collateral damage 🔞 - COMPLETE

•eighty-nine•

~~~~~Jin

The small velvet box feels heavy in my pocket. I think that I know what she'll say, but there is still a healthy amount of fear. Maybe it's too soon... Maybe I'm just a time pass because she is losing Haerin... A waiter arrives and startles me, as I'm lost in my mind. I've been sitting in this private room for 30 minutes to get relaxed, but it's not working. I got here so early, and now I wish time would move faster.

"Sir... Your lady friend has arrived, but stopped in the ladies room."

Is she my lady 'friend'? I hope she thinks we're more than that... It feels like another 30 minutes passes, and the waiter comes back.

"Sir... Your lady is having a problem in the bathroom... I believe she's ill."

I stand and immediately rush to get to her. There is a small line outside the women's bathroom, and I knock and call to Naeun. I hear gagging, and I push the door open. My poor girlfriend is knelt in front of the toilet, throwing up and crying. I rush to hold her hair back, and try my best to soothe her.

"Nana... It's alright..."

"I-I'm s-sorry..."

"Shhhh.... It's fine... Let's go home... Tell me when you think you're ready to stand..."

She finally stopped, and I helped her get to the sink. She splashed cool water on her face, and rinsed her mouth. I felt her trembling, so I held her by the waist.

"I'm so embarrassed... I thought I was going to be fine... But then I got here, and the smell..."

She covers her mouth again, and I think she's about to go back and throw up more, but she shakes it off. I help her to the car, and we head back to the dorm. I'm disappointed, but concerned... Is this nature's way of stopping me from making a fool of myself? Maybe she was going to reject my proposal...

"Jin?"

"Hmmm?"

"Are you mad?"

"Why would I be?"

"I ruined the dinner that you planned and barfed in a restaurant bathroom... I should have called and stayed home..."

"Nana... You're being silly. It's absolutely fine. There will be other nights to go to dinner."

Hoping the tone of my voice hides my disappointment, I reach out and hold her hand in mine. She rests her head on my shoulder, and I feel her calm down. When we get to the parking garage, I see she's asleep. I take the opportunity to text Yoongi to let him know what happened, so none of the guys will spoil the surprise that I now have to replan. As soon as he texts back, I move to help Naeun out of the car.

After we get to the dorm, I help her get changed and then tuck her in our bed. She's clearly weak as she barely assisted when I put her pajamas on. Thinking over the past couple days, she has been very quiet, and didn't eat anything at the party last night. Should I call Haerin and ask her to come stay? I'm sure she'd be more comfortable if she's sick...

"Hyung? Is she alright?"

"Oh hey... I don't know Yoongi... She was very sick at the restaurant..."

"Let's go out and let her rest."

I agree and follow him to the living room. The other guys are there, and I tell them all what happened. Jimin looks lost in thought, and then stands suddenly.

"I'll be right back... I have to run to the store."

Before we can ask anything else, he's gone. What's this guy up to?