Work Text:
zeal;
(n.) the fever or tireless devotion for a person and determination in its furtherance; diligent enthusiasm; powerful interest
Jimin first interacts with Jeongguk a few weeks after he starts his new job.
It’s his first desk job. All of his work experience leading up to this point had been with part-time jobs during high school and serving jobs at high-end restaurants after he graduated from college. Now twenty-five, it’s the first time he’s gotten out of that environment and landed himself a job working for a company that didn’t make its money selling overpriced appetizers to tourists.
He works at a local chiropractic clinic in town now. Their office manager position was open, and after a brief and friendly interview with Dr. Kim Seokjin, he was hired and began training. The first two weeks or so were spent reviewing basic topics, including scheduling, insurance, billing, and patient relations—the works. The day he met Jeongguk started like any other.
The manager of their second location, Min Yoongi, was taking the drive over every day to show him how things worked at the office, and with a little guidance, Jimin was quickly getting the hang of it. Today, he was basically just sitting beside him and watching how he worked. They spent some time chit-chatting now that they’d been slowly getting to know one another, and spent the rest of the time calling different people and replying to emails.
Then, in the middle of the day for seemingly no reason, Jimin’s scanner stopped working. Unsure of how to fix it, he turned to Yoongi. That was when Yoongi sighed and picked up the phone, dialing a number that he knew by heart. “Time to call IT to fix it.”
He put it on speaker so they could both hear and, after a few rings, a smooth, low voice called out through the crackling speakers on the landline.
“Three-D IT. How can I help you?”
“Jeongguk, it’s Yoongi.”
Instantly, the man—who sounded young—on the other end of the phone’s voice perked up, making it obvious that he was smiling. “Hey, Yoongi. What do you need?”
“Can you get onto the back computer at the second clinic? The scanner stopped working, and we can’t fix it.”
There’s shuffling and typing, and then the IT guy—Jeongguk—asks, “You turned it on and off?”
“Yes, Jeongguk. Obviously, we turned it on and off,” Yoongi deadpans, rolling his eyes, but Jimin can tell he’s not annoyed.
“Unplugged it and plugged it back in?”
Yoongi pauses, making a waving motion at Jimin because they did not, in fact, try to unplug it. Quickly, the blonde man rushes to do so. Meanwhile, Yoongi lies, “Yeah, we did that too. I’m not an idiot.”
Jeongguk hums and mutters, “Just checking.”
Jimin plugs the scanner back in, waits a second… and nothing happens. He shrugs at Yoongi, who shrugs back. There’s a bit more clicking, and then Jeongguk says, “Okay, I’m logged into the server. Give me just a second to make sure we’re all set, and then I can start fixing it. In the meantime, can you explain exactly what’s happening when you try to use it?”
As he talks, the little mouse symbol on the computer moves on its own, and Jimin watches it in fascination.
“Uh, I can’t really. It was Jimin having issues with it, so I’ll let him explain,” Yoongi says, passing the phone on to Jimin, who takes it with a quiet word of thanks.
There’s more clicking around and boxes popping up on the screen that Jimin doesn’t understand, and then Jeongguk asks, “Jimin? Is that the name of the new manager we made the login for a few weeks ago?”
“Uh, yeah, that’s me,” Jimin says awkwardly, rubbing his pant leg with his free hand.
“Oh,” Jeongguk says. “Hey, Jimin. Nice to meet you.”
Jimin’s cheeks go pink. He has a really nice voice. “Nice to meet you, too.”
“So, can you explain to me what’s happening when you try to use the scanner?” He asks, voice notably softer than before. Next to Jimin, Yoongi snickers.
“Well, um, it works on the regular login, but it doesn’t work when I try to scan stuff on the server. An error message pops up every time. It’s not the usual error when it’s pressed too early, either. It’s something else.”
“Okay,” Jeongguk says, sounding focused as he opens up the server again and then searches through the settings. Jimin doesn’t understand half of what he’s doing, and Jeongguk moves so fast. “I have a good hunch that I know what’s wrong.”
“We pay you two grand a month to have a hunch?” Yoongi asks, clearly trying to mess with him.
“Yes, you do, and it’ll be raised to three if you keep giving me the attitude, dickhead,” Jeongguk jests right back.
Jimin bites back a smile, watching Jeongguk continue to work. He brings up a text box about the scanner and clicks around, then closes it and clicks around some more. “Jimin?”
Ignoring the warm feeling that washes over him at the sound of his name on Jeongguk’s lips, the manager hums in question. “Mhm?”
“Try to scan something for me.”
“Oh, right. One second.” Jimin places the phone on the desk, grabs a random piece of paper, and puts it through the scanner. There’s a whirring noise as it scans, and the sheet of paper comes through the other side like usual. Then, he looks at the screen and sees that the computer processed the scan—something it wasn’t doing minutes ago.
“It worked!” He says excitedly, clapping once.
He hears Jeongguk chuckle, and the muffled sound hits his ears with crystal-clear recognition. His cheeks warm. Why is his laugh attractive, too?
“Glad I could help. I’m logging back out right now. Let me know if it stops again.”
“Thanks, Jeongguk,” Yoongi says.
“Yeah, thank you so much, Jeongguk.”
“No problem. And Jimin?”
“Yes?”
“Don’t hesitate to call me when you have another problem. I’ll always answer.”
Yoongi snorts. “Lay off a little, Jeon. Damn.”
Jeongguk laughs again. “Bye, guys. Again, it was nice meeting you, Jimin.”
“You too! Thanks, Jeongguk,” Jimin says cheerily.
The computer is back to normal a second later—meaning the mouse doesn’t move until Jimin wills it so—and the phone hangs up. Oblivious, Jimin hums a tune and returns to work, scanning in the paperwork he was attempting to scan in when the issue started. This time, it works like a dream.
It’s only when he’s shredding the papers that he finally looks over and finds Yoongi looking at him expectantly, a brow raised and his arms crossed as he leans back in his chair.
“Yes?”
“What’d you think of Jeongguk?”
Jimin blinks. “He was nice?”
Yoongi sighs and shakes his head, turning back to his laptop to finish up what he was working on before the debacle. Under his breath, he mutters, “Unbelievable.”
The next time Jimin talks to Jeongguk is a few weeks later. By now, he’s fully trained and well-suited for his job. Yoongi doesn’t have to stop by every day to check on him, and they mostly just correspond through calls, messages, and occasional evenings out after work when some of the staff members get dinner together. He’s built a rapport with the receptionists, chiropractic assistants, and doctors alike. He has a few decorations up in his office in the room behind the check-in counter, and finds himself looking forward to going into work every day to do his best. All in all, everything is perfect.
And then a single thunderstorm has him spiraling when he walks into the clinic one day to set up.
The rain came and went overnight, and Jimin is the first person in as usual, the morning after.
He tries turning his computer on—and it does turn on, but he can’t get onto the server, which is a big issue considering the server connects them to their other clinic across town, and they can’t do ninety percent of their work without being live-wired to it.
With an hour before patients start coming in for their appointments, he swiftly looks through the booklet where he keeps random little notes that he will need in the future, finds the number for their IT company, and dials it. For a moment, he worries it’ll be too early since it’s only seven-thirty, but then the line crackles and breaks, and he hears that same attractive voice from before.
“Three-D IT. How can I help?”
“Jeongguk? It’s Jimin.”
There’s a hum that sounds equal parts sleepy and pleased. “Hey, Jimin. What’s going on this early?”
“Um, yeah, sorry for calling, but I don’t really know what to do. That storm passed last night, and now the server won’t come on.”
There’s light shuffling and another hum. “The power is on?”
“It is.”
“Simple fix.”
“You already know what it is?”
“I do. It’s sort of my job,” Jeongguk teases him, voice light. Jimin’s cheeks turn pink. “Has no one explained the surge protectors to you yet?”
Jimin shuffles awkwardly in the middle of the room. He slowly repeats, “Surge protectors?”
He can tell Jeongguk is smiling when he says, “They’re connected to every computer in there; yours, the front desk’s, the ones in the doctors’ rooms. When lightning strikes or a transformer nearby overloads—or anything like that—the surge protector takes the hit and saves the devices. So, it’s vital for the computers in the office.”
Jimin’s mouth forms a small ‘o’ as he listens, nodding along despite knowing that Jeongguk can’t see him.
Jeongguk carries on, “Something must have triggered the surge protectors during the storm last night, so they turned the server off.”
“Meaning?”
“Meaning,” Jeongguk says teasingly, “all you have to do is turn it back on.”
Jimin blinks. “Oh. Okay.”
“Mhm. Are you in the front?”
“Yes.”
“Okay, walk to the decompression room down the first hall. Do you know where the closet is? The one with all of the wires and things?”
The manager is already walking there as Jeongguk talks, but falters in his step out of surprise at the words. With his lips pouted and brows pulled together, he walks into the decompression room and asks, “Wait. You know where all of this is? Even the wire closet?”
“I put those wires in that closet. So, yes,” Jeongguk tells him, sounding thoroughly amused.
If Jimin’s cheeks were hot before, his entire face is on fire now. Clearing his throat, he pulls open the door to the closet and is met with shelves of neatly organized wires and boxes with blinking lights. “Right. That makes sense.”
He doesn’t know why he was thinking Jeongguk was some hot-sounding, disembodied voice that had all of the tech-related answers, and not an actual person who worked very intimately with their office.
“Are you in the closet yet?”
“Unfortunately.”
“Unfortunately?”
“I only left it a few years ago. This is a sad reunion.”
Jeongguk lets out a bark of laughter at that, which instantly brings a smile to Jimin’s face. “That was—That was good. I wasn’t expecting that.”
“The joke or me being gay?”
“I guess either, but, um, the second one is a happy surprise,” Jeongguk tells him.
Feeling like a kid flirting with his high school crush, Jimin touches random things on the shelf in front of him just to have something to do. Something daringly similar to butterflies swirls in his stomach. “Yeah?”
“Yeah. We have more in common now.”
Jimin bites back his grin. “Well, I’m glad for that, then.”
“Mm. Me too.” There’s a pause, and they’re both seemingly a little lost in the moment, basking in the light—dare Jimin say, flirty— air. Trying to come back around to reality, Jeongguk says conversationally, “So, the, um—the server.”
“Right. Server.”
“It should be on the right side of that top shelf. Just click the button on the bottom, give it a second, and it should turn on. It might take a few minutes after, but the server, internet, and everything else should come back up.”
Jimin tilts his head back, hardly able to see the top shelf. He can make out the black box where Jeongguk said it should be. However, when he stands on his tiptoes and attempts to reach it, he can’t even graze the shelf. “Um, am I supposed to be able to reach it?”
Very slowly, Jeongguk says, “Yes? Jimin… can you not… reach it?”
He sighs, shoulder slouching as he shifts back to his regular height. “No…”
Then, he hears something that sounds eerily similar to Jeongguk attempting to muffle his laughter. He glares at the shelf in front of him and, a second later, hears him clear his throat and say, “There should be a step stool at the bottom somewhere. Use that to get up there to turn it off.”
Quickly, Jimin locates the stool, gets up, and examines the box on the top shelf. Just to check, he asks, “The big blue button on the bottom?”
“That’s the one.”
He pushes down on the button. “Okay, I pressed it.”
“Good job,” Jeongguk says, and the praise sounds genuine even though it was something so small.
Jimin’s blushing gets worse. He carefully steps off the step stool, puts it back, and waits for a moment. “Should the button be glowing?”
“Yep. That means you turned it back on.”
“Oh. Well, yay, then.”
There’s a short laugh—practically a fond giggle from the IT guy. “Everything will come back up in a few minutes. You’ll probably need to do this when there’s a big storm like that, so it’s good to learn. If, for any reason, the server doesn’t come back up, just call me, okay?”
“Right. Thanks, Jeongguk.”
“You’re welcome.”
“Jeongguk?”
“Mhm?”
“Bye.”
He can hear Jeongguk’s smile when he says, “Bye, Jimin.”
Jimin talks to Jeongguk a handful of times in the coming months after that. They’re smaller interactions—quick, polite things. A few times, Jimin is just emailing him to ask if he can change something on their website, or to ask if he can update their automated voicemail. Jeongguk is always professional and helpful, and quick to respond. In those months, anytime there is a slight tech issue, Jeongguk is picking up the phone on the first ring and correcting it in an instant, or teaching Jimin how to do it if it’s something he should know.
For as professional as he is, Jimin still can’t help but fawn a little over how nice his voice always sounds when he explains things, or how his guiding Jimin and directing him gives Jimin the impression he’s the type to talk you through it.
He tries to shake the thoughts off when he finds himself having them, understanding how inappropriate it is in a work setting. But trying to get rid of the thoughts isn’t the same as not thinking about them in the first place.
And sometimes he thinks that it isn’t just him. Every once in a while, Jeongguk will make a joke or tease Jimin, or he’ll say something in such a specific way that—for a delusional moment—Jimin allows himself to believe that they’re flirting.
But he knows that’s not the case. Or, at least, that’s what he believes up until the day his phone stops working halfway through an afternoon with a packed schedule where calls are going in and out.
He’s panicking a little when he whips out his personal cell phone and dials Jeongguk’s number, running his free hand through his hair as he examines the landline. When the line clicks, he doesn’t even give Jeongguk a second.
“Three-D—”
“My phone calls won’t go through, and I keep missing incoming calls now too, and I already unplugged it and plugged it back in, I checked that the server is up, and that the network is connected. I have a call coming in later from an attorney that I can’t miss, and I’m sort of freaking out here.”
The line is silent for a split second. Frazzled, Jimin wonders if Jeongguk didn’t hear him or if something went wrong with the line, but then his voice comes through again.
“Okay… I think I caught all of that.” There’s rustling and then some typing on a keyboard, and Jeongguk clicking around. “Let’s try and find out what’s going on, alright?”
Jimin releases a big breath he didn’t realize he was holding in and leans back in his chair. “I’m sorry. I’m just so stressed about missing this call. I—I shouldn’t have thrown all of that on you. I’m sorry, Jeongguk.”
“Don’t apologize. I understand.” The sweet tone of his words only serves to make Jimin feel more guilty, so he sighs. Hearing him, Jeongguk says, “Hey, come on. Don’t do any of that. Take a deep breath—a real one.”
Deciding to listen to him, Jimin sucks in a breath, holds it, and exhales after a long stretch. His heart rate calms a little, and in his ear, Jeongguk praises, “There you go. Good job. It’ll be alright. Now, I’m going to ask a few questions. They’re easy questions, so just give me the answer, and we’ll narrow it down. Does that sound good?”
Jimin nods despite knowing he’s alone. “Yeah. I can do that.”
“Okay. I know you said that the server and internet are up. What’s it saying on the actual phone when you try to call someone?”
“It keeps saying that there is a failure with the call, and that’s it,” Jimin says helplessly.
“Alright. That’s fine—That helps. Thank you.” There’s some more clicking, and then Jeongguk asks another question. “Are there any lights on the phone jack?”
“Um…” Jimin examines it, frowning. “A blue light?”
“Blinking?”
“Yes.”
“Okay, yeah, I know what’s wrong. It’s a remote issue, so it’s something I have to fix on my end, but I’ll need you to do something for me too.”
Jimin is already straightening up in his chair, ready to help. “What is it?”
Jeongguk sounds like he’s smiling when he says, “In a minute, when I tell you to, I want you to go back into the wire-closet where the server is. Do you know where the router is?”
“I do,” Jimin says happily, glad to already know something. Given it’s from a past thing he needed Jeongguk’s help with, but that’s not the point.
“When I say so, you’re going to turn it off and back on, which should reset everything. Can you do that for me?”
Jeongguk isn’t saying anything out of the ordinary—isn’t even bordering on inappropriate—but Jimin is still feeling warm all over at what he’s saying. It’s just something in the way he says it. He has a natural way of commanding; not overly brutish, but kind and direct. And, as it’s been established, Jimin is terrible at separating that thought from more… improper ones.
“Yeah, I can.”
There’s a hum, and then Jimin waits for a moment or two, listening to the oddly comforting sounds of Jeongguk typing and clicking away at his computer. While he is waiting, Jimin has to bite back a laugh or two because he has noticed over the last few months that Jeongguk has the endearing habit of making odd sounds of confusion or surprise, or muttering to himself while he’s fixing something. He doesn’t seem to realize he’s doing it, and that only serves to make it cuter.
When he’s done, he finally says, “Okay. You can go to the router now.”
Jimin rises from his chair immediately, walking through the clinic and into the decompression room. He quickly turns the router on and back off, and walks back to his desk. Neither of them speaks for a minute, waiting to see what happens. Then, the blue light stops blinking, and Jimin picks the phone up from the jack. He goes to type in a random number, and this time, the error message from before is gone.
He breathes a sigh of relief. “It’s working.”
“That’s wonderful.”
“Jeongguk, thank you so much. I really mean it.”
“Don’t thank me—It’s what they pay me for,” he jokes. “But really, I should be thanking you. You were very helpful. If you hadn't told me what was going on, I wouldn’t have been able to fix it as quickly. Makes my job a lot easier.”
Feeling shy and ridiculous, Jimin plays with the fabric of his scrubs and insists, “I didn’t do anything but answer some questions and listen to you.”
“And you listened well. You’re good at taking direction,” Jeongguk tells him. He says it so casually, adding, “It’s a good thing, so take the compliment.”
But to Jimin, his mind goes somewhere else. His whole face heats up, and he chokes out, “Right. Okay…”
He can hear Jeongguk laugh. “Are you doing alright over there?”
“I’m—You just said I take direction well and you’re just going to—” Jimin sputters and trails off, unsure of what to even say in this situation.
And Jeongguk hums. “Yeah, I know what I said.”
He doesn’t excuse it, doesn’t joke it away—He just lets them both sit in that moment and its meaning. And there’s nothing else he can possibly mean.
Jimin glances at the vents on the ceiling, wondering if the air conditioning stopped working or if it’s something else making it ridiculously hot in this room right now.
“Anything else you need from me right now, Jimin?”
Your dick, faceless man.
“Nothing else, thanks,” Jimin squeaks out. “I appreciate it.”
“Anytime,” Jeongguk says lightly, and Jimin just knows he’s smirking. “Bye, Jimin. Call me if it gives you any more problems or, you know, if you end up needing anything.”
“Will do. Bye, Jeongguk,” he quickly says before pulling the phone away from his ear and hanging up. He clasps a hand over his mouth and stares blankly at his desk, convinced he’s living in a dream. But, no, that was real life.
It’s settled. There’s no mistaking it this time. Jeongguk was flirting with him—hard. And Jimin is too weak a man to resist someone with a voice and personality like that.
Over the next few months, Jimin continues to speak to Jeongguk on occasion. And, after the day when his phone stopped working, they both got a lot less subtle about their flirting. They still don’t say anything outright—there’s sort of an invisible line that they’re both toeing—but the spark between them is real, and they both know it.
When Jimin calls Jeongguk now, the IT guy doesn’t greet him the way he used to. He has Jimin’s caller ID saved, so now, when the manager calls, he answers with a low and sweet, “Hey, Jimin.”
Jimin will always fight off a blush at something as simple as Jeongguk saying his name, and then say back a shy, “Hi, Jeongguk.”
“Need me?” The IT guy will always ask, and it drives Jimin crazy every single time, because he must know what he’s doing when he asks that. He tries to play it off nonchalantly, but in reality, he has to know that it’s making Jimin lose his mind.
But instead of cursing at him or shouting a resounding “Yes! So badly, actually,” Jimin will just tell him that he does and explain whatever tech problem he is having. And, to their credit, the rest of the conversation after that usually settles down as they both focus on solving the issue. But, even then, they both find little ways to chat or make one-off comments.
One day, while Jimin is sitting quietly on the line and Jeongguk is moving around the mouse on his computer as he types away, Jeongguk casually asks, “So, any plans this weekend?”
Jimin grins, mindlessly doodling on a sticky note. “I guess so. Yoongi and I are probably going to go get lunch together on Saturday because I’m helping him move into his new apartment on Sunday.”
“Oh, yeah? You guys are pretty close now, huh?”
“Mhm. He’s been a really good friend to me. I think he could tell that I didn’t know anyone when I moved here and took pity on me.”
Jeongguk scoffs. “As if. He likes you because you’re sweet and adorable. What’s not to like?”
Jimin ducks his head at that, pressing the phone closer to his ear. “Oh, so that’s what you think about me?”
“I—” Jeongguk starts and then clears his throat, typing some more. Jimin sees it on his screen, watching absently as Jeongguk works. “Yeah, of course, that’s what I think. Doesn’t everyone think that?”
“I don’t know. Maybe I just want to know what you think, specifically,” Jimin tells him, being obvious.
Jeongguk knows, too. There’s a short pause. The IT guy’s voice drops a pitch, and he sounds like he’s smiling when he asks, “And why is that, Jimin?”
He licks over his lips once, his cheeks in pain from grinning like a fool, and him being completely incapable of finally just saying the words out loud that he’s been thinking for months, even when he knows that they both know. There is a small part of him that has the tiniest inkling of doubt. He knows that their banter is good and that Jeongguk is sweet, but there is still a minuscule part of him that remains pessimistic, telling himself, 'What if Jeongguk is only like this because it’s over the phone and doesn’t mean anything substantial?' And because of that tiny voice, the manager pauses, then looks at the screen, and says, “Oh! I think it came back up.”
Jimin leans closer, feigning interest as he reads off the alert that popped up on the computer. Distantly, he hears Jeongguk pause and then chuckle under his breath. Jimin knows that the IT guy has let him get away with it when Jeongguk goes back to talking business. “Yeah, it came back up. That alert is warning us that it’ll shut back down after thirty days, but that’s just because this is a short-term fix. I’ll have it back to running as usual in a few days, so you won’t have this happen again next month.”
The manager makes a noise of understanding. “Gotcha.”
“Mhm,” Jeongguk says back, still sounding amused. “So, now that that’s back up, I’ll go ahead and log off. I’ll stay on the line for a few minutes, though, so we can make sure that the program is working on your end.”
“Okay,” Jimin says, focusing as he logs back in. A loading screen pops up and, in the silence, Jimin asks, “Do you have plans this weekend? Sorry, I just realized that I never returned the question.”
Jeongguk huffs a laugh. “It’s okay. No, uh, not really. I just wanted to ask. I’ll probably hit the gym. My roommate Taehyung and I are running this marathon in January, so we’re working out more than usual to get ready.”
God, and he’s probably ripped, too. Fantastic.
“Wow, that sounds really cool!” Jimin tells him. “Is it just a competitive marathon or for a charity, or something?”
“Yeah, actually, a charity. It’s for a local place that takes in domesticated animals and rehabilitates them. They take care of them until they can find their forever homes,” Jeongguk says conversationally. “They’ve been losing funding for the past couple of years, so the money raised from the marathon will go to their facility so the animals can continue being taken care of.”
Jimin’s head drops back against his chair dramatically, and he rubs his face. And he’s a good person. Fuck.
“That sounds incredible. I bet the training for it has been difficult.”
“Oh, yeah. For sure. Look, while the program is loading on the monitor, pull up Instagram on your second one.”
Jimin follows the directions, curious and confused as he types ‘Instagram’ into the search bar. He clicks on it, and then Jeongguk says, “Look up Jeon Jeongguk—it’s my account.”
He’s still talking as Jimin does as requested, and the manager’s heart races at the thought of seeing Jeongguk’s face finally. It’s certainly not an opportunity that he’s willing to pass up.
“You can see all of the training videos that I’ve posted over the last few months. Tae filmed most of them. We’ve been doing hikes, and we did a half-marathon a few weekends ago to prepare,” and Jeongguk is talking about it all with so much excitement because he clearly enjoys it. Usually, all Jimin would be thinking about is how endearing that is, and he would move on. But right now? While Jeongguk’s Instagram account is loading? All he’s thinking about is the fact that he’s about to see him for the first time.
And when the page loads—
Jimin purses his lips, trying hard to contain a gasp.
Jeongguk is way hotter than he even imagined. Most of the photos and videos are, like he said, full-body shots of him in the gym or outdoors. He’s a fan of beanies and baggy clothes, but, under it, he’s muscular and tattooed. Tan with a waist that cinches him in the middle and makes his already wide frame look even broader. He has long, dark hair and dark eyes—and fuck, he’s handsome.
In most of the photos, he’s smiling at the camera, and in others, he has a neutral expression, and he’s showing off the body that he’s worked hard for. In a few, Jimin sees another tall, attractive guy that he assumes to be Taehyung.
“Whoa.”
Jeongguk laughs. “Is that a good whoa?”
Jimin blinks a few times, willing his brain to function correctly as he scrolls through the photos. “Yeah, a good whoa.”
There’s another good-natured laugh. “Don’t look at any old pics. They’re no good.”
Jimin cracks a smile. “Whatever you say.”
“But yeah, we’re working pretty hard. It’s been fun.”
“You said Taehyung is your roommate?”
“Yep,” Jeongguk says, popping the ‘p’.
“He looks like a fun guy.”
“Hey, don’t look at that loser. Look at me,” Jeongguk says with mock offense, making Jimin laugh. There’s a pause, and then Jeongguk admits, “But, no, really, he’s amazing. Been my best friend for years.”
“I’d love to meet him one day,” Jimin tells him, admittedly distracted as he falls onto one particular photo on his scroll back to the most recent posts. It was uploaded a few weeks ago, and it’s a few photos. The first is Jeongguk in the gym. He has on baggy clothes, and he’s smiling at the camera while he dabs himself with a towel. Jimin looks at the next in the series, and it’s of him in the same setting on the same day, only now it’s a photo from above of him bench pressing, his face is almost angry looking as he focuses on the workout. And the last of the three photos has Jimin’s breathing hitching. It’s Jeongguk later that day, presumably, because he looks more worn out, but now he’s shirtless. He is holding his shirt balled up in his hands and turned casually to the camera—a candid shot. He looks so, so good.
“Yeah? You have to meet me first, then.”
Jimin cracks a smile at that. “What? You have dibs or something?”
“Yeah, exactly that—I have dibs on you.”
Another moment passes, and then Jeongguk says, “Hey, Jimin?”
“Mhm?”
“You do know that you’re still screen-sharing with me, right?”
All at once, the manager goes completely stiff. Heat rushes to Jimin’s cheeks, and he quickly exits Jeongguk’s Instagram, modified as he squeaks, “Right.”
On the other end of the line, Jeongguk is laughing. He sounds thoroughly entertained as he says, “No, no. Be my guest. I just—I wanted to check that you know I can see you ogling over that shirtless picture of me. Did you think I could only see the main monitor?”
“I don’t know… maybe…” Jimin mutters, wanting to curl up into a ball and die. This is single-handedly the most embarrassing thing he has ever done. Jeongguk told him his Instagram so he could glance at it, not drool.
“It’s okay,” the IT guy plays it off. He spares Jimin any more petrification by changing the subject, though the manager can tell he’s still smiling. “Um, on a separate note, the, uh, program is back up and running.”
“Oh, yay! That’s… really good,” Jimin says, not caring in the slightest. He clears his throat. “Okay, then, um… thank you for, you know, helping me.”
“I’ve told you a million times, Jimin, you don’t have to thank me.”
“And I keep telling you that saying that isn’t going to stop me.”
“Stubborn brat,” Jeongguk tells him affectionately.
“Takes one to know one,” Jimin teases back.
“Yeah, whatever,” Jeongguk says. Jimin is grinning, and he can tell that the IT guy is, too.
There’s a pause and then, “So… guess I should let you get back to work, huh?”
“Yeah, right, and you too,” Jimin agrees.
“By the way, uh, I wasn’t joking earlier.”
The manager’s brows pull together. “About?”
“About meeting you,” Jeongguk clarifies. He’s usually calm and confident, but something about his tone is almost a little… uncertain right now, like he isn’t sure how he’ll come across. “We should hang out sometime, you know? Outside of work.”
Jimin has to work hard to bite back a happy sound. He slumps into his chair, warm all over with joy. “I—I’d really like that.”
“Yeah?”
“Yeah.”
“Okay. Um, I—Can I text you, then? Maybe ideas, or a day? I think I still have your cell number somewhere. You can say no, too. It’s cool—”
“Yeah, Jeongguk, you can text me,” Jimin reassures, unable to hide the fondness in his voice.
He swears he hears the IT guy breathe a sigh of relief. “Okay. Yeah, I’ll, uh, text you later?”
Jimin can’t stop the giggle that escapes him. “Okay.”
God, he feels like a teenager with a first crush all over again.
“Alright. Talk to you later, then,” Jeongguk tells him, sounding equally as eager.
Jimin nods despite knowing he can’t see him. “Yeah. Bye, Jeongguk.”
“Bye, Jimin.”
When the line cuts, Jimin falls forward into his desk and has to cover his mouth to muffle a giddy squeal. He genuinely cannot remember the last time he felt like this—excited over getting a text from a guy.
And it feels validating to know that he wasn’t wrong about what he’s been feeling. Sure, Jeongguk said they should hang out—not date, or anything—but Jimin isn’t an idiot. He knows that what just happened between them was absolutely flirting. It was Jeongguk showing interest. It was him trying to ask him out in a subtle way.
Jimin lifts his head and touches his face on either side, baffled over how hot he feels. He must be as red as a cherry, and he couldn’t be happier.
For the rest of the day, he eagerly awaits a text from Jeongguk and, when it finally comes later that evening while he’s watching TV on his couch, he can’t help but kick his feet like a teenager, smiling as he reads the simple message.
From: Unknown
It’s Jeongguk
I think this is your number
If it’s not, this is gonna be super awkward
To: Jeongguk
Hi Jeongguk
No, it’s the right number
From: Jeongguk
Hmm I don’t know
I need proof
To: Jeongguk
And how do I give you proof?
From: Jeongguk
I’ll give you two option, I guess
Since I’m a generous guy
To: Jeongguk
Humble, too
From: Jeongguk
Ignoring that and moving on
You can either send me a pic of your face
Or
You can tell me why you were staring so hard at that pic of me earlier
To: Jeongguk
Is there a secret third option?
From: Jeongguk
Hmm
Afraid not
To: Jeongguk
Tough choice
For the first option, I’m sitting on my couch with an old t-shirt and glasses on, so…
Also, as far as the second option goes, I’m afraid that I have no idea what you’re talking about
From: Jeongguk
First of all, that sounds like all the more reason you should definitely pick the first option
But also, I really want to know the second one because you know exactly what I’m talking about.
You can’t play dumb with me, Jimin-ah
To: Jeongguk
Oh! You used my name so you know it’s me, right?
Wonderful, glad we cleared that up
From: Jeongguk
Nope, nope
I’m just making assumptions. Still need proof
To: Jeongguk
You’re pretty good at making assumptions so I’m sure you can assume what I look like and why I was looking at that pic earlier
From: Jeongguk
Playing dirty, huh?
And here I thought you were innocent
But it was all an act
To: Jeongguk
[image attached]
Don’t say anything about how bad I look
From: Jeongguk
Wow
There’s
A lot of things I want to say but I can promise you that none of them venture anywhere close to you looking bad right now
To: Jeongguk
Wanna share what some of those things are?
From: Jeongguk
Oh, I’ll be happy to
The second you do the same, that is
To: Jeongguk
Damn
I walked right into that
From: Jeongguk
Sure did
Come on, Jimin
Tell me
To: Jeongguk
You already know what I was thinking, though
From: Jeongguk
Yeah, I do
Tell me anyway
To: Jeongguk
Call me?
A moment later, Jimin’s phone lights up as Jeongguk starts calling him. Heart racing, he hits the answer button and presses the phone to his ear.
“Hi,” he greets shyly.
“Hey, Jimin,” Jeongguk says back. He sounds like he’s already smiling, and his voice is low and pleased.
It’s so different speaking to him outside of work. Usually, work has them setting hard boundaries, and they already push those. Outside of it? It feels freeing, like anything can happen.
“You’re at home?” He asks, trying to be casual, like it’ll convince his own nerves to dissolve.
“Mhm. Are you watching a movie?”
“No. Bob’s Burgers. Guilty pleasure.”
Jeongguk makes a sound. “What do you mean by ' guilty pleasure'? I love that show.”
Jimin grins, absentmindedly picking at the fabric of his sweatpants. “Yeah?”
“Are you kidding? It’s so entertaining and, at the core of all the ridiculous shit going on, it’s really about a struggling family that loves each other,” Jeongguk says passionately, and he sounds like he’s walking around and doing something. “It’s sort of sweet.”
“I think so, too,” Jimin agrees. “Have you had dinner?”
“Cooking right now, actually. Chicken and rice and—before you ask— yes, I am an excellent cook.”
Jimin snickers. “Of course you are.”
“Don’t be a hater. You’re just jealous because you wish you could have some of what I’m making.”
“You caught me.”
“Well, if you ever come over for dinner, I’ll make you something.”
“Already offering to let me come by your place and we haven’t even met face-to-face yet? Very forward of you, Jeon Jeongguk.”
The way Jeongguk laughs at that is infectious. He teases back afterwards, saying, “You were the one spending five minutes sliding back and forth over photos of me shirtless, and somehow I’m the forward one.”
“Okay, that's—” Jimin starts and is cut off by a chuckle. He ignores Jeongguk and continues, “That’s not fair.”
“Mm. Never said I played fair.”
There’s a momentary pause in conversation. It’s not awkward. It’s quiet and peaceful, sort of like the two of them could sit silently in a room together and still be comfortable—not talking as they bask in each other’s company.
Then, Jimin dares to say, “You’re hot, but I get the feeling that you already know that.”
Jeongguk makes a soft noise, something soft and surprised—and distinctly pleased.
“I was thinking that you look like the kind of person who likes to hug the people he loves and knows how to have fun, but also that you look like the type that can be sincere when it counts for something,” Jimin confesses in a quiet voice. “And, yeah, I think you’re attractive, too, so there's that…”
When Jeongguk speaks next, his words are slower and gentler than before, but the happy lilt to his tone remains all the same.
“You’re gorgeous.”
Jimin stifles a gasp, not anticipating that sort of reply.
“That was the first thought I had looking at that picture just now,” he admits, as if it’s the easiest thing in the world. “I’ve never seen someone as pretty as you before. You looked so soft in the photo. It makes me wish I could touch you just to see if I’m right. You look as sweet as you always sound over the phone. And, admittedly, I’m really nervous talking to you like this right now because I don’t wanna fuck anything up.”
Jimin’s heart soars. Timidly, he says, “Me too.”
“I want to see you in person.”
“Me too.”
And Jimin can picture it perfectly; Jeongguk standing in a kitchen, leaning against a counter while food goes on the stove, phone pressed to his ear while he talks to him, telling him some of the things he’s been keeping to himself.
“What are you doing next Saturday after work?”
Jimin can’t stop grinning like a fool. “Nothing yet.”
“Oh, yeah?” Jeongguk teases. There’s some shifting, and then Jeongguk asks, “In that case… Park Jimin, will you let me take you on a date?”
Jimin can’t help himself. He buries his face into one of the throw pillows on his couch and responds with a very muffled and excited, “Yes.”
The line crackles as Jeongguk laughs, and Jimin swears that he hears him mutter “Cute” under his breath while Jimin’s own pulse is rushing in his ears.
“What do you like to do? We can go out for food, see a movie…”
“Anything’s fine,” Jimin tells him honestly, relaxing further into the couch cushion, feeling silly for being nervous to be on the phone with Jeongguk when he always finds a way to make Jimin feel so comfortable. “I’m down for whatever you want to do.”
“Hm, dealer’s choice, huh? I’ll think of something fun, then, and text you once details are sorted out. Is that okay?”
“That’s perfect.”
Jeongguk hums. There’s a pause, and then he says, “I should probably let you go then, right? Let you get back to the show?”
The way he says it makes it clear that he’s only asking to be polite and doesn’t really want to do that. And Jimin doesn’t want that either.
So, he says, “Or, we could talk until you’re done cooking? I can tell you about my favorite episodes, and you can tell me yours?”
Jeongguk is smiling when he says, “Yeah, like the sound of that a lot more actually.”
So, they keep talking—even after Jeongguk’s food is done. He takes bites and talks, or hums to show Jimin that he’s listening as Jimin rambles on about why Bob and Louise’s dynamic is the most interesting one in the show. Jeongguk laughs when Jimin’s stomach growls loud enough that he can hear it through the phone, and Jimin goes bright red, telling him it’s his fault because he can smell the food through the phone.
It takes a long time for them to say goodnight. And, when they do, it’s with obvious affection in their voices.
Jimin goes to sleep giddy and anxious, more alive than he has been in a long time. And all just because he spoke to Jeongguk—all just because he wants to meet him so badly.
The next week and five days go by at a crawling pace. Usually, it feels like Jimin blinks and misses the entire month, but not this time. No, it’s like every minute wears away at his resolve, and, by the time he has reached the end of the day, he feels like he should be dramatically marking it off with a tally made of chalk on the wall.
And then, on Friday, the day before Jimin and Jeongguk’s planned first date to a local aquarium—and then to get food after—Jimin ends up calling Jeongguk at work for an issue with his printer.
“Did you break the scanner again?”
Jimin makes an affronted sound, standing in the middle of the office with the phone pressed to his ear and a hand on his hip. “For your information— no, I didn’t. Also, that’s not fair because you and I both know who really broke the scanner last time.”
“Don’t you dare say it was me because, as I recall, I gave you very specific instructions for how to reconnect it to the computer and you didn’t listen,” Jeongguk retorts, obviously kidding.
Biting back a grin, Jimin says, “I’m not starting this conversation with you again because we have bigger things going on, but just know that I will circle back to it later on.”
Jeongguk’s laugh through the phone sounds like music to Jimin’s ears.
“Anyway,” the manager says with faux sass, “I’m calling you, Mr. Tech Specialist, because the printer isn’t working and I have no clue how to fix it.”
“Did you try—”
“If you say unplugging it and plugging it back in, Jeon Jeongguk, I will hang this phone up.”
Jeongguk snickers. “Alright, brat. Then, tell me what’s showing up on the screen.”
“Nothing, it’s completely blank.”
There’s a noise of confusion on the line. “Interesting. Okay. Here, let me connect to the computer really quickly to see if I can find an error code.”
“Okay,” Jimin says, and then watches for a minute as Jeongguk logs into his computer and starts typing things in.
He is working for a few quiet minutes and then asks, “Is this urgent? Is the clinic open right now?”
“No,” Jimin tells him, shaking his head. “Our last patients left an hour ago. It’s just me here, but I needed to print a few things for a meeting on Monday.”
“Good,” he says, and Jimin hears shuffling.
The manager’s brows furrow. “Why is that good?”
“Because I can’t find an error code, which means it isn’t a computer issue.”
“Which means what?”
More shuffling. “Which means I have to drive over there to see what’s going on and fix it.”
Jimin’s eyes go wide. He looked around at the mess of papers on his desk, and the printer shifted from where he was messing with it as he attempted to find out what was going on. Then, he looks down at the wrinkled scrubs that he has been wearing all day. “Right now?”
“Yeah. Right now. Is that okay?”
“Y-Yeah, of course.”
“Okay,” Jeongguk says. “I’ll hang up, then. I should be there in about fifteen minutes. You’ll have to stay, if that’s okay. I don’t have a key to lock or unlock the building.”
Jimin’s pulse quickens at the mere thought of being here with Jeongguk—of finally meeting him face-to-face. “Yeah, that’s—I can do that.”
“Alright. See you soon.”
“See you,” Jimin says, and then, a moment later, the phone hangs up as Jeongguk presumably gets ready to leave his office.
For a solid minute, the manager just blinks at a wall in front of him and processes what just happened. Then, his eyes dart to a clock on the wall, and he scrambles, panic surging through him.
“Shit,” he mutters to himself. With a sense of urgency, Jimin digs through the drawers of his desk, grateful for the hairbrush and perfume he keeps in there. He freshens up and then rushes to the bathroom, checking his appearance and lint rolling his clothes. After assessing himself, he walks back to the front so he can straighten up the small mess that has accumulated throughout the day. Once he has finished everything he can and panicked internally, he forces himself to sit down at his desk so he can stop mindlessly pacing.
He pulls up some work on his computer, and he means to do it before Jeongguk arrives—honestly, he does. However, he ends up just kind of blankly staring at it while tapping his foot against the floor as the clock ticks on.
The clinic is quiet in that strange, hollow way it always is after hours. Every second seems to last for a minute.
The thing that finally snaps Jimin out of his daze is the sound of tires on the gravel lot to announce Jeongguk’s arrival. He hears the muted sound of an engine cutting off, shoes against the ground, and then the glass front door to the clinic swings open. Jimin’s head lifts from his paperwork, and for a beat, he forgets how to move.
He has a perfect view of Jeongguk as he walks in, and, despite seeing pictures of him, he’s still breathless at the sight of him in person.
Jeongguk isn’t at all what someone would picture when they hear the words “ IT guy”— his looks are better suited for modeling. He’s tall, broad-shouldered, with black hair a little tousled like he’s been running his hands through it. He has on a fitted, black t-shirt that stretches across his chest, and there’s a laptop bag slung casually over one tattooed forearm.
He steps in with an easy confidence, scanning the space before his gaze finally lands on Jimin. The manager’s heart races the moment those dark eyes find him.
Jeongguk’s mouth curves into a soft smile—something that feels like it’s meant only for him.
“Jimin,” he says smoothly, crossing the distance with unhurried steps.
Swallowing hard, Jimin stands up too fast, and his chair scrapes loudly against the tile floor in a way that’s far too loud for the quiet space. His face goes peachy, and Jeongguk’s smile widening doesn’t help. Trying not to be too obvious with his staring, he says, “Jeongguk.”
Jeongguk chuckles and drops his bag on the counter beside the offending machine. He gives the manager an up and down glance—one that Jimin almost misses in his haste to soak up every inch of the IT guy that he can. The blonde straightens up under the attention, his hands clasped together in front of himself as he tries his best to look flattering. He feels silly doing it, but, for some reason, he can’t help it.
Part of him expects there to be a conversation. This is their first in-person meeting after months of talking over the phone. Hell—they have a date tomorrow. His heart is racing in his chest, and he braces himself for a comment or an acknowledgement to the tension in the air, or something, and then—
“Let’s see what we’re dealing with,” is all Jeongguk says, a kind expression on his handsome face.
Jimin breathes a sigh of relief and walks closer, folding his arms. “Yeah, okay.”
Normal. It’s all perfectly normal. Reality isn’t going to come crashing down just because this isn’t being done over the phone. Jeongguk is still how he’s always been, and he doesn’t see Jimin any differently.
As Jeongguk gears up to start working, Jimin begins calming down more. All of his nerves escape and, soon, he’s only left with giddy anticipation.
He watches as Jeongguk rolls up his sleeves further up his elbows and out of the way. He reveals more tattoos on one side of his body and strong forearms dusted with ink as he crouches beside the printer. The subtle scent of his cologne—something clean with a hint of spice—drifts up to Jimin, mixing with the faint smell of toner. The blonde man worries at his lower lip, feeling ridiculous for even finding Jeongguk’s smell nice.
Jimin watches as Jeongguk’s fingers work with practiced efficiency— opening panels, shifting parts, and sliding a piece free. He has admittedly nice hands—skilled ones, too, as Jimin’s brain helpfully notes.
“So, do you just have a magical touch when it comes to electronics, or?”
Jeongguk glances up briefly, flashing a grin. “You could say that. But honestly, it’s all about patience.”
“Patience,” Jimin repeats, leaning a hip against the desk. “Sorry to say that I don’t have that when it comes to printers. I only let this thing drive me crazy for about a minute before I called you.”
“That’s okay,” Jeongguk says, eyes flicking to Jimin’s before returning to the machine. “I’ve got enough for both of us.”
The exchange feels charged in a way that has nothing to do with office equipment, and Jimin finds himself warm all over, eager for Jeongguk to talk more, or even just to look at him again. Those are only minor things, but whenever it comes to Jeongguk, Jimin is starting to realize that he likes everything— even those tiny aspects.
Jimin watches him flip open another panel and peer inside. There is a thin line between his brows and a frown to his lips as he focuses. It’s so endearing that Jimin has to fight hard to contain a smile. After deciding that the panel is fine, Jeongguk closes it and uses his strength to turn the printer to the side, assessing the back of it.
“Are house calls common in your line of work?”
Jeongguk smiles. “House calls?”
“Mhm. You know, how often do you drive out somewhere to save sad printers?”
“I only do that on special occasions,” Jeongguk murmurs with a sweet lilt at the end. One of his arms reaches far back and out of Jimin’s line of sight. Then, his eyes gleam with mischief. “And this one’s not even sad. It’s just… taking a nap.”
Jimin blinks. “A nap?”
Jeongguk glances over at him with his dark brows lifted, and that’s when Jimin finally sees it—the shit-eating grin spreading across his face. “Yeah. You know, like when someone unplugs it.”
Jimin’s eyes go wide, and he pushes off the desk, sputtering, “I didn’t—”
“You totally did,” Jeongguk cuts him off, standing to his full height. He holds the cord with his tattooed hand, dangling it like evidence. He sounds amused beyond belief. “You really called me all the way out here because you missed me.”
“I’ve never even met you before!” Jimin protests, his ears hot.
“Exactly,” Jeongguk says, grinning wider. “Had to fix that, didn’t you?”
Jimin crosses his arms, trying to glare, but it’s hard to keep a straight face with the way Jeongguk is looking at him; amused, maybe a little smug, but also so interested.
He settles on grumbling while looking away. “You’re ridiculous.”
Jeongguk plugs the printer back in with an easy snap, and the machine whirs to life instantly. “Mm. And you’re a terrible liar.”
The air thickens between them—all warmth and unspoken invitation. Jimin huffs a laugh despite himself, and Jeongguk’s gaze lingers on him in a way that makes the manager’s heart beat a little quicker. Something intentional and full of desire swims in his dark, observant eyes.
Before Jimin can think of another excuse or way to change the subject just to save his heart, Jeongguk steps closer. He approaches until Jimin can feel the heat radiating from him, and make out the faint scar across his cheek. “You could’ve just said you couldn’t wait for tomorrow, you know.”
Jimin’s pulse jumps. “You still would’ve come here?”
“For you?” Jeongguk smiles and then traps his bottom lip between his teeth, dropping his gaze to the blonde man’s mouth. “In a heartbeat.”
Then, before either of them can talk themselves out of it, Jeongguk leans in. A soft breath passes Jimin’s lips, and he presses himself back against the desk, leaning his hands against it to steady his body. He mirrors Jeongguk by letting his eyes fall to his mouth, and suddenly finds himself entranced. His lips are a soft pink, and the arch of his cupid’s bow is far more attractive than it should be.
In the quiet of the office, Jeongguk’s hands find the desk, and his arms end up on either side of Jimin’s body. He tilts his head down, and their noses brush together. Jimin’s eyes flutter shut.
“Tell me you want this as much as I do,” he whispers.
Jimin breathes out, “I do.”
There’s no hesitation. Jeongguk’s mouth meets Jimin’s in a kiss that’s soft at first—like they’re both testing the waters—before slowly deepening as they melt into it, finding the way they fit together. Jimin reaches out with one hand, subconsciously curling it into Jeongguk’s shirt and holding him there, like he’s been waiting for this longer than he realized, and, now that he has it, he doesn’t want to let go.
Jeongguk tastes like mint, and his mouth is soft, but the way he tilts his head and works his mouth against Jimin’s is anything but. He’s firm in the way he takes control of the kiss and lets one of his hands settle on Jimin’s back, steadying the manager and preventing him from falling back when he pushes harder.
Jimin makes a small, desperate noise, and heat rushes through his body. He can feel his stomach coiling with anticipation and want, and suddenly this isn’t enough—
That’s when Jeongguk draws back.
Probably sensing that the kiss was about to become much more than just an innocent kiss, he pulled away and let their eyes meet again. Despite wishing the moment had lasted for a lot longer, Jimin is grateful for the second to try to gather his bearings. He sucks in a deep breath and bites down on his plump, reddened bottom lip, looking up at the IT guy.
Jeongguk’s thumb brushes Jimin’s cheekbone. His pupils are blown wide as he searches Jimin’s face, as if he is just as affected by all of this. Quietly, he voices, “Definitely should’ve done that sooner.”
Jimin’s face breaks out into a bright, crescent-eyed smile. Looking endeared, Jeongguk rewards him for the reaction by leaning down to peck him again. “Pretty.”
They talk for a few more minutes after that, staying close to one another all the while, like they can’t get enough. There is an easy, playful back-and-forth about how Jimin really pulled a stunt just to get him here as Jeongguk packs up his bag. The air between them is lighter now, but still charged with something electric.
They walk out together as the sun starts setting, the gravel crunching underneath their shoes. They make it all the way to the edge of the lot, where their cars are parked a few spaces apart, before Jeongguk pauses.
Then, Jeongguk suddenly calls out, “Jimin?”
Anticipation shoots through the blonde, and he turns, eyes big and heart full. “Yeah?”
The tattooed man is leaning casually against his car with his hands in his pockets, but the look in his dark eyes is intense. “You wanna grab dinner?”
Jimin’s grin comes without thinking, and he has to bite it back. He nods, a soaring feeling rushing through his body. “Yeah. I… I’d really like that.”
The place Jeongguk suggests is a small, cozy restaurant a few blocks from the clinic. They both take their own cars and wind up arriving at the same time. It’s a place Jimin hasn’t been to yet, given how new he is in town, but he likes the look of it immediately.
It’s the kind of place with warm lighting and low music, all amber glow and soft chatter amongst intimate tables. The air smells faintly of garlic and fresh bread. It feels classy without trying too hard.
Jeongguk is already out of his car by the time Jimin is unbuckling his seatbelt. They meet on the sidewalk and, without hesitation, Jeongguk holds the door open with a slight bow and a teasing, “After you.”
Jimin's eyes roll, but he’s smiling. “How chivalrous.”
“Always,” Jeongguk responds playfully, following him inside.
They’re seated at a small table near a window towards the back. There are candles lit in the middle and glasses of water already laid out. Before Jimin can even touch the back of his chair, Jeongguk pulls it out for him.
“Wow,” Jimin says, sitting down with an amused tilt to his mouth. “This is dangerously close to actual courting.”
“Guess you’ll have to decide if you’re into that by dessert,” Jeongguk tells him, sitting down across from him.
Their menus become more of a prop than a necessity. The conversation starts easily and then refuses to stop. Jeongguk talks about his work, which comes with a lot of explaining things to Jimin since he doesn’t know much about the IT business. Jeongguk is gracious and seems happy to elaborate, which makes Jimin smile shyly as he talks. After giving Jimin the rundown, they get into a discussion about the oddball calls he gets.
“I once had someone ask if their keyboard could get the flu,” he admits, which makes Jimin burst out laughing in a way that has Jeongguk grinning at him across the table.
In turn, Jimin shares more about his role at the clinic. He explains the steady mix of stress and reward that comes with it. “It’s a lot of responsibility, but it’s nice to know that I’m helping people.”
Jeongguk nods and stabs at his food with his fork, adding to the conversation, “I get that. It’s not the same, of course, but I started Three-D IT because I love working with electronics, and—like you said—it feels good to know that it’s helping others.”
Jimin blinks at him. “Wait… Three-D IT—that’s your company?”
Slowly, Jeongguk looks over at him. “Yes?”
“I thought…” Jimin starts, but can’t get the rest of the sentence out.
Luckily, Jeongguk does it for him. A smile slowly creeps onto the IT guy’s face, and his eyebrows raise. He leans back in his chair. “So, let me get this straight—this whole time… you thought I was just some guy slacking off on the job by flirting with you all the time?”
Jimin’s face gets warm. He squeaks, “Even if you’re the founder, you were still lollygagging. If anything, that’s worse—”
“Lollygagging?” Jeongguk tosses his head back to laugh. “Fuck, you’re cute. I’ve never heard someone use that one sincerely, even once. Okay, okay—Whew. Fair enough.”
“You never mentioned it,” Jimin mutters, feeling silly. He ducks his head and pretends to focus on his food. “How was I supposed to know?”
There’s a playful snicker. “You never bothered looking at the name on those business cards in your office? The ones that say ‘Jeon Jeongguk’ under ‘Owner’ for the IT company you guys have on retainer?”
“Stop messing with me,” Jimin complains, all the while biting back a smile as he balls a napkin up and tosses it across the table at the black-haired man.
Easily, Jeongguk evades his throw and picks the stray napkin up, throwing it back. Jimin puts it down on the table, and they both sit there, grinning like fools at one another.
“So,” Jeongguk says after a second, propping his chin on his hand, “are fake printer emergencies a common thing for you, or am I just special?”
Jimin laughs, the sound light and warm. “You’re very special. I’ll have you know, I only do things that are that embarrassing for specific people.”
There’s that grin again; the slow, deep one that makes Jeongguk’s eyes crinkle at the corners and has a flicker of enjoyment dancing across his expression. “I don’t think it was embarrassing.”
“Oh, it definitely was.”
“It was cute.”
Jimin looks off to the side, hiding a blush behind his hand. He mutters, “If you say so.”
In the end, Jeongguk looks very pleased with himself.
They order dessert somewhere in the midst of their banter, but when it arrives, it’s almost secondary to the way they keep leaning into the conversation. Jeongguk asks about Jimin’s favorite music, and they discover an overlap in their playlists. Jimin learns that Jeongguk has a knack for photography, and Jeongguk learns that Jimin dances when he thinks no one’s watching.
There are glances across the table that linger a little too long throughout the meal. Jeongguk’s eyes track the curve of Jimin’s mouth when he smiles, and Jimin notices the way Jeongguk’s forearms flex subtly as he cuts into his food.
At one point, Jimin says something just to tease. “For someone who works primarily with machines, you’re awfully good at being charming.”
Jeongguk leans forward, lowering his voice just enough to make what he says next feel like a secret. “I’m better with people when I like them.”
Jimin’s pulse skips, and he finds himself stirring his drink just to have something to do with his hands. He bites back a grin and shakes his head. “You’re dangerous.”
“And you’re blushing,” Jeongguk shoots back, sounding victorious.
They linger even after the plates are cleared, each of them aware that neither wants to call it a night just yet. The check comes and goes, and Jeongguk doesn’t even give Jimin the chance to reach for his wallet.
On the way out, he holds the door for Jimin again, and there’s something about the way he does it—casual in the way that makes it seem like it’s second nature, but quick and intentional at the same time—that makes Jimin’s stomach flip.
Outside, the night air is warm but carries a soft breeze with it, and the streetlamps pool light onto the sidewalk. They walk side-by-side toward their respective cars, and the air between them is ripe with tension.
“So,” Jeongguk says when they get close, glancing over at him, his hands in his pockets, “Are you ready to go home yet? Or…”
The “or” hangs there, ripe with possibility.
Jimin is shy in the way he admits, “I’d like to spend more time with you, if… that’s what you want, too?”
Jeongguk’s charming smile is answer enough.
When they reach the cars, Jimin leans against his door with his keys dangling loosely from his fingers. There’s that pause—the kind that feels like it should be awkward, and yet it’s not. Jeongguk is standing close enough that Jimin catches a whiff of his cologne again, and pleasant notes of warm spice and supple smoke hit his nose.
“So…” Jeongguk tilts his head, studying him. “I was thinking…”
“That’s dangerous,” Jimin teases, but his voice is softer now, like he already knows where this is going—because he thinks he does, and the thought of it is making his heart dance in a way that reminds him of being sixteen and going to the movies with a date for the first time.
Jeongguk’s expression softens. “We could go to my place, or yours if you’re more comfortable with that. We could watch a movie?”
They both know it’s not about any movie.
Jimin swallows, feigning nonchalance. “Right. A movie. That… sounds really nice, actually.”
Jeongguk leans a little closer, the corner of his mouth lifting. He scrunches his nose and drops his voice to a mock-whisper, teasing, “Unless you’re nervous to be alone with me.”
Jimin straightens and opens his car door before his nerves give him away. “Get in your car, Jeon. I’ll text you the address.”
The IT guy cackles on the way back to his car, and Jimin poorly disguises his grin with a throat clear.
The drive to Jimin’s apartment is filled with quiet, charged energy. The blonde has his music down and both of his hands on the wheel at all times, trying desperately to focus. The roads are mostly empty now, so it’s only natural that both of their vehicles end up side-by-side or right behind one another more than once.
Streetlights slide over their faces and, when Jimin glances over, he catches them illuminating Jeongguk’s profile; accentuating the curve of his jaw, displaying the faint smile he doesn’t bother hiding. Jimin catches himself looking over more times than he should, his chest tightening every time their eyes meet.
When they finally pull up outside, Jeongguk parks right behind him and gets out in a smooth motion. He joins Jimin on the sidewalk, close enough that their shoulders almost brush. They don’t speak until the blonde man gets up to the front porch and starts fiddling with his keys to unlock the door.
“Don’t comment about any messes,” Jimin tells him, feeling flustered when he suddenly forgets how to unlock his door. It takes him a few tries to finally snag the key in the lock. “It’s not like I planned for company.”
“Trust me, I’m sure my place is messier,” Jeongguk reassures him. “Imagine random computer parts and work out gear all over the place, and add on a roommate who likes to ignore his chore list, and then you’ve got my house.”
Inside, the air smells faintly of laundry detergent and something floral. Jimin has worked hard over the last few months to make his home cozy, but not overly curated. He shuts the door behind them, waits for them both to take their shoes off and put their keys in the catch-all, and then shuffles closer to the living room.
On the way, Jimin flips a switch, turning a light on to contrast with the dark outside. Warm lamplight spills over the living room, catching on the framed prints on the wall, the soft blanket tossed over the couch.
“Uh,” Jimin laughs, suddenly both hyperaware of the fact that Jeongguk is actually here, and about the ridiculous amount of energy buzzing through him. He avoids eye contact with the other man, embarrassed by how hot his face feels. “Okay, so, tour. Um, this is the living room. Kitchen is through there, and—”
“Jimin.”
“There is a backyard, but, honestly, it’s pretty unremarkable. I, uh, think I want a garden eventually, but—”
Jeongguk lets him get about three steps into the tour before catching his wrist. He repeats, “Jimin.”
The sound of his name is enough to make him finally stop mid-sentence. Jeongguk’s smile is there, soft and reassuring, but still edged with something warmer—something full of want. “You can show me around later.”
Jimin’s shoulders relax. “Right.”
Before Jimin can think of anything better to say, Jeongguk tugs him closer, sliding a hand to the small of his back. Without even thinking, the blonde man’s eyes slip shut, and he awaits a kiss, but it doesn’t come right away. Instead, Jeongguk brushes their noses together and, for a long moment, they settle there, simply taking one another in.
“Unless giving me a tour is really what you want right now?” Jeongguk suggests, and Jimin smiles when he can tell that Jeongguk is doing the same just based on the way he says it. The black-haired man moves closer, and his hot breath ghosts over Jimin’s mouth when he pitches his voice down and says, “Personally, my mind’s elsewhere.”
It felt like every nerve in Jimin’s body was trying to lean in Jeongguk’s direction. The attraction was so, so mutual. It was gratifying to know that this man he had been crushing on for months seemed just as interested in him, just as focused on their connection.
And he doesn’t want to waste any more time.
So, this second time around, Jimin is the one to initiate the kiss.
Jeongguk responds without skipping a beat. Their mouths slot together like the final pieces of a puzzle connecting. This kiss is deeper than the first one—more deliberate—and it has Jimin gasping softly as their lips move in time.
It’s unhurried in the beginning. Jeongguk’s mouth is warm and confident against his, the hand that isn’t on Jimin’s waist slides up to cup the back of his neck. Without thinking, Jimin’s fingers curl into Jeongguk’s t-shirt like it’s the only thing keeping him steady—which it very well might be. Physically, Jimin is fine. Internally, though, he’s teetering on the precipice of surrender. Surrender to the kind of things he wants when it comes to Jeongguk, surrender to admission when it comes to the admiration he’s brimming with for this man.
They both melt into the kiss. Jeongguk tilts his head and moves his mouth so that it’s a little rougher, like he still isn’t getting enough of Jimin. And when he runs his tongue over the blonde’s plump bottom lip, Jimin easily allows him access to his mouth. Jeongguk is quick to take advantage of it. In no time, he works his tongue into Jimin’s mouth, exploring him with urgency. At some point, their tongues brush together, and it pulls a soft sound from the blonde.
The kiss is suddenly hot and heavy, and they’re both breathing harder, and Jimin can’t remember the last time he was this into someone.
He barely registers the shift in movement until Jeongguk’s hands are already gripping the backs of his thighs. In one smooth motion, he lifts Jimin clean off the ground.
“Jeongguk!” Jimin laughs in surprise, instinctively looping his arms around Jeongguk’s neck as his feet leave the floor. His thighs cling to the black-haired man’s sides as he keeps Jimin in the air with an agility that makes it look like he’s not even trying.
“Hold onto me,” Jeongguk murmurs, voice a little breathless from the kissing, but his grin is wickedly pleased. “I’ve been waiting months to have you this close, so I’m not gonna let go now.”
Easily, their mouths find each other again.
Jimin’s heart beats a little quicker at the admission. He can feel the warmth of Jeongguk’s body through their clothes, and the flex of muscle from his back under his hands as Jeongguk walks them down the short hallway, blindly searching for the bedroom. His pulse is hammering, but it’s not from nerves—it’s over the dizzying thrill of being wanted this much, and of wanting this much.
“Bedroom?” A simple question.
“Second door to your right.”
When they make it to the bedroom, Jeongguk sets him down on the edge of the bed like he’s something precious. Once Jimin is settled, he leans in and braces a knee on the mattress, one hand on Jimin’s hip and the other propped up by his head.
They kiss lazily, just enjoying the way one another tastes. After a moment, Jeongguk breaks off to rub their noses together and tease, “You taste like the wine.”
“I only had one glass.”
“Mhm. Me too,” Jeongguk responds, nudging Jimin’s head back by trailing his lips along his jaw. “You still taste like it.”
“And you kiss like you mean it,” Jimin tells him, letting one of his hands slide up and finally tangle into those midnight curls the way he has been wishing to do all evening.
“Because I do,” he mutters back.
On que, Jeongguk starts kissing down his throat, nipping every so often and sucking lightly in a way that teases but won’t leave marks—not that the blonde would mind, but it’s something they haven’t spoken about yet, and it’s just another example to show Jeongguk’s consideration. It all drives Jimin crazy and has tiny, breathy noises passing his lips.
When Jeongguk starts using his tongue to trace lazy circles on Jimin’s neck amid his kissing, the hand Jimin has in his hair tightens, and he tugs without thinking. He freezes under Jeongguk, worrying he might have crossed a line since he did it without asking.
But then Jeongguk shudders beneath his touch and lets a small, shaky sigh escape. His teeth scrape against Jimin’s collarbone. “Go ahead.”
Fuck, he’s so hot—Jimin is dizzy over it.
His shirt rides up as Jimin fists the fabric with his free hand, working to pull him closer, craving the heat that is already pressed against him.
When Jeongguk’s mouth is prevented from moving further down Jimin’s body by clothing, he leans up, kisses Jimin again while tugging at the fabric of his scrubs, and says, “Can I?”
“Only if yours come off too,” Jimin insists in a small voice, shyly looking away.
Jeongguk grins, catches him in another kiss, then breaks away and sits up to tug his shirt off with one hand. The motion is so fluid and so hot for no sensible reason.
Biting down on his bottom lip, Jimin soaks up the sight of him half-dressed while Jeongguk has him lean up so he can take his shirt off, as well.
A dark brow lifts. “What are you thinking about?”
Hair disheveled from his top being stripped off, Jimin decides that he can’t help himself. He puts his palms flat against Jeongguk’s muscular chest and begins sliding them down, touching everywhere that he can without shame. “I’m thinking about how those photos didn’t do you justice.”
Jeongguk’s laugh is pitched and playful. He leans back down over Jimin and kisses him again, letting the blonde man caress him as much as he wants. In turn, though, he slides a big hand up Jimin’s chest, resting it flat and letting him get used to the feeling.
“You’re so soft,” Jeongguk whispers between kisses.
“Moisturizer,” Jimin mutters back by way of explanation.
A snort escapes the black-haired man. That same hand from before trails down until Jeongguk’s thumb brushes a nipple, which has the breath catching in Jimin’s throat and him arching his back up into the touch. Jimin’s hands slide back up into Jeongguk’s hair just as the black-haired man pulls off his mouth with a pleased hum and lowers himself. Once there, he pauses, his eyes dark and thoughtful as he surveys Jimin’s flushed, bare chest.
“Beautiful,” he murmurs, voice low and thick. His lips connect to supple skin after the comment, trailing kisses down Jimin’s collarbone, following the dip between his pecs with gentle pressure.
“Thank you.” Jimin tucks his bottom lip between his teeth and lets his eyes slip closed, basking in the sensation of being adored this way.
Jeongguk stubble brushes over the sensitive skin on Jimin’s chest as he slips further down, making the blonde squirm. “I should be the one thanking you—giving me the privilege of seeing you this way.”
At this rate, the flush on Jimin’s face is never going to leave.
A mouth latches around one of his nipples suddenly, and Jeongguk sucks unforgivingly, causing a gasp to tumble out of Jimin’s mouth. His back—which had only just relaxed—arches again, and he keens high in his throat as teeth scrape over the hard bud.
Taking his reactions in, Jeongguk hums, and the noise sends vibrations through Jimin’s body. He scrapes his nails lightly over the black-haired man’s back, trying to do anything to alleviate the overwhelming need building up inside of him. It manifests itself, too, in the way he squirms under the ministrations. When Jeongguk’s fingers replace his mouth, toying and rubbing as he shifts to the other side of Jimin’s chest to lick and suck at his other nipple, the blonde moves his hips and legs mindlessly, trying to get closer to Jeongguk. In turn, their crotches rub together and, even through layers of clothing, Jimin can feel that they’re both getting hard.
The sudden awareness of it has him spiraling, bucking his hips up again like he no longer has self-control.
Jeongguk pulls off of Jimin’s chest with a groan, cupping the back of the blonde’s thigh and pulling him in closer. In a smooth sequence, he shifts up and clashes their mouths together again in a sloppy, wet kiss, and begins grinding his clothed cock against Jimin’s own, offering them both a taste of how they feel together.
Gradually, the kisses get rougher and more charged, just like the pace and depth of their bodies rocking together. Jeongguk breaks away from Jimin’s mouth just to groan against his lips and mutter, “Do you want to stay like this, or do you want more?”
Stopping here didn’t even cross Jimin’s mind, so the question has him opening his eyes to look up at the other man. Both of them are flush-faced, their pupils blown wide and lips swollen. Jeongguk’s hair is a mess from the blonde running his hands through it, and they’re both fully hard now. He searches Jeongguk’s face, admitting in a quiet voice, “I want to… do more, yes. Is that—Do you want that, too?”
“Do I—” Jeongguk cuts himself off with an airy laugh. He props his arm up beside Jimin’s head and smiles so wide that the blonde man feels his stomach twist into knots at the charming sight. Fondly, he confirms, “Yes. Yeah, I do.”
“Okay…” In a bold move, Jimin’s hands slip further down his muscular, tattooed body, snagging at the belt loops of his pants. “In that case, should we…” he tugs half-heartedly, silently asking for permission.
With a gruff, low noise, Jeongguk places another kiss on Jimin’s mouth and mirrors the blonde man by letting his free hand find the strings of his scrub pants. “Abso-fucking-lutely.”
That earns a series of giggles from Jimin, who watches as Jeongguk moves off of him to stand at the edge of the bed, grinning back at him while he takes hold of the blonde’s waist and brings him further down the mattress to him. Once he has a good angle, he makes quick work of shimmying Jimin’s pants down his legs and off his body. They are discarded with little care, and the blonde is left in only his underwear, being admired by dark eyes.
Jeongguk caresses down Jimin’s soft sides and curvy hips, shaking his head as he takes in the way he looks. “You’re… I’ve never, ever seen someone as gorgeous as you before.”
He says it with an amount of astonishment that goes right to the blonde’s head. One of the first things he liked about Jeongguk was how forthright he always is. He just never considered that such a quality might translate into… other areas—and the discovery refreshes him.
Jimin’s flush travels down his neck and, feeling more confident than when they first fell into bed despite being more exposed now, he sits up and catches Jeongguk’s gaze, tugging at his pants while saying, “I wanna see you, too.”
He doesn’t know who leans in first, but, just like that, they are making out again and work on each other’s clothes with growing urgency at the same time. Jeongguk’s hands seem reluctant to leave Jimin, but he does so briefly to work at his belt with practiced ease. The zipper slides down, and Jimin hears his jeans slip off his hips with a slight rustle. Once Jeongguk’s pants are off, he doesn’t waste any time—his boxers go with them, and he’s left standing before Jimin, naked and turned on. And then Jimin is fighting between the need to see and the need to keep Jeongguk’s tongue in his mouth so he can suck on it until the black-haired man groans, and the temperature in the room seems to go up on its own.
Jeongguk cups the back of Jimin’s neck with one hand, steadying him into the kiss while, with the other, he touches lightly at the waistband of the blonde’s underwear in a silent question. Jimin hums in approval and, with some finessing, they manage to only pull away from each other for a few seconds so Jimin can strip off the last of his clothing, too.
The cool air rushes over him, sending a shiver through his body. Coincidentally, that’s also when he realizes that the air conditioning is on and, consequently, that he is the one overheating—his body hot with desire. Jeongguk moves him where he wants him, getting him back into the sheets with gentle, precise movements.
Jimin gasps when a big hand wraps around him immediately—warm and firm, stroking with slow, measured strokes that make Jimin’s back arch involuntarily. Jeongguk’s hand encompasses nearly the entirety of his dick from base to tip—and Jimin’s not small. He whines at the sensation of being touched after so much teasing, and at how hot the size difference between them is.
“That’s it,” Jeongguk murmurs, leaning back so he can watch every twitch and shudder. “Let me see you.”
Jimin’s fingers curl into the soft sheets, his hips tilting instinctively into Jeongguk’s touch. The eye contact is intense—charged with tension and so honest in the way they both wear their cravings for each other on their sleeves.
“Jeongguk,” Jimin says aloud, not even sure why he’s saying it. And yet, somehow, Jeongguk seems to understand.
But before the pleasure of a hand on his cock can fully overwhelm him, the black-haired man shifts them both up the bed, climbs back onto the mattress, and settles between his thighs. His mouth is warm on Jimin’s sensitive skin. He kisses the inner curve of one thigh, then the other, light flicks of his tongue and testing nips with his teeth enough to make Jimin’s breath catch. The teasing is slow and deliberate, building anticipation until Jimin’s thighs tremble with need.
Then, hot breath ghosts over Jimin’s hard, dribbling cock.
When Jeongguk’s mouth finally closes around him, Jimin gasps—a sharp, desperate sound—and he instinctively reaches down to grip that midnight, wild hair. The vibrations of Jeongguk’s approving hum travel through him, making his whole body tighten like he’s wound too tight, everything making him cusp the edge of exhilaration.
On the other side of things, Jeongguk is patient. He’s methodical, taking him deep and slow, steadying Jimin with one hand pressed to his hip whenever he tries to writhe away or buck up. He watches every reaction, makes note of each sound, studying him to find out what makes him tick. The moment he figures it out, he uses that information to bring Jimin to brand new levels of bliss.
“Jeongguk—” Jimin’s voice cracks on his name, trembling. “If you keep doing that, I—”
Without hesitation, the black-haired man pulls back with a wet pop, flashing a mischievous smile. When Jimin whines over the loss, he runs his tongue along his glistening lips and says, “Not yet.”
Jimin frowns and shifts mindlessly, brimming with the need to come. Jeongguk looks amused at his petulance and sits up straight, his muscles flexing under the soft light in the bedroom. Jimin can’t help but admire him; the way his skin glows warm and flushed, the curve of his strong, broad shoulders, the heat radiating off him in waves. From this angle and with the tangled sheets in the way, he can’t see everything, but what he does see, he’s obsessed with.
Jeongguk catches his gaze and lifts a teasing brow. “Like what you see?”
“Maybe,” Jimin admits after a hard swallow, playing down how crazy he feels over witnessing someone this hot in the flesh. It’s like he’s still battling with the fact that Jeongguk is real.
The resounding laughter from Jeongguk is a low rumble against Jimin’s skin as he leans back down, pressing a kiss to the corner of his mouth. His hand slides between them again, fingers ghosting over Jimin’s length, slick with pre-cum. Jeongguk’s movements are gentle but commanding, stroking slowly and measuredly as he watches Jimin’s reactions closely. It’s clear he’s just touching the blonde like this for the sake of doing it, and not because he has a goal in mind. Accepting that, Jimin sighs in pleasure and lazily kisses him.
After some time and another round of working Jimin to the point of insanity with the desire to finally come, Jeongguk softly asks, “Do you have lube and condoms?”
Biting down on his swollen bottom lip, Jimin nods. “Bedside table—second drawer.”
With another peck, Jeongguk slides coolly off the bed and finds what he needs in the nightstand, giving Jimin time to finally get a good look at him. And what he sees, he is not prepared for.
He knew Jeongguk was hot—obviously.
But fuck.
Jimin scans the line of his body, greedily drinking up the way his muscular back slips into one of the smallest waists he has ever seen, before leading to a gloriously sculpted ass and strong thighs. And, when Jeongguk turns back to face him, Jimin has to hold back an audible gasp at the sight of the heavy, fat cock between his legs.
Getting back into the bed with a condom and a bottle of lube in hand, Jeongguk catches the obvious staring and raises a brow. “You’re staring.”
“You’re big,” Jimin says, apparently having no filter.
Having already set the condom aside for later, Jeongguk pauses from where he was working the lube over his fingers to warm it and looks over at him. Concern flashes through his expression and softens his eyes. “Does that make you nervous? We don’t have to—”
“No, I…” Jimin pauses to stop himself from sounding eager, “I’m not nervous.”
Jeongguk searches his face, looking for any signs that he might be lying. While assessing him, he doesn’t seem to find nerves but, rather, discovers something entirely different—at least, that’s what the shit-eating grin that spreads onto his face a split-second later conveys.
Jimin squirms, looking away. “What? Why are you making that face?”
“You’re into it,” Jeongguk says accusatorily.
Horrified at being called out, Jimin puts a hand over his face and denies, “What? No, that’s—”
“Yes, you are,” the black-haired man teases, sounding far too pleased. “You’re not a good liar, Jimin. You’re so into it.”
Not knowing what else he can say, Jimin just settles on a weak, “Shut up.”
The way Jeongguk tosses his head back to laugh has the blonde hiding his own small, quietly happy smile behind the back of his hand, too stubborn to admit defeat.
Luckily, though, that seems to be the end of it, because no more teasing comes. Instead, Jeongguk settles between Jimin’s legs, lube coating one hand. With gentle nudges, he guides the blonde-headed man to part his legs, spreading Jimin out like a gift. Jimin feels heat rush to his face, but, when he finally looks back to see what is happening, he doesn’t dare look away; Jeongguk’s eyes are dark and hungry, fixed on him like he’s already unraveling.
When his hand finally slips between Jimin’s legs and finds his entrance, Jeongguk doesn’t try to push inside immediately. Instead, he gently rubs the tip of one finger along his hole, getting him used to the sensation and applying small amounts of pressure to test how it feels. He’s turned on—if his still being fully hard is anything to go by—but he still takes his time and just teases until he thinks Jimin is ready.
Under his care, it’s easy for the blonde to relax and let his body prepare to take the intrusion. So, once Jeongguk finally does press the first finger inside, Jimin gasps—high, breathy, instinctively clenching around him—but there is no pain. Jeongguk stills at his noise, watching his face closely.
“Too much?” he asks with an air of affection.
Jimin shakes his head quickly, cheeks flushed, lips parted. “No. It feels good.”
Jeongguk’s mouth curves into the faintest smile. He slowly draws his finger back and then in again. He’s almost agonizingly careful, watching over Jimin and letting him adjust to the pressure, making sure he feels good every step of the way.
“You take it so well,” he murmurs. “Just keep relaxing for me, angel. I just want you to enjoy it.”
The pet name makes Jimin’s stomach flip, his body relaxing under the coaxing tone. Soon, Jeongguk slides a second finger in, further stretching him. He takes just as much time as he did with the first one, easing in and rubbing gently along Jimin’s walls as he allows him time to adjust. And, when he does finally start thrusting in and out, the pace builds gradually.
In minutes, the black-haired man can comfortably add a third finger and, after working on stretching Jimin out around all three, Jeongguk gets confident enough to be rougher. He’s still reading the blonde’s body language, changing things up as he needs. His thrusts get deeper and faster, and it gets to the point where Jimin has to keep himself firmly planted against the bed in order not to move because of the force of the thrusts.
Jeongguk splays his free hand over Jimin’s stomach. His thumb is at his belly button, his pinky reaching to his side, and the feeling of his warmth and the slight pressure he applies to keep Jimin in place makes Jimin feel dizzy with pleasure when it’s combined with the downright sinful way Jeongguk uses his fingers.
He’s already losing himself in the sensation of being stretched and fucked thoroughly, and they haven’t even gotten to the best part yet. His cock is red at the tip and leaking pre-cum onto his abdomen, and he’s making little, pitched noises every time Jeongguk twists his wrist at a new angle or thrusts in particularly hard.
Right when he thinks it can’t possibly get better, Jeongguk leans forward so that he’s hovering over the blonde and watches his face closely as he crooks his fingers up at a specific angle—
Jimin arches against the sheets, a low sound tumbling from his throat. “O-Oh—”
“There it is,” Jeongguk says, voice thick with satisfaction. His mouth pulls up on one end. “You like that, don’t you?”
Jimin nods, his fingers fisting in the sheets. Every press and curl of Jeongguk’s fingers makes sparks dart through him, his hips tipping up helplessly, chasing more. Jeongguk is right there with him, memorizing the way Jimin’s breath stutters when he brushes that spot inside of him.
“R-Right there,” Jimin gasps, biting his lip.
Jeongguk rewards him with firmer pressure, pressing his fingers deliberately against his prostate again and again. Jimin cries out, head tipping back, thighs trembling. Between their bodies, Jeongguk’s cock visibly twitches at the pretty sight in front of him.
“Fuck, you’re perfect like this,” Jeongguk groans. He leans down to kiss him then, swallowing Jimin’s noises, his lips slow and claiming even while his hand works him open. “I bet I could make you come just like this if I wanted.”
Jimin whimpers into the kiss, overwhelmed. “Jeongguk, please…”
“Please what?” He teases, dragging his fingers out slowly before sliding them back in, slick and hot. “Tell me what you need right now.”
Jimin shudders, eyes squeezed shut as he quietly admits, “I need more. N-Need you.”
Jeongguk smiles against his skin, kissing along his jaw as he stays on his prostate, trying to coax every ounce of pleasure from the blonde that he can.
“Cute. You’re so polite, baby,” he praises, pumping deep and steady until Jimin’s body melts around him, pliant and needy.
“P-Please,” Jimin whines, obsessed with the way he feels hearing Jeongguk call him that.
After seemingly deciding Jimin is ready and he can stop teasing him, Jeongguk finally leans up and grabs the condom. He rips it open with his teeth in a swift, practiced way that has heat stirring low in Jimin’s abdomen. And when Jeongguk grabs his cock and rolls the condom down, and then lubes himself up all while looking at the blonde? Jimin can’t stop squirming under him, hard and leaking and wet between his legs—so ready.
Once he’s done, Jeongguk settles back down between Jimin’s legs and grabs one of his thighs, hiking it up to sit at his waist. The sight of him, attractive and just as turned on as Jimin, prepared to make them both feel good—it’s only serving to make the blonde feel more overwhelmed than he already is, in the best way.
Jeongguk lifts his brows, giving the blonde an expectant look.
“Tell me if it’s too much,” he says sternly, gaze steady and serious.
Jimin nods, biting his lip. After a deep breath, he promises, “Okay.”
With that, he shifts forward and guides himself to Jimin’s ass. The massive, blunt tip of his cock presses against Jimin’s entrance, rubbing gently, letting the blonde adjust to the feeling. When Jimin breathes out a single, shaky, “Please,” Jeongguk finally pushes in—at a crawling pace—until his hips are flush with Jimin’s plump ass. It feels like it takes forever for him to bottom out, and, by the time he does, the blonde’s thighs are shaking.
The deep stretch pulls a broken gasp from Jimin’s throat, his hands clutching the sheets. A line forms between the black-haired man’s brows, and he leans down—trying hard not to shift his hips as he does—until he is close enough to pepper sweet, reassuring kisses all around Jimin’s face and down his neck.
“Breathe, baby,” Jeongguk soothes, leaning down to kiss him, slow and grounding. Their mouths move together lazily, sweetly, as Jeongguk's cock slips further into him.
The stretch is intense—burning and exquisite, his body fluttering helplessly as Jeongguk eases into him inch by inch.
“Talk to me, angel.”
The pet names are still making the blonde’s heart race in a way that it feels like he can’t entirely control, and he would confess how much he likes it and doesn’t want Jeongguk to stop, only there are more important things going on right now and, luckily, it doesn’t seem like Jeongguk plans on stopping anytime soon.
“I-I’m fine,” Jimin says, breathless. “Just—A second.”
“Of course,” Jeongguk returns, voice sweet and low, and lets him take as much time as he needs. In the meantime, he snakes a hand between their flushed, naked bodies and wraps it around Jimin’s neglected length, stroking steadily to offer him a reprieve from the feeling of being stretched.
Jimin moans and threads a hand into Jeongguk’s hair, tugging gently until the other man gets the hint and connects their lips in a slow, sensual kiss. Trying to get used to the massive intrusion, Jimin clenches around Jeongguk, and the black-haired man’s mouth falls open around a breathy groan.
Breaking off from the kiss to look at him, Jimin finds himself incredibly attracted to the half-lidded, blown-pupiled look Jeongguk gives him, and squeezes around his cock again.
Jeongguk’s eyes darken, and he must know the blonde is doing it on purpose. He lifts Jimin’s thigh higher, holding it open, and gives himself room to be as deep inside as possible. “You feel—” another squeeze and a subsequent groan, “fucking perfect.”
His voice is thick, and his reactions make Jimin feel so hot all over. So much so that his breath hitches and his head falls back. “Move. Please, you can move,” he begs, voice raw.
Jeongguk doesn’t have to be told twice. He buries his face in the crook of Jimin’s neck and lets out a shaky breath like he’s overwhelmed. With great care, he sets a slow, deliberate rhythm, rolling his hips deep and steady, each thrust pressing into the tight heat around him.
“You take me so well,” Jeongguk murmurs, voice rough. “Acting like you’ve been waiting for this just as long as I have.”
“I have,” Jimin confesses, voice trembling but sure. Little by little, his body grows accustomed to the thick cock buried inside of him, and all that he is left to focus on is the satisfaction of finally having him like this, and of being taken by him in this way.
At the words, Jeongguk’s mouth curves into a soft smile that Jimin feels against his skin, filled with tenderness and lust. He surges up, kissing Jimin with a mix of reverence and hunger.
The pace quickens—gets harder and faster—and Jimin’s moans begin to grow desperate and unfiltered, his fingers digging into Jeongguk’s back and curling into his hair, taking liberties with how roughly he tugs at it. Each panted moan that falls from Jeongguk’s lips tells Jimin that he’s more than okay with it, though.
Jimin feels strung out already, trembling under Jeongguk’s body. Every caress of his fingers and deep thrust of his cock works him wider, deeper, until he’s pliant against the sheets, chest heaving. His thighs tremble around Jeongguk’s hips, heat gathering low in his belly.
And then Jeongguk sits up, grabs both of the blonde’s legs, and forces him to spread them back until he’s in a goddamn mating press position. He’s touching Jimin’s ankle and his waist, and his thrusts are suddenly impossibly deeper, and he’s angled perfectly inside so that, on every slide in, he rubs right against the blonde’s prostate. Jimin cries out, head falling back, his voice high and needy. The sound makes Jeongguk curse, a rough noise that vibrates against Jimin’s lips when he bends to kiss him.
“Fuck, you’re so responsive,” Jeongguk growls, breath ragged but words steady, coaxing. “Clenching around me. Don’t want me to stop, huh?”
Jimin gasps, his nails biting into Jeongguk’s back. “I don’t—don’t stop.” His whole body feels fever-hot, the slick slide of Jeongguk’s cock pulling him tighter, higher, close to breaking.
Their bodies move together, a perfect, messy rhythm of need and release, every touch charged with months of longing finally let loose.
Jeongguk’s dirty talk mixes with soft praise, grounding Jimin as waves of pleasure crash over him.
“I’m going to make you feel so good, baby,” Jeongguk promises, voice low and steady. “You’ll only be able to think about me.”
And from the way Jimin’s body trembles beneath him, already undone, Jeongguk must know that he’s more than keeping his word.
It feels like all of Jeongguk’s lower body weight is dropping on Jimin with every thrust. And when he feels like making Jimin cry out, he’ll wait until he’s as deep as he can be and then roll his hips, deep and sure, spreading Jimin out on his cock. The friction presses right against Jimin’s most sensitive spot, every movement a delicious mix of pleasure and burning heat. Jimin yanks at those midnight strands of hair, nails grazing his scalp as his back arches instinctively toward Jeongguk.
His mouth falls open at the constant pressure against his prostate and at the feeling of being pinned in place, made to take it. “H-Holy shit.”
Jeongguk’s mouth brushes along Jimin’s collarbone and jaw, hot breath mingling with quiet grunts as he focuses entirely on Jimin’s reactions—every gasp, every shudder. “You feel so good, Jimin. So fucking good.”
Jimin’s head falls back, mouth parting into a breathy moan. “Jeongguk— Oh, please.”
Noticing the way Jimin’s legs begin quivering with his building arousal, Jeongguk picks up the pace, thrusting harder, deeper, his strong hands gripping Jimin’s thighs tighter to hold him open. The sound of skin meeting skin fills the room, blending with their ragged breathing and soft moans.
Jeongguk’s voice drops lower—nearly a growl in its natural octave now—coated in want and praise. “That’s it. Come on, angel. You take it so fucking well.”
Jimin uses the hold in Jeongguk’s hair to pull him down for another heated, desperate kiss. The taste of their mingled breath and desire wraps around them both, intensifying every nerve ending.
The tension coils tighter in Jimin’s stomach, spreading in waves as Jeongguk’s hips hit a relentless rhythm. Their bodies are slick with sweat, their skin pressed flush, as the world narrows until only each other seems to exist.
With a guttural sound, Jeongguk breaks off the kiss, tone rough and thick, and a little shaky like he’s beginning to unravel, too. “Can you come like this, baby?”
Jimin’s nod is eager. He nips at his bottom lip, trying and failing to contain the pleading little noises escaping him every other second. “I’m—Yes. I’m gonna—”
“Good boy,” Jeongguk cuts him off, cupping the back of Jimin’s neck with one hand and propping the other into the sheets as he continues fucking him within an inch of his life. He kisses him deeply, talking in between. “You’re so good. Perfect for me. You have no fucking idea what you’re doing to me, angel.”
Jimin moans helplessly, body arching into every thrust, his mind blank with pleasure. The room smells of sweat, lube, their mingled heat; the sheets stick to his skin, his hair damp against his forehead, but none of it matters. All that matters is Jeongguk—his weight, his voice, his cock filling him so perfectly it feels inevitable.
Jeongguk is relentless but careful in the way he fucks; his mouth finds Jimin’s every few thrusts to swallow his moans, then breaks away to kiss across his cheeks, his jaw, the hollow of his throat. His words spill out in rough murmurs between gritted teeth, heavy with praise and want.
“Look at you, baby. Taking me like you were made for this.” His voice cracks into a groan, his rhythm faltering for just a second before he drives back in harder, dragging another wild sound from Jimin’s lips.
Jimin’s head tips back, his throat bared, shimmering with sweat. “Gguk—I can’t, I can’t—” His voice is high, helpless, but his body tells a different story, clenching desperately around Jeongguk’s cock, working his hips as best as he can in an impossible position. He’s so fucking big inside. Jimin has never been filled this way, and it’s making him dizzy with how good it feels.
“You can,” Jeongguk grits out, chest pressed flush to Jimin’s, their hearts hammering in sync. He kisses Jimin again—messy, wet, teeth clashing, both of them moaning into each other’s mouths. “You’re perfect. Gonna make you come so hard.”
Jimin’s body feels like it’s unraveling, pleasure coiling tight and sharp in his belly. Each thrust drags him closer, his cock leaking pre-come across his stomach, neglected but aching.
Jeongguk gives in, finally, offering the blonde some relief from the pressure. He slides one hand between them, wrapping around Jimin’s cock and stroking in time with his thrusts. Jimin’s whole body jolts, a choked sob breaking out of him at the overwhelming pleasure.
“Oh my god. Fuck, yes. Please—” Jimin’s begging now, hips jerking helplessly into Jeongguk’s fist, clenching tighter around him with every desperate thrust.
Jeongguk’s breath stutters, his control cracking as Jimin milks him. “You’re gonna make me lose my mind,” he groans, tone gruff with desperation as he tries to maintain control. His thrusts grow rougher, needier, chasing his edge as Jimin falls apart beneath him.
“Come for me. Come on, baby,” Jeongguk encourages, not leaving room for Jimin to think about anything else. He keeps him in the moment, focused. “Come for me.”
Jimin shudders violently, his mouth dropping open and eyes squeezing shut as his release suddenly crashes over him—hot, overwhelming, and utterly consuming. His cock twitches almost violently as ropes of cum shoot out, coating his stomach and getting on the other man’s firm abdomen, too. He clings to Jeongguk needily as he strokes him through it, trembling as the pleasure wracks his body and he falls apart.
“Shit. That’s pretty,” Jeongguk praises, sounding like he’s talking more to himself than to Jimin. He lets go of the blonde’s cock, and his thrusts grow unsteady and ill-timed as he groans, breathing ragged, close to the sight of the blonde’s orgasm.
Jimin is overstimulated and thoroughly fucked-out, and now even thinking when he looks at Jeongguk with half-lidded eyes and a flushed face, and tugs hard at his hair, pleading with squeezing around him, “C-Come in me. Jeongguk, p-please—”
“Fuck, baby,” Jeongguk swears and drops his head into the blonde’s neck, panting hard as his orgasm hits full-force. He fucks Jimin through it, spilling inside the condom, and whispering the blonde’s name with a mix of reverence and raw need. Their bodies stay locked together even after he finally stills inside, panting, grounding each other through the aftershocks.
For a long moment after, neither moves.
Then, carefully, Jeongguk pulls out with care, ties the condom off and tosses into a bin nearby, and shifts around to be beside the blonde. Under the covers, he pulls Jimin against him again. Their legs tangle, their skin sticky and warm, but it feels right—like they’ve always fit this way. He wraps his arms around the blonde’s body and tugs him as close as he can, his breath warm against Jimin’s ear.
“You okay?” he murmurs, fingers petting gently through his hair—a stark contrast to what the blonde was doing to him moments before.
Jimin turns his head, lips curling into a tired but blissful smile as his sore body relaxes into the sheets. “Better than okay.”
Jeongguk presses a soft kiss to his sweaty forehead, then down the line—nose, cheek, jaw—every touch tender and sweet.
“You’re incredible,” Jeongguk says quietly, voice full of admiration. “You have… no idea how long I’ve wanted to be able to see you like this.”
Jimin laughs softly, the sound light and happy. A fresh flush burns on his cheeks at the direct admission. “I—Me too.”
They lie there, tangled together, the heat fading into a comfortable warmth. Jeongguk keeps his arm over Jimin’s waist, fingers weaving through his hair as Jimin shifts to rest his head on Jeongguk’s chest, listening to the steady beat of his heart as they come down from their highs.
“Didn’t think it was possible to want someone this much,” Jeongguk admits quietly, thumb brushing lazy circles over Jimin’s hip. His voice is softer now, stripped of bravado, edged with something vulnerable.
Jimin laughs breathlessly, pressing his face into Jeongguk’s chest. “You know how to make someone feel special.”
“You are,” Jeongguk says simply, kissing his hair again, his tone leaving no room for doubt.
Jimin feels those words settle in him—spoken like a truth. It’s warm and grounding. He tips his chin up for a slow kiss, their lips moving languidly now, unhurried, full of promise.
After a while of lying down together, Jeongguk doesn’t speak but he shifts off the bed and takes Jimin with him, easily picking the blonde up bridal-style, With a squeak of shock, Jimin throws his arms around the back of Jeongguk’s neck and looks around wide-eyed as the black-haired man walks them out of the bedroom, still completely naked.
“Jeongguk!”
“Which one is your bathroom?”
“I—The door to the left. Are you crazy?”
“No. We’re going to shower together and then you’re going to show me where the extra sheets are so I can change the ones on the bed, and we’re going to lie down.”
Heart beating hard, Jimin doesn’t even know what to say to that as the black-haired man leads them both into the bathroom. The fluorescents are bright, and the air is cool as Jeongguk gently puts him down in favor of getting the shower going. Once the water is hot and there are towels on stand-by, Jeongguk picks Jimin up again as if he’s incapable of walking the four feet and puts him back down inside the shower.
Jimin throws his head back to laugh as he’s set under the water. “You’re ridiculous.”
Jeongguk grins at him as he closes the curtain and wraps an arm around his waist, shifting them so that they’re both under the water together. “You like it.”
Instead of responding, Jimin leans up and presses a soft kiss against his lips. Jeongguk responds in time, matching his slow, languid pace, holding him close.
“Stay?” Jimin whispers against his mouth when they part, a shy note creeping in despite everything they’ve just done.
Jeongguk smiles like it was never even a question. “Yeah, baby. I’m not going anywhere.”
And he doesn’t—he pulls Jimin close and lets them both get used to the water before they’ll eventually clean off from the incredible sex. Finally, the tension of months seems to have given way to something heady and tender.
Jimin’s smile deepens, and they settle into the quiet intimacy, and it already feels like this is just the start of something neither of them wants to end.
Sunlight spills softly through the curtains, casting a warm glow over the rumpled sheets where Jimin still lies, tangled in the comfort of last night. His body aches in all the best ways, and there’s a quiet smile playing at his lips.
Jeongguk sits on the edge of the bed, pulling on his shirt with slow, deliberate care, stealing quick kisses from Jimin’s forehead and hand.
“I don’t want to leave. I’ve just got work,” Jeongguk explains softly, voice low so as not to break the peaceful atmosphere of the early morning.
Jimin nods, already missing the warmth of Jeongguk’s body beside him. Softly, he says, “I know. It’s okay.”
“We should…” Jeongguk hesitates, then looks up with a half-smile. “We should do this again.”
Jimin’s smile blooms brighter. “Definitely.”
Seemingly pleased by the response, Jeongguk hums and leans down for one last kiss, tender and slow, like a promise for more.
He doesn’t make Jimin get out of bed. There’s no grand conversation or feelings of doubt. It seems, somehow, that everything with Jeongguk is easy. With a few sweet words and a promise to text him later in the day, Jeongguk wishes him a good day and quietly slips out of the door.
Jimin watches the door close behind him, heart light and full of a giddy sort of anticipation.
Jimin sinks back into his office chair, the faint buzz of fluorescent lights overhead blending with the soft chirping of birds outside and the distant murmurs of coworkers. His phone vibrates against the polished wood of his desk, a small beacon in the monotony of the workday. Seeing Jeongguk’s name appear, a slow smile spreads across Jimin’s lips, and a familiar warmth blooms in his chest.
Picking up the phone, Jimin presses it to his ear with eagerness. “Hi.”
“Hey, baby,” Jeongguk’s voice filters through, low and smooth like velvet, with that teasing edge that instantly makes Jimin’s heart flutter. “Thought I’d check on my favorite little troublemaker. How’s your day going?”
Jimin chuckles softly, the sound barely more than a breath. “It’s a lot less fun without seeing you in person.”
“You’re missing out,” Jeongguk replies, the playful smirk practically audible in his tone. “But lucky for you, I’m just a call away.”
“As you’re paid to be,” Jimin teases, and the sound of Jeongguk’s laugh on the other side of the line has him grinning.
Between the steady background noise of the clinic, a comfortable silence settles—one that only grows between two people who have something electric and rare.
“So,” Jeongguk says after a beat, his voice lowering just enough to send a subtle shiver down Jimin’s spine, “when am I getting another taste of your pretty smile? It’s been a week since our last date. I want to kiss you again.”
Jimin bites his lip, cheeks warming despite the distance. Trying to sound casual, he manages, “Soon. You'd better be ready because I said I would plan our fifth date, and I have an amazing idea in mind. It’s gonna blow your socks off, Mr. Tech Specialist.”
“Of course,” Jeongguk replies, satisfaction and something softer mixed in his tone.
Jimin shifts in his chair, fingers tapping nervously on the smooth desk surface. “You know, we’re probably the worst coworkers ever.”
Jeongguk laughs, a deep, genuine sound that vibrates warmly through the phone. “Definitely. I’m sure they hate us. Good thing I own the place I work at, and you’re a literal angel, so you manage to make up for all of these not-work-related chats.”
“You have a point,” Jimin responds, biting back a grin at the flattery.
After that, their conversation unfolds with ease, as they weave in teasing remarks about their distracted workdays and shared jokes born from late-night calls and revered moments during dates. Each word pulses with unspoken promise, the faint spark of plans crackling between them.
Jimin’s smile widens, and he spins in his chair aimlessly. “So, what’s the plan for after work?”
“Depends,” Jeongguk says, voice dipping into that delicious, confident tone that always makes Jimin’s pulse quicken. “If you want me to come to your place, you’ve got to promise to keep distracting me just like last time.”
“Oh, easy. I hear I’m plenty distracting. So much so that my boyfriend talks to me while he’s supposed to be working,” Jimin shoots back, laughter bubbling up softly.
He freezes after processing what he said. His smile falls as his face morphs into an expression of shock.
Boyfriend.
They haven’t labeled it yet, despite being exclusive for the past several weeks. Unsure what to say, Jimin’s face flushes and he sputters, “Um, I mean…”
Jeongguk is quiet on the other side of the line, and then, “It… sounds like your boyfriend likes you a lot.”
Breath catching, Jimin’s heart hammers in his chest, and it takes a lot of effort to speak through the grin on his face. “Yeah, I… I think he does—probably almost as much as I like him.”
Jeongguk’s chuckle warms Jimin’s ear, a soothing contrast to the day’s stress and any anxiousness he might’ve felt. “Good. Because I don’t think I’m ready to let you go anytime soon.”
Their voices slow and their words soften, and the call stretches into a cherished moment that neither wants to end. The sound of Jeongguk’s breathing, steady and close, fills Jimin’s ear like a private lullaby. They say everything that’s on their mind, and set a time for the black-haired man to show up at Jimin’s house later on.
“Alright,” Jeongguk eventually says, dragging a sigh out like he doesn’t want to say what he’s about to say, “I’ve got to get back to work, but text me. I want to hear about every little thing you get up to until I get to see you later.”
Jimin’s heart flutters with anticipation and affection. “Okay. You’ll do the same?”
The smile in Jeongguk’s voice is unmistakable, tender, and full of promise. “Happily.”
“Okay. Bye, Jeongguk.”
“Bye, angel.”
Jimin’s grin feels contagious.
They hang up after that, but the lingering warmth of the call stays wrapped around Jimin like a soft blanket.
He already knows this is just the beginning of everything.
fin.