Work Text:
✖✖✖✖✖
Jungkook just wants to order food and eat in peace after an extremely draining and stressful day, but it seems like fate is not done with him just yet.
0XX-XXX-XXXX
um
you messaged the wrong # 😅
i hope you’re not starving
i saw this just now because i was busy painting earlier i’m so sorry 😭
Jungkook hears his stomach growl from hunger right after exiting the shower, and his excitement starts growing for the arrival of the food he ordered-- the only thing he deems that can salvage the awful day he's been having. This mood of his plummeted just as fast as it came once he caught a glimpse of his phone and read the message.
He sighs heavily as he drops the hand that he was using to towel dry his blond hair and glares at the ceiling in frustration, mentally asking what he did to deserve this day. He just breathed, for fuck’s sake. He is nice to children and animals, he helps old people cross the road, he always makes time to call his parents every week like the loving child that he is, and he has never bullied anyone and has no plan to do it ever. He is a good person.
He concludes, with absolute fucking certainty, that he has done nothing to deserve this.
He lets out a deep sigh again and proceeds to drop his towel at the back of the kitchen chair to dry, then goes to sit on his couch in the living room before he gathers the patience to reply without bursting and unleashing all his pent up stress onto the innocent stranger.
Jungkook
I’m so tired
I must’ve typed the wrong number
Thank you for informing me and not letting me die of starvation
0XX-XXX-XXXX
you’re welcome 😊
why didn’t you just called when you ordered?
you could’ve avoided this kind of situation
Jungkook
I have a phone call anxiety so...
Yeah
It’s not an option
0XX-XXX-XXXX
oh 😔
sorry to hear that
sounds like you had a tough day
are you okay?
Jungkook blinks at his phone screen twice.
He wasn't expecting the person behind the wrong number to initiate small talk, rather, he was anticipating the conversation to end with his apology like any other awkward situations- and yet here they are. He tilts his head as he considers whether or not to end the exchange and move on with his sucky day, or to unleash his stress out on the poor, unsuspecting stranger with whom no repercussions are tied to.
The decision comes easy to Jungkook because why would anyone waste an opportunity to vent when it's already served on a golden platter?
He is aware of the fact that he could have just talked to his hyungs but, he does not want to add to the stress that they are experiencing at the moment due to their new jobs. He does not want to become another burden, and he's pretty sure his problems aren’t even the same level as theirs. Besides, he might just sound like a whiny baby to them which he wants to avoid because has an image to keep (he doesn’t, all his hyungs are aware that he is a soft baby behind all his muscles and tough persona).
And so, he takes a deep breath and starts typing. He initially planned to just tell a short snippet of his stressful day but before he realizes, words just keep coming out without his control.
He is not this type of person. In fact, he never typed this much for a text message in one go in all his life.
He figures he must be more stressed than he thought.
Jungkook
Well
My day started with being late for an important class
My lunch consisted of being showered by my own coffee because someone decided it was a good idea to run while turning at the corner of the hallway
The fucker didn’t even apologize and just ran away
Then there’s also my sadistic professor who wasn’t happy with the project proposal I made so I have to revise it but I don’t know when I can do it because I still need to finish like a hundred artworks and projects this weekend
On the way home, the weather decided it was cool to give me a rain shower knowing well I forgot to bring an umbrella with me because I was late which is just fucking great!
And finally, as a cherry on top
I ordered food and took a shower and then expected the food to come soon to salvage my day but apparently I texted the wrong number and now I have to wait for another 30 minutes before I can eat all my stress away
NOT that it was your fault so don't blame yourself but yeah
It was a tough day and I’m not okay
Thank you for reading the draft of the chapter from my autobiography entitled “The Worst Day Of My University Life”
I mean if you even read it
Actually, you know what?
Please just ignore me
I won’t take offence
Jungkook releases a deep and heavy sigh after sending the last message.
He feels out of breath, as if he spouted the barrage of words out loud instead of just typing them aggressively, and now, he realizes that he needs to take a break to even out his breathing. It is then that he notices how his body has relaxed marginally after all that venting and he thanks the stranger internally for that.
He kind of feels bad but at this point, he is just so done.
Fully expecting that he scared the stranger away with his crazy ranting, he exits his inbox and heads to his mini refrigerator where he pinned the flyer of a newly opened fried chicken franchise near his university that he was supposed to order from and brings it back with him to the couch. He makes himself comfortable and types his order for the second time.
As he triple checks his order of a liter of cola and two boxes of different flavored fried chicken (he is stressed, don’t judge him) and making sure he typed the correct number this time, his text message notification suddenly pings. He sends his order before he checks the new message and to his utmost surprise, it’s from the wrong number.
0XX-XXX-XXXX
WOW 🤯
that was one hell of a day
sorry it took me a while to reply
i definitely didn’t expect that sudden word dump of a tragic day
i don't know how to react except i’m sorry that happened to you 😭😭
Jungkook
Oh
I’m sorry
You didn’t deserve that
0XX-XXX-XXXX
oh no, it’s cool
i like talking to people 🥰
i hoped it helped you even a little in releasing some of your stress away :>
Jungkook
Yeah, it actually did
Thank you for...
listening?
reading?
existing?
Yeah, you get my point
0XX-XXX-XXXX
HAHAHAHAHA
it’s the first time a stranger thanked me for existing 😂
Jungkook
I don’t know the term to use
I’m glad my word expertise made you laugh though
0XX-XXX-XXXX
you must be so awkward to talk to in real life
i can feel it 😂😂😂
Jungkook
Um okay wow
We still don’t even know each other’s names and yet you already know me so well
0XX-XXX-XXXX
OH MY GOD I’M SORRY 🥺
did i offend you? i didn’t mean to 😭
my best friend told me i can be blunt sometimes when sharing my thoughts but i swear i’m harmless!!! 😭😭
Jungkook
It’s fine
You‘re right anyways
0XX-XXX-XXXX
i know
fjlksdajflkas
Jungkook
…
0XX-XXX-XXXX
I MEAN
i’m glad you aren’t mad 🥰
Jungkook
...Right
0XX-XXX-XXXX
ANYWAYS
back to your previous message about our names
was that a sign that you wanted to know mine? 🤩
Jungkook
Not really?
0XX-XXX-XXXX
what does that mean?
Jungkook
Do you usually do this?
Chat with those who sent you wrong messages?
0XX-XXX-XXXX
and if I do?
would you judge me?
Jungkook
Are we gonna keep asking each other questions and not answer any of them?
0XX-XXX-XXXX
maybe?
are you having fun yet?
Jungkook
Why am I starting to think this is becoming a competition?
0XX-XXX-XXXX
i mean… do you want it to become one?
Jungkook
You must be so bored, does talking to me amuse you that much?
0XX-XXX-XXXX
and if i say yes, will you give me your name?
Jungkook
And if I say no?
0XX-XXX-XXXX
aww why not? 🥺
Jungkook
Because how do I know you’re not a creepy old man/woman who lures innocent people by befriending them with texts and then proceeds to kidnap them when they finally decide to meet you?
0XX-XXX-XXXX
that’s quite a specific example, it’s /r/suspiciouslyspecific worthy, are you sure you’re not describing yourself? 🧐
Jungkook
Of course not!
And don't you dare post this in that cursed space
0XX-XXX-XXXX
😏
YOU LOST 🥳
Jungkook
What?
Oh
Damn you got me
But we never talked about prizes for winning so it doesn’t matter
0XX-XXX-XXXX
BUT IT’S FUN RIGHT? 🤩
Jungkook
Hmm
I guess
For some unknown reason
Jungkook is surprised when he finds himself smiling. He didn’t even notice.
He rarely talks to people and when he does, he only has a polite smile on his face— a mask he puts on so he won’t look rude or arrogant to people. He is, of course, different when he is with his friends but they are only few and they’re all older than him. That is why it’s hardest for him to talk to his peers. He doesn’t know how to act with them. Even in text messages, whenever his classmates talk to him about group projects, he is always formal and reserved.
There’s also the added pressure of wanting to reach their expectations even though deep inside he doesn’t want to.
He has heard the rumors about him being cool and mysterious and he thought, and still thinks, that the best way to keep that image with the least amount of effort would be to be a loner. Only talk when being talked to or when it’s about a school project.
It is quite lonely but he prefers being alone than to disappoint people when they find out that their “cool and stoic taekwondo ace” is really just an awkward and shy mess with social anxiety who stutters if you look him straight in the eye.
He still has his hyungs anyway. Quality over quantity. They all graduated though, which explains why Jungkook is more alone than ever when he is in the university. Thankfully, they still have group hangouts when their free times coincide so their friendship is still going strong.
He figures talking to a stranger who doesn’t know a thing about him makes it easier to lose his inhibitions. Easier to show his no nonsense way of talking and his dry and brutally unfiltered humor which his hyungs actually count as his way of showing love (it is).
It does help too that he doesn’t have to be conscious of what he says unlike in school where it seems like everyone always watches him closely, as if he is a specimen under their microscopes, making him anxious and feeling naked.
Just thinking about their invasive stares brings chills down his spine. It was why he decided he’d rather happily settle with smiling politely whenever they greet him than be close with them.
He is used to being alone anyway.
0XX-XXX-XXXX
see!
we get each other 😍
so, can you now tell me your name?
Jungkook
My answer remains the same
My theory about creepy old man/woman still stands
0XX-XXX-XXXX
i’m pouting right now just so you know 😔
Jungkook
Nice to know
0XX-XXX-XXXX
*pouts harder
fine 😒
just give me anything so i can save your number with something aside from “stressed student who orders 2 boxes of chicken just for himself”
Jungkook
That’s a mouthful...
Wait a moment
You plan to save my number?!
0XX-XXX-XXXX
yeah! 🥰
i was just joking earlier
this wrong send thing is a first for me but i really had fun talking with you 😊
and also, it’s easier to talk to a stranger right?
no stress at all as long as we don’t give important details like address or real whole names
Jungkook
I’d like to remind you that you were just asking for my name earlier
0XX-XXX-XXXX
you could’ve lied about it and i wouldn’t really care 🤷🏻
i just need a name to save your contact as
Jungkook
Ohhhh
You can just call me J, I guess?
0XX-XXX-XXXX
i like that 😍
simple is best 👌
if we’re going with letters then you can call me V
Jungkook
Okay
Wait
Delivery is here
He hears the doorbell ring and Jungkook swears he has never run so fast in his 22 years of being alive after carelessly throwing his phone on the couch he was sitting on just a millisecond ago. He’s half a mind away from just letting the delivery guy keep the change so he can quickly go back to his living room where he left his phone, but his responsible brain decided to kick in at the last minute to remind him that he is broke as hell. Thankfully, the delivery guy seems to sense his eagerness to go back, evident with how the former hurriedly counted Jungkook's change before bowing with a slightly amused expression and leaving.
Well... that was... embarrassing, he sighs. Good thing V doesn’t see him.
He closes his door and runs back to his couch, placing the food over his small coffee table before he picks up his phone that was left behind in a precarious position. With how broke he is at the moment, he realizes that lady luck has decided to finally grace him with a bit of fortune, protecting his phone from dropping to the floor.
He changes the wrong number’s contact name before he replies to his new message.
V
ok one last Very Important Question before i leave you so you can enjoy your long awaited meal
Jungkook
Sure
V
are you a minor?
Jungkook
...
You are *this* close to being blocked
Pervert
V
WHY ARE YOU ALWAYS JUMPING TO WORST CONCLUSIONS 😭
I JUST WANNA KNOW HOW MUCH I HAVE TO FILTER MYSELF FOR YOU! 😩
Jungkook
I am NOT a minor
V
ok cool
same
Jungkook
Okay
Why is it suddenly awkward?
V
HAHAHAHAHAHAHA
so
how old are you?
Jungkook
I thought you said last question?
V
i said last Very Important question
my question now is just optional
Jungkook
Okay
Then no
V
whyyyyyy 😭😭😭
i just wanna know who’s older between us
if i send mine first, will you tell me yours?
Jungkook
Fiiiiiine
Since you cheered me up today
It’s the least I could do I guess
V
YAAAAAAY
i was born in 1995
Jungkook
...
1997
V
I’M OLDER!!!! 🤩🥳🤘🎉
Jungkook
It sure doesn’t sound like it though
V
YAH
the disrespect
kids these days seriously 😤
Jungkook
YOU’RE LITERALLY ONLY OLDER BY 2 YEARS
WHO ARE YOU TO CALL ME KID
V
WAIT!
ARE YOU A GUY? OR A GIRL?
Jungkook
YOU SAID LAST QUESTION
V
BUT THIS IS IMPORTANT TOO, I JUST REMEMBERED IT NOW!
I NEED TO KNOW
Jungkook
WHY!?
V
because, should i be a cool oppa to you?
or a funny and comforting hyung?
IT’S VERY IMPORTANT FOR ME TO KNOW
Jungkook
You’re so weird seriously
I’m a guy
Sorry to disappoint you
V
nah i like being the hyung better anyway
Jungkook
...Right
V
feel free to call me hyung 💜
Jungkook
…
By any chance, you’re not using me to fulfill your hyung kink or something, right?
That heart is creeping me out
V
EXCUSE ME
i typed that with all the love and you’re judging me for it? 😭😭
Jungkook
I just wanted to make sure
Fine, I’ll call you hyung
V
hehehehe
bye J-yah
eat well and have a good night <3
Jungkook
Yes hyung
You too!
V
where’s my heart?
Jungkook
WE JUST LITERALLY TALKED FOR THE FIRST TIME WHAT THE FUCK?
V
i know
so? 🤨
Jungkook
...
Goodnight hyung!
V
WHERE IS MY HEART?! 😫
Jungkook honestly thought that would be the last time they would talk but V still messaged him the day after, and the next day, and the next, until he lost count and stopped trying.
There are times when they talk all night, sharing their passion for anime, games, and art, while on some days, they simply check on each other by asking about their day and sending mutual "good luck" wishes when both are too busy to carry a conversation. Oddly enough and much to his surprise, Jungkook would sometimes find himself messaging V first with mostly pictures of animals he saw on the way home, memes while browsing the internet, and music or anime recommendations.
They have so many things they like in common that they never run short of topics to talk about.
Both of them are also apparently fine arts university students. V majors in Painting while Jungkook majors in Design (most call it digital arts major which is sounds so basic).
What are the odds, Jungkook muses. It’s almost like the fate is playing a game and the two of them are the major pieces holding the whole board together. They still choose not to talk about which university they are attending or exchange their real names. Both wordlessly agree that it’s better to keep their identities secret for now.
When he first talked to V, he never expected it would result to this kind of odd yet close friendship between strangers. It is... fun. He actually enjoys talking to someone who is not a member of his family or his hyungs and it just blows his mind that all this became possible because of a wrongly sent message.
Despite still being practically strangers, Jungkook soon realizes that V has become a friend whom he can talk to without worries now. Someone that he is starting to associate with a safe space. Someone he can be real with and now, he is afraid.
Afraid, for some reason that he cannot explain, that if they finally meet in real life, the spell they are under will suddenly break. Afraid that he was wrong in thinking that they were the major pieces in the game fate was playing, and they were instead minor characters who were only bound to cross paths once and never again.
Jungkook doesn’t want that to happen. He can already feel that he is attached; he really doesn’t want to lose his new friend.
✖✖✖✖✖
Three weeks into their friendship, Jungkook initially thought that exchanging funny stories while also crying over their existence and the student problems they encounter in their daily lives will be as close as they can get but astonishingly— in a good way, he adds, Jungkook finds that V is still full of surprises.
Jungkook is currently smiling like a fool, lazing over his bed as he reads V’s successive attack of compliments for art he shared not too long ago. What stood out to him was V's message highlighting how he is so precious for making such a masterpiece and that apparently, Jungkook "deserves the world" (V’s words, not his). Being born the way he is— a constipated potato who doesn’t know how to handle compliments and affections despite being touched and feeling grateful— reacts in the only way that he knows in the same manner to how he reacts to his hyungs, and that is by shyly spewing out words without thinking about how they might sound.
Jungkook
You’re so gay for me hyung
V
well i am proudly gay so the possibility of that happening is HIGH
if that’s an insult to you then it wont work on me 🥰
Jungkook unconsciously sits straight as a rod, his eyes wide as saucers and his mouth gaping open without his control.
He did not expect that.
Given how “conservative” and “old-fashioned” their country is, it is more common for the members of the LGBTQIA+ community to resort to hiding their sexuality for their own safety and family’s honor (or whatever they like to call the reasons why their family is close minded).
He is lucky enough to be born from understanding parents and for having supportive friends but he is still aware that most of the other queers like him are not that lucky. So many have been disowned for being gay, so many being bullied for liking the same-sex or for wearing clothes that is not for their assigned genders, so many injustices just because they are not part of what the society called “normal”.
He cannot help but gape in awe at how confident V is to share this part of himself as if it is something as easy as sharing what his favorite color is. Actually, Jungkook thinks that it should be easy because there’s nothing wrong with being gay, but their country is not really that forgiving and open when it comes to these things.
Now he sees V in a new and better light, someone who is brave and so, so strong. He doesn’t even know what V looks like in real life and yet to Jungkook, he already pictures V as someone beautiful no matter what his appearance would be like.
Jungkook, then, soon realizes that it’s been a minute and he still hasn't replied. Not wanting V to misunderstand his shock as a sign of disgust, he quickly starts typing.
Jungkook
I didn’t mean it as an insult anyway
V
oh... 😳
that’s a first
to be honest, i was almost sure you’d drop me now that you know i’m gay 🥺
i was a little bit scared 😔
Jungkook
Well that would be hypocritical of me to do that
Especially when I am gay too
Bi, if we are going to be specific
V
😳😳😳
jfalkfjasdfjakfj
JFKADSJFAKJFAKDF!!!!!
Jungkook
Calm down hyung
Breathe
V
I…
I FOUND ANOTHER RARE SPECIES IN MY GODFORSAKEN COUNTRY!!
A laugh bursts out of Jungkook without his control.
V-hyung is really something, he thinks as he shakes his head in amusement and fondness. V is indeed like a box full of unexpected surprises.
A precious gift.
Jungkook
Sometimes you make me question your sanity hyung
V
I DON'T CARE
MARRY ME!
THE RING 💍
Jungkook
akdhlfjsagsha
Seriously why are you like this
V
BUT BUT BUT YOU KNOW HOW RARE GAYS COME OUT IN THIS COUNTRY
Jungkook
Trust me I know
We’re like unicorns here
We know it’s existence but rarely see one
But that doesn’t mean you need to marry right away when you find one!
V
oh... 😳
are you giving me a hint to date you first 🤩
Jungkook
WAHT?
NO?
V
aww come on! 🥺
i’m such a catch i swear!!
jimin even called me hot multiple times 🥵
and he is straight!
Jungkook
You don’t even know what I look like?
I could be ugly as fuck
Also, best friend’s opinion doesn’t count!
V
i don't care 😤
i can be the good looking one for the both of us!
i prefer what is inside anyways
and i’m whipped for you as you can already tell 😍😍
Jungkook
Gay
V
only for you babe 💜
Jungkook
Sure
V
I’M SERIOUS
I’M LOYAL TO YOU I PROMISE
Jungkook
*sigh
Ask me again when we get closer, maybe I’ll actually consider it
Emphasis on MAYBE
V
*GASP
REALLY?!
YOU ARE NOT KIDDING?!
BECAUSE I WILL ACTUALLY DO IT!!
J?!
JJJJJJJJJJJJJJ
YOU CAN'T JUST LEAVE ME HANGING HERE THAT’S SO RUDE!
WAIT— 🤭
ARE YOU FEELING SHY RIGHT NOW?!!!!!
YOU ALWAYS LEAVE ME ON READ WHEN YOU’RE SHY
😳
If Jungkook sleeps with a red face and ears in embarrassment that night, no one has to know.
✖✖✖✖✖
It is the week before midterms when one of Jungkook’s professors, Sir Choi, finally announces what they are going to do for their project for finals.
Jungkook is disappointed but not really surprised since he is already used to this habit of his professor of announcing final projects late into the semester. As if they don’t need all the time they can have to finish the project, which takes a huge portion of their grade.
Sir Choi is heartless, nothing new.
What he did not expect was for them to transfer to another floor of their college building where the traditional art majors usually have their classes and their studios. His anxiety is already simmering deep in his chest and stomach, just waiting for a trigger to go rampant, providing him a multitude of unwanted imaginary scenarios that his anxiety just loves to throw at him when it spikes. But despite the anxious energy that is spreading in his system, Jungkook still looks unbothered on the outside.
His poker face, perfectly intact, putting forth an image of being collected and calm. Only his tight grip on the strap of his backpack and his trembling hand hidden in his hoodie pocket indicates that he feels otherwise.
As soon as he enters the huge classroom, his eyes quickly target the available seats at the last row and proceed to look down so he can avoid any unwelcome and awkward eye contact with other students.
Once everyone is seated, Sir Choi and another professor, most probably from the traditional art department, start explaining that they decided to make a collaborative project between the two majors due to the thought of it being a fun and cool experience to which, for once, Jungkook actually agrees. What he, or specifically his anxiety, doesn’t like is that he now needs to socialize with a total stranger and even make an artwork with them.
He is almost considering dropping out of the class with how terrified he is just by the thought of it.
If he doesn’t love art as much as he does, he would probably give up being human altogether by now. Humans are social beings but Jungkook is almost a hundred percent sure there’s nothing social about him. Well, he was totally sure before but Namjoon told him that he can be really social once he becomes comfortable and his Namjoon-hyung is always right.
The professors are in the middle of explaining how they are going to group the students into pairs or trios with the task of making an artwork that is a mixture of traditional and digital art when Jungkook suddenly feels his phone vibrate, pulling him out of the spiral that was starting to take over his mind, and he is thankful for the distraction.
V
CHIM!!!
JIMINIE!!!
HE'S HERE OHYMGOD
FJASKDFLJFJAKDSFJA
HE LOOKS SO ALONE 🥺
I WANNA TALK TO HIM 🥺
OR MAYBE KEEP HIM IN MY POCKET 🥺
BUT HE PROBABLY DOESN’T KNOW I EXIST 😔🥺😭
Jungkook
Look who’s turn it is now to send a wrong message
Also even if he knows you exist, I doubt he’ll let you keep him in your pocket
V
...J?
OH FCK
i was so used to chim being on the top of my inbox i didn't even bother to look
but i don’t care i just need to talk to someone
ALSO THAT’S SO RUDE!!! 😠
I’D LIKE TO INFORM YOU THAT MY POCKET IS SAFE AND WARM 😤
Jungkook
Calm the fuck down hyung
You’re so loud so early
V
GOD HE JUST SMILED
THIS IS IT
THIS IS WHY I EXIST
TO SEE THIS RARE SIGHT OF AN ANGEL
I NEVER SAW HIM SMILED THIS WIDE BEFORE
I THINK I AM ASCENDING
I’VE SEEN THE LIGHT!!!
Jungkook
You sound like a stalker
Should I be scared for my life now?
V
SHUT UP
I RARELY SEE MY ANGEL OK
LET ME HAVE THIS
Jungkook
Also
I thought you’re loyal to me!
YOU CHEATER
V
you were just telling me to choke to death yesterday and now you are jealous?! 🤭
i knew it!
you love me!
you just don't want to admit it 😍
my tsundere baby 🥰
Jungkook
I am NOT jealous
V
right
Jungkook
Yes, I am right
V
mmhm keep telling yourself that babe
on a serious note
I’M NOT A STALKER OKAY
Jungkook
“mmhm keep telling yourself that babe”
V
I SWEAR!!
I’M GOING TO CRY
YOU’RE SO MEAN TO ME
Jungkook
I'm just kidding
HAHAHHAHAAH
I believe you hyung
V
i only see him during the times he has tournament
and so rarely in the cafeteria or at the hallways or around the campus
he got my attention since last year but we never talked ever
he is the cutest bean
AND NOW WE SHARE A CLASS BECAUSE OF A PROJECT 🥳
I COULD KISS MY PROF I SWEAR
Jungkook
Please don’t kiss your prof
You sound whipped already
Do you like him that much?
V
...not yet at least, i still don’t know him 😔
i wanna get to know him so much though but he seems like he doesn’t want to talk to people
but sometimes he looks so sad 😭
i wanna become his friend okay 😭
if he is not an asshole of course which i think is very unlikely
i unexpectedly saw him once playing with a dog in the park near the university
IT WAS THE CUTEST THING IN THE WORLD 🥺😭
Jungkook
Correction: you’re whipped hyung 100%
Why not try talking to him?
V
um should I? 👉🏻👈🏻
Jungkook
Sure why not?
It could be the only way to find out if he wants friends
Better do something than regret not doing anything right?
V
well our prof did say we could pick our partners for the project...
Jungkook
It’s a sign then!
It’s a good opportunity to talk to him
V
...okay
i will try 🙈
wish me luck! 😭
Jungkook was about to reply ‘good luck’ but the sound of multiple seats dragging against the floor distracts him, so he looks up to see that his classmates are already starting to group themselves for the project.
Great.
This is the moment that Jungkook fears the most whenever there are group works, the moment when the professor leaves the students to decide their own group mates by themselves. Why can’t the professors just assign randomly? That way, there will be no anxiety-inducing situations like this.
Jungkook is about to stand so he won’t look stupid and pitiful at the back of the classroom, planning to wait until there’s only one student left without a partner, when his eyes suddenly end up being in contact with someone else’s across the room. Wide warm brown eyes staring right back at him, almost as if the male student did not expect Jungkook to suddenly look back at him.
This thought then led him to consider if it is possible that this man was actually staring at him from the start and that this is not just a coincidence.
Usually in these kinds of cases, Jungkook is the first one to smile politely and look away but this time is different.
It feels different.
Jungkook’s eyes start to travel before he can even control it, he can’t help but look at the other man’s face and not just his eyes because damn, he has a very handsome face. He looks so beautiful that Jungkook can feel his hands twitch, itching to do something, a sudden desperation to draw and paint this person across the room right this moment and make this memory into something permanent.
His mind cannot comprehend how someone can look this ethereal. Jungkook would think the other is not human if not for his casual clothes-- or maybe he is an ethereal otherworldly being, because how can a human look so good with something so simple as a large, white hoodie and baggy brown pants that most would look so tacky and boring in? Not to mention his dark brown hair which would normally look unkept to others but to him, it just looks so fluffy and oddly endearing.
This tiny, special moment of theirs feels suspended in time, as if the world's internal clock has stopped working as soon as their eyes met. In reality, however, Jungkook knows that only a few seconds have passed until their eyes break contact when he feels someone tapping his shoulder, trying to get his attention. Although unwilling, Jungkook forces himself to look away and to smile politely at the other student who is standing beside him.
“Um, I just wanted to ask if you already got a partner?” the male student asks shyly while rubbing his nape.
Jungkook takes a quick glance back to the beautiful man he made eye contact with earlier and he feels his heart sink a little bit to see that the other is not looking at him anymore, which is weird.
That man is a stranger, get a grip, Jungkook tells himself as he shakes his head and brings his attention back to the student beside him, giving him a civil smile as he answers, “No, I still don’t have one.”
The male student’s eyes brighten in excitement, “Would you like to be partners? Um, I major in Painting and my favorite medium is oil paint, in case you are curious. Yeah.”
The awkwardness of the guy makes Jungkook relax a little bit. It is really helpful to know that he is not the only one who struggles with socializing. He immediately smiles wide to give some form of comfort, “Sure, I don’t mind.”
“Cool! I’m Kim Mingyu and I already know we’re the same age so you can just talk to me informally,” the student introduces himself as he stretches a hand in front of him.
Jungkook meets it halfway for a brief shake. “Um, you know me?” He sincerely hopes Mingyu is not an admirer or something like a secret supporter of his because that would be awkward. He cannot, for the life of him, handle admirers. Both romantic and platonic.
“Oh yeah. I just realized I made myself sound like I’m a stalker,” Mingyu laughs and shakes his head, “Only because my best friend is also a taekwondo athlete. I learned about you from him. He said you are one of the few athletes he feels comfortable to be with since both of you are quiet,” he explains, looking more calm now that he knows Jungkook isn’t going to reject his offer to be project partners anymore.
Jungkook also relaxes after learning that Mingyu is not like the other people who wanted to get his attention, and also pretty thankful that he is unlike those who just wanted to get close to him because of his “popularity”. Something that he really hates, mostly because people treat him as if he is an item that can be flaunted and not a human being with feelings.
“Ah, I see. What is your best friend’s name?” Jungkook asks, curious as to who would talk about him to someone else.
“Jeon Wonwoo,” Mingyu answers proudly.
Jungkook’s eyebrows raise in surprise. He might not call Wonwoo a very close friend but they are close enough that they talk to each other during their breaks whenever they are training together. “Oh, right. Wonwoo-hyung mentioned that he also has a friend who majors in art. He told me we might get along.”
Mingyu grins, “Yeah, that’s me. He told me that too so when I heard about the project and noticed that you still didn’t have a partner, I thought, why not test if Wonwoo-hyung is correct?”
“Well, it’s nice to meet you then. I hope we can make awesome artwork together,” Jungkook grins back.
Just in time, their conversation ends as their professors gather everyone’s attention so they can proceed with the lecture.
✖✖✖✖✖
It is during after-school hours and in the middle of Jungkook’s taekwondo training when he suddenly remembers his last conversation with V. He pulls his face towel out of his bag to wipe the sweat out of his face and neck while typing a message with the other.
Jungkook
So
How did it go?
V
:(
Jungkook
Oh no
Why the sad face
V
i lost my chance ☹️
Jungkook
Why?
What happened?
V
i just got distracted for a second and the next thing i knew, someone else was already talking to him
Jungkook
There’s always a next time hyung
You can still try again
V
yeah
but still, it feels like a lost opportunity 😔
Jungkook
Well at least you still have me
V
you...
ARE YOU ACTUALLY COMFORTING ME?! 😳
ARE YOU REALLY J?
WHAT ALTERNATE UNIVERSE IS THIS?
DID I SOMEHOW JUMPED TO ANOTHER UNIVERSE WITHOUT NOTICING?!
Jungkook
Hey
I can be nice too!
So rude
V
i’m kidding!! 😂
i know you love me even if you don’t say it 💜
Jungkook
Gay
V
only for you 😘
“...must be someone special, huh?” Wonwoo says before he sits beside Jungkook, successfully distracting the younger from his phone.
“Hm?” Jungkook looks up and tilts his head in confusion.
“I said to make you smile that way, you must be talking to someone special,” Wonwoo repeats with an amused expression before picking up his water bottle from the floor and opening it to drink.
Jungkook just then realizes how his cheeks were slightly aching from smiling widely. He then shakes his head in denial as he chuckles, not taking the bait, “No, I’m just talking to my friend who has a great sense of humor.”
“Sure you are,” Wonwoo answers as he places his bottled water back down on the floor, his expression telling the younger that he does not believe him one bit. He stands and stretches his arms before walking back to the center of the training hall.
Jungkook tries to ignore the teasing. It’s not like he was lying, V and him are really just friends. They don’t even know each other’s names or where they live.
He has to admit, though, that there are times when he can feel his heart skip a beat whenever they comfort each other, or when V spoils him with compliments whenever he feels like his art looks like trash, or when V suddenly uses endearments.
He has to constantly remind himself that they are still practically strangers, that there is still the small possibility that V is just bored and that he’s only talking to him to kill his time. Even though Jungkook believes that is unlikely given how often they talk and how much they open up to each other about their daily struggles with college and life.
But still, the doubt lingers.
Jungkook shakes his head, clearing all his negative thoughts. There’s no point overthinking about this. Fake or not, V is still someone who provides him a safe space when he needs it and that’s all that matters. It’s not like they even plan to meet in the future so he figures he should stop overanalyzing their relationship.
He reads V’s last message and at this point, he doesn’t even bother controlling his expression anymore. It’s already an automatic reaction whenever V sends him a message. The sides of his mouth lift without his control, almost as if he was already conditioned that once he reads V, he smiles.
V
only for you 😘
Jungkook
That’s a lie
You were just pining for another man a while ago
V
well he is not mine
Jungkook
Wait
What am I then?
YOUR SECOND CHOICE?!
V
no, of course not!
you’re my first
even though i’ve been pining over angel for a year now 😔
i will still gladly drop him for you J-yah 🥰
Jungkook
Right
V
I AM SERIOUS!!!
i know you better than him, of course i will choose you
Jungkook
...
Gay
V
J-yah, you do realize that when you are calling me gay, i already know it means you are just shy and you actually love it
...
see it’s been a minute and you’re still typing nonstop
you still don’t know how to respond
BECAUSE IT’S SO TRUE YOU CAN'T DENY IT 🥰
Jungkook
You’re delusional
V
yeah yeah
whatever makes you sleep at night babe
i know you love me!!
Jungkook
Back at you
Whatever makes you sleep at night babe
Anyways my break is over hyung
I gotta go!
V
aww you called me babe 🥺
WAIT!!!
DON’T THINK THIS CONVERSATION IS OVER!! 😤
✖✖✖✖✖
It’s midterms week, and to say that Jungkook is barely coping would be an understatement. He can’t focus on the words in his book anymore which looks more like they were written in an alien language to him rather than hangul. Almost like a subconscious habit at this point, he reaches for his phone as soon as he feels the need to vent about something.
Jungkook
Hyung
I can't do this anymore
V
J-yah there’s only 2 days left
you can do this
Jungkook
But I’m so tired already
I don’t even know if what I’m studying would be useful
I heard rumors that my prof in human behavior and design is gonna give essay questions
V
well at least you can say you tried your best whatever the result
Jungkook
Well, I think I would feel better if I just don't give my best
That way, if the exam does came up difficult that any studying would be useless
I would feel like I won
V
what?
and you question my insanity?
Jungkook
Well if I'm going to fail my exam anyway, I might as well have complete sleep, right?
V
...
somehow that makes sense
i’m actually considering just sleeping right now
you’re a bad influence!! 😫
Jungkook
Should we just sleep hyung?
V
fuck
i’m actually considering it
STOP IT DEMON 😭
Jungkook
MUWAHAHAHHAAHHAHA
Anyways
Good night hyung
V
NOOOOO!! 😫
DON’T GIVE UP!!
Jungkook
Ugh
Fine
Why do you have to be such a good student?!
V
well one of us has to be
also
i’m in my last year so i just want to graduate at this point
Jungkook
I’m a senior too?
So what’s your point
V
wait what?!
but i’m older???
Jungkook
Not that I’m bragging but I may or may not had bumped up a grade or two in elementary school
V
damn
am i actually talking to a genius all along?!
Jungkook
I would say you are but college made me realize genius is not enough to survive
You need hard work and lots and lots of caffeine
V
truer words have never been spoken 😔
Jungkook
This talk made me realize I only have a semester and a half left with my evil professor
Now that’s a happy thought
Did I mention that I hate him? :)
V
that smiley scares me
i feel you though
not all my profs are that bad but there’s this one who just told us we have a collab project with the digital art majors and 🥴
let’s just say i don’t really like doing projects with strangers
i mean i’m familiar with them since we are all in the same building but i’m still too shy to be their friend
Jungkook
Funny how I also have a project like that with painting majors
Are collaborative projects common now in colleges of fine arts?
V
...
wait a moment
you did mention you were a digital art major
Jungkook
Our major is called Design but I guess mostly assume it as digital art since that’s what we mostly do
V
shut up
i mean
what are the chances of us studying in the same college?
Jungkook
...
NO WAY
no no no no no
V
what’s with that reaction?!
so rude 😤
don’t you wanna meet your hyung 🥺
Jungkook
Of course but it’s just...
I can’t process it yet wait
I’m scared, okay?
If that makes sense?
V
why are you scared? 🥺
i promise i won't stalk or expose you or anything
Jungkook
No, it’s not about that
We feel comfortable talking right now but what if it will be awkward if we actually met and I don’t know
It feels like meeting will ruin what we have and I don’t want that
V
J-yah, with me being shameless, i think that’s not gonna happen
if anything, we might just get closer you know
Jungkook
You really think what we have here wouldn’t disappear once we saw each other?
V
of course baby
nothing would change 🥺😭
I WON’T LET THAT HAPPEN!
(Jungkook’s heart skipped a bit at the endearment but he is going to ignore that and refuse to acknowledge that it happened)
Jungkook
It’s just that I feel so comfortable with you you know
and I already consider you as my one of my safe spaces
I do have my hyungs and I love them but...
I really don’t wanna lose you :(
V
noooooo you’re not gonna lose me i promise
if it makes you feel better, i would wait until you are ready
i won't force you to meet me just because we’re literally close to each other
also i just asked what are the chances
we might not even be in the same city for all we know
Jungkook
Hyuuuuung
You’ll really wait for me?
V
of course baby
your comfort is my main priority
Jungkook
asfjalkfjalfkjs
Okay
I’m...
I’m not ready yet to meet but
I guess I’m fine with knowing if we do actually live near each other
V
😳
REALLY?!
Jungkook
Yeah
I trust you
V
J 🥺
i’m so happy you trust me
i know we’ve only been talking for a month but trust me when i say that i really care for you and i only want what is best for you
Jungkook
Thank you hyung
Okay
Here I go
I study in SNU
V
😳
what?
like the one in seoul?
Jungkook
Yes
V
like seoul national university??
Jungkook
Are there other SNUs?
V
no but
i’m just making sure because fuck
...me too
Jungkook
Are you serious?
What?
You major in painting so that means…
We’re in the same college of fine arts?!
ARE WE BREATHING THE SAME AIR ALL THIS TIME?!
V
WHAT THE FUCK?
I JUST CONSIDERED THE POSSIBILITY THAT WE ARE BOTH IN SEOUL
BUT IT TURNS OUT, WE ARE ACTUALLY STUDYING IN THE SAME UNIVERSITY AND IN THE SAME DEPARTMENT, AND NOW SHARING A CLASS TOO?!
okay i’m calm now
Jungkook
...that doesn't sound calm to me
V
i can’t help it 😩
maybe i even already saw you what’s with us studying in the same building and we have the same hallways, cafeteria and library
ACTUALLY YOU MIGHT EVEN KNOW MY ANGEL!!
Jungkook
Oh shit you right
But there’s a higher chance I haven’t seen you because I like keeping my head down to avoid awkward eye contact
Also I have no friends aside from my hyungs so I most probably don’t know your crush also
Yeah :D
V
aww
i would say i’ll gladly eat with you every lunch but i will wait like the good friend i am
Jungkook
Hyuuuuuuuungie
Seriously thank you for respecting my decision
I promise I‘ll tell you once I’m ready
V
and i promise i’ll wait 🥺
Jungkook
Why do I feel like a soldier going to war?
Why are we so sappy today?
Is this what midterms have reduced us to?!
I hate it even more now!!!
V
now that you reminded me
let’s go back to studying
LAST 2 DAYS WE CAN DO THIS!!
Jungkook
Ugh
Fine
Good luck to us I guess
V
good luck!!!
FIGHTING! 💜
...
heart!
give me one too 🥺
Jungkook
Since I’m in a good mood
<3
V
🥰💜❤️😘
✖✖✖✖✖
Ever since Jungkook had eye contact with the painting major student with ethereal beauty, it feels like something unlocked in him. Almost like a radar of sorts.
Jungkook never paid much mind to his surroundings before but now, his attention is almost always occupied by that beautiful student whenever he is in the vicinity. Whether it is in their shared classroom for the collaboration project once a week or at the hallway, or sometimes even in the library and cafe near their university. As if the guy is a magnet for his eyes, Jungkook can’t help but be attracted to him.
In the past, he always looked down to avoid awkward eye contact but now, he’s like a new man. He is always alert, making sure he can steal a glance at least once a week.
Jungkook knows that it sounds like he is completely whipped on the alluring stranger already, but he firmly decides that he is not going to think about that for now. Or more like, he knows he shouldn’t even think about it. Jungkook doesn’t even know the guy’s name, for fuck’s sake.
But despite being clueless about his name, Jungkook still learns something about him every time he sees him, like the fact that he is a painting major and is in the same year as him, that he’s a known social butterfly in his department as he never seems to be alone whenever Jungkook sees him, that he probably loves wearing baggy clothes in warm tones, that he has an endearing boxy smile and cheeks that kind of reminds Jungkook of soft and fluffy bread, and that maybe… just maybe, he is also interested in Jungkook.
He can’t even count the number of times they made eye contact just these past two weeks. Sometimes, Jungkook steals a glance only to see the guy is already looking at him. On other times, it’s the other way around. And they both always look away as soon as their eyes meet, but steal another glance soon after.
Jungkook is actually starting to get frustrated about it.
He wants the guy to have the courage to approach him already because God knows he can’t do it himself. Considering his popularity (something Jungkook doesn’t want to acknowledge but he can’t deny), it will most probably gather attention and having any kind of it is already too much for him. Putting Jungkook and too much attention in the same equation is a recipe for a humiliating disaster.
Just thinking about all the awful possibilities brings shivers down his spine. Aside from the fact that homosexuality is still frowned upon in their country, his reputation of being a loner will definitely put the spotlight on him for making the first move to initiate conversation.
He knows it seems unfair that he is leaving it to the guy to make the first move, but he literally just can’t do it without overthinking and due to past experiences, Jungkook already knows he will end up embarrassing himself. He can already imagine himself blushing and stuttering even before the other utters a single word.
Yeah, there’s not a single chance that Jungkook will make the first move.
He sighs, if only there’s an opportunity when I can approach the guy without being noticed by anyone else.
“I must be boring you right now. That’s a deep sigh,” remarks a dry voice beside Jungkook, reminding him of the reality that there are things that he should be focusing on instead of pining for a stranger.
He smiles sheepishly, “I’m sorry. I got distracted for a bit.”
“Obviously,” Mingyu smirks over his hand that is resting over the table next to Jungkook’s laptop. “So, when are you finally going to talk to him?”
He ignores the teasing and pretends to not hear it. “I’m going to start adding my work later. I just have to take a photo of your painting under good lighting so the contrast of our artwork over each other will be clearer,” he says as he types notes about editing ideas they had brainstormed so far so he can remember them later.
“Jungkook-ah, you know I’m just teasing you, right?” Mingyu says worriedly as he leans back to his seat and looks down to his fidgeting hands over his lap. “If I make you uncomfortable, I hope you can tell me. I just wanna become close to you.”
Upon hearing the sincere tone of his project partner’s words, Jungkook stops typing and turns his attention to Mingyu. “You want to become close to me?” he asks, not without trepidation.
He learned the hard way during his sophomore year that some people approach others for selfish reasons and rarely for genuine friendship. The only reason he became friends with his hyungs was because he ended up being roommates with Namjoon, which automatically extends to being friends with the older’s bestfriends too, which are Yoongi, Seokjin and Hoseok.
In all honesty, he can barely recall how their friendship started but he can vaguely remember meeting the three for the first time with the memory of the oldest among them suddenly declaring to the others present that he is going to keep Jungkook and his wide doe eyes.
Jungkook, being the timid person that he was, just went with the flow.
Best decision I ever made, he muses.
“Yeah. At first, I thought you were an asshole, you know,” Mingyu confesses, embarrassment clear in his tone while continuing to fidget with his fingers.
Jungkook’s eyes go wide at the sudden confession. No one has ever told him this and instead of being offended, it makes him curious. He is aware that he can look like he doesn’t care about anything in the world so he doesn’t really take any offense. Add in the fact that he is mostly alone, so the misconception is quite understandable.
He decides that maybe, Mingyu is unlike most people after all.
He is the first one to tell him their honest thoughts about him. They have been doing their project for two weeks now but Jungkook still keeps his guard up and tries to stay formal, making it almost impossible for them to actually get to know each other. This is the first time they talk about something outside their project and Jungkook finds that he doesn’t really mind it if it’s with Mingyu.
“I thought you looked down on us unpopular and common students that’s why you don’t have friends but when I told Wonwoo that, he said that you are actually a nice person and that you are just really quiet and shy like him,” Mingyu looks at him worriedly. “I’m sorry for thinking badly of you without even trying to get to know you.”
Jungkook blinks as he tries to process the other’s apology. He honestly doesn’t know how to react, but what he does know is that sincerity is present in Mingyu’s voice. He thinks they can be friends, but before that, he needs to clarify something. “Did you want to be close to me because you are feeling guilty or do you just pity me?”
“What? No!” Mingyu immediately shakes his head and hands in denial. “After working with you, I really feel like we could get along. I noticed that you don’t easily let people in but during the times when we are talking about art and animation, I feel like I got a sneak peek of what you are without your walls up and I actually find that passionate side of yours really cool, you know.”
“I-,” Jungkook is left speechless, feeling warmth creeping up his face at the other’s praise. He is not used to this kind of genuine compliment, rather, he is more used to his peers telling him he is handsome, or that he is lucky to be talented in both art and sports, or how lucky he must be to get the attention of so many girls. Just compliments that are always subtly laced with envy. “Thank you,” he mumbles shyly as he fidgets with his keyboard, unable to look Mingyu in the eyes.
“Sorry. I made it awkward, didn’t I?”
“No,” Jungkook immediately shakes his head and smiles softly at the other. “I really appreciate your honesty. It’s so rare to see it these days.”
Mingyu beams with so much happiness that Jungkook can’t help but respond in the same way, the edge of his lips curving upwards and his cheeks scrunching up. They are so cheesy, Jungkook internally states, but it is the kind of cheese that he likes.
“So, friends?” Mingyu suggests while biting his lower lip nervously.
Jungkook nods and chuckles, feeling like a high schooler in his first week of school, “Friends.”
“Okay, as your friend, here’s my first question,” Mingyu takes a quick glance at the general area where the guy that Jungkook kinda likes sits before he whispers, “Is there something going on between you and Kim Taehyung?”
Jungkook immediately feels his face flush for a moment before it goes pale as soon as he realizes that Mingyu might already have an idea about his sexuality to come to that conclusion. Is he that obvious? Is it so easy to assume he is gay that people can actually go to conclusion that he likes the guy across the room just with a glance?
“Before you panic, It’s not obvious,” Mingyu clarifies. “I’m just observant and you would sometimes get distracted whenever Taehyung-hyung is in the room. Being your project partner also gave me a front seat so it’s easier for me to see the signs. I doubt others would notice though, don’t worry.”
Jungkook steals a quick glance at the person they are talking about. It’s the first time he heard his name, and somehow, Taehyung really suits the handsome stranger. It’s a pretty name. Jungkook then looks around to make sure no one is near enough to eavesdrop to their conversation before looking back to Mingyu, “You have nothing against homosexuality?”
The painting major shrugs, “I’m bi so no. I think it’s also why it’s obvious to me, because I know that it is a possibility while others mostly won’t even consider it.”
Jungkook gawks in shock for a moment but quickly schools his face back to a laid back expression. Mingyu just dropped a bomb so nonchalantly, which is really admirable. He wants to be as brave and open as him, but for now, all he can do is make sure his friend doesn’t regret telling him by reacting like it’s a big deal. “So, you call him hyung. Taehyung-ssi is older than us?”
“You didn’t know?” Mingyu asks, as if he is not bothered that he just came out to Jungkook but the relief for not being judged shows in the way his previously tensed body relaxes, making Jungkook feel glad to know that he did the right thing by not addressing his friend’s sexuality as if it’s something that should be shocking or abnormal.
“I mean… We never talked? It’s the first time I've heard his name too,” Jungkook admits with a sheepish smile.
“Seriously?” Mingyu’s eyes go wide. “Hyung is quite popular in our department, I thought you guys knew each other with how many times you exchanged glances.”
“Nope, I first saw him during our first meeting for the collab project.”
“Wow. Hyung is really something to get your attention then,” Mingyu smiles teasingly. “I mean, if I wasn’t taken, I would probably also like him. He is really beautiful. He's also nice and funny once you become close to him.”
“Yeah, he looks unreal,” Jungkook agrees absentmindedly then steals another glance only to look away as soon as he makes eye contact with the older, making both of them blush.
Mingyu sighs dreamily as he watches both of them, leaning down so he can rest his head over his hands on the table, “Young love.”
“Yah, you speak like we’re not the same age,” Jungkook complains.
“I’ve been dating my boyfriend for two years now. I miss making him blush, okay,” Mingyu retorts back.
“C-can I ask who?” Jungkook asks with a quiet and curious voice.
Mingyu grins and wiggles his eyebrows playfully, “Take a guess.”
Jungkook has seen Mingyu with a lot of his friends, so he struggled thinking of a candidate at first until a memory of Mingyu resurfaces in his mind, in which the latter suddenly visited in the middle of their taekwondo practice with drinks and food on his hands. And Jungkook also faintly remembers how Wonwoo looked so fond and appreciative of the surprise visit.
“Wait, seriously?” Jungkook can feel his eyes stretch as wide as saucers before he whispers with disbelief. “Wonwoo-hyung?”
"Ding dong daeng!" Mingyu exclaims, mimicking the affirmative sound heard in variety shows. “Quite shocking, right? I had to woo him for a year before he realized he likes me back,” he shakes his head at the memory before sighing heavily. “He’s worth the wait though.”
Jungkook smiles softly. He feels like he is seeing something that he shouldn’t because of how personal it sounds. “Whipped,” he teases.
“You’re not really one to talk Jungkook-ah,” Mingyu teases back before smiling brightly.
Jungkook just clicks his tongue in response before bringing their attention back to their project.
✖✖✖✖✖
V
I’M DYIIIIIIIIIIIING
Jungkook
Good to know
Now let me sleep
(It is evident in here that Jeon Jungkook is NOT a morning person and he's not afraid of sprinkling sarcasm in his texts to get his point across )
V
RUDE!
i know you love me 🥺
Jungkook
I do
But I love sleep more
V
☹️
Jungkook
Oh no not the sad face
You can’t do this to me
This is unfair
V
😢
Jungkook
NO CRYING FACE EITHER
I’M SORRY
PLEASE DON'T BE SAD
V
okay no sad
Jungkook
Yeah please no sad
Now tell me why you’re screaming so early
V
i knew it
you’re so weak for me 🥰
Jungkook
Yeah and you’re abusing it
Watch me block you someday
V
☹️😢😭
Jungkook
Oh god
I won’t do it okay!
V
😊
Jungkook
So what happened?
V
oh
my 7am class was cancelled 😭
and i’m already at school when i heard 😩
and i can't go back to dorm anymore to sleep because my next class is just the next hour
Jungkook
And you decided to wake me up because?
V
because i’m sad here alone in the classroom and i thought of you because we share this classroom too 😢
Jungkook
Seriously you...
Okay what do you wanna talk about?
V
tell me something about you :D
Jungkook
You’ve learned about all my hobbies and likes though
Except my sport, that would be an instant clue to you about who I am
I’m the only artist in our club
V
hmm 🤔
how about something about your body
Jungkook
...
🤨
V
trust me when i say i’m happy you’re finally aware of the beauty of using emojis
BUT I CAN’T BELIEVE IT’S FOR THE PURPOSE OF JUDGING ME
THIS IS ABUSE!!!
IT’S AN INNOCENT QUESTION!!!
Jungkook
🤨
V
i’m going to cry seriously 😭
i mean like do you have piercings? tattoos? moles? what do your toes look like?
WHAT WERE YOU THINKING?!
Jungkook
You could have started with that instead
Also toes? Out of nowhere?
V
i just listed whatever came to my mind
my brain is amazing but it’s random and uncontrollable 😔
WE’VE BEEN THROUGH THIS BEFORE! 😩
Jungkook
Now that you reminded me
I had the weirdest talk with hyungs about my toes in the past
V
SHARE 🤩
Jungkook
Hyung
Your kink is showing
V
I DON’T HAVE A TOE KINK PLEASE 😭
not that i’m against to those who do but i’m just genuinely curious about the story
why am i friends with you?!
you’re always mean to me 😩
Jungkook
Anyways
It’s actually not that weird
It’s just that Hobi-hyung said I have cute toes out of nowhere
V
i don’t know why but that’s so CUTE!! 😍
Jungkook
To my surprise, all of my hyung thinks the same
Apparently, I have this habit of kneeling and sitting on my crossed feet during our movie marathons and they noticed that my toes under my butt look adorable
They said they look like jelly beans
V
I...
AM GOING TO COMBUST
WHAT ARE YOU BEING SO ADORABLE FOR? 😩😭
Jungkook
NO I’M NOT?!
I’M TOUGH AND COOL
V
YOU HAVE JELLY BEAN TOES WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT?!
Jungkook
I DON'T?
ONLY HYUNGS SAID IT?
V
I WILL BELIEVE THEM UNTIL PROVEN OTHERWISE
Jungkook
AND HOW CAN I DO THAT? 🤨
V
BY SENDING ME A PICTURE BUT I BET YOU WON’T DO IT 😏
Jungkook
[picture attached]
SEE?!
V
I...
OH MY GOD
they do look like jelly beans
the strawberry flavored kind
my favorite 🥺
Jungkook
...
You know what
I give up
It’s too early for this
V
accept the truth J-yah
acceptance will set you free 😌
Jungkook
Mmhm
I was gonna tell you earlier about someone that got my interest in our collab class
Guess who changed their mind! :)
V
😳
WHO IS IT?!
ARE THEY A PAINTING MAJOR LIKE ME?!
Jungkook
You’re mean to me today
I won’t tell anymore
V
even just the last name?
pwease? 🥺🙏🏻
Jungkook
Ugh fine
He is a Kim
V
tsk
kim is so common in our class 😒
there are like at least 10 and i’m even one of them
wait a moment...
WHAT IF IT’S ME 🤩🤯
Jungkook
Nah, kinda hard to believe that
He looks so chill and you’re like...
Overexcited baby who needs a lot of attention
V
YAH
LOOKS CAN BE DECEIVING!
HE MIGHT BE LIKE ME, YOU’LL BE SURPRISED 😤
Jungkook
Do you talk differently in real life?
V
hmm
not really?
at least with my friends
but many have told me i can be intimidating at first so i’m not sure 🤷🏻
Jungkook
You know
I just realized that you didn’t deny my statement about overexcited baby
It must be true then 😏
V
WHY ARE ALL YOUR EMOJIS SO JUDGEMENTAL?
THIS IS V SLANDER!! 😭
✖✖✖✖✖
“...Look, in the end. You met your demise.”
Jungkook absentmindedly bites onto his fried chicken as he watches Kim Shin fall down to his knee after using the cursed sword to defeat the evil spirit. He has already watched this series before but he is still deeply immersed in the scene before him. The cast of Goblin are so good at acting that no matter how many times he re-watched it with his hyungs, he still feels the same emotions he felt when he first came upon the show.
“Ugh. I hate it when they play this song,” Seokjin complains as soon as the soundtrack 'And I’m here’ plays on the TV while Euntak runs to embrace Kim Shin who is already nearing his death’s door.
Jungkook wholeheartedly agrees. The song is so heartbreaking that even though nothing has happened yet, he can already feel the tears coming. The scene is already sad and the song is just making it worse. The fact that someone is sniffling as they hold back their tears behind him just serves to prove his point (he is willing to bet all his precious anime collection that it is his Hoseok-hyung).
It is during the moment Euntak sobs while confessing she loves Kim Shin when Jungkook feels the phone in his pocket vibrate. If this happened before, he wouldn’t even bother to check it because he prioritizes his time with his friends first but now, the possibility that it is from V urges him to do the opposite.
He sprawls on the floor, leaning back comfortably against the couch where his hyungs are currently sitting on top of, and he stretches his legs in front of him. He places the chicken, or at least what was left of it, on his plate over the coffee table before he pulls his phone out to check the message.
V
HELP!!!
I DON'T LIKE IT HERE ANYMORE 😩😭
Jungkook
What happened?
Are you okay?
V
remember when I told you i love painting on the floor?
Jungkook
Yeah?
V
i don't love it anymore 😭
yeontan suddenly decided to make my canvas his territory
i just left for a second to replace my water and when i came back
MY PAINTING ALREADY SMELLS LIKE PEE!!!
Jungkook
HAHAAHAHAHAHHAHHAHAHAHAHA
V
IS MY SUFFERING A JOKE TO YOU?!
Jungkook
*coughs
I’m sorry that happened to you
When’s the deadline?
V
well it’s still 2 weeks away but i suddenly got inspired so i started early
Jungkook
Wait a moment
Who are you?!
What did you do to the greatest procrastinator V that I know?
V
I FUCKING KNOW RIGHT?!
I RARELY START EARLY AND THEN THIS KIND OF SHIT HAPPENS
Jungkook
I guess you’re just meant to be a crammer hyung
Like you said
Acceptance is the key
V
*SOBS
I SWEAR TO GOD SOMEONE IN THIS GODFORSAKEN COUNTRY IS USING THEIR POWER AGAINST ME IT’S HOMOPHOBIC
I NEED TO GET AWAY FROM HERE
MARRY ME J 💍
Jungkook
Hyung what the hell?
What does that have to do with marrying me?
V
BECAUSE AFTER WE GET MARRIED
WE’RE GOING TO LIVE IN ANOTHER COUNTRY
LIKE... UH
SPAIN!
Jungkook
And who the fuck decided that?
V
ME 🤨
YOU GOT ANY PROBLEM?
Jungkook
Ok let’s say we did “elope to another country”
even though it’s highly unlikely because I have standards
V
YAH! 😠
Jungkook
Why Spain?
Not that I’m against the country, just curious
V
it’s the first country that popped in my head
Jungkook
Right
Why am I not surprised
And what do you plan afterwards?
V
um
wait i didn’t think that far ahead
OH!
WE’RE GONNA ADOPT A BABY 🤩
HIS NAME WILL BE CARLOS JEROME 🤩
Jungkook
🤨
V
oh god here we go again with your JUDGEMENTAL EMOJI
Jungkook
CAN YOU BLAME ME?
LIKE WHERE IN THE WORLD DID THAT NAME COME FROM?
V
I ALSO DON’T KNOW OKAY 😭😭
WE’VE ALREADY ESTABLISHED MY BRAIN IS AWESOME
DON’T ASK!
JUST GO WITH THE FLOW!
Jungkook
I also don’t know myself why I always bother to ask
You know what
Sure let’s do it
V
😳😳😳😳😳😳😳😳
Jungkook
Let’s bring up the coolest Carlos Jerome in the world
V
YEEEEEES!!!!
WE’RE GONNA BE THE COOLEST PARENTS TOO!!!
Jungkook
Of course that’s already a given
V
oh my god he’s going to become a heartbreaker
he’ll be like his dad J making 6th graders cry without doing anything except being his handsome self
i’m already a proud appa
Jungkook
Why the fuck do you think I’m a heartbreaker?
V
because you sound so cool and you said you’re an athlete
i can just imagine you have a lot of admirers
Jungkook
I…
V
see
you can’t even deny that you are popular 😏
Jungkook
I am not proud of it okay 😩😭
V
oh my god
he’s using a non-judgemental emoji!!
i feel like i’ve reached my peak 🔥
Jungkook
Ugh
Please shut up
V
i feel like i just made a huge achievement
AND I’M PROUD OF IT 😍
i’m so close to taking a screenshot so i can print and frame it
Jungkook
That’s it
I’m going to file for divorce
V
NO WAIT I’M SORRY
I WON’T TEASE ANYMORE
YOU CAN’T LEAVE ME
I CAN'T TAKE CARE OF CJ ALONE 😭😭
Jungkook
YOU ALREADY GAVE HIM A NICKNAMJFKASDLFJ
“So who is this person that makes you smile this wide?” someone drawls right beside Jungkook’s ear, making him jump in shock and send a random keyboard smash to V before dropping the phone on his lap.
“Hyung!” Jungkook turns to his side and looks up to glare at Yoongi.
Yoongi just raises an eyebrow in return, unfazed. His face hovers near the younger’s shoulder, body slouched lazily over his folded legs.
Jungkook, used to having denial as an automatic response to any kind of teasing, immediately tries to come up with an excuse for his besotted expression. “It’s the show! I’m smiling because of the show!”
“Right,” Yoongi smirks amusedly as he glances back to the TV screen and Jungkook’s eyes follow. The screen shows how Euntak is crying her eyes out, obviously not a scene to smile at.
Okay, maybe it’s not the best excuse Jungkook has come up with.
“Jungkook-ah, you know that if you don’t want to tell us, we’ll understand, right?” Namjoon says with so much understanding from the opposite side of the couch.
“Yeah, ignore Yoongi-hyung. He’s just teasing you,” Hoseok adds. Being the closest as he’s directly behind the youngest, he has the easiest access to back hugging Jungkook before affectionately nuzzling his dongsaeng’s fluffy blond hair.
Jungkook colors beautifully at the show of affection. “No, it’s alright. I was just surprised and you guys know denial is always my knee jerk reaction,” he mumbles while he fidgets with his phone over his lap, eliciting a coo from Seokjin who sits at the end of the couch beside Namjoon.
“What’s their name?” Yoongi asks, now leaning back more comfortably at the other end.
Jungkook pats Hoseok’s arms around his chest as a signal before turning around and moving away so he can face all of his hyungs. “I actually don’t know his real name yet but I call him V.”
This statement coaxes a myriad of reactions from his hyungs, mostly of confusion and curiosity. Jungkook figures that was his cue to tell them about his friendship with V from the start.
The series, still softly playing in the background, now serves as a white noise to everyone as all of the attention is currently solely focused on the youngest.
“He sounds like a wonderful person,” Namjoon comments happily after hearing Jungkook’s lively story of how he started talking to V and the funny anecdotes they have shared so far.
The other three nod in agreement before sharing a look, all of them thinking the same thing— about how much this person called V makes their youngest happy. It’s the first time they see the younger be this animated while talking about someone. It makes them want to meet V so they can show their gratitude for making Jungkook glow this way.
“Do you guys ever plan to meet someday?” Hoseok asks what all the hyungs are dying to know the most.
Jungkook sighs sadly, “V-hyung is just waiting for my cue. I want to but I'm really scared.”
“What are you scared about?” Namjoon probes gently with a curious expression.
“I don’t really know,” Jungkook frowns, his lips unconsciously turning into a pout while he fidgets with his fingers, the other four fighting the urge to squeeze their chests at how adorable the younger looks right now. Putting away the youngest’s worries should be their first priority, after all. “Like I want to meet him so bad too but for some reason, I can’t help but think that our relationship is just this fun because of anonymity you know. What if we meet and it turns awkward and we never talk again? I don’t want that to happen.”
“Yeah, that’s understandable,” Yoongi states as he nods to himself. As someone who has the closest personality to Jungkook out of the four hyungs, he really understands where the youngest is coming from.
Seokjin stands to sit beside Jungkook, giving him a comforting side hug, “Just do what makes you most comfortable Jungkook-ah. If you’re not ready to meet with him yet, then don’t. If you are, then do it.”
Being the worry-wart out of them all, Hoseok quickly adds, “Meet in public first! We can never be sure.”
Jungkook smiles gratefully at his hyungs, his bunny teeth on full display. He is so lucky to have them. “Do you guys think our relationship can change once we meet? Or can we actually stay the same after this?”
Seokjin hums as he mulls over for a response, “I think it will change, but not all changes are bad. You guys can get closer.”
“Yeah and judging from your stories, you guys have a lot in common. You can now watch movies or play games together,” Yoongi adds.
Jungkook’s heart jumps in excitement at the thought. He didn’t consider that.
“Both of you are artists too!” Hoseokfollows excitedly. “You can actually help each other. You’ll also have a friend with the same passion for art, Jungkook-ah.”
“It might be awkward at first when you meet but that’s how most friendships start,” Namjoon rationalizes before gesturing to all of them around him. “We started the same and look at where we are now. We’re already a family.”
Hoseok and Seokjin coos at the younger’s statement, making Namjoon blush at the sudden attention.
Even Yoongi smiles his trademark gummy smile which he rarely shows, “You’re such a sap, Namjoon-ah.”
“Look, this is why I rarely say these kinds of things! Let’s focus on Jungkookie, not me!” Namjoon complains before hiding his face with his hands, ears glowing red from embarrassment.
“Thank you, hyungs,” Jungkook says, taking pity on Namjoon. “I actually feel a lot better now. Maybe after the final exams week, I will meet V-hyung.”
Seokjin smiles softly at him, then he raises the hand around Jungkook’s shoulder to pat the younger’s head fondly, “Whatever happens, just remember we’re always here, okay?”
The other three nod their heads in agreement, and Jungkook feels choked up at the sudden influx of emotions. His heart is filled with so much love and gratitude for them that he might just burst.
Noticing that the youngest’s eyes are starting to sparkle from unshed tears, Hoseok is quick to react, knowing how much Jungkook hates crying in front of them. He opens his arms wide, “Come here baby, let me smooch you.”
Jungkook actually chokes at that and makes a playful disgusted noise, making all of them laugh at his expected reaction. “Ew. No thanks, hyung,” he responds while scrunching his nose before he quickly wipes his eyes with his hoodie sleeve while the others are not looking.
As he watches his hyungs joke around and tease each other, Jungkook can’t help but think-- not for the first nor the last time-- how much he really loves his hyungs so much.
I’m going to treasure them even if it’s the last thing I’ll do, Jungkook promises to himself.
✖✖✖✖✖
It’s been a week since his night with his hyungs and Jungkook is currently staring at his ceiling while lying on his bed. His limbs spread wide akin to a starfish, his head filled with thoughts about the pros and cons of meeting V.
The semester is ending soon and since their finals period is mostly composed of projects instead of written exams, some of their courses are going to end sooner too. One of them is their collaboration class which has a set deadline on the Friday of the following week-- the week before the last of the semester.
Previously, he didn't want to meet V when he found out that they shared a class. He thought that if they end up being awkward, being in the same room will just be torture. After thinking hard about the situation, however, he realizes he will no longer be able to use that as an excuse once their collab class ends.
The things that his hyungs told him makes him see the brighter side too. He also cannot deny that he already thought of meeting V multiple times before. Just random bouts of thoughts whenever they have fun talking about their hobbies and likes, he just can’t help but think how playing with V or making art with him would probably be fun.
He never gave those thoughts a chance to fester, though, because his anxiety was always present to remind him how things could go worse than better.
After a lot of contemplating, this time more logically, Jungkook realizes that even if their first meet up will become a disaster, he doesn’t have to meet V in the classroom anymore. Hence, no more awkward tension to endure. Another thing is that even during their first conversation, he notices that V doesn’t seem to have an ability to feel embarrassed so maybe, their first meeting wouldn’t be awkward at all.
V has always been patient with Jungkook from the start. He never judged his reserved personality in text messages or even his “savage” not-taking-your-bullshit side, and he seems like the person who can do most of the talking for the two of them hence making it almost impossible to have awkward dead air.
The more Jungkook thinks about it, the more he realizes that he is actually ready to meet V.
Okay. He’s really going to do it. He can do this, Jungkook says to himself with determination. He releases a deep breath before he turns to his stomach and reaches for his phone on his bedside table. He can feel his heart beating faster and faster, his fingers trembling from anxiety but mostly excitement.
He sincerely wants to meet V despite all his fears.
Jungkook
Hyung, are you free to talk?
V
...why do you sound ominous? 😨😰
are you going to file for divorce for real this time?
Jungkook
I…
Okay first of all, we aren’t even legally married so it’s not even possible
And second, I just want to talk to you about something important
V
okay pwew
i’m free right now 😊
Jungkook
You know how our shared class will end next week
V
how could i not 😭
i won’t be able to see angel anymore
Jungkook
Sucks for you
V
YAH
you also have a crush in my class right?
we’re in the same position! 😩
Jungkook
Oh shit you right
I almost forgot about him
V
what? how?
i mean, didn't you bring up this topic because of him?
Jungkook
No, he’s not the reason
V
why then?
Jungkook
I just thought that since we won’t have to share class anymore after the exhibit
It makes me feel less anxious about meeting you now
V
OH MY GOD
REALLY?!
YOURERSADYNWOTOMETEEM?!
Jungkook
I’m... what?
V
sorry i got too excited
are you ready now to meet me? 🥺
Jungkook
mmmYes
V
J-yah
my platonic husband
my little jellybean
i can't even express how happy i am
THERE ARE ACTUAL TEARS IN MY EYES RIGHT NOW 😭
Jungkook
Hyuuuuung
You actually want to meet me that bad?
V
of course baby
i really want to put a face to your messages
meeting you will make me feel that you are actually real and not just my imagination you know
like i know you are real but
itjaksldfjaks
ugh i can’t explain
Jungkook
You don’t have to
I also feel the same
You feel so unreal sometimes
You always say the things I need to hear when I needed them the most
V
I FEEL THE SAME 😭
you’ve been my anchor ever since we became friends
you don’t know how much you’ve helped me these past months 😭😭
Jungkook
Me too
Damn
I’ve gotten too soft for you, haven’t I?
V
🥺😭😭😭
yes and it’s making me cry
when are we going to meet?
Jungkook
Does Monday after the last day of semester work for you?
V
YES 😍
OH MY GOD I CAN’T WAIT 🥰
Jungkook
Same!!!
V
but hey
i want you to know that if ever you feel like backing out anytime,
and i mean, any time, even if it’s just a minute away from our plan
i understand that, okay?
i can wait forever seriously
just, you know, give me a warning at least so i don’t have to wait during the day of our meeting
Jungkook
HYUNG 🥺
V
FJAKLSDJFAJ
YOU USING THAT EMOJI IS GOING TO BE THE DEATH OF ME 😩😭
Jungkook
🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺
V
NOOOO STOP
PLEASE HAVE MERCY ON ME
Jungkook
😂
Oh right
Speaking of your angel
V
what about him?
Jungkook
Do you ever plan to talk to him?
It’s our last class next week
V
UGH WHY DO YOU KEEP REMINDING ME 😩
i actually wanted to talk to him but i never got the chance :(
Jungkook
aww that’s sad
V
how about you?
are you just going to keep exchanging glances with your crush?
from your stories, he seems interested at least?
Jungkook
:(((((
I also can’t find an opportunity to talk to him alone
V
hmm
should we make a competition?
just like how our friendship started?
Jungkook
Sounds like a recipe for disaster...
What’s the rule and the prize?
V
how about the one who first talked to their crush before our meeting wins a wish?
Jungkook
That’s nerve wracking as fuck
That wish, it can be anything?
V
yeah
but only something realistic of course!!
Jungkook
Okay
My hands are shaking but okay
I’m in
✖✖✖✖✖
“Jungkook-ah.”
Jungkook hums in response before he looks away from the artwork that he’s appreciating to give Mingyu his attention. They are currently at the art exhibit that is being held at the ground floor of their building, which was organized by the Design and Painting department. Their project reporting is already done and they now have the rest of the day free to either roam around to see all the other collaborative artworks that their class has made or choose to just go home.
“You do realize this is the last day of our collab class, right?” Mingyu asks with a raised eyebrow, leaning against the wall beside the artwork Jungkook was just staring at.
The latter raises an eyebrow in return, “Are you telling me this is the last time we’re going to talk now that our project is done?”
“Wha- No!” Mingyu moves away from his current position out of alarm, his stance and expression exuding upset at the statement.
Jungkook laughs at his friend’s offended expression. He was just kidding. He knows Mingyu is not that kind of person.
“You brat. If only people knew how much of a menace you are,” Mingyu playfully kicks Jungkook’s butt when he realizes the blond was just joking. He then looks around to make sure no one can eavesdrop before whispering, “I mean, what’s your plan now with Taehyung-hyung? It’s clear as day that you guys are at least interested in each other.”
Jungkook sighs, “Well, we aren’t even sure if he swings the same way.”
Mingyu levels him with an unimpressed stare. “Right, because him stealing multiple glances at you whenever you are in the vicinity and blushing right after you guys make eye contact screams that he is as straight as a ruler,” he says dryly.
“It’s not right to assume other people’s sexuality, Mingyu-yah,” Jungkook scolds softly before moving to the next artwork.
Mingyu walks beside him and sighs in frustration, “I know. But you guys can still start as friends? You can check if he is interested that way then?”
“Just say that you ship us together and go,” Jungkook answers playfully. “You look like you crave us being together more than me.”
“Look, you don’t understand. It wouldn’t matter if it’s not obvious to me that both of you like each other. This slow burn is killing me. This is more frustrating than all the dramas I’ve ever watched. I just want to see you guys talk for once!” Mingyu says with an exaggerated distraught expression, his hands clenched on his chest for emphasis.
Jungkook just shakes his head, amused at the dramatics. “I want to talk to him too, you know. I just never found the opportunity where we can be alone. He is always surrounded by his friends, and in the classroom, we’re always sitting away from each other,” he says regretfully and sighs as he looks unseeingly at the artwork in front of him.
“I have a suggestion but I just know you’re not gonna like it,” Mingyu starts with a serious tone, catching the other’s interest.
“Try me,” Jungkook turns his head to his friend curiously.
“So, during the night at the last day of this semester, there’s this party-“
“You’re right, I hate it already,” Jungkook interrupts. Even just imagining going to a party filled with strangers already makes him anxious.
“I knew it. But hyung goes there every time with his best friend so I just thought maybe-” Mingyu explains but he cuts himself off when something behind Jungkook suddenly gets his attention. “You know what, maybe you don’t have to go to the party after all.”
Jungkook is about to ask what the hell he means by that when someone suddenly clears their throat behind him, making him turn around instinctively.
To say that he is shocked beyond words is an understatement, and he thinks it shows when the person in front of him giggles after seeing his expression. Great, just fucking great.
“Um, hi,” Kim Taehyung greets shyly with a closed lip smile. His cheeks look so round and soft that Jungkook has to make a fist to stop himself from reaching up to touch it. The older is currently wearing a white floral dress shirt tucked in his black pants that fit his legs perfectly. His usual fluffy brown hair is perfectly styled in a way that exposes his forehead, amplifying his already handsome face. In short, he looks like an entirely different person, so far from his usual soft and cuddly image that the younger is so used to seeing. The gap between the two images is giving him a whiplash.
Damn, Jungkook inwardly exclaims as he realizes that it’s his first time looking at the other up close.
Kim Taehyung is beyond ethereal. Jungkook can’t even find any adjectives that will describe the older’s beauty anymore. Don’t even get him started with his voice. He never thought Taehyung’s voice would sound this deep, Jungkook’s mind almost failing to comprehend it, but it fits the older so well.
His beauty is beyond Jungkook’s imagination. It just makes sense that his voice is the same too.
“Hi, hyung. We saw your project earlier, we thought it’s really cool,” Mingyu says when he quickly realizes that Jungkook still hasn't found his words.
Bless his soul.
“Really?” Taehyung blooms beautifully at the compliment. “I’m glad you guys think so. My partner and I are aware we both used a style that is unconventional and might even look weird to some.”
“Oh no,” Jungkook speaks without thinking about it. Hearing someone insult Taehyung’s artwork brought out the courage he unknowingly had because he just couldn’t allow Taehyung to think that way too. “The styles you guys used may be very unique but it’s what makes your art stand out, and I mean that in a good way. It actually inspired me a lot to try new styles after we saw it earlier. Your art made me realize just how limitless art can be.”
Taehyung looks at him with wide eyes, it seems like he didn’t expect Jungkook to just suddenly speak up. This then makes Jungkook blush and look down to his feet, embarrassed at his sudden outburst.
Well, that’s a good start, Jungkook thinks sarcastically.
Mingyu looks at the two who seem to have forgotten about his existence, both busy trying to contain their flusteredness. He clears his throat, successfully getting both of his friends’ attention. “I just remembered I have plans with Wonwoo-hyung so I’m gonna leave first. See you guys,” he says while he gives both of them a friendly tap on their backs.
Taehyung nods while Jungkook's shoulders stiffened, feeling like his soul is escaping his body. He can’t believe he is being left to do this alone by his friend.Mingyu just winks at Jungkook before turning around to walk away with a waving hand.
Once Mingyu is out of sight, the two are forced to look at each other before swiftly looking away again, the pair still sporting a blush high up on their cheeks.
It is Taehyung who first takes the courage to speak, “So, um. Thank you. I’m glad you liked our art.”
“Oh, I’m just being honest,” Jungkook responds, still struggling to meet the other’s eyes. He can feel warmth crawling up his neck and up his ears, but despite the evidence of his shyness making itself known to the other, he compels himself to try to not look away this time.
Taehyung smiles gratefully, “I also saw your project with Mingyu just a while ago, and you guys are awesome. You have different styles--one is colorful while the other is monochromatic, but you guys made it work. It’s really beautiful.”
Jungkook beams at the compliment. “Thank you,” he replies, before panicking internally as he realizes he doesn’t know how to prolong their conversation anymore.
The older also seems to feel the same way because he is lightly chewing his lower lip, seemingly distracted and deep in thought. He looks so adorable, staring at nothing with wide eyes before suddenly giggling, making Jungkook nearly jump at the unexpected sound.
“I’m sorry. I swear I’m not laughing at you,” Taehyung quickly tries to correct as he curls his arms over his stomach and proceeds to raise his right hand to cover his mouth, evidently trying to physically stop himself from laughing. He then looks at Jungkook sheepishly before he explains, “I’m usually not this speechless before. And we’re so awkward, I can’t help but laugh at the situation.”
“Oh god,” Jungkook covers his face with his hands. “Why’d you have to say it? I don’t know how to respond to that.”
Taehyung chuckles at the younger’s reaction. He nervously puts the hand that was previously covering his mouth to his nape before asking, “Are you free right now? Wanna go for coffee?”
Jungkook peeks between his fingers and is surprised to see that the older is staring at him with hopeful eyes. He nods without even thinking about it.
When Taehyung smiles brightly at his answer resulting in his eyes forming a smile too, Jungkook finds himself uncontrollably grinning back in response. His facial muscles feel like they have a life of their own, but he can’t find it in himself to be embarrassed about it.
He just hopes the day will end with their smiles still present on their faces.
✖✖✖✖✖
It was awkward at first, at least for Jungkook, after they got their drinks and found an available seat in the cafe right outside their university. He doesn’t know how to start a conversation, and it makes him feel very conscious of his expressions and words especially because they are sitting in front of each other.
Fortunately, Taehyung had no trouble talking this time. It was the older who guided the flow of conversation. He asked some getting-to-know questions for Jungkook to answer before sharing something about himself in return. As the hour flew by, the more Jungkook became relaxed and as a result, it was easier for the words to come out.
They are now at the point of sharing comical stories they’ve experienced while being enrolled in their courses.
“I can’t believe you did that, Taehyung-ssi,” Jungkook breathes out as he wipes a tear on his eye. He laughed so hard at the older’s story that he actually struggled to breath for a moment. He would be so embarrassed at how loud they are if not for the fact that the cafe is bustling with a lot of people too, drowning their laughter.
Taehyung giggles as he stares fondly at the younger. He rests his chin over his hand when he puts his elbow on the table. “You can call me hyung, Jungkook-ah. You don’t have to be so formal with me.”
“Oh,” Jungkook bites his lower lip to stop himself from smiling excitedly at the thought that the older consider them close enough to drop the formal honorifics. “Okay, hyung.”
“Much better,” Taehyung nods in satisfaction before grinning so wide that his mouth resembles a rectangle which Jungkook finds really endearing.
Jungkook is starting to think he is in danger because of how fast he feels himself fall for this beautiful, funny, and caring man right in front of him. They just started to get to know each other today but the months of pining and looking from afar just makes it easier for Jungkook to fall a step deeper.
While it is true that it was Taehyung’s beauty that got his attention, it is the other’s captivating expressions and adorable mannerisms that effectively made him look for more. Made him curious what kind this person with the cute boxy smile is like as a person. And now that he has seen a glimpse of the answer he has always craved, he finds himself still thirsty for more.
In fact, he wants to get to know Taehyung greater than before.
He fidgets with his cup before he looks at the older nervously, “Um, hyung?”
Taehyung hums curiously, his eyebrows raised in reply while chewing on a chunk of cake, causing his mouth to pout. Another endearing habit that is added on the list of things that makes Jungkook want to melt onto the floor.
“C-can I have your number? If it’s alright with you, of course,” Jungkook asks timidly. He is so nervous that he almost crumpled his cup-- good thing he noticed it before it could happen and embarrass himself any further.
If it was even possible, Taehyung brightens more than before at the question. He nods excitedly in response. Jungkook releases a silent, relieved breath before bringing out his phone from his pants’ front pocket. He then smiles widely as he waits for the older to recite his number.
At first, Jungkook didn’t think much about why it sounds so familiar to him, but it is after he finishes typing Taehyung’s number that he realized that he cannot ignore his gut feeling anymore. Not when a name pops up on the top of his screen, indicating that the number he just typed is already saved in his contacts.
“Um, is this really your number?” Jungkook has to clarify. He even repeats the number out loud just to be sure.
“Yeah. Why?” Taehyung stares nervously at the younger’s shocked expression. He doesn’t have a clue as to what’s wrong with his number. He is positive it is not weird. Actually, can cell phone numbers even be weird at all?
“What is it? What’s wrong?” Taehyung can’t help but ask again when a minute has passed and the younger still haven’t answered and just continues to gape at the phone in his hand.
Jungkook stares at Taehyung again with wide eyes. Judging from the older’s expression, he assumes that the brunette doesn’t have an idea about this… this once in a lifetime coincidence that he has just discovered. Instead of answering his question, with trembling fingers, he sends a message to Taehyung.
Jungkook
Hyung
Taehyung feels his phone vibrate in his pocket and he stares at the younger, still baffled as to why Jungkook reacted the way he did upon seeing his number. “Was that from you?” he asks before bringing out his phone to check.
Jungkook just nods as he chews his lower lip. With a still shaky hand, he turns his phone’s volume to the highest setting before placing it over the table.
“Wait a minute, my friend just texted me,” Taehyung says with a frown on his face. He looks so worried.
Understandable, Jungkook thinks. He only starts his messages that way when he needs someone to talk to about his problems after all.
V
what is it? are you okay??
As soon as Taehyung sends his message, a notification sound rings on the table, making both of them look towards the direction of where it came from. One with a nervous look while the other, a confused look before slowly turning into shock at the realization.
“You’ve got to be kidding me,” Taehyung says under his breath after a moment of silence. He stares at Jungkook as if he is seeing him in a new light, a different perspective, and Jungkook can relate so hard.
He still can’t digest the fact that the one he has been talking to for months now is the same as the one he has been pining for since his midterms. He still can’t believe that all this time, he has been looking at V.
All this fucking time.
Out of the two of them, Taehyung is the first one to get out of the stupor. With a shaking hand, he reaches out to Jungkook’s phone before asking, “C-can I look?”
Jungkook just nods to give his permission, words still hard for him to form.
He understands why Taehyung wants to look at their messages from his phone. He can’t judge him for wanting to see concrete proof, not when even he, himself, still can’t believe the sudden twist of fate. It makes sense that the older just wants to see it with his own eyes first before totally believing that this is actually reality.
“Oh my god, it’s really you,” Taehyung mutters after he returns the younger’s phone on the table. “J-yah.”
“V-hyung,” Jungkook responds softly.
“It’s really you, what the actual fuck,” Taehyung repeats as he covers the lower half of his face with his hands, his eyes wide with disbelief, and Jungkook nods slowly in reciprocal astonishment, expression almost the same as the older.
Another momentary silence passes by as both of them try to process everything that has just unfolded.
“What the fuck,” the older repeats and Jungkook can feel the side of his mouth lifting up at his expression. “What the fuck are we? Are we actually characters in a rom-com book or something? Is this a dream, Jungkook-ah?” Taehyung asks with all seriousness, his eyes expressing a bit of a crazed look on them.
At the older’s successive questions, Jungkook cannot control himself anymore and bursts out laughing. Their situation is so insane to him that he feels like he is going to go insane too. Shortly after, Taehyung starts to exhale a disbelieving chuckle before cackling out loud too.
One of the staff members approached their table to softly reprimand them for disturbing and apparently scaring some of the customers, which just made them laugh louder. They even added in clapping at some point and soon found themselves walking aimlessly at the park near their university after being asked to leave the vicinity, now more calm than before but the grins are still present on their faces. Jungkook is almost positive that he had never used his facial muscles this much before, it’s his first time to feel his cheeks ache from too much smiling.
The sun is almost setting, giving the park a warm glow, and Taehyung looks even more ethereal with it.
“So,” Taehyung starts, and the mischievous glint in his eyes somehow reminds Jungkook of his mental image of V when he is getting ready to tease him.
He swallows nervously before narrowing his eyes at the older, “What is it?”
“Remember when you told me to ask you out again once we became closer?” Taehyung asks with a smirk.
Jungkook groans, he can’t believe V was right when he said that Taehyung might be him. This smirk just makes that fact much more real to him, and he can’t help but notice that Taehyung really does sound like V right now. “I did say that maybe, I’ll consider it, but I never said I will agree for sure,” he answers while looking away. He swears he is going to combust if the older looks at him that way a second longer.
Taehyung pouts and whines at his response, “Aww, why not?”
Jungkook giggles at the other’s expression. Taehyung being cute, that he can handle, “I can’t believe you sound the same as your texts but at the same time, I am not surprised.”
“Well, I, on the other hand, is still surprised that the guy I’ve been trying to talk to for the past months is the same as my emotionally constipated friend that I actually talk to almost every day,” Taehyung shakes his head in disbelief as he hooks his thumbs on his pants’ front pockets.
“I am not emotionally constipated!” Jungkook denies with an offended expression before playfully pushing the older, making him almost lose his balance.
Taehyung just laughs at him, “Sure, whatever makes you sleep at night, J-yah.”
Jungkook narrows his eyes in annoyance, but it is evident that he is attempting to tamp down on a smile and so before it becomes a full blown one, he shakes his head and walks away.
“Wait, J-yah!” Taehyung calls when the younger appears as if he was going to leave him behind. “Jungkook-ah!”
Jungkook power walks, but it was so obvious that he still wants to be followed whenever he takes a peek over his shoulder.
“Come on, please don’t give me the face to face equivalent of the seen zone. Jungkook-ah. Jelly bean? Husband? Honey? Baby?” Taehyung shamelessly shouts, his volume increasing with each endearment to make sure the younger can hear him from afar.
Jungkook finally faces the older with a bright red face, “Hyung, what the fuck?”
“So, can I take you out tomorrow?” Taehyung asks when he’s finally able to catch up to the younger.
“Only to shut you up,” Jungkook answers but as he looks away from the other, he cannot control his smile from coming out anymore.
Taehyung sees it and doesn't miss the opportunity to tease. He nudges the younger with his elbow teasingly, “Yeee, you’re being shy. Now, this is the J that I know.”
Jungkook instantly tries to keep a straight face and starts to speed walk again. This time, much faster.
“No, don't leave me!” Taehyung shouts as he runs after the younger. “I can’t take care of Carlos Jerome on my own!”
“Choke!”
“Sure but we need to be boyfriends first!”
Jungkook stops to face him incredulously, his face and ears bright as a fire truck. Then he covers his ears and runs, “I’m gonna pretend I didn't hear that.”
Eventually Taehyung caught up to him while laughing but he decided that he won’t tease the younger anymore.
At least for the time being.
✖✖✖✖✖
(A few months and many, many dates later)
Jungkookie 🐰
Hyung
I just realized something
Taehyung-hyung 🐻
somehow
i can feel it in my guts that i’m not gonna like this
Jungkookie 🐰
I was distracted trying to know you in real life i almost forgot about something very important
Taehyung-hyung 🐻
i am shaking right now 🥶
just so you know
Jungkookie 🐰
Am I the angel you were talking about back then?
Taehyung-hyung 🐻
...
Jungkookie 🐰
You liked me since last last year?
Really?
Even before the collab project?
Taehyung-hyung 🐻
suddenly i can’t read
Jungkookie 🐰
HA HA HA
Sure
Taehyung-hyung 🐻
fjaklsdfj
pls tell me you are not turned off by it
actually you have no choice
we are boyfriends now
Jungkookie 🐰
...it’s actually cute
Taehyung-hyung 🐻
😳😳😳😳😳😳😳😳😳
now i wanna go there to give you hugs and kisses
Jungkookie 🐰
Gay
Taehyung-hyung 🐻
only for you 😉
Jungkookie 🐰
🤢🤮
Taehyung-hyung 🐻
I love youuuuuuuu
Jungkookie 🐰
I love you too I guess 😒
Taehyung-hyung 🐻
😟
Jungkookie 🐰
ugh
Not the sad face again
Taehyung-hyung 🐻
😢
Jungkookie 🐰
hyuuuuuung
Taehyung-hyung 🐻
😭
Jungkookie 🐰
Babe
Baby
I love you
You know that
Taehyung-hyung 🐻
😊
i know
Jungkookie 🐰
...i hate you
Taehyung-hyung 🐻
no you don't 🥺
Jungkookie 🐰
No I don't and it’s making me sad
Taehyung-hyung 🐻
just admit you’re whipped for me
i won’t mind 🥰
Jungkookie 🐰
Goodnight babe
Taehyung-hyung 🐻
fjaklsdfja
i can’t get used to that
i need to read it multiple times to believe it
Jungkookie 🐰
Correction: hyung
Taehyung-hyung 🐻
NOOOO DON’T TAKE IT BACK
I WON’T TEASE YOU ANYMORE I PROMISE
Jungkook-ah
my cute little jelly bean
babe
i love you so much pls don’t be mad
Jungkookie 🐰
😒
I know you will still tease me after this but
I love you too
Taehyung-hyung 🐻
😍🥰😘💜🤟🏼