Starting Over •JJK• ✔️

Three

The sound of Jimin's laughter continued to echo throughout the room. He was slouched over and slapping the back of the couch from laughing so hard. Judging by the look on Tae's face, he's the one who got him all riled up.

You couldn't take those two anywhere.

JK and Jin were laughing as well. It was always great to see them so relaxed. With their hectic schedule fast approaching, I'm sure they were going to soak up every bit of down time while they could.

I turned to look at the little yellow flower. The sun was setting in the window behind it, almost making it seem to glow in the rays of light. JK always came equipped with little surprises like this. It wasn't out of the ordinary for him to randomly show up at my door with my favorite coffee if he knew I'd been buried in work all day, which happened quite often.

And those eyes. Those gentle, smiling eyes.

I snapped out of my thoughts when a hand appeared in front of my face, middle finger up. I didn't hesitate to raise my own middle finger in return, not even looking at the person next to me. I already knew who it was.

Yoongi had arrived.

This was our typical greeting for each other. Never in malice, of course. Neither of us can even remember how it started. It was just our thing. No "hi" or "hello." Just a bird in the face.

He was basically the little brother I never asked for, yet he would never hesitate to come running if I needed him. He'd even spent a week in my little spare bedroom a couple of months ago when he was having trouble sleeping. I gave him my extra key so he could come and go as he pleased. I'd barely hear him when he'd show up late at night and he would be gone before I woke up the next morning. He said the change of environment helped him fall asleep and get some solid rest for at least a few hours. Jimin has also borrowed my spare room here and there as a quiet space to write. The invitation was open to all of them if they ever needed it.

I finally turned my head to look at Yoongi and he grimaced when I pinched his chin. "Grab a plate. Food's ready."

Hobi's familiar laugh caught my attention, and I realized that he and Joon had also arrived.

I told the boys to serve themselves. I moved out of the kitchen and sat on the other side of the high counter as everyone else started dishing out their dinner. I poured myself a glass of wine and watched them line up to pile food onto their plates.

"I know it's not some fancy expensive black tie dinner." I sipped my wine as they looked at me. "And I know it's not traditional Korean food like you're used to. I haven't quite mastered that yet. But it's my way of saying congrats on completing your album."

Seven smiles appeared before me, which warmed my heart.

Hobi scampered over to me and planted a kiss on the top of my head. "It's perfect, Maddie. Thank you." He moved over to the living room, followed by Yoongi, Jin, and Tae. They each stopped to thank me the same way as they passed.

I got up and grabbed a plate with some smaller meatballs on it. "Tan Tan!" I heard the light tapping of tiny feet as he trotted over to me. I set the plate down on the floor, and after a small sniff, he started to eat. "You get a special dinner too." I ran my hand down his back before standing up.

I looked around the kitchen to see what I should do next. Joon was standing at the counter beside me while Jimin and JK were seated on the other side. It was quiet, which told me that they were all enjoying their food.

I took another sip of wine and felt a hand lightly rest on my shoulder. I turned my head up towards Joon, who was running a napkin over his mouth. "What?" I looked down at his plate and then back at his face. "Is it okay?"

"Please sit and eat." Joon's eyes were warm with a hint of concern. "I just got here and I know you haven't stopped all day. You need to eat. And relax."

Jimin pat the cushion of the stool to his right. JK was sitting to his left. "C'mon, Mads. I saved you a seat." He gave me a cheesy grin with his cheeks puffy from his mouth being full.

I plated some food and propped myself up on the stool. I didn't realize how hungry I was until I took the first bite. "I'm glad that you guys are all enjoying it." I glanced up when I felt eyes on me. Joon was standing across from me and I could tell that he was trying to figure me out. He knew that something was up.

He always knew.