"Wow!! You think it's my fault that your ice cream fell," Ki-joo shouted at Taehyung, who is already fuming with rage like a kid who just lost his favorite toy. Taeyeon sighed for what felt like the hundredth time, stuck between her overly dramatic brother and her equally headstrong best friend, over the smallest things.

"Yah! Wasn't it you who pulled me by my shirt and made me bump into you, causing the ice cream to fall?" Taehyung retorted, his voice rising in frustration. A passing kid giggled at their antics, clutching his parent's hand as he walked by. Taeyeon groaned inwardly, her embarrassment growing with each second.

How the hell did I end up here? she thought, pinching the bridge of her nose, as caught in the middle of their childish argument once again. Her thought was interrupted by a throat cleared behind her, Turning around, Taeyeon was met with Jimin's signature smile, one that usually made her heart flutter. But not today. Today, it only made her annoyance bubble over. She shot him a glare that could have frozen fire.

Yes, it's because of him... She is already dealing with the stress of deadlines to complete the rest of the chapters of the manhwa script. Jimin, being such a caring boyfriend, wanted her to take a break and have some fun, which was sweet—in theory. But in practice, it meant dragging Taehyung and Ki-joo along to an amusement park, which now felt like babysitting two squabbling children instead of a relaxing outing.

Taeyeon crossed her arms, narrowing her eyes at Jimin. His grin only grew wider, clearly unaffected by her irritation. Meanwhile, Taehyung and Ki-joo's argument continued to escalate in the background, their voices competing with the cheerful sounds of the amusement park.

Taeyeon narrowed her eyes at Jimin and crossed her arms. Her annoyance obviously had no effect on his smile, which simply widened. In the backdrop, Taehyung and Ki-joo's argument grew more heated, their voices drowning out the happy noises of the amusement park.

"I'm leaving ," Taeyeon declared, turning on her heel and storming away from the chaos. Jimin's grin faltered slightly as he watched her go before turning back to the ongoing argument with a shrug and running after Taeyeon, hoping to calm her down before she got too far.

"Taeyeon-ahh," he called out, reaching for her arm to stop her.

"Why are you mad at me?" he asked, his tone nearly on a playful whine, like a child complaining to his mom.

Taeyeon spun around, her frustration evident. "Because this—" she pointed behind her, where Taehyung and Ki-joo were still at it, "—is all your fault!"

Jimin blinked, with a gasp as if he did nothing. "I just wanted you to have fun."

"Fun?" Taeyeon raised an eyebrow, incredulous. "This feels like I'm babysitting two grown adults!"

"What do you want me to do about it, huh? I thought your brother—who, by the way, is my best friend—would act like a normal human being today. But nope, he's got to argue over ice cream like we're still in elementary school."

Taeyeon crossed her arms, unimpressed. "You brought him. You deal with him."

Jimin threw his hands up in the air and groaned loudly. "Do you know how much of the pressure I'm under? Do you?" His voice lowered conspiratorially as he leaned closer to her. "I thought Taehyung might literally pop out of nowhere, just like that time we were at the restaurant."

Taeyeon blinked, her irritation momentarily giving way to confusion."So, you brought even Ki-joo along?"

Jimin sighed, shaking his head as if explaining the obvious to a clueless student. "You don't get my plan, do you?"

Taeyeon narrowed her eyes suspiciously. "Oh, this should be good. Tell me," she said sarcastically.

Jimin smirked, leaning in closer. "You see, if it was just the three of us—me, you, and Taehyung—there's no way I'd get a moment alone with you. Your brother would hover around like a protective guard, watching my every move."

He wrapped his arm around her shoulder as they began walking away from the ongoing chaos of Taehyung and Ki-joo's argument. "But if Ki-joo's here, she'll distract him. Like right now—arguing over spilled ice cream, totally oblivious to us sneaking off."

Taeyeon let out a scoff in disbelief at his idea, like who could even think of it? Even Ki-joo is added for distraction; Taehyung is not a kid; he'll catch on eventually. Plus, it would be easy for them to get caught if they're not careful.

"Jimin,"

a voice said from behind, which interrupted Taeyeon to let her thoughts into words. She saw Jimin's eyes, which were twinkled with mischief, vanish like thin air. His smile that played on his full, velvety lips slowly started to fade. His throat bobbed down as if he gulped the lump that struck at his throat.

She wondered about that sudden change in his face; at first, she thought it was Taehyung, but why would his voice sound like a woman, and that too sounds like a longing?

Curious, Taeyeon turned around, her gaze landing on a woman standing a few feet away. She had warm brown eyes that held an air of familiarity and long, wavy hair that cascaded down her shoulders, framing her face perfectly. Her off-shoulder top swayed gently in the breeze, adding to the softness of her presence.

Taeyeon's mind raced as she looked between the woman and Jimin.

Who is she?

Her pink, glossy lips parted to speak, but before she could, the deep voice of Taehyung called out Jimin's name, which Taeyeon quickly shoved Jimin's hand, which was over her shoulder, before Taehyung saw.

Out of the corner of her eye, Taeyeon noticed Ki-joo standing nearby. Ki-joo's eyes darted between the trio, and she let out a quiet, relieved sigh when she saw Jimin's hand no longer resting on Taeyeon's shoulder.

Taehyung approached, his gaze shifting between Jimin, Taeyeon, and the mysterious woman. "We better leave," Taehyung said as if he hadn't noticed the woman standing there.

Taeyeon is stunned to see such seriousness in her brother's tone. She had never seen her brother's eyes that cold, and ignoring someone's existence as if they weren't worth acknowledging. It made her more curious, making her wonder what exactly was going on between Jimin and this mysterious woman. And why Taehyung was reacting in such a way.

Jimin, without giving a single glance at the woman, nodded and muttered, "Yeah, let's go," his voice unusually subdued. His usual carefree demeanor had vanished, replaced by a stiffness Taeyeon wasn't used to seeing.

Taeyeon glanced between the two men, her curiosity burning like an open flame. The woman, however, stood her ground, her expression calm but her eyes glimmering with something Taeyeon couldn't quite place—sadness? Regret?

"Jimin," the woman called softly, her voice tinged with an emotion that made Taeyeon's chest tighten, though she wasn't sure why.

Jimin froze momentarily, his back still turned to her. He didn't respond, his posture rigid as if he were bracing himself.

"Let's go," Taehyung said again, more forcefully this time, placing a firm hand on Jimin's shoulder to steer him away.

As they began to walk, Taeyeon found herself glancing back at the woman, whose gaze lingered on Jimin. The woman made no move to follow or stop them, her figure growing smaller in the distance.

Once they were out of earshot, Taeyeon couldn't hold back any longer. "Who was she?" Ki-joo asked before she blurted out her question in thought.

Neither Taehyung nor Jimin responded immediately. Taehyung's expression was stone-cold, while Jimin's lips pressed into a thin line.

"Yeah, I am asking you guys?" ki-joo snapped her fingers in front of them, getting a hiss from Taehyung before he spoke up. "She's no one important," he said curtly, his eyes avoiding Ki-joo's curious gaze.

But Taeyeon's eyes were fixed on Jimin, who stayed silent, his jaw clenched in frustration. The previous joy and playfulness weren't seen on either face of Jimin or Taehyung. This somehow made her awkward, which she had never felt these days.

Her face lit up at a thought as she saw a Columbus ride and then she looked at ki-joo who is staring at taehyung with a mixture of concern and confusion. Taeyeon nudged her elbow, for which Ki-joo lifted her eyebrow as if to say,What?' and Taeyeon's eyes pointed to the Columbus ride.

At first, Ki-joo couldn't understand what Taeyeon was trying to convey, but then she again followed Taeyeon's gaze to the Columbus ride, and her eyes widened in realization. Her eye widened with a huge, bright smile on her heart-shaped lips.

"Oppa, how about we go on that ride together?" taeyeon suggested, hoping to break the tension between them and bring back the enjoyment and fun they wanted to have at the amusement park.

But Taehyung didn't say anything but stared at her with a soft gaze, for which Taeyeon smiled, as she knew that he could keep up with that cold attitude with her. And she took the opportunity to light up "Oppa, please," she pleaded.

"Please, Tae." Ki-joo joined in, giving Taehyung a playful nudge. Taehyung finally cracked a smile and nodded, agreeing to go on the ride with them. "Ask him too?" taehyung nudged Jimin, who is sitting next to him.

Taeyeon and Ki-joo looked at each other. 'You ask him.' 'No, you ask him.' 'He is your boyfriend.' 'But my brother is here.' 'Dumber knows that you two are close, so just ask him already.'

After a brief moment of silent communication through exchanged glances and subtle head tilts, Taeyeon finally sighed, realizing she couldn't avoid it. She glanced at Jimin, her voice soft but tinged with nervousness.

"Jimin, please?" she asked and then looked at Taehyung; she sighed internally at Taehyung's always sweet smile that is playing on his lips.

Jimin looked up at Taeyeon for a moment, his eyes softening slightly at her hopeful gaze. It was a stark contrast to the tension that had gripped him moments ago. "Sure," he said quietly, his voice lacking its usual enthusiasm but laced with a hint of warmth, which she knew was meant for her.

Ki-joo and Taeyeon exchanged a quick, triumphant smile, their eyes gleaming with excitement. Ki-joo whispered just loud enough for Taeyeon to hear, "See? That wasn't so hard, was it?"

Taeyeon shot her a playful glare before turning back to Jimin. "Great! Let's go, then." Her tone was light, but her heart raced. She wasn't sure if it was because of the ride or the subtle shift in Jimin's demeanor.

Ki-joo, always the mood-lifter, clapped her hands together. "Oh, I hope Taehyung wouldn't scream like a chicken."

Taehyung scoffed, crossing his arms as they walked toward the ride. "Look who's speaking! The hen?" he said, laughing loudly.

"Look at you laughing like a hyena," Ki-joo retorted, earning a chuckle from Taeyeon.

"You stay there, brat; I'm coming, you little," he ran to Ki-joo, who had already started running while giggling like a little girl.

Taeyeon laughed at the chaotic scene happening in front of her as Taehyung chased Ki-joo around, their playful banter echoing through the bustling amusement park. It was moments like these that reminded her how much fun they could have as a group, even with all the underlying tension.

Jimin walked beside her, his hands casually tucked into his pockets. "They're like kids," he remarked with a faint smile, his gaze following Taehyung and Ki-joo's antics.

"Yeah," Taeyeon replied, watching as Ki-joo ducked behind a popcorn stand while Taehyung tried to corner her.

"Hey, come on, you two are acting like old people." Ki-joo yelled and giggled before running Taehyung playfully chased after her, and Taeyeon broke into a run, her laughter bubbling up as she joined the chase.

Ki-joo glanced over her shoulder, her eyes widening in mock terror as she saw Taeyeon gaining on her. "No, not you too! You're supposed to be on my side!" she shrieked, darting past a group of kids holding balloons.

"I am just proving I am not old," Taeyeon shouted back, a mischievous glint in her eyes as she closed in on Ki-joo.

After a few more moments of playful chasing, filled with giggles and shouts, Taehyung finally caught Ki-joo near the entrance of the Columbus ride. "Enough, now," Taehyung panted, catching his breath as he held onto Ki-joo's wrist with one hand and rested the other on his knee.

"Aish , you're too fast for me," Ki-joo chuckled, trying to catch her breath as well.

Jimin walked alongside Taeyeon, who was still laughing and panting from the playful chase. She sensed his presence and turned to face him, catching him smiling at her—a soft, admiring smile that made her pause.

It was as if he were seeing her in a new light, cherishing the way her laughter lit up her face, the carefree energy she exuded in that moment. Taeyeon felt her cheeks warm under his gaze, her heart skipping a beat.

"What?" Her voice was a little breathless from the running, and his intense yet loving gaze as she asked.

Jimin gave a slight shake of his head as his smile widened. "Nothing," he said quietly. "You just... seem to be having a great time."

Her lips broke into a small smile at Jimin's words; she had started to be herself around him, letting her guard down and enjoying the moment without overthinking just to bring up that smile on his face, which was gone a few moments ago.

But she quickly turned her head to He was now standing straight, his sharp gaze locked on them with a faint frown. The playful Taehyung seemed to have retreated, replaced by the protective brother she knew all too well.
Before Taehyung had the chance to react, Ki-joo intervened like the real savior that she was." The ride is about to begin, so let's head off!" She chirped as she pulled Taehyung toward the ride while tying her arm around his arm.

After a moment of surprise, Taehyung blinked and then reluctantly allowed himself to be dragged along. His frown softened as he focused on what she was doing, but he still complained, "Aish, Ki-joo, I can walk by myself."

Taeyeon let out a soft sigh, glad that there wasn't tense discussion had around. She looked at Jimin, who smiled at her knowingly.

He tilted his head slightly and pointed to the ride, asking, "Shall we?"

Taeyeon looked at him with a deadpan look at how relaxed Jimin is when she was just shaken up if her brother might doubt them. But she finally gave in with a smile because she knew Jimin didn't care about her brother's opinion. She nodded and replied, "Sure, let's go."

Once everyone had gathered, they boarded the Columbus ride. Taehyung made sure to sit close to Ki-joo, who continued to make fun of him, while Jimin ended up next to Taeyeon.

As the ride began to swing, Ki-joo let out an exaggerated scream while clutching Taehyung's arm. "Oppa, save me!" she screamed innocently.

"Stop screaming in my ear, Ki-joo!" Taehyung complained, yet the corners of his mouth rose in a reluctant smile.

Meanwhile, Taeyeon looked at Jimin, who was already laughing at Taehyung as his mood brightened more from recovering instantly when he saw the mysterious woman. Jimin glanced over at her and caught her gaze, his smile widening as their eyes met. It wasn't anything playful or dramatic, but the admiration was there, an unspoken understanding that made Taeyeon's heart flutter a little.

As the ride swung higher, Taehyung's scream snapped Taeyeon's attention back to the chaos. The wind whipped through their hair, and the thrill of the ride seemed to breathe life back into all of them. She glanced at Jimin again, catching his gaze once more as their eyes met amidst the rush of the ride. His round eye disappearing in his laughter as he threw his head back in joy, causing Taeyeon to smile in return. The moment felt carefree and exhilarating, a fleeting escape from the worries of everyday life.

Maybe coming out is not bad? She thought to herself, before she started letting out a scream of pure joy, feeling the adrenaline rush through her veins. Jimin's laugh got stuck halfway at Taeyeon's scream, turning to her with wide eyes filled with surprise and amusement before joining with her in a chorus of laughter and screams, the thrill of the moment binding them together and letting them forget the world around them for just a little while longer.

finally drained from the ride, Taehyung let out a dramatic groan as he tried to steady himself. His face was pale, and his usual confident posture had wavered. "I swear, I'm never doing that again," he muttered under his breath as he stumbled slightly while trying to walk away from the Columbus ride.

Taeyeon, on the other hand, was still grinning widely, her face flushed with the excitement of the ride. She turned to Jimin, still catching her breath but thoroughly enjoying the rush of adrenaline. "That was amazing!" she exclaimed, her eyes sparkling as she looked at him. "I feel like I'm floating."

Jimin, still grinning from ear to ear, looked back at her with a twinkle in his eye. "I think you screamed louder than Ki-joo," he joked, causing Taeyeon to laugh again.

Ki-joo, who had recovered from her initial scream, playfully nudged Taehyung as she stepped off the ride. "Well, at least someone had fun," she teased, her grin mischievous.

Taehyung shot her a look, still trying to regain his composure. "I'm fine," he said stubbornly, but everyone could tell that the ride had taken its toll on him.

As they walked out of the amusement park, the night's cool breeze started to soothe their flushed faces, bringing a sense of calm after the adrenaline rush. Taeyeon shivered slightly, wrapping her arms around herself. Jimin noticed and handed her a jacket, saying, "You should've screamed louder; maybe then you wouldn't be cold." Taeyeon rolled her eyes but accepted the jacket gratefully, feeling grateful for the warmth it provided.

Taehyung raised his eyebrow at Jimin's action, like, 'Why are you being so sweet all of a sudden with my sister?' while Ki-joo controlled her squeal of excitement at how gentlemanly Jimin is with her best friend, though she got a little afraid at Taeyhyung's gaze on Jimin just as Taeyeon.

"Thank you, Jimin-shi," she said with a nervous smile. "Just taking care of my writer to not get sick, 'cause you know we have to complete many chapters," Jimin said, as if covering up with his ever-charming smile, which isn't convincing his best friend, who just turned his gaze aside from him, making him sigh in relief.

Taeyeon chuckled softly at Jimin's quick cover-up, clearly aware of the playful tone in his voice. "That's right," she teased, slipping her arms into the jacket, and there is a cutie teasing, which Jimin scrunched his nose at, pretending to be offended.

Ki-joo, still recovering from the slight awkwardness of Taehyung's scrutinizing gaze, couldn't resist chiming in. "Oppa~," she said sweetly, her voice dripping with exaggerated innocence. "Can you give me your jacket so this designer doesn't get sick?"

Taehyung shot her a cringed look. "No way," he replied flatly, shaking his head. "I'm not that much of a gentleman. Okay, now let's go."

Ki-jo clenched her jaw, stomping on the ground with a huff, "This is why you don't get any girl."

"I don't need anyone, though." Taehyung's response was quick and blunt, but there was a hint of something deeper in his words that caught Ki-joo's attention.

Jimin and Taeyeon stared at both of them, who were just standing there, watching the exchange. Taeyeon looked at them with a frown, wondering what's happening, while Jimin smirked, already making his own plans for how to take advantage of the situation.

What if they fall for each other? It could make things easier for him so that Ki-joo can control Taehyung if Jimin's relationship with Taeyeon gets caught by Taehyung.

But does that work out?

What if Ki-joo couldn't make Taehyung fall for her?

What if Taehyung wouldn't stop his rage even if Ki-joo stopped him from hurting Jimin?

What if Taehyung knows the truth before even Ki-joo has a chance to make him fall for her?

Thoughts raced through Jimin's mind as he watched the unfolding drama between Taehyung and Ki-joo. It was a risky game he was playing, but this is his only hope; however, from where he can start his plan to execute.

'Oh god, just help me figure out a way to do this before it's too late.' Jimin thought desperately, his heart pounding in his chest.

📝Author note 📝

Hey, my dear sunflowers, woah, I have started habituating you, my lovely readers, but I just wanted to say thank you for all the support and love you've shown me. Your encouraging comments and votes have finally pushed me to continue this story up to here, so, as you can see, I have never given any author note in this work except today, as far as I could remember.

So, I have written this chapter almost without sleep. I'm not saying this to make you feel sorry for me, but just to express my dedication to this story and to all of you. I hope you enjoy this chapter as much as I enjoyed writing it.

And my sunflowers finally our beloved fanfiction, the night in Tokyo, going to end with 4 chapters in total. Thank you for your support and encouragement throughout this journey. I look forward to sharing the final chapters with you all soon.

Have a good day/night✨✨