After receiving some gifts from fans, Jennie and Diana walked to the van, while the eager fans followed them, videotaping and taking photos. Jen takes a seat next to Taehyung, setting the yellow roses on her lap as a bright smile was on her face. She was happy to be home and happy to see so many fans elated to see BTS.

“Smartie.” Yoongi calls out, interrupting her thoughts. “Where’d you get the flowers?”

“Did one of our fans give them to you?” Hobi adds.

“You can say that. You know him.” She beams.

“We do? Who?” Jimin asks.

“Kevin gave them to me. He says hey. Remember him from American Hustle life?” She informs them.

“Oh yeah! Him! How is he?” Namjoon asks.

“He’s good. He’ll be at the Chicago show. So sweet of him to do this. I wasn’t expecting him to be here, today. Like, wow.”

Hearing their conversation, Jungkook poked the inside of his cheek with his tongue and glared out the window, watching the buildings go by as they made their way to the hotel.

He was upset.

Jealous was an understatement. He was bothered by the fact that Kevin brought her flowers.
He remembered him. All too well. Who wouldn’t?

Jungkook began to feel insecure about himself and all the doubts came back to haunt him. He glances at Jennie who had a bright smile on her face.

Kevin was the one to make her smile so widely.

‘He brought her flowers. Next, he’s gonna take her out to dinner and ask her out. He’s done more than I ever have and I know her longer than him. This is pathetic…’ He thought anxiously.

The Golden Maknae started to google what yellow roses meant. The meaning behind it.

They were roses, did Kevin want a relationship with Jennie?
Did Kevin kiss her?
Is he planning to kiss her?
Is he slowly trying to lead to a relationship with her?
What did ARMY see?

Jungkook’s mind began to panic as he kept thinking about the possibilities.

Yellow roses meant friendship.
Friendship.

Good. But it still wasn’t enough because his insecurities were still there. He went on Twitter to search under Jennie’s name, wondering what ARMY had seen at the airport. As he feared, ARMY speculated that there was something going on between Kevin and Jennie. It annoyed him that ARMY tweeted how cute they were together and called Kevin her boyfriend.

It seemed fishy that he so happened to be at the airport when BTS arrived. Maybe he wants to stay friends and slowly work his way up to pursue a relationship with her. That had to be it.
He wasn’t like Kevin. Kevin had done what Jungkook wanted to do and more. The fact that he waited for Jennie at the airport and given her flowers in public like that…

‘Why can’t I be like him?’ He thought with annoyance.

Because Kevin was everything Jungkook was not.
Was Jennie into guys like Kevin?
Does she like Kevin?

“Jungkookie!” Jimin calls out his name, interrupting his negative thoughts. “I asked if you wanted to eat with me and Taehyung.”

“Yeah…” The Golden Maknae murmurs.

“Good. We have a lot to discuss.” Jimin mentions. He, too, was annoyed at the fact that Kevin had given Jennie flowers. Kevin was ruining his ship and Jimin refused to let that happen.

---

“Are you kidding…?” Jennie frowns.

BTS stood backstage for their Red Bullet concert in New York. The members were just informed that their concert will be cut short and that the fan meet was canceled after the alleged threats towards Rap Monster.

Jen felt like everything was going downhill. Not only did someone had the audacity to threaten her beloved leader, but now the fans have to pay the price. This was not fair. People did not spend their hard earned money only for it to be canceled. All because someone wanted to be stupid enough to do this.

The threats were taken seriously and caused the hi-touch to be canceled. This wasn’t what Jennie wanted. She was so excited to finally perform with BTS in her country but now it’s not going to happen because of this.

Jennie decided to stay at the Best Buy Theatre while the other members left. Diana also stayed with her while Sejin tended to the others.

“If they checked everyone’s bags and items for any weapons, they’re unarmed right? There’s tight security.” Jennie tries to explain to the staff members. “If my president has threats coming to the White House 24/7, every single day and still goes out to do what he does, then I don’t understand why I can’t.”

“Jennie, I understand your concerns and how eager you are to meet the fans but someone’s life was threatened. You’re acting foolish, right now. What if you get hurt? Who will be responsible?” One of the BTS reps firmly responds.

“The person that did this made this into a dumb prank. It wasn’t funny and I hope this person gets caught. Every fan in that audience went through security. There were no weapons found at all. Let me see them. Please. Bring a row at a time, to my dressing room. I have five security guards with me. That’s enough to protect me, right? Do I need more? Aren’t there also police here? Want them to be around me too, so these fans can at least see me, one member of BTS? Then let’s do that. I am not letting one person ruin this.” She firmly asserts.

“I don’t want our bond with International ARMY to be broken because of some punk ass bitch on the internet that decided to threaten my amazing leader for a prank.” She adds. “Those people have been waiting so long for Bangtan to come to America. And I don’t want to come back to America with Bangtan fearing for their safety or other K-Pop acts feeling hesitant to come here for a concert. We always have concerts in Seoul, and the one time, we finally come to my country, to perform, shit wants to hit the fan, and I gotta suffer not being able to see my fans in my own country. I’m not giving up on seeing my American fans.”

Diana knew that when Jen felt strongly about something, she wasn’t going down without a fight. Jen becomes outspoken and passionate about the things that she wants to do when someone tells her otherwise.

The BTS rep sighs and leaves the room, while Jennie angrily sits on the couch.

“You want to just do something with the fans, tomorrow?” Diana suggests.

“Diana, there are people that traveled to New York to see us! There are probably fans out there that don’t even live in this area, that came here to see us! That spent their hard earned money to see and meet us!” She snaps. “Money does not grow on trees. People have different financial issues and statues. There were probably families that sacrificed and saved up just enough cash for their child to see their favorite K-Pop group. And those people that traveled to New York tonight, they’re probably going home, tomorrow. How unfair will that be if I’ll get to see only a majority of people that brought a Hi-Touch ticket, while the rest are already on the road or on a flight to go back to where they live? No. I want to see all of them tonight.”

“Of course, you’d say that.” She sighs. “You remind me of that time Angelina did something like this when there was a threat in one of Amity’s concerts. Hang tight, I’ll see what I can do.” She leaves to go find the BTS rep.

Meanwhile, for the audience, the fans that had a hi-touch ticket, the staff members on site walked out to let them know what was happening. The fans protested instantly when they feared for the worse and once they were told that the Hi-Touch was canceled, all hell broke loose. Even some cried.

When fans see Jennie’s manager walk out with the BTS rep, they watched them discussing something that looked important.

“Okay. The first row, follow me, please.” The staff member gestures, as everyone in the audience, looked confused.

Where were they going?

---

With Jennie, she stayed in the room with five security guards, making small talk, instead of just sitting in silence on her phone.

Diana walks back in the room with a couple police officers and the BTS rep. “One of these days, you’re going to make me lose my job.” Diana jokes. “I’m just kidding. I managed to talk him into letting you do what you want to do with the fans.”

“A-are you serious?” Jennie’s eyes light up as she stands up.

“We’re allowing you just once, to let a row at a time, come in here and see you. This won’t happen again, and there will be police here to make sure there’s no funny business. One time only, under strict supervision. Before the fans see you, they’ll only bring in their phones and take off any jackets. And they will be checked by security for any threats just in case.”

Jennie happily grins. “Thank you. Thank you, so much.” She goes to hug Diana.

Eagerly waiting for the fans to walk in, Jennie sits by the dressing room vanity, with her phone in her hands. She starts recording the mirror in front of her, to show the reflection of herself and behind her was the door where the fans will be walking in.

Soon as the first batch of fans walked in, they turn and immediately point her out. Screams of excitement as some covered their mouths and teared up, made Jennie start to smile and laugh. She always gets a kick out at how fans react to BTS, and it always made her laugh joyfully because it made her happy.

“I think they’re shooked.” Jennie says on camera and stops the video, posting it on her instagram.

Getting out her seat, she places her phone down and waves. “Hi!” She giggles at their reactions. Some started crying harder and it touched her heart that she had that impact on them.

“Are you real!?” One yells with tears in her eyes.

“I hope so.” She grins sheepishly. “All right, about the hi-touch that’s been canceled…ya'll pissed aren't you?"

She’s met with a loud yes. “Yes! We are! Do something! This is unfair!” And so on were statements the fans yelled.

“I know. I know. So am I. I’m pissed too.” She replies with a frown. “I don’t want my country to seem like a violent place where we can’t have any more K-Pop events, here. I know you guys wanted to meet all eight of us, tonight. Unfortunately, there will be no hi-touch but would you like to get a Miss Bangtan hug and selfie from me instead?" She suggests.

She receives screams of excitement as she starts to laugh softly at their reaction. “I’ll take that as a yes. All right, let’s form a line.”

As they get in line, it will be one person per photo. Jennie knows how frustrating it is to be in a group of fans to take a photo with their favorite K-Pop group. The tight security made sure nothing was suspicious that could harm her before they let a fan approach her.

Call it foolish.

Call it not a wise idea and she may get hurt, but she put her trust in the extra security around her and wanted the fans to go home happy, not disappointed. Not feel like they wasted their money. These fans spending their hard earned money for a VIP ticket, they should be regarded as a VIP ticket holder, not having to cancel the entire concert.

Meanwhile, with the fans still waiting in the audience, they check their Twitter and began sharing the news that the first row was actually with Jennie, in BTS’ dressing room.

“OMG! They’re with Jennie!” A girl screams, showing her friend. The statement caught the attention of the rest of the fans, as they start asking questions and checking their Twitter.

“Check her instagram! She just posted a video!” Another fan shouts.

Someone that was in line tweeted various tweets about what was happening, and it caused everyone waiting to feel excited and their night got better.

“This is why she is my bias.” One fan exclaims.

On social media, some fans were complaining about her stupidity in pulling this stunt. Thinking it’s a dumb idea and they wouldn’t risk their lives for their fans if there was a gun threat around. Some questioned what if she gets hurt and who is to blame.

But others praised her on social media for her bravery despite the gun threat and for her passionate love for her fans. Fans were so grateful that they got to meet at least one member. In fact, this is just another reason why she is the most popular member of BTS in her country and why she is one of the idols that provides the best fan service.

“Hey! How you doing?” Jennie embraces the next fan in line for the fourth batch of fans.

“I’m doing better now that I’m meeting you. It’s my birthday, today. So thank you for making my night.”

“Aw, happy birthday. How old are you, today?”

“13.”

“Really? Wow, enjoy your teen years. It'll be a wild ride. You’re definitely going to learn a lot about yourself in your teen years. It may even be a little scary but continue to love yourself and have fun.”

“I will. I’ll remember that.” The girl lifts up her phone for a selfie. “Can we take a silly one?”

“Yeah, I’ll make a meme face.” Jennie agrees.

---

Back in Philly, with Vienna, who had yet to contact Jennie since the incident at her play, had gone to the financial aid office, to pay the next payment for her tuition on her payment plan.
“Miss Walker, your tuition has already been paid for, for the next semester.”

“What?” Vienna raises a brow in confusion. “My parents didn’t say anything about paying. There must be some sort of mistake.”

“Someone else already made the payment.”

“Who did?”

“Uh…” The man checks his papers. “She personally said, and I quote, ‘Your awesome little sister who you are still mad at. I love you and I’m sorry.’ Her name is Jennifer Walker.”

Vienna exhales. Jen was something else and the fact that she helped pay for college with whatever money she gets with BTS, made her feel even more sad about all the things she said that day. “You have got to be kidding.”

“Well, indeed she strolled right in here. Such a kind young lady and sweet sister to help you with your tuition. Beautiful smile, too. Enjoy the Fall semester and have a great summer.”

“Yeah, you too.” Vienna leaves the office. Taking her phone out, she dials a number. “Alani. Where is Jennie, right now? What’s BTS’ schedule like?”

---

Next day in Chicago, Jennie wore camo jeans, a black beanie with glasses and a jean hoodie, at a local skate park to meet up with Kevin. She finds him skateboarding around, effortlessly sliding his board off one of the rails.

“Hey!” Her happy greet gains his attention as he jumps off his board.

“Jen! You’re here!” He smiles and embraces her, lifting her off the ground as she laughs. “Why’d you want to meet here of all places?”

“Well, a skatepark is where we met and besides, I want to skate. I’ve been practicing. Let me show you.”

“Oh really?” He chuckles, not convinced. “Let me see.”

“Watch and learn.” She steps on his skateboard and rolls around, maintaining her balance. She manages to do a small kickflip on the board. “How was that?”

He couldn’t hide his smile, impressed by her efforts. “Okay, that was all right.”

“Oh, shut up!” She playfully pushes him. “You know that was good.”

“But I can do it better.”

“Such a bragger. So! What’s been going on?”

“Lot of things.” He takes a seat on the bench and she sits next to him. “I’m starting college in September.”

“Oh snap! Any idea what your major is?”

“Business. I’m also going to be playing Basketball.”

“I need to go to one of your games, one day. Hopefully, I won’t be too busy with Bangtan so I can visit.”

“Or I can visit you in Seoul if I have a break or something. We’ll figure it out.”
“Yeah, we still got time. Man, starting college and on the basketball team? Your family must be so proud.”

“Yeah, my parents ask about you from time to time, asking if we still keep in touch and if the group is still going strong. They started to get into your music. They’re hooked on BTS.” He shares a laugh with her.

“Yes, join us. Once you’re in K-Pop you’ll never get out. It’s just too addicting.”
“Yeah, I’ll admit. I got some of my friends into it, too. They’re hooked.”

“Good, the more the merrier.”

“So any guys dating you, yet?”

“Nah. Not yet.”

“Really? I’m surprised. That needs to change before this year is over.”

She laughs. “We’ll see. One day. Just trying to be mindful of people’s true intentions, y’know? Not just smash and leave. I’m not about that life.”

“Good. Keep that good head on your shoulders. If any guys give you problems, let me know. I’ll set them straight.”

Jennie smiles at his statement. “I’ll get that in mind, Kev. So, what about you?”

“Nah, no lady tied me down, yet. But what I can’t wait for is all these college parties and hooking up.”

“Really? But you’re ugly, why would any girls want to sleep with you?” She jokes, causing him to playfully narrow his eyes. “Ahahaha!”

“You’re not funny.” He chuckles. “You planning on going to college?”

“Yeah, I want to. I just have no idea what I want to do in my life yet. I won’t be singing and dancing forever, I would like to get a college education. I’ll think about it when that time comes.”

“Yeah, don’t rush yourself. I still don’t know what I want to do with the business major, yet. How long you here for?”

“Around a few hours and then I’m going to hang with Jungkook.”

“Ah, Jungkook. I remember him. He kept glaring at me during the music video shooting.” He laughs at the memory of American Hustle Life.

“What? No way. He doesn’t do that, does he?”

“It’s nice to see that the members are protective of you. I remember seeing them ask you questions about me. The reason I asked how long you’ll be here is that I was wondering if you wanted to learn more about skateboarding.”

“Heck yeah! Let’s do this.” She eagerly stands up.

Time flew by quick as he taught her. As she learned more basic tricks on making sure how to stay safe from falling and stopping the skateboard, Kevin helps her with turning around on the board.

She stumbles when she tries it for the 5th time and he catches her by placing his hands on her waist. “Careful. Lean side to side this time, you’ll get it. Just maintain your balance.”

Once she tries it on her 9th attempt, she successfully turns and continues doing it again and again. “Sweet! This is pretty easy, now.”

“Told you.”

As they continue to skate, a few ARMY had found Jennie while they were walking around the neighborhood and eagerly approached her. “Jennie!” They shout, happily.

Turning around, Miss Bangtan sees three fans rushing up to her. She gleefully talked to them and took some selfies and they even asked Kevin to get into it too. The fans told her how stoked they are about the Chicago Red Bullet concert and how nice it was for her to see the fans after the New York show, despite the threats. One fan even told her that she inspired her to go back to playing the guitar and work on her old songs that she’s kept on her laptop for years.

Although fans always tell their favorite idol that they love them and their work, it’s more rewarding to Jennie, hearing fans tell her that she has inspired them. She liked being a positive influence on her fans and it’s a humbling feeling.

“Are you two dating?” One of the fans boldly asks.

Jennie and Kevin glance at each other and share a chuckle. “She is someone very special to me.” Kevin answers briefly, causing the girls to giggle at his response.

“I think you almost killed them with that statement,” Jennie adds.

After saying goodbye to the fans, Kevin and Jennie decided to take another break, to chill on the bench. Jennie takes a funny selfie with him as he sits behind her, with his chin on her head.

‘He needs to admit that my skating skills have improved since AHL. Don’t front, you know I got better :P #JEN’

ARMY immediately began to freak out, as they positively enjoyed seeing the two together. Majority of ARMY was happy that this wasn’t with any of the BTS members and could relax knowing that their bias won’t be dating the female member of the group.

‘DEAD’
‘SCREAMING’
‘Relationship confirmed!?’
‘GOALS’
‘Ya’ll so damn adorable!’

“Oh crap!” Jennie shouts, hastily getting to her feet.

“What’s wrong?”

“I was supposed to meet with Jungkook 30 minutes ago!” She grabs her bag. “We’ll text! It was so nice seeing you, today!”

“Ooooohhhhhhh, you’re in trouble~!” He laughs.

“Shush!” She makes a phone call so Diana could pick her up.

Once at the hotel, Jennie makes her way to Jungkook’s room to see him gaming. “Kook! I am so sorry!” She exclaims.

“It’s fine. Don’t worry about it.” He shrugs.

She watched him. Nothing was fine. She knew he was upset. “Are you mad?”

“It’s fine, Jennie.” He pauses his game.

“You’re mad. Look, I’m so sorry. We can hang out tomorrow, okay?”

“Where were you, anyway?”

“I was with Kevin. It’s been so long since we’ve seen each other, I wanted to catch up. I lost track of time.”

Jungkook exhales and frown. “So, you blew me off for him?”

“No way, that was not my intention. I just wasn’t periodically checking the time when I was with him. Look, let’s hang tomorrow. Okay? Wherever you want, we’ll go.”

And Jungkook agreed to that.

---

Next day, in the afternoon, Yoongi walks into his hotel room to see Jungkook gaming on the bed. Confusion appears on the Daegu rapper’s features as he closed the door and strolled up to him. “Weren’t you supposed to meet with Smartie?”

“Uh huh.”

“Well, why aren’t you with her?”

“I changed my mind, hyung.” The Maknae bluntly replies.

The Daegu rapper stood there, genuinely dumbfounded. As many times as the Maknae chewed his ear off about spending time with her in America, now he changed his mind?
Something wasn’t right.

“This isn’t like you at all. Why would you not go?”

Before Jungkook could reply, they hear pounding on the door

“…’bout to kill him. I swear if he is in this got damn room, I’m going to kill him.” Yoongi heard Jennie’s angry muttering on the other side of the door. He exhales and opens it. “Hey, Yoongi. Is Kook here?”

“By the bed.” He lets her in.

“Bed…” She walks in, setting her bag on the floor. Jungkook paid her no mind as he proceeded to game.

Yoongi observes how thick the tension in the room was between the 97 Liners. It was never like this. Something bad must’ve happened because Jennie and Jungkook had never been like this. Ever.

“Yoongi.” She calls out, interrupting his thoughts. “Can you give us a minute? Alone?”

“You sure I should leave you two, alone?”

“Yoongi, for once, please just listen to my request.”

The rapper exhales. “You kids are going to be the death of me. Don’t kill each other…I really don’t want to explain to Jin or Namjoon about how Bangtan went from eight members to six.” He grumbles, grabbing his notebook and exits the room.

Jungkook continued to mashed the buttons on his controller, ignoring her presence as she rolls her eyes and crosses her arms. Jen didn’t know if she wanted to smack him or cuss him out because of what happened today.

“Kook.” She calls out.

No answer.

“Kookie.”

No answer.

“Jungkook.” She calls out louder.

Still no answer.

She laughs dryly. "So just because I unintentionally forget about our outing, you don't want to show?"

"I forgot." He shrugs, his attention still on the TV.

Exasperated, she marches up to him and snatches the controller out of his hands, tossing it on the bed. “Bullshit, Kook.”

Poking the side of his cheek with his tongue in annoyance, he stands up, fed up. “How is that bullshit? I said I forgot.”

“Yeah? Well, I said I was sorry. I tried to make it up to you, and you don’t show. The heck is wrong with you?”

“Nothing.” He shrugs.

Exhaling sharply, she closes her eyes for a moment. “Jungkook...you get on my nerves.”

“Oh really? Well, the feeling is mutual.”

“You know what? You blowin’ my shit, today. You really be doing the most.”

“And you don’t?” He retorts.

“No, I do not. And you are really starting to piss me the hell off and I am not in the mood for this. This is childish.”

“Drop it. I’m done talking about this. I don’t feel like arguing.”

“Well, I’m not done talking because I’m still waiting for a not so half-assed excuse to why you didn’t show up today.”

“I just didn’t want to. End of discussion.”

“Seriously? And you couldn’t have called? Text?”

“Oh, okay. So, you just want to ignore the fact that you did the same to me? How do you think I feel? I really wanted to spend time with you.”

Miss Bangtan rolls her eyes. “I don’t have time for this. Jungkook, we always spend time together!” She exclaims.

Jungkook frowns and shakes his head in disapproval. “You just don’t get it.” He mutters softly.

“Then explain!” She shouts.

“I wanted to spend time with you, alone!” He shouts back.

“We always spend time together, Kook. It’s no big deal, stop being so uptight.”

The Golden Maknae stares at her with hurt. “No big deal, huh? Then maybe I’m wasting my time.”

“Are you kidding me?” She frowns. “Jungkook, I haven’t seen him in what? A year? I lost track of time, we were catching up. I missed him. He’s my friend.”

“Well, I’m your best friend. I found a beach nearby. I thought it would be cool to hang there that day. Walk on the beach in America, just like we planned, right? We planned this for so long. I waited and you didn’t show. It sucked without you there. That hurt. So how do you think that made me feel? We were talking about this on the plane for hours. And somehow he just took up all your time and made you forget, right? Cause that’s how it usually goes.”

She exhales and starts feeling the tears coming as she quickly blinks them away.

Why did that make her heart ache?

“Don’t do this to me. You are not listening-“

“I don’t need to.” He cuts her off and walks past her.

She turns around to follow him. “Excuse me! Don’t you walk away from me! Jungkook!” She hears the bathroom door slam, right in her face. “OH-my God!” She bangs her fist on the door out of frustration.

“You are so childish! Open the door so we can discuss this!” She yells. When she doesn’t get a reply, she sighs in exasperation. “Okay, ignore me. Because that’s what we do, right? God, you are acting like a jerk, right now.”

Swinging the door open, Jungkook walks past her. “Well, what does that make you?” He questions her as she follows him back to where the beds were.

She scoffs. “Me? Are you kidding? I swear to Gosh, I can’t stand you sometimes!”

“Good because I can’t stand you, either! Do you know how annoying you are!?” He raises his voice at her.

Jen stares at him in disbelief while she lets out a sharp breath.

Damn.

She didn’t know how much those words could sting until she heard him say it to her. But instead of being sad, she became angrier.

“WOW~! Tell me how you really feel!” She throws her arms up in the air.

Closing his eyes, he runs a hand through his hair. “You know I didn’t mean that…”

“No, no, go ahead! Tell me exactly how you feel!”

“Enough.” He mutters.

“No, tell me everything, I am all ears, Jungkook! I’m ready, I can take it! Let me know! Let me know, right now! Tell me how you feel about me!”

“Jennie…” He reiterates, trying to relax.

“Tell me how you feel about Jennie. The eighth member of the group. The one that still gets dragged for being a female in BTS but doesn't give two shits anymore because I’m letting people ruin what I love doing. I’m not letting that hate get to me anymore because I am above all that and why should I waste my life worrying what haters think about me. That Miss Bangtan. That Jennie. What is your honest opinion on Miss Bangtan?”

“Jennie. Enough.” His voice murmurs deeply.

“No, it’s not enough! So, don’t tell me this is enough!” She raises her voice to him. “So lemme know, Jeon Jungkook. Spill your guts out to me. I want to know your feelings for me. I want to know exactly how you feel since we’re being honest here. You go first and then I’ll go. So, what do you have to say?”

“It’s not the time for this!” He growls in frustration at the fact that they were arguing with each other.

“Yes, it is, since you’re obviously being honest with me! So, what’s next?!”

No answer.

“What’s next!?” She makes a fist and bangs it against his chest as she starts feeling tears develop in her eyes. Composed, Jungkook takes it, standing his ground as he felt her strike faintly.

“Let me know. Be honest!” She hits his chest.

Silence.

“Say something!” She strikes his chest, again.

More silence.

“Why aren’t you saying anything?!”

“Enough!” He gently, but with a firm grip, grabs her wrist before she could hit him again. Her back hits the wall softly while his free hand rests its palm next to her head. “Enough...” He repeats softly as she held his intense stare. She saw hints of frustration, sadness and something else that she couldn’t put her finger on.

Releasing her wrist, he glances to the side, trying to calm down his anger. Meanwhile, Jen’s heart was beating faster than usual as she noticed the close proximity she had with Jungkook. All they could hear were the faint sound effects and voice acting of the game Jungkook was playing on the TV.

Jungkook turns his attention back to her, placing his forearm on the wall and his face gets closer to hers. Crossing her arms, she angrily turns her head to the side.

‘Just stop fighting me…there are a lot of things I want to say to you…more than you think…but now, now is not the time. And at this rate, I’m not even sure when anymore.’ Jungkook thought to himself. It was what he wanted to say out loud, but couldn’t bring himself to.

They hear a click in the door while Hobi walks in. Jungkook backs up from her while Jennie glances to the side, uncrossing her arms. The 97 Liners felt a sensation of annoyance by the fact that they were interrupted during their heated discussion.

Hobi was more serious offscreen, so he spoke to them in a chill voice, “Uh…Yoongi forgot his headphones. Wanted me to go get them. Now I kinda understand why he didn’t want to come in.” He murmurs as he felt the tension in the room. He awkwardly heads over to Yoongi’s bed and grabs the headphones. Turning around, he observes them.

Jungkook had his hands in his pockets, impatiently waiting for Hobi to leave as a vexed facial expression was visible on his handsome features. Jennie glanced around random areas of the room, trying to keep her emotions in check.

“All right, I need to ask. Is…everything all right with you two, kids?” The rapper demands.
The 97 Liners glance at each other and then turn their attention to Hobi.

“Yeah…” Jennie murmurs.

“We’re fine, hyung.” Jungkook answers in a grumble.

“All right then…” Hobi nods, unconvinced and leaves the room.

Jungkook turns to Jennie who was still angry. “Babygirl-“

“Don’t call me that.” She speaks sharply, remembering why she was upset with him in the first place. “You lost the right to call me that.”

“Don’t be like that.” He frowns.

“No. How about you don’t be the way you were by not showing up.”

Feeling his anger come back, Jungkook shrugs. “Well, now you know how I feel.”

“Oh, so you just did this to get back at me? You are such a big baby, grow up, Kookie.”

“You grow up. And you lost the right to call me Kookie, so don’t call me that.”

“You know what? Fine, I don’t care.” She shrugs. “You are so condescending!”

“You are so dramatic.” He mutters.

“No, the hell I am not! I’m so sick of this and I’m sick of you!”

“You really want to go there?”

“Yeah.”

“Well, I’m sick of you too!” He shouts back.

“I don’t need this bullshit!” She turns, aiming to leave.

“You’re the one acting like a brat.” He bluntly calls out.

Feeling something in her snap, she turns around. “And you’re the one acting like an asshole!” She spats back.

Soon as she said that, Jungkook froze. His eyes stung sharply as the tears threatened to fall. Soon as she saw the hurt on his face, she immediately regretted her words.

Out of retaliation, he retorts sharply, “Sometimes I ask myself why you can’t be like our friends in GFriend. Why you can’t be like Eunha or Hayoon.”

That was the fatal blow.

She stares at him in disbelief, feeling a large lump form in her throat. She shuts her eyes to stop her tears before they fell.

Those words cut her like a knife.

Her shoulders relax as she slowly exhales, opening her eyes. He won this argument and she had nothing else to say.

What could she say after that?

She replayed the statement in her head and briefly pondered how he felt when she yelled hurtful things at him, moments ago.

Jungkook saw the pain on her face and he began to regret his words, too. He didn’t mean it. He just wanted to win the argument. They both did, not caring how much their words would hurt each other. Their emotions got to them. They were still young, stubborn teenagers. This was bound to happen.

When you’re angry, you say things you don’t mean. You say things to hurt the other to get back at them.

Jennie wanted to scream at him. Scream that she hated him or something more hurtful but she couldn’t do it. She couldn’t hurt him more than she already had with the previous hurtful words she yelled. She strongly felt like her heart couldn’t take it. Her heart was already freaking out ever since the argument started.

Jennie nods slowly, accepting what he had told her. “Okay...I get it.” Her voice trembles.

Watching her place a hand on her other one, Jungkook’s stomach drops when he watches her take off the friendship ring he had given her. When she’s right in front of him, she places the ring in his hand.

“I don’t want this, anymore. Take it back. Give it to someone else.”

Her sudden statement caught him off guard as he stared at the ring he had given her a long time ago. When he told her that they’ll cherish each other until the end. While Jungkook thought about the day he had given her the ring, his tears threatened to fall as he met her sad gaze.

“Maybe Hayoon or Euhna will like it instead. I’m sure they’ll fit your Golden Best Friend qualifications. I’m gonna go before I say something I’m going to regret.” She grabs her bag and leaves in a hurry.

Frustrated, he grabs a pillow and aggressively throws it on the floor. “Damn it…” He growls, running his hands through his hair in frustration. ‘I’m such an idiot…why did I say that? I just ruined everything…’

---

Meanwhile with Jennie, outside the room, in the hallway, she leans against the wall, next to his door. She exhales sharply and throws her bag on the ground. “Damn it…” She huffs. ‘I didn’t mean to say all that…why did I call him an asshole? Why did I hurt him even more by giving him back the ring?’

She feels her chest tighten and her tears began to flow as she silently starts crying. Sliding down on the wall, she sits on the floor, with her knees against her chest.

Jungkook, who had been crying too, wiped his tears with his arm. He tries to pull himself together while sitting on the floor, against the wall, next to his door, which happened to be where Jennie was on the other side of the wall.

‘I never want to see that again.’ He thought. ‘I never meant to make her upset, I just…’

Jennie wipes her tears with her hand. ‘He was about to cry…I never want to see him like that. I didn’t mean what I said, I just…’

She hoped that he would open the door and apologize.

He had also hoped that she would knock on his door and apologize.

Because they both were too stubborn to be the bigger person and apologize. Hoping that the other would, so they can let things go back to normal.

‘It’s normal for friends to fight, right? But why does this hurt so much more than the fights with the other members?’ She thought to herself. ‘Why does this hurt so much? Why does my heart feel so damn heavy? What is this feeling? I hate it, it’s too much. Just make it stop already.’

Jungkook turns his head to the door, contemplating if she was still there. ‘She probably left…’

Sniffing, Jennie clears her throat. Standing on her feet, she turns to the door. She contemplated on knocking but decided not to, despite her heart aching to knock on the door. ‘He probably doesn’t want to see me…he’s angry, why would he want to see me.’ She thought with a frown

“Sweetie, are you all right?”

Turning around she saw a hotel maid. She looked like she was in her mid-40s with dark skin and black hair styled in a bun.

“Huh?”

“I heard some arguing when I got my cleaning products, couldn’t help but look to see you out here. Is everything all right?”

“Oh God, I am so embarrassed…” She groans.

“Bad fight with your boyfriend?” The woman assumes in an understanding voice.

The word boyfriend caused Jen’s stomach to feel weird as she felt her face heat up.

“Oh, uh…he’s…he’s not my…” She trails off.

“I get it. Not yet I presume.”

“I-it’s not like that.” She shakes her head.

“You sure?”

Jennie hesitates. After a moment, she nods. “Yes.”

“Hm...I dunno, you don’t fool me, for a second, honey. I was like this when I had my first fight with my husband. We started dating when we were in college. Stubborn, the both of us were that day.” The woman chuckles softly at the memory. “All the bickering and pettiness. Took us a few days to make up. Both of us didn’t want to be the bigger person and apologize first. But arguments are normal, don’t worry about it. It seems like things are falling apart and you both are hurting. But just give it time. It’s not as bad as it seems. Before you know it, you two will rekindle.”

Jen gave the woman a weak smile and nods. “Thank you for that. I’m Jennie, by the way.”

“Just call me Miss Joyce. You have a blessed day, now.” She smiles sweetly and walks away to begin her shift.

---

Headed to her hotel room, Jennie makes sure to wipe her tears and clear her throat before she walked in. Hopefully, Taehyung wouldn’t notice anything.

Walking in, she was greeted with his boxy smile. There she also saw Jimin with him who happily waved as he laid with Tae on his bed, with random American snacks.

“Ennie!” Jimin beams. “Look what we got! Smarties! I saw some when Tae and I went to the store. You got us hooked on them. You want some?”

Jennie gives them a fake smile, still feeling the effects of the argument. “No thanks.” She responds and heads straight into the bathroom.

Jimin raises an eyebrow, looking dumbfounded. “No thanks…?”

“What?” Taehyung glances at Jimin with worry.

Jennie never rejects smarties.

Ever.

Not even when she’s sad. The candy always cheers her up. This was a red flag and the 95 Liners were anxious to find out what was wrong so they could resolve it.

“Something isn’t right.” Jimin assumes as he hears the shower turn on.

“Ennie…” Taehyung murmurs sadly

Notes