ᴏᴘᴘᴏꜱɪᴛᴇꜱ ᴀᴛᴛʀᴀᴄᴛ | Jikook

☾ Chapter 13: Look Within ☼

Jungkook

I exhale shakily as I sit by the river bordering the Army territory. My hands are shaking, clammy.

"Are you sure you want me here, JK?" Namjoon asks, sitting beside me.

Blushing, I nod. "You're smarter than me. I have no idea about these ancient customs, but you do. I need you to help me make sense of everything."

"I can do that for you." Namjoon pats my shoulder and I melt.

We sit closer together and I open up the book, flipping through pages. I've looked at the maps multiple times, along with the guides on finding my way when lost or figuring out what is safe to eat or drink.

Namjoon places his hand down when we get to a particular page. "The Dance of KKota. That's what it is. It's as good a translation as we're going to get, since I highly doubt dance carries the same meaning. It should be good enough though."

I read about it. "So, this helps unite the human and wolf form if you do the base dance, but there are alternate versions for different elemental types. Doing those will help you strengthen your magic."

"It seems so." Namjoon leans closer. "This seems interesting, Jungkook. I think it'll be good for you."

My heart rate increases and I feel the necklace vibrate against my chest, effectively calming me.

"Your necklace is glowing."

I feel my eyes turn red and I cover it with my palm. "Don't even think about it."

He chuckles. "I know better than that." His fingers brush over the back of my hand and I release the rock, allowing him to study it.

My breath hitches as I watch the stone. This isn't the first time it's done this, but it usually just does it for a second.

"Wow, what a gift."

"Mm, mine," I say, dazed, drunk off the scent. "Just for me."

Namjoon chuckles. "Do you want me to stay with you as you learn the base dance? Maybe I can learn with you?"

I nod, snapping out of it. "Yeah. And then I can learn the fire variant with Hobi."

"JK..."

My smile falls. "This... I have to try."

"Fire types don't burn."

"And the chances of two fire types giving birth to anything else are slim to none. That's why Father wanted me kicked out."

"It's unlikely, but never impossible," Namjoon says. "Don't be afraid to try the other elements. I'm sure everyone would love to learn the dances with you."

I contemplate. "That... that isn't too bad. At least my defect could help your pack, right? You've done so much for me. It's only right." I hold my hand out. "I know you don't expect anything in return, Namjoon-Xima. This is what I want. Please respect that."

"Thank you." He smiles his dimply smile. "You aren't defective though, Jungkook."

- ☼ -

Panting, I lie on my back, the back of my right hand draped over my eyes. My chest burns and my calves ache, yet I've accomplished nothing. This dance is a lot harder than it looks.

"Jungkook, maybe we should take a break—"

"No. I got it." I sit up, wiping the sweat from my brow. "I'm not giving up. I almost got it."

Namjoon purses his lips and sits criss-crossed, watching me. "Are you sure? I'm going to have to take a break."

"That's fine, Joon. I just need to do this for myself. Feel free to return to Jin." I stretch, easing my muscles.