Chapter 13

Bangtan

"Have I told you it's good to have you back hyung?" Tae asks, ruffling Yoongi's short strands for the umpteenth time that day.

He'd been saying it randomly since they were reunited that morning and now Yoongi rolls his eyes in mock exasperation. He completed his military service two days ago and had spent that first two days in Daegu with his parents. Today, he moved into his room at the house with his members. They'd been talking his head off about their new chef, but she hadn't been there when he moved in and they'd gone to HYBE, then a photoshoot location right after. First day back and he was already doing shoots, but he supposes he can't complain. He missed the hustle and bustle of this lifestyle desperately. This is where he felt at home.

"I'm starving," JK groans and Yoongi cracks a smile. That hasn't changed.

"Does anyone know what Noona's making tonight?" he asks and the members shake their heads.

"It's mystery Monday remember?" Jimin says and JK snaps his fingers in response.

"That's right," he replies, stretching his arms over his head as best he could in the car.

"Do you think she'll like our flowers?" Jimin asks, looking down at the bundle of flowers 7 flowers haphazardly held together with a hair tie in his hands.

They shot in a field today where staff had brought in a bunch of fresh wildflowers of all varieties to stage the scene. It's autumn so there aren't many wildflowers still growing naturally. Jimin came up with the idea of them all picking one each, even Yoongi, for a small bouquet to gift Bianca with. Tae took it a step further and made her a flower crown as well. She deserves all the nice gestures.

"For sure, she's definitely the flower type. She loves plants," Joon chimes confidently.

They all remember how she lit up at the sight of that succulent.

The way they spoke so highly and fondly of her had Yoongi curious. They told him her story and he's not going to lie—he had to look it up before he was willing to believe it. Sure enough, it was true and if she's really as pleasant as they say she is after all that, she's already earned a lot of respect in his book. He knows that people don't warm to him easily, so he'll try his best to be a little more welcoming than usual.

They make it home and as soon as they open the door, they all inhale deeply, eyes closed and savoring the scents wafting throughout the house.

"I am salivating," Jin says as he slides his feet into his slippers.

Hell, they all were, practically floating into the kitchen, lured there by the delicious scent. Bianca stood at the counter pouring something into a blender and bobbing her head to to J Cole's Cole World album.

"Oh, you're back," she grins, placing the now empty skillet on the stove and turning to face them, a big grin on her face.

It's the type of smile that can't be faked—the type you can't help but return because it's too genuine not to.

"Look who we brought," Jay grins, holding Yoongi by the shoulders.

On the spot, he lifts his right hand and waves awkwardly, making her giggle.

"I see, it's nice to meet you Yoongi-ssi. The others have been speaking of you so much it feels like I know you already," she smiles, bowing in greeting.

"Likewise," he offers, still a little shy in her presence.

"Look at what we brought you!" Jimin exclaims, peaking around Tae, bringing the bouquet out from behind his back.

She gasps, hands going to her mouth.

"For me? This is the cutest fucking bouquet I've ever received," she grins, sniffing them once he hands them over.

"I'm glad you like them because I made you this to match," Tae says, showing her the flower crown.

She gasps again, mouth agape as she takes it from him and places it on her head where her braids had been braided into a halo around her head, curly pieces left out at her sideburns and nape.

"It's perfect! Thank you!" She squeals like they'd just given her two gold bricks.

Yoongi sees the appeal already. Outwardly, she's gorgeous. Smooth, brown skin, pretty brown eyes that were hooded in a way that most would describe as dreamy, plump lips that had a natural pout, tall, and full figured—not at all what society would deem attractive, but undoubtedly so to those who don't allow society to taint their gazes. He's never been one to play by society's rules, none of them have. Her good energy rolls off her and fills the room like the heavenly aromas coming from the stove.

"Braised lamb shanks and homemade polenta with fresh herb salad, roasted broccolini and banana cream pie macarons," she's saying once his growling stomach has pulled him out of his thoughts.

"Ooh, polenta is made with corn?" JK asks and she nods.

"Yup, I met the cutest little ajussi today and he gave me so much corn, I have no idea what I'm going to do with it," she smiles, placing the top on the blender.

"I still need to braise the meat, it'll be ready by the time you all clean up, I promise," she says as she washes her hands, wiping them on the edge of her butterfly covered apron.

They all file out, the sound of the blender going off in the kitchen loud as they depart.

What do you think?" Jin asks, bumping shoulders with him as they head up the stairs.

"I think it's too soon to form an opinion, but she seems nice. If that food tastes anything like it smells, then I'm sold on the food already," he says, making Jin laugh, placing his hand down on his shoulder.

"I'll let you be the judge of that."

Lining up 8 plates on the counter, she spoons equal portions the hot polenta onto the plate, going down the line and smearing each dollop with a spoon. She moves on to the lamb shanks, adding butter to each skillet and taking turns basting them until it forms a thick gravy. Carefully, she transfers one to each plate, hoping the meat wouldn't slip right off the bone for presentation's sake. They all make it safe and she spoons gravy over each piece, topping them with the herb salad she'd made earlier. Evenly dividing the portions of broccolini, she places them diagonally underneath the large bone, adding some brightness to the plate.

Satisfied, she moves the plates over to the table two at a time and pulls the macarons out of the refrigerator to come to room temperature. Next, the grabs the bottle of bourbon and empty glasses out of the freezer. Mint juleps are best made in pre-chilled cups. Placing mint leaves and a teaspoon of sugar at the bottom of each cup, she grabs her pestle to crush the ingredients, allowing the mint leaves to release flavor. Finally, she adds ice and pours the bourbon in, having made this drink so much she doesn't need to measure it. She stirs each one before garnishing with a few mint leaves on top.

Moving them over to the table, she doubles back to the fridge for the pitcher of cucumber and mint infused water and the unopened bottle of Pinot noir she placed in there earlier.

Bangtan came in just as she was placing them down on the table and she smiles at their timing, quickly pulling the matches out of her apron pocket and lighting the candles on the centerpiece she found earlier. She knew Yoongi coming back was special for them and she wanted his first night back to feel like a welcome celebration.

"Wow, you never light candles for us Noona," Jimin pouts, making her laugh.

"Had I been working for you when you got back from the military, I would have," she says as she moves over to the wall where she hang her apron. After removing it, she washes her hands once more out of habit and makes her way to her usual spot at the table between Jimin and Tae. Tonight,  they sat Namjoon, Tae, herself, and Jimin on one side—Jin, Yoongi, Jay, and Jungkook on the other.

"Thank you, this looks great," Yoongi says, as he picks up his drink and takes a sniff. It reminds her of all the cat memes she's seen of him on social media.

"No problem. That's a mint julep by the way. I heard you like whiskey and mint pairs well with lamb so...I hope you enjoy," she says before turning her attention to her own plate.

She doesn't like watching people try her food for the first time. It gives her anxiety. They all dig in and they all chuckle a little as groans sound out around the table.

"Noona, what are you doing to this food?!" Jungkook practically growls, looking angry as ever. She's noticed that the angrier he looks, the more he's enjoying the food.

She has to place her hand over her mouth as she laughs with her mouth full, tickled by his outburst.

"You said you're in your fae era right? I'm convinced this is fairy dust," Tae says, pointing down at his plate with his fork.

"Stop it, y'all are going to make me choke," she says once she's swallowed. She takes a sip of her drink and clears her throat.

"This is really good, the food and the drink. I usually don't like whiskey cocktails but this is great," Yoongi says, slightly raising his glass to her before taking another sip.

This opens the floodgates for the compliments and she tries not to blush. They are the most appreciative and expressive group of people she's ever cooked for.

"Thank you, I'm glad you like it," she says before focusing on her plate again.

She truly outdid herself with this one. The meal was fresh,flavorful, and balanced perfectly. Jungkook was the first one to finish, immediately getting up to grab a few macaroons. He bites into one moans, sliding down in his seat, his head tossed back and his eyes closed. Although he was being silly, she could help but find him insanely attractive in that moment. She watches his throat bob one more time before forcing herself to look away.

"How mad would you guys be if I grabbed that whole platter and locked myself in my room with it?" he asks, making them laugh.

"Mad enough to take your door off the hinges," Jay grins, imitating a drill sound, his finger moving as if pulling back the trigger in one.

"I second that," Yoongi says, reaching over Jay to pluck one out of Jungkook's hand.

He immediately protests, cutting his eyes at his elder before getting up to get another one.

Bianca was amazed at how there were no leftovers, but then again, she's never cooked for 8 adults regularly either. Yoongi offered to help with the dishes, but she insist he go and enjoy his first night back. Jin and Jay ended up helping instead.

"You like J Cole I see," Jay says hitting play on the kitchen tablet.

"He's my favorite rapper," she says, passing him a dish to place in the dish washer.

"Mine too!" He exclaims, lightly bumping her with his shoulder. The friendly gesture makes her laugh.

"Then you've got good taste," she grins.

"What's your favorite J Cole album?" he asks.

"Cole World, but 2014 Forest Hills Drive is a close second," she says and his eyes widen in excitement.

"Me too," he exclaims, delighted.

"What about you Jin? You like rap?" she asks, noticing how quiet he was as he collected the place mats so he could wipe the table down.

"I'm more of a pop guy, but I do dabble occasionally. I like J Cole, but I listen to Kendrick more. Him and Drake and Lil Wayne," he says and she nods, not expecting that answer.

"Do you have a favorite genre?" He asks and she thinks for a moment.

"Hmm, nowadays I prefer pop and R&B," she replies.

"What are some of your favorite artists?" Jay asks and she hums as she gathers an answer.

"There's so many but the ones that come to mind are Beyonce, Summer Walker, Sza, HER, Ella Mai, August Alsina, and Usher," she says as she turns the sink water off, turning to face Jin, who had just walked around the corner.

Her breath caught in her throat when he suddenly stepped up rather close to her. His eyes lock on hers and she barely registers his movements as he reaches forward to straighten her flower crown.

"Couldn't let your crown slip," he winks with a goofy grin, allowing her space again as he went back to his task of cleaning the table.

She stood frozen for a few seconds longer and Jay chuckled next to her drawing her attention to him.

"The dishwasher is loaded. Is there anything else you need?" he asks and she shakes her head wordlessly.

"Okay then I shall take my leave Fairy queen," he grins, bowing dramatically low.

"I'll allow your dismissal. Make haste," she plays along, making him laugh.

She could still hear him laughing after he leaves, meaning he's probably just retired to the living room. She sneaks a peek at Jin and he's already looking at her, slinging the kitchen towel over his shoulder as he leans against the island across from her.

"You seem chipper, how was your day?" he asks, placing his chin on his open palm.

"I suppose I am. I hiked the trail behind the house and got to watch the sunset this morning. It was so beautiful I wish I could paint it but I'm no artist. I got some pretty good pictures of it though," she says picking her phone up off the counter and shaking it.

"Can I see?" he asks and she nods, unlocking her phone and sliding it across the island to him.

"These are beautiful. Will you send these to me? I need a new background," he says and she nods.

"Sure. Afterwards, I made breakfast for you guys, cleaned the bottom floor, and went food shopping. I stayed longer than anticipated because I kept running into the nicest people," she says and his phone dings in his pocket with the notification of her picture.

"Then I cooked dinner and you guys came home with such beautiful flowers for me. I'd say it's been a pretty good day," she smiles, tapping her chin as the thought to search the cabinets for a vase.

"How was your day?" She asks, as she pulls one down and makes her way over to the sink to fill it up.

"Meh, half day in the studio and half at a photo shoot. Work feels the same once you've done it all as much as we have. You give us something to look forward to," he says and she looks up at him as she places the flowers in the vase.

"I'm glad I can do that for you," she says, avoiding his eyes as she arranges the flowers.

"I hope that one day we can do the same for you," he says, the words comity out faster as if he had to make himself say them.

"You already do. Cooking is my happy place and I genuinely look forward to you all coming home. Don't worry about me. This is the happiest I've been in months. You have enough to worry about as it is," she says, patting the back of his hand playfully.

She feels his eyes on her as she moves around the kitchen and his gaze makes her feel exposed for a number of reasons. There are a number of things going on in that head of his when he looks at her but there's one thing that scares her the most, because she knows that when he looks at her, he just may see that she's thinking the same thing. She tells herself it's just her hormones, but that theory falls flat even in her head. She could have met these men years ago and still feel the same way. She's attracted because they are attractive. It's only human nature.

The need for love and intimacy is a fundamental human need, as primal as the need for food, water, and air. — Dean Ornish