"Take your throne, I'll take a crown
you carry me over mountains
then sit and watch me drown"
Paper Flowers-Rendezvous at Two

Jimin woke up with a hangover to end all hangovers.

The man was lying face down, top half naked in his bed. Stomach caving in and eyes unwilling to open. Wondering how the fuck he even got home. And why he was half naked.

The well built man huffed, lifting himself out of the covers. Ruffling his already messy hair while rummaging around his room to look for a clean shirt.

The man gripped his head, trying to will himself to remember the night before step by step. He remembered getting off of work, Tae calling him, and arriving at Hoseok's.

Jimin drank a lot. More than he usually liked to on a calm work night. He rubbed his pounding head, regretting every decision he made in life.

After arriving at Hoseok's and playing the drinking game, everything gets hazy. He knew him and Yoongi and some deep conversation. It was probably about his failed love life.

Then he went to the balcony.

Jeongguk.

He apologized.

And they were supposed to hang out today. Jimin was grateful he remembered that bit of information, or else he would have looked like an ass in front of his best friend.

And after that Jeongguk left.

And all the man could remember was using his cell phone to call someone. Who, when all of his friends were downstairs? And why does he not remember what he said at all.

Jimin checked his phone, trying to see who exactly he called.

The man dropped his phone when he realized he had called Celine four times.

"Fuck! Shit fuck balls oh fuck." Jimin yelled aloud, falling to his knees in utter despair. He felt as if his life could end in that moment.

The voicemails. The fucking voicemails.

Nothing else about yesterday mattered to him anymore when he realized the huge fucking mistake he made.

Jimin didn't even remember what he said, and that's what made it worse. He could have talked about his favorite color. He could have confessed to her. But it had to have been embarrassing. His body was in panic mode, feeling hot and sweaty as he paced around his room. The man could barely swallow, barely breath at the thought of her possibly listening to those voicemails.

Or worse, he could have told her the truth about the way he feels.

In which the young man would be royally fucked. The man vowed to never get that drunk again. For fear that truth would fall sweetly from his lips like liquor. He had never felt so dumb before in his life.

Jimin was smart though. He knew there was a large chance she either hadn't checked her phone, or listened. The man cursed, trying to come up with a plan to prevent a fallout. He looked at his phone, seeing that he had least three hours before work started. Jeongguk would be getting to the office early for a meeting, so Jimin wouldn't have to show up until later.

It would give him enough time to meet with Celine and delete the voicemails. He smirked to himself, wondering how someone could be this much of a genius. But first he had to test the water and she if she heard them.

Because then he was actually screwed.

Jimin sent a quick text to Celine, attempting to test the waters. His face was half hidden in his hands, already turning red from what could transpire.

Hey, do you want to hang today? I'll buy you ice cream.

The man waited with anxiety, worried that she would curse him out. Or just not answer.

My Angel:
Yeah sure!

Jimin let out a huge puff of breath, relieved at the fact she was acting normal. If she had heard anything strange she would have ignored him or asked what was wrong. This was a good sign. Most of the time Celine took a little while to respond, so she must have missed him too.

He started jumping up and down around his room, almost falling into his dresser. He started to text back, not revealing the amount of excitement he felt.

Cool. I'll pick u up in an hour

My Angel:
K, cya then

Jimin started to dance, not giving a crap that his room had a large window. With his heart beating a mile a minute, and a large smile spread across his face it was hard for him to calm down. At this point, he was also just excited to spend time with her.

The 21 one year old raced to his closest, trying to pick an outfit that would work. It was embarrassing to admit, but even if it was the simplest outfit, he would spend an hour picking it out before seeing her. The girl had the uncanny ability to make him feel nervous and the most comfortable he had ever been all at once. It was hard to explain, like a kaleidoscope going in and out of focus. Waves of knowing her forever, and wanting to learn everything about her. Flickers of absolute confidence, dying into fields of uncertainty.

Maybe that's what caring about someone was. Being a hundred percent comfortable around a person and knowing they are okay with who you are, but still trying to be more. Still trying to be the best version of themselves even though they accept you for you.

But in order for Jimin to feel his best, he had to attempt to look it. He picked out a pair of black ripped jeans, a white v neck, and a bomber jacket to go over it. Got dressed, and fixed his hair. Walked into his bathroom in order to see the best lighting, and make sure his skin looked perfect as well.

Jimin looked in the mirror. It was a large one that Jimin often looked into to reflect. One that he rarely recognized himself in, when he was alone and no other people were around to help build his character. One he used to pick on all his flaws over and over again everyday.

But today, he pretended the mirror was the eyes of another. The eyes of Celine.

Took in his shiny hair, even touched it to feel its softness. Ran a hand over his thin face, pausing at his fluffier cheeks. Stared into his own delicate eyes and traced along his button nose. The bows of his collarbones and the strain of his arms against the sink below him. Found his large, round lips.

The light filtered in, casting a strange glow across his questioning face. The dark thoughts filtered in and out, weaving throughout his mine and sewing themselves into the seams. One thought stood out, and bothered him the most. Caused an envious twinge in his chest that he couldn't get rid of. Repeating over and over again.

Why couldn't I look more like Jeongguk?

It was something Jimin never spoke into existence. It hadn't even crossed his mind until now.

The man was used to it. His best friend always caught the attention of others. Everyone always talked about how perfect he was, how he had the face of a star. But now, Jeongguk's face flashing across his mind was enough to break down some of the confidence he built up.

What does he have that I don't?

Maybe he was more masculine, and muscular. More tan skin, and larger eyes. Had a more handsome face. Celine must have liked it better.

Is this good enough for her?

Probably not.

It saddened Jimin, to admit that. But this was all he had to offer.

He put on his best smile, trying to find the good within him. It didn't reach his eyes. At this point, Jimin wasn't feeling too happy about his interior or exterior self. And slowly the smile melted off his face. He glanced down at his phone, seeing that it was already time to go.

And went to go pick up the girl that could damage him more than a night of over drinking could.

*****

"So do you have a shop in mind, or can I pick?" Said a strangely bubbly Celine.

Jimin sat at a red light, wondering how he was still breathing after looking at her.

The girl was sitting comfortably in his car, hand waving out his open window like a bird in flight. Wind tousling the long locks she sported behind her graceful neck. Powder blue sundress contrasting nicely with her light skin. She looked gorgeous. When she smiled, it brought a new layer of wonder onto the universe.

It was unusual to see her like this, in such a good mood. Part of the reason he was drawn to her was because of her cynical personality. It wasn't like she acted depressed, but she was more subdued. The only other time he can remember her being this pleasant was when he had bumped into her, and they had got noodles together. He wondered if he was the reason she was so jolly in disposition today.

But it was more than likely from the idea of food. Both were endearing to Jimin in different ways.

It almost distracted Jimin from the fact she could have been with someone else for only a second. And that her happiness was probably from something Jeongguk had done. But then he'd remember, the thought crawling back and biting into him. He'd hide the stabbing pain with a smile of his own.

And like always, pretended everything was okay.

"Of course you can pick. I'll get you whatever you want." He said, hoping he didn't come off as too caring. His thin hand gripped the wheel, his left knuckle wedged between his top and bottom teeth.

He had to be careful now.

She laughed, like a million butterflies exploding out of a field.

"Good. Can we go to the one on 15th street?"

Jimin sighed with relief, she had picked the best one in the city. It was one that he frequented in the summertime with the rest of the friend group. He kept on driving, trying to act passive to the person beside him, when a felt a light touch on his arm. He immediately stiffened, knowing it was Celine who initiated the contact first.

"I really needed this Jimin. Not just the ice cream, but I needed a friend." The brunette turned her head, away from the adventures of the spring wind. Looked right into his eyes, and into his soul.

It was one of those times Jimin questioned if she was real. A mirage of perfection before him. Celine must have questioned reality too, when she looked at him like he could disappear the next second. Eyes wide, mouth open, incapable of speaking the words that were gasping to be released.

In slow motion her eyes close, bathed in a buttery yellow light. And like clock work, a gentle smile rests across her pretty lips. And Jimin feels as if he's encroaching on her moment in the sun. Not sure if he's out of place or if he's exactly where he's supposed to be.

It was almost then that the words slipped out. Jimin cursed instead, jarring the wonderful girl out of her daze.

You're a fucking idiot Park Jimin.

"What's the matter Jimin?" She asked, completely unaware of how she undid him in the matter of seconds.

Sweet voice curling around, making his name sound like a poem.

"There's barely any parking."

He replied simply, and honestly. They had arrived at there destination, and the spots were limited. He quickly pulled up into the first spot he saw and got out of the car. The man quickly shoved money into the meter, walking swiftly to the other side of the car so he could open the door for Celine.

The girl looked at him with a confused expression when her door opened. Staying still for a few seconds, phone still clutched in her hands.

Jimin stood there, hand in his pocket and looking stoic. Letting no discernable emotion cross his face. Barely glancing down at her as she got out.

Respect her, be kind. But just don't look at her the way Jin looks in the mirror. Simple rules to follow, right?

"What are you doing?"

Jimin closed the door behind her, leaning close to her as he let the door slam shut. Basking in her rose and vanilla scent. He tilted his head, enough so his lips brushed the shell of her ear.

"Never met a gentleman before, have you?"

He pulled back, just in time to see the blush bloom like a carnation across her face. The man's stomach felt warm in a good way, as he placed his hand on her back and urged her to walk forward with him.

"No, I've just never met anyone like you before."

Jimin heard it, and forced himself to keep walking. It would be dangerous to pick her up in the middle of the street and kiss her till the sun embraced the horizon.

They made it into the cute ice cream shop that was the color of a vanilla latte. Pretty string tea lights floated along the ceiling, white Japanese blossoms adorning the corners of the room. Celine pointed to a table near the window, mentioning that she wanted to sit there after they ordered. Luckily it was pretty empty, only one other couple in the place.

An old lady smiled at them behind the counter, looking fatigued but friendly.

"Hello, how can I help you today?" The lady asked Jimin, who she recognized from his frequent visits.

He sent her back a warm smile, hand still pressed in the small of Celine's back.

"Can I have a waffle cone with 2 scoops of cotton candy ice cream and-" The man trailed of, gesturing his silver head at his companion.

Celine took the hint, ordering a sugar cone with chocolate. Jimin nodded his head, knowing that she was definitely a chocolate kind of person. He paid for the both of them like he promised, and took both of the cones over to their table of choice.

"Here you go," Jimin said, handing it off to Celine.

He relished in the quick second their hands touched, warmed by the soft skin. Her eyes flicked to his, suggestive in their gaze. It was a nice moment, for it was guilt free. They had an excuse to touch.

Jimin pulled away first, taking a lick off of his ice cream. They ate silently for a while, just relaxing in the company of a friend. He looked out the wide window, that was perfect for people watching.

But he caught Celine's burning glances at him. And that she was staring intently right at his lips that wrapped around the pink and blue treat. He raised his eyebrows, slowly licking his tongue up the side this time. Unintentionally reminding the girl of things they've done before.

"Fuck Jimin, are you shooting a porn video?" She said, lifting up her hand to shield her eyes.

Jimin pulled it away, so that she could see his actions. He wrapped his lips completely around the ice cream, letting some of it settle on his plump lips. He let his voice darken, suddenly wanting to get a reaction out of her.

"Depends, are you going to be in it with me?"

The brunette sat frozen for a couple seconds, before smirking back at him.

"I wouldn't do it with anyone else."

But would you? Like you did last night?

The burning in his body again. He remembered exactly why he was so distraught last night. That desperate feeling of wanting someone who'd never want you back. The feeling where he wanted to cry and tear apart the world all at once. His heart was filled with a heavy envy. Coated by hate for a man who's face or name he did not know.

An imagined person that could threaten Jimin.

If another man touches her I'll break them.

Jimin winced, scared of his own thoughts. He looked up at Celine, feeling guilty even though her own demeanor was polite. She didn't know what was racing through his head at all. He hated feeling like that, the foreign sensation of violence and possession. He knew it was wrong, but it didn't make him feel any different none the less.

It just hurts, to think another man touched you.

Buys you things that you neither want nor need.

Parades you around like some fucking object.

That has no clue of the depths that you hold, and could care less. Sees your worth like a China vase. Beautiful on the outside, but forgets to look at what the vase holds. If they looked inside, they'd find diamonds and gems.

"If you don't mind me asking, why weren't you at Hoseok's last night?" The question sounded rushed, even to Jimin's own ears. His usual laid back and chill way of speaking sped up with anxiousness.

The 21 year old's cheeks started to heat, his stomach twisting in knots as he expected the worse.

Celine smiled, making Jimin even more apprehensive. She put her hair behind her ears, looking up through her lashes at him. Jimin's eyes flickered to her neckline, which seemed to be clear of any marks. Not that she let anyone give her hickeys anyways.

His heart was beating a mile a minute as he waited for her reply.

"I didn't feel like going out. I wanted to stay home and paint." The talented girl said, with a quick shrug of her shoulders.

Jimin backpedaled, letting the words sink in. Her voice was stable enough, she was looking straight into his eyes. His heart swelled, feeling like it could burst with happiness.

"Oh-wait. Really?" He said, not even able to hide his reaction of surprised relief. He let his eyes flutter shut, a warm smile finding a place on his face.

The dark haired girl laughed, probably confused by Jimin's actions. She had no clue of the chaos that was wreaking throughout him.

"Yeah." She said sardonically, eyes half closed. Looking at him like he was a freak, and making Jimin want to laugh. She had a way of delivering lines that could make anything comedic gold.

But he needed to make sure. Needed to know that was she said was the truth.

"That's all you did last night?" He said, leaning forward. Leering into her golden irises, watching every movement on her small face.

The girl pouted, pink lips pouting out. She sat back in her seat as she angrily took another lick of her chocolate ice cream.

"Yes, are you trying to say I'm a loser or something?"

Jimin shook his head, smiling at the ludicrous moment. He felt like the biggest idiot in the world. Freaking out over nothing.

"No. Well you are a loser, but not because of that."

"Fuck you." The girl said, letting it out with a slight giggle. She flipped him the middle finger, and he fought the urge to put it down with his own hand. To compare the size and texture with his own. To memorize every feeling he received, and every line of her skin.

"Been there done that. I was just confused because Jeongguk said last night you were at work." Jimin said, trying to play it off as if it was normal to ask.

She rolled her eyes, leaning forward on the table. Looking like a little kid who got their lollipop stolen.

"Oh yeah, I told him that to get him off my back. He would have badgered me to go out if he knew I wasn't actually doing anything."

The man angrily bit into his ice cream, his other hand a clenched fist in his lap. He could barely hide the disappointed expression on his face. It pissed Jimin off, that his best friend couldn't take no for an answer. That she had to lie in order to stay home. Their relationship consisted of control and lies, but it wasn't like Jimin could say anything.

Tell them to break up?
Jeongguk hates him.

Tell them to break up?
Celine gets pissed off and thinks he's getting into her business.

Either way, no matter how uncomfortable it made him, he really couldn't say anything. But he could show Celine the respect and freedom that she deserves. Jimin could show her that he can treat her right.

"And um, speaking of painting, when are you going to tell me whether my art is admitted or not in your gallery?" She said, sweet voice interrupting his thoughts.

"Good question. Within the next couple days. I was already compiling my Spring exhibition and looking at a few other artists. If your work matches well with the others, you should be fine." Jimin said, reassuring her with his smooth voice.

Your artwork is so beautiful that I scrapped everything else I had planned. Now I'm doing the exhibition surrounding your work. I want to see the look on your face when you see your work front and center.

She sighed, looking up at the ceiling with hope.

"Should be fine. That sounds so promising. You said to me that you would tell me the day after you saw my work whether it would be in or not."

He almost told her then, that she was already in. The man hated that she doubted herself even for a second. But he wanted her to know that she should believe in herself without the help of others.

"Things change and more artists were submitted. I have to be fair, correct?" Jimin said, raising his eyebrows at her.

She knew he was right. And Celine didn't like it one bit. Not because she expected to get in, but the girl had been waiting so long to fulfill her dreams. Even though she was being impatient, it didn't mean she could speed along his process.

"Ugh you're the worst. Alright, I'm going to bathroom and then we can head out." She said, taking the final bite of her ice cream cone as she got up.

He couldn't help but look at the way her blue sundress floated against her body. She could turn every head in the room.

"Celine." He said, her name tumbling out of him like spun sugar.

The beautiful girl turned around, her long wavy hair swirling around her. She awaited his words expectantly, eyes open with intent.

But Jimin had to focus, because this was the only time he'd be able to get on her phone. He felt apprehensive, knowing that she was pretty stubborn. And even though it was something he admired, it wouldn't be helpful in this situation. Hopefully she wouldn't think too much into it and ask too many questions. He had to play it cool.

"Okay, do you have any games on your phone so I don't get bored?" He asked, making her scrunch up her face at him. Jimin sat, relaxed in his seat as if it were normal to ask.

He felt nervous as she placed both hands on her hips. Celine was smart enough to recognize he was being shady today. Jimin prayed she didn't follow that instinct.

"Do you not have a phone or something? Is it suddenly 2003?" Celine stated in a harsh manner.

Jimin raised his black iPhone, wiggling the device around.

"I have no storage. Business man." The lie rolled off his tongue with ease. He would give himself a pat on the back later.

Celine nodded her head, face still looking skeptical. But soon, she melted out of her tense pose and reached for her phone. She typed away, opening up the gold phone.

"Whatever. I'll unlock it for you, because you sure as hell aren't getting my password. Don't snoop." She said quickly, staying in the area.

He took her phone, taking in the fact she was standing right behind him to make sure he didn't look around. The man clicked on a random game app, pretending to be interested in the rolling ball on the screen.

As soon as she left, he exited out of the app.

Jimin fist bumped the air, excitedly dancing around in his seat. The couple who sat in the shop looked at him weirdly, but he didn't pay them any attention. He had to work fast.

Jimin didn't snoop.

He just took a detour. To her mailbox.

4 unread voicemails. From Silver Adonis.

Fucking silver adonis? That had to be him. Is that seriously his name in her phone? It made sense, because if Jeongguk saw that Jimin constantly called, they'd be in big trouble.

This means she didn't listen to any of them.

Thank god.

He deleted them, one by one. Not knowing truly what any of them contained, but he rather be safe than sorry.

He saw Celine exiting the bathroom and quickly went to the camera. The 21 year old took selfies, trying to look as ugly as possible in some of them. He then started to laugh at himself, accidentally taking a burst photo of that. And then in the last one, he made a cute face with a heart.

He exited out, and as soon as Celine walked up, he handed the phone back.

"Here you go, thank you." He said, eyes wide and eye lashes fluttering. He made the smiling face where his cheeks get all puffy and his dimples appear.

Celine shook her head at him, sitting down across from him again.

"Oh, I forgot to ask. Why did u call me so many times yesterday? I saw them this morning." She said, a look of genuine curiosity. Luckily for Jimin, she didn't look annoyed or anything.

"No reason. I was drunk and wanted to tell you a joke I thought was funny."

"What's the joke?" She asked suddenly, making Jimin jolt a bit. There was no joke, but she didn't have to know that.

"Yoongi waking up early."

"Pretty lame, but very accurate."

They both nodded their heads, feeling the rhythm of their friendship. Jimin smiled, enough that Celine basically became a blur in front of him.

He knew that it was nearing 3:00, and that he had to go to work. But he didn't want their time together to end. Celine made him feel out of this world, untouchable from everything else. A blessing and a curse in itself. For Jimin had to stop himself from saying something that would ruin them three times.

He knew it wouldn't get easier.

But he would keep trying.

For her.

He took her home, even though he knew he was going to be late. It didn't matter to him though. The man hated that she was okay with taking Ubers by herself.

"Bye Jimin, thank you for today." She said softly, before getting out of the car. Her cheeks were flushed a joyous pink, her eyes shining with emotion.

He'd do this for her everyday. Just to see the happy look on her face.

"It's no problem at all, Celine."

Jimin knew he fucked up this time, from the somber expression on her face. He knew that he spoke her name with the tenderness he'd handle a flower petal.

She looked at him, a stare that would last in his mind for a lifetime. And for a second, he believed she felt the same. But then she floated away, his rose petal disappearing from sight in the spring breeze. Without a glance or a goodbye.

Was she running, or was she hiding?

Jimin couldn't be too sure.

He drove to work, trying to wash himself of every ounce of her. Her words, her beauty, and her smiles. All potent enough to put Jimin over the moon and beyond. Jeongguk wasn't super oblivious, and Jimin didn't want to look shady. They had just made up, and he didn't need his best friend to hate him again.

It was getting easier and easier to forget that I was betraying my friend.

"You're late buddy." Jeongguk said as he walked into their shared office.

Jimin tried his best to not look frantic as he walked in. He did his best lazy, runway walk, and tried to keep the butterflies in his stomach at bay.

Jeongguk on the other hand, looked at him with a smirk. The man was wearing his business attire, black pants and a white dress shirt with a tie. He had both of his feet on his desk, and both of his hands lay across his stomach.

"Yeah I know, I got caught up." Jimin answered back, ruffling in his desk as he avoided his friends gaze. The silver haired man was smart enough not to give him any specific details.

"With ice cream?" Said Jeongguk, his dark eyebrow raising.

Jimin stopped everything, round mouth widening as he looked down at his white shirt. And of course, there was a drip of cotton candy heaven on his shirt.

"Oh fuck." The man whined, stomping his foot. It was his favorite t-shirt.

Jeongguk rolled towards him with his computer chair, making it impossible to avoid his questioning gaze.

"Dude, if there's a girl in your life just tell me! You've been acting shady, going on dates. And I heard you talking to Yoongi about how you loved someone last night. I know you get weird about romance, but I could help you out."

Jimin felt his breath hitch as he mentioned the conversation between him and Yoongi. But his best friend's pleasant demeanor was enough to let him know that Jeongguk did not suspect the girl Jimin liked was Celine.

I really don't think you could.

"I will, once I know that it's serious." Jimin said, lying through his teeth as he found his favorite notebook. Pretended to look at business calls on his phone.

"Of course." Jeongguk said, accidentally rolling into his friend before he went back to his desk.

Jimin kicked him, walking around him to go to the photo copier. The dark haired man knew his friend could get shy. He just hoped he'd find the girl of his dreams one day.

Jeongguk laughed, taking in a deep breath as his friend walked by.

Jimin.

He smelled like roses and vanilla.

Like Celine's perfume.

He shook his head, smiling. It's popular he thought to himself.

No need to worry himself with his own paranoia anymore.

<><><><><><><><><><><><><>
(A/N): I just wanna say, for this book I've reached a word count of over 100,000. I kept calling this a story because I felt like I didn't write much, but for comparison, the first Harry Potter book is like 70,000 words WTF!!!!

And in no way am I comparing myself to JK Rowling, I'm not a genius but HOLY CRAP IVE WRITTEN SO MUCH THAT THIS COULD ACTUALLY BE A BOOK. And there's still like 30 ish chapters to go.

It's just funny to me idk hahaha.