The atmosphere hadn't recovered.
Not even a little.
Elina sat comfortably on the sofa, completely unaware of the storm she had just caused.
"…Why is it so quiet again?"
Her eyes moved lazily across the room.
Bogum wasn't reading anymore.
Hyunjin wasn't on his phone.
Felix looked like he had just survived something traumatic.
"…Did I miss a meeting or something?" she thought, frowning slightly.
A soft sound broke the silence.
Footsteps.
Slow. Steady.
Elina didn't need to turn this time.
She already knew.
"…Here comes trouble."
Jeon Jungkook
He walked in calmly, but this time—
Something felt different.
His gaze wasn't casual anymore.
It was focused.
Direct.
On her.
Elina blinked.
"…Why is he looking at me like that? Did I offend him somehow?"
Jungkook stopped right in front of her.
Close.
Too close.
"Are you feeling better now?" he asked.
His voice was calm—
But there was something underneath it.
Something sharp.
Elina looked up at him.
"…Why does his voice sound like that? Dangerous. Very dangerous."
Outwardly, she nodded politely.
"I'm fine."
Jungkook didn't move.
Didn't step back.
Didn't look away.
He just kept watching her.
Carefully.
As if he was waiting.
Elina's fingers twitched slightly.
"…This is uncomfortable. Why isn't he leaving?"
A pause.
Then—
Jungkook spoke again.
"You seem different."
Elina froze for a split second.
"…Different? Again? Why does everyone keep saying that?"
She forced a small smile.
"I just rested well."
Behind them, Hyunjin leaned back, clearly interested.
Felix was watching like it was a live drama.
Bogum remained quiet—
But his attention never left them.
Jungkook tilted his head slightly.
Still watching her.
Still analyzing.
"…Why do I feel like I'm being studied?"
Elina thought, narrowing her eyes slightly.
Then suddenly—
A thought slipped out.
Careless.
Unfiltered.
"…If he keeps staring like this, I might actually push him away. Or worse… pull him closer."
Silence.
Absolute silence.
Hyunjin choked.
Felix covered his mouth instantly.
Bogum closed his eyes briefly.
Jungkook didn't react immediately.
But something changed.
His gaze darkened.
Just slightly.
Then—
He stepped closer.
Elina's breath caught.
"…Wait."
Her heart skipped.
"…Why is he coming closer?"
Jungkook leaned down just enough—
Close to her ear.
Too close.
"Careful," he murmured softly.
"Some thoughts… shouldn't be so loud."
Elina froze.
Completely.
Her mind went blank for a second.
"…What?"
But before she could react—
Jungkook straightened and walked away like nothing happened.
Leaving behind—
A very still room.
And a very confused Elina.
"…What did he mean by that?"
Her brows furrowed.
Her heart still beating faster than before.
Across the room—
Hyunjin smirked.
Felix looked shocked.
Bogum sighed quietly.
And Jungkook—
Didn't look back.
"…Alright," Elina thought slowly.
"…Now I'm sure."
A small, dangerous smile appeared on her lips.
"…Something is definitely going on."