"Love blooms, petal by petal...

"Joooonniiiee...I'm tired!" You moaned after spending virtually the whole day at the beach, snorkelling and learning to dive with an expert, then doing interesting but strenuous activities at the beach.

At NR 22, you constructed a sandcastle, fulfilling another item on your bucket list. Your legs were tired of all the walking and even cycling. 

Namjoon got delicious local street food from nearby vendors along the boardwalk and snapped many pictures against the backdrop of the ocean. You bought various clothing pieces, the cutest sandals and local crafts for your family and friends.

Namjoon merely rolled his eyes and knelt to let Frosty drop on his back. She giggled while climbing his back. She settled her head on his back and murmured contentedly.

"Frosty... do you still want us to visit the Beach Club tonight? You seem worn out, sweetheart," he replied, already aware of her weary state.

Frosty delighted in what she could see and hear."I'm a bit fatigued, Joonie." Frosty only moans behind his muscular back, clutching him tightly around the shoulders. "There were too many delicious meals you bought me. My belly is too full now. I just want to go refresh, and maybe we could unwind watching some movies," she softly suggests.

Namjoon chuckles, assuming that you were planning to go to bed early. They were walking towards the spot, where their driver was waiting, along the boardwalk path.

Frosty breathily laughs and says inaudible, "Only if you nap with me—"

Namjoon chuckles, cause he heard her, "Nice try, Sweetie."

Frosty grinned, "A girl can only hope."

Namjoon laughed gently. "I thought you told your grandmother you would behave, or was it only a farce?" A slight smile etched at the corners of his lips.

Frosty sighed, but a faint blush was visible on her cheeks. "Not really... I just... never mind." She pauses silently, not wanting to reveal her real emotions just now. She takes great care to avoid crossing any boundaries that may cause him to distance himself from her.

She desperately wants to let him see her in a romantic light, but she understands Namjoon's viewpoint, and she doesn't want to bring discomfort to him once more. Joon already established boundaries for her, and she had to follow them even if it would hurt her a lot. Unrequited love is the cruellest punishment for falling for someone who is unfazed by your intense feelings.

.........

When they arrived late afternoon back at the villa. You immediately ran to her room to get rid of the sweaty and sticky feeling on your body. With deep satisfaction, you enjoyed the calming sensation of the water.

With a fluffy white towel covering you, you made your way back to your room. On your way, you walked over to the enormous windows, where you normally would have drawn the curtains, but your eyes widened as you noticed the weather was changing because the sky had grown darker. You wonder if it will rain, but Joonie said Phuket is prone to thunderstorms.

As a child, you were always nervous during storms. The memory of accompanying your mom to a remote Chinese village when you were thirteen years old, enduring nonstop thunderstorms and rain, came flooding back to you. 

You spent an entire day and night trapped under a bamboo hut with her crew. It was terrifying because the storm was causing some bamboo houses to float away. Your mom and her crew had to take extreme measures to ensure your safety. You were so terrified for the raging waters around you and the thunder and lightning strikes.

You just kept closing the curtain drapes of the two panoramic windows and sighed. You quickly dress yourself in white PJ shorts and a pink tank top. Even with all the air conditioners turned on, the humidity and oppressive heat persisted.

Your platinum was blown out and looked silky and healthy as it cascaded down your shoulders. You put a little gloss on your lips and mascara to make your blue eyes pop. However, you chose a natural, radiant look and did not apply any makeup to your face.

Joonie probably brought his Valentine's Day card game for you to play or maybe you two could just cuddle up and watch a romantic movie since it was still early in the day.

You finished and walked down the huge stairs in your flip-flops.

In front of Namjoon, who was engrossed in making iced fruit smoothies, stood a large platter filled with slices of seasonal fruit. You could not contain your excitement as you laid eyes on your beloved dragon fruit and mango. You can not help but gawk at Joonie's ripped, athletic frame; he is wearing black Nike gym shorts and a matching vest. His bulging muscles as he was working the smoothie machine.

"Hi Sweetie, you look refreshed and radiant," Namjoon says with a bright smile," I see no trace of exhaustion. " he lifted his eyes, appreciating her fresh, youthful look.

"I blame the hottest shower for waking me up." All you did was giggle and climb up onto a bar stool, staring interestedly at the snack that was ready to be eaten. It is watermelon! "Wow, that fruit looks mouthwatering!" Namjoon lifted one fruit skewer from the enormous white platter, grinned, and motioned for you to open your lips. Your expression changed to one of pure delight.

You let out a gasp at the mouth-watering flavour. The fruit was emerging in sugar and honey. It was sweet and tangy.

"Oh, my,, it is so good," you mutter as you bite into a chocolate-covered pineapple. With a simple chuckle, Namjoon set the glasses of mango smoothies on the tray. There were some local sweets in small containers that you haven't tried yet.

You help him carry the huge platter of fruit to the TV lounge with the yoga and chocolate dips.

With a chuckle, you set it on the little table nestled between two lounge coaches. The lounge looked like a mini cinema.

Joonie, did you remember to bring the Valen-Joonie card game that I gave you? Do you remember that I texted you right before we departed? " You softly asked. Your heart dropped as you watched how Namjoons eyes widen regretfully.

You furrowed your brows in confusion as you noticed a playful sparkle pass over Namjoon's expression, "Er...sorry, sweetie erm..." as he bit his lip and stared at you with a broad guilty expression in his dragon eyes.I forgot it at home."

You wrinkled your nose in disapproval. Joon started to burst out laughing at your unimpressed expression. Why is Namjoon so forgetful? On the other hand, maybe he intentionally left it out or just does not want to play with you since you are not his girlfriend.

"Why are you so forgetful? People often assume that chief executive officers (CEOs) of companies have exceptionally sharp minds. It seems you are becoming an old dog before your time." You click your tongue as you plop down the soft couch, deflated. Unaware of Joonies suppressed laughter. He would intentionally provoke you so he could hear what you had to say.  You were eagerly anticipating a delightful romantic game.  

With a mischievous wink and a grin, Namjoon asks, "Why are you interested in playing the game for couples? 'Talk, Flirt, and Dare" has some seriously intriguing gameplay that I would not recommend to anyone under the age of 25. "He teased you. Because he is also a new adult, he is aware of how irritating it is when you treat him like an old man and he drops the "age card."

Your arms go up in frustration as you raise your eyebrows and say, "What! It's just a silly card game—a fun Valentine's game. I seriously doubt that they will ask any kind of inappropriate dares. Relax. Jeez"

Namjoon beamed and asked, "Frosty, did you happen to read those cards? Yeah, after reading a few of the cards, I am not sure my innocent Frosty Flakes could handle the intensity of those dares. It has the potential to scare you for a lifetime. It is specifically designed for committed couples for that reason." He turned around and went to close the glass patio doors while laughing, feeling the wind in his hair as it rustled through the foliage. He was oblivious to your stunned silence until he abruptly turned around when he heard you yell out.

Your jaws dropped as you jumped up," Kim Namjoon! I'm over 18. Wow, I cannot believe you are even more old-fashioned than my fossil grandma. Stupid couple dares do not faze me because I can handle any challenge. Who knows? Maybe you are scared of my abilities, so I dare you to give me a chance and see what happens." You looked at him with a deadpan stare, one hand on your hip with a flustered tint on your pale cheeks.

Watching Namjoon's dimples deepen is enough to make anyone fall head over heels for him. Namjoon will be the dead of you. Especially the sexy way he looked right now. A twinkle of amusement lit up his eyes as he met your gaze. 

Little does his flower child know that she terrifies him; she is unpredictable and will stop at nothing to be near him, and he simply cannot allow that to happen. At only 23 years old, she possesses the most potent gift of persuasion, and her charm is frightening. She will take advantage of his vulnerability if he is so close in her presence, and she'll go for the kill. He would have no defence over her.

While enjoying his iced smoothie, Namjoon could not help but crack a small smile.

You just huff as you throw the colourful pillows on the wooden floor. You wanted to sit relaxed on the floor enjoying a simple game of cards, and now you might settle for a movie. The weather was drastically changing.

Namjoon smirked as he deliberately strolled to the huge cabinet stand and took out the black card box from the TV lounge cabinet. Namjoons could not help but shake his head in surprise at the sight of your expression of intense joy. He was looking forward to playing the card game because he couldn't wait to see what Frosty came up with in some questions. It just dawned on him that he should have hidden the "too raunchy" card questions. But it was too late now; Frosty enthusiastically seized the box.

You knelt and stared in wonder at the mysterious black box before opening it. You casually motion for Joon to take a seat across from you.

Namjoon grinned. "Aren't you too eager?"

You just waved him off as you arranged the three sets of cards on the floor. "Yes, I'm very eager to play. And tonight we are an official 'friendship couple'. Just for now, Joon, come on, let us play because it looks like it is going to rain later—okay operation bucket list nr 23: Play a game together." you exclaimed as soon as you saw him raise an eyebrow.

You both settle on the floor eager to see what embarrassing activities await you. You placed the contents on the floor and Namjoon furrowed his brows in interest as he read the instructions. There was a cute shaped diced with four colours, red, black, grey and white. Red is for Dare, Black for talk, White for flirt and Grey is a pause ( like you rather omit that question or dare for later ).

You smirk as you look at Joonies wary eyes on the three coloured cards. He hoped inwardly that the wrong card would not fall into Frosty's hands.

"Are you ready Mr Kim Namjoon? "you grinned into his narrowed eyes.

"Do I look as if I am? Frosty...er dont you want us to rather watch your favourite move" he tried to persuade you to give up on the game. You just snorted as if, when you bought it a few weeks ago you already hoped that the two of you could play it together. It might be a game changer in your 'relationship'

You giggle softly and murmur, "Scaredy cat! You first then."

 You hand him the dice.

Namjoon inhaled deeply and took the dice with hesitance. You looked at him with a deadpan look.

Namjoon sighed deeply and threw the dice. It fell on black.-The Talk card. He openly blew out his breath in relief. That will not be so heavy. You just shook your head and took the card. The opposition must read the card and the one who throws the dice must do or answer.

You smirk as you read the words on the black card, "Hmm...interesting. 'What is the one thing you always wanted to ask me but never did ' So Namjoon...please dont stone me but I always wonder this one thing...Now that Celine is no longer a factor...is there a chance for any girl to win your heart." you bit your lip as you waited with bated breath. Namjoon inhaled deeply as he looked at you intensely.

"Er...I think yes. Celine and I decided to be good friends although we might still have lingering feelings for her. There will be a slight chance for any girl to pursue me and win my heart." he gave you a lopsided grin when he noticed the light in your eyes. But the apprehension gnawed in him when he thought about the futility of Frosty's chance. Unfortunately, she might never be acceptable in his circles and his mom will make sure of it. Shancai might be his ultimate path, not his choice but the best for his social circle, and career but not necessarily his future wife's expectations. 

As a feared and highly esteemed author or CEO, he finds himself vulnerable in her presence, and he cannot deny that Frosty is his physical match. However, she may not be socially acceptable due to her jaded family legacy as an illegitimate child or her career stance. He will never allow her to be made fun of by his social circle since she makes him feel alive.

You beamed with contentment. Accordingly, you have a remote possibility of winning his heart.

"Alright, it's your turn," Namjoon said with a smile. He gives you the dice.

You roll the dice and squeal at the same time, laughing gently, "I got a flirt card!"

"Alright, 'Say something that you find irresistibly attractive about me.'" Namjoon simply shook his head, took the card, and carefully read it. No problem. Frosty, your blue-grey eyes are just stunning. This is the hue of a stormy sky or sea. Your eyes are beautiful, and I hope you'll never cover them up with those boring brown contacts."

"Thank you...Joonie," you said with a joyful smile. I always feel valued in my skin because of you. The fact that you said that makes me love you even more. Well, it's your turn now."

Namjoon looks into your eyes with a gentle grin. He wishes he could reciprocate her feelings, but he is unable to do so at this time. He likes her, he just can't deny it—just not as a lifelong partner. Lucky for him, she never tried to compel him to love her.

You toss the dice in his direction, and Namjoon smirks as he catches it and throws it back, saying, "Oh great! a dare..."You couldn't help but giggle at his disapproving tone as he sarcastically said, "How lovely."

"This one is so good, "Shut your eyes and give me a kiss, making sure you don't miss," you remark while laughing as you read the white card.

His eyes widen. Oh no, he is not going to do that with Frosty," Er Frosty...I'll use my pause card."I will not allow you to take advantage of me," he said with a dismissive wave of his hands.

"Okay, spoilsport "You merely pouted while smiling. "If I kissed you closed eyes it might have landed on your chin...now who is scared for a kiss---"

Namjoon lifted an eyebrow as he stared at you. Excuse me! whenever you initiate a kiss it always turned into a full-blown make-out session and with the changing weather the atmosphere becomes dense and he will not make changes. But when he saw your expression his heart dropped because you can do with your dares as you wish.

"Alright, I see your point. " You did hand him the dice. Even though it's in the game, you should know that there are only two pauses throughout the entire game."As you beamed at the horror on his face, you couldn't help but grin. The rules were improperly read by him. He ought to have been more amenable to your kiss attempt. Or does he receive an even more outrageous dare and is unable to back down?

Then Namjoon moaned, "Oh well."

You throw the dice. It was a Black card. The Talk card and he grinned," I can't do this...What is the small thing I do that instantly makes you smile? , Namjoon smile in your beaming eyes, "I love the way you call me Joonie. No one ever gave me that nickname...not even my sister or Bangtan Club. It was always Joon or Joons ."

You smirk, "Well you will always be my Joonie unless you upset me greatly, then I'll disown you." you giggle at his cautious expression.

He instantly knew how serious that statement would become if she got wind of his pending engagement. She might hate him intensely, but he quickly masked his discomfort and smiled when she gave him the dice.

He threw it and it landed on the White card- the Flirt card," Frosty grinned as she quickly turned the card and read it, woo-whee, 'If we had 24 hours alone with no interruptions, what would you want us to do?--" you wiggle your brows as Namjoon just shook his head.

"Get your head out of the gutter, Frosty. Maybe we could play this game together...or...watch all of our favourite shows at once."

He laughed out loud at how you pouted and scrunched up your nose, "Gosh, you so boring..." You pop another fruit piece covered in chocolate in your mouth, licking your lips as you notice Namjoons narrowed eyes. Namjoon inhaled sharply at your blatant seduction.

Namjoon gave you a deadpan expression, "And what would you suggest we do...oh no Frosty dont even think about that..." he could mentally see how her mind was spinning. Nothing gets passed Frosty.

You smirk and lick the remaining sweetness from your lips, "Well, how do you know what I'm thinking?... I could just think about learning a great dance together, walking your neighbours' puppy or reading together for the whole day...or having a spa day together. Gosh, men and their overactive minds." you winked at him.

Namjoon started to laugh heartily, "Yeah right Frosty, as if I don't know you by now."  he snorted, " read together for the whole day...as if."

You laugh as you grab a pillow and throw it at him, "Remember if I get a dare card...I'm doing it and you better be okay with it or I'll kill you!"

He grinned as he saw your determination and resolve."Oka,y Frosty.."

While you drank your smoothies, you did more activities. You pulled a Talk card again and had to answer what is Namjoons favourite physical trait that you loved most. His dimples and tighs. Duh! He had to massage your shoulders for one minute, you were dared to draw hearts on his arms. He had to text you a flirty message and it was a cute pick-up line. 

Suddenly there was a loud lightning strike followed by thunder. Your eyes widen as you are just about to read Joonies dare card. You leapt up abruptly and jumped into a startled Joonies arms. Your legs around his torso and your head snugged up fearfully in his neck. 

Namjoon's eyes widen at the sudden intrusion and the highly intimate manner you hold on him. He furrowed his brows when he could sense your distress amid the wild winds and thunderous sounds outside the safety of the villa. Your body was trembling, and Namjoon could only caress your back as your heart was racing in sync with his, but for different reasons.

Namjoon whispered, "Frosty, it is okay, we are safe in the Villa---"

Your breath was hot and rough against his neck. "I am sorry, Joonie. "This storm brings back a flood of memories of that village that was overflooded and we were in danger," you said, raising your eyes to meet his, a slight flush creeping up your cheeks. Looking into his amused eyes, you took a deep breath as you became aware of how intimately you straddled him on the floor, his back against the sofa.

"Oh my goodness," your breath caught in your throat." Joonie I'm so sorry---for---for---" A smirk spread across Namjoon's face as he held to your waist, making it impossible for you to free yourself from his grip, even though you desperately attempted to explain. Your cheeks flushed red with horror, nearly oblivious to the raging storm outside. Namjoon grinned when he saw your attention diverted from your fear.

"Frosty, it's all right," Namjoon says gently.,"You don't have to explain yourself. Let's play one game, and we can retreat to our rooms; it's already 9 p.m. Come on, it will distract you from the storm outside. Read the card so that I can complete it," he suggests.

You inhaled deeply as your eyes darted to the patio, which gave you a panoramic view of the stormy darkness outside, mixed with the wind and rain on the windows. Joonie closed all the doors except for the patio blinds. Even though you were inside a strong building, the weather still made you shiver.

The fear in your deep blue eyes catches Namjoon's attention, and he gently caresses your exposed arms, saying, "Frosty...read the card."

Realizing your position, you snatched up the red card beside you, tossed it over, and choked out, "Okay!"

"Alright, let us ignore the world around us and focus," Namjoon said with a smile."I'll promise to do the dare."

Now that you are breathing easier, you snort softly and smile a little more comfortably as you exhale. "Promise---" Your eyes had already scanned the words before you glanced at his smiling face.

"Okay...remember no pauses...no omissions. Remember you promised to do it? 'you reminded him. Namjoons eyes widen as he saw your wide smile and the amused twinkle in your eyes. 

Oh no!

You grinned at his nervous expression and you sure going to relish every moment. It's now or never...

A/N: The infamous card game.

Thank you so much for all the reads and support for this book. Please don't stop voting if you can't comment. 

1. Do you think Namjoon must tell Frosty about Shan?

2. Will Frosty be able to win his heart?

3. Do you think Namjoon is more afraid of what his mother can do to Frosty?

4. Is Namjoons reasons for not choosing Frosty valid?

5. Can you guess what is on the next dare card?