Love Story Short | Jikook/Kookmin

Chapter 20

We can do this hyung.

"As much as I hate to interrupt," Jimin clears his throat with a half-hearted smile, maneuvering them to avoid a potential surge. "We need a plan, and ASAP. We're not really being discreet here," he points out to the way they stick out like ostriches hiding their heads under the sand in a clearing crowd. Anxiety tickles Jungkook's nerves. Jimin's got a point.

Not knowing Sang Du's endgame complicates their strategy. If they were at least sure that Hoseok would go on his separate way after the date, they'd wait it out and corner him somewhere in an alley. But who knows what could happen at this point? Time is not on their side, and the only strategy that remotely makes sense involves Yoongi putting himself in danger.

Jungkook really hates it, but it's not like he has a choice. He'll have to be a good dongsaeng and make sure he doesn't mess up and make it harder for Yoongi to survive.

"Be careful," Yoongi pats them both on the shoulders one final time, a brief smile smoothing the wrinkles on his forehead. "I won't forget this favor," he turns his gaze to Jungkook, as if hoping to ease his worries with a bit of trust. Oh hyung, Jungkook wishes he could stop time before it dragged them into mud. If only it were that easy.

In the blink of an eye, Yoongi is gone. Jungkook exhales a deep breath from his cheeks, now left with Jimin.

"It's okay," Jimin reassures him with a confident nod. "You're a sociable guy. Put it to use."

Jungkook manages a small smile. He isn't in the mood to joke. "Be safe," he reaches out to Jimin's hand, overwhelmed by anxiety. His chest rises with a desire to protect, hold, keep, and it's intense enough, but it only grows upon noticing the slight tremor on Jimin's fingers. He squeezes them, draws Jimin a little closer on impulse, watches the beautiful man's eyes sweeten, and blabbers to prolong the moment because he feels.... helpless... and distraught... and... "And don't try to be a hero. If it feels risky, just back out—"

Jimin's finger silences his lips. Jungkook stills, his heart captured by the mirth dancing in Jimin's eyes. "I'll only run if it's with you, got it?" Jimin says, tapping under Jungkook's chin and stepping backwards coolly like he hasn't a care in the world. He goes as far as to flashing a sign with his hands that says I'm watching you, leaving Jungkook with none other than respect for Jimin's devotion to flirting. With a chuckle, he shakes his head, stealing one last glance before turning to walk the other way like Jimin does.

Now, to focus on the important things.

All Jungkook has to do is spark a friendly conversation with a gunman from his tour group. What could go wrong, right? Friendly, he repeats to himself, friendly puppy, as he approaches the seated bodyguard on the lefter side of the piazza. He has one promising, and another unpromising small talk idea, so you know which one he'll be going for.

"Beautiful day, isn't it?" Jungkook slides into the chair across the bodyguard, who visibly irks upon seeing his unexpected visitor. His walls of skepticism nearly make it impossible for Jungkook to see his eyes, but Jungkook tries again — now the more promising idea. "We were on the shortcut trail together earlier, right?"

The man's reaction does not look... great (expression carved from stone, his lips a flat line, it's kind of creepy how Jungkook didn't properly notice him during the trip), but there is a reaction, and that's a grunt of acknowledgement. Jungkook will take it. "You guys were quick! You got here way before us," he drags it. Still, no plausible reaction, other than a deep apprehension that puts the bodyguard at the edge of his seat more than keeping him contained.

Plan's not working. Noticing the waitress walking around the patio gives Jungkook his next best idea a shot.

"Mi scusi!" he signals to the waitress before the bodyguard can stop him. "Can I get you anything? Coffee perhaps?" he poses it like a question, but doesn't even wait for the man's reaction before placing the order with the waitress now peering over them. "Two espressos, please," he turns back with a grin. He feels hot sweat run down his back as the man sends him a stone cold stare. Jungkook's grin falters a bit, but he makes an effort to keep his lips in that same triangle shape. "I-It's famous. Italian coffee. We should try it."