Jungkook

As I rise, I bite down on my lower lip and then do my best to show a smile to Tae. Suga's comments were thinly veiled harsh judgments. I don't want to make judgments about him without knowing him better, but I think, he's an asshole.

I then think I should give him the benefit of doubt. He doesn't know me and what he does know is based on my celebrity image, not me. The truth is that Tae and I have known each other for only three weeks now.

This is a whirl-wind romance for us so it's definite to be impactful for others. I think about Namjoon's response as well. If Tae and I could have slowed it down, we would have.

When he puts his arms around me, I just feel so safe and completely his. And that kiss was sizzling hot, as all our kisses are. And that Tannie is too cute. I do miss having a little dog around like I did when I was growing up.

I can't wait for more with Tae later. I was happy to tell him about the meal because I know he will not judge me. It helps that he loves Chef Ramon's cooking, as much as Jimin and I do.

As I enter the kitchen there is tapping at the back door. I accept the delivery and Jimin helps me place the hot containers in the oven.

The tiramisu looks fabulous as I place it in the refrigerator. I then turn around and hug Jimin.

"Jimin thank you! I cannot thank you enough for helping me. Now that Tae is here, I feel much better. I don't know why I was so nervous. Once I saw Tae and petted Tannie I felt a calm come over me. I know this is your Sunday and I appreciate you sharing it with Tae and his brother. So, thank you so much. You can leave and I'll be okay. I'll call you tomorrow," I say as Jimin stands there smiling at me.

"Uh no Kookie, I think I'll, uh, stay. It's nice to see Taehyung again and at my place, I'll just be alone. Besides, I can't pass on a Chef Ramon meal," Jimin says as he shifts his eyes as if he's uneasy and starts fidgeting with the serving utensils. I know this look all too well. He is trying to hide something.

"Why are you all passive and anxious suddenly? Jimin, tell me what's going on," I demand leaning into the counter and crossing my arms across my chest giving the message that I'm not going anywhere until he tells me what the hell is up with him.

"Kookie, Tae's brother is hot! He really is cute, too," he says followed by a bit of a yelp. I pull my head back and furrow my eyes with a small gasp.

"What? Him? Really?"

"What does that mean, Kookie? You were the one worried about judgment and it sounds like you are the one who's doing the judging," he says as I sigh and nod in agreement.

"I-I just had not really looked at him. He doesn't have much of a filter. Well, neither do you. But didn't you think he was a bit rude?" I say biting down on my lower lip desperately wanting Jimin to agree with my version of what I saw.

"What? He was being funny. He has a dry sense of humor. I didn't think he was rude at all. If I thought, he was being rude I wouldn't stand for it. You know that Kookie," he says with a comforting smile.

Jimin's right. I likely was being over-sensitive. Jimin is a crusader when it comes to standing up against abuse and bad behavior. I'll keep an open mind, just relax and enjoy the evening. Anyway, once it ends, I hope to spend some time kissing Tae.

"Okay then, please stay. You can help me with the conversation," I say heading back to the living area.

I walk into the room; Tae stands and smiles at me. My tummy flutters seeing his handsome face and his big boxy grin. I sit and down comes his arm around me again. God, he makes me feel special as I softly sigh, lean in and nestle into him.

The conversation goes wonderful with Suga responding to Jimin's conversations and questions on various topics. I watch Jimin and pick up on a few flirtation techniques. My god he is so smooth and such a natural from the way he laughs, his body language, and subtle touches as he takes Suga's beer bottle and brings him another one.

Tae is amazing to watch as he interacts in a group. He certainly can hold the room. I'm a bit laid back just watching and commenting when needed.

I'm good at observing ad watching details while following the conversation closely. I relax and just enjoying being in Tae's arms. Tannie has found his way onto my lap again and petting his soft fur is terribly soothing.

I get lost in fantasying about spending evenings just like this on the couch with Tae and Tannie. It would be a slice of heaven. I am content.

As we all talk, enjoy more wine and beer, I feel Tae's hand move down my back and I love it. I'm actually purring like a kitten. What is this man doing to me? The sensation is warm and stimulating in a loving yet mildly sexual way. God, I want this man.

Jimin and I go into the kitchen to plate the food for serving. Jimin is giddy and excited in a way I have not seen before. I think he's into Suga.

Suga is not like the men he usually dates. Suga is handsome alright, like the men he usually dates. But Suga is quick and opinionated. He's not afraid to disagree or debate an issue.

Most of the men Jimin dates follow him like pathetic puppies. Is Jimin playing with him hoping to see if he can dominate him? I hope his motives are pure.

"So, you like Suga," I say as I toss the salad while Jimin slices the warm garlic bread and organizes it on a decorative serving platter that belonged to our mother.

"Yes, Kookie, I do," he says as I examine him closely,

"What do you like about him Jimin?" I say as he pours the warm marinara and alfredo sauce into serving bowls. He looks at me and then stops.

"Kookie, is my liking him causing you concern?" He says as I look down at the large bowl in front of me and continue tossing the salad.

"No, it's just that he's not your usual type. You both seem to be alike in similar ways."

"And how is that, Kookie?" He says with a hint of defensiveness in his tone.

"You both are opinionated and enjoy debating," I say looking at him directly as I deliver my truth.

"What is the problem with that? I don't know, there is just something about him. I'm really not sure. I just want to get to know him. Who knows?"

"Okay Jimin," I say as we go out and place the salad, dressing, and garlic bread on the table in the dining room.

I call Tae as he and Suga take a seat. Suga stands by the entryway as Tae pulls out my chair.

"Suga you can sit anywhere," I say as he appears hesitant.

"Well, I'm just waiting to see where Tae is sitting because last time, I tried to take a seat I was practically mowed over." Suga remarks drily. Tae sits next to me and Suga comes into the room and sits next to Jimin.

I look over at Tae who has a soft blush across his cheeks as I smile. We have a more friendly and funny conversation over the delicious pasta meal that Chef Ramon prepared for us.

"Oh God, this is amazing," Suga says.

Tae takes a bite and rolls back his eyes. "Chef Ramon definitely never disappoints," Tae says and chuckles.

After several minutes later Suga asks a question. "Can I ask you a question, just for my own curiosity?"

Suga goes on to say, "I hope you don't take offense."

I smile and nod. Hopefully, now that we've all had a few laughs this will go well. I notice Tae put down his utensil and sits at attention as he watches Suga.

"Why do you have so much space? Like this dining room table seats ten," he says as I feel a slight heat on the back of my neck.

"Well, actually it seats 12 but two chairs are missing," I say as he slowly nods as if my answer was sufficient.

"It's okay Suga," I say feeling a need to further explain. "As part of my job I entertain and give parties from time to time," I report as Tae looks over and gently smiles at me.

"Really?" Suga says, how often?

"Suga, why is that important?" Tae demands pressing his back into his chair and appearing as if he's going to spring into action at any moment.

"No, it's okay Tae," I say attempting to move past my discomfort. "This year I've had two parties."

"So do you ever use this space when you're not entertaining?"

"No, it's too big and I eat in the kitchen or on the couch in front of my television," I say with a chuckle.

Jimin has a soft smile as he eats his pasta. Tae is no longer eating but looking at Suga biting down on his lip. I start to feel discomfort in my belly and the slow build-up of annoyance.

"This is a beautiful place. A bit too colorful for my taste, but still nice. How many bathrooms do you have? About three?" He asks as his eyes search the room.

"No there are four," I say as my toe starts to rapidly tap on the floor. "The guest bathroom and each bedroom have an attached bathroom," I state as I start to feel like I am opening myself up for an attack.

"Suga, this is not your home and you're making Kookie feel uncomfortable with your probing questions. It's rude," Tae says as he furrows his eyes looking directly at Suga.

"Sorry, I was just curious. I just don't get why you need 4 bathrooms when there's only one person."

I smile and don't respond to his rude comment. This dude is completely without a filter. He clearly doesn't like me. Fuck him, I think. I'm irritated yet seeing Tae defend me is comforting. I move on to something else.

"Chef Ramon makes the best tiramisu I've ever tasted, and I've tasted a lot and his is the best," I say with a forced smile. I then notice that Jimin is no longer smiling. He sits quietly watching and thinking.

Tae smiles softly yet I can still see his frustration with his brother as his jaw trembles a bit from clenching it tightly. He and Jimin nod to my statement about the tiramisu. Neither comments. This causes me to think that they are both holding back in some way. The room is awkwardly quiet for nearly the longest minute ever.

"Don't you think it's wasteful to have all of this space? Four bathrooms, a 12-chair dining room, and more bedrooms than you can sleep in?" Suga says as he shoves the last fork full of his pasta into his mouth. My mouth drops open as I can physically feel the heat radiating off Tae.

"Suga, that's enough!" Tae says as his fork drops to his plate with a clang, and I jump. Jimin looks up and sits back in his chair. His body is still however, his eyes go back and forth between me and Suga.

"I'm not trying to offend. I was just making an observation! I was just curious, that's all!" Suga says audaciously as if he is entitled to an answer all because he is curious. I bite my lip and feel a rage building from my core. I open my mouth to confront him. However, before I can answer Jimin speaks.

"What is the conclusion of your observations?" He says in a controlled voice as he leans forward and locks in on Suga. Oh fuck, Jimin is upset.

This is him before he pounces. It will not be pretty for Suga if Jimin gets up to his full speed. However, I chuckle to myself because this is what that rude bitch deserves.

"Just that having all this extra space is wasteful and foolish."

"Suga! Stop it!" Tae yells.

I pat Tae's hand, "No Tae, let Suga express himself fully," I say as I see Jimin's eyes narrow and his hand close into a fist. Who knows, maybe Jimin will slap the shit out of his rude ass. Tae looks over at me and raises a questioning eyebrow and then nods.

"So, why is it your business how my brother spends his money and where he lives?" Jimin says dryly as his hand that is on the table repeatedly opens and closes.

"It's not but I was–"

"Oh, I know what you were doing under the guise of your observation. You were sitting in judgment of him and me!"

"N-No, that's not what I was doing, Jimin."

"Let me ask you something? I live alone, own a three-bedroom house in the city, and have two vehicles. Am I dumb as well!?"

"I-I did not say anyone was dumb!" Suga says as he presses back into his chair hard.

"Oh, you most certainly did. You used the word foolish which was used to say he was dumb or stupid!" Jimin spits.

"Well, I don't know why you would need a second car," Suga says as Tae and I look on. I think Tae realizes that Jimin can handle his brother.

"You're one judgmental, rude son-of-a-bitch!" Jimin yells.

"Suga, you owe Kookie and Jimin an apology, now!" Tae storms as I sit folding my arms over my chest keeping score. Jimin one and Suga zero.

"Sorry, it was not my intention to offend. I apologize to you both," Suga says as he looks down at his empty plate. He looks particularly pathetic. That dude needs to seriously work on his delivery. He was rude but he is like oblivious.

"I accept your apology, Suga," I say as I look over to Tae and softly smile. I can see from the flush on his cheeks that he is still fuming angry. Jimin looks down at his pasta and takes a few bites, before looking up at me and smiles.

"How about dessert? I have Chef Ramon's signature Tiramisu," I say as I slowly stand.

"Oh, uh that sounds great," Suga says as Jimin and Tae nod.

Tannie who was sleeping in the living area comes into the dining room and goes over to Tae.

"Down Tannie," Tae says, and he lays at his feet.

The room is silent as I head to the kitchen to retrieve the dessert and remember something.

After I get the dessert, I grab the treat I got for Tannie.

"Tannie," I call as he comes running. I give him his gourmet doggy bone. He brings it into the dining room as I place the dessert on the table.

Suga looks down and immediately jumps up and takes it from Tannie as he whimpers. Tae looks up.

"Are you trying to kill him! He can't eat this gourmet shit!" Suga sneered.

I'm immediately stunned as Tae looks up and I just freeze in place with one hand on my chair.

"Your boyfriend gave Tannie, this!" He drops the bone on the table as I continue to stand, and my cheeks heat up with embarrassment. I am speechless.

Tae takes my hand. "Kookie, he has a sensitive stomach, and those treats are full of preservatives. They are harmful to him. It's okay, you didn't know," he says with compassion in his voice,

"Yeah, you should know better! I thought you had a dog!"

"Suga!" Tae yells.

"Don't you fuckin talk to my brother like that you rude piece of shit!" Jimin says as he stands and looks down at Suga.

"How should he have known?" Jimin yells as he hits the back of his chair with his clenched fist.

"Well, he should have asked!" Suga says.

"How about you should have said something, you dick!" Jimin screams.

"You know you're one to be calling me rude. In the last 10 minutes, I've been called a son-of-a-bitch and a dick!"

"Don't forget a piece of shit. All of which you deserve! You are a fucking asshole!"

My head is spinning as I ease into my chair and feel the heavy weight of disappointment. What a mess this evening has been.

"Suga, it's time for you to leave!" Tae says as he stands, and I sink into my seat as my shoulders drop. What a failure this has been.

"Good, get the fuck out, Douche bag!" Jimin spits as Suga rolls his eyes.

"What!? I'll take my Tiramisus to go then."

"Over my dead body bitch!" Jimin yells.

"Well, that was some dinner!" Suga then reaches for a precut slice of dessert that I have plated.

"I will fuckin stab you with my fork if you pick up that plate!" Jimin, shouts as Suga slowly retracts his hand. Yes, Jimin is fully on, thanks to Suga. He is in complete crusader mode and Suga has visibly fallen off the pedestal that he had earlier placed him on.

"Jimin, please!" I shout.

"Not only do I get cussed out, denied dessert, but now violence is being threatened. Oh, you're something else Jimin!" Suga says defensively.

"You have no idea, bitch!"

"Jimin, please!" I shout again.

"I'm sorry Kookie, but I'll not allow this asshole to come into your home after you've extended your hospitality and have him treat you like this."

I then hear a ding as Tae lifts his phone. While all of this was going on, in the last 60 seconds, Tae was making arrangements for Suga's departure.

"Suga, your Uber will meet you downstairs in 10 minutes. Tannie will stay with me. Please leave and I will speak with you later," Tae says firmly and with a flat expression. Suga stands and looks over at me.

"Sorry, if I ruined your dinner," Suga says and quickly departs. Surprisingly, he sounds sad and regretful. Did he really have no idea he was being rude? I'm puzzled as I hear the door shut behind him.