Stalking The FBI Agent || Jungkook

~Mihi~

The fragrance of the new cherry blossom season filled my nostrils as I walked towards the convenience store where I work. The air brimmed with the essence of new beginnings, a soft breeze lifting my hair and carrying the promise of fresh starts. My low-heeled, chunky footwear clicked rhythmically on the tiled footpath, an inadvertent melody blending with the bustling sounds of Seoul’s springtime streets. Everything felt perfect-until a stray template flew over and smacked me squarely in the face, startling me. Why did these things always happen to me?

Thankfully, no one seemed to notice my flustered state amid the busy streets, reminiscent of a scene from a k-drama like ‘Goblin’. But such reveries were bittersweet, a reminder of my current single status. I sighed, recalling a scene where the main male character kissed the female lead’s forehead under a cherry blossom tree. That kind of romance felt miles away from my reality.

I stopped in front of the glass doors of the convenience store, my part-time job while finishing my literature degree at Seoul National University. The doors slid open with a beep, and I stepped into the cool, fresh air-conditioned environment. For some people, food is sustenance, but for me, it’s a passion. As I tied on my apron, I indulged in a brief daydream about being the main character in a story. However, with my clumsy and energetic personality, such fantasies seemed far-fetched.

The cherry blossom season, my favorite time of year, always made me feel like a character in a novel. I wished it could last forever, but the ephemeral beauty of the blossoms only served to underscore their impermanence. My thoughts drifted to the book ‘You’ve Reached Sam’, a story that had moved me to tears, leaving a lasting impression.

I placed my bag beside the counter and began my shift. Customers came and went, and as the afternoon turned into evening, the spring sunset painted the sky with hues of orange and yellow. I gazed out the window, lost in the beauty of the sunset.

My dreams of becoming a writer were what fueled my decision to study literature. I longed to create stories and share my own experiences, though I felt my writing would only truly begin once I met someone special. A hopeless romantic at heart, I often imagined scenarios that seemed to leap straight from the pages of a novel.

Lost in thought, I scanned the last customer’s items, anticipating the end of my shift at 9:30 pm. I unlocked my phone, scrolling through an article about a mysterious case at my university. Someone had been posing as various students’ crushes, leading to blackmail and deceit. The real individuals had been cleared, but the perpetrator remained elusive. It was unsettling, yet another reason I wasn’t interested in anyone at the university. My ideal type was a bit cold-hearted, older, respectful-someone who could be the hero of a story.

A beeping sound from the door interrupted my thoughts. A new customer walked in, dressed entirely in black-basket hat, combat boots, T-shirt, cargo pants, and a mask. His eyes, though tired, were sharp and piercing. He was mesmerizing, tall, muscular, and exuded a mysterious aura. My curiosity piqued, I watched as he wandered the store.

His black combat boots made soft thuds as he walked to the drink aisle. I followed him discreetly, pretending to organize the shelves. He seemed indecisive, especially when he reached the ramen section. Summoning my courage, I tapped his shoulder lightly. “Sir, may I help you?” I asked, my voice barely a whisper.

He turned, his gaze intense. “Well...” His voice was a mix of deep and light tones, a perfect blend that made my heart race. “I want something that can just make my tiredness disappear and a bit spicy?” His Busan accent melted my heart.

I handed him a packet of Ottoki Jin spicy ramen soup. “Is this okay?” I asked, my voice steady despite my racing heart. He nodded curtly, took the ramen and banana milk, and walked to the counter.

After my shift, I headed home, the once busy streets now quiet under the glow of streetlights. The mysterious man in black consumed my thoughts. Though I knew it was irrational to develop a crush on someone I barely knew, I couldn’t help but replay our brief interaction in my mind.

My phone buzzed inside my bag, and I answered it as I entered the elevator. “You shouldn’t have just said it to her, you know?” My best friend Jimin’s sweet voice brought a smile to my face.

“She’s pregnant, Jimin. You better take care of her, even if she’s having mood swings,” I said, entering my apartment and setting my bag down.

“I know, but we’re near finals, and it’s hard. Why did her husband have to leave her with me?” He sounded exasperated.

“How about I take responsibility for her tomorrow? I’m free,” I offered, already thinking about my free day.

“Oh, thank you, Mihi! Please,” he said, sounding relieved.

“You’re welcome.”

“But just so you know,” he started, his tone becoming serious. “Her brother-in-law is also coming to meet her tomorrow.”

“Fine.” I shrugged, focusing on my laptop.

“And he’s a bit cold, so don’t mind, okay?”

“Sure,” I replied, wondering about the new person I’d be meeting.

“I met someone today at work,” I said, a little hesitant.

“Who?” Jimin asked, curiosity piqued.

“I don’t know his name, but he was mysterious and cold-looking,” I admitted, my heart racing just thinking about him.

“You could’ve asked for his number,” Jimin teased, making me blush.

“I know,” I sighed. “I hope I see him again.”

“You might. It’s rare for you to feel this way.”

After promising to meet Jimin’s sister early the next day, I ended the call and prepared for bed, dreaming about the mysterious man.

The next morning, I decided to ride my bicycle to Jimin’s place. It was a beautiful day, the cherry blossoms in full bloom along the Han River trails. I pedaled leisurely, enjoying the serene view, and soon arrived at the two-floored building where Jimin lived.

I rang the doorbell, and Jimin’s sister, her baby bump prominent, greeted me with a warm smile. “How are you feeling?” I asked, giving her a gentle hug.

“I’m good, and the baby is too,” she said, leading me inside. “Jimin told me you were coming. Thank you.”

“It’s no problem,” I replied, sitting on the couch beside her. “So, what should we do today?”

“Let’s talk about boys,” she suggested with a smirk. “Anyone special in your life?”

I shook my head. “No one at the university interests me.”

“What about someone outside?” she pressed, raising an eyebrow.

I hesitated, my cheeks flushing. “Well, there is someone. I met him at work yesterday.”

She beamed. “That’s exciting! Maybe you’ll see him again.”

Just then, the doorbell rang. “I’ll get it,” I said, standing up. As I opened the door, my heart stopped. It was him-the mysterious man in black. He was Jimin’s sister’s brother-in-law.

His cold, sharp eyes briefly flickered with confusion as I stepped back, allowing him inside. Jimin’s sister appeared behind me, waving cheerfully. His gaze shifted from mine to hers and back again. With a fluid motion, he removed his mask, revealing his full face. He ran a hand through his soft, smooth hair, every movement mesmerizing me. In that instant, I knew I could never turn away.

I want this man...