August 7, 2019

Taehyung's POV

I didn't mean to drag her with me when I fell, but I did not regret it as Nari's eyes stared into mine, her chest pressed against my chest, she was so close I could smell her coconut shampoo mixed in with her perfume. Her eyes trailed down to my lips, I could see she was deep in thought and I wondered if she was thinking the same as I was. Did she also want to know how it would feel for our lips to touch? For them to meet in the middle and share a secret?

I stood still in fear of reading too much in between the lines, only a few seconds have passed, but to me it felt like an eternity. She leaned in closer and closer while I stood in slight fear pondering if it was the right thing to do. As I felt her breath against my lips our noses brushing softly, I decided to let go of the fear. For once it didn't matter if it was the right or wrong thing all that ran through my head was that this was what I wanted. As I went to lean in to touch her plump lips Yeontan's barking and the front door slamming shut pulled us apart like some invisible force. Was this a sign from the universe, it was not the right time to do this?

In a flash Nari was off of me and standing on the other side of the room, brushing off any dust that might have stuck on her clothes. Meanwhile, I took my time getting up from the floor and plucking up the courage to look back at her. I hoped she didn't regret that we almost kissed and if she did regret anything, it was the fact we didn't.

"I heard Nari is in town?" I heard Jimin yell from the hallway.

"Jimin-sii!" She called back to him excitedly.

"Nari you're back, it's so nice to see you! How have you been?" My friend asked as he came into the room and hugging her. If only he knew what almost happened a few seconds ago, he wouldn't have let me live it down.

"Oh, don't even get me started," she fumed, remembering the events of the last few days.

Jimin laughed and walking out of the room, "Come on, you can tell me over dinner. We bought some food."

I was left alone with my thoughts in my shared room. I hadn't noticed how rapid my breathing was as if I had run a marathon or how badly my hands were shaking.

"Tae, are you coming?" Jimin asked, poking his head into the room again.

"In a second," I whispered, trying to compose myself.

He gave me a look asking me silently if I was okay, I nodded in his direction reassuring him I was.

I wanted the kiss to happen so badly, but I asked myself if it was for the best it didn't happen. I didn't want to rush into anything and Nari had just arrived in Seoul. It's a mystery where my courage from before came from as an abundance of thoughts started flooding my mind.

I couldn't point exactly when my feelings of friendship turned into something more. From just wanting to hang out to having her close all the time. To friendly texts to constant calls. She was always on my mind somehow little things reminding me of her constantly. I was in no way sure if I was ready for a relationship, if I was willing to subject Nari to a long-distance relationship. Hell, I don't even know if she feels the same way. For all I know the almost kiss could have been because she got caught in the moment, maybe for her it did not mean the same. I was still her friend Taehyung, nothing more.

Another thing, did I trust myself to let her in completely? I think I already have after all that night at the Han river I opened up the door wide enough for her to walk in and see who I really am, all my insecurities and fears. Instead of running away or distancing herself, she embraced them and cursed those who had caused me pain.

"Hey, come on! The food will get cold," There she was, the reason I got lost in my thoughts so often. She was a beautiful puzzle I could spend hours trying to solve and not get tired if only I was able to see closer, I would realize she was giving me the answers all along.

"What did the boys get?" I asked her, walking out of the room and leaving my thoughts behind if only for a few moments.

"Some chicken," she shrugged.

We all sat around the table eating to our hearts content and sharing stories, it reminded me of the day we met Nari. How things change in a span of a few months, she was no longer a nervous mess, her hands didn't tremble, and she seemed at ease piping in every now and then. Her smiled dazzled the room as she laughed along to one of Jin's horrible jokes, cheeks causing her eyes to crinkle cutely, and hair shining under the dining room lights.

"So Nari?" Jimin was up to something if his teasing smile said anything.

"Yes?"

"Will you tell us now who is your bias?"

"Nope," she answered, taking a sip of her soda.

"Oh, come on, you know us just tell us!" he insisted in a whiny tone.

I was curious to know who it was too, although I knew there was no way she was telling us. At least not while we were all in front of her.

"That's exactly why I'm not doing it besides, why do you want to know so badly?"

"It's important information and if it just so happens to be me, I want to hold over everyone's head that I am your favorite," he explained his satoori accent making an appearance.

"How are you planning on doing that? You're gonna get the step ladder?" Jungkook joked causing everyone at the table to burst out laughing.

"Yah, stop laughing," Jimin whined, but eventually joined in the laughter.

After eating we moved into the couch where it was more comfortable and kept talking over there. Nari sat beside me, her shoulder brushing against mine, but I didn't mind the contact. She fits in perfectly with our group dynamic and joined in on the teasing. The best part was she didn't get upset when one of the guys teased her back, instead she laughed, pouted, or threatened them, it was pretty entertaining.

Nari suddenly she turned to me and whispered, "You okay?"

"Yeah, why?" I whispered back, confused by her question.

"You're being really quiet," she responded.

I was being quiet because I was taking her in and how well she got along with the boys. I didn't feel the need to pipe in or talk I was content listening to them, to her.

"I'm okay, don't worry" I assured her, patting my hand on her knee.

She placed her hand on top of mine and shot me one of her smiles, before placing her attention back on the conversation, yet she didn't let go of my hand. It felt like hours we spent in that position until she announced it was time to go

"Alright guys as much fun as I'm having, I have to go," she pouted, standing up from the couch and stretching her arms over her head.

A series of complaints, mainly from Jimin, were heard around the room. Nonetheless, as they all said their goodbyes, they began their journey to their rooms.

"I'll walk you down," I told her as she put on her shoes.

I didn't want her to go either, but I knew she had to go. It was getting late and I remembered she mentioned she didn't want to go to bed too late as she was still getting used to the jet lag.

"You had a good time?"

"Mhm, every time I'm around you-uh- guys I have a good time," she stuttered.

Did she mean to say around me?

"Great," I nodded with a grin.

"I guess this is where we say goodbye?" Nari asked sadly.

"More like see you later," I rephrased, so it didn't sound so sad.

"Right," she laughed, "See ya."

She turned around to get in the car, yet at the last minute she took me by surprise when she turned back around, got close to me and pecked me on the lips oh so softly, her cold hands cupping my cheeks. The kiss was not enough for me, I wasn't able to process what had happened. The only thing I managed to catch was how soft her lips felt and how delicately they were placed against mine. I wanted more.

"Wait," I called out to her, "Can you do that again?"

"Only if you go on a date with me." she cheekily proposed.

The way she asked was in no way a grand gesture, but for all I cared that could go to hell because I knew I would agree in a heartbeat no matter how big or small.

Furiously nodding I agreed, "I'd really love to."

Hearing my answer, she blinded me with a smile and got into the car. I was left watching as it left the building. Elated, I went back up to the dorms where Jimin was waiting for me in the living room along with Jungkook.

"What took you so long?" He questioned with a raise of his eyebrows.

"Nothing we were just talking," I lied, although Jimin could see right through me.

"Why are you smiling so much?" Jungkook pointed out.

"Aw, did you give Nari a smooch?" Jimin teased, having no idea of what had just occurred. It baffled me how he was able to guess.

I shook my head since it would be a lie to say I kissed her, yet my grin widened cuing Jimin in.

"Did SHE give YOU a kiss?" he asked shocked.

Nodding, I plopped beside him, still in a daze.

"Tell me all about it," he insisted, shaking my arm.

Jungkook just stared confused, but that didn't stop him from listening to every detail of my story.

I seemed to have solved a part of the puzzle, Nari feels something for me. All those doubts that had plagued my mind seemed dumb now. Maybe I wasn't just her friend Taehyung. There was still a long way to go, I could only hope for the best outcome and trust the universe. 

A/N:

Opp- 

You thought I'd leave you without a kiss. 

I already have an idea for their date Its gonna be cute!

As you can see Nari is a girl that goes for what she wants lol. 

As always, please, remember to vote, comment, and share with a friend.

-Nikki Marie 💜