Chapter Text
Jungkook huffs as he hurries into the cafe where he and his friends always have lunch together. Despite their very different class schedule at university, they all have a break around noon, and they’ve made a promise to each other to always eat together.
His brothers, Seokjin and Yoongi, and Seokjin’s boyfriend, Namjoon, are already seated at their usual table. Namjoon has his nose buried in whatever book he is currently reading, while Seokjin is absentmindedly playing a game on his phone as he pops grapes into his mouth. Yoongi has his hood pulled over his head with his face buried in the bend of his arm, a clear sign that he is taking one of his many naps of the day.
Jungkook quickly buys some food before he walks over and sits across from Seokjin, shrugging his backpack off of his shoulders and letting it drop to the ground.
“Hi, Kookie,” Seokjin says without lifting his eyes from his game.
Jungkook shoves a bite of chicken in his mouth. “Hi, hyungs.”
Seokjin looks at him then, raising an eyebrow at the way Jungkook is shoveling food into his mouth. “You know, you actually have to chew if you want to taste your food.”
Jungkook scrunches his nose at him before swallowing the bite of food so he can stick his tongue out at him. Seokjin kicks him under the table, making Jungkook jump and hit his knee on the bottom of the table.
“Ow!”
Namjoon looks over the top of his book to watch the brothers in fond amusement.
Hoseok joins them a few moments later, sitting beside Yoongi before reaching over to steal one of Jungkook’s fries. He hums happily despite Jungkook’s glare, and then looks down fondly at his napping boyfriend, snapping a picture on his phone.
“Hyungs!” Jungkook looks over his shoulder to see Jimin hurrying toward them, eyes wide and cheeks flushed with excitement. He pauses, looking down at Jungkook. “And Jungkook.”
Jungkook scowls at him, making Jimin laugh as he drops into the seat beside him. He steals a fry off of Jungkook’s plate before turning to lean across the table and nudge Yoongi to wake him up.
Yoongi lifts his head with a glare, but Jimin is unfazed.
“I passed the audition!” Jimin announces, unable to contain himself any longer. “I’m going to be in the winter musical.”
“That’s amazing, Jimin!” Seokjin exclaims while everyone cheers in congratulations, earning a few looks from other people seated in the cafe.
“I knew you’d get it,” Jungkook says, giving his roommate’s shoulder a squeeze. “You’ve been rehearsing like crazy. You’ve earned this.”
“What are we all cheering for?”
Jungkook clamps his mouth shut, a soft blush decorating his cheeks at the familiar deep voice. Taehyung has arrived, a beanie pulled over his hair and a stray streak of gray paint on his left cheek. Jimin gives Jungkook a knowing look, sliding down one chair so that Taehyung can sit beside him.
“Jimin was just telling us that he got the part in the spring musical,” Seokjin says, gesturing toward Jimin even as he glances between Jungkook and Taehyung with a teasing glint in his eyes.
“That’s awesome, Jiminie!” Taehyung says warmly. He then turns to steal a fry off of Jungkook’s plate, and Jungkook throws his arms up in exasperation.
“Why do people keep stealing my fries?!”
“Because you’re too sweet to stop anyone,” Taehyung replies with a grin as he takes another one.
Jungkook blushes again before swatting his hand away. “Am not. You have paint on your face, by the way.”
“Where?”
“Um, there,” Jungkook says. He clears his throat awkwardly before reaching up to poke the spot on Taehyung’s cheek.
Taehyung reaches up to touch the spot, their hands bumping as he does. Jungkook’s heart flutters in his chest.
“I must have gotten a little carried away in my life painting class,” Taehyung chuckles before shrugging, not bothering to try to wipe the paint away. It’s dried to his skin, so he won’t be able to get it off easily anyway.
Jungkook lowers his hand as Jimin starts talking again, regaining everyone’s attention.
“Opening night is April fourteenth,” he says before giving them all a serious look. “Mark your calendars because you’re all coming.”
“Does Kunwoo like when you’re this bossy?” Hoseok teases even as he adds the play into his calendar on his phone.
Jimin smirks at the mention of his boyfriend. “He loves it.”
Yoongi pretends to gag.
Hoseok snickers at him. “Don’t act like you don’t like being bossed around.”
“Hoseok!” Yoongi exclaims, looking at him in betrayal.
Namjoon smiles even as he keeps his eyes on the page of his book. “Seokjin likes it, too.”
Seokjin takes it better than Yoongi, turning to look at his boyfriend with a smug expression. “So do you.”
Jungkook grimaces. “That is something I did not need to know about my brothers.”
Everyone bursts out into laughter.
Taehyung steals another fry off of his plate. “Kookie, you’re still coming with me to the gallery tonight, right?”
“Of course,” Jungkook says without missing a beat.
“Awesome,” Taehyung replies. “I’ll pick you up at seven?”
Jungkook nods, probably a little too excessively. Taehyung hops up from his chair, stealing a few more fries before slinging his backpack over his shoulder.
“I have to go,” he says. “A new student is transferring into the art program, and one of my professors asked me to show them around. See ya later.”
He flashes his boxy smile and waves to them all before hurrying out of the cafe. Jungkook watches him go, resting his chin in his palm and sighing wistfully.
“That kind of sounded like a date,” Seokjin says, snapping him out of it.
Jungkook startles, turning away from watching Taehyung leave to find everyone looking at him in amusement. “What — it’s — I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
Seokjin raises an eyebrow. “You two are going to an art gallery together .”
“We go to galleries together all the time.”
“But he’s picking you up .”
“He always picks me up,” Jungkook says.
Seokjin throws his hands up in exasperation. “Come on! Are you really trying to convince us that you don’t have any feelings for him?”
Jungkook’s cheeks burn. “No. But he doesn’t have any feelings for me . Not like that .”
“Are you kidding?” Jimin exclaims. “You’re the only one he ever asks to go to galleries with him. You guys basically spend all your free time together. You and I live together, but half the time you stay at his place.”
“Yeah, because we’re friends .”
Yoongi leans forward, his expression softer. “But you do like him, don’t you?”
Jungkook sighs, pouting his lips a little. “Yeah. I do. Is it that obvious?”
“Kind of,” Hoseok admits, his smile gentle. “But if you ask me, I think he feels the same way. He might not be as obvious about it, but he sure seems to like you an awful lot.”
Jungkook shifts in his seat. “But what if he doesn’t? What if I confess my feelings, and he doesn’t feel the same way? That’ll ruin everything. I can’t risk that.”
“So… you’re just going to spend the rest of your life pining over him?” Seokjin asks, raising an eyebrow. “That’s not fair to yourself, Kookie.”
Jungkook nibbles on his bottom lip.
Namjoon closes his book and looks at him. “Taehyung is a good guy. You know that better than anyone. Even if he doesn’t feel the same way and you tell him, I don’t think it’ll ruin your friendship. You both care about each other too much to let that happen. The worst thing that could happen is that he says no, and then you finally get closure on your own feelings and can move on, can just be friends like you are now. Isn’t it worth the risk? Because what if he does feel the same way as you, but both of you are too scared to confess?”
Jungkook shoves a handful of fries into his mouth to avoid answering.
—
Jungkook fixes his hair one last time before pulling his coat on and hurrying out of the apartment and down the stairs to where Taehyung is waiting in the parking lot.
Taehyung grins at him as Jungkook climbs into the passenger seat, waiting for him to put his seatbelt on before he starts to drive.
“I’ve heard really good things about this gallery,” he says. “The artist does a lot of abstract works and uses dark tones. I think you’ll really like it.”
Jungkook feels warm at the idea that the art had reminded Taehyung of him. Taehyung turns the radio up a bit, and Jungkook gets lost in the comfort of singing along to songs with him, both of them laughing at their ridiculous attempts to hit high notes.
Spending time with Taehyung is always easy. Natural . Jungkook feels like he’s exactly where he is supposed to be when he’s by Taehyung’s side. He glances over at him, appreciating the way the sunlight of the setting sun filters through the windshield and dances across his golden skin. Taehyung is smiling as he sings, his lips shaped in the boxy-smile that happens when he’s truly happy.
He never wants Taehyung to stop smiling like that.
Taehyung was right about the paintings. Jungkook is drawn to them as soon as they walk inside, and the two of them make their way through the gallery at a slow pace, taking moments at each painting to appreciate and discuss. They are about halfway through when someone approaches them.
Taehyung greets the boy enthusiastically. Jungkook remains quiet as he watches the two of them hug. The boy is taller than them both, dressed in all black with his hair styled neatly. His eyes are kind as he steps back from Taehyung to smile politely at Jungkook.
“Jungkook, this is Yunho,” Taehyung introduces. “He’s the new student who transferred into the art program that I was telling you about.”
“Nice to meet you,” Yunho says, dipping his head a little.
Jungkook smiles and is about to greet him back when Taehyung continues.
“He’s brilliant, ” he says as he places his hand on Yunho’s upper arm. “He’s going to give me a run for top spot in the program.”
Yunho blushes and shakes his head as he looks at Taehyung. “No way! If anyone is brilliant, it’s you. I saw the piece that you submitted to the Seoul Art Festival. It was inspiring. Your point of view and the way you used your paint strokes as a symbol for your emotions, I was blown away.”
Jungkook glances between the two of them as they continue to gush to each other. He forces himself to keep his lips in a polite smile, but internally, his heart is clenching. There’s no denying the way Taehyung is looking at Yunho, or the way that Yunho is blushing at everything Taehyung says.
Yunho stays with them for the rest of the gallery. Jungkook tries not to dislike him — it’s nearly impossible to anyway because Yunho is genuinely nice , but he’s also standing so close to Taehyung and has knowledge of the artist whose works they are seeing, so the two of them have in-depth conversations at every painting while Jungkook stands with them, saying less and less at each painting they look at.
Once they’ve looked at every painting, Yunho gestures over his shoulder toward the door as he smiles at both of them. “I was thinking of grabbing a bite to eat at the diner down the street. Do you two want to come?”
Taehyung turns to look at Jungkook, who stiffens a little. He’s feeling socially drained at this point, and although normally he would never turn down a chance to get dinner with Taehyung, he’s starting to feel like a third wheel and fears it will only get worse if he gets dinner with the two of them.
“You two go ahead,” he says. “I need to do some work on a project.”
“What’s your major?” Yunho asks curiously.
“Film,” Jungkook replies.
Yunho nods in appreciation. “That’s awesome.”
“Kookie is incredible,” Taehyung says, throwing his arm over Jungkook’s shoulders. “He’s going to be a big time director some day.”
Jungkook blushes, elbowing Taehyung playfully in the side.
Taehyung looks at him. “Are you sure you don’t want to come?”
“Yeah,” Jungkook says. “I really do have to do some work.” It isn’t necessarily a lie. He does have a project to work on, but it doesn’t technically need to be done tonight. “I can just take the subway home.”
“Absolutely not,” Taehyung argues, shaking his head. “I’ll drop you off.” He looks back at Yunho. “You go ahead and get us a table. I’ll drop Jungkook off and then meet you there.”
“Okay,” Yunho says. He looks at Jungkook. “It was nice meeting you.” And then he’s gone, walking out of the gallery.
Jungkook doesn’t miss the way Taehyung watches him leave.
The drive home is a little quieter. They don’t blast music. Instead, Taehyung talks. He talks about the art, he talks about his favorite paintings they looked at, and he talks about Yunho.
Brilliant, talented Yunho.
When Taehyung pulls up in front of Jungkook’s apartment building, Jungkook turns toward him. He’s going to tell him. He has to.
“Tae?”
Taehyung looks at him, and Jungkook’s breath catches in his throat. The moonlight filtering in through the window illuminates his features, making him glow like he’s something ethereal. He’s so god damn beautiful.
“What’s up, Kookie?”
His confession dies on his lips, and instead he forces himself to smile and say, “Thanks for inviting me tonight. I really liked it.”
“Of course,” Taehyung replies without missing a beat. “Are you sure you don’t want to come to dinner?”
“Yeah, I’m good.” He unbuckles and reaches for the door handle. “Thanks for the ride home.”
Taehyung blows him a kiss, and Jungkook blushes as he scrambles out of the car. When he gets upstairs, he steps into his apartment to find Jimin and his boyfriend, Kunwoo, on the couch watching a movie.
“Hey!” Jimin calls out as Jungkook kicks off his shoes. He pauses the movie. “How was the gallery?”
“Fine.”
Jimin raises an eyebrow, watching as Jungkook disappears into the kitchen without another word. Normally, Jungkook gushes about the art and Taehyung for at least thirty minutes when he gets back from a gallery.
Jimin and Kunwoo share a look before Kunwoo gestures for Jimin to go after him. Jimin kisses his cheek before pushing himself up from the couch to follow after Jungkook.
He finds him pulling some instant ramen out of the cupboard.
“What’s wrong?”
“Nothing,” Jungkook mumbles.
Jimin crosses his arms, clearly not believing him.
Jungkook sighs, his shoulders deflating. “The new student that Taehyung mentioned at lunch? They’re already really good friends.”
“Okay…” Jimin says slowly, not quite understanding what the problem is yet.
“Like, really good friends,” Jungkook presses.
“Taehyung has always been quick to make friends,” Jimin points out gently.
“Yeah, but you didn’t see them, hyung,” Jungkook whines. “He’s, like, tall and charming, and they both have similar taste in art, and he’s basically perfect for Taehyung. They click so well, I felt like a third wheel the entire time. And I can’t even pretend like I don’t like the guy, because he’s so nice .”
Jimin leans his hip against the counter, pursing his lips as he watches the younger put his cup of ramen into the microwave.
“And now they’re getting dinner together,” Jungkook adds with a frown.
“Taehyung dropped you off and then went to dinner with him?”
Jungkook looks a little sheepish. “I mean… Yunho technically invited both of us.”
“And you didn’t go because…?”
“I felt like a third wheel at the gallery,” Jungkook says. “I didn’t want to feel like that at dinner, too.”
Jimin sighs.
Jungkook looks at him defensively. “You know I’m not good at social stuff sometimes!”
He turns toward the microwave, watching as the timer counts down.
“I know,” Jimin agrees gently, stepping up behind Jungkook to hug him, resting his chin on the taller’s shoulder. “It’s okay, Kookie. Just because Taehyung and this guy get along doesn’t mean anything. They are both in the art program and have similar interests. Of course they’re going to get along. It doesn’t mean that anything is going to happen between them.”
He turns Jungkook around to face him, placing his hands on his shoulders.
“ But ,” he says as he smiles a little. “Nothing is ever going to happen between you and Tae either if you don’t tell him how you feel. I love Taehyung, but you and I both know that he is very oblivious to these kinds of things. He’s not going to figure it out on his own.”
Jungkook pouts even more. “Every time I try to tell him, it’s like the words just get stuck in my throat. And what if he doesn’t feel the same way? That’ll be so humiliating.I won’t be able to face him ever again.”
“If he doesn’t feel the same way, it will suck,” Jimin agrees softly. “But I think that is a pretty big if. I really do think he feels the same way. However, if he doesn’t, it will suck for a little bit. It’ll be awkward, and then you guys will move past it. Your friendship is stronger than anything, Kookie.”
After a moment, Jungkook nods.
“Putting it all out there, even if he says no, is better than never knowing at all,” Jimin adds gently.
“You’re right,” Jungkook says, even though his chest still flutters with a bit of fear. He takes a deep breath. “I’m going to tell him.”
Jimin smiles widely. “Yeah?”
Jungkook nods again. “Yeah. On Friday. He stays late in the studio on Fridays, and I always take him some McDonalds. I’ll tell him then.”
Jimin claps in excitement. “YAY! How are you going to do it? Flowers? Chocolates?”
Jungkook grimaces. “I was just thinking of bringing the usual McDonalds and… telling him?”
Jimin sighs in disappointment. “How romantic.”
“Shut up,” Jungkook mumbles, shoving him away.
Jimin laughs as he starts walking toward the doorway, ready to return to Kunwoo and the movie they are watching. “You should talk to Yoongi and Seokjin. They somehow managed to get Hoseok and Namjoon to date them. They can probably give you some romantic advice.”
Jungkook’s cheeks burn. “They are going to tease me.”
Jimin shrugs in amusement. “It’s what brothers do.”
Jungkook sighs and pulls out his phone.
Jungkook:
hyungs
I need to talk to you about something
Yoongi:
what’s up?
Seokjin:
is everything okay?
Jungkook:
everything's fine
I...um…
Seokjin:
👀
Jungkook:
you have to swear not to tease me
Yoongi:
okay
Seokjin:
idk if I can promise that
Yoongi:
Seokjin.
Seokjin:
fine, fine.
I promise, Kookie.
Jungkook:
I’m going to confess to Taehyung, and I want it to be special, but not cringey.
I’m going to tell him on Friday when I go to visit him at his studio.
I usually just take him McDonalds and hang out, and I was just gonna do that
and tell him, but Jimin says that’s not very romantic…
Yoongi:
it’s not necessarily romantic, but it’s what you and Taehyung like.
It’s something you guys do together every week. I’d say that’s kind of special
Seokjin:
hmmm
Jungkook:
how did you ask Namjoon out?
Seokjin:
I didn’t. He asked me. Kind of.
Yoongi:
they met at a poetry slam that Seokjin accidentally showed up at.
After Namjoon read his poem, Seokjin told him he thought it was hot,
and then they hooked up in a closet.
Seokjin:
thanks Yoongi
Yoongi:
anytime
Jungkook:
this is not helping me at all
Seokjin:
kookie, you just have to do what you think is right for you and Taehyung.
If McDonalds and hanging out at the studio is when you want to do it,
then do it then. Like Yoongi said, it’s something you guys do together.
It’s special to you two
Yoongi:
Jimin is a hopeless romantic. Don’t listen to him
Seokjin:
ooh you could do something cute like put ketchup in the shape of a heart on his burger!!!
Jungkook:
absolutely not
Seokjin:
sigh
Yoongi:
he literally said he doesn’t want it to be cringey
Seokjin:
shut up, I’ve seen you make Hobi pancakes in the shape of a heart
Yoongi:
and they were DELICIOUS
Jungkook:
thanks you both have been so much help 😑
Seokjin:
you’re welcome
--
Jungkook grips the McDonalds bag tightly as he steps inside the art building on campus. His heart feels like it is going to beat right out of his chest, a sensation that has been with him all day. He didn’t get any sleep the night before, his mind running wild with thoughts of Taehyung and finally confessing his feelings.
He makes his way to the stairs. The building is one of the oldest ones on campus, so there’s no elevator. He takes each step slowly, running over the lines he has planned to say over and over in his head.
When he gets to the studio, the door is only open a crack. He doesn’t bother knocking. He always comes at this time. Taehyung will be expecting him, and any other students who use the space at this time have gotten used to his visits.
He pushes the door open with his shoulder, grinning as he announces, “Tae, I come with fries and—”
He freezes in his steps and his smile drops when he sees Taehyung. He’s standing with Yunho, the two of them so close to each other that their chests are nearly touching, and it looks like Yunho had been leaning down. He quickly steps back when he sees Jungkook, though, clearing his throat awkwardly as a blush dusts his cheeks.
Taehyung appears flustered as he looks at Jungkook. “What are you doing here?”
Jungkook blinks. “It’s… it’s Friday. I always bring you McDonald’s on Fridays.”
“I texted you,” Taehyung says stiffly. “I said that I was too busy for that today.”
Jungkook frowns. He didn’t see the text. He glances between Taehyung and Yunho. “Busy?”
Yunho shifts from foot to foot. “I’m going to run to the cafe next door for a drink.”
He walks out quickly, giving Jungkook an awkward smile as he passes him. Jungkook turns to watch him go before looking back at Taehyung, eyebrows pinched together in confusion.
Taehyung sighs, leaning back against a drawing table with a huff of frustration. “I said I was busy.”
“I didn’t see your text.”
Taehyung nods, but doesn’t say anything more.
Jungkook frowns, growing more confused by the second. “Are you mad at me or something?”
“No,” Taehyung says, but his tone is sharp. “It’s just — Yunho and I were — we — we were having a moment.”
“A moment?” Jungkook echoes, voice small.
“We’ve been flirting since he got here, and he was finally about to kiss me, but you interrupted us!”
“I said I didn’t see the text!” Jungkook exclaims. “Is that why you didn’t want me to come? Because you were going to be busy with him?”
“Yes!”
“But it’s Friday,” Jungkook protests with a frown. “We always hang out here on Fridays. It’s our thing.”
Taehyung raises an eyebrow. “I didn’t think you would care about missing one Friday. It’s not that big of a deal.”
Jungkook’s heart clenches. “I — I wanted… I actually wanted to tell you something,” he says, the words burning his tongue.
He’s suddenly desperate to confess to Taehyung, afraid if he doesn’t, he’ll never get a chance to. This is probably a horrible time to say anything, Taehyung had been about to kiss Yunho, but Jungkook is throwing caution to the wind and taking the leap.
Taehyung still looks annoyed. “Tell me what?”
“I like you,” Jungkook blurts out.
“What?”
“I like you,” he repeats. “I — I’ve felt this way for a while. I look at you, and I know you’re the person I want to be with. Not just as friends. I like you so much more than that—”
“That’s not funny,” Taehyung cuts in.
Jungkook sputters in surprise. “I’m not trying to be funny…”
“You like me?”
“Yes.”
“You like me?”
“ Yes .”
“What the hell, Jungkook,” Taehyung exhales, running a hand through his hair. “I flirted with you for months, for years , and you never reciprocated. And suddenly you see me about to kiss another guy, and now you’re supposedly interested?”
Jungkook looks at him with wide eyes. “What — I am interested in you! Not supposedly . I’ve been so scared to confess to you—”
“Stop,” Taehyung says, gesturing with his hands. “I tried showing you how I felt so many times, and you never showed any signs of feeling the same way.”
“What are you talking about?”
“I took you to movies, to art galleries… I’ve shown you some of my most personal artwork—”
“Because we’re friends! ”
Taehyung tugs at his hair in frustration. “I didn’t ask you to do those things as my friend!”
“Wait, just hold on,” Jungkook exclaims, shaking his head a little in disbelief. “Why are we even fighting right now? We both just admitted that we like each other—”
“No,” Taehyung says, his tone much softer now. “I said that I liked you... Jungkook, I got over you. I don’t feel that way anymore.”
Jungkook’s heart drops into his stomach.
“I like Yunho now,” Taehyung continues. “I’m sorry.”
“I…” Jungkook trails off, unable to form words. He sets the McDonalds bag down on a nearby table before starting to walk backwards toward the door. “I — I’m gonna go—”
“Jungkook, wait—”
“No,” Jungkook chokes out. “I need to go.”
“Please wait—”
“I need to go!” Jungkook spins around and hurries out of the studio, shouldering past Yunho when he reaches the lobby.
Yunho pauses, turning to watch him go, balancing three drinks in his hands. He frowns, slightly concerned even though he barely knows the boy, before turning and making his way to the stairs.
Once Jungkook has put some distance between himself and the art building, he stops. He bends over, placing his hands on his knees as he chokes out a sob.
He’s humiliated. And confused .
Taehyung had liked him? Taehyung is over him?
He pulls out his phone.
Jungkook:
Did you know that Taehyung liked me?
Seokjin:
Ahh you confessed?! I told you he felt the same way!
Jungkook:
No.
He /liked/ me. Past tense. Not anymore. Did you know?
Seokjin:
I’m confused…
Jungkook:
I just poured my heart out to Taehyung and he rejected me
He said he liked me for years but I never reciprocated
And now he likes someone else
Seokjin:
Oh, Kookie… I’m so sorry
Jungkook:
Did you know?
Seokjin:
Did I know what?
Jungkook:
Did you know that he liked me before? Is that why you pushed me so hard to confess to him? Why didn’t you fucking tell me sooner?
Yoongi:
Woah, Jungkook, calm down. I’m sorry that he doesn’t feel the same way, but don’t lash out at Seokjin.
Jungkook:
Did either of you know? Just fucking tell me
Seokjin:
I had my suspicions, but I never knew for sure
Kookie, if I had known for sure, of course I would have told you
Yoongi:
Same here
Seokjin:
I’m really sorry, Kookie.
How about you come over? We can order takeout and get drunk.
Jungkook:
No
Yoongi:
Kookie…
Jungkook:
No, I just want to be alone right now
I’m sorry for yelling at you
Just please leave me alone for a bit
Jungkook shoves his phone into his pocket, ignoring it as it vibrates with more notifications. He takes a few more deep breaths before looking around. He’s on the edge of campus now, and he knows just down the street is a few bars and clubs that students frequent.
He glances down at his clothes. He had dressed up a bit today — compared to his usual jeans and oversized hoodie — so he decides he’s presentable enough for a club in his jeans and button-up shirt with his leather jacket.
He starts in the direction of the closest club. He’s ready to drink and forget.
--
Jungkook sits at the bar, sipping on his third drink of the night. Going clubbing seemed like a great idea, and he still plans on drinking as much as he can, but he’s never gone by himself and he feels awkward and a little out of place. He thought about calling Jimin, but he knows that his roommate will just try to talk to him about what happened, and Jungkook just wants to forget . He wants to forget it all.
Someone slides into the seat next to him, leaning forward to get the bartender's attention. He looks at Jungkook before looking back at the bartender and saying, “I’ll have whatever he’s having.”
Jungkook glances over at him. He’s tall, a couple inches taller than him, and he’s dressed in tight black pants and a button-up shirt with the top few buttons undone. He smiles when he catches Jungkook staring.
“Long week?” he asks as his drink is set in front of him.
Jungkook looks back down at his own drink with his lips pinched together. “You could say that.”
“Want to talk about it?”
He looks back at the boy. He’s moved a little closer now, but not too close, keeping a friendly distance. His expression is open, like he’s genuinely curious.
“Not really,” Jungkook mumbles.
“You sure?” the boy asks. “I’m a total stranger. It’s not like I’m going to tell anyone. I’m probably going to drink too much tonight to even remember whatever you tell me.”
The boy smiles at his own words, and Jungkook finds himself smiling back a little.
“I’m Jiwon,” the boy says, gesturing toward himself. “What’s yours?”
Jungkook takes a sip of his drink through the tiny straw. “If I tell you, then we’re not technically strangers anymore.”
Jiwon’s smile grows. “Is that really such a bad thing?”
“I suppose not,” Jungkook hums. He turns more toward Jiwon. “I’m Jungkook.”
“Jungkook,” he repeats, like he likes the way the name feels on his lips. “I like that.”
Jungkook finishes his drink, seeking a little liquid courage. “I confessed my feelings for my best friend. And he rejected me.”
Jiwon exhales slowly. “Shit. That sucks.”
“Yeah,” Jungkook says plainly.
Jiwon signals for another round of drinks without looking away from Jungkook. “Well, Jungkook, if you ask me, that’s his loss.”
“You barely know me.”
“True,” Jiwon admits with a soft laugh. “But I’d like to get to know you.”
“Why?”
“Why not?”
Their drinks are set in front of them.
“What’s your favorite color?” Jiwon asks.
Jungkook cracks a smile. “That’s the line you're going for? Does that usually work for you?”
Jiwon laughs and shoves his shoulder gently. “No line! I genuinely want to know.”
Jungkook narrows his eyes playfully. When Jiwon doesn’t give in, instead continuing to look at him expectantly, he sighs and says, “My favorite color is purple.”
“Solid choice,” Jiwon hums.
“You’re weird,” Jungkook decides.
“Aren’t you going to ask me what my favorite color is?”
Jungkook takes a long sip of his drink before looking at him again. “Fine. What’s your favorite color?”
“Blue.”
Jungkook doesn’t know what to say, feeling a little ridiculous, so he just nods.
Jiwon laughs again before looking at him warmly. “Okay. What about food?”
“Are you just going to keep asking me my favorite things?”
“I told you that I want to get to know you,” Jiwon says, continuing to smile as he defends himself. “Plus, I’m trying to help you forget your shitty week for a little while.”
“At least ask me something interesting,” Jungkook challenges.
“Okay. Are you a student?”
“Yeah.”
“What are you studying?”
“Film.”
Jiwon’s eyes light up with interest. “That’s cool. What do you want to do when you graduate?”
Jungkook blushes a little. “I want to direct. Movies or music videos, I think. I also really like editing, so I’ve thought about going that route.”
“That’s really cool,” Jiwon says. “I bet you’ll be amazing at whatever you decide.”
“How do you know?” Jungkook counters even though he’s smiling. “You’ve never seen anything I’ve done.”
“You should show me sometime.”
Jungkook blushes again.
Jiwon orders them more drinks.
Soon, both are beyond tipsy. The two of them lean against each other as they laugh together and get to know each other.
Jungkook learns that Jiwon is a pre-med student at the university. He’s in his final year of undergrad and will be attending medical school next year. He’s a few years older than Jungkook, and insists on Jungkook calling him hyung. He loves going to the movies in his spare time or trying out new restaurants. He says he’s not very creative or artistic, but insists he can make the best playlists ever. He promises to make one for Jungkook.
At some point, Jiwon asks him to dance. Jungkook definitely has had too much to drink because he agrees without any hesitation, letting Jiwon guide him out into the crowd of people dancing. It’s an upbeat song, and Jungkook laughs the entire time to the point that his cheeks are hurting, because Jiwon is a clumsy drunk, nearly smacking more than one person as he flails around in an attempt to dance.
They both probably look like idiots, but Jungkook doesn’t care, because for the first time in months, he’s not thinking about Taehyung.
They stay until the club closes. They stumble out into the cool air together, still drunkenly laughing about their antics on the dancefloor.
Jungkook pulls out his phone to see a couple mixed calls from Jimin, and several from Seokjin and Yoongi. There’s none from Taehyung.
“Is it your friend?” Jiwon asks curiously.
Jungkook quickly texts the other three to let them know he is fine before he looks at Jiwon. “No. My roommate and brothers. They just were checking in on me.” He scratches the back of his neck, the cool air helping to clear his head a little. “I don’t normally go off like this on my own.”
Jiwon nods in understanding. “Do you have a ride home?”
“I’m going to call an uber.”
“Okay,” Jiwon says. “I’ll wait with you until it gets here.”
“Thanks,” Jungkook says.
He shivers a little at the cold, and Jiwon puts an arm over his shoulders to help keep him warm. Jungkook leans into his touch a little, appreciating the comfort. If he were a little more sober, he probably would have been a little thrown off by the touch, but right now, all he wants is to sleep and Jiwon’s body is the closest thing he has to a warm bed.
“I totally understand if you don’t want to…” Jiwon says slowly, “but could I have your number? Maybe we could get lunch sometime?”
Jungkook hesitates for just a brief moment before taking out his phone and handing it to Jiwon. Jiwon sends a text to himself so he has Jungkook’s number before handing him back his phone. The uber pulls up to the curb, and Jiwon pulls his arm back to instead open the car door for Jungkook.
“Text me when you get home, okay?”
Jungkook blushes. “Okay.”
He climbs into the uber, and Jiwon shuts the door for him, smiling and waving at him through the window. Jungkook waves back, and then watches as he gets smaller and smaller as the uber drives away.
Jungkook:
Just got home
Jiwon:
Good :)
I hope you had a good time
Jungkook:
I did
Thanks hyung
Jiwon:
Anytime :)
Sleep well
When Jungkook wakes, his mouth feels like it’s stuffed with cotton and his head is absolutely pounding. He groans, running a hand over his face before slowly lifting his head. There’s a bottle of water and a few painkillers sitting on his nightstand, reminding him once again that he is so lucky to have Jimin as a roommate.
He swallows the pills and chugs the water bottle before reaching for his phone. There’s some messages from his brothers, which he ignores, not ready to talk to them about Taehyung yet, and a message from Jiwon.
Jiwon:
Morning!
Hope the hangover isn’t too bad?
Jungkook:
Morning :)
It sucks haha
Jiwon:
I’m thinking about going to this diner near campus for some hangover lunch, wanna join?
Jungkook:
Sure, when?
Jiwon:
12:30?
Jungkook:
I’ll be there
Jiwon:
Sweet!
[address attached]
Seokjin:
Kookie, do you want to come over?
I’ll make pancakes
Yoongi:
I’ll come too
We can play video games all day
Jungkook:
Not today, hyungs
I’m getting lunch with a friend
Thanks though
When Jungkook arrives at the diner, Jiwon is already seated at a table by the window. He waves when he sees Jungkook, smiling in a way that makes his dimples appear. Jungkook hurries over and slides into the booth across from him.
Jiwon is sipping on a coffee. “Are you as hungover as I am?”
Jungkook nods and then rests his chin in his palm. “I was hoping the painkillers would have kicked in by now.”
Jiwon signals for the waitress to bring Jungkook some coffee. Jungkook uses the moment to look at Jiwon. Despite being hungover, he looks good, his skin smooth and his hair effortlessly styled. He’s got dark circles under his eyes, likely from the late night and headache that he surely has if he’s even nearly as hungover as Jungkook is, and he’s dressed in a large hoodie and sweatpants.
“I’m glad you decided to meet me,” Jiwon says as he looks back at Jungkook. “I wasn’t really sure if you would.”
Jungkook tilts his head to the side. “Why?”
Jiwon shrugs, looking a little sheepish. “Well, I mean, I guess I wasn’t sure if I was just someone you met at a bar with no intention of seeing again.”
He almost looks sad, and Jungkook quickly leans forward to reassure him. “I had fun last night. You really helped me get my mind off of stuff, and you didn’t let me do anything stupid. I appreciate it. Seriously, hyung.”
“Good,” Jiwon says with a smile.
The waitress walks over to take their order. Jungkook scrambles to open the menu, not having even looked at it yet.
“We’ll both have the french toast,” Jiwon says smoothly to the waitress with a charismatic smile, ordering for both of them. “And a side of fruit for both.”
She writes it down while Jungkook looks at Jiwon owlishly.
“It’s the best french toast I’ve ever had,” Jiwon says as the waitress takes the menus and walks away. “I promise you’ll love it.”
“Okay,” Jungkook says, blinking a few times before running a hand through his hair. His head is still pounding from his headache, but it is slowly getting better with the help of the coffee.
Jiwon’s smile fades a little. “Can I ask you something?”
Jungkook nods.
“The guy you were upset with last night, you said he’s a friend?”
Jungkook’s good mood evaporates and his shoulders slump. “Yeah. He’s… he’s one of my best friends. Although… I guess I don’t know now. I accidentally interrupted a moment between him and this other guy, and he got upset with me. Normally he calls me like twenty minutes after we’ve had an argument, but he hasn’t even texted me…”
“I’m sorry,” Jiwon says with a frown, looking apologetic. “I didn’t mean to make you upset.”
Jungkook hurries to reassure him. “It’s okay. You didn’t do anything.”
“I still feel bad,” Jiwon says. “I shouldn’t have brought it up.”
Jungkook shakes his head. “Really, hyung. It’s okay. You were just being a friend.”
Jiwon nods. He leans forward a little, giving Jungkook a timid smile.
“I just need to know, this guy that rejected you… do you love him? Because I… I think I might really like you , Jungkook. Like… as more than a friend. I get that you might not be ready for anything right now and I respect that, but I also don’t want to waste my time...”
“No,” Jungkook says quickly, suddenly desperate for Jiwon to stay. It’s almost painful how easily the lie slips through his lips. But this is the first step to moving on. “I didn’t love him.”
Taehyung doesn’t love him, and eventually, Jungkook can get over his feelings. And maybe… maybe Jiwon will love him, and maybe he can grow to love Jiwon, too.
Jiwon is nice. He’s friendly, and he makes Jungkook laugh. He helped Jungkook forget and have fun when he otherwise would have been miserable.
Maybe Jiwon can help him forget Taehyung completely.