In a Split Second || BTS

Chapter 24

"From the looks of that smile on your face, I'm guessing you succeeded in asking her," Yoongi-hyung remarks, not bothering to glance up at me from his computer when I enter the hotel room we share. I shrug as though it was no big deal, but he sees right through me. "Interesting. I would have expected you to shriek and run the second she laid eyes on you."

"Me? Shriek and run?" I chuckle nervously. "You must have mixed me up with Jin-hyung."

"Do you have everything planned out for tomorrow?"

"Mm-hmm. I want to visit–"

"Don't tell me." His nose wrinkles. "I don't want to hear it."

"Why not?"

"Because if you tell me, I know you are going to sound airy and lovesick – the same way you always sound whenever you talk about Cherisse."

"And what's so wrong with that? I love her, hyung."

"Bleh." He sticks his tongue out in distaste and claps his hands over his ears. "I told you – I don't want to hear any of that sappy romantic stuff."

I laugh and begin getting ready for bed. "Suit yourself."

Around this time of year, cherry blossoms will be blooming in both Japan and South Korea. Tokyo is a well-known home to one of the prettiest cherry blossom festivals in Japan. The flowery trees bloom over the Meguro River, and at night, Japanese lanterns illuminate the reflection of the cherry blossoms. A smile forms on my lips as I imagine how awed Cherisse will be at its beauty – I can perfectly picture her wide eyes and beautiful smile. I clutch my chest to calm my pounding heart and laugh at my starstruck reflection in the bathroom mirror.

"Stop!" Yoongi-hyung shouts from the main room. "That lovesick laugh is driving me nuts."

"But I'm your hope, hyung."

"Not with that laugh, you aren't."

I bite my lip to control more waves of laughter at Yoongi-hyung's responses. One of these days, he will fall in love, and he will regret ever teasing me about my own feelings. For the sake of good-natured revenge, I hope that day comes soon.

Cherisse's POV

"Now, do you have your phone?"

"Yes."

"What are you supposed to do if he kisses you, Cherisse?"

"Text you immediately."

"Incorrect."

"Call you immediately."

"Still incorrect." Her arms drop to her sides in exasperation. "Come on, Cherisse, we have been over this!"

"Sorry – FaceTime you immediately."

"Thank you. Do you have your lip balm?"

"He's not going to kiss me, you know."

"Why not? He kissed you last night."

"On the cheek."

"On the cheek, on the lips. Same difference." Her lower lip pouts slightly as she examines the outfit she methodically put together last night. She insisted it was perfect for a romantic excursion, but I am mainly enjoying how comfortable it is. "Your scarf is slightly drooping on one side – let me fix it." I step forward, and she readjusts the accessory with more care than the way she handles her makeup.

"I don't know about all of this, Eun Jung-ah. My stomach keeps twisting."

"That is because you're nervous. I'm not surprised – you are having your first date with an extremely attractive man."