Aera's P.O.V

"Hey, just checking in...I was gonna give you some space..." I paused and bit my lip, squeezing my eyes shut. "But I miss you. I miss you, Namjoon."

I quickly pulled the phone away and hung up, wondering how many voice messages I'd sent by now. Too many. So much for giving him time. But it had already been more than three days, and I really did miss him. I needed my best friend. I sighed and laid back on my bed, praying that this time he would reply. But after a few minutes, all I received was silence.

A knock on the door made me jump.

"Yeah?" I asked.

The door creaked open and Jimin poked his head in.

"Are you okay?"

I smiled slightly when I saw him. Sitting up, I motioned for him to come in.

"I'm fine. Just waiting," I told him slowly.

He crept over and sat on the end of my bed.

"For Namjoon?" Jimin asked softly.

I nodded. I wished I could better control my emotions, so that I wouldn't have to show Jimin how upset I was over another guy. Even if it was only because he was my friend.

"I'm sorry you're feeling this way."

I looked up at him.

"I wish he would just talk--"

"Even if it is your fault," Jimin interrupted me.

I froze, speechless at his careless words. He turned to me slowly.

"Is it not?" He asked at my silence.

"I-I mean...you're right. It is my fault," I said, looking away. "I should've have..."

"You should have stopped leading him on. You knew he liked you, yet you acted oblivious. You're the reason he's hurting, Aera."

Shocked, I turned my head to lock eyes with Jimin. That's when I saw the cold, lifeless look they held. A shiver ran down my spine.

"Ji-Jimi--" I was cut of when Jimin suddenly lunged over to me, pinning me onto the bed.

"You're worthless. You're unlovable. You're nothing," he snapped, his dark gaze only inches from my face. "You should've died then."

A scream bubbled at the back of my throat when Jimin's face morphed into another that was all to familiar. Jungkook glared down at me as I suddenly felt cold hands wrap around my neck.

"I won't fail this time, Aera."

I cried the one word I could think of as his grip tightened.

"Jimin!"

Jimin's P.O.V

I paced back and forth, chewing on my lips in anxiety, a habit I'd gained from Aera. She had come home and greeted me softly before slowly going to her bedroom and closing the door. I knew she was upset about Namjoon, and it was all my fault. I grimaced in guilt. Stopping in front of her door, I contemplated how to make her feel better. Getting Namjoon to talk to her again. I sighed and sank to the floor.

I'd pushed away her best friend. I'd gotten in the way of her wellbeing once again. And she wouldn't get upset at me. She never blamed me. And that made me feel even worse. I was pathetic.

"Jimin!" Aera's terrified voice pierced through the apartment.

Fear sank through me as I jumped up and burst into her room. Aera was lying on her bed, eyes closed, writhing around. Her hands were grabbing at empty air around her throat. I rushed over to her side. Tears were running down her cheeks and her body shook.

"Aera! Aera, I'm here!" I cried.

Panicked, I quickly embraced her quivering body.

"Aera," I said quietly, trying to come her.

When she finally was still, I pulled back so that I could see her face. Her eyes were wide, glancing around the room.

"Did you have a nightmare?" I asked softly, using my thumb to wipe her wet cheeks.

Aera turned to me, trying to steady her breathing.

"I-it was Jungkook. You...you were Jungkoook--he tried to k-kill me again," she tried explain.

"I'm sorry," I said. "It's my fault."

I was surprised when she almost lightened up at that.

"No, no, it's not Jimin," Aera told me firmly. "I'm just feeling guilty about Namjoon. That is my fault."

"I'm sorry," I repeated, softer. "I can't even protect you when we're in the same apartment."

Aera smiled. I couldn't help but return it. What a strange situation to smile in. I noticed how close we were; I was still holding her from the hug, our faces inches apart.

"You don't always have to worry about protecting me. Just being here is enough." She breathed steadily now.

"I'll always protect you, Aera. I...I love you," I told her shyly.

"I love you too, Jimin," she said just as softly.

Without thinking, I slowly leaned closer to her, feeling my face heat up. We were closer than ever before. Wow, I never noticed how pretty your eyes are, I thought, getting closer and closer.

Aera. Our lips finally touched. I love you. Her lips were so soft and sweet. I never want to leave you again. I wanted to stay like that forever. No matter what.

I wanted to be with her forever.

But...how?