Chapter Text
“Trust me, hyung. It’ll be hilarious .”
“I don’t know Jungkook, the whole thing just sounds like a bad joke.”
“Hyung," his younger friend starts with a disciplining tone in his voice, objective but sharp as if spitting pure facts, "it’s a great joke. And if the person who wants to date you isn’t on the same boat, you don’t need them anyways. This is like a filter, to get rid of stuck up bitches with no sense of humour and-”
Jimin heaves an exhausted sigh, ignoring the rest of Jungkook's completely rational ramble, and rolls over on his back, from where he was previously on his side, glued to the man’s left shoulder as his friend and roommate took his iPhone hostage about an hour ago, watching various videos on youtube, because Jungkook’s own phone has a pretty nasty crack across the screen that he cannot afford to have repaired.
Jimin would’ve prefered if Jungkook stayed watching videos instead of thinking of stupid jokes.
Laying on his back with his eyes closed, he listens to his phone talking back to Jungkook, the voice cut off mid-sentence or mid-word even, because Jungkook didn’t need to audio to tell him what he clicks on.
He has the visuals for that after all.
“Park Jimin, 23
College student, motivational speaker
Seoul
I love blind dates. I swear I won’t look at your profile pic, if you swipe right. ;)”
“So, how you like it, hyung?”
“Jungkook- That’s so stupid.”
Jimin isn’t trying to make Jungkook change his mind at this point. That little rascal can be pretty stubborn when he sets his mind to something and Jimin’s had a long day and doesn’t want to rile himself up because of a stupid Tinder profile. Doesn’t mean he should hold his unamused comments back though.
“It’s genius,” Jungkook defensively snaps back. And he sounds so sure about it too. As if this whole situation wasn't just a whole bunch of ridiculous.
"The stupidest thing I've ever heard,” Jimin doesn’t whine. That’s not what he does.
"Your profile info has been saved."
Still, he can’t help the rational part of his brain speaking. “It doesn’t make sense, how would it be a blind date, if they literally can see my profile picture?”
“The main point is, you can’t see them . So it is a blind date for you. Can I swipe a few people? I want to see who’s gonna catch on,” Jungkook sounds like he’s pouting, but it may be just because of his chin being squished against his chest due to his position on the mattress. Jimin doesn’t care either way. He had an urge to argue that every date is a blind date to him, but decided long ago it would be useless anyway and Jungkook would probably wave it off.
“Knock yourself out,” Jimin fits one of his hand behind his head and closes his eyes, listening to the brief descriptions on the strangers’ profiles, until the robotic voice comes to a sudden halt about five minutes later and Jungkook doesn’t swipe.
“What’s up?” the older man asks and Jungkook’s chest vibrates with barely suppressed giggles that errupt in a laugh just few seconds later. Then the robotic voice returns once again.
“Kim Taehyung, 23
College student
Seoul
Hi there! I love art, puppies and cute men! I’m doing a fairly good job at keeping my life together so why not mess it up a little?”
“So corny,” Jimin physically cringes.
“Don’t be like that hyung, he actually looks pretty nice. And is taller than you- oh right, everyone is taller than you- You matched!” Jungkook wheezes so hard he sounds like he choke on air, and Jimin knows sighing brings bad luck. He may as well have the worst week ahead of himself after this one evening with this one annoying Jeon Jungkook.
“Should we text him?” Jungkook asks and Jimin reaches over grabs his phone out of Jungkook’s hold, promptly locking it.
"We- " Jimin starts with an emphasis on the word, "are not texting anyone."
"But hyung," Jungkook whines in response and tries to grab for the smartphone. Jimin shoves it under his pillow and lay on top of it with arms crossed over his chest.
“It’s late. Go to sleep Jungkook, we have lectures tomorrow morning.”
His phone gives them a muffled ping of disapproval. Jimin ignores it in the sake of his tired mind and body. He feels Jungkook sit up on the mattress, then scoot over to the other side of the room to dive in his own bed.
“Good night, Jiminie-hyung.”
“Good night, Jungkookie.”
“You have to text that man.”
“Alright.”
“I mean it, he’s cute.”
“Okay.”
“Promise me you'll text him.”
Another ping and Jimin reaches under his pillow, holding his thumb on the home button to unlock the device, then holding the fingertip of his pointer finger on the notification bar.
“One (1) new message from user Kim Taehyung on Tinde r," his phone announces in a fast robotic voice. Jimin locks the phone and puts it away on his nightstand. Too bad he can't put it on silence.
“Why don't you reply to him now? I bet you won't be sleeping anyway,” Jungkook asks from the other side of the room, his silent voice laced with a daring undertone. Jimin opens the drawer of his nightstand when Jungkook's voice interrupts him again.
“Noo, don't take your headphones, I want to know what he opened up with.”
Jimin closes the drawer with too much force.
Arguing is useless with his younger friend.
And so Jimin grabs his phone, once again goes through the trouble of unlocking it and searching for the notification to open the app.
“New messages (2) from user Kim-”
“Yeah, yeah,” Jimin mutters under his breath and taps twice at the notification to open up the chat.
From: Kim Taehyung [22:34]
“Hi!
To stay true to the basic logic of blind dates, let's not waste our time with small talk! Are you free this Saturday?”
“I told you it would work,” Jungkook says, voice partially muffled by the duvet.
From: Park Jimin [22:36]
“Saturday works for me… Do you know Hella Dope Café? It's near the Star Cinema.”
From: Kim Taehyung [22:36]
“I do! I've been there a couple of times! What about 2 pm on Saturday, then?”
From: Park Jimin [22:37]
“That's fine by me. I'll be looking forward to meeting you there :)"
From: Kim Taehyung [22:38]
"Same here! And with this, I wish you a good night!"
From: Park Jimin [22:38]
"Good night to you too :)"
"Already like a married couple," Jungkook huffs and shuffles around until he finds a comfortable position.
"Shut up, Jungkook."
"One (1) new message from user Kim Jaehyun on Tinder."
Jimin decides to read that one as well, while he's at it.
From: Kim Jaehyun [22:40]
"yo hun, what's up?"
From: Park Jimin [22:40]
"Not much, just laying in bed"
From: Kim Jaehyun [22:41]
"u DTF?"
Jimin soundlessly scowls.
“What does dtf mean?” Jungkook asks from the other side of the room.
“Down to fuck.”
“Oh.”
From: Park Jimin [22:42]
"Not really looking for this kind of relationship, sorry"
From: Kim Jaehyun [22:43]
"wow, rude much? y'know no one's gonna take ur offer for a date. ur not that pretty to be worth spending any money on."
From: Park Jimin [22:42]
"How was me politely denying you rude lmao."
From: Kim Jaehyun [22:43]
"i bet ur a whore anyway. blocked, bye."
Jimin doesn't bother responding to that. It's not the first time a seemingly good person with an interesting bio called him names after denying them.
Jimin rather clicks away from the conversation and searches for Taehyung's profile to read a little more about him. But then he realizes it would defeat the purpose of a blind date and closes the Tinder app, opting for a much-needed sleep.
"Jimin-sshi! Hi! How are you today?"
Jimin smiles towards the voice, carefully closes the creaking door behind him and steps closer to the counter.
"Hello Chris, I'm actually about to meet someone here today, so I'll wait with ordering," he replies, pointedly looking around as to where to sit.
"Sure thing, you can sit anywhere between two and six."
"Thank you," with that, Jimin navigates himself with his walking cane to the table number three and sits down on one of the four chairs, "actually, I left Poppy outside, can you give her some water?"
"Sure, no problem, Jimin-sshi."
Jimin nods with silent thanks and proceeds to undo his walking cane to fold it on the chair beside him. He whips out his phone then and with the headphones already attached he pushes one earbud in his ear.
From: Park Jimin [1:52]
"I'm here. Blond hair and blue sweatshirt."
Jimin puts his phone aside on the table. He's nervous, there is no doubt about that. Always is, especially because of his inconvenient disability as some liked to call it. His previous Tinder dates mostly. All of them seemed just fine chatting with him through the app. Once they meet, after them reassuring Jimin they don’t mind his blindness, the conversation goes downhill.
But Jimin’s new bio left him no opportunity to chat with Taehyung beforehand so he has to eventually break the ice in person. Which can go either well, or terribly wrong. Most of the people who agreed to go on a date with him try to at least be polite about letting him down. And Jimin usually can’t hold it against them, when they decide that a relationship with him wouldn’t work for them.
Jungkook has assured Jimin earlier that it'll be fine. That he feels it will be fine.
Jimin doesn’t understand how Jungkook can be so sure about such a thing.
And after some time of silent pondering, Jimin decides to check the time on his phone.
"Two eight pm," the robotic voice easily reads.
"One (1) new message from Jeon Jungkookie."
Jimin taps twice at the notification.
From: Jeon Jungkookie [2:05]
"Hi hyung! Text me if you need a creep rescue. (≧∇≦)/”
From: Park Jimin [2:09]
"Of course Jungkook-ah. I’m glad I have a muscle-bunny backup."
From: Jeon Jungkookie [2:10]
"Good luck hyung~”
From: Park Jimin [2:10]
"And don’t text me those emojis, it hurts to listen to it."
Jimin got here 10 minutes before two just to be sure he'll sit down first and won't be the one searching for someone else.
And as if on cue he hears the door creak and fast steps approaching his seat, coming to a halt just beside his table, shallow breathing meeting Jimin’s ears.
"Hello! I'm so sorry I'm late, I actually got here on time but there is the cutest dog outside so naturally, I had to pet it and before I noticed, ten minutes have passed."
The quick ramble forces a giggle outside of Jimin's throat. He quickly lifts his hand to cover his mouth, because of a habit.
"Kim Taehyung, who likes puppies?" He asks lightly and hears the person take a seat across him.
"And cute men," the man nonchalantly adds. His voice is deep and relaxing even through his slightly teasing tone. It’s like velvet that Jimin would like to wrap himself in and fall asleep.
"Park Jimin, nice to meet you," he sticks out his arm halfway across the small table. And his tiny small palm gets engulfed by much bigger, warmer hand. Jimin feels a sudden urge to not let go. It sends a tiny shiver down his spine and when they do let go, Jimin tangles his fingers together on the tabletop as if to stop himself from reaching out again.
"Nice to meet you too. Can I call you Jimin, as we're the same age?"
"Fine by me, Taehyung."
"So what can I bring you, guys?" A third voice interrupts their little bubble of pleasantries and Jimin pulls his hands back, settling both of them in his lap. Then he looks up towards the barista: "I'll have the usual, thank you.”
"I was thinking green tea, maybe?” his companion follows.
"Right away," the barista chirps cheerfully back and walks away.
"So you're a regular here?" Taehyung asks once the sound of steps fades.
"Mm, I stop here from time to time. It's really close to my place and school as well. And I love their Red Velvet cake,” once again remembering velvet, Jimin unconsciously gnaws on his bottom lip while turning his head aside so the person across him can’t see the blush rising on his cheeks.
"I'll have to try it one day, then,” Taehyung continues without a pause, “So, what's up with your love for blind dates? You like the thrill of getting to know someone in person?"
"Not exactly…" Jimin starts, then pauses to gather his thoughts better, returning his gaze forwards. “The dog outside, she's mine. Her name is Poppy,” Jimin smiles a little at the memory of his lovely girl, “I've had her for a couple of years now-"
"OH MY GOD-" Taehyung exclaims and Jimin jumps a little in his seat, too engrossed in his tangled mess of a mind, "so you made this intricate plan to win me over? Not just being cute yourself but also having a cute dog? That's it, you won. I give up."
Laughter bubbles deep inside Jimin's chest because this is not at all what he's been meaning to say, but Taehyung saw the chance a took it as his life depended on it. He bursts out laughing, hiding his face behind his hand as tears prickle on his eyes, threatening to overflow.
"Your order guys," the barista announces and Jimin straightens his back, trying to take deep breaths to calm down.
"Thank you, Chris," he struggles to say. Taehyung has been suspiciously quiet.
"Is something wrong?" Jimin carefully asks, when the barista sets their orders down and swiftly walks away.
"No! Not at all," Taehyung quickly replies, "I'm just wondering what do you need Tinder for."
The giddy feeling disappears immediately as Jimin is once again reminded he should lay out the truth. He takes a deep breath and fixes his blind gaze at the plate set before him.
"As I was saying before. Poppy outside is mine. She's a guide dog. I also carry around this thing," Jimin reaches beside him and gets a hold of his white cane, lifting it up and catching it with both of his hands and holding it in front of his chest. He tries to look at Taehyung but as the man is silent, is hard to find where to look.
"So the thing about you loving blind dates…" Taehyung cautiously starts, voice completely neutral.
"Is because I'm blind, yes. My friend decided it would be really funny, or, as he said hilarious to write that on my Tinder profile,” Jimin continues, referring to the stupid bio.
Jimin puts his folded cane back in its previous place on the chair beside him and reaches for his cup, one hand getting hold of the spoon. He carefully mixes his cappuccino, his usual order. He has grown to be quite familiar with this drink over the months and is more than fully capable to enjoy it without spilling anywhere.
His first time there was a disaster. The café has a way of setting the orders. They have small-ish metal plates with a napkin in the middle, put the cup on one side and water and milk/cinnamon on the other side, depending on the order. Of course, Jimin spilt the water the first time he ordered his cappuccino. The baristas didn't think it was a big deal and Jimin began to mention to not put the water on his plate.
Now that he's a regular, he gets his plate with no water, with cinnamon already sprinkled on the top of his drink. He brings a bottle of water, that the baristas let him have although it’s his own so he shouldn’t really consume it on the property.
Jimin hears a low chuckle erupt from his companion.
"Your friend is funny I have to say. Not that I think your situation is funny, just-"
"Hey, hey," Jimin softly calls out, interrupting Taehyung's upcoming ramble, "it's fine. I'm fine with being blind. Just don't be weird about it yourself, alright?"
He tries really hard to keep his churning insides in check, anxiously waiting for any further elaboration of Taehyung’s thoughts. The man is quiet for some time, then starts giggling. And Jimin immediately wants to snuggle up in that sound. Instead of voicing that out, he just smiles and asks what Taehyung is thinking about.
"Just the whole joke. I fucking love it. It is indeed hilarious," Taehyung replies and Jimin's heart goes pang in his chest, forcing blush on his cheeks.
Jimin knows that Taehyung thinking the joke was funny doesn't mean anything. This date doesn't mean anything. Rather than relishing in the sound of Taehyung's velvety voice and deep, hearty chuckles that Jimin would like to feel straight from his chest, he should brace himself for the inventable 'Sorry, I don't think this will work out'.
But they could at least stay friends, right? That wouldn't hurt anyone. Taehyung seems like a good enough person to want to hang out with him even with his disability. And he obviously loves dogs a lot so that's a plus.
These thoughts, however, die the second Taehyung puts his hand above Jimin's, not quite covering the top of his left hand, but tangling their fingers together.
"Is this alright?" The man asks and Jimin just nods, feeling his cheeks getting too warm for his comfort.
"Enough about your friend. What do you do? What do you study in college?"
Taehyung is effortlessly checking off all the boxes Jimin has been putting up in his mind since he started dating. It comes so naturally from him, not like he has to force himself of thinking about anything else than Jimin's condition. He hasn't asked one question about his blindness. Jimin likes to believe it's because he feels like Jimin would tell it himself if he wanted to and not because it freaked Taehyung out.
And so they talk and drink their coffee and the only regret Jimin feels is when they're about to part ways and Taehyung offers even more of his attention to Poppy than to Jimin.
"I'll text you Jimin. If you want me to," Taehyung says, a little bit after Jimin has put the harness back on Poppy, to remind her she's at work, no more play time.
"I would really like that," he replies and whips out his phone, opening it at adding a new contact and handing it to Taehyung, who, without a question spared to the fact his phone talks back, puts his number in and calls it. He hands Jimin’s phone back to the owner and if their fingers brush, Jimin is determined to ignore the butterflies in his stomach.
They stand in silence until Taehyung speaks first: "Great so… Have a nice rest of the day I guess?"
"I would say see you later, but it wouldn't come across the right way," Jimin offers and Taehyung laughs again. Jimin loves the sounds already.
"Can I hug you before we…?"
So considerate. A true gentleman that Taehyung is.
"Come here," Jimin lets go of Poppy's leash and spreads his arms, making it way too easy for Taehyung to scoop him up like a child into his arms, even lift him up a little bit from the ground which has Jimin yelping out in surprise.
He playfully glares at Taehyung when he's let down on the pavement.
"Don't lift me up. I'm older, have some respect. The fact that you're taller than me doesn't mean-"
He feels a dry kiss on his cheek.
"I'll text you, Jimin."
"You better do that. No three days waiting policy."
"I wouldn't be able to leave you waiting for three days."
"Good," Jimin breathes out. He knows they should be probably walking away from each other at this point. But he can't bring his legs to move, can't bring himself to tell Poppy to take him home.
"Good," Taehyung repeats.
And still, they're standing like two fools in front of the café.
"JIMINIE-HYUNG!"
Jimin turns towards the sound. Jungkook. Jeon-fucking-Jungkook coming to destroy a perfect moment.
He hears Jungkook's timberlands thudding on the pavement as he runs towards them, until he stops on the right side of Jimin, fingers sneaking around his wrist, to let him know he's right beside him.
"Hi! I'm Jimin's best friend and roommate, Jeon Jungkook."
"Kim Taehyung, but you probably already know that, right?" The man chuckles and Jimin is about to melt into a puddle.
"Yeah, it was me who swiped on you that evening."
"So you're the annoying brat of a friend who thought of Jimin's Tinder bio?"
An offended gasp for air.
"Hyung, how could you- It worked, didn't it? I told you it would work and it is still so fucking funny-"
"Why are you here?" Jimin doesn't whine. He's not a brat like Jungkook.
"Of course to pick you up, hyung."
"I could get home by myself just fine."
"Yeah, but there is a new pizzeria opened few blocks away and I wanted to go with you to check it out."
"I'll text you, Jiminie," every word of Jungkook's monologue is silenced by this simple sentence and Jimin casts the man across him a smile.
"I'll be waiting."
"Okay, uh- goodbye Jimin. It was nice meeting you too, Jungkook," and with that, Taehyung finally turns around and starts walking away. And Jimin doesn't know if he pulled a weird expression or something, but Jungkook by his side fake-gags and earns a slap to the shoulder for that.
"Fucking gross," Jimin spits.
"I could say the same about you two," Jungkook swiftly replies and Jimin turns his eyes up.
"Let's go eat the pizza."