Chapter Text
Where the hell is it?
Jungkook looks at the building name, then his schedule, then back at the building. He was so sure his class was right here, but he isn't so sure anymore.
Maybe the building is connected to this one?
He walks up the steps in a hurry and makes his way inside. He becomes less certain when he views the inside, many different hallways and staircases sat before him. He looks back at his schedule, then at the student map, obviously confused.
First day at university and I can't find anything. Off to a great start.
"You look lost."
Jungkook looks up in surprise. He’s beyond late and didn’t expect to see anyone. The guy who stands in front of him is shorter and cute looking. His glasses are almost too big for his face and the pink sweater he's wearing makes him look smaller.
"Is it that obvious?" Jungkook gives a small smile to the shorter man, but it comes out as awkward.
"A little." The stranger gives a smile of his own.
Jungkook sighs. He's almost debating on calling it quits and to move back to Busan. It would save him the embarrassment and the trouble.
"You look like someone who has friends, why not ask them for help?" It’s an odd compliment, but Jungkook takes it regardless.
"They would just tease me about it." Jungkook shakes his head. "I can figure this out on my own."
The short male crosses his arms. "Scared about your ego?"
Yes.
"It's nothing like that." Jungkook is quick to defend himself. "I need to start figuring things out on my own."
"Ah, so you won't need my help then?" He gives him a smile. "Well if that's the case-"
"Actually," Jungkook clears his throat. "If you could point me in the right direction I would really appreciate it."
The stranger gives a sly smile and takes a look at Jungkook's schedule.
"I'll do you one better." He speaks up after studying the schedule. "I'm going that way anyway, so I'll show you."
Jungkook wants to protest. The whole point of this is to prove that he can manage fine on his own, but he doesn’t say anything. Jungkook does really need the help. Instead, he gives him a nod and lets him lead the way.
"My name is Jimin, by the way." Jimin gives him a warm smile
"Jungkook." He nods, not returning the smile.
Jimin leads them back down the stairs and into the courtyard. They take a sharp left into the series of trees. Jungkook frowns as he ducks under the branches.
"Sorry it's faster this way." But Jimin doesn't sound apologetic at all.
Jungkook doesn't reply. Eventually, they make it out of the trees and into a small field.
"This is where a lot of students hang out for lunch,” Jungkook gives the pink-haired man a weird look, but he just smiles at him. You know, in case your friends ask you to meet them in the lunch field. Since you are too prideful to ask them where it is." Jimin is obviously making fun of him and Jungkook has to stop himself from rolling his eyes. Regardless of the fact that Jimin is teasing him, he still appreciates the tip.
The short man points at the numerous buildings as they walk by. He talks about the fast food restaurants in the student hall, the gym on campus that apparently has a bunch of new equipment to try out (which Jungkook takes note for later, he likes to work out as much as he can), and the library. Jungkook tries to hide his surprise when Jimin stops walking abruptly, standing in front of an old building.
"And this is where you will be spending multiple hours of your life listening to a boring ass teacher." The comment makes Jungkook give Jimin a small smile.
"Thank you, Jimin." Jungkook gives a slight bow but Jimin just waves him off.
"It's really no problem, just try not to get lost next time okay?" He gives a playful wink and Jungkook can feel his cheeks heat up in embarrassment.
"Will do."
"I'll see you around then!"
Jimin turns on his heels and walks off, his head held up high and his arms swinging on his sides. Jungkook watches him turn around the corner and leave his view.
He wonders if Jimin is always that bubbly. Jungkook can't think of any reason why anyone would be that happy all the time, or that willing to help. Maybe university isn't as draining as he thought then.
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It's already as draining as he thought.
The classes are long, the teachers are boring, and the amount of homework that they give makes his head spin.
Because of how tired he feels already, his mind goes back to the pink-haired man and how cheerful he is. He seems so full of life.
Jungkook might have to find him again and ask how he can stay so happy.
Jungkook is dragging his feet as he makes his way to the field. He's hungry and tired, but he’s excited to finally hang out with his friends. Lucky for him; he knows where they are as Jimin showed him earlier. When his friends asked him to join them at the lunch field, Jungkook was able to tell them he already knew where it was. It saved him the unnecessary teasing. The bento box in Jungkook’s book bag is making his mouth water, each step he takes towards his friends on the grass makes his hunger worse. It is Hoseok who notices him first. He’s sitting close to Yoongi and across from Seokjin.
"Jungkook! Over here!" Hoseok shouts, causing a few heads to turn.
Jungkook gives an exhausted smile and walks a bit faster. Seokjin waves too, and Yoongi only glances his way.
"Surprised you didn't get lost." Yoongi speaks up when Jungkook is within earshot.
"I told you I knew where it was." Jungkook huffs, sitting his backpack down next to Seokjin before joining them on the hot grass.
"I'm also surprised you didn't get lost, you always do." Seokjin comments before shoving a dumpling in his mouth.
"I never get lost!" Jungkook is quick to protest, food forgotten for a moment.
"What about that time we went to Busan," Hoseok is motioning with his chopsticks "and you took the wrong bus?"
"Oh come on, people take the wrong bus all the time."
"Most people tell their friends about it too," Yoongi mumbles "So they can help out."
"I didn't need any help." Jungkook unzips his book bag, no longer looking at any of them before pulling out his food.
"I call bullshit!" Hoseok exclaims and Yoongi steals a piece of chicken from the red head while he's distracted. Seokjin's eyes widen, but his mouth is too full to say anything. "You were stranded for three hours! You are lucky I called you-"
"Yoongi stole a piece of your chicken!" Jungkook blurts out.
Hoseok stops speaking and turns to Yoongi, but Yoongi is too busy glaring daggers at Jungkook.
"Yoongi! I asked you if you wanted me to make you some!"
"Ah it was just one piece Seok, it's fine."
"You know I don't like sharing food!"
"I'm surprised Yoongi is still alive," Seokjin whispers to Jungkook.
"It's because of their obvious love for eachother. If that was me I wouldn't live long enough to get a word out." Jungkook whispers back.
Yoongi snaps his head to Jungkook, and Jungkook almost flees. Before the black-haired man could make a run for it, Hoseok pushes his food closer to Yoongi.
"I'll make you lunch next time if you're hungry." Hoseok grabs some rice. "We can share this time, but don't take it all."
He puts the rice in his mouth before handing Yoongi the chopsticks. Yoongi avoids looking Hoseok in the eye as he takes the chopsticks and takes a jab at the vegetables. Seokjin clears his throat before speaking up.
"So Jungkook," He spares a last glance at the duo before turning to him. "How was your first two classes?"
Just the thought of them made Jungkook exhausted. Once he gets home he will have to do the hours worth of homework before Wednesday, and repeat the same process over and over again...
His bad mood must have been obvious, because Seokjin speaks up again. "Woah, that bad?"
Jungkook sighs. "I just can't wait till it's over."
"You just started Kook! Don't give up yet!" Hoseok pats his shoulder. "You just need some friends in your classes, someone you can shit on the class with."
"Yes, but you better not replace us." Seokjin points a finger at Jungkook. "No one can make better rice than me."
"It's not that hard to make rice." Yoongi rolls his eyes.
"Are you trying to get him to replace us?" Seokjin retorts.
"Hoseok is right." Yoongi ignores Seokjin. "You need a social life if you want to actually enjoy university. It gets draining real fast if you have no one in your classes to hang out with."
"I'm not that good at making friends though." Jungkook sighs, picking at his rice. "I don't think I'm that approachable."
"Then make yourself approachable." Seokjin crosses his arms. "You always have a hoodie on and you’re always looking down. Try looking up for once!"
"I don't have a hoodie on today." Jungkook defends himself, not meeting anyone in the eye.
"And what a miracle that is." Yoongi mumbles under his breath.
"Look Jungkook, if you want to have a good university experience you need to let loose a little! Get out of your comfort zone!" Hoseok picks up a piece of chicken. "Your birthday is soon, right? Let's go to that club that I usually go to, maybe you'll like it!"
Yoongi glances at Hoseok, then at Jungkook, then back at Hoseok. "Jungkook’s clubbing?"
"Yeah! He has the physique for it!"
"I'm not sure Hos-"
"At least try it?" Hoseok gives Jungkook a pout "Maybe you will really like it, and we can be clubbing buddies! Pleaseee!"
Jungkook presses his lips in a thin line. He never imagined ever wanting to go clubbing, but he does want to try it at least once. It doesn’t hurt to try.
"Fine, I'll go clubbing with you." Jungkook sighs in defeat. "But only once, and for one hour."
Hoseok claps once in happiness, a big smile on his face.
"It's settled then! We'll go in three weeks, on Friday."
"Isn't his birthday on Sunday?" Seokjin looks up from his food.
"The club we’re going to is more popular on Friday." Hoseok explains. "Besides, I'm sure Jungkook would rather spend his birthday doing something that he knows he loves."
"What? Sleeping?" Yoongi raises an eyebrow.
"Going to the gym?" Jungkook tries.
"I was thinking of hanging out with us for his special one-nine" Hoseok looks at Jungkook who blushes in embarrassment.
"Of course I want to hang out with you guys on my birthday." Jungkook agrees. "Maybe at the small cafe downtown?"
"Oooh yes! We should go there!" Seokjin exclaims as he places his chopsticks down.
"But be careful, Seok will probably take you to one of those gay clubs." Yoongi doesn’t look up from Hoseok’s food.
"What's wrong with a gay club?! You go with me all the time!"
"Jungkook isn't gay though." Seokjin points out.
"But gay clubs are so much more fun than straight ones. You'll see!"
"Careful he might turn you gay." Yoongi teased and handed the chopsticks back over to Hoseok.
"Yoongi, I don't think a club can turn me gay." Jungkook playfully rolls his eyes.
"It did for me." Hoseok says with his mouth full, to which Seokjin scolds him.
Jungkook shakes his head with a small smile on his face. He takes another bite of food. Guys never interested him. Sure, he may have thought about it once or twice when Yoongi came out, then Hoseok. But he realised quickly that being romantic with a man never interested him. It might have taken him some time to get used to the idea of having gay friends with his parents being so conservative, but he learned very quickly that not everything his parents tell him is right.
"How long did it take you to find your class?" Hoseok changes the subject, cleaning up the containers he had left and placing them in his backpack.
"Not long, I told you I knew what I was doing." Jungkook rolls his eyes
"I'm surprised. On my first day I needed to ask some asshole for help." Hoseok snorts. "He told me to figure it out myself."
"Wasn't that me?" Yoongi raises an eyebrow at Hoseok
"Yes, you were an asshole." Hoseok crosses his arms. "Pointing me in the right direction wouldn’t have killed you."
"Still an asshole." Seokjin corrects, taking the last bite of his food before placing his chopsticks down.
Yoongi sighs and leans on his hands before saying a soft: "I'm sorry I was an asshole to you."
Hoseok gives him a little shove. "Apology accepted. You let me room with you."
The way that Yoongi looks at Hoseok with such fondness, it makes Jungkook feel like he's interrupting something.
Don't like each other, my ass.
"Any girls catch your eye?" Seokjin must have noticed the moment too, because he looks at Jungkook awkwardly.
"I haven't really looked, I was too busy worrying about what my classes would be like." Jungkook takes another bite.
"You don't exactly need to look, some people just appear when you least expect it." Seokjin scoots closer to Jungkook. "Other than the gay club, try making at least one friend in your physics class tomorrow. Physics is hard as it is, harder without a friend."
Jungkook nods as he chews. He wouldn’t try very hard, but if a situation presents itself he won't back away from it.
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A situation presents itself very early on, in fact it presents itself as soon as he walks into the classroom the next morning.
Because a certain pink-haired man is sitting in the far back, and he just made eye contact.
Jimin smiles and waves him over. As much as Jungkook wants to stay in a corner and pull his hood over his head, he promised Seokjin and the others that he would try to get out of his comfort zone and make friends.
So Jungkook smiles and makes his way over to the bright Jimin. Maybe Jungkook would be able to ask Jimin how he can be so optimistic all the time after all.
"Hey! I thought you were taking arts?" Jimin's voice fills the silent room, and Jungkook regrets this already.
"I told my dad I would take one science class." Jungkook doesn't elaborate, and luckily Jimin doesn't push it.
"Lucky me then." Jimin's voice is so cheerful that it can make any comment that could be taken sarcastically into a positive one. "Have you taken physics before?"
Jungkook shakes his head.
"Don't worry I'll help you out."
Jungkook gives him a smile and the teacher walks in. He pays attention to the front, watching the teacher set up for the class. He takes out his own laptop, opens it, and turns it on. It takes a few seconds to load, but when it does Jimin gasps.
"Oh my god is that your dog?!" Jimin leans close to him, staring at the screen with bright eyes.
Jungkook starts to blush from embarrassment, a few heads turn to him from Jimin's exclamation.
"Yeah, his name is Bam." Jungkook explains "He's a doberman."
"He's so cute!" Jimin smiles. "I wish I had a dog."
"Are you a dog person?"
"I love dogs," Jimin lays back in his chair. "But I'm a cat person."
"Do you have a cat?"
"I wish!" Jimin sighs. "I'm allergic to them though."
Jimin stares at Jungkook's lockscreen wishfully and Jungkook almost feels bad for him. He already misses Bam, who had to stay at his parents house since he now lives in a dorm. Jungkook is about to say something else but the teacher starts to introduce themselves. The teacher is writing their name on the white board when Jimin slides a piece of paper to him.
You should bring your dog to school sometime, I want to meet him.
Jungkook lets out a small smile before replying.
He's actually with my parents, I live in a dorm.
You aren't from here?
Jungkook eyes the teacher before replying and giving Jimin the paper back.
I am, but my parents live about 2 hours away.
I'm from here too! But I live with my parents.
Jungkook takes a look at the teacher, who is going over the plagiarism part of the syllabus.
They're acting as if you could get 25 to life for plagiarising.
Jimin smiles.
More like the electric chair.
Jungkook has to hold back a laugh.
What are you in university for?
Jimin took a look at his schedule earlier, so Jungkook decides to ask him as well.
I'm actually in it for dance, but I promised my parents I would take a few science classes as well.
Jungkook eyes Jimin, trying to imagine Jimin dancing. He wonders how graceful he can move his body to the music.
Jimin takes back the paper sheet and writes on it before handing it back to Jungkook, keeping an eye on the teacher.
Are you imagining how great my ass looks as I dance? Because it's obvious.
Jungkook has to stop himself from laughing, a grin on his face as he writes.
Not exactly, but now I am.
Spoiler alert, it looks great.
Jungkook puts a hand over his mouth and struggles not to laugh.
You'll have to show me some-
Jungkook freezes, erases what he wrote, and tries again.
I'm not that great of a dancer, it looks so hard.
He passes the paper without sparing Jimin a glance.
He hopes Jimin doesn't think Jungkook was flirting. He isn't sure what Jimin's sexuality is, but a comment like that could make even a straight man think he's flirting with him. Jimin passed the paper back to Jungkook.
Do you want to visit the dance studio after this?
Jungkook grows nervous. He's sure Jimin is an excellent dancer and has been dancing for years. Jungkook is scared he's going to embarrass himself. At the same time, he loves watching people dance. Maybe Jimin just wants to show him the studio. Maybe they won't try dancing at all.
Will there be others there?
Jungkook doesn't really know why he's asking. Maybe because he feels that if not many people are present, he would be able to breathe in such a new and intimidating place. He's already pushing it by going somewhere new with Jimin.
If so they'll be minding their own business. Not sure though.
The words calmed Jungkook a little, so he writes:
Okay sure then, let's go after class.
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They were able to escape class with little homework. The dance studio is a bit of a walk from where the faculty of science is, but Jimin knows how to make it interesting.
"I'm just saying." Jungkook notices Jimin uses his hands to talk, to which they look very tiny in his oversized sweater. "Why didn't he just let them know how to defeat Thanos? Would have made things so much easier."
"Because that wasn't the situation in which they won." Jungkook shakes his head. "They couldn't have known, or else it would mess everything up."
Jimin rolls his eyes. "If Strange would have told them how to win, Iron Man would still be alive."
Jungkook takes a minute to think about it. "As much as I love Iron Man, the world would have literally died if he didn't sacrifice himself. He would be dead either way."
"Yeah I guess you're right."
They walk into a run down building, and Jungkook feels nervous again.
"It's really warm in here, but we have multiple fans running in the studio itself." Jimin explains as he leads them through the hallways.
It did feel quite humid in the building, Jungkook is surprised there's no cooling system in a place where physical activity is done.
Jungkook voices his concerns and Jimin lets out a humourless chuckle.
"People don't take dance very seriously, why would they spend money on something they don't care about?"
Jimin says it so casually that Jungkook starts to feel bad. It's already so hot outside without dancing.
"Is it better in the winter?" Jungkook asks as they take a turn.
"A little."
Jimin opens a door and they walk into what Jungkook assumes is the dancing studio. Two other dancers are inside, one stretching and the other is by the speaker, probably choosing a song. Jungkook watches himself in the wall mirror as Jimin leads him to one of the benches. Jungkook notices that even with the three fans in the room, it is still very warm. He's surprised the mirror hasn't fogged up yet.
"Do you want to sit and do your homework here as I warm up and practice?"
Jungkook almost forgot he told Jimin he needs to do homework. It isn't a lie, but he said it mostly because he was scared Jimin would make him dance.
"That works." He clears his throat and takes a seat, sitting his backpack on the bench next to him.
Jimin nods and leaves him alone, joining the other dancers. Jungkook takes out his homework from yesterday and places it on his lap. He takes a glance from across the room and watches as Jimin takes off his oversized hoodie, revealing the black tank top underneath. Jungkook is surprised by how Jimin suddenly doesn't look so small anymore. But Jungkook couldn't dwell too much on Jimin's new appearance because Jimin looks his way. Jungkook gives a small smile and focuses on his work. Occasionally, the black-haired man would look up and watch Jimin stretch and talk to his peers. Jungkook tried not to focus too much on his new friend though. Music starts to blast in the studio and Jungkook once again looks up from his homework. Jungkook doesn’t take his eyes off of Jimin, watching as he smoothly moves his body. The pink-haired man makes sure not to miss a beat as he stares at himself in the mirror. Jungkook watches as Jimin moves his body to the beat, planning each move perfectly to each part of the song. Jimin suddenly stops, and Jungkook is quick to look at his homework again. He doesn't know why he's so embarrassed all of a sudden, or why he feels the need to look away so Jimin doesn't know he is staring. The music stops and Jungkook waits a moment before looking up again. Jimin is analysing his steps in the mirror, going over them slowly and carefully. The dancer has a look of concentration on his face, and it looks like he is mumbling words as he moves his limbs slowly. Jungkook is impressed by how well Jimin can dance and how dedicated he is. It almost makes Jungkook want to try to dance. Maybe Jimin wouldn't mind showing Jungkook how eventually, when they know each other better.
Jungkook goes back to his homework, which he still hasn't finished. He can hear Jimin walk towards him.
"How's your homework coming along?" The sweat on Jimin's forehead makes him look like he's glowing, which he wipes with the back of his arm.
"I'm getting there." Jungkook places his pencil down on his paper. "You are really good at dancing."
Jimin's face lights up. "You think so? I was wondering if you were watching." He looks back at the mirror. "I hope I'm good enough for the mid term."
"I bet you will do great." Jungkook reassures. "You’re already thinking about midterms?"
Jimin nods. "We were warned before school started, I've been working on this number for a few weeks."
"Dancing sounds competitive and intense."
Jimin laughs. "It definitely is." He eyes Jungkook. "Do you ever think about dancing?"
Jungkook swallows. Earlier, when Jimin made it seem so easy, he wanted to. Now with Jimin in front of him, he feels shy and embarrassed.
"I don't know..." He looks at two other dancers in the room. "I don't think I will be very good at it."
"Not with that attitude you won't be." Jimin places his hands on his hips. "Why not try? I'll go easy."
Jungkook shakes his head.
"Suit yourself." The small man spins on his heels and makes his way back to the other dancers.
Jungkook watches him go. He almost regrets saying no, but he barely sees Jimin as a friend. He can’t tell if Jimin would get annoyed with him if he were to mess up multiple times. And there’s the major possibility of embarrassing himself.
Jungkook returns to his homework, the music for his number resonating through the room as Jimin goes over the steps again.
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A week has passed since Jimin invited him to the dance studio and he's itching to go back. He would consider Jimin a friend now. They usually hang out after class and they seem to have a lot in common. Jimin gave Jungkook his number after they left the dance studio last tuesday. He told Jungkook how useful it is to have a classmate’s number for each class they're in, just in case one of them is sick and needs to share their notes. Jimin has been texting Jungkook random things instead, and the black-haired man doesn't mind it. He's also glad that it's always Jimin initiating the conversation. Jungkook never knows what to say unless Jimin says it first.
Talking to Jimin so often makes him a bit more confident compared to when they first met, which is why after their physics class he asks:
"Do you want to sit with me for lunch?"
Jimin looks at him, a smile appearing on his face. "Lunch? Where do you usually sit?"
Jungkook looks to the right. "At the lunch field you showed me on the first day of school, we usually just eat on the grass?"
Jimin's smile falters. "We?"
"My friends and I." Jungkook explains. "I think I mentioned them before."
"You did yeah." Jimin clears his throat. "I think I'm just going to practice in the dance studio instead. I'll see you later, yeah?"
Regret and disappointment pools in Jungkook's stomach, but he doesn’t let it show. He gives a forced smile and says: "Yeah, see you."
Jimin walks off and Jungkook goes in the opposite direction, sighing. Jungkook wonders if he did something wrong to make Jimin run away like that, he assumed Jimin would want to eat lunch with him and his friends with him hanging out with the dancer so often now. He knows he shouldn't be so upset over it. He needs to remind himself that Jimin just isn't free today and has other friends.
Or maybe Jungkook went too far, maybe Jimin doesn't see them as friends yet.
Jungkook is still lost in thought when he walks up to his friends, who are sitting in the same spot they usually do on the grass. Jungkook greets them before sitting down.
"What happened to you?" Seokjin is the first to say something to him, and Jungkook hates how he can't hide his emotions super well.
"It's nothing, I'm just being overdramatic." Jungkook pulls out his lunchbox. "How are you all?"
"I would be good if they eased up on the homework- '' Yoongi starts, but Hoseok elbows him. "I mean- what got you in a bad mood?"
Jungkook debates saying anything. He knows he's exaggerating, but he wants to let them know about Jimin regardless.
"I think I'm friends with a guy in my class" Jungkook doesn't look up from his food, but he can see Seokjin move excitedly from the corner of his eye.
"You did? Jungkook, this is great news!" Seokjin smiles at him. "I knew you could do it! When are we going to meet him?"
"That's just it." Jungkook grumbles and stabs his rice. "I don't think we are friends."
"What makes you say that?" Hoseok questions, handing Yoongi the food that he must have prepared for him.
"We text daily, but he didn't want to hang out with me at lunch." Jungkook sighs. "Maybe I'm not cut out for this whole friend thing."
"Oh,” Seokjin puts a hand on Jungkook's shoulder. "Maybe he was just busy today, don't overthink it! If you text often, then I'm sure he considers you a friend."
Jungkook doesn't say anything and starts to eat his food. He knows he's being immature about it, Jimin probably did have something to do today. He can't help but feel disappointed regardless.
"Talk to him later." Yoongi speaks up. "He probably feels bad for saying no."
Maybe you should talk to Hoseok before giving me communication advice.
But Yoongi is right, and Jungkook will end up talking to Jimin once he sees him again.
He just hopes Jimin brings it up first.
"So, I was looking into the clubs close to campus," Hoseok starts, and Jungkook raises his head to look at him. "And there's this other club which is closer to campus compared to the other one that I would like to go to. That way we don't have to walk as far."
"Is this one also gay?" Seokjin asks, a teasing smile on his face.
"Of course it's a gay club." Hoseok huffs and picks up more of his food. "You'll see, gay clubs are way more interesting than straight ones.
"There's nothing I can compare it to." Jungkook rolls his eyes.
"You've never gone to a club before?" Yoongi looks up.
"Have you met Jungkook? He wouldn't have made a friend if we didn't pressure him to." Seokjin rolls his eyes, to which Jungkook starts to protest. “And it’s not like he has the guts to sneak into one before his 19th birthday.”
"I could go to a club if I wanted to!" Jungkook protests.
"Then why haven't you?"
"I've been too busy!"
"Making friends?" Yoongi guesses, taking a bite.
"I have lots of friends!"
"Name one that isn't outside the three of us." Yoongi is looking at Jungkook again.
Jungkook doesn't hesitate before saying: "Bam."
Hoseok bursts out laughing along with Seokjin. Yoongi continues to blink at Jungkook.
"Who's Bam?" Yoongi turns to the laughing Hoseok.
"My dog." Jungkook responds, crossing his arms.
Yoongi stares at Jungkook, not amused.
"Your dog is your only other friend?"
"Technically he's my parent's dog-"
"Your parent's dog is your only other friend?"
"You're just jealous because you don't have a dog."
"He does, actually." Hoseok wipes the tears from his eyes, a huge smile on his face "Holly"
"Yes and he's not my friend." Yoongi grumbles.
"No, he's your son." Hoseok playfully shoves Yoongi
"Exactly."
Jungkook chuckles softly and continues to eat his rice, forgetting about Jimin for just a moment.
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Jungkook doesn’t see Jimin for the rest of the day, not that he was looking for him. But he made sure to work on his homework at the library instead of in his dorm, in case Jimin would be there too. It isn’t until Jungkook walks into his physics class nervously, that he sees Jimin for the first time since he rejected hanging out with him and his friends. Jimin doesn't look up from his computer until Jungkook sits down next to him. When Jimin does finally take notice of Jungkook, he gives him a smile and Jungkook tries to return it, but it comes out forced. Jimin doesn't say anything to Jungkook like he usually does, instead he continues to work on his laptop. Jungkook, once again, feels disappointed and takes out his own laptop. He was hoping that Jimin regretted what he said and he would apologise. But instead, they’re sitting in awkward silence as others around them discuss amongst themselves.
It’s when Jungkook is thinking about how the teacher is going to be late, when Jimin finally speaks up.
"Do you want to get ice cream after this?"
Jungkook turns to Jimin, who has a nervous look on his face that he was trying to cover up with a smile.
To this, Jungkook gives him a genuine small smile.
"Sure."
──────────────
They don't pass notes like they usually do during class, but knowing that he and Jimin were going to talk after the class made it okay.
Class seems to take longer than usual as Jungkook watches the seconds tick by, barely paying attention to the professor. He wonders if Jimin is as nervous as him.
Probably not. Jungkook watches Jimin write down notes from the corner of his eye. He has plenty of friends.
Jungkook isn't actually sure how many friends Jimin has. Jimin has never mentioned them. He hasn't talked about his life at all really, they only seem to talk about their interests.
The class finally dismisses and Jungkook is more than ready to leave the room. With his things already packed, he stands up and waits for Jimin to finish packing up his laptop. It doesn't take long and they finally leave the dreadful building. Once they are outside in the summer air, Jungkook lets Jimin lead them. The truck is closer than he expected, the black-haired man can see it from the building. It takes only a few moments before they reach it and Jimin doesn't hesitate to walk up and order his portion.
"Strawberry with sprinkles, and-" He looks at Jungkook expectantly.
Jungkook looks at his options, and realises that there is no mint chocolate chip. So instead he picks plain chocolate in a dish.
"Wow, boring much?" Jimin gives him a playful smile before grabbing the icecream that was handed to him.
The words spike anxiety in Jungkook. Does Jimin think I'm boring?
Maybe that's why he didn't want to hang out with me
Jungkook has to scold himself for jumping to conclusions so fast. He knows he's bad for it, but it's hard to control.
They find a shady spot under a tree to sit and eat their ice cream. Jungkook doesn't speak up first, he doesn't know what to say or how to start. But Jimin surprises him when he’s the first one to break the silence.
"You know I was just joking, right? About you being boring?"
Jungkook snaps his head towards Jimin, but Jimin doesn't look at him.
"Yeah," Jungkook lets out, looking back at his ice cream.
"I'm sorry for declining your offer to eat lunch with you and your friends." Jimin apologises, and Jungkook can't help but feel relieved that Jimin feels bad, that Jungkook didn't ruin his first attempt of a friend in university.
Jimin continues. "I know you were disappointed and I'm sorry. I guess..." He trails off and Jungkook glances at the pink-haired male. "I guess once you mentioned I was also going to meet your friends, I got... well scared."
"What?" That was the last thing that Jungkook expected Jimin to say. "You're... scared of meeting my friends?"
Jimin nods, not making eye contact with Jungkook. "You said that your friends have been in university longer than you have, right?"
Jungkook nods.
"They might have heard of me, of some things I don't really want you to know." Jimin admits.
"Oh," Jungkook takes a minute before asking "You didn't kill anyone did you?"
Jimin looks at Jungkook. Once he sees the serious look on his face the dancer bursts out laughing.
"No Jungkook, I didn't kill anyone." Jimin scoops some of his ice cream. "I've done some... controversial things."
"Like what?"
Jimin takes a minute to respond.
"You don't have to tell me-"
"I'm gay."
Jungkook blinks once, then twice.
"That's it?"
Jimin looks at Jungkook, and Jungkook smiles.
"Two of my closest friends are gay you know."
Jimin laughs, and he relaxes.
"Really?"
"Yeah, you might know them."
"What? Because we're gay?"
"Duh, all gay people know each other."
Jimin laughs harder.
"Yeah, you're right, we're all in a group chat." He's still laughing.
"Maybe you should tell my friends to talk about their feelings for one another then." Jungkook rolls his eyes.
Jimin looks serious for a moment, no hint of laughter left on his face. Jungkook starts to think he said something wrong.
"Tell me everything." Jimin scoots closer to Jungkook and Jungkook almost laughs.
"You remind me of one of them," Jungkook teases. "Always wanting the gossip."
"I wouldn't call it gossip." Jimin defends himself. "I just want to know everything about your friends. It's what a good friend would do."
Jungkook's smile grows.
Friend.
Jimin does see him as a friend. Jungkook didn't misread the situation or do anything wrong.
He finally has a friend outside of his normal friend group now.
"Well, their names are Hoseok and Yoongi." Jungkook places his empty ice cream bowl on the ground next to him. "And they are so obviously in love with each other that you wonder if they are just not saying anything to make us go insane."
"For how long have they had a crush on eachother?"
"For at least two years." Jungkook thinks back to when he first met Yoongi at Hoseok's house, how Hoseok always tried to bring Yoongi into the conversation one way or another and how Yoongi never left Hoseok's side.
"That's a long time"
"They met when Hoseok first got into university, Math major." Jungkook leans back on his hands. "He was lost and asked Yoongi for help."
"Hey! That's like us!" Jimin smiles wide, and Jungkook laughs.
"I did not ask for help- you assumed." He defends himself.
"You would still be looking for that class if I didn't show you where it was." Jimin rolls his eyes.
Jungkook laughs, and he can't help but think of how happy he is to finally have a friend that he made on his own, how fun it is to hang out with Jimin.
He just hopes that he doesn't mess it up.
──────────────
"This is your dorm?"
Jungkook nods, closing the door behind them.
His room is very bland. He doesn't decorate so his walls are plain and white. The only burst of colour would be his blue sheets for his bed and the marvel comics sitting on the corner of his desk.
"You should put up some posters or something." Jimin sits on his bed. "This is just depressing."
Jungkook laughs. It's been two weeks since Jimin confirmed they are friends, and Jungkook feels more at ease with Jimin. He’s no longer worried that Jimin wasn't his friend, and he didn't have to try hard to keep him as one.
"I've never really had the time to decorate." Jungkook shrugs, taking a seat next to Jimin.
"With the amount of time you spend in your room, I'm surprised you don't have the time."
"I don’t just lay around when I’m in my room." Jungkook defends himself. “I’m always busy in here.”
"Doing what? Jerking off?" Jimin snorts.
Another thing that Jungkook noticed is how Jimin has less of a filter with Jungkook since they established they were friends. Jungkook was shocked at first, but he’s grown used to it.
He's learned that Jimin is fairly dirty minded and a very touchy person. The dark-haired man wouldn't consider himself a touchy person, but he did enjoy it when Jimin would put his arm over his shoulder, or when he would put his legs over Jungkook's as they laid down in the chilling lounge.
"Homework." Jungkook rolls his eyes.
"You are always doing homework." Jimin lays down on the bed with a thud. "And you need a more comfortable bed."
"It's the bed that the university gives me." Jungkook leans on his hands. He takes a moment before asking: "Are you doing anything this weekend?"
Jimin doesn't say anything at first, and Jungkook turns to look at him.
"You mean for your birthday?" Jimin asks.
"Yeah, on Sunday."
It takes a second for Jimin to respond, and Jungkook grows nervous at the sudden change in mood.
"Will your friends be there?"
Jungkook wonders if Jimin is still scared. Jungkook doesn’t know why he would be, he already told him two of his friends are gay.
"They will be." Jungkook doesn't know if Jimin will agree or not, but he hopes he does.
"Anyone else?" Jimin is picking at his fingernails now, "Girlfriend? Sister?"
"I have neither of those things" Jungkook rolls his eyes. "I'm an only child, and do you know how much courage it took to be friends with you? I would die before asking someone out."
"Who knows? Maybe she asked you out." Jimin gives him a teasing smirk.
"And who would ask me out?" Jungkook rolls his eyes. "They're more likely to ask you out through me."
"Nah, everyone knows I'm not available on weekdays."
"But weekends you are?"
"What? You interested?" Jimin winks at Jungkook.
Jungkook rolls his eyes playfully and gets up to grab a snack.
"Why aren't you into relationships right now?" Jungkook is curious, Jimin seems so lovable. He would imagine it would be easy to find someone.
"Dating is fine, it's just finding the right person." He can hear Jimim stretching. "I've had a few bad experiences that all turn out the same way."
"And which way is that?" Jungkook takes a bite out of a granola bar that was in his pantry.
"They only wanted me for my body," Jimin responds. "So I dumped them."
Jimin says it like it's no big deal, but Jungkook feels like it is. He doesn't push it, instead he joins Jimin on the bed and hands him a granola bar.
"The guys who want you just for your body are assholes." Jungkook comments. "I hope you know you are way more than that."
Jimin stares at him for a few moments, his expression unreadable. But then he breaks off into a grin.
"Yeah exactly, fuck them." He opens up his granola bar. "I'm not sure if I can go just yet, this weekend is pretty packed. I'll let you know."
Jungkook nods. He can't help but feel a bit disappointed that Jimin doesn't trust him, or trust his friends yet. But the pink-haired man didn't say no yet, Jungkook just needs to hold onto that hope.
"Do you want to watch a movie?" Jimin wraps his arm around Jungkook, the granola bar still in his hand.
"What movie would you like to watch?" Jungkook looks at Jimin.
Jimin thinks for a moment.
"The Notebook."
"That sappy movie?" Jungkook smirks at Jimin.
"You can't say anything until you've seen it!"
Jimin detaches from Jungkook and stands up, looking around.
"My laptop is in my bookbag."
"Where's your book bag?"
Jungkook stands up and walks over to the bag next to his desk and pulls the laptop out.
"To hell with doing our homework I guess." They both sit back on Jungkook's bed.
"The amount of tears that you will shed for this movie will be worth it." Jimin promises Jungkook.
Jimin was right, there are a lot of tears being shed, but not from Jungkook. Jungkook hugs the crying Jimin tightly as they watched the end of the movie. Jungkook later teased Jimin on how he got his shirt all wet and how the dark-haired man didn't even cry. Jimin just rolls his eyes and retorts: "Maybe you should take off your shirt next time."
They do end up working on their homework, but not nearly as much as Jungkook wanted to do.
Regardless, he doesn't regret watching the movie with Jimin.
──────────────
Jungkook is staring at himself in the mirror, self conscious over what Hoseok picked out for him to wear to the club tonight.
They are both getting ready at his dorm. Hoseok is busy in the bathroom and Jungkook is adjusting the black jacket resting on his shoulders.
The look isn't what he's used to. Usually he would just throw on a random pair of pants and a t-shirt, but Hoseok insists on dressing up for tonight, even if it’s just for a gay club.
As Jungkook is adjusting the waist of his loose jeans, Hoseok walks back into the dorm from the bathroom across the hall and Jungkook doesn't hide his shocked stare when Hoseok walks over to him, beaming.
"You look so good!" Hoseok flattens a wrinkle in the black-haired man’s jacket. "I knew it would look good on you!"
"Since when do you wear earrings?" Jungkook is still stunned, he didn't expect Hoseok to look so hot.
"Since I want guys to notice me." Hoseok rolls his eyes, to which Jungkook realises he is wearing eyeliner and dark eyeshadow. "Now come on, it's almost 12 am and we still need to do your hair."
"What about Yoongi?" Jungkook couldn't catch himself before saying it.
Hoseok doesn't look at Jungkook when he replies "What about him? He said he might pop in, which usually means he'll get there around the same time we will."
Ah, makes sense. Hoseok wouldn’t be dressed up like this for just anyone.
Hoseok drags Jungkook to the bathroom and starts to style his hair. Jungkook doesn't think he's ever spent more than a minute on his hair, let alone 10. When Hoseok is done, Jungkook is impressed. His forehead is showing, but it completes the bad-boy look.
"Do you want earrings? I have extra." Hoseok puts the products he used down on the counter.
"I don't have any piercings though."
"Neither do I, they're called clip-ons." Hoseok pulls out a pair from his collection that he has on the counter.
Jungkook contemplates it for a second, but he ends up shaking his head.
"Suit yourself. You look so bad ass though." Hoseok takes a step back to admire his work. "The girls will be all over you tonight."
"It's a gay club." Jungkook rolls his eyes.
"A lot of girls hang out at gay clubs, especially this one. The booze is cheap." He starts putting his things in his book bag.
"Gay girls."
"Trust me! You'll have loads of fun" Hoseok looks at Jungkook, a smile on his face. "Can I leave my bag in your dorm?"
Jungkook nods and they leave the bathroom. Hoseok makes a comment about how cold it’s going to be outside, but when they make it out there Jungkook doesn't find it cold at all. Maybe it's the nerves, but the chilly air is refreshing.
"Maybe you shouldn't have worn a crop top if you are going to be this cold." Jungkook teases
"Shutup." Hoseok mumbles. "It will be warmer inside."
During the walk Jungkook starts to feel bad. Goosebumps are covering Hoseok's arms and he is visibly shivering.
"Do you want my jacket? I don't find it cold." Jungkook offers, ready to take the coat off.
Hoseok nods and Jungkook hands him the jacket, to which Hoseok immediately wraps around his shoulders.
"I don't usually think to bring a coat." Hoseok grumbles. "Yoongi always has one for me."
Jungkook doesn't say anything. He wonders if love is always this complicated.
When he was in high school it was easy. Girls came up to him and they dated for a few weeks before splitting. Looking at Hoseok and Yoongi's relationship... It seems so complicated. Yet it could be so easily resolved if they were just to tell eachother how they feel. Right now they are all show and no tell, which neither are picking up on.
He hopes that they figure it out, for both of their sakes.
Jungkook spots the club at a distance. He can already hear the club music in the distance.
"This is smaller than what I was expecting." Jungkook comments as they get closer.
"I heard that the bar is on the first floor, and the dance floor is in the basement." Hoseok hands Jungkook back his jacket. Jungkook spots Yoongi's vehicle and turns to Hoseok.
"Looks like Yoongi is already here." They get closer to his vehicle, and Jungkook notices he isn't inside. "He must be inside."
"Without us?" Hoseok looks visibly upset for a second, but quickly masks it. "He must be waiting for us then, let's hurry up."
They pick up the pace with Hoseok practically jogging to the club. They arrive with Jungkook almost out of breath and Hoseok hands his ID to the bouncer.
"Have fun in there." The bouncer winks at Hoseok. Jungkook expects Hoseok to go and find Yoongi inside but instead he waits for him.
Jungkook walks up next and presents his ID. He almost expects to get stopped as his 19th birthday is in 2 days, but instead the bouncer hands it back to him with a smirk.
"Happy birthday."
Jungkook nods at him and joins Hoseok before heading inside. The smell of alcohol is strong, but that's to be expected with the bar only a few feet away from him. Jungkook takes a look around, but doesn't see Yoongi. He glances at Hoseok, but the dark-haired man can’t decipher what he’s thinking.
"Maybe Yoongi is on the dance floor." Jungkook suggests, but he's getting a bad feeling about this whole situation.
"Yoongi doesn't dance." Hoseok says it like it's obvious.
Jungkook starts to walk a bit, not sparing a second glance at the three people vaping inside the building, or at the random couple making out by the bathroom. Jungkook walks up to the alcohol and takes a look, expecting Hoseok to follow him. But to Jungkook's surprise, Hoseok is too busy staring at the bathroom doors.
"Hoseok, you know it's rude to stare." Jungkook whispers loudly, walking up to Hoseok and grabbing his hand.
He glances back at the couple and freezes in his steps.
Because Jungkook didn't notice it before, but the random couple is actually Yoongi and a guy he has never seen before making out.
He swallows and looks at Hoseok. Before he can say anything, Hoseok turns to the bar and says: "I need a drink."
Jungkook doesn't say anything and follows him. What are you supposed to say to someone who just saw their longtime crush make out with someone else? It’s not like Yoongi didn’t know they would be here.
Jungkook doesn't get a drink, but Hoseok asks for the strongest thing they have.
"Let's go dance." Hoseok suggests, trying to sound as cheerful as he can.
Jungkook nods, not blaming Hoseok for abandoning Yoongi upstairs. They make their way down the creepy stairwell, the music getting louder with each step. They enter the dance room and it's blinding. There are multiple moving lights shining on everyone, the music is deafening and the smell of alcohol and sweat is overwhelming Jungkook's senses. All of this doesn't phase Hoseok as he continues forward. They push through a big crowd of people, and Hoseok somehow manages to find a table on the outside of the dancefloor. He takes a long sip before setting it down.
"I want to drink a little before getting out there." Hoseok shouts over the loud music, Jungkook is surprised he heard him.
Jungkook, who is very intimidated by all of the confident and skilled people dancing around him, gives Hoseok a thumbs up. They stand like that for a few minutes, Hoseok watches the crowd as if he were choosing a prey and drinks his drink quickly but steadily. Jungkook watches Hoseok, concerned for his friend, but also curious to what pushed Yoongi to make out with someone else. Anyone with eyes could see how much Yoongi loves Hoseok.
Hoseok stops scanning the crowd and stares at the stairs. Jungkook follows his gaze and watches Yoongi step into the crowd.
Hoseok moves his face closer to Jungkook's and says: "I'll be right back." Before heading in the direction they last saw Yoongi.
Jungkook doesn't move from his spot, watching as people walk by, laughing and smiling at eachother. Jungkook takes a chance to scan the rest of the crowd, watching both guys and girls dance on the dancefloor, not taking their hands off each other. The group of people that was blocking his view of the dancefloor moved. A couple catches his eye, which isn’t surprising when it’s the only two people grinding on each other on the dancefloor that he could see. He almost looks away, embarrassed for them by the amount of PDA being displayed in a public place.
Until he caught sight of the shorter male's face.
And complete shock runs through Jungkook.
Because it’s Jimin who was grinding on that man's crotch. It’s Jimin who is wearing a sparkly top and short-shorts,
It is Jimin who is looking so fucking hot on the dance floor.
The room feels like it went up 20 degrees in the matter of seconds and Jungkook can't tear his eyes away from the dancer. His eyes are half closed and he's leaning on the man as he grinds. His hips are moving so perfectly, it’s obvious Jimin has complete control over every part of his body. Jungkook doesn't know how long he watches them for. Definitely long enough to be accused of staring and of a creep.
Jimin gets off of the man and turns around. The larger man grabs Jimin's hips and pulls them impossibly closer before kissing Jimin messily. The man's hands rise to Jimin's exposed skin and Jungkook thinks he swallows. Jimin's hands find their way to the man's chest and they continue to make out.
Watching Jimin move so effortlessly, so confidently, Jungkook can almost imagine himself in the place of the random man. He could imagine how it would feel against his own hips, how Jimin moves so flawlessly, how it would feel, how he would taste-
Jimin and the other male stop kissing, and Jungkook panics. He's afraid Jimin will take one look around and spot him. Or worse, realise that Jungkook has been staring at them. He looks away, scanning for Hoseok or Yoongi but didn't see them in the sea of people. Jungkook doesn't know what he will do if Jimin sees him. Will Jimin walk up to him? Will Jimin invite him to join them? The dance room is fairly small, so he's bound to see Jungkook soon.
Jungkook makes the cowardly decision to leave Hoseok's drink behind and to walk out of the dance room, avoiding the groups of people chatting and just standing around as he makes his way out as quickly as possible. The cold air cools him down a bit, but he still feels hot. Jungkook takes off the jacket and pulls out his phone, noticing a text from Yoongi.
I took Hoseok home, emergency situation. I'm sorry for cutting it short, will explain later.
Jungkook lets out a sigh of relief and makes his way back to his dorm, the music and lights getting farther and farther behind him.
But the farther away he got, the more he thought about how that Jimin is the same Jimin who cried at the notebook only two days prior.
And how he doesn't know how to face Jimin again after experiencing what he just experienced in that dance room.