Hide And Seek

"I prefer the blue actually," Ruby admitted holding up a blue dress and a white dress.

"Isn't it to fancy? It's just a small party," I asked looking at the long baby blue v neck backless dress.

Ruby snorted pushing her strands of her straightened hair over her shoulder. "It's always fancy. Now come on put this on," she ordered pushing me towards her bathroom.

I was surprised at my reflection staring back at me in Ruby's full length mirror. The dress made me look beautiful. It perfectly fit, hugging all the right areas. The small spaghetti straps didn't even bother me.

One of the first times in my life I actually felt beautiful. I loved the flowy material.

I twirled once giggling then walked out of her lavender scented bathroom.

"Okay I agree. This is definitely the one" I vowed.

Ruby turned form her makeup table, her mouth dropped open. "Wow! You look beautiful, that dress is perfect on you," she exclaimed jumping up and walking around me in circles.

I smiled back. "It really is."

"All that's left is for me to get dressed and your hair and makeup." She looked at her pink clock on the wall. "Nam Joon said we should meet him outside at 6. We only have 20 minutes," Lucy mumbled pulling me towards her makeup table.

She got dressed leaving me to finish applying the mascara and the nude lipstick she had left out on the table for me. At least now she trusted that I could handle doing that much. I was definitely improving.

"Well?" Ruby announced.

She walked into the room wearing a beautiful green two piece dress with a t.h.i.g.h split. It made her look taller.

"I love it! I know you love pink but green is definitely your colour." I stood amazed how her red hair caught the light in different angles making it shine. "I would die to have your hair," I admitted.

My light brown hair seemed dull in comparison.

"Don't be! Brown goes with nearly everything," Ruby assured me.

I smiled."Okay, true you have a point."

I spotted Nam Joon first. "Nam Joon!" I called out walking through the opened front doors.

"Hey, you look great. Where's Ruby?" Nam Joon exclaimed looking up from his phone.

"How fancy is this thing?" I asked trying not to let my nervousness show, taking in his tuxedo.

"Mostly family, my parent's friends, it's always the same people. They love their parties," he insisted.

Great. Sounds fun.

"I'm coming, I'm coming!" Ruby suddenly called from behind me.

Nam Joon escorted us into the waiting black limousine.

After what felt like forever the limo pulled onto a wide stone circular driveway that led to a beautiful modern mansion that had slight Mediterranean design edge to it. It was stunning.

The limo pulled up to the entrance. Nam Joon got out of the car first extending a helping hand for Ruby then me.

Nam Joon walked ahead and opened the front door ushering Ruby and I inside. The interior had high ceilings, massive rooms and high end furniture. I couldn't help noticing the many artworks that hung throughout the different rooms we passed as Nam Joon led us to the back where the party was being held.

The double glass doors leading to the backyard were opened. We stepped out on the concrete path that led to a pool, huge concrete seating area and gardens. The view was spectacular.

All the men were in fancy suits or tux's .The women all wearing beautiful dresses.

Nam Joon stepped forward extending his arms. "Come on," he exclaimed turning looking back at us.

I smiled and linked arms with Nam Joon. He led us onto the main path, I nodded and smiled at the people that greeted Nam Joon. So far I couldn't recognize anyone.

We reached the main crowd of people, Nam Joon leading us directly to Jin where he stood surrounded by a small group of older looking guys, all impeccably dressed.

Ruby and I both let go of Nam Joon's arms. "Jin," he interrupted hugging his brother fondly.

"You remember Ruby and Phoebe?" Nam Joon said draping his arm around Jin's shoulder turning him around to where we stood.

Jin smiled and hugged us both. "Of course I do."

"Congratulations, Nam Joon told us about your internship," I exclaimed returning his kind smile.

"When do you leave?" Ruby asked before he could reply.

"Sounds good," I added. Ruby nodded in agreement.

"Hey Jin, Congrats," an older guy with black hair interrupted, slapping Jin on the arm.

"Thanks Eric," Jin replied smiling.

"Well. Well. Where have you been hiding these two, Jin?" Eric announced staring Ruby and I up and down with cold grey eyes.

He gave me the chills. I didn't like him already.

I especially didn't like the way his eyes raked over me twice. Suddenly the dress felt slightly too revealing.

"Ruby and Phoebe. Nam Joon's friends in his year," Jin introduced.

Eric grinned at me, it made my toes curl. I gave him a small smile out of politeness.

"There's mum. I have to ask her something. Enjoy the party," Jin said smiling at us all then walking into the crowd.

"Art," Ruby answered.

Eric smiled turning to me.

"Journalism."

"Very interesting. I like your friends Nam Joon," he confessed turning to Nam Joon.

I took the momentary lapse of attention in my direction to perform my own examination of Eric. He had perfectly styled black hair, not a strand out of place. He wore an expensive black tuxedo with a white shirt and black tie. His whole demeanour screamed arrogant rich guy that got his every whim on a silver platter. I was slightly judgemental but something about Eric made me feel at unease.

Ruby grabbed my hand. "Hey do you want to get something to eat. I'm starving. There should be some food around here somewhere," she whispered, glancing around.

"Yep. Next time we are not skipping lunch," I added, spotting the tables prepared with platters of food. I pointed it out to Ruby.

"Nam Joon, we're going to get some food," Ruby mentioned. Nam Joon nodded. I noticed Eric out the corner of my eye staring at me with an intensity that only made me feel more uncomfortable.

I looked away linking my arm with Ruby as we meandered our way through the small groups that were between us and food.

"Same," Ruby agreed.

We filled our plate with stacks of the expensive looking finger foods and found an empty table.

"Hey do you know what his parents actually do in Medicine?" I asked wiping my hands on a napkin.

I waited for Ruby to finish her last of the grilled salmon. "I think his Dad is a head doctor. I'm pretty sure his mum is a neuroscientist. He told me they're both crazy genius level smart."

"I'm not surprised," I admitted arching my eyebrow glancing around at the garden statues and small fountain at the back. "Nam Joon had to get his brains from somewhere."

Ruby laughed. "True. Hey there's Belle I have to ask her something for class tomorrow. Do you mind?"

"Go ahead," I replied.

I glanced around but didn't spot anyone that I recognized. Sighing I pulled out my phone scrolling through my social media.

"Phoebe?"

I looked up surprised at the mention of my name.

"Jennie. Hi," I stammered quickly standing and smiled at Jennie.

She stood at the other end of the table adorned in a black jewelled tutu dress. Her long hair styled into elegant waves. She looked dazzling.

"I almost didn't recognize you. You look so different than yesterday," Jennie admitted pointing at my outfit.

"I had some errands to do. I'm normally dressed a bit better," I explained. "What are you doing here?" I asked genuinely curious.

"Jin. He's like an older brother. I've known him and his brother forever."

I smiled. "They are both great. I met them through school," I added.

"I wish I could go but I have one more year of high school to finish," Jennie said placing her purse over the edge of the chair next to mine.

That made sense she looked younger than the rest of us.

I already had a good feeling about Jennie.

I couldn't help wondering what her relationship with Jungkook was. I was leaning towards brother.

"It will fly by," I assured her.

We both sat down.

"Do you know what you want to study?" I asked.

"Literature. I love reading especially horror," she replied grinning from ear to ear.

I like Jennie more and more.

"I enjoy a Stephen King from time to time."

"Who doesn't," Jennie laughed. "Hey!" she exclaimed staring over my head.

"Mum wants to see you. She knows about the new phone," a familiar voice stated.

I jerked around instantly recognizing Jungkook's voice.

My mouth dropped open, my eyes slid up Jungkook's body before I could stop.

He was wearing a black turtleneck under a black tuxedo that only accentuated his muscular physique.

D.e.s.i.r.e burned through me.

Enticing bastard.

I quickly turned back in my chair focusing on Jennie, trying my hardest to ignore the heat in my cheeks.

"Crap. How did she find out?" Jennie w.h.i.n.ed.

Jungkook chortled. "It's mum. You know she knows everything."

"True. Where is she?" Jennie asked grabbing her purse off the chair.

"Inside."

Jennie faced me. "Phoebe I've got to go but I'm really happy that I saw you again. I'll ask Nam Joon for your number if you don't mind," she asked standing and smiling down at me.

I smiled back. "It's fine," I promised. "It was nice talking to you."

I couldn't help laughing watching Jennie bolt through the crowds up to the house.

I froze at the hot breath on my cheeks. "You look beautiful."

If I held a mirror up to my face right now I'm pretty sure my cheeks would be as red as a tomato. Or worse on fire.

I shuffled my seat to the side quickly, not looking back at Jungkook. "Thanks."

I smelt his cologne moving past me to fill the vacated seat next to me.

I glanced around deliberately avoiding Jungkook's persistent gaze until I felt a hand grip my chin.

We locked eyes. "It's rude to not look the person in the eyes when you're talking to them," he taunted, smirking.

"My apologies," I retorted searching his handsome face for any clue as to what he was thinking.

We continued staring at each other for what felt like forever, all the background noises vanishing.

"That dress is stunning," he admitted leaning back in his chair and dr.a.p.ed his arm over the back of his chair. I tried to ignore the rush of p.l.e.a.s.u.r.e I got noticing Jungkook's eyes sliding up and down my body.

I exhaled remembering my conversation with Jimin about trying to at least get to a place with Jungkook that didn't set off my hormones.

"Jennie is your sister?" I asked genuinely curious, deliberately ignoring his comment.

My first attempt at trying what Jimin counselled.

"Yes."

"What about you, any brothers or sisters?" he asked leaning forward.

"Just me."

He tilted his head to the side, his gaze inscrutable.

I took his momentary lapse of silence as an opening.

"I actually wanted to ask you for something?" I admitted lowering my voice.

He arched an eyebrow. I took that as a sign to continue.

"Please don't tell anyone what happened at the party. Best to forget the entire thing actually."

He grinned. "Okay on one condition."

I knew it. He wouldn't give in so easily if there wasn't something in it for him.

"Well?" I replied anxiously.

"Let's be friends."

My mouth dropped open.

This had to be the last thing I ever expected coming out of his mouth.

"Why?" I blurted searching his face for any deception but found none.

He was serious.

"Why not?"

"Can we really be friends?" I asked. "It won't be awkward?"

He grinned again. "Awkward about what?"

I couldn't help grinning.

His smile was infectious.

"Thank you," I muttered looking him dead in the eyes.

"See? That wasn't too hard was it? Friends already," Jungkook drawled.

"Maybe," I replied still not liking the way my stomach flipped when he looked at me. Being friends was going to be hard but a small part of me was happy that I could be around him. His energy was twice as enthralling.

That part of me wanted to see what Nam Joon and Jennie saw in Jungkook.

"Phoebe! I want you to meet Belle," Ruby exclaimed from the other end of the table.

I was surprised that I hadn't even noticed her arrival, maybe being alone with Jungkook wasn't too smart just yet.

I smiled at Ruby. "Okay sure." I smiled, standing up. I gave Jungkook a small smile before walking away with Ruby.

"Belle, this is Phoebe," Ruby announced.

I smiled up at the slightly taller girl dressed in red. "Hey, nice to meet you. I've heard great things from Ruby about you," I added politely.

"Same, she's always talking about you in class," Belle admitted.

I smiled at Ruby.

"Why don't you tell Phoebe about your project?" Ruby asked Belle. "Nam Joon is waving, I'll be right back."

"Okay, Well I have found the link between modern and ancient art techniques..." Belle began.

Unfortunately she lost me at art, I may be able to spot a Picasso but don't ask me what brush stroke he used.

Belle had shoulder length black hair with bangs. She looked like she stepped off a runway, with her half Asian-Caucasian features I was surprised she wasn't on a runway or at a photo shoot. Belle definitely stood out in a room.

I focused back on what Belle was saying only to realize she was staring at me, waiting.

"Sorry. What?" I apologised.

"Don't be I lose most people when I talk about my thesis," she admitted.

Beauty and kindness. I could see why Ruby liked her.

Belle's phone started ringing. She quickly smiled at me before turning and walking away.

I turned back to the table surprised at the pang of disappointment I felt that Jungkook had gone turning to observe the elegantly clad crowds.

It was nice and strange to see how everyone drifted around from group to group smiling and conversing freely. I had always been on the sidelines watching but for the first time I felt a twinge that belonging wouldn't be so bad.

I smiled watching a couple of kids running past me dressed in mini tux's and dresses. They looked adorable.

I was surprised when I smelt an oriental scent behind me. I knew it was a man no woman would wear a perfume that strong.

My defences rose.

I turned and looked up into Eric's face. I didn't like the hunger I saw in his eyes.

"Excuse me," I mumbled looking away, starting to walk away.

He gripped my arm before I could take another step. "Wait. Don't go. I'll have no one to talk to," he taunted.

"Where are you from? Not from here clearly. Everyone here knows everyone and I'm pretty sure I haven't seen you before," he insisted.

"You wouldn't. I'm from Australia," I replied, while trying to think of a way to get out of talking to him.

His grip hadn't loosened.

"I was thinking European," he confessed.

He must be perceptive because there's no way he would've known my family originated in England.

Or could be my lack of tan.

"Does it matter?" I retorted, deliberately looking down at his hold on my arm. He followed my gaze and let go. "Sorry."

I didn't believe his apology was in the least bit sincere.

"How do you know Jungkook?" he demanded with a hard edge to his voice, leaning closer.

He had slipped up, something about Jungkook made him angry.

I felt surprised at my instant need to defend Jungkook.

"From school," I replied casually.

"I saw the both of you talking before, seemed more friendly than classmates normally are," he taunted, his eyes growing colder by the second.

This guy was seriously starting to piss me off.

"I don't see how that's any of your business," I snapped pushing his c.h.e.s.t back. I walked away without looking back, grabbing a champagne flute from a waiter.

I finished the glass in one sip and strode inside looking for a bathroom.

I walked into the hallway stopping when I heard loud voices from the oak doors to my right. My curiosity took over leading me to pressing my ear against the door but it was too thick for any of the voices to be recognized.

I jumped when I felt a hand on my shoulder. I swivelled looking at Jungkook with his finger held up to his mouth, signalling me to be quiet.

I didn't say a thing, letting him lead me away from the hallway up stairs to a small corridor into a small sitting room that was empty.

He let go of my wrist and closed the door.

"What was that for?" I demanded.

He grimaced looking away from my strong gaze. "It's personal."

I felt he wouldn't give me any more clarity. I decided to let it go for the moment.

"Who's Eric?" I mentioned, changing the subject.

He looked at me, with another inscrutable expression, his bright eyes dimming.

"An acquaintance," he replied cautiously.

His tone let me know there was bad blood between them both but it was clear I wasn't going to get any answers, at least for now.

I looked around captivated by the view of the party from the window overlooking the backyard. I walked towards the window leaning my head against the cool glass.

Jungkook joined me, leaning his arms on the window ledge.

"Everyone looks so happy," I commented, looking back out the window.

"That's because they are," he mumbled.

I turned surprised by his soft tone. In the soft light I was captivated by how peaceful and happy he looked staring out at the people below us.

I realised this was the first time I had seen this softer private side of Jungkook.

Breath-taking.

"Are you?" I wondered.

"Most of the time." He gave me a cheeky smile. "Some things I would change."

I laughed turning back to the window. "I like your sister, she definitely got the good genes," I teased.

Jungkook snorted. "I have one or two of my own."

"You have good taste in friends," I added, pointing out Nam Joon in a small group by the pool.

"I've known him since we were kids. He's like a brother."

"You know, when you're not being an a.s.s or flirting. You're actually really easy to talk to," I stated, smiling sheepishly.

"I have my moments," he teased.

"Is it true about you and Madeleine?"

I wanted to hear the truth from Jungkook's mouth.

He sighed straightening up and folding his arms against his c.h.e.s.t. "I called it off. It was time," he confessed.

My stomach flipped. I was happy.

"Good, it wasn't healthy for you both," I mumbled watching Jungkook step closer.

My heart started racing, his eyes lit with temptation gazing up and down my body. I ignored the shivers down my spine.

I had to get out of there.

I didn't want it shown on my face that his clear d.e.s.i.r.e made me pleased.

"Ruby's waiting for me" I stammered. I bolted past Jungkook and back the way we came until I reached the fresh outside air.