Nestled on the couch in the gentle glow of the bedroom, Jungkook and I were engrossed in the final movie of the Lord of the Rings trilogy, Jungkook's favorite of all time. Aragorn's iconic battle line, "For Frodo," echoed through the room, and the on-screen intensity was palpable.
The day before, Jungkook had proposed rewatching the first two movies that I had watched in my high school years, this time in their extended versions. He had been eager to dive back into them, so we had spent hours enthralled by the extended tales of hobbits, elves, and other creatures. The flickering shadows of the battle danced upon the walls, casting a subtle rhythm to the scene.
His focus remained steadfast on the screen. So engrossed in the unfolding drama, he seemed oblivious that his hands continued their soothing massage, his skilled hands weaving a tapestry of comfort on my legs and feet propped casually over his lap. The synchrony of the epic on-screen war and the intimate touch created a strange contrast.
Even though he had watched the movie a thousand times (I guessed around thirty-seven when he asked), Jungkook couldn't help but smile or furrow his brow at his favorite moments.
Witnessing his genuine reactions added a refreshing layer to the movie night. There was a certain charm in him finding joy in the familiar, a welcome reprieve after a week of work stress.
With the credits rolling and Middle-earth fading away, I found myself pondering a simple yet very valid question: why had I never seen the last movie in the trilogy? It was a masterpiece. I wasn't a fan of fantasy or movies in general, but now I realized why it was so beloved.
Jungkook turned to me, his eyes reflecting the residual flicker of the movie's emotional journey. "So, what do you think? How does it compare to the books?" he asked, genuine curiosity etched across his face.
I sighed, a subtle admission of the fading details from the pages I'd turned long ago. "Well, I can't remember every little detail from the books," I confessed. "But there are definitely some things they added or changed for the movie."
Jungkook nodded, absorbing my response. Leaning back on the sofa, I gathered my thoughts before sharing my opinion. "You know, it's a bit unfair," I began. "That everyone starts crying for Frodo when the volcano erupts. Without Sam, Frodo wouldn't have made it that far but no one mentions him."
Jungkook's agreement resonated with a nod, though he added. "But Frodo is the ring bearer, it's different. And everyone thought he was dead already when that asshole orc showed them his cloak."
I shrugged, a nonchalant gesture accompanying my perspective. "True, but sometimes the unsung heroes deserve a little more credit too, don't you think?" The room settled into a brief silence, the weight of our reflections lingering in the air.
With a subtle stretch, I reached for my phone on the coffee table. Jungkook quirked an eyebrow. "What are you up to now?" he inquired as I began typing away.
I couldn't help but chuckle at the revelation I stumbled upon. "What! He is sixty-five now." I said, more to myself than him.
Jungkook, feigning a little jealousy, jokingly grabbed for my phone. "Why are you stalking Aragorn, of all people?" he teased, playfully attempting to snatch it from my grasp.
I laughed, holding the phone just out of his reach. "I'm not stalking him! I just happened to wonder how the cast is doing," I protested.
In the playful tussle for my phone, Jungkook managed to position himself between my legs. Laughter echoed through the room, and before we realized it, we were casually chatting, completely oblivious to the fact that we were now entangled on the sofa.
"Yeah, right." Jungkook rolled his eyes. "Like I didn't see you fangirling over him the whole time."
"What can I do about him being a walking green flag?" I asked, finding amusement in Jungkook's sudden bitterness.
As the banter continued, Jungkook couldn't resist addressing my so-called crush collection with a mock face. "Is Henry Cavill now off of your 'celebrity crush list'?"
Rolling my eyes in playful exasperation, I replied. "Don't be ridiculous. I have more than one." His curiosity piqued and he leaned over, challenging me to reveal my list. "Okay, fine," I gave in, counting on my fingers. "There's Michael B. Jordan and Shah Rukh Khan."
Jungkook's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Shah Rukh Khan? Where did that come from?"
A smile played on my lips as I shared a little bit of nostalgia. "Well, Sophia used to watch Bollywood movies when I was a kid. We'd gather around the retro TV in her room, and those movies became a part of my younger years. I have some pretty good memories attached to them."
The room filled with a warm feeling of reminiscing about those moments spent with Sophia, the flickering images of Bollywood classics creating a fondness of cherished reminders.
He was supporting himself, elbows resting right next to my head as his playful demeanor softened and he realized that behind every crush there was a story, a connection, and a little piece of the past that added depth to the present.
Jungkook's smile turned into a sly grin as he teased. "So where do I, as your husband, stand among your crushes, Mrs. Fickle Heart?"
I couldn't help but giggle, relishing the opportunity to tease him right back. "Well, you're not a celebrity, so you don't even make the cut. Sorry," I replied, fully aware that I was messing with his ego.
He huffed in mock indignation, a playful scowl crossing his features. "What does Aragorn have that I don't?" he asked, challenging me to justify my fictional affections.
I shrugged, a mischievous twinkle in my eyes. "He's brave, strong, yet soft and caring for his people and friends."
Jungkook raised an unbelieving eyebrow. "Sounds like someone I know."
I couldn't resist pushing his buttons a little more, stifling a laugh as I compared him to a character he probably wasn't expecting. "Well, you were pretty obsessed with that ring," I held up the hand with the ring on my fourth finger. "Like someone else," I teased, adopting a faux sinister voice just like Gollum's. "Get your ring first, my precioussss."
His offended expression was almost too much to bear, but I couldn't hold back my laughter as he also recalled the conversation in his office a few months ago. Before I knew it, Jungkook retaliated by poking me in the side in annoyance.
In the hushed aftermath of our laughter, a subtle realization unfolded within me. The atmosphere had shifted and the realization struck that Jungkook and I were in an unexpectedly intimate proximity.
His breath, warm and familiar, gently brushed against my face. Details of his skin became visible, the contours of his features illuminated in the soft ambient light. As we stared at each other, something unspoken lingered in the air, a connection that transcended the flirtatious banter and teasing of moments before.
It wasn't the first time I'd felt this change between us. Since we had decided to share the bed instead of Jungkook opting for the sofa, an intangible shift had taken place. Boundaries seemed to disappear, replaced by a newfound security and understanding.
Although our interactions hadn't become overtly affectionate, there were moments, like the way he would occasionally look at me, that suggested a connection beyond the ordinary. It made me shy in a way I hadn't experienced before.
This shy vulnerability was confusing because Jungkook was someone I'd grown to feel comfortable with. Yet, in those quiet moments, the unspoken between us seemed to amplify, leaving me with a subtle awareness that something was different, something was unraveling and forming between us.
I didn't know if I liked it or was scared of what was changing.
As the tension hung in the air, Jungkook seemed to draw closer, intensifying the glances between us. Just as the quiet moment lingered, my stomach decided to speak up and grumble its hunger for attention. Embarrassment washed over me, but Jungkook's laughter, accompanied by the appearance of that charming dimple in his cheek, alleviated the awkwardness.
To change the subject, I suggested. "I'm kind of hungry. How about we get something to eat?"
Jungkook agreed, suggesting the idea of asking one of the maids to prepare a late-night snack. A pang of guilt tugged at me; it was way past midnight and I didn't want to disturb their rest.
A sudden surge of excitement filled me, and I suggested another plan. "What if we went out for burgers and fries?" I said, eager to break out of the lingering atmosphere.
Jungkook chuckled, a warm sound that echoed through the room. "Burgers and fries, really?" he teased, to which I nodded enthusiastically.
He raised an eyebrow and scanned my outfit, suggesting that I change since I was wearing shorts and a tank top that was a bit chilly for the summer night.
The idea of a late-night burger adventure seemed like the perfect remedy for whatever unspoken tension had briefly woven its way between us. I hadn't had fast food since forever and I was suddenly craving it.
After following Jungkook's suggestion, I decided to wear something warmer before stepping out of the walk-in closet. Jungkook, ever observant, noticed the familiar hoodie I had on. With a raised eyebrow, he inquired. "Is that mine?"
With a playful grin, I held out my hands and twirled, revealing the borrowed clothing with leggings underneath. "Guilty as charged," I confessed. "I wanted something comfy and my favorite one is in the washer."
Jungkook chuckled, shook his head with an amused smile, and reached for his wallet. Soon we were on our way. An hour later, parked in a random parking lot after picking up our to-go orders, I settled into the car with the door open and my feet dangling. Munching on French fries, I enjoyed the guilty pleasure of indulging in the greasy food.
Jungkook, standing next to me, bit into a burger with delight. "It's been ages since I had a burger. This is delicious," he admitted, his enthusiasm evident in his voice.
Typically, Jungkook stuck to a disciplined routine of healthy eating and regular exercise, a reflection of his commitment to fitness. Whether he was sweating it out at his favorite gym after work or enjoying the convenience of the in-house gym at the mansion, he prioritized a healthy lifestyle.
His physique spoke volumes about his dedication through careful attention to calories, macros, and a strict exercise routine. But on this particular night, as we enjoyed ourselves in this random parking lot, I witnessed a refreshing break.
The atmosphere was light, the soft glow of the parking lot creating a warm mood. The simplicity of the moment, with casual chatter, was oddly comforting. We talked about everything and nothing, a mundane yet genuine exchange of thoughts.
Curiosity got the better of me and I decided to explore Jungkook's high school days. I'd always seen him walking through the halls like a popular guy, especially with the girls swooning over him. But because of our slight age difference and his graduation, I had no full background on him. So with a cheeky grin, I asked him what he was like back then.
As it turned out, high school Jungkook hadn't been all sunshine and rainbows. He revealed that he probably disliked half the people there because they were total suck-ups. Still, he kept up the friendship charade for the sake of the family's unity.
Naturally, my interest extended to his early dating life. I asked if he used any pick-up lines, expecting some cringe-worthy stories. But Jungkook, in his casual way, shut that down. According to him, he didn't need lines - girls just fell for him.
Our burgers and fries were finished, but the night air still carried the remnants of Jungkook's cologne as he leaned against his car, a smug smile lighting up his features under the strong glow of the streetlight above his head. Effortlessly attractive, he cast a sly glance at me.
"Ever had a guy hit on you with a cringy line?" he asked.
I chuckled at the memory. "Yes, once. A guy asked me if I was French because 'Eiffel for you.'" I used air quotes so Jungkook would get the joke. We shared a laugh, both recognizing the awkwardness that often accompanied pickup lines.
Jungkook inched closer, his eyes dancing with mischief. "That line was probably googled the night before," he quipped.
I shot back, a challenge in my tone. "Can you do better?"
Not one to shy away, Jungkook stepped even closer, his hand casually finding a spot on my thigh. With him towering above and me still seated, I had to tilt my head to meet his gaze. In that intimate moment, he delivered the final blow with a sly smile. "No need. I already got you," he declared. "You came with only a curl of my fingers. Literally."
Not expecting the boldness of his response, I took a silent breath. My body seemed to react on its own, and in the darkness of his eyes, I caught a glimpse of heated lust.
Jungkook turned all the way to me and placed his other hand on my hip. "Did it work?" he asked, his voice a low murmur. I rolled my eyes to hide my sudden shyness, and he groaned, biting his lower lip. "Use your words, darling," he urged, his breath caressing my lips.
My eyes fell to his mouth and I noticed a small mole under his lower lip that held my attention. When I looked back up, his eyebrows were furrowed in that usual concentration, but this time without anger. I felt him squeeze my thigh, his nose now brushing against mine. But before anything more could happen, a loud police siren abruptly broke the electric tension.
Seconds later, a police car pulled up and I watched as two officers exited the vehicle. My attention shifted from Jungkook to the unfolding scene before us. The flashing lights painted the surroundings in an unnatural glow, but my eyes were quickly drawn back to Jungkook, who was still watching me.
It wasn't the approaching police officers that quickened my heartbeat, but the desire in Jungkook's eyes. The air between us was filled with a different kind of intensity, unaffected by the arrival of the cops.
Jungkook groaned in annoyance, muttering something along the lines of, "I swear, if this happens one more time..."
As the cops got closer, one of them greeted us with a casual "Good night," which we returned. However, the officers' eyes lingered suspiciously on our car as they approached. Jungkook, finally snapping out of our shared moment, turned to them.
The taller officer, seemingly more skeptical, asked about our presence in the middle of the night in a deserted parking lot. Jungkook explained in a polite tone that we were simply enjoying some late-night burgers because his wife was craving them, accompanied by a mischievous grin directed at me. I fought the urge to smack him, opting instead for a laugh of agreement.
The taller officer, trying to assert dominance, asked for Jungkook's driver's license and vehicle registration. In response, Jungkook retrieved his driver's license from his wallet and the car documents from the passenger side compartment and handed them over. The slightly overweight officer reassured us by mentioning that it was just a routine procedure.
While the taller officer scrutinized our documents, his partner delved into more detailed questioning. "What else are you doing here? Not drugs or anything, I assume." He said, raising an eyebrow.
Unable to resist a sarcastic jab, I muttered under my breath. "We were doing lines of coke."
Jungkook was caught off guard and nearly choked on his saliva. The police officer, who had overheard, asked, "What did she say?"
Forced to interject, Jungkook forced a smile, probably hoping I would let him do the talking before we found ourselves in handcuffs. "Of course not," he replied quickly, proclaiming our innocence. "We're ordinary civilians trying to serve as role models," he added, earning a nod of agreement from me.
Deciding to steer the conversation away from potential trouble, Jungkook casually inquired about another officer named Guy Hopkins, asking if he had retired. The other officer revealed that Guy Hopkins was in fact his superior in rank who had retired already.
The other officer returned with Jungkook's belongings in his hand and turned to his partner."Everything's clean." He nodded. With one last look at our car, they wished us a simple good night and left.
Jungkook turned to me with a surprised look on his face. "What's wrong with you? Do you want to spend the night in a cold cell?"
I laughed and admitted, "I don't know why I said that." Jungkook shook his head and chuckled. Admitting our rather suspicious appearance, I continued. "We probably looked like some rich junkies doing drugs the way we were sitting here in a black car in an empty parking lot."
Jungkook, still amused, remarked. "The cops were probably just looking for something to cause trouble like they do sometimes." The tension dissipated, replaced by our laughter as we processed the absurdity of the situation.
A deep silence settled between us, the only sound being the gentle caress of the summer breeze ruffling Jungkook's hair. Unsure of how to handle the remaining tension, I suggested we go home.
A knowing smirk played on Jungkook's lips, revealing his keen perception as he watched me absentmindedly fiddle with the sleeve of his hoodie, avoiding direct eye contact.
Jungkook surprised me by placing a hand under my chin and gently guiding my gaze to meet his.
The air was thick with a promise as he said. "I'll make up for this stolen moment very soon."
His thumb brushed across my lip. The night, now heavy with anticipation, held the vow of unexplored desires, leaving me both breathless and spellbound by the twist of events. After a few more seconds of staring at each other, he walked around the car and we headed home.
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A/N: You guys are craaaazy💀 so many votes in just a few hours. Be honest, do you guys like the concept? I've seen a few authors do it so I wanted to try it out. Please let me know, 'cause I don't wanna seem like I'm begging for votes or forcing anyone HAHAHA😭 I have to admit that it helped though. After seeing you all so eager and engaged in the last chapter, all I wanted to do was sit down and write. I can't promise to update as soon as we hit the number but I feel more motivated to finish this book 🤍 let me know in the comments👉🏼
based on the votes of the last chapter, I would say 380 for this one. Hope you enjoyed!