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Our encounter is a mathematical formula

The law of religion, the ways of the universe

-DNA, BTS

Sometimes Jungkook believes that everything happens for a reason. Of course, there are constants in this world, facts of life, givens that are irrefutable, like the earth revolves around the Sun, objects in the mirror may be closer than they appear, everything that goes up must come down. Be that as it may, there are things that Jungkook simply can’t explain away with a formula or theorem.

Another known fact of the universe (or perhaps an inexplainable thing, depending on your perspective): there's no parallel universe, or atom known to humankind, that doesn't recognize he's in love with Kim Seokjin. 

Shocking, you might think. Impossible, actually. Considering the fact that Kim Seokjin is truly out-of-this-world handsome and therefore out of his league doesn’t help things.

Seokjin, with his perfect jawline, perfect lips, perfect voice. His hair even looks soft (and it is, Jungkook has touched it with his own hands, platonically). 

“Jungkook-ah,” Seokjin chides at him, but Jungkook merely sighs internally (has learned to internalize it, many years of crushing on this man have taught him well), chin propped up on his hand as his TA and thesis advisor approaches him with a smirk.

He’s getting close to Jungkook’s desk, so Jungkook peers up at him, still leaning on his hand. 

It all comes crashing down. Literally. Because Seokjin nudges his elbow and his forehead hits the top of his desk, sending the rest of the cohort into soft laughter. Curse Isaac Newton and gravitational forces! He’s suddenly aware of the fact that he’s in class and was caught daydreaming. Again. 

Seokjin sighs and shakes his head. “Thank you, Jungkook, for once more showcasing Newton’s laws at work.” Seokjin turns back to the rest of the class. “Now, if we could get back to the lecture, at least pretend you all care about magnets.”  

Jungkook is blushing furiously and wishing a sinkhole could appear underneath him to take him away or crush him into oblivion. Let him turn to dust so he could join the cosmos or whatever the fuck happens when you perish.

He brings the hood of his jacket up so it can cover his burning ears and takes some notes about whatever Seokjin’s saying for today's Electromagnetism class. 

Jungkook usually pays attention during lectures, but whenever he’s in the same room as Seokjin it’s like he’s learned nothing throughout his academic career. If someone were to place a picture of Albert Einstein or Marie Curie in front of him, his head would be empty, only the lyrics to a cheesy IU song playing in his head.

When class is dismissed and the room is empty, Jungkook dawdles. “I’m sorry, Seokjin-hyung, I should’ve been paying attention.”

Seokjin, sitting on top of his desk, eyes Jungkook. “This is the second time in a row I’ve caught you not paying attention when I cold-call. Usually you’re the first person answering my important questions.”

“Well, one time you were asking whether we should be calling idols ‘stars’ or not, which I don’t think is important to class discussion,” Jungkook retorts.

“It was important at the time,” Seokjin exclaims. “Don’t question my teaching methods!”

Jungkook smiles. It’s easy, teasing like this. They weren’t always friends. In fact, Jungkook had initially insisted on NOT being friends, seeing as Jungkook was a first-year undergrad in the Physics department and Seokjin his cool TA when they first met. He wanted some space between his crush and him. Instead, Seokjin decided to take him under his wing and essentially adopt him. It’s been great in terms of networking, figuring out his next steps as an academic, helping him socialize with peers. Terrible in terms of the still-present crush.

He’s tried to reason with his dumb brain (which isn’t actually dumb, he’s in the middle of his PhD studies, but degrees don’t mean he makes great decisions), that Seokjin sees him like a little brother, as someone to mentor, nothing else. Not to mention the fact that Seokjin has been in a committed relationship for seven years with a stoic yet almost equally chaotic music producer named Min Yoongi (he hides the chaos better than Seokjin). 

Again, impossible. Jungkook’s considering changing his thesis topic to REASONS WHY JUNGKOOK IS HOPELESS IN THE ROMANCE DEPARTMENT. It would probably go over well with his advisors, right?

“So,” Seokjin says, abruptly changing the subject. “Are you free this Saturday? Yoongi’s barbecuing because he’s finished this new album, plus it’s supposed to be nice out. I, of course, will be reigning over my vast kingdom—“

“You can just say the living room—“

“MY VAST KINGDOM, which includes challenging anyone who dares through the art of Just Dance and the ferocity of a race through Mario Kart.”

Jungkook should say no, that he has research to do, or even that he’s gonna play video games by himself (which is what he actually does during the weekends). Instead, he gives a long-suffering sigh. “Do you need me to bring anything?”

“Your presence and some alcohol would be nice,” Seokjin says with a grin.

“Fine,” Jungkook gives in easily. “Just send me the time and I’ll be there.”

“Great!” Seokjin says, jumping off the desk and shouldering his laptop bag. “Can’t wait! See you soon, Jungkook-ah, remember to check out that paper I emailed you.”

“Stop sending me more homework,” Jungkook says to Seokjin’s broad back.

Seokjin turns around, arms wide as students bustle around him in the hallway, still walking backwards. “It’s literally my job!”

“Well, stop it,” Jungkook yells. "I'm gonna report you!"

Seokjin keeps walking, waving away Jungkook’s complaints. Other students stare at Seokjin and he politely bows his head to some he recognizes from his classes. As soon as they’re out of Seokjin's line of sight, the undergrads swoon and giggle with their friends.

Jungkook starts striding out of the Physics building with an obvious smile on his face. Yep, he fully understands the swoons.

The day of the barbecue, Jungkook wakes up wishing for rain so he could have an excuse to not attend. Instead, rays of Earth’s one and only sun rudely let him know he needs to get ready for torture. He goes through his weekend routine of going to the gym and eating in front of the TV while watching whatever's on, and all of a sudden it's time to take a shower in order to attend this cursed party.

He takes his time getting ready, dragging his feet as he dresses in fashionably ripped jeans and a tasteful short-sleeved button-up shirt with a graphic design on it. He stands in front of his full-length mirror, buttoning and unbuttoning at the collar, whether he should show off skin or not. Who would he be showing off to, anyway? 

He received a text from Jimin the night before asking if he was going as well, so at least he has a friend there, in case Seokjin’s too busy being domestic with Yoongi (or his Nintendo Switch). 

He decides, fuck it, and leaves three buttons undone. He wears a delicate silver chain underneath and wears all his piercings. He’s been told he doesn’t look like a typical physics PhD student many times, but he actually dials it down during weekdays, wearing only some earrings and covering most of his tattoos with shapeless hoodies and oversized sweatshirts. Now, his eyebrow, lip, and full set of earrings are out as well as the sleeve of tattoos. He looks hot, even styles his hair off his forehead instead of letting it fall limply over his face. He steps into chunky black sneakers, pocketing his wallet and phone.

Jungkook hitches a tote bag onto his shoulder with a couple of bottles of soju he’d picked up that week when he was still debating whether or not to pop into the gathering for a couple of hours, deciding that even if he decides to not go, he could keep the bottles for himself.

Before leaving, he takes a deep breath, taking a mental look at his expectations. He will not flirt with Seokjin, because Seokjin never flirts back and is in fact taken. Seokjin is essentially married, and though Jungkook would have no problem becoming the ham in Yoongi and Seokjin’s metaphorical relationship sandwich, this is not what’s going to happen. He’s gonna go there, eat some of Yoongi’s delicious lamb skewers, maybe mingle a bit, and come back to his empty apartment. 

Jungkook exhales and nods to himself, locking the door and making his way to the humble secondhand sedan in the parking garage. It’s a short trip from Jungkook’s place near campus to Seokjin and Yoongi’s home farther outside of the city in a more expensive area. As in, they have a backyard in the middle of the city, whereas Jungkook doesn’t even have a balcony in his apartment.

He has to park on the street a few blocks away, not really minding the walk. He spots Jimin’s car closer to the house, so at least he won’t be left to his devices and useless pining.

He presses the doorbell, not giving himself enough time to hesitate at the fine black door. 

Inside, a voice calls out: “Coming!” In a few seconds the door’s wrenched open.

“Hi,” a tall man with short-cropped black hair and strong shoulders breathes out, almost like he’d run out of breath to receive Jungkook. “You're here for Yoongi-hyung's thing?" At Jungkook's nod, he waves him in. "Come in, hyung's just busy.”

Jungkook gives a small smile that the man reciprocates, stepping inside the home. It’s not Jungkook’s first time there since Seokjin loves hosting dinners for the graduate cohort and mentees, so Jungkook at least knows where to place his shoes.

“I’m Namjoon,” the man says, offering Jungkook his hand. 

Jungkook stares at the big hand for a second before shaking it with his own. “Jungkook. Are you a friend of Yoongi-hyung?” he asks as they walk further into the house. 

Namjoon gives Jungkook a funny look before laughing. “I guess so? We did grow up together.”

In the living room, Seokjin is in the middle of dancing to a Pitbull song with Taehyung, Jimin’s boyfriend. He waves at Jungkook.

“I’m winning, Jungkook-ah! These peasants can’t beat the king,” Seokjin boasts while waving his controller around in what's supposed to be a dance move.

Jungkook gives him a thumbs up. 

“I can’t believe he’s like this even when he has co-workers over,” Namjoon says next to Jungkook with a touch of embarrassment.

Jungkook giggles. “He’s like this everywhere, even in class.”

Then, Seokjin starts cheering as the points are tallied and he’s crowned the winner of that round, much to Taehyung’s pouting. Seokjin walks towards Jungkook with a bright smile and brings him into a hug.  

“My favorite dongsaeng, so glad you could make it!”

Jungkook pats Seokjin’s shoulders in what he hopes is a bro-type way. “I think you’d have disowned me or something if I didn’t make an appearance.”

Seokjin separates himself from Jungkook. “Correct, to whom will I leave my many USB drives full of research papers I’ll never read?” 

“Even in death you’ll leave me homework, hyung?” Jungkook says, faking a punch to his arm.

“The laws of thermodynamics dictate that I shall haunt you forever,” Seokjin says with a dismissive wave, and turns to Namjoon, who’s been watching this exchange with a strange look on his face, hands in his pockets and swaying in his feet. “Namjoon-ah, I see you’ve met Jungkook. I hope he’s shown how well I’ve raised him.”

Namjoon scratches the back of his head. “He just got here and we’ve barely spoken, hyung—”

Seokjin cuts him off: “Jungkook, please entertain my brother. He’s spent far too much time locked in hermetically sealed rooms and doesn’t get enough fresh air.”

Brother? Jungkook doesn’t mask the surprise in his face. Seokjin has never mentioned a brother, and in all the dinners and meetings they’ve had, the existence of Namjoon has somehow never come up. 

“Did you bring soju?” Seokjin asks Jungkook and he gestures vaguely at his tote bag in confirmation. “Ah, great! Yoongi’s outside but he can tell you where to store the bottles.” He turns back to the living room, where Jimin’s been teasingly consoling Taehyung after being defeated in the dance battle. “Taehyung-ah, want a rematch?”

Effectively having been dismissed, Jungkook gives a strained grimace to Namjoon, who shrugs like he’s used to everything that happened. Namjoon nods at Jungkook in a way that lets him know he can bring him to Yoongi, so they can make their way to the backyard.

“Sorry, Namjoon-ssi. I wasn’t aware you were hyung’s brother,” Jungkook says, trying for a light tone when he truly wants to know why he's never known of his existence.

“It’s fine,” Namjoon smiles. “I doubt conversations amongst scientists tend to veer into the existence of an elusive museum curator brother.”

“Still, it would've been cool. Is that what you do?” Jungkook asks politely.

“Yeah, I work at the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, but I also teach a few classes at the university. Art history and physics just don’t have much crossover, sorry to say,” Namjoon says with a playful smile. 

Though Jungkook can see some resemblances in their dry humor, Namjoon already seems much mellower than his older brother. There's less chaotic energy emanating off him.

“Ah, I don’t know, I think we could find things in common between the two,” Jungkook says.

At that, Yoongi spots them approaching and leaves the skewers at the grill to greet Jungkook. “Did you find your way here okay?” Yoongi asks. Where he usually dresses in dark clothing and long sleeves, Yoongi is sporting a neon pink t-shirt, some black basketball shorts, Adidas sandals with long white socks, and a baseball hat that hides his platinum blonde hair. 

Jungkook assures him that there was basically no traffic on his way there, and offers the soju. Yoongi takes the tote bag from Jungkook, saying that Seokjin shouldn’t have made him get drinks when they already had enough, but he’s still grateful.

“I see you’ve met Namjoon-ah,” Yoongi says. Jungkook nods, studying the man still standing there and appearing bashful in his flowy brown cotton pants and white button-up shirt rolled up to his elbows.

“Namjoon-ssi mentioned you grew up together,” Jungkook says, which makes Namjoon blush slightly.

Yoongi chuckles. “Namjoon-ah, did I mean nothing to you?”

“Ah, hyung, stop,” Namjoon complains.

Jungkook frowns in confusion until Yoongi stops teasing. “We dated when we were teens until we realized we were much better as friends and colleagues. He used to write music, and he was really good at it too. Now he prefers to wax poetic about paintings and the importance of spotlighting Korean history and culture.”

Jungkook lets out a sound of understanding. Namjoon looks kinda cute when he’s embarrassed, staring at his feet with a grimace and doing nothing to hide his dimple. 

“Yeah, I used to think Yoongi-hyung was a genius but then he fell in love with my older brother, so it really made me reconsider his taste in men,” Namjoon teases.

At that, Jungkook lets out an unattractive snort of laughter. 

“The genes were just too good,” Yoongi says and Jungkook mentally agrees. “I’m gonna put these in the fridge,” he shakes the bottles in the tote bag. “Thanks, Jungkook. Please get some food over there.” Yoongi points at a table with assorted fruits as well as grilled meat and banchan.  

“Have you eaten anything?” Namjoon asks Jungkook. "I know you just got here but—"

“No, lead the way,” Jungkook says.

They make their way to the food and refreshments, picking up plates. At a certain moment, once their plates are full, they stare at each other and don’t know where to sit down. There’s people from the graduate cohort as well as some of Yoongi’s coworkers. Jungkook considers going back inside and risk the chaos of Seokjin, Jimin, and Taehyung all in one room, but he wants to eat his food in relative peace.

“Do you want to sit together?” Namjoon asks, interrupting Jungkook's thoughts. “I don’t really know anyone except Yoongi-hyung and my brother.”

Jungkook doesn't really understand why Namjoon would want to sit with him, but he easily acquiesces, deciding to sit side by side on lawn chairs. They're not far away from the people mingling by the patio's pergola.

Once settled in his seat, Jungkook inclines the neck of his beer bottle towards Namjoon. “Cheers,” Jungkook says.

Namjoon clinks their bottles together and they both take long swigs. 

“Is this whole thing weird for you, Namjoon-ssi?” Jungkook asks, nibbling on a piece of lamb meat.

“A little bit,” Namjoon says. “Being the artsy black sheep of the family does that, but I also like to think I’ve absorbed some scientific knowledge along the way that allows me to survive in case of emergencies. Seokjin-hyung just spares me the awkward conversations. He doesn’t like it when things get awkward, so he avoids inviting me to things. I'm here today at Yoongi-hyung's insistence.”

“Sometimes Seokjin-hyung takes things too lightly, but I don’t mind awkward silences,” Jungkook says, weirdly candid. “It just means things can only get better from there. I don't think it's fair of hyung to keep you away from us.”

Namjoon hums while chewing. “Are you a grad student as well?”

“I’m a PhD student but I’ve known hyung since he was my TA my freshman year of undergrad. Encouraged me to not become a full hermit back then, now calls me out in front of everyone when I get lazy and go to lectures in Iron Man pajama pants,” Jungkook smiles. “I also TA some sections of Physics for Engineers and help marking exams for big lecture classes when I’m not doing research.”

“What are you researching?” Namjoon asks.

Jungkook looks at him with a raised eyebrow. “You just said you avoid science conversations. You sure you wanna hear about my studies?”

Namjoon rolls his eyes. “I said Seokjin keeps me away from awkward conversations, but I can keep up. Besides, I have a feeling your studies might be interesting.”

“I doubt it, but sure,” Jungkook says with a little smile. “To put it simple, I study how rings around planets are formed.”

“Like Saturn's rings.”

“Yes,” Jungkook says, expecting to end the conversation there, but then Namjoon is still gazing at him with an interested look that makes Jungkook flush slightly. “Okay, so we can observe Saturn’s rings and study them and know they’re made up of space debris and ice, because it’s the planet with the clearest rings and Galileo did so much for us, bless him. I study exoplanets and their rings and try to replicate how they were formed through math and computer programs.”

“That’s cool,” Namjoon says with a genuine smile. “Do you have to code the program yourself?”

“Yeah,” Jungkook proudly says. “I’m still working on the code and testing different programs, but my mentors are helpful.”

“You look like the kind of guy who’ll learn a new coding language over a weekend just for fun,” Namjoon says with a suspicious glint in his eyes.

“I learned Python over a weekend, Namjoon-ssi, I’m serious about coding languages,” Jungkook says with a straight face and when Namjoon starts looking apologetic he giggles. “I’m joking. I mean, it’s true, but I’m teasing.”

Namjoon takes another swig of beer, he’s staring at Jungkook.

“What?” Jungkook asks, feeling self-conscious. “Do I have sauce on my face?”

Namjoon shakes his head, though his eyes stay on Jungkook’s lip piercing. “Nothing, I just didn’t imagine this conversation when I opened the door.”

“Do I look like a bad boy that Seokjin-hyung adopted and decided to reform?” Jungkook jokes.

“Yes, if I’m honest,” Namjoon laughs. "But you’re cute. So it cancels out the badass vibes.”

Jungkook groans embarrassed. “I’m gonna get a motorcycle someday, then everyone will see how badass I am.”

“You’re a nerd,” Namjoon teases. "You probably felt some type of way about Pluto not being included with the major planets anymore."

“Things change, such is the way of life, and Pluto still exists," Jungkook says, fully knowing he's now pouting. At Namjoon's cackle, Jungkook fires back: "Well, what do you do? I’m tired of these personal attacks, Namjoon-ssi.”

“You can call me hyung, Jungkook,” Namjoon says with a warm smile.

Jungkook smiles, feeling sweat gathering near his exposed collarbones despite only having half a beer. “Okay, hyung.”

Namjoon nudges him with his elbow and Jungkook busies himself with a piece of watermelon in order to hide his blush.

Namjoon has mercy and continues talking. “I work curating exhibitions for the museum, working with the team to create a cohesive theme and reaching out to archives and other museums to loan pieces. Pretty boring, which is why I prefer teaching sometimes,” Namjoon shrugs, tapping a rhythm on the neck of the beer bottle.

“Doesn’t sound boring to me,” Jungkook says. “I get nervous teaching, but sometimes I get to do demonstrations which are pretty cool.”

“I like teaching. Some of my students have said I can get long-winded or deviate from the topics, but I can’t help it when I care about the subject being discussed,” Namjoon says sheepishly.

“My evaluations reflect that I get nervous teaching sometimes and that I tend to be soft-spoken during lectures but get excited when I get to be active,” Jungkook says. “It is what it is. They all mostly pass their classes anyway.”

“Do you get students asking for extensions at the literal last minute before their deadline?”

“Yup, usually about lab reports if I’m leading a lab. But I give them until the last day of class to bring me the lab reports. It ends up messing me up if students bring all their lab reports at the last second, but if that’s the way they believe they work best then that’s fine with me. Plus, we don't know what's happening in their lives.”

Namjoon smiles. “You’re too kind to them.”

“Eh, I was a lazy student, you can ask Seokjin, so I understand.”

“Can’t be that lazy if you’re in the PhD program.”

“I learned to correct my wrongs. You probably were the kid sending in assignments a week before they were due.”

“Incorrect,” Namjoon says, glad to correct Jungkook. “Though I did my readings on time, I was also the one waiting until the last minute to send in my assignments. Sure, I had an outline done beforehand, but I find the act of sitting down and doing work so tedious.”

“And now, look at you, museum curator and professor.”

“Wild, right?”

“Sure,” Jungkook says. However, he feels Namjoon has a habit of downplaying his accomplishments and finds himself wanting to learn more about him and what he’s passionate about, eager to befriend him. 

Long after their plates are empty and conversation is casual, Jimin saunters out and joins them for a bit, complaining about Taehyung and Seokjin’s current rivalry. He’d already introduced himself to Namjoon and they begin a comfortable discussion about music. It seems like Namjoon could hold conversations about anything without seeming awkward about it, asking questions when he doesn’t understand something and paying attention to the topics introduced. It's baffling to Jungkook that Seokjin could think Namjoon wouldn't want to be around Jungkook, or any one of their other friends. Jungkook isn't one-dimensional; he can actually talk about things other than research. He doesn't think Seokjin gives Namjoon enough credit.

When Hoseok, one of Yoongi’s friends who works as a choreographer and who Jungkook met one time at a bar, joins them, Namjoon talks about the industry and the latest acts. It's seamless, the way Namjoon can float between the different discussions.

It’s very overwhelming for Jungkook, but he can’t stop staring or hanging on to his every word. The sun is starting to set, which means Namjoon, with his golden skin and kind eyes, seems to glow and shine in a way that Jungkook can't help but be drawn to. Namjoon exudes this powerful energy that lets Jungkook know he's way out of his league, physically and intellectually. When he catches himself staring at Namjoon and the way he has different smiles for different people, cataloguing which ones make his dimple appear and which ones don’t, he excuses himself to go to the bathroom.

He walks back into the ample home, decorated with warm tones and white walls that become yellow with the setting sun peeking in through the windows that lead to the backyard. He spies Seokjin loudly playing Mario Kart with a pouty Taehyung and Yoongi passing by with a tray of more food.

“Do you need help with that?” Jungkook asks Yoongi.

“It’s fine, enjoy yourself. But if you want to help, you can join me by the grill.”

“All right, I’ll go to the bathroom and help.”

“You don’t have to, but thank you,” Yoongi says, already out the house.

Once inside the bathroom, Jungkook sits on top of the toilet to catch his breath and washes his hands. He takes a second to splash water on his face and as he's patting himself dry, he looks himself in the eye.

“Do not have a crush on another Kim,” he sternly commands at his own reflection. He gives himself a stink-eye and wags a finger at the mirror in reprimand. Thinking that’s good enough, he throws away the paper and nods. He opens the door only to find himself crashing into Namjoon. 

“Oof,” Jungkook says, rubbing his eye where Namjoon’s chin hit him. 

“Are you okay?” Namjoon says, and all of a sudden there are strong hands on his shoulders, checking him for injuries. “I’m so sorry, Jungkook.”

“It’s okay,” Jungkook says, cheeks burning, needing some distance from Namjoon and his big body. He can't make himself think of big hands and shoulders and big everything at this precise moment.

Namjoon, once certain Jungkook’s okay, caresses his arms and steps back. “Isn’t one of Newton’s laws about this sort of thing?”

Jungkook blinks, all of a sudden forgetting what a science even is. “What?”

“You know, inertia?” Namjoon says, head tilted with a soft smile.

“Oh, yes,” Jungkook says.

They’re quiet, no one else is near this bathroom, and Jungkook’s just staring, feeling something warm settle in his chest. 

Namjoon clears his throat but Jungkook thinks he may have been looking at Jungkook's mouth. “Um, bathroom?”

Jungkook startles. “Yes! Bathroom! Peeing. I gotta— Yoongi-hyung.” He ducks away with finger-guns, luckily avoiding the awkward dance when two people end up trying to walk the same way. 

Namjoon is quietly laughing as he closes the door behind him. Jungkook doesn’t want to think about how foolish he seems.

Instead, he heads straight towards Yoongi. “Hyung, what do you need? Do you want a tangerine? A drink? Let me get you a drink,” he asks with a sense of urgency in order to forget what had happened in the bathroom.

“Whoa, slow down. You look like you saw a ghost. Please say you didn’t see a ghost here because hyung will freak out.”

“No ghosts, just—“ Jungkook vacillates, and because his idiot mouth can’t stay closed he keeps talking. “How come you all never mentioned Namjoon?”

Yoongi keeps turning some skewers as he ponders Jungkook's question. “Namjoon-ah is busy these days. He prefers to stay busy whenever we invite him over. Jin-hyung and Namjoon get along well, but I think their chosen professions put them at odds sometimes. He seems to be having a good time here today, though,” Yoongi says, giving Jungkook a meaningful look. As if the reason Namjoon looks comfortable at their gathering is because of Jungkook. Jungkook wants to laugh. Scoff mockingly, in fact.

“He’s so smart and well-spoken and kinda chill,” Jungkook says instead, trying for casual, though he can’t help the slight sigh that sneaks into his statement. “He’s cool.”

“Hmm,” Yoongi says. “Maybe I’ll insist on inviting him over for dinner some more.” 

“I think he’d like that,” Jungkook dares say, thinking about Namjoon stating that Seokjin prefers avoiding akward interactions between them.

“Sure,” Yoongi says with a suspicious tone. “He’d like that. Didn’t know you knew him so well.”

“I don’t,” Jungkook says a tad insistent. “He’s interesting.”  

“Okay.” Yoongi grins. 

“Shut up, hyung, I’m getting beer for us,” Jungkook says, glaring before stomping away to get drinks for both of them.

He spies Namjoon going back outside, hands in his pockets. He notices when Namjoon spots Jungkook, because an eager smile blooms in his handsome face. Jungkook yelps to himself and rushes back to Yoongi with their beer.

“Here you go,” Jungkook says, shoving the bottle at Yoongi, who’s taken aback by the force of it.

“It’s not even open,” Yoongi points out.

“Oh, here,” Jungkook takes out his car keys and uses a gaudy beer opener that Seokjin gifted him a few years back to crack open a cold one for Yoongi. Beer goes spilling out from how fast Jungkook had run back to Yoongi and all the jostling, making Jungkook swear under his breath. “Sorry!”

Yoongi shakes his beer-soaked arm out on the lawn. “It’s okay, at least the beer smell will now mask the barbecue smell.”

“Hyung, here,” says Namjoon, appearing out of fucking nowhere with napkins and almost making Jungkook drop his own beer.

“You’re jumpy,” Yoongi points out to Jungkook, and he’s wishing Yoongi wasn’t so straightforward right this second.

Namjoon’s eyes dart back and forth between Yoongi and Jungkook and Yoongi’s staring at Jungkook. Jungkook wants to run away. Where's a sinkhole when you need one?

“Aish, Namjoon-ah,” Yoongi says, “I think Seokjin was going to set up the karaoke, could you help him out?”

“Okay…” Namjoon says, still confused as to what’s happening, but respectfully doesn’t say anything as he strides into the living room.

“Jungkook, do you have a crush on Namjoon?” Yoongi asks once he’s out of earshot.

“No,” Jungkook says, and it’s true. Maybe. “I literally just met him.” 

“And you two have been flirting since you arrived,” Yoongi says.

“What’s wrong with a little flirting?” Jungkook whines. “He’s cute.” Both Kim siblings are cute. It’s unfair for Jungkook. 

“You know,” Yoongi says haltingly, “I don’t think he’s seeing anyone currently.”

Jungkook wants to die. “How is that possible? He’s literally the smartest person I’ve ever met,” he whines.

“Interesting, I thought Seokjin was the smartest person you’d ever met,” Yoongi says, and at the dry, pointed look he gives Jungkook, he knows he’s been found out.

Yoongi knows he has a crush on Seokjin. 

“I’m— I—,” Jungkook helpfully says. 

“I don’t care about the crush you’ve had on Jinnie-hyung; I think it’s cute. I don’t think hyung knows or cares either way. However, we both care about you, Jungkook-ah. You should be happy with someone if that’s what you want. If you’d like to continue following Jinnie-hyung like a puppy around campus, be my guest. But it’s time for you to be honest with yourself. You’re a smart kid. And I don’t want to sound mean, because I’m not trying to be, but you should take care of your heart. Give it to someone who'll take care of it with you."  

Jungkook stares at the ground, willing himself not to cry. He knows Yoongi isn’t trying to humiliate him, and is in fact being delicate with his feelings, considering the issue, but he feels like his world is crashing down on him. 

"Joonie likes you, has been flirting back. Maybe explore that. But don't lead him on if you're gonna be hung up on hyung. It's not fair to him and it's not fair to you,” Yoongi continues. 

Everything Yoongi's saying makes sense, and even his thick skull knows it, but it still stings a little. 

“Grab some more food, Jungkook. Enjoy the party. Think about what I said. I love you or whatever,” Yoongi says, still looking at the grill.

Jungkook doesn’t say anything and walks back inside. He doesn’t really have a destination, actually really wants to leave but doesn’t want to be rude. He walks past the beautiful kitchen with marble countertops and black cabinets, past the bathroom where he had his encounter with Namjoon, and finds one of the guest rooms unlocked, so he sneaks into it, lying down on the bed.

He covers his eyes and wills himself not to cry, because what use would that be. He’s known for a while that pining after Seokjin was a fool’s errand. He tried once to get some distance from Seokjin, but all it did was annoy Seokjin because they’re friends. Friends don’t disappear or avoid one another for no reason. 

Friends also don’t have feelings for the other when they’re already taken. It’s like another one of those universal laws. 

He’s attempted to date other people, but every single time, he finds himself lingering on silly comparisons, on the chemistry Seokjin has with him, how comfortable it is. Considering the fact that Jungkook's believed he's had a huge crush on Seokjin for a long time, the idea of Namjoon, the presence of Namjoon, doesn't seem to make him feel heartbroken at the thought of leaving his feelings for Seokjin behind. When he takes a look at Namjoon, holds him up to the light for closer study, he's not filled with the same patterns he's observed in himself when he's dated or gone out with other people, stuck comparing them to Seokjin. In fact, it seems like Namjoon could be a whole other category of human being.

Maybe Jungkook has been settling for what’s right in front of him instead of what’s beyond. As a scientist, he should know better than to take things at face value; even though there are universal constants, some facts change once studied further, like the Sun revolving around the Earth or the Earth being flat (it’s very much not). 

He has to be objective: Seokjin will never like him the way he does. That’s an objective truth. Seokjin isn’t perfect and never has been, but it was nice to project that fantasy onto him while he dealt with incredible amounts of academic pressure. Seokjin was a bright spot in Jungkook’s life, and he clung to it as Jupiter traps new satellites into its orbit. The universe went through the Big Bang and everything was able to be born from that chaos. 

Perhaps, Jungkook thinks (and if he imagines Namjoon and his bright eyes and smart tongue, then look the other way), it’s time for Jungkook to expand his own little universe and create something out of his chaotic feelings.

A gentle knock goes off by the door and Jungkook sits up to watch Namjoon peer inside. “Jungkook?”

“Yeah,” Jungkook says hoarsely.

“Seokjin was looking for you to see if you wanted to do karaoke,” Namjoon says, opening the door wider but not coming in. “Are you okay?”

“Just needed a break,” Jungkook says lightly. “I was having a crisis and got overwhelmed.”

“Are you feeling better now?” Namjoon leans against the doorway, the afternoon light washing over him like a halo. 

“A little bit,” Jungkook admits, scratching his elbow. 

“Do you… wanna talk about it?” Namjoon says, a lot unsure. “I don’t want to overstep, since we basically just met each other, but the offer’s there anyway. I’ve been told I give good advice.”

“I don’t doubt it,” Jungkook smiles. He stretches from where he’s sitting and gets up, joining Namjoon at the doorway, both of them leaning into the frame on either side, facing each other. He doesn’t look at Namjoon, instead focusing on a wall in the hallway and crossing his arms.

“This is gonna sound random, but I was thinking about the Big Bang,” Jungkook says.

“Not surprising, really, considering your choice of study.”

Jungkook rolls his eyes. “Physics isn’t the only thing in my mind, I have many layers.”

“I don’t doubt it,” Namjoon says cheekily, which elicits a scoff from Jungkook.

“Anyway,” Jungkook continues. “I was thinking about the Big Bang, how out of chaos came a semblance of order, and though we’re still figuring out the logistics of it all, things that you think are constant can often change.”

Jungkook looks at Namjoon, who’s listening intently to his every word.

“We know there are exoplanets in habitable zones, but who knows when we’ll be able to explore or study them closely. Right now, we’re the only sentient beings in the universe. All of that could change in an instant. And we could roll into a pit of despair imagining all the possibilities that could bring about our ending, like the Sun running out of fuel, or another great ice age. Instead, I realized that things change every second of the day, because we’re made of atoms and one day the universe was so hot that everything was created. But it also happened slowly. There's beauty in things that occur in an instant, but there's equal beauty in the things that take time to flourish. I think that’s really beautiful.”

Namjoon is blinking at Jungkook, wonder in his eyes. “That really is beautiful.”

Jungkook feels his ears burning and goes to cover them with his hands. "Sorry," Jungkook says when suddenly Namjoon is stepping closer. 

“I like your layers,” Namjoon says, and it’s very ridiculous so Jungkook laughs.

“You should learn more about them,” Jungkook dares say, knows they're both going out on a limb, but he can't find a bone in his body that doesn't want to follow-through. 

“Okay,” Namjoon nods, “I will. You seem like a good teacher.”

“Do you wanna go out with me?” Jungkook says with a smile. "I'll teach you what I can."

Namjoon’s face looks beautiful grinning at him, a full-on dimple showing in his cheek. Jungkook wants to bite him; how is a man both cute and hot at the same time? “I was gonna ask if you didn’t, so yes.”

“You should ask anyway,” Jungkook says, swaying on his feet and every time he leans forward, he feels like he’s drawing Namjoon into his orbit. 

Namjoon steps closer until their shoes are brushing each other, their chests only millimeters apart, and Namjoon is gingerly holding Jungkook’s chin between his thumb and pointer finger. “Jungkook, do you wanna go out with me?”

Jungkook tilts his head up to meet the few centimeters of difference in height between them and his eyelashes flutter closed. In lieu of an answer, he presses his lips to Namjoon’s, a small feat that requires a tremendous amount of courage from Jungkook. It’s only a few seconds, more a promise of a kiss than anything, over before they both know it. 

“Yes, hyung,” he breathes into the space between them.

This time, it’s Namjoon leaning down to kiss Jungkook, a chaste thing that still has Jungkook reeling. Namjoon’s thumb is brushing his jaw and it feels so nice. He feels warm, and it’s like a Little Bang happening all over his body as he touches Namjoon’s elbows.

Then, Namjoon’s exhaling and stepping back, leaning his head back against the doorframe with a dreamy look in his eyes. “The physics bad boy kissed me,” Namjoon swoons and Jungkook giggles.

“Shut up, hyung,” he says. “Let’s go sing IU songs before those losers come looking for us and say some shit.”

“When I get home, I'm writing in my diary: ‘Dear diary: Today, I found out the hot bad boy likes singing IU songs. He’s so hot and cute.’”

“I can’t believe we’re going on a date,” Jungkook scoffs.

“You like me,” Namjoon replies, nudging him with his elbow.

Jungkook doesn’t have to answer, they already know it’s true.

The night carries on with Jungkook actually singing IU, trying not to look at Namjoon and giggling while doing so. He finds out that Namjoon easily goes off-key when trying to sing drama OSTs, but he laughs lightly, his heart beating faster whenever Namjoon catches him grinning. Whenever someone else is singing, Namjoon suspiciously stays sitting next to Jungkook, their thighs grazing and they’re simmering with every move closer, sharing knowing looks. Jungkook wants to kiss him again.

At some point, Seokjin brings out a game of Twister and everyone’s throwing elbows and kneeing each other and Jungkook feels light.

Yoongi eventually shuts down the grill, joins in on the fun crying out fouls like Twister is a game of basketball, yet calling for body parts not on the wheel, like 'left big toe green' and it's fun. 

It’s all fun. Guests start trickling out, and Jungkook doesn’t want to be the last one out, but he’s enjoying spending time with Namjoon and his teasing glances and lingering touches and sarcastic tongue. However, Jimin and Taehyung are heading out, so Jungkook takes that as his cue to begin to leave. 

Seokjin gives him a hug and asks Jungkook to come by sometime this week so he can properly beat him in a video game. Jungkook rolls his eyes and gives a vague assent. When he gets to Yoongi, he also hugs Jungkook. Jungkook turns his head into Yoongi’s shoulder and mumbles: “Thank you.” 

He hopes Yoongi understands everything Jungkook is thankful for. 

“It’s okay,” Yoongi says. “You’ll be okay.”

“I am,” Jungkook insists with a grin. "And I will be."

He starts walking away but Yoongi’s running to the kitchen to return Jungkook’s tote bag. Empty.

“Enjoy the soju, hyung,” Jungkook says.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Yoongi deadpans. "You brought nothing."

Jungkook turns to find Namjoon, hands in his pockets, waiting for him by the door. “I’ll walk you out,” he says.

Jungkook nods and waves at Yoongi one more time as he slips into his shoes.

Namjoon holds the door open for him. “All of a sudden we’re the same height,” he observes, pointing at Jungkook's chunky sneakers.

“I like feeling tall. Telescopes and observatories are built high in the mountains so they get a clearer shot at the sky. I can see better from up here as well.”

“Solid theory, you should submit it as your thesis.”

“Hyung would accept it if it weren’t for my other advisors.”

“Well, they’re missing out on the next Nobel Prize in Physics.”

The streetlights are the only things lighting their way as they walk towards Jungkook’s car. There’s the occasional car zipping past them, but otherwise it’s quiet in the neighborhood. Their hands keep brushing so Jungkook threads his pinky with Namjoon’s.

Namjoon jumps slightly at the action, but then grins down at their hands. He’s so cute. So handsome. Jungkook wants to keep him close for as long as he can. 

“Is there a Nobel Prize for museum curating?” Jungkook asks.

“No, so I guess I’m not to your level yet.”

“There’s still time. Maybe you could take the physics world by storm, make all the graduate cohort swoon with your words and good looks. What's the word for people who know about a lot of different things?”

“A polymath? Nah," Namjoon says with a self-effacing grimace. "Besides, I think making the Physics department swoon is your job. I bet all the undergrads you teach have meme accounts about how hot you are.”

“They do not!” Jungkook says, scandalized, and playfully shoves Namjoon’s arm.

“I bet if I log onto Rate My Professor there’s at least one undergrad commenting on how hot your tattoos and piercings are,” Namjoon says, his teasing light but by the manner with which he eyes Jungkook, making him flustered, Namjoon seems to truly believe it's true. 

“Same could be said about you though. Tall, handsome, cute dimpled smile, passionate, hot, broad shoulders that could help pin me against a wall like the art you talk about in class,” Jungkook lists with a challenging smirk and then Namjoon is pulling him into his arms and he's being pressed against the nearest light pole. 

Jungkook’s breathing heavy, face to face with a hungry-looking Namjoon. Jungkook wants to be a whole Vegas buffet. 

“Like this?” Namjoon whispers against Jungkook’s mouth, but they’re not kissing.

“This isn’t a wall,” Jungkook says, taking Namjoon’s hands into his own and pulling him closer. He's done playing; he could be straddling one of Namjoon’s incredible thighs. 

“True,” Namjoon says, nose nuzzling Jungkook’s in search of a good angle to kiss. “Guess I’ll have to wait for our date.”

“I don’t put out on the first date,” Jungkook says, leaning in to lick Namjoon’s bottom lip. A shudder runs through Namjoon and then they’re really kissing. 

Namjoon’s grabbing Jungkook’s hips, pressing him close, and Jungkook is grasping Namjoon’s neck and shoulder. A car drives by, but Jungkook only cares about how right it feels to dip his tongue into Namjoon’s mouth, how hot it feels to have Namjoon’s hands flexing and feeling Jungkook up out in public. He wants more, wants it all.

Jungkook tilts his head back to allow Namjoon to press wet kisses on his neck.

“How about before the first date?” Namjoon whispers roughly against Jungkook’s ear. Jungkook's hips rut against his and he lets out a stuttered breath when Namjoon starts caressing his back underneath his shirt.

“Come on,” Jungkook suddenly says, pulling Namjoon and running to the car still a block away. 

Namjoon’s laughing freely, following after him. “I rode my bike here!” he exclaims.

“I’ll bring you back to pick it up if you need it so badly,” Jungkook promises, already unlocking his car. “Hurry in, big hyung.”

Jungkook throws his tote bag in the backseat as Namjoon scrambles in and fastens his seatbelt. 

“I assume you’re a good driver?”

“Fantastic," Jungkook says mindlessly, his brain still pinned against a streetlight. "I know how physics laws work.” Jungkook buckles into his seat and turns the ignition.

“That makes absolutely no sense, but I should tell you upfront that I can’t drive and therefore don’t know any better,” Namjoon says. “However, I will demand we hold hands until we get to your apartment.”

“How forward, Mr. Kim,” Jungkook jokes. “Inviting yourself over to mine? Scandalous.” He’s easing out of the parallel parking and into the street when he feels one of Namjoon’s heavy hands on his thigh.

“Hold my hand or it’ll start wandering,” Namjoon says, voice still teasing, but his voice sounds deeper, closer, and in this quiet car it feels like it’s drawing Jungkook in instead, so maybe they're binary stars orbiting each other, about to collapse into one another.

Jungkook takes his hand and keeps it over his thigh. “Another time, I’ll let you wander. Tonight, I need to focus on the road in order to not crash.”

“You look hot driving with one hand. You walked into hyung’s house and I almost fell on my knees right then and there, that’s how hot I think you are,” Namjoon states.

“You’re lying,” Jungkook says.

“Am I?”

Jungkook glances at Namjoon briefly and the dark look in his face says everything. He clears his throat and shuffles in his seat, already feeling tight in his pants.

“I’m gonna text hyung to let him know you’ve kidnapped me,” Namjoon says.

“Don’t tell him we’re gonna fuck,” Jungkook warns.

“You overestimate the level of trust I have towards Jinnie-hyung,” Namjoon says, texting with one hand. “He’s next-level oblivious.”

“Hmm, I think it's selective, but sure,” Jungkook muses. “But if Yoongi-hyung sees the text, he definitely will know.”

“Yes, he will. But I wouldn’t mind.”

They keep talking idly, though the tension stays there for the entire ride back to Jungkook’s building. Namjoon keeps caressing his hand with his thumb, an absent-minded move that makes Jungkook want to go feral or simply bring the hand to his lips and kiss Namjoon’s knuckles under the passing streetlights like a smitten fool. On a red light, Jungkook can’t hold it and leans towards Namjoon to kiss his cheek. It takes Namjoon by surprise, but he reciprocates with a sweet, lingering kiss that sends Jungkook’s heart fluttering until the person behind them stares honking their horn when the light turns green.

Jungkook races into his parking space. He shifts the car into Parking and Namjoon lets go of Jungkook’s hand to rake his nails against the inside of his thighs, playing with the seam as he kisses Jungkook again and again until he’s dizzy and trying to remember why they’re in the garage.

“Let’s go, hyung,” Jungkook whines when Namjoon presses down on his dick. 

There’s a rush to get out and Jungkook almost forgets to lock the doors. There are a handful of people waiting by the elevators, so they manage to keep their hands to themselves, but Namjoon’s pressing himself into Jungkook’s back, hooking his chin over his shoulder cutely.

Jungkook briefly thinks about taking the stairs as he’s only on the third floor, but then the elevator doors open. Everyone strides in, Namjoon and Jungkook marching to a back corner. Jungkook presses the button to his floor, keeping a polite distance from everyone else.

Namjoon leans in further to whisper into Jungkook’s ear: “Do you think they know how hard we are?”

Jungkook muffles a laugh, covering his mouth before shoving Namjoon’s snickering face away. They manage to keep most of their composure as they step out on Jungkook’s floor, and Jungkook manages to open the door to his place even though Namjoon keeps bursting into giggles behind him.

“Welcome to my humble home,” Jungkook exclaims with a flourish. “Please excuse the dirty dishes in the sink since I am a grad student and didn’t know I’d end up bringing someone home tonight.”

Namjoon studies the apartment and Jungkook tries not to feel self-conscious about the papers littering most of the dining table, the laptop left abandoned on the kitchen island, or the forgotten bottle of Pocari Sweat lying artfully on the sofa. But there’s also the video game console and a few figurines he’s collected near the TV, the print he got at the university museum, the rug he bought at Jimin’s insistence because his place looked too minimalist, the many candles he rotates through when he needs to concentrate, and the magnets decorating the fridge, and he has a sense of being home. 

“I like your space,” Namjoon says with a decisive nod.

“Well, you should see my room. It's a lot better,” Jungkook says, pulling Namjoon by the hand as he walks backwards, not wanting to take his eyes off him. 

“I was told something about pinning to a wall?” Namjoon says while crowding Jungkook into the back of the bedroom door. He nuzzles Jungkook’s neck, licking at his pulse point before moving to the other side to suck a mark into his shoulder.

“This isn’t a wall,” Jungkook teases for the second time that night, biting back a moan when Namjoon presses his hardened erection to his hip. He drags Namjoon by the chest with one hand and digs his fingers into Namjoon’s ass with the other, encouraging the movement. 

Namjoon’s hands are palming the back of Jungkook’s thighs, bringing them up to align them properly. “I don’t know, art can be anywhere,” Namjoon breathes into Jungkook’s mouth, tugging his bottom lip with his teeth. “You’re indescribably hot,” he says when Jungkook moans. “Want you so bad.”

Jungkook can only pull on his hair, dig his nails into his shoulders, and lick into Namjoon with desperation. It’s been a while since someone’s wanted him this bad and Jungkook is reeling and relishing it in its entirety.

Namjoon slows down their heated makeout for a second, hovering near his lips and pulling away teasingly when Jungkook leans further in. “What do you want?” Namjoon asks. “I’m up for anything.” He kisses Jungkook’s cheek almost sweetly if not for the fact that he’s still carefully grinding into him. 

“Hmm,” Jungkook grumbles at a particularly good and lingering drag of their cocks together. “Wanna suck you off. Or maybe let you fuck my mouth. Is that okay? I didn’t prep myself to get fucked.”

Namjoon captures his lips with his again. “I could ride you,” Namjoon proposes.

Jungkook groans at the image of Namjoon’s strong thighs straddling, him fucking down on his cock.

“Fuck, okay, let’s go,” Jungkook urges, shoving him away and wriggling in Namjoon’s hands. “Clothes: off. Now.”

Namjoon laughs, deep and throaty before settling Jungkook back on the ground. Jungkook’s knees wobble a bit, but then he sits on the edge of the bed to take his shirt off. 

He freely stares at the defined pectorals adorning Namjoon’s chest, the bulging biceps that are revealed when he takes off his white shirt, throwing it behind him. 

“You can’t be real,” Jungkook finds himself saying out loud. “Why would a museum curator need to look like that ?” he complains, unbuttoning his jeans.

“I work out when I need to think,” Namjoon says shyly. “Why would a physics grad student have a full sleeve of tattoos and like twenty piercings, plus abs?”

“To seduce hot museum curators, of course,” Jungkook says cheekily. He kicks his pants away and leans back on his hands to wait for Namjoon.

Namjoon scoffs, amused with Jungkook’s antics. “Anything I should keep in mind or avoid?” Namjoon asks, wriggling out of his pants.

“We are not entering a kink negotiation right now,” Jungkook says with a chuckle. “Just don’t be mean to me, I guess.”

“I could never,” Namjoon says, eyes wide, still trying to get his pants off. “But you’re implying a kink discussion might be in the near future.”

“We’ll get there when we get there, hyung,” Jungkook says exasperated. “You’ll find I’m very easy.”

Finally, the enemy (Namjoon’s pants) is vanquished and he’s stalking over to Jungkook, rushing them into bed and straddling him. “Easy in general or to please?”

“Both,” Jungkook answers with an keen grin, meeting Namjoon’s mouth halfway. 

After that, there’s not a lot of conversation, though Jungkook finds out Namjoon has a dirty mouth, which he really likes. 

When Namjoon drags Jungkook’s underwear off, he mutters words of praise into Jungkook’s mouth as he strokes him off with his big hands. While Jungkook spreads Namjoon’s ass, there are loud moans interspersed with filthy, eager things. There’s more as soon as Namjoon sits on Jungkook’s cock, easing his way down until Jungkook’s buried at the hilt with a groan, but he finds it hard to focus.

Jungkook can’t help the way he fucks up into Namjoon, grasping his hips and twisting on his nipples in a way that makes Namjoon arch his back beautifully. Namjoon’s deep voice encourages Jungkook, telling him how well he fills him up, how perfectly he fucks into him, how he can’t wait to do the same to Jungkook later.

The promise of more, of Namjoon’s thick, big cock filling him up, has Jungkook begging Namjoon not to come, begging him to fill his mouth with his dick. It’s so much, and it’s so fast, but it’s the best thing that’s happened to Jungkook (and he got into a prestigious PhD program). Soon, Jungkook’s warning Namjoon that he’s about to come. Namjoon provokes him, tells Jungkook how badly he wants to see his cum spilling out of Jungkook's pretty mouth. 

With a prolonged noise that Jungkook wasn’t even sure his body could produce prior to this particular orgasm, his cock twitches inside Namjoon as he cums in his condom. Gingerly, Namjoon takes out Jungkook’s cock from his lubed-up hole. Jungkook tugs on Namjoon’s thigh, a mostly silent request.

“Sit on my face,” he begs. Namjoon flashes him a dangerous smirk, sliding over his body and littering bites and licks all over Jungkook’s chest and shoulders before situating himself over Jungkook’s face.

Namjoon draws pre-cum all over Jungkook’s lips, and Jungkook laps at the tip. He already knows he’s obsessed with the taste of Namjoon. Hands spanning Namjoon’s ass, he urges him to shove his cock in his mouth. 

Namjoon begins slowly, seeing how far Jungkook can take his cock. Jungkook draws him further in, the width of his cock stretching him deliciously, and he knows his jaw might ache later but that’s a problem for future Jungkook. Namjoon pauses when he gags slightly, eyes watering when Namjoon reaches his throat. When Namjoon tries to shift back to ease his struggle, Jungkook pushes him back in.

“You okay?” Namjoon breathes out, fingers lightly tugging Jungkook’s hair.

Jungkook rolls his eyes and brings a hand up in a thumbs up.

“All right, just pinch me if you need a break,” Namjoon says.

In response, Jungkook pulls him by the hips with one hand and brings one of the fingers from his other hand into Namjoon’s ass to fuck into him. He hopes Namjoon can read the challenge in his eyes. He wants Namjoon to lose control, to use him.

Swearing, Namjoon grinds into Jungkook’s inviting mouth, the wet, squelching sounds almost making Jungkook's cock start stiffening back up. Jungkook skims over Namjoon’s prostate with his fingers, eliciting a moan from him.

“I’m gonna come so fast,” Namjoon says, eyes screwed shut as he fucks Jungkook’s mouth and throat into oblivion. Jungkook sucks and licks Namjoon’s cock without a care in the world, fucking Namjoon’s prostate relentlessly. 

It really is fast. Too soon, Namjoon grabs his cock and pulls back, asking Jungkook to keep his mouth open wide and strokes himself off at an alarming pace. He aims for Jungkook’s panting mouth, but cum spurts out and lands on Jungkook’s tongue, lips, chin, and nose.

Jungkook blearily licks over his lips, bringing his clean hand to his nose and laps at the cum, swallowing it all. Namjoon’s still hunched over Jungkook, one hand on the wall in front of him and the other milking out what’s left in his cock, but has been observing Jungkook the entire time. Jungkook withdraws his fingers from within Namjoon's ass, making him shudder a bit.

“That was so hot,” Namjoon gasps out.

“Mmm, come down here,” Jungkook blissfully says, voice rough and well-used.

Namjoon acquiesces, sluggish as he makes his way to lie down next to Jungkook. 

“You were so good,” Namjoon says, sweaty hand flopping over Jungkook’s chest. Jungkook grabs it, even though both his hands feel sticky.

“So were you, I give you top marks,” Jungkook says. “But now I need a shower. It was a lot. I’m sweaty and sticky. I might still have cum on my face.”

Namjoon lazily raises his head to glance at Jungkook before giving up and lying down again with his eyes closed to catch his breath. “I can’t see anything.”

Jungkook shifts to face Namjoon. “Would you prefer to take a shower by yourself or with me?” There’s a level of vulnerability in the question, like even though they’ve seen each other naked and already like each other, sharing this much intimacy could send the other man running. 

Namjoon opens one of his eyes to look at Jungkook. Maybe he notices the way Jungkook’s biting his lip, waiting for his response, or perhaps he truly thinks it’s a good idea, because he’s nodding. “Yeah. I’m passionate about water conservation.”

Jungkook giggles, more in relief than over Namjoon's silly reasoning.

“Then, come on, hyung. Let’s save the whales or whatever before you fall asleep like that.”

There’s an implicit note to his comment that Namjoon’s welcome to stay over. By the way Namjoon grins, sated and fond, Jungkook doesn’t feel in danger of spooking Namjoon away.

Later, showered and with a hundred more lazy kisses delivered wherever they can reach, they’re back in bed. Jungkook has a leg over Namjoon’s thighs, laying halfway on Namjoon’s chest. Namjoon’s hand travels all over Jungkook’s tattooed arm and his shoulders. It’s quiet and comfortable, just being and synchronizing their breathing softly.

“Wanna go on our first date in the morning?” Namjoon asks, eyes closed and already slipping into a sleepy state.

“No, I’d rather stay home and play video games,” Jungkook says into Namjoon’s chest, voice dripping with tired sarcasm.

Namjoon reaches down and pinches Jungkook’s butt, so Jungkook bites down on Namjoon’s chest in retaliation. 

“I’m gonna date the fuck out of you,” Namjoon says with a sigh, mindlessly playing with Jungkook’s hair.

Jungkook hums, warm all over, content being wrapped up in this surprise of a man. Later, when he’s not fucked out and hazy with horny hormones, he’ll think of more metaphors about laws of attraction, nuclear fission, and theories of relativity where it concerns Namjoon. He’ll think of art, of how long it takes to create a masterpiece and how long it endures when it matters and to whom it matters. He’ll think of pretty words to describe the electricity he’s beginning to feel, crackling everywhere his skin touches Namjoon’s, hoping the words will make him smirk at Jungkook or look at him with awe in his eyes. 

For now, he settles on a small smile, drawing planets and orbits with the tips of his fingers over Namjoon’s chest, and says: “Can’t wait.”