Not What it Seems | BTS x Reader | Reverse Harem

Chapter 42 - Too Little Too Late

Jungkook looked away slightly as he rubbed the back of his head, bashfulness written all over his skin. It was exhibits of emotion like this that made me believe I was actually dating Jungkook, even if it was for just a second.

"Sorry Y/N!" he grabbed my hand with a slight aegyo in his voice, and I instinctively flinched. "Manager hyung saw the box and just posted it. He thought it was good publicity, you know, with the solo album and all.."

Looking down at his fingers interlocked with mine, I knew he was trying to soften my armour. This bravado I construed to filter his bullshit. I knew he was trying to manipulate me. And yet..

I felt my cheeks blush, and my heartbeat echo. My mind was full of logic and reason, but my heart was much more easily swayed.

"I haven't had a chance to give it to you, since Valentine's Day. So much has happened, hopefully it's still good!" The box was suddenly back in my hands, and I studied it, not uttering a single word.

"I.. umm.. made it with Hanna," Jungkook was now nervous, fearing I detested his gift, when in actuality I just wasn't sure how I was supposed to react to it. Mentioning my friend, Jungkook seemed a bit more relax. He proceeded to ramble on about how this present came to be. "I wanted to get you something, but shopping didn't work out so well. So she thought of this idea-"

The idea of Hanna spending time with her bias made me smile, so I chose to focus on that instead of this cryptic gift. "Hanna hey? Sounds like you guys have a good time together. Should I be 'jealous' as your apparent 'girlfriend'?"

This time, it was Jungkook that flinched. My tone was dripping in sarcasm, but that clearly went over his head. He looked insulted and was clearly not happy.

"Why would you even say that?!" his anger bubbling between the words.

"Come on, you know it was a joke!"

"Well it's not funny."

"What so I can't joke around with you anymore? After everything-"

"Not about that." He looked at me with deadpan eyes, and said nothing more.

It was only in that moment did I remember what Hanna told me. I had squarely put my foot in my mouth and I fucked up.

"He said your name." Hanna mumbled, finally admitting her secret.

How did I completely forget about Jungkook and Hanna hooking up at the ball? Making matters worse, he had accidentally said my name instead of hers in the spur of the moment.

I was the the uncomfortable wedge between them, and I obviously wasn't supposed to know about the transgression.

I mean, she's my best friend, of course she told me.

"Anyways," smiling again, Jungkook had composed himself in the middle of my inner monologue. "I hope you enjoy them, and know you mean a lot to me. Happy belated Valentine's Day, Y/N."

This time though, his smile and voice was genuine.

Jungkook left me, mumbling about an upcoming schedule to attend. As my lunch break was almost over, I didn't question it. I had to quickly put this conspicuous pink ribboned box in my bag before anyone nosy would see it.

Before I could get there however, I was stopped by one of BTS's creative director.

"Ah Y/N, didn't realise you were in today! Have you seen Hoseok?" A perfectly reasonable question, as I am an assistant manager. But Hoseok's name made me internally and wince. Like I had a wound deep in my chest, and this creative director nim was pouring lemon juice all over it.