Kratom: This drug is consumed for mood-lifting effects and pain relief and as an aphrodisiac. It can cause feelings such as euphoria.

"I had a nice time at dinner," I said, hanging my head low to try and hide the blush on my cheeks.

Jungkook gave me a small smile as we stopped in front of my apartment. "I did too, Taehyung."

Unable to meet his eyes, I fiddled with the keys to my door.

With a sigh, I opened my door, facing Jungkook. "Can I ask you something?"

He tilted his head to the side slightly. "Of course."

"D-Did you enjoy tonight enough to, uh, do it again?"

Jungkook chuckled. "I would certainly love to go on another date with you. Would you like to go on another with me?"

I nodded. "Yeah! Yes! Um, but... could we, uh, maybe not put a label on it for the time being? I don't want to ruin it."

Jungkook tapped my cheek lightly with his hand. "Yes. That sounds great."

•••••

"So, bub, how did the date go?" Yoongi asked with a slight smirk as he leaned back into his chair.

"It was nice."

Yoongi chuckled. "God, you are so smitten!"

"Am not!" I crossed my arms over my chest.

Yoongi raised one eyebrow and looked at me intently. "You really like him, don't you?"

"Well, I wouldn't have gone on a date with him if I didn't like him, Yoongi. Geez, I thought you were the psychologist here?"

"Don't make me slap you!" Yoongi threatened. "I'm proud of you, Jungkook-ah. Taehyung is a great guy. Don't screw this up."

"Why would I screw this up?"

Yoongi sighed, his face softening. "Because you screw up everything good that comes into your life. You always find ways to ruin relationships, friendships, your overall happiness. And with you being sober... I know if your happiness goes away, you'll relapse again. I'm sure of it."

I shrugged, unsure of my best friend's analysis. "If you say so, Yoongi."

•••

"Jiminie!" I screeched, hugging the small male as he walked up to the coffee shop we were meeting at.

"Tae Tae!" He gave me a few light pats on the back during our hug.

After ordering our drinks and finding a set of chairs, separated by a small table, Jimin cleared his throat. "So, how was your date?"

"He was actually so sweet. He paid for my food, and walked me up to my door. He was a perfect gentleman."

"I'll admit.... I am thoroughly surprised about that. He seems like, well, like a dick."

"I really think it's just a hard shell around him. He has opened up and softened so much since we first interacted. When I relapsed... he even came to the hospital with a small bouquet of flowers. He denied knowing why he was there, though."

"He must've had a thing for you pretty early on." Jimin stated before taking a sip of his drink. "Now, I'm assuming you want another date with him?"

"I would really love to. Some place different to see how he is. I'm still cautious. I always told myself I would never be with someone who had a history of drugs, even if they are sober."

"Why is that?" Jimin leaned forward, putting his elbow on the armrest of his chair.

I sighed. "If anything happens... if we get in a fight or break up or anything, I don't want to worry about keeping myself sober, and the person I am with. I need to focus on myself. I've worked too hard to not stay on the right track."

Jimin gave me a small smile. "I'm excited to get to the point that I feel like that too. I'm still too involved in worrying about others. I haven't found the confidence and self-love to want to focus on my own wellbeing."

I gave his arm a squeeze before putting my hand back in my lap. "You'll get there soon, Chimmie. Promise."

••••

Shorty but it is what it is.

Lack of updates was due to me entering this story into an awards book and IT WON.