A ping from your phone snapped you out of your thoughts. It was a message from Isabella:

“Hey, want to come over later? Jungkook might drop by too! We can all hang out!”

You stared at the screen, your heart skipping a beat. Hanging out with Isabella was one thing, but with Jungkook too? The idea both thrilled and terrified you. How were you supposed to act normal around him? What if he noticed something was off?

But then again, this was a chance to meet him in person, to see if he was everything Isabella said he was, and to maybe, just maybe, get over your silly crush. You took a deep breath and typed a quick reply.

“Sure, I’ll be there in an hour.”

You spent the next hour trying to steady your nerves. You picked out an outfit that was cute but casual, not wanting to seem like you were trying too hard. As you got ready, you couldn’t help but wonder what it would be like to see them together, Isabella and Jungkook. Would they look like the perfect couple? Would you feel that pang of jealousy again, or would you finally be able to let it go?

When you arrived at Isabella’s place, she greeted you with her usual bright smile. You hugged her, trying to push all the conflicting emotions to the back of your mind.

“I’m so glad you came!” she said, leading you inside. “Jungkook’s on his way, he just finished rehearsals.”

Your heart raced at the thought of seeing him, but you forced a smile. “I’m excited to finally meet him.”

Isabella beamed, clearly thrilled to introduce you to her boyfriend. As you both sat down and chatted about random things, you couldn’t help but notice the glow in her eyes whenever she mentioned Jungkook. She was in love, and it was obvious. You told yourself that was what mattered most.

Soon, there was a knock at the door. Isabella jumped up, her excitement palpable. “That must be him!”

You took a deep breath, preparing yourself for the moment. Isabella opened the door, and there he was—Jeon Jungkook, standing in the doorway, looking every bit as perfect as he did on screen. Your heart skipped a beat as you locked eyes with him.

“Hey,” he greeted with a warm smile, stepping inside.

“Hey” you replied, hoping your voice sounded steady.

As you exchanged pleasantries, you couldn’t help but notice the way Jungkook looked at Isabella, his eyes softening whenever he glanced her way. It was clear how much he cared for her, and that should have made it easier for you to push aside your feelings. But as the three of you sat down together, the reality of the situation hit you harder than ever.

You were sitting next to the guy you had admired for years, and he was completely out of reach—because he belonged to your best friend