We look up at a confused Hobi.
At our lack of responses, he turns his attention to Jimin. "Hey kid, get off her! It's not like you're dating or anything, don't touch her like that." He reprimands, turning my cheeks pink.

Something in Hoseok's eyes change. "You guys haven't been secretly dating or anything...right? Or have you just started dating or something?"

"Stop it, Hyung. We'll talk later." Jimin mumbles as he gets up. He holds out his hand to help me do the same, and I take it. As we reach the same level, I try to catch his eye to signal everything's alright, but he quickly looks away, cheeks red, and exits the room.

Okay then, talk to you later, too.

+++

The next time I see Jimin alone is after dinner, when he stands on the balcony by himself. I haven't had the chance to see him alone because we spent the day as our group of eight, and only after dinner did everyone disperse.

The boys had asked me about how I was feeling and were shocked to find out I felt completely better. Jimin, in particular, seemed relieved in hearing the news.

They then had filled me in on all the details: how Jina and Eunji were worried about how long I had stayed on the date (at which point Jimin left the table and he did not seem happy for whatever reason) so after I didn't pick up their calls, they got desperate and called my dad, who then called the seven boys over.

Since the girls hadn't known where my date was, the boys stalked my Tinder date's location using whatever technology they have.

I was so shocked to realize how protected I am, and how many people care about me. It's not often I think about that.

After thanking them for the information, we tried to get Jimin to come out of his room (correction, Taehyung ran over like an ape and pounded on his door) but it was locked. I didn't want him to be disturbed if he wanted to be alone. He finally came out, though, to eat. I didn't ask him why he left the conversation because I wasn't sure if he'd be comfortable saying it in front of everyone.

And now I see him gazing silently at the night sky. I take a deep breath before stepping in next to him.

"It's so serene." I say, and Jimin turns his head toward me.

"Yeah." He lets out weakly. What's up with him?

"Okay, Jimin, enough with the self-pitying can you just tell me what's going on!" I cross my arms. "Why did you lock yourself in like that? Why have you been ignoring me all day, avoiding my gaze and getting all embarrassed? It's not like you," I whine.

"Well, can you blame me? You...you..." He gulps. "You just kissed me like that and then you're not going to even mention it? Did it mean nothing to you?" He says it so quickly but the words take me aback all the same.

My heart burns. "Oh my gosh, Jimin, no..." I trail off as I realize I don't really have anything to say. "I'm sorry. Of course it meant something to me. You mean something to me."

"Then why...ugh, I just feel like you're leading me on or something! Why did you do it?"

"I just...I was caught up in the moment. I was so sad and mad for you but I felt so much good for you in that moment, knowing you did everything to protect me and the guilt of imagining you in jail for me, I just couldn't control myself."

"So you pity me then?" His voice his harsher and laced with hurt. He is breathing heavily and I can tell he's upset. Really, really upset.

Without thinking, I rush forward and bring him into a tight hug; his muscles seem to loosen and he visibly calms down.

"I'm sorry." We say to each other at the same time.

"What?" I pull my head back, confused, and look up at his face.

He sighs. "Look, I'm sorry. I overreacted. I felt hurt and I took it out on you, but it's not your fault."

"Only it is," I insist, "It was terrible of me to just kiss you like that-" the words make my cheeks burn, but I ignore it and continue. "-and then ignore it as if it didn't happen. Only it did, and I swear, it meant so much to me. I really, really like you, Jimin."

The truth bomb just exploded in front of us as I explicitly say the words I've been dreading to say: that I like him, not as a bodyguard or friend, but as a man.

He pulls back after a second and looks away, thinking hard about something as if he's conflicted. When he meets my eyes, I can tell what he's about to say is difficult for him. "Look. The reason I've been avoiding you all day is because I've been avoiding this conversation."

I put my hand on his arm, trying to reassure him that it's okay. "I know how unprofessional it is of me to say this, but I've had feelings for you for a long time." I bite my lip, trying to hide the excitement flooding through me at his words.

He sighs. "But there can't be an us right now. You and I can't happen."