As I move into the back compartment, I immediately see Taehyung. His blue hair is striking, and he looks up at me with a gentle smile that seems warm. Not sure how sincere it is but he holds it as I feel a lovely heat building in my chest. He is amazingly beautiful, and I am certain that he leaves a wasteland of broken heart in his wake. His features are symmetrical, with wide open deep brown eyes, plump pink lips, and golden tanned skin. As he opens up his mouth to talk, I see something small and delicate. I believe it is a tiny tongue piercing. It's sapphire, the same color as this belly piercing. Fuck that's hot.

Yea sits in her seat leaving a space for me across from Tae on the floor. The rear compartment is more spacious than the front. Although it is tight with Mr. Min still on the floor and me, Taehyung and Yeona it is not uncomfortable. The private jet was built with comfort in mind. With only room for 4 passengers there is additional room. It definitely is luxury. Not sure this is what Mr. Choi had in mind when he designed his jets.

"Hello, Jungkook. I'm happy you could join us," Tae says as I focus on his tongue. God, I'd love to taste him. I shake off that thought because that will never happen. I'm grateful that he is tolerating my ass after what I said about him.

Yeona nods and smiles, "Mr. Jeon, welcome to the rear cabin."

"Uh thanks for inviting me." I lower myself to the floor. I can tell Mr. Min has been repositioned.

"Would anyone like a drink or something to eat?" Yeona says as she stands. "I need to go and check on the pilot and give you any new updates."

"I'll have a bottled water," I say.

"Of course, Mr. Jeon."

"Yeona, please call me Jungkook."

"Mr. Jeon that would be against protocol. Sorry but I must call you by your formal name and-,"

"Yeona, we are so far past protocol. " Everyone laughs and for the first time I see Taehyung's gorgeous smile directed at me. It lights up my heart in a way it's never been lit before. Fuck, I could get addicted to that smile. "Also, Yeona, you call Mr. Kim, Tae so you have already disregarded protocol so let's not start following protocol now." I smile at her, and she nods.

"Alright Jungkook, is there anything else I could bring you?"

"I feel like some crunchy and shamefully fatty snack foods! I shout.

Taehyung giggle, "Perfect, I'd like some crunchy shamefully fatty snack food too! I'd like nuts, pretzels, potato chips, crackers and cookies."

I laugh and look over to Taehyung. He is smiling at me in a way that appears to be playful. I like it and immediately feel a small flutter in my belly as I wonder what that is.

"Yes, bring all of that and more. We need enough for Yea and you too," I say as Taehyung rapidly nods letting me know he's with me as Yeona departs. We are partners in crime, and I suddenly feel a connection to him. Quickly, the atmosphere changes to light. I know that I must apologize to Taehyung before I go any further.

"Taehyung." I say as Yeona leaves the cabin. He looks over to me and freezes. He is fully in my gaze which feels like an honor to have his undivided attention if only for few brief moments.

"I-I must apologize for my awful behavior earlier. It was horrendous and I am deeply ashamed for it. I misjudged you, terribly." I divert my eyes to my hands which are clutching onto my knees tightly. "I-I just was-,"

"Jungkook, we both said some awful things to each other, like telling you to kiss the crack of my ass," Taehyung says, and I freeze. Is he going to cuss me out again, which I deserve and will say nothing? What he does not know is that I'd gladly kiss the crack of his ass and more. I bite my lip and look over to him ready to face my punishment. His expression is flat, and I am certain that he is angry and suddenly he burst into laughter as does Yea. My mouth falls open. Slowly I get that he is joking with me. He is the loveliest creature ever when he is laughing and all I desire is to be close to him in any way that he would allow. Right now, in this space I am grateful for his laughter.

There is a lightness and a joy I feel. I smile and feel moved to do something I never done with others. Have a bit of fun. It is risky but I go with my mood without question.

"Yes Taehyung, I did deserve that however I am not sure I deserved to be punched in my dick." I laugh and Tae gasps covering his mouth with his hand as his eyes bulge. Yea tosses her head back and burst into a fit of laughter. Tae cheeks show a ting of soft red.

"Jungkook, no you didn't!" Tae shouts tossing a small neck pillow at me.

"Oh my God! Yea did you see that! Tae I will not be subject to your violence. Yea, please stay and protect me. I'm scared!"

Yea is of no help because she is now bent over in uncontrollable laughter.

"I cannot believe you are saying that Jungkook!" Tae's face couldn't be more beautiful in this moment as he is consumed by laughter.

"Sorry Tae. But since were being honest and I'm apologizing I didn't want to leave out some of our high spots." I sit and marvel at this gorgeous man and allow the joy of the moment to fill me. How rare this is. Others are laughing and I made a joke. I like it. I like it a lot.

"What did I miss?" Yeona says returning with an armful of snacks to a room that is in a frenzy of laughter.

"Jungkook, don't you dare repeat that!" Tae threatens as I raise my hands signaling my surrender and silence on the issue.

"Tae threaten to punch Jungkook in his dick!' Yea shout as she falls back in her chair loudly laughing.

"Yea!" Tae yelp as his eyes again expand in disbelief of his attack that is coming from all directions. "No, no that was earlier when he said my Korean was fucked up!"

"What?" I say innocently as I struggle to hold a serious expression.

"Jungkook! You are shameless!" Tae shouts.

"Oh, that's definitely my friend Tae! Do not upset him or you will suffer his wrath!" Yeona teases as the everyone is hysterical. Tae covers his face with his hands as his body violently vibrates with giggles.

"I'm sorry Tae!" I then grab the small pillow and cover my crotch. "Please don't punch me in the dick."

The laughter and hysterics are out of hand as the pilot enters following Yeona.

"Who was punched in the dick?" He asks and the room erupts again.

It is too funny. My eyes water and I have no memory in my adult life of this feeling. This incredible closeness to others. I cannot resist watching Tae. This beautiful man is strong yet vulnerable. I sigh and feel a peace and contentment move through my body. I am in a full state of relaxation. No concerns about business, deals, calls to make or money. Is this a new me? Fun, joy, and laughter? I hope so.

"Oh my God, Song would love all of you." Yea says as she reaches for a tissue and wipes her running eyes.

After a few moments all that can be heard is breathing and soft chuckles. I look across and meet Tae's eyes. There's a softness as he slowly nods his head as if he is deciding something about me. I hope that it is good.

"Good afternoon, everyone. First, how is Mr. Min doing?" The pilot looks over to Yea and Tae.

"He is stable, and all of his vital signs continue to improve hour by hour. His prognosis is good, but he needs medical care," Taehyung explains.

"Thank you, Mr. Kim. When Mr. Choi told me you would be traveling with us, I was happy to hear that. It is always a pleasure." The captain shares as Tae softly smiles and nods in acknowledgement of his polite statement. I watch and listen with curiosity. Although I was terribly wrong about who he was I am still curious as to his relationship with Mr. Choi. However, it is not my business, and I will respect his privacy.

"Everyone I want to give you the latest update." The captain says pressing his lips together as if he has something difficult to share. "We are on schedule to land in one hour. The airlift helicopter will be waiting once we are on the ground. They will take Mr. and Mrs. Min to the trauma center. It is a 15-minute flight from the airstrip. Yeona, will accompany Mr. and Mrs. Min as it is company policy. Once they are airlifted it was our plan to resume our flight to LA, as I had said earlier. Unfortunately, that will not be possible.

Tae sits up straight and I can tell he is disappointed. I see it in his eyes. The joy that was there has diminished. He swallows and then nods waiting to hear the rest. I am of course concerned, however since the incident with Mr. Min I have not thought of my business once. For some reason it is no longer important or urgent. Business drove my life and now it's vague and distant. I'm not sure what this means but it is a change, and I am not yet sure if it is a good change. All I know is that whatever has shifted in me ishuge. What I want is to be connected to other humans and very much to one human in particular. I now realize that connection and relationship is what is needed to feel my empty cold spaces. When I am with these new acquaintances the hollowness disappears.

"There is a severe winter storm coming in faster than expected." The pilot shares. "By detouring to Alaska our new flight plan puts us right in collision with this winter storm. Heavy snow and high winds are expected. It will be blizzard like conditions. I am sorry to tell you this, but we will be grounded in Snowy Mountain, Alaska. I don't think we will be able to fly to Los Angeles for 2-3 days. That is when the weather should clear. And then I am not certain. The weather is quite unpredictable. I know that many of you were hoping to be in LA for Christmas and on the behave of Choi Airlines we offer you, our apologies."

I look over to Tae and for the first time I see a sadness in his eyes. He swallows and looks up. He nods and then a smile sweeps across his handsome face. It's as if he processed the information and accepted it. He optimistic. It's a nice quality that I don't have.

"Are there any questions I can answer?'

"Are there accommodations and what is Snowy Mountain, Alaska?" Taehyung asks.

"Of course, I'm so sorry. I forgot that part. Snowy Mountain is an amazing little tourist town that comes alive at Christmas. It is quite beautiful, all year long but it's special this time of year. Of course, this is an incredible time to be there. There are several hotels and an amazing ski lodge. You ski Mr. Jeon?" He asks catching me off guard. "What? Ski? Uh no, I don't." He has that same silly grin that he had when I spoke to him earlier. I don't find him irritating but interesting. He's simply a nice guy.

"That's too bad. I like to hit the slopes from time to time myself. It's exhilarating?"

"Yes, it is, Jae-li. However, you were telling us about the accommodations." Tae says with a bright smile as he addresses the pilot to refocus him as Yeona and Yea softly chuckles. I watch and marvel in their interaction. They joke and share with each other. Through glances. It's like a subtle play, I think. Relationships are alien to me. I feel awkward because I do not have these skills. I have had no need for relationships, and I am quickly seeing how wrong I have been.

"Hahaha! Thank you, Taehyung. My husband always says I have the gift of gab. Anyway, you and Jungkook have been booked at the Snowy Mountain Ski Lodge." He says looking at me and Tae. "It's all 5-star quality. If you have to be stranded anyplace for Christmas, there is no better place. There are several amazing restaurants with world class cuisine. It is not home for the holidays, but you will be very comfortable. Our airline is working out all the details. Are there any more questions?" The pilot asks and the group is quiet.

I notice an excitement flowing through my veins. 2-3 days with Taehyung. It was at that moment that I decided to do whatever I could to show him that I was truly sorry. I'm a very driven man and always finds a way to get what I want in business, but this is different. This was personal. I have no expectations for him to care for me. I don't deserve him, and I could never make a man like Taehyung happy. I'm great at business but suck with human relationships. I just want him to know I am truly sorry. That's all I want, I think.

As the pilot departs Yeona slowly sits down.

"Okay, pass me one of those fuckin snacks."

Yeona chuckles as Tae softly smiles and I see a bit of sadness in his eyes. He apparently was trying to get home to his family. They are very important to him. It must be very nice to have people waiting and happy to see you. I wouldn't know what that's like I just think it must be nice. It has been a very long time since I have enjoyed Christmas. Maybe in the time I have with him I could make his Christmas better. I'm not sure how but I will do whatever I can to keep the light in his eyes and his beautiful smile on his face. His happiness is now my mission.

As I open a bag of honey cashews, Yea starts to talk.

"I'm so sorry that all your holiday plans have been interrupted. I want you to know again how grateful I am, and I know Song would be for your unselfish acts of kindness. I would not have my Song if it were not for you three Christmas angels. Yeona, I know you want to be home with your daughter. Tae your family is waiting, and it's been almost two years. Jungkook, I know that what you are headed to in LA for is very important to you. I wish this was different-,"

"As far as my daughter is concerned, "Yeona says, she will be fine. She is used to me having changes in my schedule. She is incredibly mature for 17 years of age and has lots of friends that she will be happy to spend Christmas with. She is fine and I'm fine. I'm here for you and Song." Speaking of my daughter I'm going to prepare a message for her and get ready for our landing," Yeona smile as she rises. Yea quickly stands and gives her a tight embrace before she leaves the cabin.

"Yea", Taehyung says as he smiles gently reaching up and taking her hand. You and Song are a gift in my life. Please do not apologize. I'm very grateful to have this time with you both. Though I will miss seeing my family on Christmas day they will understand. They are proud of me and what I do. They will smile big when I tell them about how I was able to assist you and Song. It is my honor to be of service. I look forward to many years to come with my family. I will get home soon and that is what's important. Anyway, I'm a little excited about Snowy Mountain. With that he laughs, squeezes Yea's hand and the joy returns to his eyes.

I clear my throat and start to honestly share.

"Yea you don't need to thank me. Something happened for me when I helped Taehyung, and Yeona with Mr. Min. Something has shifted for me and I'm not sure what it is. I just feel lighter and have a new excitement. Suddenly I'm this idiot that can't stop telling others about my feelings." I chuckle as I notice a single tear move down Yea's cheek and hear Taehyung clear his throat.

"Jungkook pass me some of those cashews before you eat the entire bag!" Taehyung says with a smile that disintegrates my insides.

"Okay, but I want some of those vanilla cookies you're hoarding over there!" Tae pouts as we barter jokingly as we are becoming acquainted.

I look at Yea and I'm in awe of her strength and commitment to her husband. Forty years together. That is completely unimaginable to me. I could barely spend 40 minutes alone with someone unless we were having sex. That was a physical connection only. Lust. What more could I want? I thought I had it all, money, success, respect, and power. Love and marriage are overrated, and things found in fairytales. Or so I believed. Much like that silly Jolly something Christmas movie Taehyung was watching. I chuckle a bit as I think of his laughter. I then feel moved to share with Yea about her concern.

"Yea I think Mr. Min took a risk for something important and vital to his life." I speak.

"What do you mean Jungkook?"

"Sometimes we take the risk, so we don't have to live with the consequences of missing something remarkable. The birth of your first grandchild is remarkable. We don't know with certainty how or if others will be affected. I would have taken the risk," I say as I notice Yea and Taehyung are fixed on me. Yea has a soft smile and Taehyung eyes are a bit wider and his mouth is slightly parted as if he is somewhat surprised by what I've said.

I suddenly become awkward and glance down at my hands that are folded in my lap.

"I agree with Jungkook. I'm happy Song took the risk and I believe he will see his grandchild," Taehyung says, and I look over at him and find comfort in his eyes.

"Are you a risk take Taehyung?" I spontaneously probe out of curiosity to my own shock. The question just came, and I gave voice to it. It was without thought and without filtering. Fuck, I filter everything before I speak. I don't get into other's personal shit because I don't care, or do I. I am intrigued by him. But why?

His eyes focus on me as I notice a small uplift on the corners of his lips. I believed he is amused. I feel a tingling sensation in my stomach. I believe they are called butterflies. Where did they come from and why have they shown up?