June 20, 2019

We all stood around Macy's bed as she slept peacefully. Her chest steadily rising and falling to her breathing. Olivia counted to three with her fingers as I held a birthday cake. Once she reached three we all busted out singing 'Happy Birthday' at the top of our lungs. Hearing the disruptive noise, she jumped sitting up on the bed in a panic, her chest heaving out of the scare. Gaining awareness of her surroundings and seeing us there with a cake and singing a big smile made its way to her face.

"Happy Birthday dear Macy, happy birthday to you," we sang belting out the last note.

I leaned down so Macy could blow out the candles, but Olivia stopped me before I could reach her. We all looked at her with confused expressions.

"In Spanish now!" She demanded with a sheepish smile.

Not having much of a choice we sang again.

Again, Macy went to blow on the candles, but having another thought I drew the cake back. I couldn't stop myself from messing with her one more time.

"Might as well do it in Korean. We are here it would be rude if we didn't," I said taunting her.

"That's true," Youngjin gasped, joining along the teasing.

For the last time that morning we sang 'Happy Birthday' by now Macy was 2 years older than she was supposed to be. Finally, I bent down, allowing Macy to blow the candle without interruptions. She hesitated narrowing her eyes at us suspiciously.

"Come on blow it," I nudged her before the candle finished melting.

"Yeah, come on. Blow it," Olivia joked.

Quickly she blew the half melted candle wanting the jokes to finish, "You just ruined candles for me."

"Alright, who wants cake for breakfast?" I yelled, placing the cake on the table.

"Me!" Olivia exclaimed, popping up beside me.

I served some cake on plates and Olivia helped me take them to the room where Macy and Youngjin were. We sat on one bed while Macy and Youngjin sat on the other. We talked about the plan for the day as we enjoyed the chocolate cake my brother and I got yesterday. We had to wait till she was asleep to sneak out to go get it. Olivia stayed in case she woke up and needed to come up with an excuse.

Concentrating on my cake I jumped when Liv nudged me with her elbow and signed with her chin to look at my brother and Macy. They sat there in their own little bubble giggling about something when next thing I knew my brother smudged some frosting on her nose.

I sat there shocked at the fact my brother was flirting so shamelessly with my best friend. My feelings were a mix of disgust, giddiness, and mischief. Olivia and I had to contain our excitement and laughter and decided to keep acting normal not wanting to ruin this moment for Macy.

The day consisted of giving Macy some birthday presents, relaxing on the hotel, and having a nice late lunch with my parents in celebration. As the night got closer, we sat getting ready for her party at the noraebang. Hana agreed to get there first with her boyfriend since she made a reservation and to set up the place with some cute decorations.

Getting ready I remembered I had to send Taehyung a text about the location.

(In case you can't see the pictures the convo is at the end)

"How to do I look?" Macy asked, walking out of the bathroom.

"You look hot!" Olivia exclaimed, "The guys will be all over you."

"What guys?" Jin asked, tearing his attention from his phone.

"None in particular, I'm just saying all the people will see how hot he is," Olivia explained in defense.

Jin huffed and nodded going back to his phone.

I stifled a laugh and shared a look with the girls, Macy was blushing so hard at his remark she looked like a tomato.

"You look good, like the birthday girl," I assured Macy going over her choice of dress.

"Perfect," she exclaimed popping the 'p' loudly.

Tonight, we had all decided to match. Olivia and I matched with Macy wearing some silky tops, while Jin matched with the pink.

"Nari, should I wear it tied or tucked?" Liv asked, showing me how the long-sleeved blouse looked.

"Tucked to showcase the belt," I told her analyzing the outfit.

"Like this?" she asked, "Oh, you're right, it does look good."

Receiving a notification that the taxi would be here in ten minutes I quickly put on my black platform heels, adding a good number of inches to my height. I stood in front of the mirror fixing my accessories and hair before walking out the door where the girls were waiting. I had to say I looked good. The color of my shirt going well with my skin tone and hair, the high waist of the jeans accentuating the little curves I had. All in all I looked hot. I was taking too much to heart the motto 'Love Yourself.'

We decided to get a taxi because if we decided to get drinks involved we wouldn't have to drive back and nobody had to be assigned as designated driver. Walking into the noraebang establishment, we went directly into the room marked as 10. I slowly opened the door, making sure I had the right one. I was met with a dark room filled with lots of lights, on a corner there were some streamers and a cake. My eyes instantly went to the big glittery balloons with the number 20 on them.

"You're here!" Hana exclaimed, seeing me hovering over the door.

I opened the door wider letting the others walk in.

"Happy birthday Macy!" Hana hugged her.

"Thank you," Macy replied excitedly, hugging her back

"Let's get this party started," Olivia yelled.

"You guys remember, Jiho, right?" Hana asked, pointing to her boyfriend.

"Yeah, it's nice to see you again," I greeted him.

We got the party started as we all took turns picking songs. We had a nice group there was Macy, who sang really well and surprisingly Jiho sang amazing too. Then there were Youngjin and Hana who weren't horrible, then you had me who mainly screamed into the mic and finally Olivia, who even though she didn't sing horrible she made a lot of funny voices making us all die of laughter.

"I got some shots!!!" Youngjin came in with a bottle of tequila.

"Where did you get that? You're technically don't have the drinking age," I scolded him.

"Um- they didn't know that," he stuttered.

"Well, I'll take it out of your hands," Olivia said, taking the bottle from his hands.

"Oh, come on!" he whined.

Noticing the bottle of tequila Jiho and Hana went out to look for some more alcohol. They brought some glasses, soju and beer. I waited for Olivia to finish her song and went together to get something to drink. I settled for some soju when I saw Youngjin stand beside me grabbing some beer.

"What do you think you're doing?" I narrowed my eyes at him.

"Um- I," he tried looking for an excuse.

"I'm just messing with you, go ahead," I laughed, pushing his shoulder.

"You won't tell mom?" he asked suspiciously.

"No, just don't get drunk!" I warned, pointing my finger.

"You're the best!" he side-hugged me before excitedly getting his beer.

"I know!" I agreed, flipping my hair over my shoulder.

The drinks pumped up the atmosphere as we all started to let loose. Olivia was a dancing machine who never stopped moving except to get a drink. We sang so many songs from 'Don't stop believing', to 'Barbie Girl' courtesy of Olivia, Macy did a beautiful rendition of 'Someone Like You', Hana and Jiho dueted 'I know what you did last summer' which was very dramatic as they added some acting into the mix. Then Olivia and I dueted the classic 'Can't remember to forget you' by Shakira and Rihanna. I'm just going to say it was a mess there was more laughing and ridiculous moves than singing and I'm not even sure what we did can be considered singing.

It was Youngjin turn to attempt 'Bang Bang Bang'. We all laughed as he also tried to do the moves from the game Just Dance. Youngjin has always been goofy and comedic, but the drinks made him hilarious. As he finished his prize worthy performance and started bowing to the public, I saw the door opening and a head peak in. Recognizing the handsome face, I stepped out of the room to greet them.

"Hi, I'm so glad you guys are here," I told them.

"Hi Nari!" Jimin waved excitedly.

"Hi Jimin," I laughed at his eagerness.

"Nari..." Taehyung greeted me with his low voice.

I loved his voice it was so deep and soothing.

"Taehyung," I said, grasping my hands in front of me, waiting to see what else he would do.

He gave me a sweet smile and went in for a hug. Not hesitating for a second I hugged him back, due to my heels my chin was placed on his shoulder. It left me with a view of Jimin wiggling his eyebrows at me, which made me blush tremendously. Was I being too obvious? Oh no.

Pulling away quickly I gave a nervous chuckle, "Come on in."

We all stepped inside and I called Macy and Olivia over who were focused on another of Youngjin's performances. Looking over at me, their eyes opened as wide as saucers. I waved them over and hoped to God, they wouldn't embarrass me. You could see Macy's shit eating grin from a mile away. Hana and Jiho didn't notice who my guests were since the room was dark.

"Guys, this is Olivia and Macy," I said, pointing at them, "the birthday girl."

"Happy birthday," they said in unison and each gave her a hug.

Macy turned to mush right in front of my eyes. Her smile looked like it hurt from how big it was.

"It's such a pleasure to meet you guys," she breathed out.

"I've heard so much about you guys from Nari it's nice to put a face to the name," Taehyung told them.

"All good things I hope," Olivia said, nudging me

"Of course," I said with a side glance.

The group dispersed themselves as Jimin went to choose some songs, Macy and Olivia went to sit down again, and Taehyung stayed by my side.

"I hope you haven't sung too much," he spoke over the music being played.

"Why is that?" I asked, tilting my head. I was sure he hadn't heard my horrible singing yet.

"Because I want to sing with you," Taehyung cheerfully said.

"Oh really?" I widened my eyes, "Hm, I don't know I might just put you to shame," I joked knowing well it would be the other way around.

"Come on, please?" he begged, giving me his puppy dog eyes.

I would have said yes right then and there, but decided not to give in too easily. Taking my eyes away from him I shook my head.

"It's a noraebang, how could you not sing with me?" he pouted, noticing I wasn't looking he grabbed my chin and made me face him. He gave me a pleading look and deepened his pout.

"... alright," I squeaked not sure if it was by his look or the way his hand held my chin.

Taehyung cheered, dragging me over to the machine to choose a song. In front of the machine stood Jimin still choosing a song. I talked to the boys as we all decided on a song until I felt the eyes of Hana piercing right through me. Catching my eyes, she waved me over frantically.

"Nari," she said as I reached her.

"What?"

"Are those two members of South Koreas biggest boy band, BTS?" she asked to make sure her eyes were not deceiving her.

"Yeah," I nodded

"Why are they here?" Hana seemed shocked and I didn't blame her. It wasn't every day two members of the biggest kpop group appeared in your cousin's friend's birthday party.

"They are my friends?" I facetiously told her.

"Why didn't you tell me, omg, I am not ready for this," she berated me, raking her hands through her hair.

"Oops," the situation was really amusing and I had no idea how to react.

"Jiho is going to flip," she explained, "He is obsessed with them."

As Hana told me all about Jiho's obsession with them and how that led them to be together, Youngjin walked towards Taehyung to introduce himself. I peered over Hana's shoulder and tried to listen to what he said.

"Hi, I'm Youngjin Nari's brother," he said extending his hand.

"It's nice to meet you, Taehyung," He politely introduced himself.

"Oh, so you're the one she talks to late at night," Jin said with all the intention of embarrassing me. I'm going to kill him. If looks could kill I'd be an only child by now.

"I guess I am," Taehyung shyly chuckled.

Jimin stood beside them holding his laughter as Youngjin then greeted him.

Excusing myself from the one-sided conversation Hana was having I walked over to them as fast my heels allowed me.

"Hey Youngjin, Macy is looking for you," I told him with a murderous look.

With a gulp, knowing he was busted he left hurriedly to look for shelter. Taehyung just stood there silently laughing at our interaction.

"What song are we choosing?" I said quickly changing the conversation.

I noticed Jimin had finished picking and was over the couch talking to Olivia. I don't know if it was good that he found someone to talk to or bad that it just so happened to be Olivia.

"You pick," he told me, letting me scroll through the songs.

"Don't mind if I do," I agreed, "How about this one?" I questioned, selecting 'Closer' by the Chainsmokers and Halsey.

"Okay," he nodded at my choice of song.

We went to see the others sing and it was a lot of fun. I saw Jiho fanboy over the boys as he told them how much he admired them. He got all red and almost fainted when he saw them. Macy sang another song and started laughing uncontrollably when Jimin and Taehyung clapped loudly and complimented her.

A few songs later Taehyung's and my turn came. I stood in the front of the room all nervous due to Taehyung's presence beside me. It was very intimidating since I knew how good of a singer he was and the fact that I was not.

"Please, don't give it your all," I whispered to him before the song started.

"I can't make promises," he whispered back a glint in his eyes assuring me he was joking or at least I hoped.

My worries were eased once Taehyung took on Olivia's technique of making different voices as he sang. I, on the other hand, tried my hardest to not make a fool of myself, yet halfway through the song I stopped caring and started having fun. He also made funny faces and making dance moves that reflected what the song said, and I was more than willing to join him. My "singing" eventually turned more into screaming, like usual, but that's okay. As the song finished, we were laughing so hard we were leaning against each other trying to hold ourselves up.

Gazing up at him I was mesmerized. I was not sure if it was one particular thing that left me in awe or the combination of everything. Was it the way the lights colored his smooth skin, drawing my focus to him or was it the way his laugh reverberated in my ears or the way his peculiar smile caused his eyes to hide making him look very happy? Was it the way his body leaned into mine the layers between us not preventing me to feel some sparks hitting my skin? In the end, it didn't matter what it was Kim Taehyung had a way of catching my attention and make me feel things.

"That was fun," he laughed, placing the mic on a table with props.

"You're such a bad singer," I teased, knowing it was the exact opposite.

"I know, I'm the worst," Taehyung whined dramatically.

We kept up the playful banter when Taehyung randomly exclaimed, "Oh, I forgot to give Macy her gift."

"Gift?" I questioned, surprised.

It's so nice of him how he thought to give her a gift I hadn't expected him to since he just met her today and all he knew about her was through me.

Taehyung walked over to her with me trailing behind him. He fished an envelope from his coat and tapped her on her shoulder, giving it to her. Macy looked confused, but opened it with a shrug. When she started reading the paper inside, she gasped putting her hands on her mouth. She looked up at him in disbelief as he nodded confirming her question. She went to hug him, but held back, unsure if she was allowed, he opened his arms and she hugged him tight.

"What did I miss? Did Macy steal him from you?" Olivia wondered, as she came to stand beside me.

"I'm not sure. Taehyung gave her a birthday gift," I explained, waiting for an explanation.

"Look at Jin," Liv pointed in his direction.

He had a grim expression as he saw them hugging. He was so whipped for Macy. I'm not quite sure how that happened. I went to check on him as he slumped on one of the sofas.

"You okay?" I said lightly kicking his leg.

"I think so," he slurred with his head back and eyes closed.

"Alright, no more drinks for you" I told him taking his drink away.

"I'm fine," he insisted, but didn't make a move towards the drink, "Just a little tipsy," Emphasizing the little with his fingers.

"Okay, I believe you," I lied, making sure he was okay.

I sat down beside him for a minute observing my surroundings. Jiho was talking to Jimin, he seemed to have calmed down. If you looked at them, you might have thought they were friends. Hana was with Olivia by the table of drinks the latter looked to be ranting about God knows what. Lastly, Macy was still talking to Taehyung I'm guessing about the gift. What did he get her? It was a piece of paper it could be so many things. A snore caught my attention, I followed the noise and it led me to my dear brother who had fallen asleep his neck hanging uncomfortably by his side.

"Somebody had a little too much to drink," a voice piped up form in front of me.

"Yeah, he is not used to it," I defended my brother so he wouldn't make too much of a fool of himself.

"We've all been there," he laughed, "One time I got a bit too drunk and Taehyung had to drag me to the dorms."

"I don't think I've ever gotten drunk," I told Jimin, recalling a time that didn't exist.

"That's not possible," he argued.

"It is, I know how to hold my alcohol," I said condescendingly.

"Alright, sure," he scoffed in disbelief, "One of these days we'll have to test that out."

"Oh, it's on," I accepted the challenge.

We stared at each other with narrowed eyes before bursting out in laughter.

"I haven't been able to talk to you much, how are you?"

"I'm good you know making the time worthwhile before we go back," I admitted with a sigh.

I was having so much fun, I didn't want to go back to reality.

"I'm so glad we got to see you again," Jimin told me, "You really made an impression that day."

"Would you say it was a moment of...serendipity?" I said, gauging his reaction.

Jimin chuckled at my choice of words, "I'd say so, I knew that somehow I'd see more of you."

"Dreading it were you?" I joked with a smile.

"Not at all, I like you, you're nice and fun," Jimin shook his head.

"Thank you, thank you I try my best," I quipped. 

"But there was a certain someone who looked forward to it the most," He revealed, trailing off at the end.

I turned my head lazily to look at him, "Yeah?"

"That's right, he wouldn't stop talking about you and what you guys would do," Jimin didn't turn to look at me, instead he focused on looking around the room.

"Are you trying to tell me something, Jimin?" I questioned him, there must be a reason he is telling me this, right?

"Me, no," He elongated his words as he placed his hand on his chest, "I was just telling you about an observation I made."

"Got you," I said with an exaggerated wink.

"Guys, we have 10 minutes left!" Hana yelled into one of the microphones.

"Time went by so quickly!" I whined not ready to leave. Macy was right this was a lot of fun.

"That's what happens when you have fun," Jimin sighed patting my back, standing up and walking over to the drinks table.

Now that I noticed the time it was around midnight and that triggered my body to shut down briefly. I was suddenly aware of my feet hurting, the burning of my eyes, and the exhaustion of my body. Shaking the tiredness away, I stood up and stretched my back the bones popping, releasing some of the tension.

"Hey, I was wondering if maybe you wanted to have a midnight snack?" Taehyung asked as he suddenly appeared beside me, "I know this good pizza place," he said trying to convince me.

"Um, let me check cause my brother might have had one too many drinks," I told him.

"Oh sure," he nodded in understanding.

Damn it, Jin, why did you drink today? I hope the girls give me the okay because if they say no I'm going to kill him. I had fun today with Taehyung, but it would be nice to have some alone time.

"Ready to go?" Olivia asked as I walked over.

"Tae invited me to go get a snack do you think you can take care of Youngjin?" I quickly said with pleading eyes, clutching my hands in front of me.

"We have your back besides, he's better now... I think," Macy assured me.

We turned to look at Jin and saw he was awake again, he seemed sleepy, so he was probably easy to handle.

"You guys are the best," I thanked them with a group hug.

"We know," they said in unison.

Not wanting to keep Taehyung waiting I went over to him.

"I'd love to get some pizza," I accepted his invitation.

"Great, come on," he told me, nudging his head towards the door.

On the way out I grabbed my little purse I had brought with me while Taehyung put on his coat and face mask, for safety reasons. I hollered over to the girls notifying them, I was leaving and walked out of the noraebang with Taehyung ready to get some pizza.

A/N:

Please, don't take Youngjin as an example. Don't drink if you are underage.
Also, HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!! I am so thankful for all you guys! You bring so much happiness into my life. ❤️
Next chapter is one of my favorites I've ever written.

What song would you have sung?

What was Taehyung's gift?

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

-Nikki Marie 💜

Text Convo in case you can't see the picture.

'Hey! I forgot to send you the address'

'We'll be in room 10'

-Nari

'I'll be there'

'I might not be able to get there in time, is that ok???'

-Taehyung

'That's fine! I'm excited to see you again'

'I had fun the other day'

-Nari

'Me too!'

'I'll talk to you later, have to finish practice'

-Taehyung

'Bye!'

-Nari