Aegyo

"Are you okay? Of course not. Why did I even ask?" Jimin stuttered, pushing my wet hair behind my ears with a very uptight look on his face. For some reason, Jimin was shaking. His face turned red as he examined the red chili paste on my face. I can't tell if he's worried or mad...

"I'm fine," I whispered, frowning at Haerim, who was still staring at me with a sour expression. She's not even sorry.

"WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOU'RE FINE?! I'M BURNING!" Jiwoo yelped, frantically running his hands all over his body in discomfort. Jimin glanced at the alpha and averted his eyes to mine suspiciously as he pulled the cabbage off my head. It's true, I was burning from head to toe because of the hot chili paste, but I didn't want to worry him, so I held it in.

"Omo! Young lady! There's no way you're not feeling anything. Come on, both of you," An ajumma appeared, staring at me with her worried eyes. I couldn't feel my face anymore... it was numb from the burn. Ajusshi took Jiwoo away, so I went with the ajumma. She took me inside her house and into a small bathroom.

"Are you her boyfriend?" Ajumma turned to ask Jimin with a doubtful look because he followed me all the way inside.

"Neh, will she be alright?" Jimin bit his lips anxiously.

"She said she's fine, but her skin is turning bright red from the burns. I'll brew some mixture for her- keep pouring the icy cold water on her. I'll be right back," Ajumma rushed the rest of the ajummas towards the kitchen. Everything was burning. I wanted to cry and scream in pain, but I didn't. Jimin is already worried enough... I shouldn't worry him. It felt as if I was dropped in a boiling cauldron.

"I love you," Jimin whispered, shakily pouring the water over my head while I sat on a plastic chair. I rubbed the chili sauce off of my body and clothes. Yes, I'm still in my clothes. He poured the cold water over my face and gently ran his hands through my hair to rinse off the paste.

"I-I love you too," I whispered in guilt as I rubbed my face. He's really upset because he wasn't even smiling. His eyes are blank, so I can sense his frustration. Soon later, the ajummas returned with a bucket... in it was a milky substance filled with grounded leaves and flowers.

"It'll sting at first, but it'll ease the burn," She carefully placed the bucket down on the tiled floor.

"Thank you," I gave her a weak smile.

"You go grab her some warm clothes. She'll be showering," Ajumma sighed, nudging Jimin out of the bathroom. Jimin bit his lips and ran off. Ajumma left me alone in the bathroom, so I undressed my damp clothes, then poured the lukewarm milky water over myself. I felt a sharp sting at first but it did ease the burn. I used up all the mixture and splashed cold water all over my face- finally exhaling in relief. Ahh... I can barely feel the burn anymore ... I seriously thought I was gonna die from the burn. Jimin delivered the extra clothes I brought in the backpack he left on the bus. I quickly got dressed and walked out to find Jimin leaning against the wall with his arms crossed... nervously tapping his feet on the wooden floor as he waited for me.

"Does it still burn? Here, put on my hoodie," Jimin instantly rushed to me with the hoodie in his hands.

"Don't let her wear that yet. Let her cool off a little," An ajumma shook her head and smacked Jimin's arm. Jimin nodded and turned back to me.

"Tell me when you're cold, okay?" Jimin whispered while combing his hand through my wet hair. I nodded but didn't say anything. The professor took Haerim away to talk to her while all the other alphas returned to work.

"Are you okay?" Jungkook asked, turning to look at me as he wiped a tall wooden cabinet with a rag. I nodded and remained silent. As Jimin and I made our way out of the house, everyone stopped what they were doing and turned to look at us. One of the professors rushed up to me in panic with the medical staff, but I told him I was alright. Jimin made me sit on a bench by the lake, far from everyone else.

"Sora..." Jimin whispered, sitting down next to me. He was staring off at the clear reflection of lake water. The sun was starting to set, and insects' cries began to echo all around us.

"Are you mad at me?" I asked, anxiously glancing at him. Unexpectedly ... Jimin smirked... keeping his eyes on the lake. I stared at him in confusion... is that a yes?

"No, of course not. But you need to understand one thing," Jimin sighed, finally turning to look at me with a grave expression plastered on his face. His dreadful gaze made me feel uncomfortable.

"I know you have a very big heart. I know you're nothing like the others. I know, and I understand. But please, stay out of the fight. Don't get involved- I can't protect you right now, and you can't protect Minah either-"

"But they're treating her as if she's the villain. It was Seokjin. He planned it-"

"Seokjin is a supreme alpha. No one dares to touch him. They can only target Minah. If you intervene- you'll get hurt, and I don't want you to get hurt!" Jimin suddenly raised his voice. I felt a sharp stab in my chest.

"So you're telling me I can't protect or at least try to protect the people I care for?" I gulped while biting my lips. There was a hot lump in my throat. Fuck it... I feel like crying again...

"You have to protect yourself, Sora. Please. Don't do it for anyone else, not even me," Jimin begged as he stared at me with tears-torn eyes. I felt a sharp burn in my chest, so I quickly turned away. How can he say that? He can care for me, but he won't let me do the same for him? How am I supposed to do that?

"Sora, look at me," Jimin spoke in a stern voice, so I turned to look at him with tears in my eyes. Jimin stared at me with a straight face.

"I can't live protecting myself forever. I'm not that type of person, Jimin. It's not me. I'm sorry," I shook my head as tears ran down my cheeks. I quickly rubbed it away and glanced up at the gloomy sky to keep my tears from flowing. Jimin sat staring at me with a beaten look on his face. I know he's upset since I won't listen to him, but I just can't do it.

"Guys! We have to go," Jiwoo called out loudly from the other side of the field. Jimin and I quickly got onto our feet and made our way back, but something was off. Jimin clenched his fist and marched straight toward the alphas. He had on a fierce and dull-looking expression as he strode across the field- aiming at someone within the group of alphas. I suddenly felt a deep hollow in my chest. What is he doing...?

All the alphas turned and froze when they noticed Jimin marching toward them. Panicking, I fired Jungkook a pleading look. He glanced at me and back at Jimin with his baffled eyes. Please stop him... Whatever he's going to do... just please stop him. Jungkook dropped his rag and casually walked in between Jimin and the groups of alphas. But Jimin passed him and went straight towards... Haerim. She was sitting on the bench under an old tree. She looked up to look at Jimin in fright, but Hoseok blocked Jimin.

"What are you doing?" Hoseok questioned, tilting his head at Jimin.

"Get out," Jimin ordered, hastily shoving Hoseok out of his way. He was only a few steps away from Haerim when Taehyung leaped in between them. Jimin stopped dead in front of Taehyung.

"Stop it," Taehyung warned in a low tone.

"Move," Jimin gritted, bumping his chest hard into Taehyung, but Taehyung wouldn't budge.

"Are you going to protect Minah too? Just because Sora is protecting her?" Taehyung asked in a dull voice.

"AND ARE YOU PROTECTING THE GIRL WHO PLAYED YOU?!" Jimin suddenly grabbed onto Taehyung's collar furiously and was about to throw a punch when Jungkook reached out to grab Jimin from behind.

"LET ME GO! ANYONE- ANYONE TOUCHES ONE MORE STRAND OF SORA'S HAIR AGAIN- I SWEAR I'LL FUCKING TEAR YOU INTO PIECES," Jimin roared in anger... veins were forming on his forehead and neck, but Jungkook refused to release Jimin, so he thrashed angrily. Taehyung tensely stood glaring at Jimin in silence. Haerim slowly got onto her feet... she was terrified and embarrassed at the same time.

"What's with the nuisance?! Break it off! Now! Go and bid farewell to the elders!" The chief professor snaps sharply. Jimin broke free from Jungkook... breathing heavily, he stomped off towards the bus. Sighing, the alphas bid goodbye to the ajusshis and ajummas. I was about to walk off when someone suddenly grabbed my wrist. I quickly turned to find the tiny ajumma who helped me wash away the burn earlier.

"Oh, I want to thank you for help-"

"Their fates intervene under odd circumstances. They'll be each other's downfall," She said slowly... eyes growing wide open. I speechlessly stared at her. She doesn't know who we are... h-how?

"I-I don't understand," I stuttered, searching her eyes in confusion.

"They're in danger. I see a lot of betrayals that end with pain and blood. You have to be careful. They all have dark energies," She lowered her voice as if she was afraid of being heard. All sorts of questions rushed through my head.

"A-Ajumma... you must be tired," I whispered, gently squeezing her hands.

"I am... I am. But young lady, the brightest one is the most venomous. You need to be careful. Only one will save. One will love. One will protect. One will lead. One will hurt. One will betray, and One will sacrifice. You can only have one," Ajumma whispered, staring off at the groups of top alphas... walking further away from the village. The brightest one is the most venomous...?

"Ajumma, thank you for your help today. I learned a lot, and I am very grateful. I'll return someday to visit you again," I smiled, giving her a comforting hug. My inside was upside down... I don't know how to react to this.

"I'll get to meet a new soul in the same body. Someday when the moon is full, we'll meet again," She chuckles while patting my back... goosebumps spread all over my body. What the hell...?

"Get going now," The lady smiled as I let go of her.

"I'll miss you a lot," I nodded, slowly making my way back.

"Oh. The flower will prosper, but the heart will wither. Goodbye," She waved, walking back into her little house as I stood staring at the empty dark street... lost in thoughts. I can't decode everything she says, but it's enough to scare me.

"ARE YOU COMING OR NOT?" Jungkook bellowed, startling me. I quickly turned to find him waiting down the other block. Shaking off the thoughts, I jogged up to him, and we walked towards the bus together.

"Why did you shield Minah?" Jungkook asked, glancing at me briefly.

"It's not like it was entirely her fault. Plus... she used to save my life," I shrugged.

"But this isn't your business. Jimin knows you shouldn't intervene, but he's willing to risk his neck for you anyways. His household is growing weaker every day. There's not much he can do to protect you," Jungkook sighed as he glanced at the professors, who were waiting for us.

"It's not like I'll let him fall, whatever it takes," I gave him a weak smile and got onto the bus. Minah sat with the lower ranks... looking grim while Haerim sat glaring at her. Jimin, on the other hand, was staring out the window with a dull expression on his face. I quietly sat beside him as Jungkook sat in front of me. Taehyung was staring at his phone with a fixed expression. No one uttered a word on our way back to the hotel. It was around 6:00 PM when we got back. Everyone showered and came to the dining hall for dinner, but no one really ate anything. I didn't have the appetite. I wanted to talk to Jimin, but he kept on avoiding my eyes. He's mad at me. Sighs, I'm a troublemaker. At around 7:30 PM, we left the dining hall. Everyone was making their way back to their suites when I grabbed Jimin's arm and tugged him in the opposite direction. He stared at me in confusion but didn't say anything as I dragged him through the lobby and out of the hotel.

"Miss-"

"This is my area. Leave me alone. I'm in a very bad mood," I warned, cutting one of the guards off when they tried to stop us. I quickly pulled Jimin out, and we walked down the street together. Still, we didn't talk, but Jimin closely followed me. We walked for about half an hour or less in complete silence. I couldn't stand the way he was acting, so I abruptly stopped- making Jimin bump into me.

"AH! OW-" I faked a whine to get his attention.

"I'm sorry. Are you okay?" Jimin blurted... reaching out anxiously to touch me.

"It hurts," I continued to whine as he stared at me in confusion.

"Where? I'm sorry," Jimin asked, grabbing my shoulder to examine me.

"Here~ it hurts because my yeobu is mad at Sora," I pouted, pointing at my heart in a small voice. Jimin froze in disbelief.

"It makes me sad. Sora knows she's wrong, but her baby is ignoring Sora. Sora is sad~" I whined, showing him my puppy eyes as I held his hands. He'll probably smack me for doing the aegyo for sure... I feel embarrassed, but I need to cheer him up.

"Y-yah... *briefly exhales* I'm not mad," Jimin scoffed, fighting hard not to smile, but his lips kept on curving upward at my pouty expression.

"Then why are you ignoring Sora~? Do you not like Sora anymore~? Hmmph!" I pouted cutely, drawing him closer to me, then wrapped my arms around his waist. Jimin stood frozen in shock... his cheeks turning red as he stared at my adorable attitude without blinking. He's blushing.

"If you keep on doing this- I'll be the one dying from high blood pressure," Jimin finally broke into a bright smile and cupped my cheeks. Grinning, I leaned in to give him a soft peck.

"Saranghae," I giggled, pulling him into a tied hug.

"Nado saranghae," Jimin chuckles while patting my back.

"You didn't eat. Are you hungry? I know a lot of good places here," I smiled, pointing down the street.

"I'm hungry now since my jagiya cheered me up," Jimin smiled, wrapping his arm around my shoulder as we made our way down the sidewalk. Jimin and I ended up enjoying the street food of Busan's best places- we had all kinds of food. From burning hot fish cakes to jjajangmyeon, to tteokbokki, mandu, spicy ramen, ice cream, sausages, and so much more.

"Wahhh~ I'm so full. I've never had such delicious food in my entire life!" Jimin smiled while patting his belly as I munched on the kimbap roll we bought about five minutes ago.

"We still have one more place to visit! It's the best tteokbokki place in town," I smiled, walking down the brightly lit park. The familiar ancient tree. The familiar swings. The familiar house with pretty flowers. The familiar corner and the familiar old tteokbokki stand just a block away. I was close to home, so close to home it made my heart ache... I really want to go home.

"I'm only used to girls eating salads. But my girlfriend is on a whole new level. I can't believe I found someone with an appetite as big as mine," Jimin chuckled, leaning over to have a bite of my gimbap.

"Do you have my phone with you?" I curiously asked since he hadn't returned it since the day he borrowed it.

"I left it at the hotel. I'm glad I did. No one will bother us," Jimin smiled at me. True... we'd get thousands of calls and messages if we brought it along.

"Imo!!!" I yelled when we got to the tiny restaurant.

"Kamjagiya! Omo! Sora sweetie! How have you been?" Imo was startled by my sudden visit. She rushed over to give me a crushing hug.

"Not so well since I couldn't eat your tteokbokki," I pouted at her.

"Aigo... you lost a lot of weight. Are they starving you in Seoul?" She grumbled in her strong Busan dialect as she turned my cheeks from side to side to inspect me. They're not starving me... They're just killing me mentally imo... I wish everything was normal again.

"I'll help you out today!" I beamed at her.

"Not until I feed you first! You're so skinny. And who is this?" Imo suddenly stopped when she noticed Jimin standing quietly behind me. He quickly bowed at her.

"He's my boyfriend, Park Jimin," I smiled, pulling him forward.

"Ah... that's why he came separately. Huh... anyways, you are really handsome. I'm going to feed you both," Imo nodded, pushing us towards a table, so we sat down. She rushed back to the kitchen while I glanced around her familiar shop.

"We're going to gain a lot of weight," Jimin chuckled, reaching out to play with my fingers. Imo gave us more than enough tteokbokki to eat, and we ended up devouring everything. Jimin and I helped out at the restaurant until it closed, and then we bid imo goodbye and left.

"That was tiring but fun in a way!" Jimin chuckled as we entered a mart to grab some drinks and snacks. I stood quietly... staring at the corner of the street. Home.

"Sora?" Jimin asked, slightly nudging me, causing me to snap out of my thoughts.

"Hmm?" I blinked at him.

"Do you want to go there?" He asked, turning to look at the corner I was staring at.

"Do you want to go back to the hotel? You're exhausted," I shook my head, reaching out to help him with the bags of snacks.

"Ani, of course not. I hate being there, and I'm still full, so I want to burn some calories," Jimin shook his head, poking the banana milk with a straw to take a sip. He then handed it to me, so I took a sip from it as well.

"Then do you want to crash at my place? My parents aren't home," I wiggled my eyebrows, causing Jimin to choke on his banana milk.

"Yah! Be careful! Why are you all flustered! We sleep together every day!" I laughed, dabbing away the stain on his red face.

"You got me. Are you sure they aren't home? Because I don't want to get in trouble. I'll respect your decision until you're ready for me," Jimin smirked at me.

"Trust me, come on," I lightly smacked his butt as we made our way towards the crossroad. We got to the metallic gate, I bent down to lift one of the empty pots, and sure enough, the key was still there. I unlocked the gate, and we went inside.

"Oh? Why is the yard all clean? Even the house?" I muttered, turning on the lights. Everything was in place as if there were still people living in it.

"Your parents probably maintained it. I guess the maids come in every week to clean," Jimin shrugged as he took off his jacket, then hung it on the coat rack.

"It's our home after all," I whispered, glancing around in awe. I peeked in the kitchen and then in the living room.

"It's very cozy, can't believe a supreme alpha lived such a humble life," Jimin smiled, dropping onto the couch.

"No one will find us here," I smiled, crawling over Jimin as he slithered his arm around my waist.

"Just you and me...," Jimin smiled, gently pulling me down until our lips met.

I combed my hands through his hair while he ran his hand down my back. We sensually brushed our lips against one another as I sat over him. Jimin's warm breath steadily grazing against my cheeks as we deepened our kiss. I wrapped my arms around his neck and pulled him closer until I felt Jimin's finger slipping under the hem of my shirt. Goosebumps rose all over my skin as he trailed his fingers over my flesh.

Jimin suddenly drew his parted lips away, got up, and flipped me onto the couch to tease me, so he was now on top of me. He paused to look at me in my eyes as I bit my lips with him hovering over me. He raised his eyebrows to ask for my consent... so I stared at him in silence as I felt my body burning for him. Am I ready for him? I stared at his gentle eyes in silence and finally nodded. Jimin swiftly took off his t-shirt, revealing his perfectly toned abs, and hurriedly leaned back towards me... pressing my arms against the couch to hold me in place. Jimin gradually kissed my jaws and made his way down to my neck... His moist lips... tracing the side of my neck as he rubs his thumbs against the flesh of my waist. Moaning softly, I ran my hands down his hard-built abs... Jimin pressed his lips against mine again and aggressively kissed me... the room grew steamier with every passing second... as he undid my shirt.

We made love for the first time.