Strings of Heart

CHAPTER 19

Jungkook's Pov

I leaned in closer to her ear, with my husky voice I whispered, "What were you talking about, princess?" Her nervousness was palpable, and inwardly, I couldn't help but chuckle.

"A-a-actually," she stuttered, her words faltering. "Don't stutter, baby," I smirked, tightening my grip on her waist. She closed her eyes, and I realized I might be pushing too hard. It was time to ease off. We continued to dance, the crowd cheering us on.

After the dance, we made our way back to my hyungs. They were thrilled for me, and I couldn't stop smiling. As others danced and reveled with their partners, we joined in, enjoying the moment together.

Heejoo's Pov

What the hell... Why is he dancing with Tera? He's mine, only mine... Tera, I won't let you snatch him from me. I swear, if you try that, you'll see my worst side. He loves me, ONLY ME..

Ria's Pov

When I danced with Hobi, something stirred in my heart. His smile and the way he treated me felt special. I couldn't help but wonder why I was feeling this way. He seemed to be treating me like his girlfriend. Maybe I'm reading too much into it. But I couldn't wipe the smile off my face. Could it be that I'm falling for him? I've been watching him from the start, and everything he does seems to make my heart flutter.

Rae's Pov

"Ria, you okay?" I asked, noticing her flinch as she looked at me.

"Yes... Oh, I'm sorry, what did you ask?" She seemed a bit distracted. I stared at her, puzzled by her behavior. Taking a deep breath, I pressed on, "Are you even in this world? Okay, tell me, why were you smiling?"

"Me?" she stammered.

"Yes, you. Don't act like you weren't, Ria."

"Uh... Rae... Can we talk?" she finally managed.

"Yeah... But what's wrong, Ria? Is something bothering you?" I asked, my concern evident.

"No, there's no problem... Let's discuss it when we get home," she replied, her tone somewhat evasive. I nodded in response.

"I also have something to tell you," I added, trying to reassure her. Ria looked at me, and I offered a smile, to which she nodded.

End of Rae's Pov

They were all enjoying themselves, dancing and drinking. Suddenly, Liz went outside, catching Tera's attention. Tera followed her and found Liz staring at the sky, her eyes glistening with tears. Tera joined her, standing beside her and also gazing at the sky.

"Why are you standing here?" Tera asked, still focused on the sky. Liz flinched at the sudden voice and turned to look at her. "I was just..." she began, but before she could finish, Tera interjected, "Thinking about that incident...?"

There was a heavy silence after Tera's question. Tera walked closer to Liz and said gently, "Liz, look at me." Liz met her gaze, tears still brimming in her eyes. Seeing her friend in distress, Tera's heart ached. She continued, 

"You're my strong baby, right? Don't dwell on that incident, Liz. It's all in the past. And remember, you're not alone; we're all here for you. He won't come and disturb you again."

At the mention of "he won't disturb you again," Liz looked at Tera with a terrified expression. Liz hesitated before finally asking, "Don't tell me that you are..."

"We can talk about this later, Liz. For now, let's go. It's already 9 PM," Tera said gently before walking away.

"Oh my god..." Liz thought, following Tera.

As they were about to leave, the host appeared in front of them, expressing gratitude. "Thank you all for coming," she said, and they smiled in response. Jungkook spoke up while looking at Tera, "Thank you for making this night beautiful."

Suddenly, Heejoo interjected, wrapping her arms around Jungkook's, "Yes, thank you so much. We've enjoyed a lot, right Kookie?" Jungkook nodded in agreement, causing Tera to scoff at her.

The host then suggested taking photos of everyone with their partners, an idea proposed by Tera. Ana seemed hesitant, but before she could voice her concern, the host assured, "Don't worry, Ms. Anastasia, we won't put it on social media." Relieved, they all agreed.

"I'll call out your names, and you can come accordingly," the host explained, and they nodded in understanding.

Heejoo was excited to take a photo with Jungkook, while Tera watched on with jealousy. Meanwhile, Jungkook felt a pang of sadness knowing Heejoo was his partner, not Tera. He glanced at Gong-dook, standing beside Tera with a bright smile, and jealousy flared within him. They proceeded to take photos, each pair posing like couples.

"And next is Jeon Jungkook and Astera Flores," the host announced, causing Jungkook, Tera, Heejoo, and Gong-dook to turn their attention towards her. Heejoo exploded in anger, exclaiming, "What the fuck? Jungkook is my partner, not Tera's! Understand?"

Tera quickly intervened, apologizing, "Mind your words, Heejoo. I'm sorry for her behavior. Could you please double-check? There might be a mistake."

Gong-dook chimed in, "Yes, there must be some error, Miss."

Meanwhile, Jungkook's happiness turned to anger at Heejoo's outburst. "No, ma'am, I read it correctly. This lady here wrote and handed me the names when I asked you all to write them," the host explained, pointing towards Yoora.

Earlier, when the host requested them to write down their names, Yoora had written Jungkook's and Tera's names together. This prompted her to snatch the form from Heejoo. Jungkook looked at Yoora gratefully, offering her a bright smile and thanking her. All the BTS members smiled appreciatively at Yoora.

"Ohh... I'm sorry, maybe I've made a mistake. I apologize, Heejoo," Yoora said, acknowledging her error. Heejoo seemed ready to respond, but before she could, Tera addressed the host, "Could you rewrite it, please?"

Upon Tera's request, all the BTS members, Yoora, and Hye-joon looked at her in disbelief. "I'm sorry, ma'am, but we can't," the host apologized. Taehyung intervened, "It's okay. Tera was Jungkook's partner from the beginning, so let's proceed and take the photo." He gently nudged Tera and Jungkook together, and they posed for photos like a wedding couple. Heejoo stormed out, seething with anger.

After the photos, they left the club.

"Okay, Kookie, I'm going," Heejoo announced, hugging Jungkook. Tera, boiling with anger, escorted Gong-dook to the entrance gate.

"Thank you, Gong-dook," Tera expressed with a smile.

"Don't thank me, Tera. We're friends, right? Friends help each other. And thank you for inviting me and making this night beautiful with your presence," Gong-dook replied, surprising her. He hugged her and continued, "Thank you."

Jungkook's Pov

After Heejoo left, I searched for Tera, but she was nowhere to be found.

"Tera...?" Taehyung asked me, noticing my search. I looked at him, puzzled, "What?"

"I mean, are you looking for Tera?" Taehyung clarified. I nodded, and he gestured towards the entrance gate. As I turned to look, I was taken aback by the sight. "What the heck, hyung, he's hugging my woman," I exclaimed, ready to storm towards them. Taehyung grabbed my wrist firmly, stopping me.

"Kook, no... Don't make a scene," Taehyung urged, his voice calm but firm. I closed my eyes, trying to control my anger, and replied, "Hyung, I won't make a scene. Just let go of me." He released my wrist, and I walked towards them, my fists clenched in anger................