💜

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He stood in front of the mirror adjusting the waistband of the black form fitting tights his stylist had chosen for their performance. It wasn't something he was used to and far from anything he or his GOT7 members would have ever worn.

His only saving grace was the large black button down shirt he wore, with arms that flared out at his wrists almost covering his fingers. The silky fabric was long and hung midway down his thighs covering both his crotch and bottom.

He didn't want to frighten her if he wasn't given something to cover himself and was pleased with the relief the long shirt provided.

Eyes moving to glance at Lisa through the mirror as she sat next to him, he was relieved that she hadn't noticed his own silent condemnation of his tights. He knew the stage lighting would be alot dimmer than normal adding to the ambience of the dance so it wasn't too big an issue.

Her makeup and hair stylists fluffed around her, tucking a stray lock of hair back into order and the subtle swipes of a small lip brush staining her lips a deep red wine colour.

She had him completely mesmerised the way she was able to listen to music through her ear pods while a team of women tended to her, she was unflustered.

Lisa was oblivious to the commotion currently onstage. Outside the four walls of their dressing room and the ear pods firmly sitting in her ears, she couldn't hear the way the screams elevated in certain parts of their duet, particularly when it was him singing, and it made him feel uneasy.

There was an inner battle in his head, where common sense was urging him to tell her about the two people onstage. The very two people who were the cause of all the pain and suffering she had experienced.

It was because of them that she had damn near turned into herself, threatening to shut out people who cared about her, like him. He unintentionally hissed at the memory of it and the sound caught the attention of the team around her as surprised eyes turned and pointedly glared at him.

At the very least he wanted to warn her or prepare her in case she saw Jungkook before their performance. However, he had come to know and understand Lisa well enough to know that if she found out he was there with HER and worse, they were singing together, it could very well shake her to her core and affect her dancing.

JB took another glance at Lisa, and remembered a conversation they'd had after rehearsal a few days earlier. It was still a kick in the guts for his memory banks and heart as her words remained for a long time in his head as his heart tried to process what Lisa had said.

"Oppa....I still love Jungkook and I don't think I will ever stop loving him." she said with an absolute conviction.

"I fell so hard for him. I didn't fall fast, but he chipped away at me for so long, and eventually I saw him, and my heart...." her pause spoke volumes to his already bruised heart.

He knew it was coming.

"....my heart wanted more of him."she finished. Her long DARK lashes turned down as a tiny sad smile appeared in the corner of her lips.

"I knew IU sunbae was his ideal, I knew he talked about her alot, but that didn't bother me in the beginning." her voice dropped to a whisper before she continued.

She lifted her eyes and looked at him with a mixture of sadness and hope.

"I don't think I can love anyone in the way that I love Jungkook..."

And there it was.

"I don't know when or if I can forgive him....."

JB was almost positive he heard the shattering of his heart.

"But I know I love him...." he watched her eyes begin to pool.

As much as her words continued to tear away at his heart, he could see and feel the certain conviction in her voice, and he saw what he'd known all along.

Lisa had found her life long love, and she still loved him. If he was being honest with himself, JB knew his time with Lisa was limited because the tiny voice in the back of his head never failed to remind him that Lisa was Jungkooks, as much as Jungkook belonged to Lisa.

".... and you oppa....you and my eonnies saved me and helped me to hold onto the thin thread of sanity that I had. Even that hyperactive blonde headed beanpole with sticks for legs Bam, and I can never repay you all."

Lisa turned to him and took a hold of his large manly hands that completely dwarfed her own, and he watched her as she looked to be contemplating her next words, and he sighed in a way that signalled defeat.

"It's ok Lisa, you don't have to say anything. I understand."

JB didn't think he would be able to sit through anything she was about to say, he'd had enough experience and heartache to know what usually came next, so he'd decided to beat her to it.

Not just to save her the embarrassment of having to do it, but to also save himself, and his heart.

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As they waited for the signal to enter the stage JB could feel tight knots curling into the pit of his stomach as he took a glance at Lisa. She looked beautiful and ethereal in the softness of the downturned stage lights.

The warm glow casting a soft light above her head, her blonde hair taking on a halo effect and JB felt his stomach drop further as he felt Lisa's small hand take his, her fingers threading through his before turning and smiling at him, her plump lips dark, red and inviting.

Shaking his head he chuckles as Lisa lets go of his hand to move in front of him before placing the blindfold into his upturned palm.

Turning her back once again JB takes a step forward and swallows a gulp as the strawberry fragrance of her shampoo invades his nose.

Her long blonde hair is full and fluffy as he lifts a hand to smooth down the silky strands, his heart racing at the skin exposed at the base of her neck as he pulls back stray strands of soft locks to her back.

The world falls away as he lifts his arms to carefully place the fabric over Lisas eyes, taking great care to not bother her lashes that may irritate her eyes during their performance.

He could hear the slight quickness of her breath, an attempt to calming her nerves. He is certain and he wants nothing more than to sooth her anxiety, to reassure her that all will be just fine and to just let go.

So he does the only thing he will allow himself to do, because JB knew without a doubt that he only wanted Lisa to enjoy this moment because it was going to be the only time he was going to ever hold her in his arms again.

This would be the only opportunity he would ever have to be with her in an unhinged and untamed manner where no one could say anything other than speak of their performance and he was going to savour it for weeks and months and possibly years to to come.

He had secured the ties comfortably making sure no strands of hair were tangled in the fabric and inhaling a quiet breath and praying that the loud thumping of his heart could only be heard by him alone.

He moved Lisas hair aside and moved his face as close as he could without making her uncomfortable, his lips within millimeters of her ear he whispered to her.

"Are you ok?" his eyes slowly shut close when he felt her slightly jump with surprise, but she didn't move away from him. He found himself straining against his own self will to not reach out and wrap his arms around her tiny frame, his senses were becoming frail at an alarming rate but he was powerless to move.

The knots in his stomach churning with regret knowing their time together would be greatly limited by the end of the night.

"Yes oppa." his closed eyes fluttered open as she whispered to him, her words making him want to place a soft kiss against her clear smooth cheeks but he knew better and he didn't want to ruin what could turn out to be one the closest friendships he's ever had despite him wanting more.

If anything, he respected Lisa and placed her with only a handful of others that he highly respected.

"I guess it's showtime." He attempted a small smile as she turned around and he was relieved that she couldn't see him and the state he was in.

Even more grateful that she couldn't see his eyes because he was certain Lisa would see his true feelings if she wasn't blindfolded. She couldn't see his eyes glaze over, his emotions gone unseen and unheard.

He found it ironic that the one time he holds everything he feels about her in his eyes right before her, and she can't even see it.

If he was being honest with himself, he knew it would turn out this way, that her destiny was with someone else and he was just her bus stop, a temporary layover until she moved on from him, and he couldn't be mad at fate for that.

With a sad little smile carved into the side of his lips he spoke again. He would make this a memorable night not just for Lisa's sake, but for him as well, he had to.

"Trust me Lisa, that's all you have to do."

He looked down and watched her warm soft hand take a hold of his with a small squeeze before letting go as she stepped back to take her place and standing in position.

JB took his position infront of Lisa, pulled back his shoulders and stood in pose taking deep breaths as he closed his eyes, mentally counting down until the announcement was heard and he slowly opened his eyes to see Lisa before him.

Before him stood a beautiful young woman who looked lonely, vulnerable and lost. Her small shoulders belied the true strength of a young woman who bore the weight of a great love and the loss of that great love.

A woman who deserved to be held and cherished, a woman who put the needs of others ahead of her own until she herself needed that same strength when she had fallen.

Lisa was a beautiful young woman who was ripe for loving and he wished with all the stars in the universe that he was the one who could give her that love, for the rest of their lives.

JB knew that he couldn't give her the love that she deserved, that the one man who owned her heart and the love that she needed and desired was with another woman, and tonight, he was going to show the other man exactly why he should never let her cry, never let her doubt herself or the love that she has for him.

To show him that given the chance, he would be the one responsible to take Lisa away from him and keep her forever.

If she let him.

But that was not to be and it will take a long time to get over a woman like Lisa, but for now he will make it a memorable night for her, as much as he possibly can.

"Ladies and gentlemen, we are pleased to announce that we have a surprise secret performance for you all tonight."

The voice over continued.

"Please welcome a surprise dance performance by JB of Got7 and Lisa of Blackpink."

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JB saw Lisa tremble as the curtains were opened to reveal them and he wished he could reach out or say something to reassure her that he was right there with her, that he wasn't going anywhere but to her.

However upon hearing the cheers of the audience bounce off the walls of the stadium he could see an invisible strength in her pose and that gave him hope, he knew she would be ok.

The brightness of the lights and flashes of cameras were blinding and he wished that Lisa could see how much support they had but he didn't want to move his eyes away from her lone form before him.

He didn't care that out there somewhere in the drowning of bright flashes and cheers, another young man would be watching the love that he tossed for another woman dance with him and he revelled in the thought.

That tonight, Lisa was going to place all her trust in him and not Jungkook.

The madness of cheering quietened down as the melodic tones of Wild Flower began.

It was showtime.

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He could feel the humming of her body.

He could see the vulnerability in her movements.

He could feel the seeking of another in her outstretched arms.

He could feel the sadness in her lips when he saw them quiver.

He could hear the deep embedded sadness in her soul when she weaved through his arms and her breath hitched with the music. He knew she was thinking about Jungkook.

He watched with great sadness at the wet patches appearing on the fabric and he knew for certain that all Lisa could see and ever would see was Jungkook.

It was written in every movement of her body and with every wisp of fabric that twirled around her that seemingly appeared to whisper Jungkooks name.

JB tried his best to hold his composure at the sight before him.

The music was reaching its crescendo as she stood still, her small fists balled and tearing at the fabric as she pulled her hands down her chest, almost wanting to tear out the pain that she had to bear for so long.

Lisa was truly magnificent.

The fabric of her dress wrapping her in a cocoon of some sort but one unable to contain her as she moved and turned conveying her emotions into movements to an audience struck silent by the powerful display before them, mesmerised at her ability to draw out such overwhelming feelings of sadness.

Taking the lead JB throws himself in front of her, taking her balled fists into his and holding them to his chest, speaking with actions instead of words that she could trust him, and secretly wishing she knew it wasn't just about the dance.

He saw the dark wet patches over her eyes and he willed her strength from his own to continue and to show to the world that she was THE Lisa Manoban and that she was unbeatable, no matter what life threw at her.

With that thought he moved away and positioned himself like they had many times over during practise. He stood at the other end of the stage and waited for the music to reach its peak, waiting for the sign.

Then it came.

He watched mesmerised as Lisa ran towards him, her arms outstretched to him, for him, trusting him.

Lisa hurled herself into his arms and JB swiftly caught her by the waist, drawing her near and holding her in a strong safe hold, plastering her body to his and moulding them as one as he ran a hand down her right leg wrapping it slowly around his waist.

The butterflies in his stomach were just as strong now as the many times they had practised, and if he were to hold her a thousand more times after tonight, it would still be the same; the uncontrollable fluttering of butterflies and his heart.

JB took delight that her head was resting against his, as he took the lead and turned them in circles as Lisa wrapped her arm around his shoulders, their breaths mingling and right at that moment JB died a little on the inside.

This was going to be the closest to a kiss with Lisa that he would ever get, and the knowledge broke his already weak heart.

Just as quick as it had started the music had ended and both JB and Lisa stood with arms still wrapped around each other in an ending pose that hinted at a reconciliation.

There wasn't a hint of noise, not a clap or whisper as they stood still, clasped in each other until they moved apart.

JB could feel the doubt rolling off Lisa as she pulled down the moist fabric from her eyes, leaving it hanging from under her chin as both her eyes and JB's looked out blindly where the seats were.

They looked at each other then back towards the crowd, unsure if they had gone too far with their performance. He pitied her as she ran her hands down the front of her dress, her beautiful lips caught between her teeth.

It started off with a small slow clap off in the distance, followed by several more and within minutes the entire venue was filled with cheers, whistles and the wild roar of clapping as fans and idols alike all scrambled to stand at ovation.

They turned to each other again and held hands as they bowed several times more to the delight of their fans and idol friends.

JB stood next to Lisa feeling elated that he was able to help her enjoy herself and make the performance a memorable one for her as well as himself.

He smiled out to his members who were yelling and clapping as hard and fast as they could, grateful for the bunch of craziness that were his members.

His eyes weren't blind to not see Yoongi smile at Lisa as they gathered belongings from a vacant table, but he didn't pay much attention to the fact that JK wasn't anywhere in sight.

He hoped that the younger man had seen the lifetime potential that Lisa offered and he hoped that the JK was wise enough to wake up and claim Lisa or else he would gladly step up to the plate and make her his.

As they exited the stage Lisa turned and quickly spoke before walking quickly in the direction that Yoongi had left, her words leaving a trail of sadness behind her and JB sighed heavily before walking towards his members, their eyes telling him they understood and would not push him to talk until he was ready.

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Yoongi wasn't the type to let his emotions override the common sense that he was proud of.

The common sense that had saved his hide on many occasions when anything became a little troublesome, but with JK and his favourite Munchkin at odds with each other, he was fast losing his teether.

He sat outside the young man's room listening for any sound of movement to reassure himself that he was ok, but all he could hear were the muffled sniffles followed by periods of silence before the sniffling repeated.

If only the two youngsters would just shut up and get over their pain of losing each other they would soon realise that they didn't have to be hurting so much for so long if they'd just sit and talk it out.

It was what that had always done whenever the members had any pressing differences, the boys talked it out and made up later.

He wondered why love couldn't be like that; simple and uncomplicated, but he also knew that without pain and loss one cannot experience the growth needed to mature as a person in love and life.

It was painful enough witnessing Jungkook attempt to hold himself back from rushing onto the stage and tear JB's arms clear off his body with his bare hands, but it was worse when they had to hold him back.

Jungkook may be the youngest but he was as strong as an Ox and when in a blind jealous rage, he doubted any of them would have had any luck holding him back.

He was thankful that JK didn't play it out and behaved himself as best as he could, although the way in which his jaw ticked every time JB touched Lisa gave it away, even with IU next to him.

The truth is Yoongi and Namjoon spent the better part of Lisas performance watching JK for any sign of him breaking away to rush the stage.