Chapter 9

❝ playing cards.❞

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Drip, drip.

My eyes jostled open — as my vision refocuses, I see a pair of silver eyes gazing right back at me; so close that my breath instantly hitched. It was Park Jimin with damp hair; fresh from the shower. When I diverted my gaze to his neck, I saw the drips of water running down to meet his collarbone, as well as the blue towel that hung around it. He's half naked and....on top of me.

"You're finally awake." a crude smile made its way onto his lips. I couldn't help but stare speechlessly.

"What is it? Enjoying the sight?" he teases, tilting his head to the side. A immediate flush occupies my cheeks, so I averted my eyes; occasionally taking a peek at his lower abdomen. Jimin lowers his body and hugged me tightly for a minute - before releasing me.

He then pulls back his hair as he hovers his body over mine. "Baby, I know you look adorable as you sleep, but I need your help." he whispers, eyes looking pleadingly at me. I responded with a confused expression - help? My mind brings me back to the time I had to create hickies on him, and it's still all over his neck.

Jimin probably guessed where my thoughts went, and a deep chuckle escapes his mouth. "Not that, I need help with something else." He tucks a stray hair behind my ear, and carries me up effortlessly. I leaned silently onto his shoulders while I sat on his arm, and the both of us made our way across the suite and into the bathroom. To my surprise, he puts me down right beside the washing machines, and gestured towards them.

"...Do you know how to use a washing machine?" He props both hands on the lid, leaning forward as he stared intently at the flickering buttons. Jimin taps impatiently on the 'WASH' font above the turning knob , wondering why he wasn't getting a response - he's absolutely clueless. I held back the laughter in my throat and proceeded to help him.

"Here." I adjusted it accordingly, and started to study the purest, sweetest smile plastered on Jimin's face.

Just yesterday, I thought he was capable of the impossible — he excelled in almost everything, was the world's most wanted man in Vogue magazine, yet now....he just seemed so human.

"What's on your mind?" he gazes at me with his icy stare, one that can kill a woman. Jimin places his weight back onto the washing machine with his curious eyes fixed onto me. Oh god, who would've known you could be sexy while washing clothes?

After some slight hesitation, I stepped forward, placing my palms gently against his cheek. "You don't have to work so hard to reach everyone's expectations, you know?" I smiled my widest, earning a surprised look from him. "If it's with me, you can relax and be yourself."

Jimin stared at me. And when I say stared, he stared. It was as if he's become completely invisible, and I was able to see through him so clearly.

I guess- he's used to being the perfect person in everyone's minds....and he always acted that way. Perfect. Untouchable. unattainable.

And then it came, the genuine flare of love in his eyes that I witnessed every so often when he's with me - Jimin's eyes crinkled cutely as he smiled, pulling me into a tight embrace. He runs his cold fingers down my neck, venturing deeply as his lips brushes slightly on mine which drives me so crazy.

"I was wrong," he suddenly whispers, chuckling softly.

"While I thought you were all mine, it turns out that you've stolen all of me."

………

"Miss Yona." The attendant bowed, holding up a flashy dress. "I'll be styling you today."

"Styling...what?" I paused slightly at her words. The woman looks at me with a troubled expression, and tries to explain herself. "I've been hired by Mr Park to help you get ready for the banquet this evening."

Banquet...My thoughts were immediately interrupted by Jimin who walked over, adjusting his sleeves. A cold expression soon appears on his face.

"It doesn't even suit her." he glares at the dress she's holding. "Don't you have another one?"

"Oh, I-I'm really sorry about that...I'll be right back, Sir." She stutters, hugging the dress close to her and walking off quickly. At that moment - anger flares in my chest as I witnessed how she looked so terrified of him.

"You could've asked her in a better tone, Jimin." I blurted out, facing him with furrowed eyebrows. He stares at me silently, as if he's absorbing every word I said.

"Here you are." the attendant comes back with a much simpler, elegant dress. "This might suit you well."

As I stole a glance at Jimin, a gleam in his eyes displayed his liking for it; and the tension eases. "This will do. Thank you." He nods at her, and she seemed pleasantly surprised. Jimin steals a glance at me, before maintaining intense eye contact - "But doesn't this show too much skin? Those are only for my eyes to see."

At that point of time, I was already feeling inpatient. "No it doesn't! Now get out, I need to change." I pushed him out to the corridor, and stuck my tongue childishly at him. Jimin shoots me an amused look before I proceeded to slam the door in his face.

When I'm finally done with my preparations, I was told that Jimin was already at the venue. While I was led there by the attendant, my eyes were instantly set onto the numerous gloved gentlemen stacking countless decks of cards with ease. Inside - the ceiling lights were muted, allowing the glow of a thousand glowing slot machines to fill the room.

And there he was — leaning comfortably on the edge of the table with a pair of cards in his hands. I watched intently as he seemed engrossed in his game of poker; to the extent that he's completely oblivious to those around him. Jimin's blazer was hung loosely on his shoulder, with his sleeves rolled up to his elbow.

Just when I've decided to hide myself along the crowds, his sharp eyes caught sight of me. Jimin stops the game and gathers the chips, exchanging it for a cheque in a nearby counter. "my love." he speaks sensually to me, pulling me close to his chest. "Here's your allowance...spend it wisely."

Before I could even protest, he lands a heavy kiss onto my lips to silence me. Oh lord. After receiving many of his drunkened kisses, I knew this became my sweet, sweet divine; Jimin, he makes me so goddamn weak. Instead of pushing away, he morphs his lips against mine, sweet enough for me to kiss back. And that's what I did.

When we pulled away, a satisfied smirk curved up his lips. "You look pretty good." He examines me from top to bottom, biting heavily on his bottom lip. "Perhaps you're trying to murder me?"

I rolled my eyes contentiously. Jimin starts to trace my bare skin with his cold fingers, his arms holding me firmly to him in a protective stance. He then lowers his gaze. "Your little cleavage is seducing me" he licks his lips. "and potentially other men too. - so wear my jacket." He whispers, throwing his blazer over my shoulders.

Oh my god. I thought to myself as I looked down to my chest. Did he just catch a glimpse of my $3.99 bra?

But I didn't have time to think much of it. After Jimin left my side to attend to other matters, I noticed a very familiar face amongst the crowd.

Anna.