31

                                    

                                          
Jungkook had mentioned your expressive eyes. You'd never had anyone - more like a lover - admire you for them. By now, you know that he'll be trying to catch your attention or read you through them, so you decided to put on your darkest shade of sunglasses to hide the way you'd glance at him when he's looking or to stare at him when he isn't. 
You've almost forgotten how good he looks, especially with his casual clothes on. Clad in black pants and grey long sleeves, he looks so comforting, like you just want to hug him to rid yourself of the almost paralyzing nervousness you're feeling, as you prepare for the lunch meeting with Mr. Ahn. 
You're sitting outside the Starbucks you usually lounge in at the airport - documents in hand while trying to subtly glance at Jungkook ordering at the counter. You hear him approaching so you focus on the papers and try to act indifferent when he stands across from you and pushes the tray towards you.
Passionfruit juice and a salmon croissant. 
You're about to protest that you need coffee but your shaking hands remind you that he'll insist that the caffeine will just make you more nervous. You take the drink and ignore him until he sits in front of you and your heart drops. 
You're not ready for this; you're still too anxious about the meeting. He can't be distracting you by looking so unfairly handsome, knowing he's also trying to get your attention.
You grip the napkin you're holding to indicate you're put off when he speaks.
"Guy on my 3:00 has been looking at you since you walked in. Can't take any chances."
You clear your throat and nod, careful not to make the mistake of looking at him. 
"You'll do well, I know it," he says softly. 
It's so simple yet it calms you down as it always does. You hate that you're so easy like this when you're usually able to keep it together. You're so weak for this man and you know it'll only take so little until your defenses break down and you give in.
But then his phone rings and you catch the tense look on his face when he sees who's on the other line. He stands some feet away but being in this quieter part of the airport, you can make out what he says.
"Why are you still calling? Look, I..." He sighs, looking away. "Fine, I'll see when I'm free, but that's the last time."
The memory of that day flashes in your head and suddenly you can't breathe.
You gather your things and stand up. 
He calls your name.
"I'll just be in the comfort room," you say blankly, then you walk away.
**
Jungkook can't help the smile on his face as he watches you from the other table of the hotel restaurant where you're having your meeting.
You have on the smile that he hasn't seen in so long, the one he's missed badly. Even from where he is, he can make out your soft laughter and the tenderness of your voice. 
The meeting seems to be going well. You look relaxed, you're very engaged, and Mr. Ahn seems to be surprised and impressed at the same time. Jungkook knows how important this is for you, and despite everything, he's happy he gets to witness you like this. 
The meeting ends with an agreement to meet again, and you put your shades back on as you enter the car, the silence deafening like it was earlier, especially in the morning on the way to the airport, with Mr. Sim trying his best to manage the awkwardness. 
You proceed to get ready for the birthday celebration and head downstairs, unaware of how you're causing Jungkook's heart to race all the way to the venue.