Fate?

I sat on a towel under an umbrella watching the ongoing volleyball. Four against four with Jimin, Taehyung, Soo Min and Jungkook on one side and Jin, Hobi, Mi Cha and Namjoon on the other. Both teams were good, but it was evident that the three younger boys were actively in sports and did not hold back. I volunteered to sit on the sidelines and play referee in the event of a disagreement. Yoongi, who I learned was not here to put forth any physical effort, sat next to me and kept score. Of course, he and I didn't take our jobs as seriously as they wanted and burst into laughter when Jin or Jungkook would become frustrated at our lack of motivation. The two continued to banter back and forth to the enjoyment of both teams.

"So, Nari, are you planning to go to our university after this year?" Yoongi asked. We had been talking about random things as we sat. I was thrilled to meet the best friend of Hobi and felt reassured that he had someone watching out for him while he was away from home. Yoongi shared with me during our time together about how they met their freshman year of college and happened to be roommates. They were polar opposites but brought out the best in each other. I found myself grinning when he spoke so highly of my brother and how his positive attitude made living together barrable being away from home. I could only hope I would feel as comfortable with my roommate when I venture off to college.

"That's the plan as of now. I have a scholarship I earned thanks to a writing competition I participated in. It will cover tuition as I'll be entering the university's communication department."

"Oh? Are you going to be a writer? Like books and stuff?"

"No, although that might be something I would like to do in the future."

He raises his eyebrows in curiosity when I don't expand on my plans. His interest in my future is a pleasant surprise as Soo Min and Mi Cha never really ask for details on my interest in writing. Other than my mother and Hobi, no one has really inquired into my career path.

"Well, I have always had an interest in journalism and eventually would like to be an editor. I already write for our school newspaper, but get the topics that others avoid."

"Like?"

"Band, anything involving testing or academics," I roll my eyes, "Everyone jumps at sports, entertainment pieces or anything involving the social aspects such as school dances or editorials."

"I'm sure you're great at what you do though. It makes you a great writer to tackle the issues others avoid because you're able to broaden your knowledge. And you give those other topics their shining moment."

His encouraging words make me blush in embarrassment. His smile spreads into an adorable gummy smile. I shake my head at the absurdity of my heated face.

"I appreciate your perspective on my skills, Yoongi."

"I mean it. Hobi has bragged about how smart his baby sister is, and I can see that he's correct."

Just then, the person in discussion plops himself next to me. He squints his eyes at me in concern and worriedly places his hand against my cheek.

"Are you too hot? You're flushed! Maybe we should go back inside," he suggests to my humiliation. The sounds of Yoongi's chuckle adding to my embarrassment.

"No, I'm fine," I swat his hand away, "Who won?"

"Kook's team," he sighs, "It's not really fair when those three are in sports and the rest of us are mere-mortals."

I smile as I watch the others play in the water. Soo Min and Mi Cha watching the boys compete in surfing now.

"What are the plans after surfing?" Yoongi asks as he lays down with his arms behind his head.

"Eat a quick lunch. Jimin said that he wanted to check out the local arcade. I think he, Jungkook, Taehyung and the girls are going to go do that."

I find myself perk up at the idea of playing games at the arcade. Yoongi yawns, showing little interest in joining us. The life of a college student looks exhausting if anyone based it on the lack of energy he displays.

"What will you guys do?" I ask.

"Jin wants to have a barbeque tonight, so I said I'd go with him to the store. We'll probably chill here and play the games here. We mostly just want to relax," Hobi sighs. He eyes the almost sleeping Yoongi.

Having the plans set, we continue to watch the others playing with Yoongi napping under the shade.

****After Lunch****

Lunch was exactly as Hobi had said it would be: simple and fast. We ate sandwiches with chips to avoid making a huge mess that would require dishes to be cleaned. The boys seemed eager to be done with the food so that we could head to the arcade. Apparently, Soo Min had hyped up the place as the only one familiar with the area. The arcade provided an areas for online gamers, the usual arcade gaming machines, a pool table and many others. It was popular to the locals and tourists alike.

As soon as we finished eating, we loaded into the car and headed that way. Promising to keep Hobi updated on our progress, I bid my brother good bye. All of us took the same seating as when we arrived, placing Taehyung right next to me. We exchanged shy smiles and engaged in small conversation.

"Nari, what were you and Yoongi talking about earlier? You two seemed very interested in the conversation," Soo Min, to my annoyance, teased me.

The others, with the exception of Taehyung, glanced in surprise at me.

"He was asking about my career plans and attending the university," I state matter of factly.

"Really?" she asks in disappointment.

Mi Cha chuckles at her reaction. "Soo, not every man Nari talks to have ulterior motives."

I laugh at Mi Cha's response as it reflects what I think every time Soo Min questions my interaction with a guy. Having the least experience with guys, she made it her own personal mission to see me dating before we graduated. Unfortunate for her, I didn't see the urgency in this. I would date when I felt like it and when the moment presented itself.

"I think Hobi would have a problem with his best friend going after Nari," Jimin added, "Yoongi seems like a good guy."

"What about you, Nari?" Soo Min asked, "What do YOU think of Yoongi?"

"He's kind and showed genuine interest in my future plans," I once again state. Taehyung catches my eye and gently smiles at me in response to my statement. I smile in relief that he wasn't putting to much into what Soo Min was saying.

"We're here!" Jimin broke our exchange.

We entered the arcade and stand in awe at the size of the space. There were several areas to expand into. Once past the check in area, we separated into our own interests. The guys headed upstairs to the online gaming while the girls and I headed to the dancing simulation area. We took turns having two go at a time. I was watching the girls as they danced along to a fast paced song when I felt someone tap my shoulder.

I turned expecting to see one of the guys we came with and froze in my spot when I came face to face with Min Jae. His curious stare quickly changed to one of joy upon realizing that I was who he thought he saw. His presence was not one I thought I'd see. I hadn't responded to his text messages this morning and to be honest, had completely forgotten about. I swore that I wouldn't think too much about what occurred with Min Jae and instead concentrate on having a good time with my friends. Taehyung's presence made it easy to forget about what happened before we left for break.

"Nari, I wasn't expecting to see you here," Min Jae happily exclaims, "Fate must of brought us to the same place."

I felt myself succumbing to that gorgeous smile of his. The smile that made my years of high school barrable and torture the same time. I felt like fate was playing a cruel joke on me. Why would he appear when I needed time to figure out what I wanted. Why would he show up here when another guy confessed without feeling as if he had something to feel ashamed of is just upstairs? What were the chances?

"Soo Min invited a group of us out to her beach house," I same in what seems like a bleak tone.

"Oh?" he glances at the girls who were still focused on the game, "Well, I'm glad I ran into you. I was worried that you were upset since you never replied."

"Why would I be upset?" I edged.

He cleared his throat. It was clear that he expected me to still be thinking about our near kiss and his attempt to make sure no one else witnessed it.

"I'm sorry for acting that way. I won't pretend what I did wasn't a jerk move," he kept his eyes on my face looking for a reaction, "I really mean it. I'm sorry."

"It's fine. I'm fine," I produce a weak smile.

"Min Jae? What a surprise," Mi Cha greets, now done with the game.

Soo Min frowned, clearly not happy to see him. She didn't forgive his actions and her lack of greeting reflected that.

"Um, I'm here with some friends," he says while slightly moving away from me. It was not too obvious to outsiders, but I didn't miss it. "I should probably head that way. We've been here a while and had other plans. I'll see you around."

I watched him scurry away. My mouth forming a straight line in disapproval. 'Still avoiding,' I thought to myself.

"Was that Min Jae?" Jimin suddenly appeared to my right. Taehyung and Jungkook behind him, staring at the fading figure of Min Jae.

"Yeah," I shrug.

"What did he say? He better not be trying his friends with benefits approach!" Jimin huffed.

"He apologized for running off. No mention of that," I reply.

"You can do better, Ri," Jimin says in clear confidence, "There's a guy out there that will love you whole heartedly and will proudly declare it to everyone."

Soo Min nods in agreement. I once again feel that magnetic pull towards Taehyung. He must have felt it too because our eyes hold and he nods to Jimin's declaration. It was as if he was promising that he would do exactly what was stated. Of course, if I accepted his confession.

Jungkook unintentionally interrupted the silent moment by wrapping his arm around my shoulder in a friendly manner.

"It's ok, Nari. We got invited to a beach party. This will be a great chance to meet other guys and forget about that Min Jae guy," he grinned proudly.

"Who invited us?" I asked in shock. We didn't know anyone from this area, so I couldn't believe they got invited to a local beach party.

Jimin grinned mischievously, "Some very nice girls extended the invitation upstairs."

Soo Min huffed, "Random girls? Why would they just suddenly invite you guys?"

"It couldn't be your gaming," I giggle, knowing full well that these girls must have fallen for their charm.

Jungkook giggled, "One of the girls apparently is a regular and was about to argue with Tae for sitting in her seat, but blushed when he stood up."

"Oh?" I grinned at Tae, trying to hide any signs of jealousy. We weren't together and he was free to talk to other girls. It wasn't my place as I set the line of friendship. Why did I feel jealous at the idea of Tae talking to other girls, but felt nothing when I just saw Min Jae?

He didn't miss a step, and smirked at the memory of the blushing girl.

"I was going to let her sit down, but she just sat in the seat next to me. She didn't want to stop talking though so I switched seats with Jimin."

The group laughed at his avoidance of the girl and Jimin falling victim to the chatty gamer. I felt a little relief that he didn't engage in conversation with the girl.

"She said we could bring our other friends, so I figured we had nothing else to do," Jimin smiled broadly.

"I'm in," We all agreed. I wasn't sure what would happen at this beach party and the sudden appearance of Min Jae made for an interesting vacation. The group decided to play for another hour.

"Nari," Taehyung called me, "Would you like to go sit for a drink while they go play laser tag?"

I rose my eyebrow in confusion. I was for sure that he would want to play, but he continued to grin at me. I nodded my head in agreement.

"Hey, we're gonna go grab a drink. We'll be at the booths when you're done," Taehyung told the others. Jimin, Jungkook and Mi Cha, eager to play, gave a fast thumbs up and ran off to the area. Soo Min gave us a knowing look. I smiled at her, hoping she didn't read too much into it, but then Tae grabbed my hand and walked the opposite way. I looked behind me, and groaned when I saw her excited face. 'Great,' I thought.

***Taehyung's POV***

The sight of Min Jae walking off in the distance annoyed me. I know we agreed to be friends and that she wasn't completely opposed to the idea of dating me, but I couldn't help the jealousy that rose up in me. She didn't look thrilled to see him which assisted in eliminating this irritating emotion. If anything, I felt as if she seemed relieved with our arrival. I could only hope that this meant that her interest in him was fading. Perhaps her crush was simply that, and his attitude towards her caused the feelings she did have for him to lessen.

I sat across from her in the booth and couldn't help but feel nervous. We were finally alone. We consistently had someone with us. This was the first time we were completely alone. I wasn't sure what to say.

"Were you not in the mood to play?" she asked in a tone that showed she couldn't believe I preferred being with her.

"I wanted to spend some time with you," I replied, "without the others. At least for a little bit."

I felt my heart become full at the rosy tint on her cheeks. She's beautiful. I definitely do not regret suggesting we part from the group.

"I know you already talked about it today, but I'd like to know what you plan on doing after high school," I offer her the chance to share a little more about herself.

She tells me about her love of writing and I'm impressed at her accomplishments. No only does she write for her school paper, but she will be given a scholarship as a reward for her editorial on the pressures seniors face in deciding on the career path. She showed interest in my career path as well. She genuinely wanted to know what I planned. We were able to find that not only did we share an interest in gaming but listened to the same music and enjoyed reading manga when we weren't swamped with our duties.

We laughed about some of the mischief we go into with our best friends. I loved how our conversation just flowed easily. There was no need to pull for a conversation.

"I'm very comfortable talking to you, Tae," she suddenly said. I watched her face, and didn't see the usual shy blush. She beamed in full acceptance of her statement. "I happy I didn't turn down your offer of friendship."

"I glad you didn't either. We should hang out more often," I suggest, "Perhaps without the others next time?"

She lifts an eyebrow playfully at my question. She grins, "So, like a date?"

"Not like," I grin back, "An actual date."

"How would we explain that to Jimin?"

"I'd tell him honestly that I like you and would like to get to know you better."

"And Hobi?"

"I'd respectfully tell him I want to date his sister and promise to treat her with the respect she deserves."

She smiles at each response. I feel my heart beating faster. 'Is she actually considering accepting me?' I wonder to myself.

"I won't lie, Tae, I am enjoying my time with you. And talking to you is relaxing. Maybe we could treat the beach party as a date?" she nervously bites her lip. I follow that unconscious action.

"Really?" I breathlessly ask.

"We need to tell Hobi and Jimin first. I don't want them to feel like we're sneaking around. And I'd like to avoid explaining anything," she says.

"Explaining what?" I teasingly ask, knowing full well what she means.

Her once confident smile disappears and she shyly blushes that cute shade of red I love seeing.

"Erm...you know," she mumbles.

I reach for one of her hands which were fiddling with each other at the moment. She stares in astonishment at our clasped hands, then meets my eyes.

"Like holding hands?" I add, "I agree that I'd like to avoid explaining why I want to hold your hand and why I'm not letting any other guy flirt with you. It may be one date, but I have every intention in going on more in the future."

She didn't pull her hand away as I expected. Instead her smile stretched into a radiant one. She squeezed my hand as if agreeing. I wasn't looking forward to going to the party. That was something Jimin and Kook wanted to do. Flirting with girls was their thing. I'm all for socializing but I didn't have an interest in talking to girls ever since I met Nari. I actually was trying to think of a way out of the party, but the idea that this would be a date with Nari made it all worth attending. I was ready for my discussion with Jimin and Hobi. I was ready to go to this party. I was ready to make Nari my official girlfriend.