a charming smile. However, you're not jealous, just thoroughly confused.

Jungkook rolls his eyes, "We aren't dating. What are you even talking about?" He glances toward you, and you freeze when your eyes meet his. How does she know about you?

"Oh, yes. Who told you?" Jungkook asks, raising an eyebrow and giving you an inquisitive look.

"Namjoon," she answers brightly, leaving you utterly puzzled. How does she know Namjoon? And why is she involved in all this?

"Y/N, don't let it bother you. We're just friends," she tells you, using the word "sweetie pie" as a friendly joke between them. But you can't help but feel strange hearing it.

Jungkook pinches the bridge of his nose in frustration, "We aren't dating. Stop saying that." He directs this to her but also references you, emphasizing that you two aren't together. It stings a bit to hear it so explicitly.

"Both of you don't need to be dating when you clearly like each other," Regina states matter-of-factly, pointing to both of you, leaving you startled by her words.

Jungkook intervenes, "We're not dating, Regina." He sounds almost exasperated, and you can't help but feel a pang of disappointment. Why is he so insistent on clarifying that you're not together?

Regina seems to find it amusing, as she teases Jungkook playfully. "Oh, sweetie pie, you're so dense. Well, I'll leave you both alone. Have fun sorting out your feelings!" With that, she pats Jungkook's back and struts away, leaving you and Jungkook standing awkwardly by the falls. The atmosphere is tense and uncomfortable, but you refuse to speak first. Your pride won't let you. You pout slightly, your gaze still averted.

Jungkook is bewildered. Why are you acting this way? Could it be because of his earlier attempt to kiss you? Perhaps that's what's bothering you.

"I'm sorry for doing that," he finally apologizes, his voice laced with genuine remorse.

A/N : I need guesses on who Regina is! ;)

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