fifteen: suga's interlude

"The dawn before sunrise is darker than anything
But never forget the stars you hope for only appear in the dark."

//

it's two nights before the wedding.

Elianna however, couldn't sleep. everyone had come to her room uninvited, not to sleep but to gossip. she simply sat on the floor, in the corner as she saw them come one by one.

she crosses her legs and leans against the wall as the door closes, Jungkook finally settling into the room to see what the fuss is all about. her eyes rake over his sleepy figure, rubbing the parts of his arms that aren't covered as he licks his lips. he sits at the opposite side of the bedroom, unconsciously cuddling into Hoseok.

Elianna looks at the carpet, she's thankful that Shira and Hussain aren't present at Jin's house tonight. the house is silent expect for this room. the rest of them have been making themselves welcome. she really thought there was nothing but excitement but tonight she realises that's not the case.

there's doubt and worry about Shira and her wedding.

Elianna looks around the room, uncomfortable by what her friends are chatting about. there's talk about sabotage and emotional abuse. conclusions are being made. she meets Jungkook's also, uncomfortable gaze. he offers a small smile which she returns, both hearts heavy.

"can't you see he's not right for her?" Jin is the leader of the group discussion, Elianna can't help but glare at him but he doesn't notice. "god knows what he's like behind the scenes." he refers to Hussain, the one who hasn't had enough time to get to know us. Elianna admits that yes, it's all rushed but this is how certain things work in cultures. Hussain may not be as bad as they think, all they have to do is give him a fair chance. there'll be plenty of time to do so.

"yeah but-" Elianna tries to interrupt but everyone's rowdy, eager with questions and statements.

Elisa cuddles Es in her arms, just the way Hoseok does with Jungkook. she also looks uncomfortable, "maybe we're jumping to conclusions." she says quietly but clearly.

Taehyung hums, arm wrapped around Talulah as they lean against the bed headboard. his legs lay on Jimin's lap as he voices his opinion. "Shira doesn't look happy though, it's true." his gaze lands on nodding Jin.

Zelda counteracts, "but she seems okay with everything... happy to be with us." but there's uncertainty in her voice. "but then again, she always seems that way. she doesn't really-"

Jin nods slowly, "she does hide a lot of her feelings."

Jimin's eyes concentrate on his hand in Zelda's, finger brushing over the ring on his finger. he talks quietly when his chance comes. "i think it's hard coming to terms with an arranged marriage and then again... culture is difficult." he says, trying to understand.

Yoongi and Maeve are also present. the boy stays stood beside his seated girlfriend as he speaks, "i haven't even seen much of him but he seems like a dick." he makes some laugh, confused feelings surrounding Hussain evident but feeling wrong.

"i still think we're just being a bit harsh-" Elisa comments.

Elianna has now moved to the bed, lying in front of Zelda. she's getting more pissed off as every minute passes and every word is spoken. just from listening to the bickering and petty thoughts, she's angry and annoyed.

so she snaps. first, she addresses Jin as she sits up straight. "Jin, why are you so obsessed with ruining Shira's special day?" her eyes meet his, danger looming. "is it because you still have feelings for her? I hate to break it to you but it's too late. that train has passed my friend." she can't help it.

everyone stays silent at the exchange between Jin and Elianna, except Namjoon who tells them to calm down. they're the kind of friends who always have bickering conversations and rants. there's honesty that's needed but sometimes it goes too far.

"you're one to speak," Jin chuckles and it makes Elianna even angrier. "why are you here? you're the one who's a pro at ruining relationships."

"you two keep hurting each other, i swear to god i'm tired of it." purple haired Namjoon sighs and Hoseok agrees, never a fan of drama. it sounds like two parents fed up of each other and always fighting, honesty eventually leaking out from them when the tension is too much.

"can you all get out of my room?" Elianna stands up, eyes not daring to meet Jungkook's. "do you even hear yourselves? it's Shira's day. her special day. she's getting married to the boy she chose. let her, she loves him and he loves her. even if they don't, we have no right to interfere."

"It's not our fucking story to meddle with."

they all start to leave, some saying sorry, some staying silent. Jin bites his tongue, bowing his head but Elianna can tell what he wants to say- you're a meddler or at least... you used to be. Yoongi is also amazed by the change, proud look on his face as he leaves. he waves his hand and walks away.

everyone has left except Jungkook who doesn't want to leave Elianna alone. despite the anger spread on her face, he wants to step forward and hug her but he knows he can't.

"are you alright?" he asks. his voice is gentle, soothing and Elianna is tempted to hug him for staying.

"i know everyone was being a bit-"

"harsh? yeah i know." Elianna crosses her arms over her chest, avoiding Jungkook's brown eyes under the golden lamp. her heart is beating furiously and she wishes it would calm down. "you don't need to comfort me." she keeps her guard up, still annoyed. she knows not to trust anyone anymore. even the person she loved the most left.

"we have so much to talk about." the boy can't help but say.

"it's the middle of the night," Elianna rubs her eyes. she's not in the right state of mind and when she looks into Jungkook's eyes, she feels everything she knows she shouldn't. "you really want to talk now?" she sighs.

"Jungkook, just go."

"we haven't seen each other in so long," Jungkook stays glued to the spot. Elianna feels her heart ache when she notices tears in his starry eyes. "and I just want to talk to you. avoiding each other isn't going to help."

"I don't okay? i'm doing just fine." Elianna maintains her usual, tough composure, knowing she's going to cry as soon as he leaves. "just leave... it's not like you haven't before." she knows her words are harsh but she closes her eyes in pain as the door slams shut.

//

Elianna sits at the step in front of Shira's house the next morning.

she puts her navy blue hood over her head, hair tucked inside as she balances her elbows on her knees. her eyes sting with pain due to not sleeping much last night, she only got a few hours. she stares ahead at the road with passing cars and teenagers on bikes. as she waits for Shira to meet her outside, she puts up her middle finger at a group of boys who catcall her.

Shira eventually leaves her house, smiling at Elianna. Elianna however, stands up with no returning smile and speaks first in concern. "are you sure this is what you want?" she calls out, fiddling with her ear piercings.

Shira's expression falls. she knows what she's talking about and despite the busy aspects of her life, she can see how tired and worried Elianna is. "it is." she sighs, wanting to clear the atmosphere. she hasn't had the perfect chance to talk to her properly.

"he makes you happy?"

"we have all our lives to get to know each other, i'm going to be okay." Shira says as they start to walk beside each other. "sometimes we don't find or get the love we want or deserve but i know God has good plans for me, Allah will do what's right for me."

"and if this is my path then it is."

"i'm proud of you," Elianna stops walking and stands in front of her best friend. she sees her as a child, a teenager and now an adult. it makes her emotional. "but i don't want to let you go at the same time." she laughs.

Shira smiles. "i don't need a husbands love to make me happy, i have all of you guys."

the night arrives quickly as Elianna makes her way back to Jin's house.

she takes her hood off before raising her hand to Jungkook's door. she knocks and her eyes shut in anxiousness, heart racing at what she's about to say. the boy opens the door, surprised to see Elianna as they stare.

"i'm ready to talk."