Archive of Our Own

“Long time no see Jungkook.” Seokjin engulfs him in a tight hug. Jungkook is meeting his friends today after what has been two years give or take. He is a successful photographer in a highly ranked modelling company and just returned from a photo-shoot in America yesterday.

Jungkook hasn’t hung out with his friends since he graduated from college. Of course, he exchange messages in the group chat every now and then, but that was all. He went for work in this modelling company straight after college since he got recruited after seeing his masterfully captured photos in the college exhibition. Now he is a top photographer there and he’s been travelling all over the world theses past two years.

“Hello hyung, nice to see you too.” Jungkook returns the hug. Seokjin is the oldest in their group of friends, and he got the looks of an actor, the perfect height with broad shoulders and a handsome face. He owns a well-known food business in the country and the friends are meeting at one of his restaurants. Running a food business was Jin’s dream from the beginning because he loves cooking so much. Jungkook remembers that his hyung cooked for their friends whenever he could, back in college, and his food was the most amazing he ever tasted. No wonder he is successful in the food business.

“So Kook, I heard you came back from America yesterday. How was it?” asks Namjoon who is sitting on a chair at the table. Namjoon is the tallest of them all and had dimples that could give anyone butterflies when he smiles. He is running the food business with Jin, not because he was a good cook (no offense), but because he studied business and excelled in that side and asked to help when Jin started to franchise his restaurant. Jin being the fluttery hyung he is, agreed and together they successfully established the business.

Jungkook admired his Joonie hyung with all his heart. He was an inspiration to Jungkook then and still is.

Namjoon was totally and desperately in love with Jin back in college. Of course they are together now, no need to ponder on it. It turned out that Jin was crushing on Joon (they all knew that obviously, Joon being the only one oblivious to Jin’s constant flirting) the whole time and was beyond the moon when Joon asked him out finally. Jungkook was extremely happy for his hyungs when he heard that they finally got to together.

“Yes, Joonie hyung, it was good. We had a major photo-shoot there with our Korean models and it went well. I only have to edit the photos now, but they gave me an off-day to rest since I did an excellent job.” The younger answers taking a seat at the same table. 

“That’s good to hear. I’m glad now that we are meeting after a long time. We were so busy with our jobs.” Joon declares offering a coffee to the younger. “I thought Taehyung was coming with you? Taehyung was with you in America right?”

“Yeah, he also came back with us yesterday. But he has a photo-shoot today morning. So, he will be a bit late.” Says the younger, accepting the coffee.

Taehyung is a top model working at Jungkook’s company. Jungkook never doubted that Tae would do something other than modelling, because he is as beautiful as a Greek god. No, scratch that, he is beautiful and handsome way more than a Greek god with his sharp, striking features. Anyone with eyes could see that clearly as day. Also, he loved modelling and was working part-time as a model in various small companies back then. That was why Jungkook chose Tae hyung to be his model for some of his photos for his exhibition in college. And that exact exhibition lead to Tae’s recruitment to the same modelling company with Jungkook.

“Oh, obviously Tae is busy. We’ll wait for him. Yoongi, Hobi and Jiminie will be here in half an hour or so. Yoongi texted me that they are stuck in the traffic. You can check the menu while we wait.” Shrugs the oldest, handing him the menu.

Yoongi is a music producer at the BigHit Entertainment since he majored in music in college. He produced beautiful music pieces back then and got in after the first audition at the company since he was so brilliant at it.

He is a calm and collected hyung who would do anything to protect his friends (they all would do that), but he can break the hell lose on you if you get on his bad side.  

“Hobi is moving in with Yoongi this weekend.” Informs Jin with a fond smile on his face.

Hoseok (Hobi is what his friends call him as a nick name) is a talented hip-hop dancer at the same company as Yoongi’s.

Hobi is literally a ball of sun shine. He has a bubbly, flashy personality that could make anyone like him instantly. He was shamelessly infatuated with Yoongi back then. It brings a smile to Jungkook’s face to reminisce that Yoongi hyung was so determined on not liking Hobi hyung then, even though he was secretly crushing on him. Again, everyone could see that they were crushing on each other, but Yoongi was so stubborn to give in and others could only roll their eyes. However, after starting work at the same company, Yoongi had finally asked Hobi out, kicking his pride out the door. Hobi had been elated at that since he was going after him for so long and now they are a happy couple.

“That’s good to hear. I’m glad for them.” Replies the younger with an equal smile as Jin. “So, business is running good I see?”

“Yeah, we were so busy these days with so many customers coming to our restaurants. Today was the only day that we could get out.” Claims the older.

“Oh, Yoongi hyung and Hobi are here. Where’s Jiminie? I thought he was coming with you guys.” Joon stands up to greet them.

“Hey, guys! I’m so happy we could meet today.” Hobi gives all of them a hug.

“Jiminie went to get Taehyung. They’ll come in a little while.” Yoongi just waves and sits down.

The final member of their group of friends is Jimin. He is the person that Jungkook could not stand and dreaded to meet today. It’s not that he hated him, but he was so annoyed by his boisterous, clingy personality. He was an attention seeker, always bothering others with his stupid games and whatnot, and so clumsy (Jungkook’s sure it’s on purpose). He was a human koala bear, clinging to everyone. He just wanted to shine in every damn thing, but failed miserably most of the time. He loved to show off his ripped body by wearing muscle tees. Everybody else adored him, Jungkook didn’t understand why.

But, Jungkook has to admit that he was a great dancer and he could dance like an angel, even though he loathes to say it. He is a contemporary dancer now at BigHit, the same entertainment company as Yoongi and Hobi hyungs’.

“They are still attached by the hips huh.” Laughs Joon and everyone joins.

Jimin is the same age as Tae and they were best friends, they were practically attached by the hips back then, still are for that matter. One could say that they are soulmates. Despite their busy work schedules, they still hungout whenever they could.

It’s hilarious to say that Jimin hyung is the shortest of them all and if anyone reminds him of that then he gets louder than usual. So, they were very cautious around him when mentioning his height.

“Does Jimin hyung still get angry when teasing about his height?” Jungkook wants know out of curiosity.

“Of course, but Jin hyung is the one always teasing him.” Laughs Hobi. 

Speaking of the devil, “Hey guys, we are here.” Calls Jimin, followed by Taehyung. They all greets them as they sit down at the table. Jimin just smiles at them, though Hobi and Jin gives him bone crushing hugs shouting “Jiminieee”.

Here he thought that Jungkook would see the ripped Jimin, but what he sees, wipes him out of his feet. Jimin seems different somehow. He is not clingy at all. Most of all, he is not ripped as much as before and his body is toned, lean, lithe, a dancer’s body. He has lost the baby fat that made his face puffier, but still has full, squishy cheeks. His eyes turns into crescents when he smiles like always. His nose is cute as a button. His lips are so full, plump and pouty. His hair is dyed silver, cascading on his forehead. He is just the same height as back then, but he is….. beautiful.

Beautiful?

Is Jungook losing his mind? What is he thinking? He couldn’t stand Jimin back then, he thought he would be same as before and he was so ready to be annoyed at him.

Now he’s beautiful to him? Whoa, something is seriously wrong with Jungkook.

“Hey Jungkook.” Jimin takes him out of his thoughts.

 “Hi Hyung.” greets Jungkook with an amused smile.  

As the seven friends chat and eat, Jungkook’s mind is elsewhere. He couldn’t stop looking at Jimin.

Jungkook realises something while their meet up goes on. Jimin is quieter than before, not showing off and definitely not loud. He laughs his full body laugh and talk with them. But otherwise, keeping to himself. He wonders what has happened to Jimin? Maybe he has matured. Shut up Jungkook. Just forget it for now.

The friends spends the day eating and talking and laughing. They all say their goodbyes in the evening and goes their separate ways with the promise of hanging out again when they could. 

Once Jungkook’s at his apartment that evening, Jimin is still reeling in his mind.

-----

Jungkook is readying his camera, since he’s attending a special photo-shoot starting from today. Their company is covering a photo-shoot of dancers for a magazine.  

It happens to be the BigHit’s dancers out of all. Ever since he heard this, he is trying hard not to show it, but he feels like butterflies are flying all over inside him.

Yep, Jungkook hasn’t been able to get Jimin out of his mind this whole past week after the friends’ hangout. He is way excited to meet him again, but so afraid at the same time too. He had even stalked Jimin’s Instagram account and watched every dance video that has been released on Youtube so far. Yeah. He’s that gone. He just can’t help it.

When Tae had caught him watching Jimin’s videos in his office and asked about it, he had refused and said there was nothing else to watch. But of course, Tae being the witty hyung he is, didn’t buy it for a second and tortured him until he couldn’t take it anymore and broke down. Tae is a monster. He has told Tae that something is very wrong with him, because he couldn’t forget about Park Jimin. The very fact he hid it from Tae so hard (or he thought he tried to at least) was that Tae is the worst possible human being to talk about his feelings (his feelings of Jimin in particular), because he doesn’t know how to keep his mouth shut and especially because he is the said Park Jimin’s best friend. Tae has been grinning like an idiot since then, saying “Jungkookie is in looooove.” to the whole world to hear.

By now, his other hyungs has been informed about ‘Jungkookie’s love’ (as Tae indicates it) by none other than Taehyung. But to Jungkook’s utter relief, he has left out Jimin, or so he prayed.   

Now after four days, Tae and other hyungs are still nagging him about this, making jokes, saying that he has finally figured out his love-life. Jungkook has no idea what they were talking about and didn’t wanna clarify knowing it will only cause him more misery.

Hobi has even started a group chat named ‘JK’s love’ excluding Jimin. What great friends he has. He didn’t check the messages in that group chat though. Messages are piling up at this point.

“Someone’s excited. I wonder why?” grins Tae for the nth time today. “Oh I know. He’s in loooove.”

“Just shut up hyung. Stop making assumptions. I’m definitely not in love.” Retorts Jungkook annoyed.

“Oh you are very in love. You just don’t know it yet.” Tae laughs, jabbing a finger to the younger’s arm.

Jungkook just rolls his eyes for the nth time that day, he’s afraid that his eyes will stay back inside his head if he did it once more. “Whatever. Just please don’t say that in front of Jimin hyung, they are here. Don’t tell him at all.”

“My lips are sealed kookie. Don’t worry.” Singsongs Tae happily.

Jungkook highly doubts it. “You have to be somewhere else hyung. So, just go and relieve me of your pain.”

“Mean. I’m going, but I have to see my best friend first.” Tae sashays out of there with his sassy cat-walk while shouting “so happy that my dream is coming true after all this time.”

Jungkook just rolls his eyes. Again. Yeah life is hard when there’s a Taehyung.  

----

When Jungkook goes into the area the photo-shoot is happening, there Jimin is in all his glory. He looks ethereal with the black, silk, slightly see-through outfit he’s wearing for the photo-shoot. He has a black corset over his hips and his silver hair is styled. He looks like a prince, exposing just the right places of his skin out to the world. Jungkook couldn’t take his eyes off him. He could see the ‘Nevermind’ tattoo peeking out just below his right pec. His eyes highlighted with a smokey-pink eye makeup. He’s fucking beautiful. Jungkook wants to scream. My god Jungkook, stop it. How hadn’t he noticed his beauty before? He didn’t know.

Jimin waves at Jungkook when he saw him standing there practically drooling over Jimin’s body. No. he wasn’t drooling. Get it together Jungkook. Now is not the time.

“Hey hyung, you look…. amazing.” Words slips from Jungkook’s lips before he could stop.

“Oh, thank you Kookie. They made this outfit especially for me for this shoot.” Jimin says shyly, pink coating his cheeks. He runs a hand through his hair. A habit he had back in college too. Wait. Shy. Jimin was never shy around him.

Jungkook notices that he’s wearing numerous rings in his fingers. He remembers that Jimin liked to wear finger rings so much back then too.

“I was thinking to have another hangout in my place this time.” Says Jungkook nonchalantly.

“Oh, that sounds good. You should tell the others and see when they can.” Jimin adjusts his outfit. Like there’s anything to adjust. 

“Yeah, I’ll ask them later. When are you free hyung?” asks the younger. “Is this weekend ok?”

“This weekend’s fine with me. Let me know what others say.” Jimin smiles his crescent smile that makes Jungkook’s heart summersault inside him. 

When Jungkook is about say something else, the higher-ups announce to start the photo-shoot. So, they go their separate ways, Jimin going into position with the other dancers and Jungkook goes towards the cameras.

The photo-shoot goes well. All the while Jungkook was sweating buckets with the sensual poses the dancer was giving. Not for him, towards the cameras, though he felt like they were directed towards him.

The younger also notices another tattoo on Jimin’s left wrist. It says 13 in number. It must be a new tattoo. Jungkook wonders what it means.

---

“What do you mean you can’t come Hobi hyung? You said you and Yoongi hyung would come.” Jungkook asks sadly into the phone.

Jungkook had informed the others that he could host another hangout in his apartment this weekend and others had agreed to come. But, while he was preparing everything, Hobi has called to inform that he and Yoongi won’t be able to come today.

“Sorry Jungkookie. We had to go out to buy another closet for me. Now, we are stuck in traffic. I don’t think we can make it. I promise we will come another time.” Hobi assures.

“Okay hyung. I’ll see you then. Bye.” Younger hangs up. Joon and Jin had also texted in the last minute that they won’t be able make it today, since today got unusually busy in their restaurants. Jungkook had whined about it calling them, but there was no choice left.

It left only him, Jimin and Taehyung for the hangout. Making up his mind, Jungkook goes to get ready thinking that the three could maybe play video games and have fun like old times.

He is styling his blue highlighted hair by the time the door-bell of his apartment rings to announce that Tae and Jimin are here. Why is he styling his hair agian? It was just a hangout with his friends. But there is a small voice, barely loud, in far corners of his brain that says Jimin is coming. He needs to look good. He has even wore a fashionable long-sleeve with jeans. What? No, not to impress anyone, he just wanted to wear it.

Once he opens the door, there stands only Jimin, dazzling in a black printed white button-up shirt and a black tight jeans, ripped in the knees, with low-top sneakers. He’s wearing long tassel earrings that matches with his getup perfectly. His silver hair falling over his eyes. Jungkook gulps taking in the sight. He’s gorgeous. Gorgeous? Really Jungkook? Flush creeps up his neck to his face. He hopes Jimin can’t see it.

He then realizes that he’s been staring too long. Quickly recovering from his stupor, he greets Jimin. “Hey, where’s Tae?”

“Hi Jungkookie. Tae had to go for an emergency photo-shoot. So, he won’t be coming.” Jimin replies running his hands through his oh so soft hair and smiles.

Wait. What did he just say? So, that means there’s only him and Jimin. In his apartment. Alone.

That’s strange. Tae had today off if he remembers correctly. And then it dawns on Jungkook. It’s a plan of Tae to get them alone. There’s no one else who could plan such a setup. There’s no other explanation, because they all said that they could come today. But, all of a sudden they got busy with various things at the last moment. Of course his other hyungs would agree to something like this with Tae. Tae was a good manipulator.

Taehyung. You bastard! Jungkook’s gonna give him an earful when he meets him. He’ll get his revenge later.

Okay Jungkook. Now play it cool.

“Oh, so it’s only us then.” Jungkook intends to say it casually, but it comes out somewhat anxiously. 

At that Jimin’s smile falters. “What do you mean only us? What about the hyungs?”

“They said they can’t make it too because they got busy.” Jungkook scratches the back of his head with a tattooed hand giving the older a sheepish smile. “Come in, we can do something. Or do you want me to call it off?”

“No, we can hangout. Just the two of us right? I mean there’s nothing better to do today anyway.” Jimin beams with his crescent smile, with pink cheeks.  

Jungkook hums and opens the door wide for Jimin to come in.

“So what do you wanna do? It’s been a long time since we hungout. Just the two of us, I mean.” Says the younger offering the sofa to Jimin.

“Yeah, not that we were so great at hanging out back then. We could watch a movie or something.” Suggests the older with a broad smile while taking a seat and putting a leg over the other. Jungkook notices how Jimin’s thigh muscles move under the tight pants from the movement. A shudder goes through his body that has nothing to do with the cold. And he’s staring again. Help me lord, that ass-  

“Huh, y-yeah yeah, we could watch something. What do you wanna watch? Is Parasite okay?” stutters Jungkook awkwardly trying to keep his composure. Why is he a stuttering mess?

Jimin agrees to watch Parasite and they watch it. But at the end jungkook doesn’t know what happened in the film at all. He was so busy glancing at Jimin not so secretly, he doubts that Jimin didn’t notice.

After the film they have dinner and falls into a conversation, but it is not effortless as Jungkook wants it to be. It’s a little awkward with how flustered Jungkook is and Jimin being different now. Nevertheless they keep talking.  

 “Wanna go out for lunch sometime?” blurts out Jungkook suddenly. “I mean, now that we are working together for the photo-shoot these days we can hang out sometime after.”

“Are you asking me out Kookie? I thought you still hated me.” Says Jimin in a teasing tone.

“W-what? No. I never hated you hyung. I was just annoyed back then, because you were so boisterous and loud, you know. And no, I’m not asking you out. Just wanted to hangout…...” trails off Jungkook when something akin to hurt flashes on Jimin’s face for a brief second.

Before Jungkook could say anything else, Jimin asks “So, you’re not annoyed by me now. Don’t you have any idea why I was pretending like that?” More like stated in a small voice with a sad smile, like Jimin’s reminiscing something.

“No. You were pretending? I mean, I thought it was how you are then. You seem different now hyung, like you’re quieter.” Starts Jungkook with a nervous laugh. He was never nervous around Jimin before. So, why now?

Jimin ignores the question completely and questions again. “Why didn’t you reply to my texts when you were away?”

Jimin has sent Jungkook texts over texts during the first year with his job. He didn’t reply or see them even because he simply didn’t want to. He was so annoyed and ignored them until they stopped coming. “Uuh, I told you, I was annoyed. I didn’t even read your messages because I was so busy.” He was lying. He had plenty of time to reply to them if he wanted to.

That’s when he sees tears in Jimin’s eyes. “I figured. I just wanted to see how you were doing. You were so oblivious back then and it seems you still are.” He stands and says “I should be going now Jungkook. Thank you for the food and everything.” with a wobble in his voice, not meeting Jungkook’s eyes.

Words get stuck in Jungkook’s throat. Before Jungkook could ask what he meant by oblivious and why he pretended, Jimin hurries out the door, leaving him with so many questions.

Just like that he’s gone. Just like that the happy moment they have been building, ends.

Jungkook can’t fathom what just happened. He wanted to get close to Jimin and be friends first. And his only window for that just shut in his face. Nice Jungkook. Really smooth.

---

Jungkook had tried to smile at Jimin when he saw him at their next photo-shoot. But the older had avoided his gaze the whole day.

He still doesn’t understand what he did wrong that day to make Jimin mad at him like this. He had even texted Jimin to apologize for whatever he did, but didn’t get a reply. Karma’s getting back at him. He guesses.  

Then Taehyung had barged into his office and demanded to tell him what Jungkook did to his best friend for him to look so glum and won’t even talk to him. Jungkook had told him everything that happened and got “My god you’re so stupid. You are so blind.” as a reply.

Jungkook had then blamed Tae that this is his fault since he’s the one who planned to isolate the two of them. And Taehyung had said, more calmly this time, he was just trying to help them and he can’t believe that Jungkook is this dense to blow his chance away.

They had gone back and forth like that blaming each other, but Jungkook never reached a conclusion at the end.

So, now Jungkook’s other option is to go to Hobi hyung for help, since he and Yoongi are so fond of Jimin and they know more about Jimin after Tae. He wants to make it right with Jimin, because, okay he can’t deny it, he has realized that he has feelings for Jimin. He may be going crazy, but to hell with it, he just wants to fix this mess. He likes Jimin way too much to just ignore.

Jungook’s at the door of Yoongi’s apartment stalling for some time before knocking. He knows that Yoongi and Hobi hyungs have a soft spot for Jimin, everyone else has it for that matter. But, Yoongi and Hobi are protective over Jimin.

He had texted Hobi hyung that he is coming over this evening because he needed to talk about Jimin. Apparently they both, Hobi and Yoongi, have been informed about Jimin being upset and it has something to do with Jungkook by Tae. Jungkook wasn’t surprised. And now, Yoongi opens the door after he knocks and ushers him inside.

“Okay spill it.” Yoongi says sitting near Hobi.

Jungkooks does exactly that. He says everything that happened that day and that he has realized he really likes Jimin now. He says he wants to apologize but don’t know how and don’t know what he did wrong.

After Jungkook’s explanation, Hobi looks a little surprised. “You seriously don’t know why Jiminie was so boisterous back then around you?”

“No hyung, he said he was pretending. I don’t get it. Why would he pretend that? Wait, was it only around me?”Jungkook looks from Hobi to Yoongi, confused.

“Yes, of course. It was only around you.” Yoongi rolls his eyes.

“Why though? But he was clingy with others too.” Jugkook is more confused now.

“Yes, but he was more clingy and loud with you. Didn’t you notice that he was giving you special attention?” An amused smile forms in Hobi’s face.

“No.” The younger deadpans.

“I mean, Jiminie was clingy with others too, but that was for another reason.” Hobi clarifies, but the younger doesn’t feel like he’s getting any of it.

“Oh kiddo. It’s not my place to tell you the reason. But you have royally screwed up. So, I guess I have to tell you to fix this mess huh.” Yoongi sighs. Frustration evident in his words.

Jungkook doesn’t say anything, so Yoongi continues looking at Hobi. “Okay, here goes. Jimin liked you back then. He did all that to get your attention.”

Jungkook thinks he heard it wrong. But looking at his hyung’s serious face, he knows that he’s not joking. “What! No way!”

“Yes way. But I don’t know about now. He had a massive crush on you then.” Hobi shrugs with little laugh. “He was clinging to others too because he wanted to make you jealous.”

Jungkook’s dumbfounded. He wants to clarify more. “So, when I was away with my job, he stopped being so clingy and loud. That’s why he’s way quieter and calm now?”

Hobi and Yoongi both nod. “There you go. You’re a quick learn.” Yoongi jokes and gains a slap from Hobi.

He feels like Hobi just slapped his face instead of Yoongi’s arm. “I am such an idiot. Aren’t I?” He stands and walks a little to get his thoughts together.

“Yep. Big time.” Hobi says sympathetically.

The younger feels like the world is spinning in front of his eyes. So, he sits down again and let out a dry humourless laugh. He couldn’t believe any of this. Then he says slowly to no one in particular “Jimin and Tae hyungs were right. I am blind huh.”

----

Jungkook’s editing the photos of his latest photo-shoot of the dancers. Yes, those include Jimin’s too. He was so beautiful that the younger’s eyes hurt from staring at them so much.

He hasn’t talked to Jimin yet as Yoongi and Hobi had suggested that day. He had asked what he’s going to do now and they had replied that he better talk to Jimin and come to an understanding. They had said that it is the only way for him to solve his problem with concern dripping in their voices.

The younger too understood that talking to Jimin is the only way, but he couldn’t find time for that yet. He had been drowned in his photo-shoots and editing.

Nonetheless he was dreading the talk with Jimin, because that also meant confessing his feelings. He was afraid that when he confesses, Jimin would say that he doesn’t like him now. Thus, the little bit of happiness Jungkook feels in his guts at how hectic he is being with his work at the time. On the other hand he knows that he can’t avoid it forever. 

“How is your brain Dumdum? Does it understand now that Hobi hyung explained everything or is it still stupid?” Jungkooks jumps a little in his seat at the voice and looks over his computer. Jungkook was so immersed in his thoughts to even notice that Kim fucking Taehyung has come in and is sitting on the opposite side of his desk like a king of the house.

“When did you come? I didn’t even see.” The younger lifts a brow, not showing that he was startled, keeping his pride intact.  

“How could you when you were ogling at Jimin’s photos, practically drooling on your desk.” Smirks Tae. And the younger’s pride crumbles.

“What do you want Tae?” Sighs Jungkook continuing with his editing nonchalantly.   

“To talk about your problem with my best friend. What else?” Deadpans Tae.

At that Jungkook takes his eyes off the computer. “There’s no problem Tae. I just need to talk with Jimin hyung.”

“But you haven’t done it yet.” Tae lifts a brow at the younger and looks pointedly.

“Yeah, cuz I’ve been busy with work an-” Tae cuts off Jungkook’s sentence with a hit to the back of his head. “Ow, what the-”

“Cut the bullshit. You’re avoiding it. Why?”

Giving up his façade Jungkook sighs. Who is he kidding by the way? “I don’t know Tae hyung. I’m scared.”

“For what? The Jungkook I know isn’t scared of anything. Hence the name Golden Maknae. Need I remind you?” The older enlightens like reminding him of that will make all his problems go away. Yes, he’s not afraid of anything. He had even rode the ‘swing’ up-side-down (no one has done it that way), when he was in New Zealand (he’s not boasting at all). But this is different.  

Jungkook gets up and walks towards the sofa abandoning his work, since he couldn’t do it anymore. Too much Jimin staring at him from the screen. “May be because I’m in love and afraid of rejection.” He says in a small voice plopping down onto the sofa and stares at the ceiling like it’s the most interesting thing in the world. 

A shit eating grin appears on Tae’s face at that.

“Shut up Tae.” Snaps Jungkook without even looking at him.

“What? I didn’t even say anything.” Defends Tae still with the grin. He jumps down from the desk and sits down on the opposite sofa from Jungkook’s.

“Yeah, but you were going to.” The younger rolls his eyes.

“You’re right. I was going to say I told you so, but then decided against it and-” Starts the older but Jungkook cuts him off.

“Tae!” The younger wipes a hand across his face and whines. “You’re not helping.”

“Okay okay. I can’t say that he will like you back. But, you just have to talk to him and find out yourself. Otherwise, if you don’t talk, at least to apologize, and avoid it like the plague, you both will be hurting for the rest of your lives.” Proclaims Tae like the old wise man that he is.

“Easier said than done.” Even as Jungkook says this, he knows that Taehyung is right. He has to go talk to Jimin, at least to apologize.  

----

Okay Jungkook, you can do this. Don’t fuck it up this time. You got this.

Mustering all his courage Jungkook taps on the door. His hands are clammy with sweat. He has been stalling, driving around the block and then has come to Jimin’s apartment saying screw it.

Tae had advised Jungkook that day, with a very cheery voice and shining eyes, to take flowers and woo Jimin with sex and he will definitely like him back. So typical Taehyung. Jungkook had then scolded that he’s not going to do that and pushed Tae out the door. Before he went, he had said that Jimin is free on Saturday and Jungkook could ‘execute’ his plan then and winked at him. The younger had closed the door in Tae’s face then.

On Saturday morning, he has woken up from a restless sleep and has showered and got ready to visit Jimin. He couldn’t eat because he was thinking so hard that how much of a bad idea this is and that everything could go wrong.

He has even spent two hours dishevelling through his closet mulling over what to wear. He wanted something simple yet something that says he’s sorry and could impress Jimin. At last he chose a simple black t-shirt with blue ripped jeans and topped it with a black bomber jacket. He wore his Timberlands to complement his getup. He didn’t know if it expressed what he intended to but he left it as it is.

Another two hours into his ridiculous thought train and pacing, he has forcefully walked out the door and driven to Jimin’s apartment.   

When the elevator has opened to Jimin’s floor, he was reconsidering going back down again out of fear. But forced his feet forward and has come to Jimin’s door. 

Now when he is about to chicken out, the door opens and Jimin reveals himself in a white hoody and grey sweat pants. Silver hair messed up in every which way. Today he’s wearing stick drop earrings that dangle down his ears. He looks even elegant without much style.

While Jungkook is so busy absorbing the scrumptious details of this beauty in front of his eyes, the latter starts to close the door with a frown on his face.

Jungkook comes to his reality with a start and blurts “hyung, please we need to talk.”

The said beauty then stops his action and raises an eyebrow.

“I mean, can I talk to you hyung? Please?” Corrects Jungkook with a pleading look.

Jimin sighs nodding and widens the door. “What do you wanna talk about Jungkook?” he asks in rather a clipped tone.

“I just wanna apologize for um… that day.” Replies Jungkook coming in and looking somewhat awkward.

Jiming ushers him to a seat. “Okay. Tae told me that you will talk to me.”

Jungkook doesn’t know what to say next and stares at his shoes instead. After a minute (Jungkook felt it like an hour has passed) of pondering, he decides to come out without beating around the bush. “I’m so sorry hyung. I’m sorry if I hurt your feelings that day. I didn’t mean to.”

Jungkook thinks he fucked it up even more when he was treated with silence at that. So, he looks up slowly.

“Go on.” Urges the older then. Jungkook lowers his head again as he feels his hyung’s intense gaze on him.

“I… um, I understand it all now. I was such an idiot then.” Starts the younger carefully looking up from his shoes.

“No doubt about it.” There’s an amused look on Jimin’s face.

“Hyung? Are you laughing? I mean, I understand if you’re laughing at me, because I know now that I was so blind then and I was oblivious and-” Jungkook goes on with his word vomit but gets cut off with the sweetest giggles that escapes from Jimin’s plump lips.

“Oh Jungkookie, you’re so sweet when you ramble.” Jimin giggles more, covering his lips with his hands.

Jungkook keeps staring ridiculously at the older.

“I tried so hard to be mad at you and it worked at first, but then I couldn’t help it.” Continues the older.

“You’re not mad at me now?” The younger releases the breath that he didn’t know he was holding.

“I mean, I was that day. I was hurt. But I couldn’t stay longer like that even if I wanted to.” Jimin answers in a calm voice, looking at his hands.

“But you avoided me when I was trying to talk to you. You didn’t even reply to my texts. I thought you were getting back at me for not replying to yours back then.” Queries the younger furrowing his eyebrows.  

“Yeah. I was pretending. I wanted to convince you that I was really mad at you.” Jimin flashes a sheepish look and a cheeky smile at the younger.

There was that word again. Pretend. This time Jungkook understands what it means.

“It worked though. I was so worried that I’ll never get the chance to talk to you and spend time with you again hyung.” Jungkook clarifies with a sad look.

Jimin stands up still giggling and leads Jungkook to the kitchen island. “Do you want coffee?”

“Okay, thanks.” The younger sits down on a stool near the bar counter.

Jimin glides through the kitchen preparing the coffee to brew. “So, you want to spend time with me huh?”    

“Y-yes, of course. If you want to, that is.” Jungkook hesitates since he isn’t all sure that he is fully forgiven yet.

“Well, I want to. But I just wanted to make sure with you. Because, you know, in the past you weren’t so willing to hang out with me.” Jimin turns around to face Jungkook. He bites over his lower lip, voice laced with uncertainty.   

Jungkook studies his hyungs face for a while. He slowly stands up and take a step towards the older. He thinks of being bold and he chooses his next words carefully. “Do you still like me hyung?”

“W-what? What do you mean still?” Now it’s Jimin’s turn to hesitate.

“I know that you liked me back then. That was why you pretended to be so boisterous around me. Wasn’t it?” Sadness and worry flies away from Jungkook. A little bit of his dominant persona takes over him and he takes another step towards Jimin. Face blank with any expression.

“Oh” Jimin swallows and let out a nervous laugh. “That. Yeah. Yeah I was.” He rakes a hand through his silver locks brushing them back. But they come back over his forehead in a very pretty manner. Jungkook wants to touch those locks and test their softness himself.

“You were right. I was oblivious then. Now I understand. So, what about now? Do you still like me?”

Jimin doesn’t answer, just backs away until his hips hit the counter behind. Jungkook takes another step forward, searching the answer on his face. Now they’re so close, Jungkook could touch Jimin if he extended his hand out.

Jimin is wide eyed and blushing heavily at their close proximity. “Wh-what are you doing Jungkook?” Stammers out the older frozen a little on spot.

“If you still like me then I’d like to say that I like you too Jimin.” Jungkook strips the honorifics away. He takes the remaining step and places his hands on the counter on either side of Jimin, trapping him.

Jimin’s eyes widen more at that and Jungkook smirks. Jimin’s mouth seems to be glued shut while he comprehends what Jungkook just said.

Jungkook leans in and whispers his next question to Jimin’s ear, his lips ghosting over the shell of the ear. “Am I forgiven for being oblivious back then?”

Jimin closes his eyes and a gasp escapes parting his sinful lips slightly. He nods ever so slightly, Jungkook might have missed it had he not watched Jimin carefully. Up-close, Jimin is more beautiful. Jungkook’s heart is flipping violently inside his chest. Don’t blow this up Jungkook.

“Okay.” Jungkook plants an ever so soft kiss on Jimin’s cheek. “You didn’t answer my first question.” He brings his lips to Jimin’s cute nose and places a kiss there next.

Jimin opens his eyes and looks at Jungkook with doe brown orbs. His pupils blown wide. He nods again, unable form words. “Say it hyung.” Jungkook says softly, his breath fanning over Jimin’s lips.

“I still like you.”

And that’s all Jungkook wanted to hear to close the small gap between their lips. At first, Jimin doesn’t react, Jungkook thinks he messed up again. But after a second Jimin starts to kiss him back, fluttering his eyes close. Euphoria fills Jungkook’s heart. He feels like electric jolts are running through his body.

He had daydreamed kissing Jimin like this so many times that he lost count. He even dreamed of doing things to Jimin at night which led to wet dreams, he is ashamed to admit how many times.

Jimin’s lips are so soft, just as Jungkook had imagined. Jungkook breaks the kiss and forms a little space between their faces and looks at Jimin. They stare at each other with all the feelings emitting through their eyes. There’s a sweet smile plastered to Jimin’s face. All the hesitation and worry fly out of Jungkook’s brain.

He brings a hand to Jimin’s face cupping his cheeks, caressing a thumb over his lower lip. “I never stopped liking you.” Whispers Jimin against Jungkook’s finger.

“I’m sorry I kept you waiting.” Jungkook whispers back.

 With that he kisses Jimin again. Their lips glide perfectly over one another, Jimin opening his lips allowing Jungkook to venture inside. Jungkook’s other hand goes to hold Jimin by the hip and hooks his fingers inside Jimin’s hem of the hoody to feel his delicate skin there. Jimin’s hands start to explore Jungkooks body, feeling his abs through the t-shirt, sliding over his biceps they come to rest on the back of his head, small fingers entangled in his hair. 

Their kiss is passionate and slow at first. Then it fills with lust. Jungkook trails his kisses down Jimin’s jawline to neck. Shoving away his hoody, Jungkook finds Jimin’s soft spot at the base of his neck and sucks on it to make a mark. A moan slips from Jimin’s sinful lips as his head lolls back from pleasure.

Observing his handy work of the hickey, the younger tugs off Jimin’s hoody and lifts him by the thighs. Latter hooks his legs around Jungkook’s waist. The younger can’t help but notice that Jimin fits to him perfectly, like they are meant to be. “Is this going too far?”

“No, definitely no.” Jimin gives a coy smile and initiates another kiss. They kiss like there’s no tomorrow. Jungkook sets Jimin on the counter and trails kisses down his body marvelling his ‘Nevermind’ tattoo. All the while drawing out sweet moans from pink lips of the older. 

 “I’ve been meaning to ask you, what does 13 stands for?” The younger places a kiss on the tattoo on Jimin’s left wrist. He trails kisses down his hand up to his pecs and looks up with a teasing smile.

“Hmmghh…...” Moans the older. “Less talking please.” He complains with a cute pout directed at Jungkook’s sneer.

Yeah, Jungkook could do that.

Their coffee is all forgotten somewhere in the kitchen.

---

Jimin smells like vanilla and mint. Jungkook takes a deep breath burying his face in Jimin’s soft hair. He feels like he is intoxicated by Jimin’s sweet scent.

Jimin is cuddling on Jungkook’s chest, his face peaceful and so adorable. Yep, he had done exactly what Tae advised him to do. Jungkook is no saint of course and last night he found out that Jimin wasn’t either, though he seemed to be. They had stripped their innocence away, to say the least. He doesn’t regret it though. No, not even a little. He just has to come up with a plan to prevent Tae from rubbing his victory in Jungkook’s face.

Jungkook brushes a lock of silver hair from Jimin’s forehead gently afraid of waking him up from his peaceful slumber. Jimin is so beautiful, he can’t have enough of him. He sure is so in love. Otherwise he won’t be thinking such sappy thoughts. He doesn’t mind though. He would think those sappy thoughts for the rest of his life gladly if it meant being near Jimin like this every day. Love does weird things to people huh.

With that thought in mind he gets up and leaves the bed as quietly as possible, not to wake Jimin up. He freshens up a little and saunters into the kitchen, still in his boxers, thinking that he should probably make dinner for the both of them.

While he’s preparing dinner, he gets a message from Tae.

[Taetaebrat]: So, u accomplished my plan after all huh?  😋😍

How the fuck did he even know? Jungkook didn’t know. Tae must have telepathy or something. Who knows, he’s weird like that. Jungkook rolls his eyes and replies.

[Dumkook]: No! Shut up hyung. 🙄

[Taetaebrat]: OMG. U have. For real. I’m so proud. I wanna hear all the details when u get back.🤩

[Dumkook]: What! No! You pervert! I gotta go. I’m busy.

[Taetaebrat]: OMG. U’re still havin’ it? I’m sorry I disturbed. 😵

[Dumkook]: Fuck you! No! I hate you. Bye. 😑

[Taetaebrat]: Wait! OK, OK. Sorry.

[Taetaebrat]: Hey, Hyungs r planning a hangout 2morrow at Yoongi hyung’s place. U 2 coming?

[Dumkook]: I’ll ask Jimin.

[Taetaebrat]: K. Bye. 😘

You can’t hide anything from Tae. He knows it somehow. Jungkook have no idea how. Keeping the phone aside, Jungkook gets back to making dinner.

He was arranging the dinner into two plates when he feels something wraps around his naked torso from behind and he instantly knows what it is. Or rather, who it is.

Jimin nuzzles into his back wrapping his arms around him. Jungkook smiles. “Hey you.”

Once he turns around, Jimin still attached to him like a Koala bear, he almost gets a mini heart attack. Jimin is wearing Jungkook’s black t-shirt which is so big on him, Jimin looks much smaller in it. It comes barely up to his thighs, and drapes on either of his shoulders exposing his smooth skin on neck and collarbones. The hickeys covering his collarbones and neck are completely visible. The whole delicious look doing very unspeakable things to Jungkook’s body. He could swear he passed out from the sheer beauty and sexiness of Jimin just then and there. Because when Jimin says “hey” in a coy tone and giggles, Jungkook shuts his opened mouth and chuckles from his stunted position.  

“So, I made dinner for us.” Jungkook draws Jimin more closer by the waist and steals a kiss.

“Oh, that’s sexy, making dinner wearing only boxers.” Coos Jimin, a sneaky look covering his face.

“You’re one to talk.” Jungkook says, matching his sly look.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Questions Jimin rather timidly.

“You’re so sexy wearing my t-shirt. I could eat you out right here, now, babe.” whispers Jungkook, blowing softly on Jimin’s ear lobe.

Jimin’s eyes widens. “Jungkook-ah!” he shrieks, swatting Jungkook’s arm. “I’m still sore. It’s your fault by the way.” Jimin pouts going to sit on a stool near the counter.

“Huh. Guess who asked for it.” Teases Jungkook, sitting on a stool and pulling Jimin between his legs.

Jimin giggles prettily. “So, you like me wearing your t-shirt?”

“I’ll give all my t-shirts and shirts for you to wear. But when you’re only with me.” Jungkook says cockily.

“Shut up and kiss me.”

Jungkook chuckles and does exactly what he asked. He savours the kiss long enough, but not enough at the same time. He can never get enough of Jimin.

They start eating dinner and falls into a comfortable conversation.

“Why do you like me now? I mean, you didn’t like me back then.” Jimin looks at Jungkook with a curious look.

“I guess I liked you then too hyung. I just didn’t realise it, because you were there near my ears all the time.” Jungkook reminisces with a fond smile forming on his lips. “When we parted our ways and I didn’t get to see you for two whole years, I felt like there was something missing in my life. But, I just couldn’t figure it out.”

Jimin listens, munching the spaghetti.

“Even though you sent me messages, I was so busy being annoyed at you to realise you’re the one I was missing. And you stopped sending messages. Eventually, I forgot about it. Because I was drowned in my work.” Jungkook continues sticking his fork into spaghetti. “All though I didn’t reply, I kept all your messages and read them all later. I guess I was trying to fill the emptiness subconsciously.”

“When I met you that day at Jin hyung’s, I was reminded of the void in my life once again. And when I realized you are so different now, it clicked to me that I was missing your loudness, your hugs and all.”

Jimin hums softly. “So, I guess I should be loud again.” Says Jimin, smirking.

Wry smile appears on Jungkook’s face. “If you do that, I’m gonna have to punish you babe.”

“Ooh, I like that.” giggles Jimin. “My soul purpose was to get your attention then. I was trying every tactic I knew. But you didn’t bat an eye.”  

“Seriously, I’m sorry hyung, for not realising it sooner. Actually other hyungs helped me to understand all this. I’ll allow you to punish me for that later.” Jungkook winks. “But, for real, I would like you even if you were loud now.”

“Oh my god Jungkook, you’re making it hard for me to enjoy my dinner.” Jimin pouts cutely.

 Jungkook snickers. “Sexy talk aside. That was not all that made me fall in love with you.”

Jimin is mesmerized, his spoon stuck mid-way to his mouth. “You’re in love with me?” He exclaims.

“There I said it. Yes, I am desperately in love with you. I’m not forcing you to say it back or anything. Just wanted you to know.” Jungkook scratches back of his head sheepishly. He feels like a heavy burden has lifted from his shoulders, saying it out loud. But, it feels nice, those words he kept inside for so long rolling out of his lips.

Jimin smiles broadly, putting his spoon down. “I’m in love with you too, you idiot. I was, from back then. I just said I liked you because I was not sure about you. And I didn’t wanted another rejection.”

“Really?”Jungkook lets out an audible sigh. “Oh my god, you don’t know how much I’m relieved from hearing you say that. I love you so much hyung.”

“I love you so much too.” Abandoning their dinner, they come close to share another kiss. Jungkook feels like his inner organs are melting down from the pure happiness he felt then.

“What’s the other reason, you fell in love with me?” Murmurs Jimin against the younger’s lips.

“Your beauty. You’re so beautiful babe, I even dreamed about you in my dreams. I was so stupid to not to notice your beauty then.” Jungkook mutters back, a wide grin forming on his face.  

“I know.” Jimin hides his beet-red face in the crook of Jungkooks shoulder.

“So, am I really forgiven for all my stupidity?”

“Yeah. You were just an idiot back then. Besides, you also have changed, you know. Like, you’re more muscly now and so much taller and hot. Plus wiser.” Jimin squeezes his biceps and abs with a sly smile.

“I’m flattered.” Jungkook smiles fondly and holds Jimin to him with the promise of never letting him go, scorched to his heart. 

---

“Close your eyes babe.” Jungkook smiles mischievously.

“What? Why?” Jimin is confused.

“Just close them, please. No peaking.” Whines Jungkook.

“Okay.” Obeys Jimin, closing his eyes.

It is Jimin’s birthday. Jungkook is throwing a surprise party with the hyungs later that evening. Of course Jungkook had given his first gift in the morning, in the sense, making Jimin see stars and moon as well. 

Now he is giving Jimin his second gift. Jimin has finally revealed that the tattoo 13 on his left wrist is his birthday after so many interrogations of….. well, you know. Just as Jungkook has suspected.

They have been dating for 3 months now, doing all the cheesy things a couple does. All though they’re cheesy, it has been worth it.

Tae has chosen every possible opportunity he could get to tease them and boast about his dream coming true, how his plan worked perfectly. Other hyungs have also joined forces with Tae in being cocky around them. Needless to say that Jungkook hated all of them, very much. But, what can Jungkook do. Exactly. Nothing. He just hangs out with them, trying to ignore the comments and stealing kisses from a giggling Jimin in his arms. That’s his life now. 

On Jungkook’s birthday, Jimin had given a necklace with a white jade swan pendant that represents love. So, Jungkook had decided to put his drawing skills to work and portray Jimin in his ‘Goddess of Moon’ dance he performed in a competition and won the first place. Jimin was complete art in that solo and Jungkook really wanted to draw it from the first time he saw it. It was a masterpiece. Jimin looked stunning in it wearing full white button-down and pants. He had taken many photos of it and he used them for his painting.

He brings Jimin to his studio where the portrait is hung. He has drawn Jimin in a jump, looking like he is suspended in mid-air. Actually, he has drawn a series of paintings of this dance and Jimin’s ‘Black Swan’ solo as well, but chose this one to gift first. He’s planning to reveal others later in the party. “Watch out the step. Okay. You can open your eyes now.”

Jimin opens his eyes slowly. “Whoaa. You painted this?” Jimin is awestruck.

“Happy birthday babe. This is your second gift.” Jungkook kisses his cheek.

“Oh my god. This is so beautiful Jungkookie. Thank you so much.” Jimin stares at it fascinated, astonishment shining in his face.

“Only because you’re so beautiful, just like an art.” Jungkook murmurs with a soft voice, gazing at Jimin affectionately.

Jimin laughs falling into Jungkook. “This goes in my apartment.” The older kisses the younger.

“I can hang it for you.” Jungkook suggests placing his face on Jimin’s shoulder and wrapping his arms from behind.

“This is the best gift I’ve ever received.” They kiss passionately.  

“Wait, what about the gift I gave you this morning?” Jungkook asks smugly, an eyebrow raised suggestively.

Jimin laughs and whacks Jungkook’s chest lightly. His cheeks a bright shade of red. “I love you.”  

Jungkook is very glad that he figured out his feelings for Jimin, even if it was much later. Now he can’t imagine a life without Jimin. He had taken Jimin’s presence in his life for granted back then. He was totally blind to Jimin’s charms, because he was so persistence in being annoyed with him. Now seeing Jimin in his arms, he thinks, he’s never going to take Jimin for granted. Jungkook’s going to cherish every single moment with Jimin for the rest of his life.

“I love you too hyung.”