In a Split Second || BTS

Chapter 18

My pen scribbles across the page of my notebook, forming almost illegible French words. Being outside in such beautiful weather gives me great inspiration, so what better way to use that flow of creativity than choreograph a dance?

"What are you doing?" Jimin asks suddenly, jumping to my side.

"Planning," I murmur as I absentmindedly twirl my pen around my knuckles, glancing up at the clear blue sky in deep thought.

"Planning what?" He glances at my paper and quickly frowns in confusion, unable to read what I have written. "Do you ever write in Korean?"

"On occasion. Are you tired yet?"

"Me, tired? Not at all." He grins widely and hops around energetically, his sandals slapping loudly against the ground. A few people's attention draws to him, and they frown slightly, but he is too excited to take any notice of them.

"Jiminie," I say quietly, automatically curling up on the beach chair to appear even smaller. He finally sees the source of my uncomfortableness and frowns right back at the people.

"I am a tireless man," he announces. They quickly avert their gazes, and I hide a smile with my notebook.

"I think this is the best day since debut," Yoongi declares, spreading his arms out like Rose in The Titanic. His gummy smile is entirely endearing, and it brings a certain brightness to the faces of the staff. I have not seen a single member of our staff or Bangtan frowning since our plane landed in Kota Kinabalu. It is quite apparent that we have been in desperate need of this. "I can't stop smiling," he continues, emphasizing his statement with an even wider grin.

"If it weren't for the shooting, I would have put them all in the water by now," Jin says, making direct eye contact with me through his shaded sunglasses. "I'm looking at you, Cherisse."

"Oh, I know," I laugh, turning my attention back to my paper. I have missed choreographing ballet routines; in my opinion, ballet is the most beautiful and expressive form of dance. There are so many ways to make it unique – to make it your own.

Yoongi sits down beside me with a relieved sigh.

"You look happy," I remark.

"I am. I'm very happy. I don't know that I have ever been happier."

I smile over at him. "I'm glad."

"So, I assume Namjoon told you that there is more to this vacation than giving ARMYs a summer package?"

"Yes, but it just feels like my motions become awkward and robotic whenever a camera focuses on me. It feels like I lose touch of who I am to put on a show for the viewers."

He pauses and bites his lip. "That is a problem many people face. Just remember that the point is for you to be nothing more and nothing less than who you are."

"I know, oppa – and thank you for doing all of this, even if I am a terrible actor."

He chuckles, letting his head fall back against the chair in contentment. "Anytime, kid."

The boys slowly begin to drag themselves out of the pool, dripping water every step they take.

"My pants are all soaked," Jimin remarks, but I see a hint of a mischievous grin on his face.

"Nuh uh, you are not putting me in the–" Before I can say another word, they lunge at Yoongi and hoist him out of his chair. He is laughing too hard to struggle very much, and they set him down gently in the water.

"So selfish, Cherisse," Jimin calls back to me, happily kicking his feet in the water. "Do you think everything is about you?"

"You were looking right at me!"