Butterfly | Park Jimin [Book II]

2: Bad Dream

It was him, but something about him wasn't him anymore. His features sharpened, like a well-defined sculpture, and his movements were deliberate and unhurried, as if they were carefully calculated — giving him a more matured aura.

Unknowingly, my eyes followed him as he made his way to Chaerin and sent her a warm smile.

"Papers," he mumbled and took a seat next to her.

"I hope you don't mind I started sharing my ideas to Haneul already."

"Not at all."

It was only then that Jimin turned to me and acknowledged my presence with a nod. I returned the gesture with a small smile.

As his attention went to Taehyung, I took a glimpse of his hand but halted midway for some reasons behind my head. I mentally shook my thoughts away and leaned on the table, giving Chaerin my full attention.

The whole time, I had been sensing an awkward moment about to intrude our meeting, but it appeared like Chaerin had the magic broom to keep on dusting it away before it even reached us.

It was actually, really happening.

The following day, I had relayed to Manager Sejin about the new project and a contract had been prepared; the possible team members that would be involved was plotted as well.

Fast forward to a few days later, everything was set. Since we had only a month and a half to get the project done, the contract required for two representatives to stay at the client's office for ease of communication and faster updates and progress.

The representatives then, being me and Jungkook. Since I was the one who opened the account, Manager Sejin gave me the freedom to decide on most things. He gave that as the reason but in reality, I was aware that he had always been considerate of me. Especially when I started to work again after that... break.

"I've been well, eomma," I said through the speaker of my phone with the device chucked in between my shoulder and ears whilst I made my way down the entrance stairway.

The security guard assisted me by opening the door to the backseat of my car.

"Need help?" Jungkook twisted his head to my direction.

I subtly shook my head at him and mouthed, it's okay, thanks.

"That's good to hear." I then heard my mother sigh from the other line.

Carefully, I lifted my box and placed it next to Jungkook's on the backseat. After so, I closed the car door and climbed into the front passenger seat.

"Hmm? Is there anything wrong?" I queried, shifting the phone to my other ear as I settled myself, buckling my seatbelt.

"All set?" Jungkook lifted a brow and I nodded at him with a smile.

"Who's that?" my mother asked.

"Jungkook," I answered and noticed Jungkook turn to me through my peripheral vision. I gave him a knowing look and he began to drive.

"We're assigned to stay at a different office," I informed her.

"Is it safe?"

"Don't worry, it's safe. It's not so far from my apartment, and I still have a morning shift. And if it makes you feel better, I'll be there with Jungkook," I assured her.

Jungkook had visited our restaurant a few times before together with Taehyung and Hira, and my mother was actually fond of him. She kept on insisting that she'd give her blessings if I were to date any of the two: Taehyung or Jungkook.

"More than worrying about me, is there anything wrong?"

"Nothing really," she said. "I just had a bad dream."

I hummed, staring out of the window and leaned my head on it. "What about?"

"I don't even remember, but I'm sure it wasn't good." Her voice sounded upset and frustrated.

"I'm really fine, nothing to worry about," I chirped with a cheery tone, hoping that it would lighten her mood.

My mother sighed again.

"Eomma," I drawled, grimacing. It was too early for her to be stressed. "I'm gonna drop by later if that makes you feel better."

"No," she abruptly spoke. "You must be busy with work."

A few exchange of words later, my mother had somehow brightened up. We conversed a bit about the restaurant and her newly hired cook. I hadn't seen him yet, but my mother said he was doing great in the kitchen.

After that, we bid our adieus and hung up.

"She worries a lot lately," I told Jungkook, scrunching my nose up.

"Does she..." Jungkook trailed off, focusing on the road before he glanced at me again. "Does she know?"

I pursed my lips and leaned back on my seat. "No. She doesn't have to."

There was a short pause before Jungkook spoke up again. "Sorry."

I chuckled. "Don't be sorry, Jungkook."

"I didn't mean it that way. Sorry."

"I know you didn't mean it that way." The corners of my lips tugged up. "But really, out of everyone, you're the last person I'd like to hear an apology from."

Jungkook let out a long sigh. "If I were your mom, I'd worry a lot for you as well."

I snorted. "Never thought you had motherly instincts in you."

He finally laughed and shook his head. "I'm just watching out for my favorite noona."

"Wow," I marveled. "It's been ages since you've last called me noona."

When he graduated and applied to the same company I had been working at, I suggested that he get used to dropping the noona to avoid informalities. So then he rarely addressed me that way nowadays, and when he does, it was mostly to emphasize his respect.

"I'm not lying though." He plastered a wide grin.

"Of course. After all, you won't have anyone to pick on anymore without me."

"Truly," he remarked, and our laughter filled the car.

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❝this isn't related at all, but I just thought I'd ask my readers for the fun of it 😊 do you bite your ice cream? hehehe❞