Rivals

° Chapter Thirty Five ° Y/N POV

It was cold outside. The night mist had caused a layer of dew to coat the cars in the parking lot. I shivered, crossing my arms to provide any warmth I could before Jungkook laid his flannel across my shoulders. "Here."

"Thanks." I say pulling it over the rest of my arms. I peek at his muscular arms tense and the goosebumps appear along his tattoos. "Now you're cold."

"I'm fine." He smiles softly. "I'm sorry....about Tae. About all of it really...I know you didn't want to play with us."

"It's not that. I enjoyed it actually. You're a lot of fun to play with."

"Yeah.." he looks down at his shoes as he awkwardly kicks the pebbles beneath them. "I wish we could do it more often. I wanna learn from you...and about you.."

"Jungkook, are you nervous?" I chuckle and playfully push him away. His eyes catch mine in a sincere stare as his hands slide into his front pockets.

"Well yeah."

"What...why?" I blink.

"This is the first time I've let my guard down like this."

My heart drops into my stomach. The thought of ever hurting this boy floods my soul and I suddenly become nauseous. "Jungkook..."

"You don't have to say anything. I just want to be honest with you. The moment we met I was mesmerized. You're not like anyone else, Y/N. And the more I get to know you I can't help it...I like you."

A couple of drunk guys walk past us to their car and Jungkook instinctively grabs my arm and pulls me closer to him and further from them. I gasp, looking up to him who's eyes stay on the men but his hand still holding me protectively. I swallow slowly, keeping my gaze on him as he finally looks down to meet mine. "I like you too." I whisper. His head lowers and his eyes move to my lips. I match his thoughts and tip toe to kiss him.

His free hand slides under my jaw to deepen the kiss and I open my eyes surprised by the tongue ring. He chuckles against my lips. "Didn't notice that before did you?" I shake my head, kissing him more. "Like it do you?" I nod rapidly feeling his hand now cupping the back of my head where he firmly grasps my hair making me squeal in surprise.

He stops.

I look up to him confused. "Sorry.." he takes a breath. "You just completely take me over."

I swallow again, watching the bar doors open and groups of people now leaving the bar. "I guess they're closing." I clear my throat despite my heart being inside of it beating at an unrecognizable pace.

"Let me take you home." He says grabbing my hand. I nod, letting him lead me back inside. "I gotta make sure the guys have a ride."

"Great set." I hear to my left as we pass by the bar. I look over, seeing the battle of the bands manager. I squeeze Jungkooks hand to get his attention.

"Thank you." I mutter out.

"I heard the hype and had to check you out for myself. Now I see it. The heartbroken girl now getting revenge on her ex with her replacement." He laughs. "It's quite the scandal."

"Oh, I'm not—" I try to clarify and he raises his palm to stop me.

"You play well." He looks at me seriously. "And your drama attracts crowds. What I'm getting at is this." He leans forward to whisper in my ear. "No matter who you play with, you're gonna win."

My eyes widen. "It's fixed..."

"That's showbiz baby." He shrugs. "But good luck." He winks before heading out. I look over to Jungkook who seems defeated.

"It doesn't mean anything." I say. "He's full of shit. He just wants to get to you."

"Even if we outplay you, we lose. What kinda shit is that?"

He lets go of my hand.

My heart is now at my feet.

"I don't control that..."

"No..." He shakes his head. "But what's the point of even fucking playing. You're on their side."

"Jungkook..."

His eyes soften. I know he's not mad at me. But he needs space to process. "I'm sorry." He sighs. "I'll call you."

"Yeah.." I nod softly watching him disappear in the crowd. Once again, music trump's everything in my life.

"Hey, Yoongis home." Jin says behind me. "Do you need a ride?"

I turn around towards him with a pout. He wraps his arms around me with a protective brotherly hug. "Don't cry, Y/N."