20170511

It was a significant day – my birthday, marking the transition into my twenties in Western age and twenty-one in Korea. The plan was to host a cozy dinner at our place, with the guest list comprising the BTS boys, Nayeon, and Jeongyeon. Our familiarity stemmed from multiple encounters at award shows and shared dinners, making their inclusion a natural choice.

As I finished setting the table, a familiar ring echoed through the apartment. "I'll get the door," I announced before approaching and peering through the peephole. There stood Taehyung, making playful expressions. As I opened the door to welcome the arriving guests, the lively chatter filled the air. "Hey, Chloe! Happy birthday!" Taehyung exclaimed, his playful energy contagious. Laughter and greetings echoed as the others joined in. Jungkook lingered at the entry – someone I had already been on five dates with, our busy schedules limiting our time together. He lifted me off the floor and twirled me, a delightful surprise on my birthday.

"Happy Birthday Jagiya. Baby" He said with a smile, grabbing my face in his hands. " Thank you." I said quietly while smiling. He leaned in and gave me a quick peck on the lips. I was quite surprised. This was our first "kiss", well it was just a peck. I didn't mind it. "What was that for?" I smiled at him. " I don't know I just felt like it." He said smiling, while rubbing my arms. "I liked it." I said and we laughed a little. "Let's get to the others!" I said excitedly and grabbed his hand.

Joining the others the atmosphere was warm and familiar, like old friends reuniting. The evening progressed with the arrival of Nayeon and Jeongyeon, the atmosphere vibrant as we indulged in food, drink, and captured moments in photographs.

"So, Chloe, any big plans for your birthday?" Jimin inquired, his eyes sparkling with curiosity. I shared the plan for a casual dinner, emphasizing the joy of having everyone together. Jin raised his glass, toasting to the occasion. "Here's to Chloe – may your day be filled with laughter and good company!"

As the meal progressed, the room buzzed with animated discussions and shared anecdotes.
J-Hope, with his signature enthusiasm, couldn't resist sharing a comical incident. "Remember that one award show where I almost tripped on the stage? I swear, the floor was conspiring against me!" Laughter erupted around the table as everyone recalled the hilarious moment.

Suga, with his trademark wit, chimed in, "Well, at least you didn't make it a full-blown tumble. That would've been a showstopper!"

Jungkook, seated next to me, added a teasing remark, "Maybe next time, hyung, we can choreograph a flip into the performance."

Jin, not one to be outdone, recounted a story from their early days. "There was this fan meeting where I accidentally walked into the wrong room. The looks on those poor fans' faces were priceless!"

Nayeon, always ready with a playful comeback, teased Jin, "Maybe they were just surprised to have a worldwide handsome guy in their midst unexpectedly."

Jin feigned offense, hand over his heart, "Well, who wouldn't be surprised? Worldwide handsomeness tends to catch people off guard!"
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As dinner concluded and we migrated to the living room, the banter continued. Suga, with a sly grin, turned to Jungkook, "So, any updates on those five dates with Chloe? Spill the details, man!"

Jungkook, feigning innocence, replied, "Just some casual outings, you know. A bit of stargazing, trying out new cafes. Nothing too scandalous, hyung."

Jimin interjected with a mischievous smile, "Casual outings, huh? Jungkook, you're not telling us the real spicy details!"

"Oh, come on! We're just getting to know each other better. No spicy details to share, I promise." Jungkook whined.

J-Hope, always the life of the party, raised an eyebrow, "Are you sure about that?"

While the guys engaged in their good-natured banter, there was an underlying warmth in their expressions. Jin, with a knowing smile, clapped Jungkook on the back, "Look at our maknae growing up. We never thought we'd see the day!"

Jimin, with his trademark charm, added, "If you need any advice on love, feel free to ask the experts."Laughter erupted.

Namjoon, the leader, chimed in with a grin, "Jungkook, we're just teasing, but seriously, we're happy for you. It's great to see you with someone genuine."

Yoongi, known for his straightforwardness, added, "Yeah, you deserve someone who's caring and real. Glad you found that, Jungkook."

As the teasing continued, it was evident that behind the jokes, there was genuine happiness for Jungkook. The camaraderie among the guys was not just about playful banter; it was also a celebration of seeing their youngest member finding someone special – someone who brought joy not only to him but to the entire group.

Meanwhile, as the guys engaged in their conversation, I found myself sharing a laugh with the girls in a more secluded corner of the living room. Nayeon playfully nudged me, "Come on, spill the tea! What's really going on with you and Jungkook?"

Lisa, with a mischievous glint in her eye, added, "We won't judge. The guys can handle spicy, and so can we!"

Grinning, I recounted the story of our casual outings, emphasizing the genuine connection we were building. Jeongyeon chimed in, "Well, it sounds like the beginning of a K-drama romance. Stargazing and cute cafes – classic!"

Nayeon, ever the romantic, sighed dramatically, "I love a good love story. So, when's the next date? Any plans?"

Joining the girls' conversation, I couldn't help but tease, "Oh, you know, just waiting for Jungkook to plan the next thrilling episode of our drama."

As laughter and chatter intertwined between the two groups, it was evident that the night was filled with not only spicy conversations but also the warmth of camaraderie among friends.

As the individual conversations naturally merged into a collective gathering, the living room transformed into a hub of shared joy and camaraderie. I found my way back to Jungkook, seamlessly settling between his legs. His chest became a comforting support as I leaned back against it, the gentle hum of laughter and music creating a cozy atmosphere.

Seamlessly settling between Jungkook's legs, his arms wrapped around me in a comforting embrace, we became a silent testament to the genuine connections that had blossomed during the evening.

Later, as the night beckoned, Jungkook suggested a romantic escapade to a secluded bridge. Holding hands, we ventured into the dimly lit streets, masked for anonymity. The ambient glow of city lights created a captivating atmosphere.

Under the soft glow of city lights on the secluded bridge, Jungkook and I found ourselves enveloped in an intimate atmosphere. The rhythmic hum of the city provided a soothing backdrop as we stood, unmasked, sharing the beauty of this secret spot.

"I come here to escape the chaos, to be myself," Jungkook confessed, his eyes reflecting vulnerability. "And tonight, I wanted to share it with you."

As we leaned against the bridge's railing, he began tracing the outline of our intertwined fingers. "I've always struggled with the expectations, even from myself," he admitted, "wondering if I'm enough, if people truly see me. It's like I'm always wearing a mask."

Listening intently, I squeezed his hand gently, encouraging him to continue.

"But with you," he continued, "it feels different. I can be vulnerable, and it's okay. You make me want to be real, to share my fears without judgment."

Reflecting on his honesty, I shared my thoughts on authenticity, expressing, "I've always believed that genuine connections happen naturally. No masks, no pretenses."

His gaze never wavered as he asked, "How do you manage to be so open, so real?"

"I've learned to value the beauty in embracing my true self," I explained. "It's about finding those who appreciate you as you are. I don't want to force connections; I want them to happen organically."

Jungkook nodded, absorbing my words. "It's just hard sometimes, you know?" he confessed. "The fear of rejection, of not being good enough for others. It's like a constant battle."

With a reassuring smile, I replied, "You're not alone in that struggle. But you don't need validation from everyone. Those who truly matter will appreciate you for who you are."

As we continued our conversation, the bridge became a haven for shared fears, dreams, and the complexities of navigating life in the public eye. The vulnerability exchanged beneath the starlit sky forged a deeper connection between us.

He looked at me, sincerity in his eyes, and asked, "What did you think of me the first time we met?"

Laughing, I recalled, "I thought you were shy or maybe didn't like me at first. I talk a lot when I'm nervous, and during the rehearsal, I worried I was being annoying."

"You're never annoying," he interjected, giving me a playful push.

Grinning, I continued, "But as I got to know you better at the restaurant, I found you to be chill, understanding my sarcastic humor right away."

Jungkook chuckled before turning the question back to him. "And what about you? What were your first impressions of me?"

Impersonating a serious tone, he responded, "I was impressed by your producing skills and couldn't wait to meet you. But I didn't expect you to be so quirky and talk so much!"

He laughed heartily, adding, "You're so funny. And when I heard you sing live for the first time, it was like you were a different person. I got intrigued."

As our conversation on the bridge neared its end, a quiet and intimate energy enveloped us. The shared vulnerabilities and personal revelations had laid the foundation for a profound connection. Jungkook gazed at me with a sincerity that resonated in the soft glow of city lights.

Without needing words, our eyes locked in a mutual understanding. The atmosphere hummed with unspoken sentiments, and in that charged moment, Jungkook leaned in, gently capturing my lips in a tender kiss. It wasn't just a kiss; it was a silent promise, a whispered affirmation of the bond we had discovered beneath the starlit sky.

The kiss lingered, carrying the weight of shared dreams, fears, and the depth of connection formed on that secluded bridge. As we pulled away, a genuine smile played on Jungkook's lips, echoing the unspoken agreement that this night was just the beginning of something beautiful.

Hand in hand, we turned to leave the bridge, the city lights reflecting the warmth of our newfound connection. The journey back to the dorm was filled with a comfortable silence, the echo of our shared moments on the bridge resonating in the night air.

Returning to the dorm, we discovered everyone had either left or was asleep. The decision was made for Jungkook to sleep over. We retreated to the studio, spending the night in conversation, passionate embraces, and more, creating memories that would linger long after my birthday concluded.