“Tia, Jungkook is here to see you.”
Tia glanced up in surprise. It was Thursday evening. Hadn’t Jungkook and the boys just returned from the United States? She jumped up from her seat at the kitchen table and headed for the living room. Jungkook was standing near the front door. He was staring off into space. He looked exhausted. Her heart went out to him. What on earth was he doing here?
Suddenly, fear gripped her heart. Had something happened to Tae? What else could have brought his friend here at such an odd time?
She stepped forward, words tumbling from her mouth. “Is Tae all right?”
Her panic broke through his reverie. He blinked and turned towards her with a friendly smile. “Tae is fine. He landed long before we did.” He grinned and stepped forward. “I have a present for you.” He registered her shock and clarified his statement, “From Tae.”
Oh.
He held his hand out to her. Within his grasp was a long, slender envelope. She took it from him and opened it. She pulled out a plane ticket for a flight to Tae’s destination. For tomorrow. At ten in the morning.
“Jungkook? What am I looking at?”
“Tae would like you to join him tomorrow. He will pick you up at the airport at 6:30 p.m.”
“What?” Her head flew up.
“He wants you to spend the weekend with him.”
Julieta chimed in. “I already got your boss to approve a short vacation for you, providing,” she emphasized, “and I quote, ‘you take some amazing photos while you’re there.’” Julieta grinned. “She loved the last ones you turned in. You aren’t expected to check in with her until next Thursday. My understanding is you’ll fly home around seven in the evening on Tuesday. Which means you’ll have almost exactly four days with Tae.”
“Except for the time he’s working,” Jungkook added. “Which will be only about four hours, most likely.”
Tia stared at her sister, then her focus came to land on Jungkook. “Tae arranged for me to join him?” Tears filled her eyes. “For four days? Plane? Hotel? Meals? Transportation?”
Jungkook nodded. “All you need to do is grab your passport and pack your bag, and you’ll be set. And, of course, catch your flight tomorrow morning.”
“Thank you, Jungkook. You must be exhausted. Thank you for stopping by to give me this before heading home.”
He grinned. “I’m happy to do it. Have an amazing time, Tia, and take good care of my hyung.”
“I will! I promise.”
She leaned forward and gave Jungkook a hug. He awkwardly returned the embrace. He was still a little uncomfortable when any girl hugged him. Except Hyejin. He loved hugging Hyejin.
A moment later, Tia shut the door behind him. She leaned back against it and stared in awe at her sister.
“Julieta, I think I must have the most wonderful boyfriend in the whole world.”
“Well,” Julieta replied as she thought of a certain special someone, “he’s a close second, anyway.”
