Stupid War (BTS Story)

21. The banquet

Kai is munching roast chicken. Her boyfriend is eating dinner beside her. They are celebrating her release with a feast in Jin's house.

Jin is grilling barbeque. Aimee is helping him. Jungkook is supposed to help carrying the foods to others. He kept eating, not distributing.

Kai sighs. Jimin wasn't invited to the party. It isn't odd. He did try to kill Jin, the host of the party.

Aimee doesn't even want to talk to Jimin anymore.

Their party is barely started when a guard arrives at Jin's home.

He reports, "Milady wants to see you, Sir."

Jin sighs.

He says to the soldier, "I will go a.s.a.p."

The guard has left his house.

Jin says to his friends, "Carry on without me. I have to go."

Aimee holds his hand and he kisses her cheek. Just a quick peck. The simple gesture makes Kai screams a bit.

"What's going on here? He kissed her!"

V immediately hushes her.

He offers a chicken skewer to her mouth to keep her silent.

Kai protests, "They aren't even dating!"

Jin looks confused.

He asks, "We aren't lovers?"

"Of course not! You treated her like a little sister for years!"

V scolds, "Kai..."

Jin stares Aimee and she looks away. RM quickly rises from his seat. He taps on his shoulder.

RM says, "Let's walk together. I'll explain everything on the way."

"Okay..."

Jin and RM walk side-by-side when they are leaving the house.

RM asks, "You know we grew up together. The four of us?"

"Yes. Aimee told me."

RM adds, "She has loved you for years. Yet, you kept treating her like a child."

"Err..."

"When Jimin started dating her, you seemed in pure shock. Like you have truly seen her for the first time. You kept denying. But..."

Jin asks, "But?"

"You want her, Jin. I could see it in your eyes. The way you stared her when no one looked at you. I'm your oldest friend. I could read your mind easily."

Jin rubs his nape.

"I'm that dense?" asks him.

"More like afraid. That she would choose Jimin over you. The old you aren't really a risk taker. A worrywart."

Jin laughs a little.

He asks, "You think I've changed?"

RM stares Jin as if admiring him.

"Joining the Army did you good. You look more manly, my friend."

"Cut it out. You're giving me goosebumps with those naughty eyes."

RM laughs and Jin laughs too. He might not remember this guy. It feels great just hanging out with him.

*****

"What took you so long?" asks the female ruler.

Jin kneels down on a knee before he apologizes, "I'm sorry, Milady."