Every tread dimples the clammy sand beneath him, occasionally smudged by echos of waves crashing-folding amongst themselves. The fervor atmosphere hanging amongst the ocean and land is quite stifiling in the thick of night but Jungkook finds the serenity pleasant enough to not be bothered by faithful humidity
Pulling shirt off his head he settles over the earthly heated cushion, waves softly enfold his ankles with their kisses before shying away only to return back with eagerness akin that of a goofy child. A content sigh parts his lips as the bioluminescence fences his perfect view illuminated with every crash of foamy waves or what his baby sister calls 'blue angle glitter'
Upon horizon, large mass of clouds rest heavily in peace of sky making him raise a brow before a loud outlying splash halts his thoughts abruptly. Peering his eyes inside the dead of night he leans toward the source of persistent splashing, eventually standing and pacing toward its cause
He barely made it more than few calm meters before leaping into a full sprint, straining his legs—tearing the once peaceful waves by his clumsy urgent steps leaving behind outstretched rumble of ruckus in his wake, soaking himself up his knees that he couldn't care less at this moment
"Miki!" he yells wild before grabbing her by waist, hosting her up in front of him who stills under his hold, eyes big and startled. Her pretty blond hair now a tangled drenched mess of sand and sea weed, dress soaked, coughing meekly with her legs pendent in air defeated after few startled kicks.
He stares dumbfound with constricted panic still precipitating on his face like water blobs layering them entirely, wordlessly he carries her back toward land making the little girl pule over the silent treatment and extra protective hold in his arms
As soon as her soaked shoes make contact with sand, she leaps for him, clutching his clammy sweatpants with her best apologetic face staring up at him with her wobbling pout
He immediately squats wiping her tears of fear for making him upset, he force his body to relax "What were you doing in water baby, you could have drowned" he whispers in a shaky exhale
His heart still turbulent in fresh dread. The scene of Miki ducking her head underwater two seconds before he ripped her away makes him shudder, if he didn't bother check she could have drowned or drifted off
Miki didn't look at him. Her teary amber eyes staring down at ground fidgeting with her ruined dress. He carefully removes the blond strands away from her face before picking his dry shirt to clean her face with a soft assuring smile meaning he's not mad anymore, even though he most certainly is.
She whimpers when he hosts her up again in his arms, immediately hiding her small stubborn head in crook of his neck, wrapping his shirt around her they make their way back home to change into crisp fresh cloths
"why did you follow me?" her rigid fist softening when he presses a chaste kiss on her knuckles, again on flat of her palm. She can hear at this close proximity though barely and seems like she got his words
She peeks over him, confirming that he isn't mad before puffing her chubby ruby cheeks into a big smile, joining her thumb and four fingers crosswise, moving them in waves like a fish, her jolly head swaying with every moment, humming with her pretty sweet voice
"you saw a fish?"
Miki frowns with secure shake of head making him tilt his own. The ambient noise of ocean persistent as his gaze momentarily fall over them immediately turning toward his angel who cups his face to steal back his attention. Such a baby
She points a finger at him
"Me?" incorrect
"Brother?" another shake of head
"boba?" she stares at him seemingly pleased with his answer before shaking her head again. Okay that's also incorrect
"then?" Jungkook settles her more comfortably on his forearm, other arm engulfing her so that her head rests on top of his chest, still staring at him with her hands free to communicate
Her sulky face makes him crack a smile "Boba is sorry baby, let's go home then you can show me" she pretends to think before nodding jolly again. He reciprocate the smile with the moment of dread still crossing his mind seeing her all drenched and shivering, his heart pumping hot with their skin icy and sticky they eventually step inside
"I'm soooo getting scold" he mumbles closing the door behind him, hoping to not get caught of their unexpected swim that was no way near fun, padding his way upstairs his room he lightly covers Miki mouth by his palm, just in case she starts making some inhuman noises that she makes at most unexpected and unwanted times which she probably believes is singing. Lucky for him she isn't in mood to sing rather swaying her body and hand in fish like gesture
After the whole tedious process of making her take a bath before jumping on his neatly made bed in her sandy seaweed get up, taking one himself he prepares some papers and crayons for his baby to write whatever she wants to tell him desperately, he have never seen her get this excited and impatient though after this he'll make sure to have a brotherly talk about not sneaking up behind him without an elder
If mom gets to know about this— a quiver melts under his skin. No, He better not think anymore.
He steps down scratching his throat with sight of his parents discussing something on dinner table, his presence don't seem to be of bother for they continue discussing in hushed tone so he makes himself comfortable on their old couch texting Jimin.
"Jungkook"
He hums on his father's voice, swiftly texting something before leaving the phone in his pocket
"I'm going to leave for Seoul in three days" his father tone is serious though excited, so it's a good thing Jungkook wonders plopping himself on vacant seat
"How long?"
"A month, maybe more" his mother answers with a fond smile, holding her husband's hand giving a small squeeze
"He is going for work and if everything goes fine then he can get a permanent job there" she bites her lips to hide her smile to no avail and Jungkook's heart surge seeing both of them look so happy
"We will shift in Seoul soon"
Jungkook feels like shouting in happiness. Oh my god! Seoul, literally the heart of south Korea and away from here. He can get into a good college with scholarship, Miki will grow up in good surroundings, they'll be financially stable, he can be close to Jimin again, everything would turn out to be prefect.
"It's going to be difficult for a month will you all be alright?" His father frowns, worry creeping up on his attractive face in uneven wrinkles which his wife eases away with a kiss on cheek
"Nonsense, we'll manage. Work hard and take care of yourself and don't forget to eat"
"Yes dad, we'll be fine and waiting for you" he smiles which his both parents reflect back in warmth of their hug
They all are waiting for the ecstasy the future will bring, oh! Everything is going to be perfect
–
"uhh....I'm sorry but can you take the
next order" Jungkook slaps his hand together in prayer for the girl in front of him both flustered and shocked
"I-sur"
"Cut it off, you are getting paid so do it yourself, don't bother others who are actually here to earn" his senior coworker sneers, leaving with a very direct eye roll in his direction. Right, he don't like him much, he keeps quiet in front of Jimin but any other time he's shredding enamel of his teeth over his eyes.
"Right Boss" tsk
He sighs scratching his neck when the girl scrambles away. Who can blame her, she's new and under supervision of someone who just said such kind words to him, she can't disobey him.
So this is it, he'll have to again take order of Eros sitting all mighty and glorious yet again in his signature sunglasses and gloves with Ivy cap in beach shirt and trousers, way casual than their first encounter, his face fell so did his shoulders
He don't like him.
He's way too mysterious and carries such heavy aura that makes him dizzy, his scent is heavy with ocean and metal which he wouldn't dislike normally but his nose wrinkles whenever he's close to him for past few days, never speaking, never bearing any other expression over his blank one and mostly looking outside if not at him. He doubts if he comes here solely for appreciation of beverage and scenery
Maybe he can't speak
"Boba" Miki with half cream bread in her palm, pulling his apron with other stares up at him with her little smile that makes apple of her cheeks a brighter blush, receiving it with a small smile he mutters "Thank you" placing right hand over her chin palm facing him, she moves it forward with her pretty smile that never wipes when she's with him. You're welcome
With their father leaving yesterday and the fact that his mom work place strictly forbids children, he have no choice but to bring her with him. It's all going well for customers don't mind a jolly angle skipping around with cream bread in her mouth, some kind enough to keep her entertained therefore no nagging from his senior
Back to work he scrambles with Eros order ' Decaffeinated coffee with banana nut muffin' he turns only to almost drop everything, his eyes wide with horror as Miki keeps poking Eros legs who is looking at her with stillness similar as if encountered with an alien.
Holy! No please—
He hurries almost slamming the tray on table "I'm so sorry!" he cries bowing "I'll take her" which proves to be a lot difficult than intended when he tries to scoop her up only to throw a wild teary tantrum
"Behave" his scolding only worse the situation for she starts wailing loudly making everyone wince on how loud she's being, clawing on his face and arm to put her down which he complies when from his peripheral he see his boss attempting to come closer with no good face.
She latch herself on Eros trousers who stiffens yet again and Jungkook feels like plucking his own hair. Why this betrayal from his own blood
"I'm so absolutely sorry" he squeals trying to reach for her again who stares back or more like glare at him with her red teary eyes making him halt, his breathe caught in his throat. What's...what's this? Why is she being so....aggressive?
Feeling a tug at his heart being pushed away, he's way more concerned for her well being, his concern didn't go unnoticed when Eros give her his notepad and pen that was laying on table, passing him her perfect smile that he used to take great pride in for being the only one except his parents to bring it on her face before silently sitting in front of stranger she met just few moments ago, scribbing and writing. She did attempt to sit beside Eros who padded her away which he's grateful for. He don't want her to be close to someone he don't trust.
He stares long before sighing tired, leaving to get over with today's shift. He have this awful feeling in his gut, something that's twisting inside him with every passing second and he considers the possibility of being sick, itching his neck down to his clavicle he keeps working with his perfect professional smile stitched on his face
He keeps wavering his gaze over Eros table making sure Miki is doing well, for the record she's doing way better than expected for she's way calmer than she's ever being for past few days. Throwing tantrums and being anything but disobedient, crying and clawing to go outside that he's barely able to manage except today, he considers the possibility that she's being bratty because she misses dad.
She shows something to Eros who stares seemingly lost before nodding subtle which Miki takes as enough praise before continuing with her work, he might have imagined this but Eros sighed as if relived when Miki went back to scribbling, he snickers, it's not that easy to keep a child entertained
He is bone tired when his shift ends and unlike other times Eros didn't leave yet, staying with her. Maybe he judged him way too quick and should thank him for keeping her entertained though all he did was look out of window, occasionally at him for help possibly and few nods toward Miki whenever she demanded his attention.
"Let's go home" he grabs his backpack after changing cloths, by now everyone have left except three of them, he ruffles his hair as his eyes fall over two figures making him halt on his steps, breathe caught in his throat
Miki nods to something making pinky promise with Eros who entwine his gloved finger with her, his eyes meet his wide one under the shades and he smirks with a subtle cock of his head
He's smirking.... He's smirking for devils sake. He is capable of moving the muscles on his face but he don't feel good on this rare occurrence, it's... It's not a goofy look but something that sets warning bell go crazy in his head...something predatory.
He takes quick silent steps in their direction, with the decreasing distance he can again feel the heaviness of atmosphere, seems like the lights have dulled around them, caging him in some sort of embrace that he can't touch or see except feel it suffocate his lungs. He waits before opening his mouth in fear that he might literally taste the tension, he licks his lips "Thank you for staying with her but we must leave, the store's closed" he hates that even whispering sounds too loud for his liking
Suddenly he's scared, fear drops down dead on his heart making it squirm trying to avoid being crushed under its heaviness by its tight rapid beats. What if he's the kidnapper of all the missing people? Is he here for another target? Possibly him—he did caught him staring at him occasionally. Oh lord! Miki is not safe.
He gulps thickly standing in front of her, shielding her from the figure hovering over them, with his hands in pocket where his phone resides fingers grazing assuringly over the number that'll send an SOS message to his parents and Jimin at once with his location. The silence engulfing the bakery is scary, he can feel his pulse quicken when other puts his one hand in pocket without removing his eyes from him
He leaves money on table before leaving with a silent nod down at him, a subtle graze when their shoulder brushed had him suck in his breath
When the door chimes it's when Jungkook dares to breathe, his eyes silently making sure that Taeung or whatever the name was, is not waiting for them outside. His misery seem to finally give him a break when Miki without any tantrum holds his index finger in his own as they make their way outside walking home in the bitter orange sky filled with clouds and mild-strong winds
"Did you have fun?" she nods smiling and hopping, her hair blowing on and off her face in subtle grazes of the wind. She's too energetic for him
"Baby" she looks at him with her same curious doe eyes making it easier for him to continue with the familiarity "Did you make pinky promise? "
She nods with a squeaky excited 'yesh'
"Alright, about what. Can I know? " she nods instantly. So Eros didn't ask her to keep secrets that's a bit assuring
Stepping inside he lays down on couch with his baby angel climbing up to sit on his stomach " Can I know now? " he is impatient but he can't let it show, she'll blackmail him to give her more sweets
Miki points at him to his surprise
"He asked you to tell me...!?" she nods again, her pony tail swaying as furiously as her head, she crosses her arm to her chest before pointing outside window ".... to not go outside?she smiles triumphant before skitting somewhere leaving him alone with his thoughts
He asked him to not go outside? Huh!
What's outside? People, ocean, market, bakery? Stay away from what and why should he feel obligated to listen to him, for the worst it can be some sly trick to attack them in their home
He didn't get much time to sink in his thoughts before Miki shoves a paper on his face, scent of crayons engulfs his nose before he grabs it keep it at advisable distance prescribed by optometris. It's a drawing of —
—A Mermaid
–
Jungkook steps outside for ocean
He don't feel like having dinner for his stomach still feels funny, he looks around making sure Miki isn't following him he itches his neck a bit more aggressive, nails leaving wincing lines of red behind
He kicks a rock with a frown deepening on his face
He have a bad feeling which is not leaving him alone since yesterday and no matter what he do or where he goes it lingers with him so he bets on his safe place, maybe there he'll feel way better, the mere thought of waves and sand under his feet makes him feel way better than a moment ago
"Jeon"
Jungkook's brows furrow, increasing his pace his gaze everywhere except from the source of voice...gruff, excited, provoked
"Hey Jeon, don't run away"
He starts running "Leave me alone John" he yells increasing his pace, he sees ocean few meters away instantly rushing to get into water because he's aware how much John dislikes water but damn to John's athletic build, he's crushed under brown haired orge just few inch away from ocean
He squirms under the weight of John who flips him on his back, holding his hands beside his head by his wrists, taking brisk breathe above him
"L-let me Go John, I swear to god" he's panting both in exhaustion and the weight on his stomach only for the idiot to smirk
"Where were you hiding, I was searching for you" John smirks making him scowl
"Yeah? Let me guess why, to make fun of me ass-face! "
John gasps dramatically " How did you know?" Jungkook squirms again, ready to raise hell if he gets his hand free to punch his nose at least once
"Hey" John eyes furrow " what's that on your neck" Jungkook wince breathless for all the wiggling like worm "Huh?"
"Your neck, it's.....like a blackish hickey?" John's voice is uncertain, his brown locks flying in gust of wind, his own hair poking his nose and eyes for which he needs his hand more desperate than to punch the moron on top of him
To Jungkook's relief John let's his arm free, he instantly push the fat ass off him scrambling back on his feet glaring with his face puffed in anger
John raise an amused eyebrow
"Don't tell me you got laid with
some zombie and now you're infected"
Jungkook chocks on air, shocked. Coughing and patting his chest before glaring again at John whose curious eyes are fixed on his neck
"Have you lost it!?" Jungkook's mouth hang open before scoffing, dusting himself John stands up" Well what's with you Is not my concern" he shrugs smirking " But where is Jimin, did he abandon you little baby"
Jungkook's blood boil " You little shit"
They both lunge forward, ready to fight until other coughs blood but combust of numerous terrifying shriek stops them
"Run!! " A man yells holding his child and wife with their luggage, many more following them. Pure terror gloss their eyes and their voices so loud still barely registering in his ear suddenly reminding him of the gust and outburst of water squalling in all directions, soaking their back like cold knife, not a mercy is spared when the sky growls over him feeling the land quiver under like his heart, sand damping under his feet for ferocity of billows making him stumble
Jungkook turns back to the horror. A cold knot settles down his breathe, as cold as his surrounding which is nothing but rainstorm, the cloud ceiling seems to lower, dangerously stripping itself from warmth now bleeding cold and painfully over them, it's getting impossible to stand upright without bracing himself. John beside him seems to reciprocate his gesture trying not to topple back cursing and barely able to open their eyes properly anymore.
A sharp intake of breathe beside him forces Jungkook to open his eyes and look toward the ocean
The horizon is lost behind the huge wave ready to reach them any moment, swearing to not return without destruction and crying souls, dragging them with flesh intact into its deep cold and lonely end
Panic and dread settles deep under his bones, his brain only repeating one thing which he whispers with a terror like nothing he felt before
"A storm" like never before
Yes, you think correct. What we have been waiting for have finally arrived
Feedback? It's 3.5k plus words, I think I deserve some, don't I :(
Have you ever been to beach?