I'm still holding her in my arms when I wake the next morning. She is soundly asleep next to me and I can't help but watch her. I want nothing more than to close the distance between us and keep her wrapped in my arms but I can't cross that line.

Hell, we are barely friends again, all I really want right now is to be there for her and make sure she's okay. I quietly slip out of the bed and close the door behind me before I send her a text saying I'll be back later.

I need to go home and grab some things. This back and forth isn't helping, leaving her alone for hours only allows her to slip into her depression. I make my way home and as soon as I walk into the house, Tae is jumping up from the couch.

"You didn't come home last night," he says with an accusatory tone.

"Yeah, she uh...she needed me to stay last night."

"How is she? I really need to see her, Jimin. Please help me see her," Tae pleads stepping closer to me.

"She's getting better, but you can't see her now," I say firmly as I go to make my way to my room.

"I know you're mad at me, Jimin, but please! Just once. Let me talk to her," he begs desperately, but I can't allow it. Not after seeing how he's broken her.

Anger fills me and I swiftly turn on my heel and face him.

"You did this to yourself, Tae. She is in pain because of your selfish actions. So no, you cannot see her. Leave her alone, let her heal, you showing up now would only make things worse."

"Things would get better if I talk to her though," Tae says refusing to back down.

"You could never make this better. You made her feel like she's not enough, you've made her feel insecure and worthless. So please, I'm begging you, Tae, leave her alone. Let her heal without you and when, and if, she's ready to talk to you, she will," I say hoping he will finally understand the consequences of his actions.

Tears build in his eyes, but he grows quiet and hangs his head. My heart aches for him as I watch him finally coming to terms with his situation. I walk over to him and wrap an arm around his shoulders. "I'm not mad at you, Tae. You made mistakes and will have to live with them. I'm disappointed in your actions, but you're still my friend."

He gives me a weak smile before following me to my room. "Where are you going?"

"I'm gonna stay at Kook's for a while," I watch as he nods but doesn't say anything else as he watches me pack something.

Just as I'm about to leave, he grabs my arm and stops me. "Please tell her I'm sorry."

"I will, Tae. Text or call if you need anything. Feel free to use my bed while I'm gone, I'm sure the couch isn't comfy," I give him a hug and make my way back to Kook's place.

I make a pit stop grabbing some items I'm not too sure she likes anymore, but I hope she does.

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"The Princess Bride? Really?" she says warily as I drag her to the couch.

"Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die," I say dramatically, closing my eyes and getting into a fighting stance with my imaginary sword.

The silence is deafening so I crack one eye open and see her sitting there lips pressed together tightly as she fights off her laughter.

I shoot her a grin and she finally laughs softly.

"Oh gosh, Jiminie. Come sit down, let's watch the movie."

"As you wish," I get out of my fighting stance and bow in front of her.

"Stop quoting the movie!" She hurls a pillow at me but scoots over making room for me under her blanket.

We watch the movie peacefully, laughing at all the silly shenanigans and my heart warms seeing her actually smile. After last night I was afraid that she'd be stuck in the hurt that was trying to pull her under.

But when I got back to Kookie's she had showered and it seemed like there was a small pep in her step. She still looked sad here and there and would get lost in thought, but as soon as I suggested a movie, she quickly invested herself in it.

She seemed happy right now, her eyes focused on the fight scene between Inigo and the Man in Black. She suddenly turns and catches me staring at her, my face flushes but I give her a smile.

"You know what would be great right now?" she asks and I already know where she's going with this.

"Hold that thought!" I say and jumping off the couch, I run into the kitchen to grab the snacks and drinks.

When I walk back into the room, her face breaks into a gorgeous smile.

"You remembered!"

"Of course I did," I say handing her a package of pop rocks.

"Oh my god! You even got the spicy sprite from McDonald's" she happily rips open the package of pop rocks pouring as much as she can into her mouth.

The snap, crackle, and pop sounds start immediately. As she holds her mouth open, I pass her the sprite and she sips some trying to keep her mouth closed.

She instantly starts coughing when the fizz from the soda intensifies the popping and I can't help but laugh at her teary eyes and red face.

"That's got a lot more kick than I remember," she squeaks out trying to clear her throat.

"Viv," I say pointedly, "you could never do the two, I don't know why you keep trying knowing you can't."

"Oh yeah? Lemme see you try it then, oh great and powerful one," she snaps back, handing me the rest of her pop rocks and sprite.

"Bet," I say taking the package.

Four packages of pop rocks and two large sprites later, we are both laughing at our attempts. The movie has long since finished, but the time was well spent.

She helps me clean up the mess we have made and then says she will be heading for bed. She stands at the bottom of the stairs watching me make up the couch with the spare blanket and pillow I snatched from Kook's room.

"You don't have to stay the night, Jiminie. I'll be okay," she says softly.

I give her a smile and a small shake of my head. "It's really no problem. Plus I have something planned for tomorrow morning."

Her lips purse together in a little pout and I watch her fidget in her spot.

"That's the scratchy blanket. You should go home and come back in the morning."

"Do you not want me here?" I ask fearing maybe I've overstepped.

"No I just don't want you to go out of your way for me," she says looking down at the floor.

I walk over to her and gently lift her chin with my thumb and pointer finger, keeping her beautiful green eyes locked with mine.

"I'd do anything for you, Viv. I'm not leaving remember?"

She nods and I let go of her face to walk back to the couch.

"Good night, Viv, come and get me if you need something."

"Rest well and dream of large women, Jimin," she says before rushing upstairs.

I laugh at the silly quote she used from the movie. I settle on the couch and pull the blanket up over myself.

Today was a good day, scratchy blanket and all. I happily drift off into sleep knowing that things will only get better for her.

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